HAF Equipment

In many ways, efficient dry material handling systems draw parallels with a healthy food processing ecosystem. Even as challenges keep evolving, successful exploitation of new ideas and concepts in response to the challenges is crucial for the dry material handling landscape to catalyze value-driven outcomes and growth opportunities.

The classic and probably the biggest problem in dry material handling is the cleanability of the various equipment. As we move into the post-COVID-19 pandemic world, there is an intensified call for high in-plant sanitation standards. The vital need is for operator-friendly equipment that takes into consideration the pressing requirements of the operator to clean the equipment easily.

One company that upholds this operator-centricity in the manufacture and distribution of advanced dry powder process equipment since day one is Minnesota-based HAF Equipment.

The inception of HAF Equipment has been a linchpin in the dry material handling arena. The company acts as a one-stopshop offering custom-designed equipment, both mechanical and pneumatic conveying systems, from the time the bulk materials and powders arrive at the site to packaging. Founded in 1994, HAF showcases a sheer determination to follow a novel approach rather than revisiting what is already available in the industry.

“We look at the industry with fresh eyes and pursue an out-ofthe-box-thinking to create tailored solutions that help our clients increase production and lower costs,” says Michael Thiel, director of sales and marketing at HAF Equipment.

HAF’s equipment is designed ergonomic-friendly with a specific focus on the operator who will use it for the long term, whilst ensuring they are food safe and comply with USDA requirements if applicable. The products render reliability through quick changeovers according to the requirement of the operations. Befittingly, the company’s tagline “tool-free quick take apart” only highlights their focus on making it effortless for operators to clean the equipment by taking them apart quickly and easily.

Building on their customer-centered philosophy, the company introduced Moovinator in 1999. Also known by the name side load filter receiver, Moovinator comes as one-of-a-kind in the market with a state-of-the-art design that allows direct access to the filter bags from the side. Operators can replace filter bags and clean the equipment with a good sight without getting inside the dusty machinery. Like Moovinator, HAF’s dust collectors also come with the side entry feature complying with NFPA rules and dust hazard analysis regulations. The company has both dry and wet dust collectors in its product line. Their product portfolio also encompasses air emission control equipment to resolve air emission control issues existing at power generation facilities and stacks.

To top it off, the company has on-site support as well as service audits in their service portfolio. “Whether you have implemented HAF equipment or any other material handling equipment, our on-site support services are intended to enhance the efficacy and production of your systems,” remarks Thiel. Moreover, adequate training and technical skills are imparted to operators as part of after-sales services.

Moving ahead of the curve, in 2005, HAF adopted 3D modeling to simplify equipment design and accelerate time-to-market. The 3D model design enables clients to visualize the products better as opposed to two-dimensional layouts, resulting in better outputs.

HAF builds its solutions and services on a purely client-oriented approach. To this end, the company leverages a proven 10-step process for executing the project while aligning with their clients’ goals deftly. “We initiate the project internally at HAF followed by timely conversations and on-site meetings with our clients, proactively communicating the progress of the project right from the design to the production side,” mentions Thiel.

With a firm commitment in place, HAF is all set to help its customers with the current challenges COVID has brought forth. “We have a slew of proprietary innovations in our product creation and are looking forward to introducing operator-friendly equipment and systems that tackle pandemic concerns,” Thiel concludes.