MACHINERY | MIXERS
In addition, the company’s MTI C TecPro device can be used with vessels of various sizes up to 600 litres. And the MTI Aspiration Vent Tec 2.0 aspira- tion and filtration system is widely used in hot mixing processes for PVC production and process- ing of natural fibre compounds, such as wood- plastic composites (WPCs).
Below: Zeppelin System’s FM-T High Intensity Mixer features a split mixing bowl to aid cleaning
Remote access MTI adds that remote access solutions for mixing is becoming essential — a requirement that has accelerated due to restrictions resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “Modern mixing plants can only work efficiently and with maximum availability if they are commis- sioned by experts and – in the event of a malfunc- tion – faults are rectified within the shortest possi- ble time,” said Schär. “In these Covid times, with significant travel restrictions and visiting bans, remote access to the machine is vital.” MTI says it has been implementing remote access on its machines for some years and adds that all of its equipment is provided with modems to aid identification of operational issues. “A large number of system issues are caused by electrical components, software errors or incorrect operation,” he said. “While the technician on site is irreplaceable in the event of mechanical problems, controls and their components – as well as electri- cal drives with speed regulation – can now be checked and reset remotely, if necessary.” MTI uses GS- and WAN-based modules to establish a secure connection to its own server via a VPN tunnel to ensure that safety of data transmis- sion is not compromised. However, data security is not the only challenge to consider, especially where remote access goes beyond troubleshoot- ing. Commissioning via remote access, which is in
demand due to Covid restrictions, poses special challenges for both operator and supplier – and is only possible if strict safety requirements are met and well-trained personnel are involved on the user’s side.
Zeppelin takeover
MTI – which became insolvent in October last year – was recently bought by Zeppelin Systems of Germany. The MTI portfolio includes heating, cooling and universal mixers for plastics processing and chemical applications. Zeppelin says that MTI’s portfolio ideally complements its own, as the two companies predominantly serve different market segments – both in terms of the focus of the technologies and global coverage. “Since the mixer solutions from MTI and Zeppe-
lin are largely used in different industries, the overlap of the portfolio is small,” said Rochus Hofmann, managing director of Zeppelin Systems. The know-how of the MTI team will play a major
role in the new business, says Zeppelin. These employees will continue to be based at MTI’s site in Detmold. Zeppelin’s mixing division is based in Kassel. Kassel houses a team of researchers, developing and manufacturing mixers according to customer needs. At its R&D centre, Zeppelin carries out industrial-scale tests to optimise processes and procedures for the production of sensitive raw materials. “With this acquisition, we are further expanding
our market position in mixing technology,” said Hofmann.
Custom solutions Zeppelin says that Covid-19 has resulted in a number of projects being placed on hold – but that general demand for mixing systems has been growing. It reports a high level of interest in complex custom-made systems that can be delivered in short lead times. “A wide variety of operations within compound-
ing require mixing solutions,” said Karl-Hendrik Schluckebier, product manager for mixing and treatment components at the company. “These include chemical modification, dispersion of pigments and mineral powders, compounding, drying, coating, stabilisation, homogenisation, pelletising and agglomeration. Such processes are needed for PVC compounds for pipes, profiles, films, sheets and cables, as well colour and additive masterbatches, pigment concentrates and techni- cal compounds, for example.” Zeppelin offers two mixers engineered specifi-
36 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | April 2021
www.pipeandprofile.com
IMAGE: ZEPPELIN SYSTEMS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
