Confidentiality Considerations for Vacuum Conveying Projects
Manufacturers may regard their material formulations, process parameters, equipment layouts, production targets, and other project details as proprietary. Given that Volkmann supplies both standard conveyors and customized bulk material handling solutions, these bulk material transfer projects may require confidentiality. When protection beyond ordinary business practices is needed, the parties may document the applicable obligations before drawings, samples, formulations, conveying equipment designs, or other sensitive information are shared.
Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs)
A nondisclosure agreement (NDA) can define what information is confidential, who may receive it, the permitted purpose for its use, how long the obligations remain in effect, and any exceptions or required disclosures. Depending on the project, confidential information may include raw materials, finished products, recipes or formulations, process details, drawings, equipment configurations, operating parameters, and other intellectual property. Customers that require an NDA may raise the request before transmitting proprietary documents or shipping material for testing so that the agreement and any project-specific bulk material handling requirements can be reviewed and accepted in advance.
Defining Confidentiality Requirements
An NDA establishes the parties’ contractual obligations, but practical handling requirements also need to be clearly defined. Depending on the customer’s needs and the agreed terms, these requirements may address authorized access, identification of confidential information, electronic transmission and storage, disclosure to affiliates or subcontractors, photography or video, document retention, return or destruction of information, and approval before a customer’s name or project details are used publicly. The applicable controls depend on the agreement and should not be assumed unless they have been confirmed in writing.
Material Testing Procedures
Volkmann offers material, application, and factory acceptance testing using full-size, fully operating pneumatic vacuum conveyors and related powder handling equipment. Testing can help verify that a material can be conveyed at the required capacity and can help establish suitable equipment configurations and operating parameters before purchase. For testing at Volkmann’s Bristol, Pennsylvania laboratory, customers are invited to schedule the test, obtain a Volkmann test number and Test Material Data Sheets, and submit the completed forms together with a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or other required hazard documentation before shipment. Test material must be properly packaged and clearly labeled with the assigned test number and accompanying documentation. Volkmann’s published laboratory procedures restrict testing to materials that meet the stated acceptance requirements and provide additional instructions concerning shipping, material quantities, return of test material, and test reports.
Confidentiality During and After the Project
If a test or project involves proprietary information, the customer and Volkmann are to agree in advance on any confidentiality measures that supplement the NDA. Requirements concerning access to the test area, labeling or coding of samples, photographs and recordings, return of test material, retention or destruction of documents, disclosure to third parties, and future marketing references may be addressed expressly when they are important to the customer. Confidentiality obligations continue for the period and under the conditions stated in the applicable agreement.
To request a quote, schedule a material test, or discuss project-specific confidentiality requirements, contact Volkmann here.