Bulk-Bag-to-Bin Weigh Batching System
This weigh batching system discharges material from bulk bags, delumps the product, and feeds it gravimetrically into rigid bins. The unloader’s bulk-bag-to-hopper interface consists of a manual spout-lock clamp ring at the top of a pneumatically actuated Tele-Tube telescoping tube, allowing an operator to make a high-integrity, sealed connection between the clean side of the bag spout and the clean side of the hopper, and to automatically elongate the bag as it empties to promote flow and evacuation. Above the connection point is a Power-Cincher pneumatically actuated flow control valve that cinches the bag spout concentrically, allowing retying of partially empty bags with no dusting. The unloader is also equipped with Flow-Flexer bag activators that raise and lower opposite bottom edges of the bag at timed intervals, loosening compacted materials and promoting material flow into the bag discharge spout. The unloader’s surge hopper discharges into a low-profile delumping device with dual rotors and three-point heads that break up agglomerates that have formed in the bag. On-size material is discharged into a gravimetric feeder that is connected via PLC to a scale on the plant floor, allowing accurate batch weights to be loaded into rigid totes placed on the scale.
Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, PA 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com

Portable Data Analyzer
The Black Box is a portable diagnostic system that monitors air flow, emissions, Delta P, and O2 inlet/outlet, and detects broken bags within a baghouse/dust collector. The system, which can be used on a short- or long-term testing basis, also assists in achieving MACT compliance. It can be used for such troubleshooting as locating failed solenoid and diaphragm valves, isolating failed rows to reduce emissions until repair, testing new filter media, and obtaining accurate product comparison readings during conversions. Data are saved in a built-in portable controller that can be wirelessly downloaded to any laptop. There is a built-in PLC for automated cleaning with separate diagnostic machines. The box is also available in a permanent diagnostic system that extends filter bag life through optimal cleaning cycles, minimizes production downtime through instant broken-bag detection, reduces compressed-air use through instant detection of failed diaphragms, provides energy savings through reduced energy consumption, and reduces maintenance downtime through early preventative alarms.
Midwesco Filter Resources Inc., Winchester, VA 800-336-7300 www.midwescofilter.com

Recipe Batching Software
Softbatch recipe batching software is a user-configurable software/hardware application for recipe processing. Designed specifically for FB 3000 series instruments, it can be added to any LAN to provide a user with seamless data acquisition in a PC-compatible format for food processing, chemical processing, feed mixing, or almost any other recipe application.
Fairbanks Scales, Kansas City, MO 816-448-4288 www.fairbanks.com