Bowl Lift
| Category: Lifts |
| Capacity: Up to 2,500 lbs. |
| Discharge Reach: Up to 72 inches |
| Slue/Rotation: Up to 270° |
| Fluid Bowl Range: Per Application |
| Controls: Allen-Bradley |
Description
The CDM Bowl Lift is a sanitary post lift engineered to lift and invert fluid bed bowls safely for controlled discharge into downstream equipment. It provides a clean, efficient solution for powder transfer while minimizing dust and contamination in the workspace. The custom-designed cradle securely captures the bowl, allowing smooth, repeatable positioning during discharge. The Allen-Bradley control system delivers precise motion and consistent performance, giving operators full command of lift and inversion functions. Designed to meet cGMP standards, the Bowl Lift ensures reliable operation and long-term durability in pharmaceutical cleanroom environments.
Lifting Column
The column is built from 304 stainless steel and polished to a uniform brushed finish. All external welds are ground smooth to match the parent material. All motors, gearboxes, and electrical enclosures remain fully enclosed within the footprint of the column. The lift maintains a clean exterior and minimizes exposure to the production environment.
Ball-Screw Driven
A precision ball screw drive couples directly to an electric gearmotor with a fail-safe brake. The screw and nut feature matching helical grooves where lubricated ball bearings circulate continuously for efficient motion. The system achieves smooth, accurate lifting under full load. The Ball-Screw drive configuration represents one of the safest and most efficient lifting technologies available.
Additionally, every lift includes a Safety Ball Nut Clutch. This direct-engagement clutch is mounted to the lift drive ball nut and releases automatically if the carriage lowers onto an obstruction. As a result, the clutch prevents component damage and enhances operator safety. Reversing direction automatically reengages the drive for immediate recovery.
cGMP Slot Cover
The front slot of the column features CDM’s patent-pending magnetic “Positive Seal Closure.” This two-part magnetic strip forms a watertight seal that moves with the carriage. In this way, the seal continuously closes behind it as the lift travels, reducing the chance of contamination. This design simplifies washdown and improves overall cleanliness in the production area.
Rotation (Slue)
A TEFC electric gearmotor powers the column rotation, located conveniently at the rear base beneath a stainless steel cover. The design allows over 270° of smooth, programmable rotation. Maintenance or Site Administrators can easily set custom slue angles to match their process layout.
Bowl Clamp
The bowl clamp is designed specifically for the customer’s fluid bed bowl. It mechanically secures the bowl to the cone, creating a dust-tight seal at the gasket to ensure safe and contained material handling during operation.
Discharge Cone / Funnel
Fabricated from 316 Stainless Steel. The discharge end of the cone shall be fitted with a sanitary ferrule. Product contact surfaces are polished to a 20RA µin or better finish, unless otherwise noted. All welds are passivated, ground smooth and flush. Exterior surfaces are polished to a uniform brushed finish, welds ground smooth, pit free and chemically cleaned.
Discharge Valve
Pneumatically actuated 6” Sanitary Butterfly Valve. The valve is 316 Stainless Steel with Silicone gaskets; all elastomers are FDA accepted. (*Other vales diameters and styles available upon request.)
Optional – Vibrator & Pad
Pneumatic Vibrator secured with a tri-clamp connection located on the Discharge Cone. All vibrator operations are controlled through the Operator Panel.
Optional – Sight Glass
Port to allow operators to visually monitor product flow. Made from statically dissipative polycarbonate
Operator Controls
Controls all equipment movements with automated sequencing and ‘Deadman’ control. Releasing the operator switch halts the sequence, forward or reverse may be selected at any position. At minimum, the following user interfaces will be provided: Power On/Off, Emergency Stop, Reset, Sequence Forward/Reverse.
Operator Panel Enclosure and Mounting
NEMA 4X Stainless Steel Enclosure. (*Other enclosure options available upon request.)
Operator Interface
6.5” Allen Bradley PanelView Plus 7 Touch Screen. (*Other interface options available upon request.)
Power Panel
High and low voltage panels. The panels house the PLC, VFDs, fuses, relays and power disconnect.
Power Panel Enclosure and Mounting
NEMA 4X Stainless Steel Enclosure. (*Enclosure type and location can vary based on room classification and customer requirements.)
Control Hardware
CompactLogix 5380 PLC and Allen Bradley PowerFlex 525 VFD(s). (*Other PLC and VFD options available upon request.)
UL 508A Certified Panel
Built and certified to UL 508A standards for compliance with industrial control standards
Stack Light with Audible Alarm
A stack light with an integrated audible alarm can be added to provide clear visual and sound-based status indication of lift operation, fault conditions, or safety interlocks. This enhances operator awareness and improves overall system visibility within the processing area.
Safety Light Curtain
A safety light curtain can be installed to create a non-contact protective barrier that prevents access to hazardous areas. If the beam field is interrupted during operation, the system will automatically stop motion to protect the operator from moving equipment.
Safety Laser Scanner
A floor-mounted safety laser scanner can be incorporated to provide three programmable safety zones, enabling warnings, controlled slow-down, or a full system emergency stop based on intrusion level. Multiple scanners can also be linked together to create a wider, continuous protective field around the lift.
Tailored to Your Application
Our equipment is engineered to fit your unique process needs, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and compliance. Whether you require specialized materials, customized sizes, or precise automation features, each system is designed to integrate seamlessly with your workflow. Contact our technical engineers today!
