processing feature | Materials handling
Maguire’s Dual Sweeper system
automatically switches
between boxes to ensure
continuous operation
handle up to six different components in total through- put ranges of up to 700 lb/hr (320 kg/hr) or up to 3,000 lb/hr (1,365 kg/hr). Ingredient hoppers and dispensing augers can be sized to deliver as little as 0.25 lb/hr (115 gm/hr) with metering accuracy within 0.5% of setpoint, depending on the material. TSM Control Systems is introducing a new, patented
technology to improve the feeding of regrind and flake materials that are difficult to feed due to bulk density variations. The new downforce amplifier increases the material head pressure, and, combined with their existing, patented, reverse-flight auger mixer, acts to cram mixed material into the extruder throat. The company says this eliminates throat blockages and improves mixing. Ferlin has introduced the patented Easy Clean
System (ECS) for its small gravimetric batch blender, the Gravimix FGB MINI. In this system, the hopper loaders do not need to be moved; the hoppers themselves are easily removed without tools for quick cleaning.
Conveying and loading Handling powders has always been a challenge, and the need for effective handling is increasing as greater volumes of fillers in powder form are being used. In addition, more processors are buying powdered additives and colorants either for cost savings com- pared to pellets or for improved dispersion, says Keith Larson, vice president for Colortronic North America. He notes that many of these powders are very fine, requiring better filtration systems. Colortronic has recently developed new vacuum receivers with improved filtration for these fine powders. The AV-5 and AV-10 filters, used in the new receivers and available for existing systems, filter finer powders out of the process air to keep the powder in the system and keep the processing plant cleaner, explains Larson. Motan’s Metro P (for powder) hopper loaders have been designed for clean and continuous operation. They use multiple, high surface-area filter cartridges to filter conveyor air, says the company. The small hopper loader with a volume of 200 kg/h uses four filter cartridges, while the 500 and 1000 kg/h sizes use seven filter cartridges. Automatic air-jet de-dusting is employed to clean the cartridges. The Metro P system requires very little maintenance
when conveying either free-flowing or non-free-flowing materials. Motan says it is nearly impossible to form lumps or bridging in the loaders because of the geometry of the discharge flaps and the method by which the discharge flap activates the vacuum valve for refilling. Schenck expanded its range of materials handling
44 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2012
equipment through its 2011 acquisition of Clyde Process Solutions, a supplier of air filtration, pneumatic conveying, and injection technologies. Schenck now supplies air filter technology, and recently introduced the MCF filter system. The company says the MCF is robust, easy to install, and easy to maintain. Another new product resulting from the acquisition is
Schenck’s MoveMaster Vac loading stations and vacuum receivers for gentle vacuum conveying of powders and granulated materials as well as pellets. Both the loading stations and the receivers are modular so they can be set up for a variety of applications. Options include filters for powdered material and automatic filter cleaning. The equipment features quick-connect band clamps, making it easy to clean and maintain. Moretto has designed its Large Series of high-
productivity receivers to convey large quantities of granules, flakes, or regrind. The company reports that the cyclone effect allows the receiver to be filled without obstruction, and the double eyelid shutter discharge valve and 230 mm opening enables the receiver to empty in only 3 seconds.
Bulk container unloading When transferring resin from bulk containers to a processing machine – whether gaylords used in the US holding 450 to 680 kg, or octabins used in Europe holding 500, 1000, or 1500 kg – it can be challenging to remove all the material from the container. Some systems tip the container to facilitate complete unloading. Moretto has developed its patented Oktoma-
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