From Mess to Efficiency: How BFM^® Fittings Revolutionized Powder Coating Production at Peridium Powder Coatings

While paint powders provide vibrant and beautiful additions to products in many sectors of the world, they come with a significant challenge: they’re incredibly messy—really messy. Whether you’re working with fine pigments or industrial-scale coatings, the dust and waste that accompany powdered paints are a constant headache.

But for Peridium Powder Coatings, a division of Vogel Industrial Coatings and an industry leader in paint and coatings processing, dealing with difficult, messy production processes and time-consuming cleanups was simply a part of everyday operations. That was, until they discovered BFM® fittings—a game-changing innovation that would redefine their approach to handling powder coatings.

A Problematic Start: Plastic and Tape Connectors

Initially, Peridium Powder Coatings used a basic and inefficient connector system. Equipment connectors consisted of plastic tubing fastened with tape to act as the flexible connector system, intended to contain paint powders as they flowed from one component to another during processing.

However, this system quickly proved to be problematic. As Tom Hubers, Corporate Engineer at Peridium Powder Coatings, explained, “The setup was wasteful; we used a lot of garbage bags and tape, and it was inconvenient to always clean and install.” The constant need for disposable materials created an ongoing cycle of waste and inefficiency. Additionally, workers spent excessive time cleaning and reinstalling these connectors, which slowed down overall productivity.

Recognizing the need for a better solution, a production manager suggested they look into BFM® fittings. Upon trial, it became clear that BFM® fittings were exactly what the company needed.

Below we dive into how BFM® fittings helped solve a number of issues for Peridium Powder Coatings.

1. Reduction of Lost Product

One of the most significant issues with the previous plastic and tape system was what Peridium Powder Coatings classified as “blow-outs.” These blow-outs occurred when the plastic tubing ripped or the tape failed, causing the powder to spill out during production. Not only did this lead to product loss, but it also created more mess, extended clean-up times, and required additional materials to correct the issue.

By switching to BFM® fittings, Peridium Powder Coatings was able to eliminate blow-out scenarios entirely. BFM® fittings are designed to seal air-tight, which prevents product leakage. The real innovation lies in the fact that under high-pressure situations, the seal becomes even tighter, ensuring that even during the most demanding phases of production, there is no loss of product. This airtight seal has translated into a substantial reduction in wasted materials, providing both financial savings and a cleaner, safer work environment.

2. Decreased Waste

Another major advantage of the switch to BFM® fittings is the dramatic reduction in waste. Prior to the installation, Peridium Powder Coatings had to rely on garbage bags, tape, and other disposable materials to manage the flow of powders. This wasteful practice not only contributed to excess material costs but also generated significant amounts of non-recyclable waste.

With BFM® fittings, the need for these disposable materials was virtually eliminated. The fittings themselves are reusable, providing a more sustainable solution. They are built for durability, ensuring that they won’t need to be replaced as often, reducing overall waste production and lowering operational costs.

3. Increased Efficiency

Efficiency is key in any industrial setting, and the old plastic and tape system was a significant bottleneck in Peridium Powder Coatings’ production process. Not only was it time-consuming to install, but blow-outs would result in lengthy clean-ups and costly downtime, further compounding the inefficiencies.

BFM® fittings, however, feature a simple, smooth, snap-in design that requires no tools for installation. This design allows workers to quickly and easily install the connectors, saving valuable time. Moreover, the precision engineering of the BFM® fittings means that installation is foolproof—there’s no room for error, which means fewer troubleshooting issues. With faster installation and less downtime, Peridium Powder Coatings has been able to increase overall production speed and reduce the costly delays that once plagued their operations.

4. Improved Sanitation

In any powder coating facility, maintaining a clean environment is essential, not only for product quality but also to comply with stringent industry regulations. BFM® fittings are designed with sanitation in mind. The fittings feature a crevice-free interior surface, which eliminates areas where powder can accumulate. This smooth, easy-to-clean surface is essential in preventing cross-contamination of pigments, a critical factor in maintaining the purity of each coating batch.

Additionally, because BFM® fittings seal tightly, they prevent product leakage, which further reduces the risk of contamination. The simplicity of cleaning the fittings—without the need for intricate disassembly—means that Peridium Powder Coatings can uphold high sanitation standards with less time spent on maintenance.

5. Enhanced Safety

Blow-outs not only caused product loss but also posed a safety hazard to workers and the plant. The uncontrolled release of pressurized powder could create dangerous conditions in the work environment, from dust explosions to slips and falls.

With the installation of BFM® fittings, Peridium Powder Coatings significantly enhanced workplace safety. The fittings’ tight seal under pressure helps to mitigate risks associated with over-pressurization, providing superior explosion protection in high-pressure situations. By reducing the likelihood of dangerous blow-outs, the safety of the plant staff has been significantly improved, fostering a safer, more secure working environment.

Conclusion: A Transformative Solution for Powder Coating Production

For Peridium Powder Coatings, BFM® fittings have proven to be a transformative solution, solving critical challenges in product containment, waste reduction, efficiency, sanitation, and safety. By replacing the outdated plastic and tape system with a robust, reliable, and easy-to-use connector system, Peridium has streamlined its production process, reduced costs, and improved the overall working environment.

If your company is facing similar challenges with powder coating or paint processing, it might be time to explore the benefits of BFM® fittings. To learn more about how BFM® can revolutionize your operations, get in touch with us today.