Editor's Choice 1001

Direct-Drive Dust Collection Systems
These redesigned 7.5- and 15-hp industrial direct-drive dust collection systems have been reengineered and redesigned for maximum air performance with a space-saving footprint. All three systems are built with heavy-gauge welded and powder-coated steel cyclones, and U.S.-made TEFC motors with class F ratings. The filter media is high-efficiency spun-bonded polyester, easy-to-clean, and third-party tested for guaranteed filtration. Each system includes an accurate performance curve with CFM and static pressure ratings, a custom ductwork design layout, a heavy-duty industrial angle iron support stand, and one 55-gal steel dust drum.
Oneida Air Systems Inc., Syracuse, NY 800-732-4065 www.oneida-air.com

Loss-in-Weight Scale
The FEEDamatic 67XS scale is a compact, low headroom, loss-in-weight scale for continuous blending of free-flowing materials. The latest in the FEEDamatic series, the 67XS is specifically designed to allow retrofit into existing systems or reduce the headroom requirements in new systems. It has a height of 30 in., but a capacity of up to 1100 cu ft/hr. The scale comes prewired to the CTR3-LW scale controller. Installation consists of mounting the scale and providing ac power, a network connection, and clean compressed air. The scales can be controlled through Comptrol’s BlendView software, all major SCADA systems, or individually through the standard Web interface.
Comptrol Technologies Inc., Burlington, ON, Canada 905-637-2229 www.comptrol.com

Airlock Valve
The Vacu-Valve Armadillo is a closed-construction airlock valve that provides positive seal under hoppers, cyclones, and dust collectors. Because this dust-discharge valve requires no controls, lubrication, or power source, it is both energy saving and maintenance-free, thereby allowing it to operate for about one-sixth the cost of a rotary airlock valve used for discharged dust or abrasive materials. The Armadillo’s duckbill valve design allows free-flowing continuous discharge, automatically adjusting to the desired vacuum. The valve is offered in carbon- or stainless-steel construction. Sleeves are available in neoprene, viton, and white nitrile, making it suitable for general use, high-temperature, or food grade applications.
Aerodyne, Chagrin Falls, OH 800-236-1506 www.aerodyneus.com/013

Air Classifier
The Matsubo Elbow Jet air classifier is now used for metal powder classification from 10 µm down to submicron cut-point range. Using the Coanda effect (inertia force), and without using a high-speed moving rotor, the unit achieves precision air classification from 50 µm to submicron cut-point range. The Elbow Jet has been used mainly for toner and powder-coating applications—relatively light powders. Recently, it has been used more prominently in the dry processing industry for high efficiency and safety reasons. By adopting Coanda block/edges, the Elbow Jet achieves multiple (three or four) cuts at one point. A grit/middle/fines (if three cuts) fraction can be produced at one cut. With no inside rotor, there is no place for a spark to generate. Aluminum, titanium, silicon, iron, or other metal powders can be safely classified without ignition fear.
AAAmachine Inc., Arlington Heights, IL 847-886-4535 www.aaamachine.com

Gravity Flow Metal Detector
The PowerPhasePRO Gravity Flow metal detector is extremely sensitive to metal contaminants in high-volume, free-flowing powders and granular products. The unit offers multiple frequencies for increased detection sensitivity to metal in dry processing environments. It detects and automatically rejects ferrous, nonferrous, and even irregularly shaped and difficult-to-detect nonmagnetic stainless steel. Constructed of stainless steel, the unit has smooth flowing lines and can quickly be dismantled without tools to facilitate cleaning and inspecting. A cowbell style Seal-Tite diverter minimizes system height and prevents leakage, reducing product giveaway. The system is compact and fits easily in most production lines.
Mettler Toledo, Tampa, FL 800-447-4439 www.mt.com/pi

Industrial Fan with Three-Year Warranty
Developed initially for top-mounted dust collector installations, the Packaged Backward Inclined (PBI) fan is also serving an expanding range of industrial applications, such as air filtration and pneumatic conveying. The new PBI wheel uses flat backward inclined steel blades designed for long life in hostile environments. The unit is coupled with a streamlined inlet, reducing vibration and noise levels dramatically. Fully run tested, the energy efficient unit is backed by the company’s exclusive three-year warranty. The fan, designated Design 64, is designed to increase the stable operating range by over 20%, allowing dust collector suppliers to offer a wider performance range, and thereby eliminating unnecessary fan sizes. The fan is offered in 12 sizes from 122 to 365, varying widths, and three motor rpms.
Chicago Blower, Glendale Heights, IL 630-858-2600 www.chicagoblower.com

Food and Pharmaceutical Metal Detectors
The Insight range of metal detectors for the food and pharmaceutical industries is offered with advanced plug-and-play architecture featuring an array of new communications options—USB, SCADA, wireless, and standard Ethernet—designed to meet the requirements of both systems integrator and manufacturer. Performance enhancing benefits are the result of an Integrated Digital Head and advanced OPTIX detector management software. They include higher sensitivity to all metal types along with improved stability to vibration and complex product signals. Insight is delivered with an all-new user-friendly HMI (membrane or color touch screen options are available) incorporating DDS (Direct Digital Signal) viewer. Currently available in pharmaceutical and horizontal head specification, the gravity fed throat type and pipeline versions will follow in 2010.
Lock Inspection Systems Inc., Fitchburg, MA 978-343-3718 www.lockinspection.com