Company insight


Powder dosing & dilution: Practices & innovations


In the leather tanning industry, the dosing and dilution of powdered chemicals are critical for maintaining product quality and operational efficiency. Traditionally, these processes are labour-intensive, prone to human error, and often result in inconsistent outcomes and non-efficient usage of chemicals. However, as tannery experts Hüni discuss, advancements in technology and innovative solutions promise to modernise these tasks, enhancing safety, efficiency, sustainability, traceability and product quality.


P


owder dosing in tanneries typically involves manual


handling, where workers measure and add powdered chemicals to tanning drums. This method is not only labour-intensive but also poses health risks due to inhalation of fine chemical dust. Manual dosing can also lead to inconsistencies in chemical concentrations, affecting the quality of the final leather product.


needed, eliminating the need for large storage tanks. In-line dilution is particularly effective for chemicals that gel or settle quickly, such as zeolitic compounds.


Automated powder dosing and dulution improves efficiency while keeping workers safe.


The traditional approach to powder dilution involves manually mixing the chemicals with water in large tanks. This process requires careful monitoring to ensure the correct ratios and prevent sedimentation. However, it is challenging to achieve precise and consistent dilution manually, often leading to variations in the chemical mixture’s concentration and effectiveness.


Problems with manual chemical dosing


The manual handling of chemicals in tanneries presents several challenges: 1. Labour-intensive processes: Manual dosing and dilution are time- consuming and require significant manpower. This increases labour costs and slows down production.


2. Health and safety risks: Workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, leading to potential health issues such as respiratory problems and skin irritation.


3. Inconsistencies and errors: Human error in measuring and mixing chemicals can result in inconsistent product quality. Incorrect dosages can lead to defective leather, wasting materials and resources.


4. Operational inefficiencies: Manual processes are less efficient, leading to


Leather International / www.leathermag.com


longer production times and reduced overall productivity.


Innovations in powder dosing and dilution Initially, Hüni introduced Tracer-Products such as Prodotracer and Persontracer, providing operators with guidelines during manual weighing and dosing to reduce errors. To further address this, modern tanneries are adopting automated systems for powder dosing and dilution. Hüni provides a comprehensive solution for automating these processes, which reduces labour and improves efficiency.


Advanced powder dilution systems Modern dilution systems automate the mixing process, ensuring that powders are diluted to the correct concentration without manual intervention. Key features include: ■ Intermediate and storage tanks: These allow batch mixing of powders with water, followed by storage in a separate tank to maintain correct concentration.


■ Stirring and recirculation systems: These systems prevent sedimentation and ensure uniform mixing.


■ In-line dilution: This approach mixes powders directly with water as they are


Benefits of automation The adoption of automated dosing and dilution systems offers numerous advantages: ■ Labour reduction: Automation reduces the need for manual labour, cutting labour costs by up to


40% and freeing workers for other tasks.


■ Improved safety: Automated systems minimise worker exposure to hazardous chemicals, enhancing workplace safety.


■ Consistent quality: Precision dosing and dilution ensure consistent chemical concentrations, resulting in uniform leather quality.


■ Operational efficiency: Automated systems streamline operations, reducing production times and increasing overall efficiency.


■ Traceability: Tracking the history of operations to identify bottlenecks in post- process analysis.


■ Reporting: Possibility to evaluate the process steps and show the details of procedure for control and improvement.


Conclusion Traditional powder dosing and dilution in tanneries is fraught with inefficiencies and risks. Automated systems can transform these processes. By reducing labour, enhancing safety, and ensuring consistent product quality, automation represents the future of sustainable and effective leather tanning operations. ●


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