From Liquid to Powder – A Smarter Magnesium Dioxide Blend
A switch from liquid to powdered Manganese Dioxide transformed brick production — improving colour consistency, reducing waste, and boosting overall efficiency.
Problem
A leading Australian brick manufacturer engaged Inquip to convert its Manganese Dioxide delivery method from liquid to powder.
The solution required a fully automated system capable of accurately discharging powder from bulk bags onto a conveyor prior to mixing. To meet production standards, the system needed dosing accuracy within 1% and precise integration into the existing plant — leaving minimal room for design error.
Solution
Inquip designed a bulk bag unloading system to deliver Manganese Dioxide onto the central conveyor at a consistent, adjustable rate. The system automatically regulated dosing based on the clay weight, ensuring precise blend ratios for consistent colour quality in the finished bricks.
Following a detailed site assessment, Inquip’s engineers developed a 3D model to optimise layout and minimise plant disruption. Our sister company, Automation & Control, supplied the electrical and control integration, linking the HMI and site PLC to maintain real-time accuracy and seamless operation.
Impact
The new system reduced costs and waste previously associated with liquid Manganese Dioxide. The powdered form now integrates more evenly with the clay, producing a consistent, high-quality blend that improves colour uniformity and reduces product breakage.
