Matcon And NASA Partner With Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

Matcon has a long tradition of supplying materials handling equipment to many of the worlds blue chip manufacturing companies. Their clients come from every corner of the globe, from every industry and economic background, but when Matcon was awarded a contract from NASA, they saw the potential for Matcon equipment become simply "out of this world."

Not many companies in the materials handling equipment industry can boast about NASA as a client. NASA is best known for its contributions in pioneering space exploration, but for many years NASA has pushed forward the frontiers of human knowledge and achievement here on earth. The contributions have impacted lives at every level, including medicine food technology and material science. Matcon's SmartDrum and discharge station system, when coupled with its containment technology will offer a level of material control that is necessary for NASA's space age program.

The Matcon "Smart Drum" is part of the unique Matcontainer range of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), used for the storage and distribution of powders, granules and other materials. With a capacity of 5.3 to 17 cu.ft. (150 – 450 liters) and DOT 56/UN Chapter 16 certification for international transportation, Smart Drums are ideal for handling small batches both inside and outside the production environment.

Unlike conventional drums, the Smart Drum does not need to be inverted to be discharged. Each Smart Drum incorporates the Matcon Cone Valve at its outlet, which enables controlled and dust-tight discharge using a Matcon Smart Drum Station. Options include tumble blending using a Smart Drum Blender as a quick and efficient means of homogenizing the contents and cleaning via manual or automatically operated Wash Stations or Wash Booths.