Big Bag intake
Controlled and efficient reception of green coffee
Big bag intake stations stabilizes discharge, captures dust at the source and connects directly to cleaning, storage or roasting. Coffee enters production in a controlled and measurable way, transforming unloading into a predictable first production step.
Highlights - Intake built for real production
Integrated dedusting
Dust extraction is integrated directly into the intake station, capturing dust at the discharge point to maintain clean air, protect operators and reduce cleaning requirements.
Flexible charging methods
Stations can be configured with hoists, forklift support frames or direct forklift discharge depending on layout, budget and operational preference.
First point of inventory
With weighing integration, the intake station becomes the entry point of production data. Incoming quantities can be verified, compared with expected deliveries and tracked through plant control systems. QR-code identification allows traceability of each big bag at factory level.
01 Layout
A steel support structure positions the intake hopper above floor level when excavation is not possible. The typical standard footprint to accommodate big bags or europallets is 3100 mm × 3100 mm, with a total height of 2500 mm including guardrails. The dumping grid provides a 1.2 m² opening surface, and the standard integrated buffer capacity is 150 kg. The structure is accessible via stairs and secured with guardrails.
Where excavation is possible, the hopper is installed below floor level. This reduces lifting height and simplifies unloading logistics while keeping forklift traffic smooth. Dimensions depend on building constraints and required buffer volume.
02 Unloading method
An integrated lifting system positions the big bag above the hopper in a controlled manner. The hoist is mounted on a metallic support structure and operated via remote control, allowing the operator to remain at floor level during discharge.
Forklifts position the big bag onto a dedicated support frame for controlled discharge.The frame can be designed for 1,000 kg bags or for combined 1,000–2,000 kg formats.
The forklift positions the big bag directly above the intake hopper during unloading, without a support frame. This method requires the forklift to remain in position during discharge. Typical discharge time is approximately 15 minutes for 1,000 kg and up to 30 minutes for 2,000 kg.
03 Weighing & integration
The hopper can be mounted on load cells with local weight display. This allows verification of delivered quantities and monitoring of cleaning loss.
Integrated weighing records incoming quantities as the first production record. It enables automatic inventory tracking, discrepancy detection and controlled routing toward cleaning or storage once quality validation is completed.
04 Downstream equipment
Coffee can be routed toward cleaning stations, directly to silos or toward roasting lines. Systems are engineered so multiple destinations can be supplied while maintaining predictable flow.
Intake stations are engineered so additional processing steps can be integrated later without rebuilding what already works.
Planning these future connections from the beginning avoids costly retrofits and production disruptions while allowing investment to follow real growth phases.
Technical specifications
Download our Big bag intake Brochure- Suitable for big bags from 1000 to 2000 kg
- Intake capacity adapted from 5 to 60 t/h depending on conveying configuration
- Hopper volume engineered based on discharge speed and conveying flow
- Integrated dust extraction with cyclone and filtration system required
- Food-grade contact surfaces available
- ATEX-compatible configurations available
- Compatible with mechanical or pneumatic conveying systems
- Optional weighing systems with software integration
- Modular steel support structures
- Designed for forklift or hoist-based discharge operations
Questions? We're here to assist.
Typical unloading ranges from 15–30 minutes depending on bag size and hopper/conveying configuration. Faster solutions are possible with adapted sizing.
Yes. Routing, conveying capacity and interfaces can be prepared so future silos, cleaning systems or roasters can be integrated without major redesign.
Dust is captured directly at the intake hopper using integrated aspiration and filtration systems, keeping intake areas clean and safe for operators.
Need help choosing the right intake solutions?
Every roastery and growth plan is different. Talk with us and design your optimal intake architecture.