Technology Review 153
October 8, 2007
Moisture/Solids/Ash Analyzer
The Computrac MAX 5000 provides accurate results for moisture, solids, and ash in just a few minutes. Because the analyzer is chemical- and glass-free, materials can be tested at any location in your facility without worrying about contamination. The instrument is easy to use, allowing even the most inexperienced operators to produce consistent results. It is suitable for use on the production floor or in the lab. The precision balance, large selection of ending criteria, and statistical-analysis features make it a powerful tool for research and development.
Arizona Instrument LLC, Tempe, AZ 800-528-7411 www.azic.com
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer
The ultra-high-efficiency Cleanswitch regenerative thermal oxidizer has an improved thermal efficiency rating of 97%. The newest development for this product line features a proprietary burner-management system and heat-transfer media that combine to reduce natural gas consumption by at least 40%. Available sizes range from 20,000 to 60,000 scfm, and the units have an estimated return on investment that averages less than a year.
Megtec Systems, Neenah, WI 800-236-2189 www.directions.com
Particulate Sensor
The PMS particulate sensor requires minimal maintenance and employs a field-proven combination of passive-induction and protected-probe technologies. As particles flow near and around the probe, minute currents are dynamically induced into the probe by flowing particulate. A DSP processes the signal into an absolute output that is reasonably linear to mass. Protective layers over the probe work in combination with induction sensors to ensure reliable operation with all types of particulate, including moist powders and highly conductive dusts. Maintenance is minimal and there is no need for an air purge. For durability, the sensors are passive and free of electronics. The sensor is designed to be used with the DPM particle monitor in order to be intrinsically safe.
Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com
Bin Activators
Pulsonic bin activators clear bins, hoppers, and other mass-flow vessels of compacted solids. Materials are removed from channels, ducts, or recesses. The units introduce multiple instantaneous sonic airbursts into compacted material to restore flow without the shock and vibration methods that can damage equipment.
Pulsonics, Belleville, NJ 973-759-4025 www.pulsonics.com
Labeling System
Offering robust construction and design efficiency, the Versaline LC is capable of labeling front/back/wrap/3-panel or custom applications at speeds of up to 300 ppm with ±1/32-in. accuracy. Features include all-stainless-steel construction, microprocessor-control labeling heads, feedscrews or “no change parts” product alignment, and a full complement of options such as vision systems, bar code scanners, and bad-product eject. The unit is suitable for multishift operations where long-term reliability is critical.
Quadrel Labeling Systems, Mentor, OH 440-602-4700 www.quadrel.com
Digital Weight Indicator
The Model 215 digital weight indicator features a NEMA 4X/IP66 stainless-steel wash-down enclosure and highly-visible 1-in.-high LCD display, making it versatile and ideal for indoor or outdoor weighing applications. It features dual serial ports, a 10-key numeric keypad, and multiple print formats. It powers eight load cells. The NTEP “legal for trade” indicator requires 10 AA rechargeable batteries, easily replaced via the battery cartridge slot on the bottom of the indicator, or 90 to
264 V ac, 50 or 60 Hz.
Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.CardinalScale.com
Cabinet Oven
No. 929 is an electrically heated, 500°F cabinet oven with vertical airflow, currently used for various heat processes at a customer’s facility. Workspace dimensions measure 26 in. wide × 38 in. deep × 50 in. high. A 700-cfm, ½-hp recirculating blower provides a vertical upward airflow to as many as 16 shelves inside the oven workspace. This oven features an aluminized steel exterior, Type-304 stainless-steel interior, brushed stainless-steel control panel face, heavy-duty door and door frame with explosion-venting latches, and 4-in. insulated walls. The unit also includes a digital indicating temperature controller, manual-reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, and a recirculating blower-airflow safety switch.
The Grieve Corp., Round Lake, IL 847-546-8225 www.grievecorp.com
Level Transmitters
The echOsonix level transmitters feature high frequency that cuts through difficult-to-measure material and low frequency that reaches deeper and returns a more dependable echo. Adaptive gain matches the signal to the process material. Visual representation and status of monitored tanks is provided, as well as real-time interaction with sensors. echOware companion PC or PLC software for echOsonix ultrasonic transmitters with Modbus communications is available free of charge.
SOR Inc., Lenexa, KS 800-676-6794 www.sorinc.com
Guided-Wave Radar Continuous-Level Measurement System
The Flexar guided-wave radar continuous-level measurement system successfully measures cement and flyash in silos ranging from 30 to more than 65 ft in height. Unlike other continuous-level measurement technologies, guided-wave radar is unaffected by dusty environments such as what occurs during the filling of silos with cement and flyash. The Flexar unit uses time-domain reflectometry (TDR) technology to make accurate measurements. With TDR, microwave pulses are guided to the material surface along a continuous stainless-steel cable of 0.31 in. diam. The microwave pulses reflect off the material surface and the time of flight results in the distance measurement of empty space. The unit calculates the material level based on your silo height information and transmits this data either through smart RS-485 communications for use with the SiloTrack inventory management system or via a 4–20-mA output signal to a remote receiving device such as a control system or digital display meter.
Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, IL 800-766-6486 www.monitortech.com
Sortation Subsystem
The UniSort MXT sortation subsystem is available for the company’s vhswEDGE central merge. The patent-pending UniSort MXT software enables the vhswEDGE to maximize product density on the infeed line to the sorter, enabling throughputs of up to 400 cartons/min with high-speed sliding-shoe and linear-belt sortation systems. The vhswEDGE is a combination of conveyors configured to facilitate high-speed induction onto a main conveyor line from picking operations in a distribution or manufacturing facility. The addition of UniSort MXT software optimizes the lane-releasing prioritization schemes of the vhswEDGE to control product flow, reduce gaps, and create a steady stream of product inducted into the sorter.
FKI Logistex North America, St. Louis, MO 513-881-5239 www.fkilogistex.com
Vibrators and Drives
Heavy-duty air-powered-piston and rotary-electric vibrators and drives designed for bins, hoppers, chutes, screeners, vibratory feeders, conveyors, tables, and other vibratory applications provide continuous maximum-force operation from 30 lb to more than 40,000 lb. Dust-tight, splash-proof motors provide excellent field performance in harsh environments including dirt, rain, and snow. Heavy-duty construction—including ductile-iron castings, steel end covers, and high-alloy fasteners—ensures long life. Motors are available in 3600, 1800, 1200, and 900-rpm models, from 1/50 to 17½ hp. All units can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
Metso BEST Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com
Manual Dump to Rigid-Bin Weigh-Batching System
This manual dump to rigid-bin weigh-batching system eliminates dust during manual dumping from bags, boxes, drums, and other containers, delumps the material, and feeds it gravimetrically from mezzanine level into rigid bins placed on a floor scale. The dump station features a high-velocity vacuum fan that draws airborne dust from the operator’s atmosphere into two cartridge filters. Automatic reverse-pulse filter cleaning allows continuous, efficient operation; timer-activated solenoid valves release short blasts of compressed plant air inside cartridge filters, causing dust build-up on the outer filter surfaces to fall into the hopper. Filters are accessed easily by removing the interior baffle, and they are replaced rapidly using quick-disconnect fittings.
Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, PA 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com
Plastic Caps
These vinyl plastic caps are available in a range of diameters, lengths, colors, textures, and chemical formulations. As an industrial aid, plastic caps protect products from edge, thread, contaminant, and transit damage. Additionally, they are used as masks for plating, painting, and coating operations. The range of finished-component applications is broad, including handle grips for levers, valves, hand tools, and toys. Non-grip applications include hubcaps, post covers, corner or sharp-edge covers, and packaging to prevent sharp bends in cable or high-pressure hoses. Diameters range from 0.062 to 5.500 in. standard, with molding capabilities up to 20 in. diam and 24 in. long.
Harman Corp., Rochester, MI 248-651-4477 www.harmancorp.com
Open-Construction Weigh-Belt Feeder
This sanitary, stainless-steel gravimetric weigh-belt feeder utilizes the same conveyor components and weighing system as the standard Model 970, but it comes with a self-supporting stand and eliminates the enclosure. Available belt widths are 12, 20, and 24 in. The Model 970N requires less physical space to install and allows hard-to-feed products to be laid directly on the belt. The unit has been used to feed chopped potatoes, fruits/nuts, pet food, lettuce, cereal, sugar, flour, and other food products. Eliminating the enclosure also makes the feeder a good fit for chemical applications.
Merrick Industries Inc., Lynn Haven, FL 800-345-8440 www.merrick-inc.com
Weigh Feeder Refilling System
The Series3 2400 vacuum conveying system is ideal for refilling weigh feeders in continuous- or batch-weighing applications. Vacuum receivers, located above each feeder, deliver material to the feeders at conveying rates up to 6000 lb/hr. One central controller provides control for up to 24 receiver-feeder stations. The system features specially designed blowers, in-line filters, and system controllers. Available materials of construction include stainless steel, epoxy-coated carbon steel, or aluminum.
Premier Pneumatics Inc., Salina, KS 785-825-1611 www.premierpneumatics.com
Rotary-Lobe Vacuum Packages
Vacuum systems feature proprietary Omega rotary-lobe blowers in two-lobe or tri-lobe designs. These positive-displacement units provide consistent vacuum with heavy-duty construction and low noise levels. The packages include inlet and discharge silencers, a high-efficiency, EPAct-compliant TEFC motor, and an automatic v-belt tensioning device. The Com-paK Plus tri-lobe blower package offers lower pulsations and a reduced footprint.
Kaeser Compressors Inc., Fredericksburg, VA 800-777-7873 www.kaeser.com
Platform Systems
The Insta-Rack is used for safe access to the tops of railroad tank cars, hopper cars, and tank trucks. The unit features a single-pedestal platform with access stairway and access equipment. Its delivery time is quick, and it is easy to install. The system can be easily customized—a user can add another gangway for access to another railcar, for example. The company offers a complete line of elevating fall-protection platforms, stationary platforms with and without canopies, portable platforms, safety systems, access equipment, and horizontal lifeline systems.
G-Raff Systems, Cleveland, OH 440-238-4360 www.g-raffsystems.com
Plastic Spray Nozzles
FullJet plastic spray nozzles clean, wash, and rinse. An internal vane, molded into the nozzle, helps produce an even, uniform, full-cone spray pattern and ensures complete and consistent coverage. Constructed of Kynar or polypropylene, the nozzles provide chemical and corrosion resistance and a compact design to simplify mounting and installation. They are available with capacities ranging from 2.4 to 26 gpm and spray angles of 70°, 90°, and 120°.
Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, IL 630-665-5000 www.spray.com
Upgraded Particle-Size Analyzer
The second-generation Partica LA-950 laser diffraction particle-size analyzer retains the measurement performance of the previous version with a number of usability and sampling system upgrades. A redesign of a number of components has strengthened speed, dynamic range, accuracy, and precision capabilities. A number of customer requests have been incorporated into the system design to make the sample system change even faster, improve sampling system accessibility, and broaden the range of accessories available. It offers a wide measurement range (0.01–3000 µm), fast analysis time (one minute sample-to-sample), and powerful sample dispersion. The optical system design, combined with improved components and a highly refined algorithm, provides high accuracy, precision, and resolution. The built-in automation in the hardware and software ensures reproducibility and ease of use. A full range of wet and dry sampling systems are available to optimize the system for specific user requirements. The measurement cell system allows dispersion units to be changed in a matter of seconds.
Horiba Instruments Inc., Irvine, CA 949-250-4811 www.horibalab.com
Digital Frequency Controller
The FQ1_DIG digital frequency controller optimizes the operations of vibratory feeders by varying the frequency and the vibration amplitude, with or without an amplitude sensor. Frequency adjustment can be applied to compensate for the slipping that results from the variation of the system’s mechanical characteristics under different material or temperature conditions. A built-in relay for the vibrator On status controls overfull-sensor PNP and other PNP sensors with a 0–20-second delay.
Elscint Automation, Pune, India +91-20-27122059 www.elscintautomation.com
Direct-Contact Speed Switch
The Series DSS direct-contact speed switch is a compact unit designed to include all mechanical and electronic components in one housing. It produces an output signal at a predetermined speed that may be either under-speed, over-speed, or zero-speed. It features rugged, heavy-duty construction combined with solid-state electronics and photoelectric technology. It protects all valuable rotating equipment, including belt conveyors, bucket elevators, rotary feeders, and screw conveyors. It operates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and mounts in any position.
Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141
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