Method and apparatus for filling bags with a flowable solid and stacking filled bags
Using a deflector 26 to direct flowable material 14 towards the sides of a bag 10. The bag can be an FIBC suspended by handles from a frame 20 with hooks 24. The deflector can comprise multiple spinning blades 26 attached 30 to a motor 28 whose current is monitored to detect when the level of material in the bag reaches them to cease flow. The deflector can cause more material to be near the bag walls so that the materials upper surface is concave to permit better bag stacking. A deflector is below the discharge end of a conveyor 16 or hopper. Providing a platform 40 and bag 10a below the discharge end of a conveyor 16 or hopper; supporting the bag on the platform while or after the bag is being filled with material dropping from the conveyor or hopper; lowering 42 the platform while the bag is on it; placing another bag 10b above the first; supporting the second bag on the first while or after it is being filled with material dropping from the conveyor or hopper; lowering the platform. The full bag can rest on a pallet 18.