February 9, 2011

23 Min Read
Technology Review

u29ba_118517.jpgMechanical Silo Unloader
The patented silo arch breaker features a vertical spindle fitted with flexible blades to ensure the mechanical discharge of dry solid materials from silos, rigid bins, or hoppers, while preventing the bulk material from jamming, bridging, compacting, or ratholing caused by vibration or fluidization systems. The mechanical arch breaker not only discharges dry solids gently and efficiently from silo, bins, and containers, but it integrates 1, 2, 3, and/or 4 precise volumetric screw feeders. Each screw feeder is totally independent and can feed up to 15,000 lb/hr with different lengths and throughput variations. Sodimate Inc., Chicago, IL 773-665-8800 www.sodimate-inc.com

Ovu284a_118512.jpg

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ersized Filter Bags
Collectors of ½-1 hp (400 to 1000 CFM) can be made more efficient by adding a larger, scrim-supported felt bag. Felt offers maximum air relief while still capturing dust particles as fine as 1 micron and the scrim provides added strength for greater durability and extended bag life. American Fabric Filter Co., Wesley Chapel, FL 800-367-3591 www.americanfabricfilter.com

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dustrial Vacuum Cleaner
The Longopac continuous collection system on the S3 industrial vacuum cleaner is an easy-to-use feature that can decrease cleaning time and improve productivity. Once installed on the vacuum, the Longopac system is essentially an “endless” collection bag that can be dispensed as needed, to any length and volume. Once filled, the plastic bag can be cut, sealed, disposed, and immediately restored for a new use. Nilfisk CFM, Malvern, PA 800-645-3475 www.nilfiskcfm.com

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e-Belt Case Taper
The SB-2EX case taper provides top and bottom case taping designed for large run case sealing of light or heavyweight, narrow, or small boxes. It utilizes pressure-sensitive tape and features rugged side belt drive. The system’s simple design keep production and maintenance efforts to a minimum and provides fast and efficient alternatives to hand taping. EZ-Tek Industries, Brooklyn Park, MN 800-877-5658 www.eztek.com

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ible Screw Conveyor
The portable base Helix flexible screw conveyor features all the benefits of the fixed conveyor with the added benefit of being portable. These conveyors can be equipped with different size hoppers ranging in capacity from 3.5 to 50 cu ft. Inlet agitators and vibrators are available when dealing with materials that tend to bridge or rat hole. Hapman, Kalamazoo, MI 800-427-6260 www.hapman.com


Metso

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Vibrators and Drives
This full line of BEST heavy-duty air-powered-piston and rotary-electric vibrators and drives is designed for bins, hoppers, chutes, screeners, vibratory feeders, conveyors, tables, and other vibratory applications. All provide continuous maximum-force operation, from 30 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, assures long life. BEST motors are available in 3600-, 1200-, and 900-RPM models. Metso, Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com

Bulk BaSpiroflow Systems Inc.

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g Massagers
Massage therapy for bulk bags helps discharge compacted or otherwise difficult materials at less cost. Optional ‘massagers’ can massage or move 95% of compacted or otherwise difficult-to-discharge materials from bulk bags through an ‘earth-quaking’ treatment at less cost and using less space. Three types of pneumatic powered ‘massage’ paddles are available to aid the flow of compacted, cohesive or sticky materials. Types of massagers available include: side massagers that can be moved vertically to ascertain the optimum position, but it is usually within the lower one third of the bag; base massagers that are used to break up material that has been compacted across the base of the bag; corner massagers that ensure that the maximum solid lump breaking forces are applied from opposite cross corners and ensure that all four corners of the bag are completely emptied. Spiroflow Systems Inc., Monroe, NC 704-291-9595 www.spiroflowsystems.com

SanKason Corp.

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itary, Low-Profile Sifter
The Flo-Thru sanitary sifter model K40-1FT-SS reduces height requirements while increasing screening capacity. The low-profile configuration employs two unbalanced-weight gyratory motors mounted on opposing exterior sidewalls of the unit, instead of one motor positioned beneath the screening chamber, reducing overall height. On-size particles pass rapidly through the 40-in.-diam screen in a vertical straight-through discharge path at higher rates than with circular screeners having a centrally mounted gyratory motor and horizontal discharge paths. Oversize material exits through a side discharge spout. All material contact surfaces, and the floor stand, are of stainless steel with continuous welds polished to cGMP, 3-A, USDA, and FDA standards. Quick-release clamps allow rapid removal of screens and tool-free disassembly of frames for thorough wash down, inspection, and screen changes. Kason Corp., Millburn, NJ 973-467-8140 www.kason.com

ConveMartin Engineering USA

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yor Idler Aligner
This conveyor idler aligner features a safe and effective method to manually fine tune OEM-style self-adjusting idlers. It ensures precise adjustment, using a handle and comb for course modification, with slots for finer tuning. The aligner bracket mounts to most manufacturers’ self-aligning idlers, allowing for broad application. To improve safety, the design eliminates the need to tie off idlers to the surrounding structure, and the locking bar features a hole for padlock placement to restrict access and handle movement. The slotted comb on the new idler provides a range of incremental adjustment settings (±7.5°) to ensure consistent performance. The handle can also be allowed to float freely on top of the locking bar to provide course adjustments of ±2.5°. Martin Engineering USA, Neponset, IL 800-544-2947 www.martin-eng.com

HoriBinMaster

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zontal Rotary Extension
This horizontal rotary extension provides the ability to install a rotary through the side of a bin wall, such as those in concrete silos, up to 12 in. thick. This extension design allows for rotaries to be side-mounted with minimal risk of damage during operations. This optional assembly includes an extended drive shaft with a protective shaft guard that keeps the shaft centered and the “no packing” seal at the end of the shaft. Standard lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 in. are available for both the MAXIMA+ or BMRX rotaries. BinMaster, Lincoln, NE 800-278-4241 www.binmaster.com

HydrauCardinal Scale Mfg. Co.

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lic Load Cells
Cardinal Scale has added eight new Guardian hydraulic load cell models that are 100%-American designed and manufactured in the U.S. in an ISO-9001-registered facility. NTEP, OIML, and VCAP certification ensure consistent quality in performance, fit, and function. Load cells are offered in a variety of configurations including single-point, compression, tension, double-ended shear beams, and single-ended shear beam cells utilizing strain gauge and hydraulic technologies. Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.CardinalScale.com

Heavy CaFairbanks Scales Inc.

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pacity Truck Scale
The Trident is a new truck scale design featuring a factory-poured, factory-cured, engineered concrete system with traceable compressive strength, providing buyers with all the benefits of a concrete deck scale with the fast installation advantages of a steel deck scale. Three key advantages include: one-day installation – a concrete deck scale delivered ready for same day installation and use; no-risk concrete – factory-specified and controlled TensileCore engineered concrete system eliminates enemies of concrete; longer-lasting – engineered for longer life than steel deck scales by integrating superior structural design concepts. Fairbanks Scales Inc., Kansas City, MO 816-448-4288 www.fairbanks.com

CentrifuEastern Instruments

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gal Feeder
The CentriFeeder with Integrated Control Valve (ICV) is both a controlled feed device and a mass flow measurement device in a single multi-functioning unit, designed to accurately measure and control the flow of any dry, free-flowing solid. Using a highly customizable touch screen HMI equipped with an integrated Servo, (low rpm, AC, Brushless) a PID control loop is established to control the ICV feeding the patented CentriFlow Meter. The resulting output signal can be transmitted via a variety of communications protocols, to either a centralized, Master HMI, or to a PLC, for the accurate mixing, blending, batching, coating, or ratio-control of a variety of products. The outcome is an easily maintained, consistent flow that can, under some conditions, be controlled over a 100:1 range in almost any industry. Eastern Instruments, Wilmington, NC 910-392-2490 www.easterninstruments.com

Govoni Sim Bianca Impianti S.p.A

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Dust Collection Filters
Pictured is a top removal model FBI to be installed on top of silos and hoppers. These filters are available with ATEX certification and are produced in aluminum, stainless steel, and painted carbon steel. Benefits include: easy maintenance; high filtering capacity; low noise; low load losses; maximum cleaning surface area involved in cleaning; longer duration of filtering sleeves; and absence of moving parts. Govoni Sim Bianca Impianti S.p.A, Casumaro (Ferrara), Italy +39 0516847203 www.gsbimpianti.com

Chantland-MHS

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Open-Mouth Bag Filler

The 4198 Weighmaster II open-mouth bag filler is designed to fill bags, boxes, pails, small totes, or drums with dry pelleted, flaked, granular, or powdered products such as spice blends, flours, salted meat cures, dairy powders, plastic resins, chemicals, tile grouts, livestock supplements, and similar materials. Filling rates up to five 50-lb weighments per minute and accuracies of +/- 2/10 of a pound can be achieved depending upon product characteristics. Chantland-MHS, Humboldt, IA 515-332-4045 www.chantland.com

GraMaguire Products Inc.vimetric Blender
A new model of the MaxiBatch gravimetric blender provides a new throughput option for plastics processors, enabling them to obtain the advantages of Weigh Scale Blenders (WSBs) while precisely and efficiently dosing large quantities of hard-to-handle bulk powders. The MaxiBatch 2400 WSB is rated for process throughputs of up to 6000 lb/hr — 50% less than the 3000 model but 17% greater than the largest standard Maguire blender, the WSB 1800. At the same time, the smaller unit provides the same diverse capabilities that distinguish MaxiBatch blenders from standard WSBs. Besides accommodating higher volumes than standard WSBs, these blenders handle raw materials in a wider variety of forms, including regular pellets and regrind, bulk powders, flake, and ingredients that are especially bridge-prone, such as wood flour. The blenders accommodate up to 12 removable hoppers for as many ingredients, and the hoppers incorporate different dispensing devices, each designed for precise dosing of a particular type of raw material into the weigh chamber. Maguire Products Inc., Aston, PA 610-459-4300 www.maguire.com

Bin LevBlueLevel Technologiesel Indicator
The high-temp Model RH/RHX is a rotary paddle bin level indicator with extension, air purge, mounting plate, and mounting seal of complete stainless steel construction for excellent corrosion resistance in high-temperature environments. Features include: flexible folding paddles; bright locally visible LEDs that indicate material normal and alarm conditions; DPDT relay output fail-safe on power failure; four bearings for smooth shaft rotation; automatic motor shutoff when material is present; food-grade materials of construction. BlueLevel Technologies, Rock Falls, IL 888-615-3835 www.blueleveltechnologies.com

Label Tharo Systems Inc.Net Print Server
Easylabel Net Print Server (ELNPS) is an application that provides a Web browser-based interface for label selection and printing. Users of Web browsers on Windows PCs, non-Windows computers running Linux or Unix, Apple Mac, and even a hand-held PDA can easily browse and select a label format. Although ELNPS clients can be any system with a Web browser, the ELNPS Label Server must be a Windows-based system because of ELNPS’s use of ASP.NET. The format is selected for printing by either a thumbnail image or format name. After selection you may fill in any variable information and request a specific amount of labels to be printed. You may then submit the job for printing through the application running on a Windows-based Label Server PC. Label design can be done on the Windows-based Label Server PC using Easylabel, or on any other Windows-based PC running a licensed version of Easylabel. You also can import existing formats that were created using any version of Easylabel. A hardware licensing key is necessary on the Label Server PC. No software needs to be installed on the client PCs. Tharo Systems Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-878-6833 www.tharo.com

Thirty-GaExair Corp.llon Chip Vacuum
This chip vacuum picks up chips and delivers them to an ordinary 30-gal drum. It can easily be moved from drum to drum to keep different materials separate for recycling. It is used to clean chips from fixtures, floors, and work surfaces of machining centers, lathes, saws, mills, and other industrial equipment. The compressed air-powered unit creates a powerful direct flow action that effectively moves metal, wood, or plastic chips into a 30-gal drum. Dusty materials such as absorbents are trapped by the 0.1-micron filter bag to keep the surrounding air clean. No motors to clog or wear out assures long life with virtually no maintenance. The unit is covered by a five-year warranty. Exair Corp., Cincinnati, OH 800-903-9247 www.exair.com

Solimar PneumaticsMini-Fluidizer in Various Colors
Customers now have a choice of color for the patent-pending Mini-Fluidizer that prevents bridging, rat-holing, and compacting in silos, bins, hoppers, and pipes. The white silicone disk is preferred by processors handling food-grade products, while the current blue disk is generally chosen for industrial applications. The Mini is a 2-in.-diam version of the 4-in.-diam fluidizer used in thousands of applications. Solimar Pneumatics, Minneapolis, MN 800-233-7109 www.solimarpneumatics.com

Sifter Parts & Service Inc.

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Magnetic, Metal Detectable Screen Cleaners
The use of FDA-approved polyurethane screen cleaning balls and cubes prevent sifter screens from clogging with product. Polyurethane balls are more abrasion resistant than screen cleaners manufactured of other materials and provide a longer life. Unlike rubber or neoprene, polyballs are non-porous and extremely oil, moisture, and chemical resistant. The addition of a stainless steel core to the ball and cube make them both magnetic and metal detectable. Polyballs range in size from 5/8 to 2 in. in diameter. Sifter Parts & Service Inc., Wesley Chapel, FL 800-367-3591 www.sifterparts.com

PalColumbia Machine Inc.

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letizer with Fully Integrated Stretch Wrapper
The Model FL1000-SW combines a rugged, heavy-duty small footprint palletizer with the added functionality of a fully integrated stretch wrapper. Requiring no modification, the FL1000-SW can simultaneously stack and stretch wrap a wide variety of package types including cases, trays, totes, film only, and display packs for a variety of industries including canned and frozen foods, beverage, pharmaceutical, and more. It includes formed and welded steel construction and 80-pitch hoist chain. Columbia Machine Inc., Vancouver, WA 800-628-4065 www.palletizing.com

BaghoFilterSense

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use Software
FilterWare for baghouses and other types of fabric filter dust collection systems, such as pulse-jet cartridge collectors, enables improved process control, maintenance planning, and automated EPA reporting turn-key compliant to 40 CFR 63, while simultaneously providing plants with other return on investment capabilities such as reduced operating costs and downtime prevention. The software provides process control and visualization, report generation, and remote services. The software interfaces with the company’s range of diagnostic baghouse controllers, intelligent pulse-jet timers, particulate monitors, and filter leak/broken bag detectors, as well as third-party instrumentation and controls. Stand-alone and plant-wide systems are available. FilterSense, Beverly, MA 978-927-4304 www.filtersense.com

Time CondiKey Technology Inc.

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tion Analysis Tool
RemoteMD is a real-time condition analysis tool for G6 optical sorters – Manta, Optyx, and Tegra – as well as G6 ADR automatic defect removal systems. RemoteMD is the newest addition to the PROliance suite of services and support solutions designed to keep sorting, conveying, and processing systems operating at peak performance. Like other PROliance services and support solutions, RemoteMD (monitoring and diagnostics) helps customers improve equipment performance, increase uptime, enhance maintenance efficiency, and extend equipment life. It proactively monitors the condition of the sorter or ADR, assesses the status, and alerts the customer if problems are detected. Key Technology Inc., Walla Walla, WA 509-529-2161 www.key.net

Stafford Manufacturing Corp.

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Shaft Collars & Couplings
Standard and custom collars and couplings are offered in a wide range of designs for building and maintaining conveyor drive systems and frame structures. These components feature a wide range of shaft collars and couplings that are supplied in many special-purpose designs to assist machinery builders. Included are hex and square bore collars for positive drive applications, flange collars for mounting equipment, rigid couplings for connecting motors and shafts, threaded bore collars for adjustability, mounting collars for sensors and cameras, and standard round bore collars. Suitable for use in a variety of application environments, the components are available machined from materials such as steel, stainless steels, aluminum, brass, bronze, Delrin, nylon, and high-temperature alloys. Stafford Manufacturing Corp., North Reading, MA 800-695-5551 www.staffordmfg.com

PneumatMAC Equipment

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ic Conveying System
The E-finity pneumatic conveying system is used for the gentle and efficient handling of fragile materials. It uses an air control system to operate a continuous dense-phase convey system using an airlock to feed material into the convey line. Precise pressure monitoring and airflow corrections allow the system to operate efficiently under all conditions and gently induce materials through the convey line in slug form. The conveying system is ideally suited for granular and pelleted materials and has proven itself on many variations of pet foods, cereals, nuts, and grains. MAC Equipment, Kansas City, MO 800-821-2476 www.macequipment.com

BuMaterial Transfer Storage

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lk Bag Discharging and Feeding System
The patented Material Master Bulk Bag Discharging System provides sealed discharge of fine, dusty powders. A Sure-Seal actuated spout clamping system seals the bag discharge spout for dust-tight operation, while a Flo-Master bag massaging system and variable speed gravimetric feeder provide reliable metering of materials. A Flo-Lock actuated discharge spout closure system halts material flow for partial bag discharging. The system includes a custom operator access platform and fully integrated dust collection. Product contact surfaces are polished 304 stainless steel. Systems are custom designed to specific application requirements. Material Transfer and Storage, Allegan, MI 800-836-7068 www.materialtransfer.com

Eriez

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Metal Detector Standard Conveyor Systems
E-Z Tec DSP metal detector standard conveyor systems provide users with a high level of protection against ferrous and nonferrous metal contamination. The standard conveyor system includes a continuously welded series 304 stainless steel frame, wash-down drive, variable speed control, UHMW slider bed, food-grade polypropylene (plastic chain) belt, belt-stop reject with beacon and horn combination and reject reset button. The conveyor electronics are housed within a NEMA 4X enclosure with a start/stop switch for the conveyor. The entire system is supported by adjustable articulated foot pads. These units are designed and manufactured in the U.S. and available for quick shipment, typically one to two weeks. Eriez, Erie, PA 888-300-3743 www.eriez.com

VacPiab USA Inc.

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uum Conveyors
Fully-pneumatic, C Series vacuum conveyors feature tool-free dismantling and easy cleaning. The conveyors are hygienic, making them ideal for a variety of food processing applications, including moving materials like coffee beans, blending ingredients, loading and unloading mixers or blenders, and transporting large quantities of fresh ingredients into packaging machinery without causing damage in the process. Powered by pneumatically driven vacuum pumps, these conveyors safely and quietly transport up to 7 tn/hr of powders and granules in virtually any food industry environment. Piab USA Inc., Hingham, MA 800-321-7422 www.piab.com

PneK-Tron Process Group/K-Tron Premier

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umatic Conveying Vacuum Receivers
These vacuum sequencing central receivers are designed for pneumatically conveying powder, pellet, regrind, granular materials, and PVC compound. The Series 2400 powder and pellet receivers provide a high-capacity sequencing system primarily used on multiple destination applications where larger conveying rates or long distances are required. Materials of construction include aluminum, carbon, and stainless steel. Conveying rates range from 720 to 15,000 lb/hr. The P-Series sanitary receivers are ideal for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Three models include the P10 conveying up to 1320 lb/hr, the P30 conveying up to 4000 lb/hr, and the P100 for up to 8800 lb/hr. K-Tron Process Group/K-Tron Premier, Salina, KS 785-825-1611 www.ktronprocessgroup.com

Sentry Equipment Corp.

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Automatic Sampler Controller
The Model SBC controller can control every automatic sampler in the Sentry product line. It consolidates over 50 controller designs into one operator-friendly, stand alone controller. This out-of-the-box sampler controller simplifies plant operation, offering an intuitive operator interface and featuring both local and remote operating modes. It is a dedicated logic control system specifically designed for use with Sentry samplers in a general purpose environment. Installation requires just a few simple connections, and the Quick Start screen guides the operator through the steps for setup. Sentry Equipment Corp., Oconomowoc, WI 262-567-7256 www.sentry-equip.com

Flow CoKemutec

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ntrol Valve
The Mucon Iris Diaphragm Valve (IDV) is a versatile flow control valve for dry bulk solids. The valve is capable of closing around product lumps, or even foreign bodies trapped during closure, while still providing an effective seal to smaller particles and dust. This feature has enabled the valve to be used for a variety of unusual applications, including clean room service glanding. The Mucon Series K valve is used to seal around tubes passing through a wall separating two clean rooms with slightly different pressures, eliminating the pressure loss between the rooms. The valve is fully manufactured in stainless steel and fitted with a FDA-approved diaphragm. Kemutec, Bristol, PA 215-788-8013 www.KemutecUSA.com

PneuMagnetic Products Inc.

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matic Separators
Pneumatic separators are designed for use in pneumatic processing systems. Pneumatic Line Magnets (PLM) and Pneumatic Tube Magnets (PTM) effectively remove inbound tramp metal contaminants from product streams conveyed by air in horizontal or vertical processing lines. Typical applications include powder or granular food products, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and chemicals. These separators easily install in an existing conveying line and are designed to maintain a continuous flow through the housing with no reduction in product velocity. Engineered for the rugged plant environment, they have durable, easy-to-clean, all stainless steel construction to ensure compliance with tight sanitary regulations. Magnetic Products Inc., Highland, MI 248-887-5600 www.mpimagnet.com

ExpaSifter Parts & Service Inc.

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ndable Gyratory Sifter
Formerly known under the names of Allis Chalmers, Ferrell Ross, and Blount, the all metal stacked deck Model CS-1 gyratory sifter is capable of providing from two to four separations of any dry free-flowing product from ¼-in. in size down to 400 mesh. The sifter has the ability to screen up to 50,000 lb/hr and its passive, gentle gyratory motion keeps the product in constant contact with the screen for maximum capacity. The sifter can provide from 5 to 35 sq ft of screening surface simply by adding additional screen decks. This is all done in a 4 x 4 ft footprint, minimizing the space required to operate the sifter. The sifter is BISSC certified. Sifter Parts & Service Inc., Wesley Chapel, FL 800-367-3591 www.sifterparts.com

Nilfisk Industrial Vacuums

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Three-Phase Explosion-Proof Vacuum Cleaner
The CFM CD 3507 EXP is an explosion-proof vacuum that is ideal for larger combustible dust jobs, including process-integration to collect dust at the source or as part of a central vacuum system used throughout the plant. The vacuum cleaner is CSA-approved for use in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F, and G environments. Constructed of non-sparking stainless steel, the vacuum features an explosion-proof regenerative blower with a three-phase TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) induction motor with few moving parts and long service life. Other features include an antistatic filter with large surface area that guarantees high filtration efficiency and prevents premature clogging.

The vacuum is available with manual or automatic filter cleaning system to easily clean the main filter, without opening up the vacuum. Nilfisk Industrial Vacuums, Morgantown, PA, 800-645-3475 www.explosionproof-vacuum.com

Herkules Equipment Corp.

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Hydraulic Scissor Lift & Tilt with Conveyor
The lift system allows for loading and assembling components to an extruded aluminum frame before sliding to another assembly cell, using the conveyor, onto another lift table for further assembly. The hydraulic lift & tilt system, powered by 220 V, offers up to 90 degrees of tilt angle with 100 in. of conveyor to accommodate the assembly process that begins in a full vertical angle. Standard safety features on all EnKon lift systems include captured roller wheels to prevent tipping and stop arms to lock the lift in a raised position. Herkules Equipment Corp., Walled Lake, MI 800-444-4351 www.enkonsystems.com

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