Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus and method of using it. The apparatus has preferably been modified to select the appropriate amount of product slurry by weight. Bags are filled using a dual auger system that includes a bulk auger and a precision auger that fill a bag simultaneously. The augers work together for a first period to rapidly load slurry into a large part of the bag. During a second period, the bulk auger shuts down, allowing the precision auger alone to top-off the bags. The periods are determined either by time or by the volume or weight of the product that has entered the bag.

Abstract: A method of making and filling a plastic bag includes the steps of providing a bag having a plurality of microperforations; filling the bag with a powdered product; securing the bag; removing at least a portion of entrapped air in the bag through the microperforations; and sealing the microperforations. A product includes a bag configured for being formed from a plastic film into which a plurality of microperforations have been created. The bag contents include less air than that present in the bag when the top and the bottom were secured, at least a portion of the air sealed inside the bag having been expelled through the microperforations. A sealant is used for sealing the microperforations.

Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus and method of using it. The apparatus has preferably been modified to select the appropriate amount of product slurry by weight. Bags are filled using a dual auger system that includes a bulk auger and a precision auger that fill a bag simultaneously. The augers work together for a first period to rapidly load slurry into a large part of the bag. During a second period, the bulk auger shuts down, allowing the precision auger alone to top-off the bags. The periods are determined either by time or by the volume or weight of the product that has entered the bag.

Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus. A method for making a plastic bag filled with a desired weight of a slurry material on a form/fill/seal machine, includes drawing a plastic film over a mandrel of a form/fill/seal machine and wrapping the film around a forming tube. A tube of plastic film is formed by bonding the edges of the film together and the bottom of the tube is sealed. An initial weight is obtained by weighing the mandrel and the tube of plastic film then a slurry composition is deposited inside the closed tube. The present weight of the mandrel, tube of plastic film and contents of the tube are monitored as the slurry is deposited, and the present weight and the initial weight are compared until a desired weight is reached. After the desired weight is reached, the filled bag is sealed and separated from the tube of plastic film.