Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of an alpha-amylase having improved stability to chelating agents relative to its parent enzyme, compositions comprising the variants, nucleic acids encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods for using the variants.

Abstract: A method for filling an FIBC includes causing particulate material to flow from a container under gravity through a filling duct into a liner of the FIBC. The particulate material is caused to adopt a free fall generally laminar flow stream which over substantially all of its length does not contact the wall of the filling duct. Accordingly formed adjacent such stream is an air passage through which passage at least part of air displaced from the interior of the liner by the particulate material can escape without significantly disrupting the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling bulk material into flexible containers. The filling is carried out through a filling pipe or spout while the container is hanging on a hook. The impervious part of the container, which may be in form of an inner bag, is fastened around the spout and kept in place during the filling operation without any special fastening means. This is obtained by first hanging at least one lifting loop on the hook before the pipe is put into the container. Then the remaining loops are hooked onto the hook during simultaneous or subsequent filling of the container with air. The loops are secured together while the container is hanging on the hook. Thus, the container will be made ready for further transport as soon as it is filled and its impervious bag is closed. The apparatus comprises a batch weigher, storage bin having an outlet into a funnel with a pipe for supplying air.