Editor's Choice 237

High-Speed Open-Mouth Bagger
Advanced, rapid, and versatile, the PTK-2700 is a dual-spout system that is designed for bagging powdered or granular materials into open-mouth bags. It reaches speeds of up to 40 bags/min without compromising the quality and efficiency of the bag closing. A modular platform that can be configured to suit various applications, it handles all types of paper, including PE and woven PP bags (pillow type, with side or bottom gussets). It can also integrate all types of bag closing systems. The large 15-in. user-friendly touch screen operator interface includes easy recipe setup, new-operator and maintenance training, and troubleshooting.
Premier Tech Systems, Rivière-du-Loup, QC, Canada 418-868-8324 www.premiertechsystems.com

Spinning Riffler
The SP-230 is a quiet and safe spinning riffler that offers sampling accuracy and reliability in dry-material processing. It virtually eliminates operator error and the bias associated with other types of sample dividing. Features include a custom-designed touch screen controller and display, few moving parts, an outer case for easy cleanup and maintenance, 16 glass sample vessels (each of which is approximately 60 ml in volume), rotation speeds between 0 and 20 rpm, and a sleep mode to conserve power. The feeder’s vibration amplitude is variable.
Gilson Company, Inc., Lewis Center, OH 740-548-7298 www.globalgilson.com

Bluetooth Process Monitoring
Utilizing Bluetooth wireless technology, this company can change the parameters on its range of bulk solids metering controls without the need for cable hookups. Servicing can be done from a computer up to 300 ft away, eliminating the problems associated with having to hook up equipment located on scaffolds, in tight spaces, in dirty work environments, and in near-hazardous conditions. There is no need to run long cables from the control enclosure for changing parameters or viewing feeder operation. Additionally, several pieces of equipment can be connected and monitored simultaneously. The Bluetooth module and USB-to-Bluetooth adapter make connection easy to any PC and provide communication with the company’s Discont control platform.
Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater, WI 800-558-0184 www.accuratefeeders.com

Particle-Size Analyzer Options
Two new options for the Parsum IPP-70 in-line particle-size measurement probe are designed to simplify regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical applications. The unit provides real-time particle-size analysis and is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to monitor and control granulation, coating, and spray-drying processes. The first of the new options allows for the provision of installation/operational qualification (IQ/OQ) documentation together with a verification kit for checking measurement accuracy. The second option offers a unit with highly polished contact surfaces and includes material traceability documentation. The analyzer delivers size and velocity measurements for particles, granules, and pellets from 50 to 6000 µm in diameter. Light and compact, it can be used to monitor gravity-fed, pneumatically conveyed, and fluidized streams. It is inserted directly into a process line or unit and is easily integrated with existing systems for automated control. An intrinsically safe version, IPP-70-SE, is also available.
Malvern Instruments Inc., Westborough, MA 508-768-400 www.malvern.com

Material Supply Hopper with Incline Screw Conveyor
This storage bin and solid-core screw conveyor delivers ground, flaked metals at a controlled rate to downstream process equipment. The V-shaped hopper bottom with a material head breaker directs the material into the 9-in.-diam solid-core inclined discharge conveyor for smooth operation at high conveying rates. The screw conveyor features stepped pitch flighting and is continuously welded to minimize cross-contamination while increasing the structural integrity of the equipment. The system includes a paddle-type rotary level indicator with a lit beacon and a horn to alert the operator when the hopper must be refilled.
NBE Inc., Holland, MI 616-399-2220 www.nbe-store.com

Fluidizing Paddle Blender
The OptimaBlend fluidizing paddle blender balances mixing speed and efficiency with a low equipment cost and reduced power consumption. The system benefits traditional ribbon blender applications because it offers increased capacity in the same space. Difficult ingredients can be mixed quickly and efficiently. The blender mixes five times faster than ribbon blenders, offers high mix efficiencies with low coefficients of variation, and produces homogenous mixes regardless of particle size, shape, or density. It also offers high throughput rates with a low horsepower and fluidizes powders quickly and efficiently.
Eirich Machines Inc., American Process Systems Div.,Gurnee, IL 847-336-2444 www.eirich.com

Rare-Earth Pneumatic Line Magnet
A rare-earth magnet offers improved holding strength. A stripper collar used to wipe metal contamination from the magnet eliminates the loss of holding value experienced by magnets that incorporate a cleaning sleeve covering the entire magnetic circuit. This collar increases the magnet’s ability to capture and hold metal fines and weakly magnetic steel by almost 30%. Used for dilute-phase pneumatic systems, typical bullet magnet applications include dry, powder, and granular materials processing. It can be used ahead of processing equipment and bulk load-out to ensure product purity and protect machinery from tramp-metal damage.
Industrial Magnetics Inc., Boyne City, MI 800-662-4638 www.magnetics.com