MACHINERY | CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION
existing lines using older models.” n In addition, Pixargus recently upgraded its ProfilControl 7 S inline inspection system for corrugated tubing – saying that it reduces the effort of checking these pipes for flaws. In corrugated tube extrusion, inspection systems
must deal with alternating sections of corrugated and plane structures. Certain sections may require other inspection modes – or the corrugator may engrave features into an extruded product that must not be detected as defects. For this, the updated product offers special algorithms that raise automation in quality inspection. “It is our aim to supply systems that ideally need
no setting up by the operator,” said Jürgen Philipps, managing director and head of techno- logical development at Pixargus.
PVC output At K2022, Battenfeld-Cincinnati revealed details of Steady Flow – a software module that minimises pulsation in PVC extrusion. This helps ensure even, continuous output – for reliable, high-quality products. In PVC processing with counter-rotating twin
screw extruders, pulsations of the material flow are unavoidable. These are caused by C-shaped chamber profiles formed by the pair of screws. For smaller throughputs – such as when making small technical profiles – the fluctuations are more significant. The new module harmonises these fluctuations for constant material discharge. Melt pressure in front of the extrusion die is
measured continuously, and screw speed during each screw rotation is constantly re-adjusted on the basis of the pressure fluctuations. The software includes a learning function, which automatically calculates optimal parameters for the compensa-
Right:
Bausano’s Smart Energy system helps reduce energy consumption when fitted to a Nextmover twin-screw extruder for pipe production
tion of pulsation during the first production run with any new products or new materials. The screw speed correction parameters identi-
fied are saved in the product recipe and remain available for new production start-ups. Pressure fluctuations are then reduced – with the result of a low-pulsation melt flow passing into the forming die. This leads to better semi-finished product quality with fewer dimensional fluctuations – for optimal utilisation of the material. Steady Flow can optionally be integrated into the BCtouch UX control system of every new PVC extrusion line. It can also be retrofitted to existing lines with a modern control system from the UX series. The product is already being used by several customers.
Extruder add-ons Bausano of Italy showed a number of add-ons for its extruders that allow closer control of energy use and extruder output. Its Smart Energy system – for cylinder induction
heating – helps to reduce energy consumption. During the show it was fitted to a Nextmover twin-screw extruder and an E-Go R single-screw extruder – whis is designed for recycling plastics. The system features force-cooled induction coils with special openings that allow air to pass through and a temperature sensor to be installed. The coil is wrapped in insulating materials to minimise heat loss from the cylinder. Thanks to its internal design, airflow is channelled directly to the plasticising cylinder, to give faster cooling than resistive systems. Advantages include: even heat distribution and lower coil surface temperature; fast heating up to 250°C; and accurate temperature control – thanks to reduced thermal inertia. The Digital Extruder Control, with 21in screen,
accurately monitors energy consumption at each stage of the process. Running in real-time, it allows intervention to manage motor power, temperature, oil control unit inspection, screw adjustment and other parameters. The line can also communicate with third-party systems – such as an in-line meas- urement tool – for accurate assessment of pipe’s internal and external diameter and wall thickness.
Pipe checker Molecor of Spain has developed an app called GeoTom, which helps installers to geolocate all parts of a piping network that they are fitting – and share project information with multiple users. After downloading it for free – for both Android and IOS devices – the user requests access from Molecor. Once this has happened, pieces of the
28 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | January/February 2023
www.pipeandprofile.com
IMAGE: BAUSANO
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