Inspecting and maintaining (conical) industrial mixers requires a stable and safe working platform at the correct height. In practice, this often means (partially) erecting a scaffolding structure inside the mixer, which is time-consuming and regularly leads to unsafe, non-certified solutions.

Buitink Technology therefore developed an inflatable maintenance platform for (conical) mixers, specially designed for work in confined spaces with limited access.

The platform is placed in the mixer as a compact package via the manhole, connected to an air source and inflated within minutes until the required stability is achieved. This creates a flat, stable and safe working platform, without the need for extensive assembly or heavy structures.

Compared to traditional scaffolding, the turnaround time for maintenance work can be significantly reduced. Whereas erecting and dismantling scaffolding can sometimes take days, the inflatable platform can usually be installed and removed again within approximately 15 minutes.

Application in various types of mixers

The inflatable maintenance platform is suitable for a wide range of mixer types and processes, including mixers for:

• Powders and bulk goods
• Paste-like products
• Slurries
• Liquids

Mixers are used for homogenising, coating particles, moistening, dispersing, agglomerating and improving product properties, among other things. For larger maintenance tasks, such as replacing a mixing arm or screw, it is necessary for engineers to be able to work stably in the centre of the mixer. The platform provides this without fixed structures or wall mountings.

By inflating the platform to approximately 500 mbar, it clings tightly to the wall of the mixer. This results in a stable work surface with a hard tread, suitable for working safely with tools.

Safe inflatable maintenance platform

The inflatable maintenance platform is a technical maintenance solution that combines safety, speed and simplicity. Its design prevents damage to the mixer and minimises the risks associated with temporary, improvised structures.

Advantages

Advantages of the inflatable maintenance platform:

• Very quick to assemble and dismantle;
• Very compact and lightweight;
• Equipped with anti-slip surface for extra safety;
• Built-in overpressure protection for extra reliability;
• Very easy to use;
• No hard parts that could damage the mixer;
• Safe to use;
• A recess for a mixing arm/screw is integrated;
• Operates on compressed air, so there is no risk of oil leakage or other undesirable substances;
• Can be manufactured in a chemically inert, food-grade version;

Engineering inflatable platform 1900mm

3D representation maintenance platform

User Manual

For safe and correct use of the Inflatable Work Platform for mixers with heat-resistant cover, please refer to the official manual.

Download User Manual | 530 kB