Technology Review 843

Compact Spray System
The AutoJet Model 1550 modular spray system ensures accurate, precise placement of the liquid being sprayed to minimize waste. The system provides automatic on-off control of electrically and pneumatically actuated spray nozzles, and offers greater precision than manual operation or devices such as solenoid valves. The automatic control of air and liquids provided by the system yields many benefits. Proper flow and drop size eliminates quality control problems due to uneven application and improves worker safety by minimizing misting and overspray. Accurate spray placement on the target reduces the use of costly chemicals and coatings, and reduces mess and maintenance time.
Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, IL 630-517-1222 www.spray.com

Moisture Gauge
The MCT330HD heavy-duty NIR moisture gauge is designed to handle difficult processing environments. The sealed stainless-steel enclosure ensures resistance to high temperatures and the ability to withstand washdown locations. Complemented with a touch screen LCD operator interface and optional interfaces (Ethernet, DeviceNet, Modbus, and Profibus), the unit offers continuous moisture measurement in harsh environments. Software options include Windows-based PSC Viewer Software or OPC-DDE Server.
Process Sensors Corp., Milford, MA 508-473-9901 www.processsensors.com

Ball Vibrators
The Model AB line of ball-type industrial vibrators produces a high ratio of force to physical weight. Some of these small, lightweight industrial-grade pneumatic vibrators offer force ratings over 1000 lb to solve material flow problems. The AB line includes three mounting and port configurations—the Models ABF, ABU, and ABL—providing application flexibility. The units have only one moving part, a chrome steel ball that rotates on hardened steel races. In addition, the vibrators are rugged and designed for continuous duty. Interchangeable with other manufacturers’ units, they can be used within a wide range of industrial applications.
Cougar Industries Inc., Peru, IL 800-262-2106 www.cougarindustries.com

Railcar Opener
This redesigned version of the railcar opener improves the unit’s ability to stay in contact with railcar gates featuring rack-and-pinion opening mechanisms. Used to open the discharge gates on bottom-dump railroad hopper cars, the unit improves unloading efficiency and reduces safety risks for personnel. It features pivoting wheels that allow it to roll along the track to maintain contact with the traveling capstan of rack-and-pinion on AAR S-233-92 standard hopper car gates.
Martin Engineering, Neponset, IL 800-544-2947 www.martin-eng.com

Diverter Valve
This valve diverts the flow of pneumatically conveyed material to either of two tubes. Multiple valves can be used in a series to design a complete multipoint discharge system. Material flow is diverted by a flapper-style divert vane that can be manually or pneumatically operated. Valves are USDA accepted and are available in 3-, 4-, and 6-in. models.
Nu-Con Equipment, Chanhassen, MN 952-279-5210 www.nucon.com

Feeder-Vacuum System
The Feed-Vac Vibro-Energy separator system combines the functions of conveying, storage, feeding, and screening of dry materials into one complete unit. The result is an increase in productivity and savings in capital, space, and energy. The system is comprised of the Vibro-Energy separator with the ability to size product into two to five fractions, combined with the Accu-Feed System, a conical storage bin with an adjustable feed controller. This combination eliminates the need for a separate feeder and hopper while optimizing efficiency. The final component is an adaptable vacuum conveying system capable of transporting most dry powder or granule products through a dedicated pipe system to the Accu-Feed and separator.
Sweco, Florence, KY 800-807-9326 www.sweco.com

Flexible Attritor
This batch-type attritor allows wet or dry grinding and the interchangeability of different tank sizes on one mill. The design allows users to operate the mill either as an SD-50 or a smaller SD-30 (if using smaller batches) by simply interchanging the tanks. The energy-efficient SD-50 can handle a broad range of dry grinding applications including ceramics, carbides, metal powders, pigments, glass frits, and mechanical alloying. This particular mill was constructed with an optional explosionproof design that features explosionproof controls and a variable frequency drive that is mounted outside the hazardous area. Special covers can be purchased that allow for cryogenic grinding and grinding under an inert atmosphere.
Union Process Inc., Akron, OH 330-929-3333 www.unionprocess.com

Ultrasanitary Crusher
The Delumper S4 series crusher features an ultrasanitary design, powerful crushing capabilities, and positive once-through chopping action that reduces the product to desired output, without overgrinding. This precision-built crusher is specifically designed to meet the high standards of the food, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries. The unit reduces homogenous or heterogeneous materials; dry powders; and resinous, hard, or soft agglomerates without degrading the product or causing a rise in temperature. It operates with a low noise level and minimal vibration, and is engineered to fit into open or closed systems via flanged connections, such as ducts, chutes, or pipes. A side door provides easy access to the interior and allows the entire internal mechanism to slide out or be cleaned in place.
Franklin Miller Inc., Livingston, NJ 973-535-9200 www.franklinmiller.com

Screw Feeder
This screw feeder combines the versatility of flexible hopper technology with a 2-in-1 feed screw option that improves gravimetric batch accuracy. Historically, users had to choose between speed and accuracy. A screw large enough to provide the desired batch speed also caused feeders to routinely overshoot the set point with varying results. Because the PosiPortion feeder actually uses two independently driven screws, situated one inside of the other, it is capable of delivering precision batches quickly.
Hapman, Kalamazoo, MI 800-427-6260 www.ideasthatmove.com

Blower Packages
These Com-paK Plus rotary lobe blower packages range from 5 to 200 hp with flows from 60 to 2295 scfm. Quick-Ship blower packages include the optimized and proprietary tri-lobe Omega Plus profile and a large motor, along with silencers, instrumentation, and valves. All maintenance points, including the automatic belt tensioning device, oil drains, and filter elements, are accessible through the wide-opening canopy on the front. All power and process connections are at the rear, allowing multiple units to be mounted side-by-side with no need for additional access clearance. The standard sound-dampening enclosure lowers typical noise levels to 75 dBa or less. An integral ventilation fan provides efficient cooling, even under extreme load conditions.
Kaeser Compressors Inc., Fredericksburg, VA 800-777-7873 www.kaeser.com/omega

Pneumatic Housing
Based on its drawer-in-housing platform, the pneumatic housing incorporates a series of 1-in.-diam, 50 MgOe rare earth tubes on staggered centers. This is in contrast to single center-flow cartridge circuits often prescribed for pneumatic line systems. This configuration ensures that all product flowing through the housing makes repeated contact with the magnets. The resulting capture rate of ferrous and weakly magnetic stainless contaminants exceeds other magnetic separators available for this type of application.
Industrial Magnetics Inc., Boyne City, MI 888-582-0821 www.magnetics.com

Bin Vibrators
These electromagnetic bin vibrators maintain the flow of bulk materials from bins, hoppers, and chutes. An optional, easily adjustable control provides flexibility and ensures optimum flow for any type of material being handled. The units can be operated either continuously or intermittently, depending upon customer requirements. To ensure the highest standard of quality, they are factory tested and adjusted for optimum performance. All models feature totally enclosed, dust-tight construction. Even waterproof models can be made available on request. Since these vibrators have no rotating or sliding parts, they are virtually maintenance free.
Elscint Automation, Pune, India +91 2027122059 www.elscintautomation.com

Discharge Trough Feeder Valve
The DTFV valve can be used in trough-style dust collectors, replacing short screw conveyors, discharge hoppers, or high-capacity units in which standard rotary airlock valves do not provide the required throughput. The valve has a maximum number of blades that contact the body at one time, leaving throughput unaffected. A substantial throat opening at the valve entry point allows for high pocket-filling efficiency. The robust body is adequately stiffened to prevent distortion, while heavy shaft diameters minimize rotor deflection.
ACS Valves, Caledonia, ON Canada 800-655-3447 www.acsvalves.com

Replacement Vibrators for Dust Collectors
A variety of replacement vibrators are available for use on dust collectors, including both pneumatic and electric options. SPV series electric vibrators are available in both single- and three-phase models. Energy-efficient piston vibrators are available in standard impacting models for the maximum force output, and can also be supplied in timed-impact and reduced-noise configurations. Pneumatic rotary vibrators such as turbine and ball type vibrators are also available. The company offers direct-drop-in replacements for many makes and models, as well as free cross-referencing, sizing, and troubleshooting assistance.
Houston Vibrator, Houston, TX 800-320-4044 www.houstonvibrator.com

Vertical Material Lift
The modular design of the TL series vertical material lift offers reduced installation time while providing a reliable means of transporting material between two levels. The all-mechanical design reduces noise and maintenance while providing a chemically clean workplace. Available with a standard carriage size of 36 × 36 × 66 in., the unit offers load capacities up to 350 lb, travel heights from 8 to 15 ft, dual loading heights of 3 or 33 in., and single- or three-phase power.
Custom Industrial Products Inc., Melbourne, FL 800-699-2212 www.customindprod.com

Loss-in-Weight Rotary Feeder
The LWY-SC-RF loss-in-weight rotary feeder is designed to handle extremely free-flowing and fluidizable materials. This unit was developed in direct response to customers that were experiencing poor feeding accuracy with conventional LIW screw feeders handling fine materials. This design incorporates a rotary feeder that comes in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet a wide range of feeding needs. Ideally suited for applications discharging into pneumatic conveying systems, the feeder system can be configured for either continuous LIW feeding or batch. Weighing is done through a patented low deflection, nonwearing FMSS (Force Measurement Suspension System) flexure scale that measures vertical loading and can take high load directed overloads.
Thayer Scale–Hyer Industries Inc., Pembroke, MA 781-826-8101 www.thayerscale.com

Net-Weigh Bagging Scale
Built specifically for corrosive industrial applications, the Model 600NW stainless-steel net-weigh bagging scale combines a robust design with increased accuracy. It is capable of high-speed operation of up to 24 bags/min on standard models, and even faster speeds with servo control options. The unit is available with a wide variety of feeders for virtually every product type. Available in simplex or duplex configurations, the scale offers several hand-bagging chute options or can be used with automated form, fill, and seal bagging machines.
Hamer, Plymouth, MN 800-927-4674 www.hamerinc.com

Backward Inclined Fan
Capture and a control of emissions are accomplished by creating air movement. Most fan designs can move air through a filter or dust collector. This backward inclined fan can be installed on the clean side of the dust collector, permitting correct airflow. It can be base mounted in arrangement 1, 8, or 9 design, or flange mounted in arrangement 4. In addition, this fan is available in three different blade choices including airfoil, backward curved, and flat-blade design with operating efficiencies above 85%. This allows for a wide range of solutions for dust control.
The New York Blower Co., Willowbrook, IL 800-208-7918, www.nyb.com