Andritz Inc. and SST Wireless Inc. are collaborating to produce a customized version of SST’s wireless heat sensor technology for deployment on Andritz’s wood pelletizers as an OEM option.

The system will include SST’s high-temperature sensors that are installed directly on to the rollers to provide real-time monitoring of critical temperatures. Andritz will install a complete system at its Muncy, PA facility to demonstrate the technology and establish best practices and recommendations to reduce downtime and accidents caused by overheating of rollers and bearing shafts.

The global demand for wood pellets as a cleaner fuel source used in heating and energy generation has placed tremendous pressure on the industry and the equipment manufacturers to produce higher volumes, quicker and cheaper. Unfortunately, this increase in production has resulted in several accidents with tragic loss of life and economic impact to communities.

SST’s Wireless Industrial Heat Detection (WIHD) offers an opportunity to directly measure the temperature of the rollers and other critical components inside the pellet machines while in operation. The system relays temperature readings in real time which provides actionable data for operators.

“The safety of our customers with proper operation and maintenance of our equipment has always been a priority for us,” said Greg Alles, general manager of Andritz BioMass division. “The addition of wireless sensors provides greater visibility in to the operational condition of our machines in real time and provides a valuable new tool for our customers. We are looking forward to delivering this innovative technology to our customers.”

The small wireless sensors are designed to measure temperatures up to 257°F and will last for up to a year. Sensors can be easily configured and managed through the Master Control Module that can accommodate using 900 MHz, Wifi, GSM, and Bluetooth to the Base Station system and beyond through the Internet.

“Our collaboration with Andritz will help deliver on our core directive to increase safety, reduce operational downtime and environmental impact,” said Christopher Chong, president & CEO of SST Wireless Inc. “We are very pleased with Andritz’s proactive decision to offer our technology to their customers to help them operate their equipment safely at optimal efficiency. We look forward to working with Andritz and their customers to continually improve our technology and products.”

Andritz Group is a globally leading supplier of plants, equipment, and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, and solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors. The publicly listed, international technology Group is headquartered in Graz, Austria, and has a staff of about 24,100 employees. Andritz operates more than 250 production sites, as well as service and sales companies all around the world.

SST Wireless is a developer and manufacturer of industrial wireless sensors and technologies that help increase safety, reduce operational downtime, and decrease environmental impact. Products range from extreme Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) deployed on mine haul trucks, public transit vehicles to high heat detection for wood pellet machines. The company collaborates with global leaders including Andritz, Kal Tire Group, and New Flyer Industries to commercialize innovative solutions to challenges that can be best solved with wireless sensors and devices.

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