TECHNOLOGY | MATERIALS PREPARATION
ers of all sizes are demanding more from their drying systems.” Zambanini says that in response to growing demand for Industry 4.0 solutions that allow for centralised monitoring and management of auxiliary equipment, Conair continues to improve its SmartServices web-based equipment monitor- ing platform. This platform allows users to monitor, analyse, and control virtually every aspect of their process remotely.
Another major industry trend driving develop-
Above: To simplify training and operation of many types of auxiliary equipment, Conair is implementing a new “common control” platform, featuring an HMI that offers a consistent user experience (menu, navigation, data entry, notifications, icons, colours, communications) regardless of the machinery involved. The common HMI is also used by the Machine Control view of SmartServices for remote control of various auxiliary equipment
tion, data entry, notifications, icons, colours, communications) regardless of the machinery involved. They have been implemented in such equipment as Conair’s SmartFLX material handling control, blenders, chillers and temperature-control units, as well as its dryers. All are compatible with SmartServices, Conair’s cloud-based IoT solution for machine monitoring and data collection. The Machine Control portion of SmartServices mirrors the same control screen that an on-the-floor operator would see. This means that anyone logging into the SmartServices dashboard and using the Machine Control feature will be familiar with the screen setup and basic operation of the various pieces of connected equipment. Drying Products Manager AJ Zambanini says:
Right: Koch-Technik’s KKT mobile granulate dryers come with a new touch control
“All the buttons will be in the same place, with the same names and colour schemes, which will require very little training for an operator as they train on different equipment. We believe this is the first time any supplier has offered all the major pieces of equipment and central control systems with a common, consistent look and feel from the operator’s perspective.” The OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) data-
exchange standard is the primary protocol for Conair machine controls. Conair says that because not so many processors are yet using OPC UA, MODBUS and other standards also continue to be supported.
“Customers are demanding more, and rightfully
so,” says Zambanini. “While simple, low-tech solutions remain an industry staple, more custom-
34 INJECTION WORLD | March 2022
www.injectionworld.com
ments, Zambanini says, is the increased use of bio-based polymers, which can provide new challenges. “It is not uncommon, for example, to see biopolymers off-gas VOCs or contaminants like recycled resins do. To manage this problem, Conair offers demisters, sometimes called volatile traps, which are vital to maintaining a healthy dryer.” He says: “Many biopolymers also require lower drying temperatures, since using too high a temperature can damage the materials or lead to increased VOC release. All standard Conair drying equipment is capable of running a range of temperatures from 65.5°C to 190°C and includes all necessary aftercoolers to handle these lower drying temperatures.” Zambanini also highlights how Conair equip- ment continues to evolve in response to needs to cut operating costs and reduce maintenance. For example, by using independent process and regeneration blowers, Conair dryers achieve a very stable process unaffected by ambient conditions, he says. Temperature feedback from the material in the hopper is used to adjust the blower speed and air flow.
Clustering material drying and preconditioning
at a central location can yield a range of extra benefits for growing processors. A single point of preconditioning control for multiple machine
IMAGE: CONAIR
IMAGE: KOCH-TECHNIK
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
