Tag: cyclone bags

PSI Levels for Dunnage Bags

Posted on by teamA-GG

Dunnage bags are a versatile and easy way to fill voids in load plans, but there are user recommendations for dunnage bags the operator should follow. In this blog, we will describe the importance of filling your dunnage bags to the recommended PSI level in order to use the dunnage bag safely and obtain the optimal performance of the bag. This blog will also explain the consequences of not following the PSI level recommendations and provide some easy tips to help you get the proper PSI level when filling your dunnage bags.

What is the PSI Level of dunnage bags and where can it be found?

The dunnage bag PSI level is the measurement of air pressure within the bag measured in Pounds per Square Inch. When you fill the dunnage bag with air, the air pressure will build inside the dunnage bag, reading as the PSI. In Europe, they use the pressure measurement of kPa (kilopascals) to measure the pressure within dunnage bags. One kilopascal is equal to 0.145038 PSI. Each type of dunnage bag will have a different recommended PSI or “fill” level. The recommended PSI level should be printed on the bag itself. On our CYCLONE dunnage bags, the PSI level is printed on the front of each bag in a text box filled with user recommendations. To the right is an image depicting the user recommendations on our CYCLONE dunnage bags with the recommendations outlined in red for reference.

Consequences of not following the dunnage bag recommendations:

Filling your dunnage bag to the recommended PSI level allows for the optimal function of the bag during transit. Under filling a dunnage bag can lead to unwanted product movement as the bag will not tightly fill up the void, leaving room/spaces for your product to move into during transit. If you overfill a dunnage bag this can cause the bag to pop and/or split especially if there is a large amount of pressure applied to the bag. If the bag pops during transit then the void the bag was filling will open, allowing room for your product to move and possibly become damaged during transit. If a dunnage bag pops while an operator is handling the bag, this can cause harm to the operator. Although dunnage bags are easy to use, everything has a breaking point when used incorrectly. Following the guidelines for filling dunnage bags will lead to the best outcome of the dunnage during transit.

Tips for obtaining the proper PSI level in dunnage bags:

  • The dunnage bag should be filled using an approved inflator for your dunnage bag and the bag’s specific valve design.
  • Your dunnage bags should be cared for and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Use a digital or manual air gauge to check the PSI fill to ensure you have reached the optimal PSI reading.
  • The AAR recommends rechecking the air pressure in all dunnage bags 30 minutes after the initial inflation.
  • Use clean and dry air to fill the dunnage bags.

 

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Dunnage Bag Performance Levels

Dunnage Bag Performance Levels

Posted on by teamA-GG

Are you using the proper dunnage bags in your load plan? When using dunnage bags to secure your product during transit, certain dunnage bags should be used depending on your load plan, the product being shipped, how the product is being shipped, and the weight of shipment. There are six types of dunnage bags; Over-the-Road (OTR) bags and bags leveled 1 through 5. All dunnage bags come in a variety of sizes to fit your load plan. Over-the-road dunnage bags are intended for use in truckload shipments only. Whereas, Level 1 dunnage bags to Level 5 bags are intended for rail and intermodal shipments. The performance level of each bag can be seen in the chart below from the AAR’s publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Minimum Loading Standards for Freight in General Purpose Boxcars:

The chart shown above should be used by loaders as a reference for the minimum requirements each type of dunnage bag meets. In some cases, higher precautions should be taken, exceeding the minimum requirements. For example, Complete Packaging Systems suggests using Level 5 bags in horizontal applications with cylindrical voids, instead of Level 4 bags, regardless of the shipment weight. Complete Packaging Systems suggests using Level 5 bags in cylindrical voids with horizontal applications because the bags will have pockets they can expand into. The higher pressure building in these pockets can cause the Level 4 bag to decrease in strength by 50%, compared to when positioned in flat wall voids. The contour of the bags that causes these pressure pockets can be seen in the diagram below. In addition to the minimum guidelines in the chart above, each dunnage bag has different PSI requirements and the user should follow the manufacture guidelines printed on the dunnage bags. In section 6.7.18 of their publication Closed Car Loading Guide – Minimum Loading Standards for Freight in General Purpose Boxcars, the AAR also recommends leaving the railcar open after loading the shipment and checking the dunnage bag PSI after 30 minutes for leakage. Finally, the size of the dunnage bag you are using should cover at least two thirds of the adjacent product around the bag. In conclusion, there are many factors that can affect which bag is the right fit for your load plan, so let us help; to find out more about the use of dunnage bags in cargo securement and how they should be applied in your load plan, contact us toll free at 866-858-8800. 

 

 

New Valve Technology

Posted on by teamA-GG

Here at Complete Packaging Systems we strive to provide innovative products to our customers. That’s why we are pleased to announce the launch of a new valve technology for our lightweight Over-the-road and Level 1 dunnage bags called the Striker Valve. The Striker Valve and its corresponding inflators make the inflation of dunnage bags easier for the user. This new inflation technology simply clips over the striker valve from any angle with little pressure applied, no aligning or struggling required. Once the inflator is attached to the valve, it can be easily rotated around the valve, so you can achieve the perfect angle needed for inflation without having to worry that the inflator will come loose from the valve or that the bag will twist. The Striker Valve inflator also has a low-profile head that fits into tight spaces. Once you are ready to remove the inflator from the valve, it is as simple as pinching the inflator head. The Striker Valve inflation tools are also available in a variety of styles. Whether you want a manual inflator or a digital inflation system for an accurate PSI reading, both styles are available. Both the inflator options are similar to the inflators we currently carry, so they will be comfortable/familiar in your hand when you make the switch. Like our current inflators they allow for fast inflation, filling at a speed of 235 liters/minute with the striker inflator and 500 liters/minute with the digital inflator. To make the inflation process even more comfortable and easy for you, we are offering a range of hose lengths that can be used with the Striker Valve. The hoses connecting the handle of the inflator to the inflator head are available in lengths of 4”, 15” and 10 feet so you can have the perfect distance and reach that you require for your load plan. Deflation of the Striker Valve bags is just as easy as inflation. The Striker Valve has a deflation cap attached. Simply clip the deflation cap over the valve and the dunnage bag will start to deflate. For more information about the Striker Valve dunnage bags and their inflation technology, contact us toll free at 866-858-8800.

Edited by: Stephanie Irvine