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Case Study: Powder Coater Eliminates Dust Problem

Nestle South Africa - Tapered connector - before & after BFM

[FOOD] Global Food Giant Reduces Explosion Risks With BFM®

As the world's largest food manufacturer, Nestlé prioritises hygiene and safety across its global plants.

When a South Africa-based factory faced flour leakage on a confectionery wafer line, they needed to act fast to maintain a clean workplace and eliminate explosive ATEX risks.

Because BFM® fitting is already globally approved by Nestlé, the local team partnered with Authorized Distributor Capack Pty Ltd to quickly upgrade the line. 

The Challenge

Traditional hose-clamped silicone connectors on a flour production line—linking a silo, screw feeder, and drum drier—were failing to contain fine cake flour.

Despite double-clamping, powder continuously leaked into the plant atmosphere and coated equipment surfaces.

In an ATEX-rated environment, this airborne dust created a dangerous combustible explosion hazard. The relentless manual cleanup was unsustainable, and the factory needed an immediate, airtight solution to eliminate the safety risk.

Nestle South Africa - Double Connectors - Before

The BFM® Solution

Local BFM® distributor Capack Pty Ltd recommended upgrading both problem areas with BFM® Seeflex 040E connectors. At the silo base, the pipework was modified with a tapered BFM® spigot to match the screw feeder inlet. For the feed to the drum drier, the pipework was streamlined to eliminate redundant access points, reducing the twin-outlet setup to just a single flexible connector.

Thanks to the snap-fit internal seal, the connections are now 100% dust-tight, completely eliminating leaks. As a bonus, the new connectors are significantly faster and easier to remove for routine cleaning.

Nestle South Africa - Double Connectors - After BFM-1

Benefits Achieved

BFM® Explosion Resistant Icon in BlueExplosion Risk Reduction

The drastic reduction of dust in the environment has significantly reduced the explosion risk for the plant.

BFM® Health & Safety Icon in BlueHealth & Safety

The internal snap-fit design of the BFM® fitting has ensured there are no leaks so the plant is much cleaner and safer overall for staff.

Here's what the client said about BFM®:

“We’re impressed with how much cleaner and safer the plant is since installing the BFM® fitting connectors. The ATEX risk has been dramatically reduced and the process itself didn’t need to change. The staff also love how much easier it is to remove and reinstall the connectors for cleaning compared to the old, time-consuming hose-clamps.”

– Engineering, Nestlé ESAR

Case Study provided courtesy of BFM® Distributor Capack Pty Ltd  (South Africa)

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