Getting your bulk oil in totes for the first time can be a bit daunting, if you've never done it before. We get lots of questions from manufacturers who are switching from smaller containers to totes about their functionality-- specifically:
"Once the tote arrives, how do we get actually get the oil out of the tote?"
Not to worry! It's not that hard to get a new system set up. But it certainly does help to have a step by step visual to see what you'll need to purchase in preparation.
We've found that the best way to get the bulk olive oil out of the tote-- specifically for small manufacturers or if you are new to totes-- is to use a valve that attaches to a hose. Now, we've talked about how to attach a valve to the tote in the past, but we haven't talked much about what to connect to this valve after that. So I'm going to do just that today!
Our Recommended Attachment To Dispense Bulk Oil From A Tote
We recently created a special valve and hose attachment for our customers. This is something that will allow you to attach to the tote in one foul swing, and with the flick of a wrist, you'll be ready to use your oil. It looks like this:
This is a gavity feed tote dispenser, with a valve and a hose all included within the entire assembly piece. It's ideal for small businesses and new tote users because:
- It only requires a pallet jack, not a fork lift.
- It releases the oil at a normal speed, so you're not dealing with an overflow.
- It lets you use the tote in tight spaces with a flexible hose to take the oil where you want it to go.
- It stays attached to the tote in between uses.
- The valve is at the end of the hose-- not up by the tote which makes it easier to manage for one person.
Now here's how you use it.
Step 1: Elevate The Tote
There are a few common ways to do this. You can:
A) Place the pallet on a pallet rack or shelf or
B) Elevate the tote off the ground by placing it on a sturdy platform
To do this, first lift the pallet up using a pallet jack or fork lift.
Once elevated, slide sturdy boards under two outer edges of the pallet. Remove the forks of the pallet jack, and reinsert underneath the pallet itself. The boards will keep the pallet elevated to allow the forks to reach underneath.
Place the pallet on an elevated sturdy block or boards that support the full area of the pallet. Make sure you choose something that can support the weight of the tote, because it will remain in this location until the tote is empty.
The height can be any level you choose, but the goal is to allow the oil inside to gravity feed out of the hose. This example tote is elevated 4-5” off the ground.
Step 2: Make Sure That The Valve Is Closed
You are just about to connect the dispensing attachment. Before beginning this process, it’s very important to make sure that the valve is in the closed position (as shown) with the colored valve perpendicular to the hose. That way, you won't have oil spilling out all over your facility.
Step 3: Pull The Cutter Out, Flip It Around And Reinsert
Unscrew the plug found in the lower drain fitting of the tote. Inside, you will find a cutter. Pull this cutter out and flip it around so that the sharp teeth are facing in. Reinsert it into the lower drain fitting with the teeth facing towards the tote.
Step 4: Connect The Fitting
With the cutter facing in, screw the white fitting in on top of it. The hose will turn with the fitting as you screw it in, as it is all one piece. Screw this fitting in all the way, until it bottoms out.
Step 5: Turn The Valve To Dispense Oil
As you screw the fitting in, the cutter will pierce the tote bag and oil will begin running into the clear tubing. Once the attachment is all screwed in, simply turn the valve and oil will begin to flow into your desired container.
Some companies use the hose to feed right into a measuring container over their mixing tanks. Others dispense into a bucket and pour the oil manually onto their production lines. It's up to you.
Keep in mind that our standard hose is 5 ft long. However, you can replace it with any size hose you would like. Simply look for a clear PVC vinyl tubing with an ID (inside diameter) of ¾” at any hardware store.
Step 6: Adjust The Tote's Inner Bag As You Use It
As the bag empties inside of the tote, pull up the bag and clamp it to the edge to allow oil to drain down towards the lower drain fitting.
Now You Know!
This valve & hose attachment for a tote is ideal for manufacturers and small businesses exploring totes for the first time. They're easy to use and simple to set up (as you can see!).
If you just love this attachment and you want to use it in your warehouse, just tell us before you get your oil and we'll make sure that delivers with your first tote.
Share this with your production team
Before making the official switch to totes, make sure your production team is in on the packaging that you'll receive. You can take these instructions and give them to you for review by downloading our printable version of the Tote Dispensing Attachment Instructions.
While you're at it, make sure that you weigh all of the pros and cons to each packaging option before making your final decision. Download the eBook, The Manufacturer's Ultimate Guide To Bulk Oil Packaging below.
Topics: Food Manufacturing, Packaging
