Editor's Choice 472

Parallel-Bore Rotary Airlock

The MSRP-series parallel-bore rotary airlock is designed so that the maximum number of blades remain in contact with the body at one time without affecting throughput. A substantial throat opening at the valve entry allows high pocket-filling efficiency. The unit features minimum clearance at the rotor tips and sides with the body. Robust body construction prevents distortion. Sizes range from 6 to 16 in. with square or round flange patterns. The valve is suitable for operation up to 750ºF and conveying pressures of 20 psi.
Bush & Wilton Inc., Charlotte, NC 704-573-6858 www.bushandwilton.com

In-Line Sifter

Designed with a high net screening area, the QA36 pneumatic in-line sifter is an HACCP product for operations with moderate to high production volumes. It has a capacity of more than 500 lb/min on soft wheat flour and more than 650 lb/min on hard wheat flour using a 30-mesh screen. The unit is manufactured with a high level of sanitation in mind. Easy to maintain, the sifter has lightweight components and form-fitting snap-on neoprene gaskets. It utilizes a gentle gyratory sifting motion and is designed to be directly inserted into a vacuum- or dilute-phase pressure pneumatic conveying system.
Great Western Manufacturing, Leavenworth, KS 913-682-2291 www.gwmfg.com

Air Cannon System

The patent-pending Six Shooter air cannon system has integral controls that allow one air cannon to supply powerful blasts to improve material flow at up to six points in a vessel. It provides a powerful blast of air to improve the flow of bulk materials through storage and process vessels. Applications include the recovery of solids from storage bins and silos and the elimination of buildup in cement plant preheater towers. This system uses double-braided stainless-steel hoses to reach up to six discharge ports from a central location. By serving multiple outlets from one air reservoir, it is ideal for installations in which multiple discharge points are located in close proximity. By separating the air cannon from the discharge points, the unit shelters its working components from dust, gases, and high-temperature conditions, making it suitable for high-temperature, high-dust, and high-stress applications.
Martin Engineering, Neponset, IL 309-594-2384 www.martin-eng.com

Particle Size and Shape Analyzer

The PSA300 particle size and shape analyzer includes sophisticated software for automatically locating and characterizing particles as small as 0.5 µm. A comprehensive report is generated after characterization, providing interactive access for further investigation of individual particles referenced in the report. The unit is 21 CFR compliant, and all measurements are traceable. An efficient sample-dispersion system is available for dispersing particles without breaking them. In addition, a robotic sample-automation system is available as an option.
Horiba Instruments Inc., Irvine, CA 508-366-5664 www.horibalab.com

In-Process Particle-Sizing System

Xoptix offers in-process particle-size-monitoring technology in an easy-to-integrate, compact, easy-to-use package. At a fraction of the cost of existing technologies, the system ensures that multiline installations can be finished on budget. The XO series consists of rugged laser diffraction instruments that use high-stability lasers, high-quality optics, and high-spec custom-designed detectors. Enclosing these components inside a high-quality precision optical bench enhances the unit’s stability. Built to IP65 as standard with ATEX options and equipped with carefully designed kinematic optical mounts, the latest electronics, and patented technology, the particle sizers can be used in the most extreme environments. The adaptable system has easy-to-use customizable software, allowing it to be integrated in many processes and providing maximum information with minimum downtime. Maintenance, when required, is fast and simple; it can usually be performed without process disruption.
Particle Detection Systems, Worthington, OH 614-888-0023 www.particledetectionsystems.com

Blower Package

Featuring the Qx blower, the Qube blower is a quiet, quick delivery solution for pneumatic conveying, wastewater aeration, and more. Benefits include high efficiency with low noise (<75 dBA); a compact footprint; and a powder-coated steel enclosure (24-dBA attenuation). Additional features include an integral check valve, discharge from back, and discharge flexible connector.
Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems, Springfield, MO 800-825-6937 http://vacuum.tuthill.com

Microwave Beam Blockage Detector

This system uses microwave energy to detect blockage of the path between a sender and receiver. The system is ideal for reliable blocked-chute detection in bulk material conveying and transfer systems, solving the costly problems of false tripping and failure to respond, which can occur with traditional tilt-switch types. Other major areas of application are boom-collision detection, nucleonic switch replacement, and point-level switching for most solid materials. The complete system includes two functions: a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits rapid bursts of microwave energy. The matching receiver is positioned in line with the sender. If the beam path is blocked by any object or material, the receiver will not be able to detect the signal. The presence or absence of the signal at the receiver is used to switch a relay for indication or control purposes.
Hawk Measurement, Phoenix, AZ 888-429-5538 www.hawkmeasure.com