EPT Expands Into Guatemala

Flexitank technology leader, Environmental Packaging Technologies Ltd (EPT), Houston, is proud to announce the continued expansion of its Central American network into Guatemala with its partner, Euromex Logistica Intl. & Top Traders. With the opening of this new depot, EPT’s Big RED Flexitank will now be available in Guatemala to service the palm oil and latex markets.

“This expansion is representative of both the success our products and of our strong partnership with Euromex” stated Roger Goose, Vice President of Sales for EPT. “Our combined commitment to quality and service has given us the opportunity to bring the Big Red difference to Guatemala.”

The addition of the Guatemalan depot further strengthens EPT’s position in Central America. Euromex’s depot network include Guadalajara, Toluca, Monterrey, Tampico, Mazatlán, Veracruz, Manzanillo and México City.

About Environmental Packaging Technologies

Environmental Packaging Technologies, Ltd. provides global bulk packaging solutions for the transportation and storage of non-hazardous, flowable products.

For more information about EPT and its expansion, call EPT global sales manager, Jennifer Phillips at 713-961-2795 or email jennifer@eptpac.com.

How To Discharge A Flexitank

The front of the container must be inclined to completely discharge the flexitank.

1. Place the suction pump at a convenient spot between the container and the storage tank.
2. Open the right hand door of the container only.  The left hand door must be closed at all times during the discharging process.
3. Open the snout of the wear sleeve (do not cut) and remove the safety plug on the product valve.
4. Connect the cam-lock coupling of the inlet hose of the pump to the product valve on the flexitank and connect the outlet hose to the storage tank, making sure that these two couplings are properly connected.  Depending on hose size, a reducer may be required as shown below:

   

5. Move the handle of the product valve to the open position and turn on the pump to start the discharging process.  Make sure that the product hose is properly supported to prevent pulling downward on the product valve.  One method is shown below:

   

6. When the product has been 75% to 80% discharged, reduce the pump rate.  When the liquid in the flexitank is lowered to approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from the floor level, 1 to 2 workers must go inside the container to lift up the sides of the flexitank to move the product into the center.  Leave the sides of the flexitank folded over.

   

7. Lift the front end of the flexitank and roll slowly towards the door so that the liquid residue can flow easily towards the product valve.  Continue the process until the liquid inside the flexitank is totally pumped off.

   
   NOTE: For some products, the flexitank is easier to empty if a large, flat tool (i.e. squeegee or the back side of a push broom) is used on the outside of the flexitank to push product toward the product valve.

8. Close the product valve and turn off the suction pump.  Remove the coupling from the product valve.  Replace the safety plug on the product valve.
9. Open the left container door and dismantle the bulkhead.
10. Roll up the flexitank and wear sleeve.  Place them with the bulkhead and support beams.
11. Close the container doors.
12. Remove Bulk Liquid Caution labels/decals from the container.

The discharging process is complete.

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips. Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Discharge A Flexitank. You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the fifth in the series of Flexitank Training Posts.

Click one of the following links to go to an earlier Flexitank Training post:

How To Select A Flexitank Container

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container 

How To Load A Bottom Discharge Flexitank

How To Load A Top Discharge Flexitank 

Click the following link for more information on EPT Flexitank Training

 

How to Load A Top Discharge Flexitank

1. Inspect the flexitank for proper installation. Be sure to check the following items:

   a.  Make sure that the flexitank has been properly unrolled completely against the walls of the container and into the corners. The flexitank should be secured to the container in all corners.

   b. Check that the flexitank valve is positioned correctly.

   c.  Verify the capacity of the flexitank to avoid under or over-filling. Flexitanks can be under or over loaded by up to 2% of the total capacity of the flexitank.

   NOTE: Under or over filling beyond above recommendations may void manufacturer’s warranty.
   
   d.  Effective temperature range is 167°F to -23°F or 75°C to -5°C.

2. Remove the safety cap and locking pin. Pull the lever of the flexitank valve outward to ensure that the ball valve is fully opened.
3. Fit the cam-lock coupling of the loading hose properly to the valve and lock into place. Make sure that the loading hose is properly secured to prevent it falling down on the flexitank and potentially damaging the flexitank.

   NOTE: When filling the flexitank, DO NOT fill beyond capacity guidelines +/- 2%. Check and complete “Installation and Load Report” in the document pouch on the bulkhead.

4. As the flexitank fills move the load hose higher to prevent it from being trapped between the side wall of the container and the flexitank.
5. When the required amount of product has been loaded into the flexitank, close the flexitank valve by moving the handle to the closed position and turn off the pump simultaneously. Insert locking pin into handle to secure its position and seal as necessary.
6. Prior to removing the loading hose from the flexitank valve, drain residual product from hose to a collection point.
7. Clean the valve by removing any excess product and re-secure the bung cap.
8. Ensure that the Warning Label has been affixed to the left hand door of the container. Close the right hand door of the container.

The loading process is complete.

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips. Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Load a Top Discharge Flexitank. You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the fourth in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

Click one of the following links to go to an earlier post:

How To Select A Flexitank Container

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container

How To Load A Bottom Discharge Flexitank

How to Load a Bottom Discharge BIG Red™ Flexitank

1. Inspect the flexitank for proper installation.  Be sure to check the following items:

   a. Make sure that the flexitank has been properly unrolled completely against the walls of the container and into the corners. The flexitank should be secured to the container in all corners.

   b. Check the flexitank valve is secured against the bulkhead and is positioned correctly.

   c. Verify the capacity of the flexitank to avoid under or over-filling.  Flexitanks can be under or over loaded by up to 2% of the total capacity of the flexitank.NOTE:  Under or over filling beyond above recommendations may void  manufacturer’s warranty.

   d. Effective temperature range is 167°F to -23°F or 75°C to -5°C.

2. Open the wear sleeve snout and roll back to expose the valve.
3. Remove the safety cap and locking pin.  Pull the lever of the flexitank valve outward to ensure that the ball valve is fully opened.
4. Fit the cam-lock coupling of the loading hose properly to the valve and lock into place. Make sure that the loading hose is properly supported to prevent pulling downward on the flexitank valve and potentially damaging the flexitank.
   NOTE:  When filling the flexitank, DO NOT fill beyond capacity guidelines +/- 2%.  Check and complete “Installation and Load Report” in the document pouch on the bulkhead.
   
   
5. When the required amount of product has been loaded into the flexitank, close the flexitank valve by moving the handle to the closed position and turn off the pump simultaneously.  Insert locking pin into handle to secure its position and seal as necessary.
6. Prior to removing the loading hose from the flexitank valve, drain residual product from hose to a collection point.
7. Clean the valve by removing any excess product and re-secure the bung cap.
8. Twist the snout of the wear sleeve closed and tighten with the attached zip-tie.  Fold out of the way of the door.
9. Ensure that the Warning Label has been affixed to the left hand door of the container.  Close the right hand door of the container.
   

10. The loading process is now complete.

    For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Load a Bottom Discharge BIG Red Flexitank.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

    This is the third in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

    Click one of the following links to go to an earlier post:

    How To Select A Flexitank Container

    How To Prepare A Flexitank Container
    

     

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container

It is critical to prepare the container properly and thoroughly to avoid container flaws puncturing or damaging the flexitank.  If the walls or floor of the container are in bad condition, DO NOT USE.

1. Open container and sweep out all dust and dirt.
2. Use duct tape to cover the corner welds of the container.  There are typically 2 welds on each side of the container and 2 more on the front wall. Put duct tape from the floor of the container to approximately ¾ the height of the container wall.  This is to prevent the rough welds from chafing the flexitank.
3. Using your hand, feel the walls of the container for rough spots.  Cover any rough spots with duct tape.  Use corrugation to cover any rough wall areas.
4. Inspect the container floor for nails, screws, or anything else that might puncture the flexitank.  Remove any sharp objects on the floor.  Use duct tape or corrugation to cover any rough spots on the floor of the container.NOTE:  The flexitank box may be used to cover large portions of the floor if required.  Use of corrugation does not replace correct container preparation.
5. If the container does not pass all categories of the checklist, reject the container and use another one.

   For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Prepare A Flexitank Container.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

   This is the second in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

   Click the following link to go to the previous post:  How To Select A Flexitank Container.

    

How To Select A Flexitank Container

1. Containers selected for flexitank transport must have a gross weight rating of at least 30,480 Kgs.
2. Containers must be no more than 10 years old.
3. Both side walls should be corrugated for the entire length of the side wall.  Any container with flat decal panels must be rejected.
4. There should not be any deformation to any of the container walls.
5. Each door must have a minimum of two locking bars and each locking bar must be retained by a minimum of three locking bar brackets.
6.  All locking bar cams should lock into both top and bottom locking bar cam retainers correctly.
7. Handles should position freely into door handle retainers and door handle catches should fully close.
8. Structural parts of the door; vertical sections, upper and lower ‘C” sections should be free from buckling and dents.  All hinges should be in working order and free moving.
9. The floor must be free from splinters and protruding nails, screws, and other fixings.
10. Any container with any of the following features should be rejected:

• Gouge greater than ½” (15mm) deep irrespective of length
• Gouge more than ¼” (6mm) deep and greater than 6” (150mm) wide irrespective of length
• Repaired sections larger than 2’ (610mm) x 2’ (610mm)
• De-lamination of the floor boards or any other damage affecting floor strength
• Difference in height between adjacent plants/panels greater than ½” (15mm)
• Holes in the floor or walls other than nail holes/li>
• Excessive rust

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Select A Flexitank Container.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the first in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

The State Of US Manufacturing In December, 2011

December ISM Report

According to the latest ISM Manufacturing Report on Business, dated January 3, 2012, “economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in December for the 31st consecutive month. ”

In addition, new orders, production and employment all grew, supplier deliveries were faster, and inventories again contracted during the month of December.”

December Dow Jones Industrial Averages

With regard the U.S. stock market, December’s positive news from the manufacturing sector seems to have had a positive effect on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, at least during the last half of  the month.  As always, however there were many other contributing factors.

On November 30, 2011,  for example, the Dow closed at 12,401.58, gaining 489-points, the largest one day gain of 2011 and the best percentage gain since March 2009.

Seemingly having nowhere to go but down, the close on December 15, 2011 was 11,870

Then on December 31  the close was back up at 12,218.

So, in summary, the DJIA started the month with its expected downswing, but by the 31st managed to recover and even ended the year with a 5.5% year to date increase.

Breakdown By Industry

The December report’s breakdown by industry seems to indicate that once again not everything’s coming up roses in the manufacturing sector.

“Of the 18 manufacturing industries, nine are reporting growth in December in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; and Paper Products.

The nine industries reporting contraction in December — listed in order — are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Chemical Products; Wood Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.”

December Manufacturing Direction & Rate Of Change

The report also includes A Manufacturing At A Glance Chart for December, 2011 that features, among other things, direction and rate of change as follows:

• Overall Economy: Growing faster
• Manufacturing Sector: Growing faster
• PMI: Growing faster
• New Orders: Growing faster
• Production: Growing faster
• Employment: Growing faster (from slower in November)
• Supplier Deliveries: Faster at the same rate (from slower in November)
• Inventories: Contracting faster (from slower in November)
• Customer’s Inventories: Too low (from unchanged in November)
• Prices: Decreasing slower (same as November)
• Backlog of Orders: Contracting slower (from contracting faster in November)
• Exports: Growing faster (from unchanged in November)
• Imports: Growing (from contracting faster in November)

Of particular interest to flexitank manufacturer, EPT is the fact that chemical products reported contraction in both November and December of 2011.

7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Flexitanks

1. The earliest forms of flexitanks can be dated back to the early 1960s.  They were rubber sealed tanks that were used for static storage of water and diesel fuels and developed for use by the US Military.
2. Approximately 31% more liquid product can be shipped by using a flexitank versus drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s)
3. Global use of flexitanks increases annually surpassing conventional methods of shipping unitized bulk liquids.
4. Flexitanks are used globally to transport 50-60 primary commodities; however, dependent on the materials of construction, several thousand products may be compatible.
5. At some destinations, services are readily available to recycle the empty flexitank following discharge.
6. Products that are compatible for transport in a flexitank are approved from the data obtained in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and product specification.  Hazardous, flammable, or regulated products are not certified for shipment in a flexitank.
7. Flexitank operators offer various sizes of flexitanks that can be installed into a 20’ dry cargo container.  The correctly sized flexitank is determined by the specific gravity of the product to be transported.

Personal Holiday Greetings From The EPT Family To You And Yours

In the coming year we hope that you go somewhere that you have never been, do something that you have never done, and open yourself up to possibilities that you cannot even begin to imagine.

Wishing you a new year full of possibilities.

Jennifer Phillips
Flexitank Sales Manager
Environmental Packaging Technologies

We are quickly coming to a close for 2011 and I would like to thank all of our Customers, Vendors, Depots and Partners for helping us with our continued success.

I am looking forward to working with all of you again in 2012 and helping to make it a more prosperous year than 2011.

From our office in Houston Texas, Merry Christmas and a Happy & Safe New Year!

Mele Kaliki Maka
Al Miner
Business Development Specialist
Environmental Packaging Technologies

Thanks to the support of all our clients, this has been a year of ongoing growth and evolving change for EPT.  We’d like to thank you and take this opportunity to wish you and yours a healthy and successful 2012 from all of us.  

Elena Vanderloo
Logistics Manager
Environmental Packaging Technologies

Must Read Report On The State Of US Manufacturing In November 2011

The ISM Report 

According to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business, “economic activity in the U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in November for the 28th consecutive month and the overall economy grew for the 30th consecutive month.

In addition, production and employment both grew, supplier deliveries were faster, and inventories contracted during the month of November.”

So, if everything’s so peachy in the manufacturing sector, why did the Dow Jones go down the tubes again in mid to late November?  I know it’s pretty much already come back, but believe it or not, and I actually do believe that the market takes manufacturing reports into consideration. It just takes other factors, for example, the instability in global financial markets into consideration more, but that’s a subject for another time.

Breakdown By Industry

The report’s breakdown by industry seems to indicate that not everything’s coming up roses in the manufacturing sector.

“Of the 18 manufacturing industries, eight reported growth in November, in the following order:  Wood Products; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Paper Products.

The nine industries reporting contraction in November — listed in order — are: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment and Machinery.”

Manufacturing Direction & Rate Of Change

The report also includes A Manufacturing At A Glance Chart for November 2011 that features, among other things, direction and rate of change for the following:

Overall Economy: Growing faster
Manufacturing Sector: Growing faster

PMI: Growing faster
New Orders: Growing faster
Production: Growing faster
Employment: Growing slower
Supplier Deliveries: Faster from slowing
Inventories: Contracting slower
Customer’s Inventories: Unchanged from too low
Prices: Decreasing slower
Backlog of Orders: Contracting faster
Exports: Growing from unchanged
Imports: Contracting faster

 So, What Does All This Have To Do With Flexitanks?

While food,  beverage, and petroleum products grew faster in November,  chemical products did not,

Click here for a  list of bulk liquid products that may be safely and economically transported in flexitanks.