Client Overview
Client: South Pacific Seeds
Industry: Agriculture & Seed Production
Challenge: Automating the transfer of bulk seeds to a sorting machine to support scaling operations.
Solution: Piab piFLOW®i vacuum conveying system
Provided by: Pneumatic Products
When it comes to agricultural production, consistency and reliability are everything. For South Pacific Seeds, a leader in the seed production industry, scaling up their operations meant transitioning from manual processes to reliable automation.
Seven years ago, they recognised the need to automate the transfer of bulk seeds to the infeed of their seed sorting machine. They needed a solution that was efficient, gentle on the product, and built for long-term continuous operation. They turned to our specialists at Pneumatic Products for a solution.
The Challenge: Moving from Manual to Automated Scale
As South Pacific Seeds scaled their operations, the manual handling of bulk seeds was no longer viable. Manual transfer is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and can introduce inconsistencies in the feed rate to the sorting machinery.
The client needed an automated material transfer system that could handle the high volume of seeds efficiently without causing damage to the delicate product. They required a robust system that could integrate smoothly into their existing workflow and keep pace with their growing production demands.
The Solution: Piab piFLOW®i Vacuum Conveying
After assessing the application’s specific requirements, our team recommended the Piab piFLOW®i vacuum conveyor.
The Piab piFLOW®i is an industry standard for bulk powder and granule handling, making it the perfect fit for seed transfer. Powered by Piab’s highly efficient COAX® vacuum technology, the system provided South Pacific Seeds with a continuous, automated flow of product directly into their sorting machine.
Crucially, vacuum conveying is a contained and gentle method of material transfer, ensuring the seeds reached the sorting equipment efficiently and without degradation or contamination.
The Result: A Seven-Year Track Record of Reliability
The true measure of any industrial solution is its longevity. Seven years after the initial installation, the Piab piFLOW®i system at South Pacific Seeds continues to work flawlessly. The system has provided consistent, hassle-free automation day in and day out, significantly improving their throughput and operational efficiency.
The client has been so impressed with the system’s ongoing performance and reliability that they recently returned to Pneumatic Products to order a second, identical Piab piFLOW®i system for another seed sorting machine.
This project highlights exactly what Pneumatic Products strives to deliver: it is not just about making a sale today; it is about providing the right technology and support to keep our customers running reliably for years to come.
In powder and granule handling automation, overcoming real-world challenges requires both the right product and the right support. Our team would love to optimise your material transfer processes. Speak with our Pneumatic Solutions Specialists today.