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January 6, 2011
9 Min Read
.svg?width=850&auto=webp&quality=95&format=jpg&disable=upscale "Weighing Spotlight - January 2011")
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Remote Weight DisplayFeaturing dual-row, 5-in.-high LED digits, the SB500 remote display provides maximum weight visibility up to 250 ft away. Typically used with vehicles scales, it features a red/green traffic light and four-way directional arrows for traffic coordination of trucks pulling on and off a scale for weighments. Custom programmable software is also offered so the user can create his own characters or graphics for the SB500. The NEMA 4/IP65 steel enclosure with built-in rain hood protects the display against harsh elements. Multiple displays may be daisy-chained together for viewing multiple axles and total weight simultaneously. Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.CardinalScale.com
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Bulk Bag Filler with Weigh DeviceThis bulk bag filler system, handling irregular, non free-flowing, adhesive material, is specifically designed to ensure the filled weight of each bulk bag is accurate to +/- .01% of the 2000-lb, filled-bag capacity. To support a total process rate of 24,000 lb/hr, it uses an automated, NTEP-certified weigh device linked to the system-wide, central HMI. This NTEP-certified weigh system design received certification based on performing 7000 consecutive weigh cycles to a +/- .01% accuracy. Rather than a bolt-on component that may vary in calibration, this weigh system is integrated during fabrication to ensure repeatable, reliable performance. National Bulk Equipment Inc., Holland, MI 616-399-2220 www.nbe-inc.com
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Continuous Weigh FeedersBetter-Weigh continuous feeders are used for gravimetric feeding of dry bulk materials where it is necessary to determine actual feed rates on a loss-of-weight basis. Available in seven models with feed rates from 1 to 550 cu ft/hr (larger sizes available), they are designed to provide feeding in either batch or continuous mode, depending upon the arrangement of the feeder’s control electronics. In batch mode, the batch controller is used to control the fast (bulk) and slow (dribble) speeds of the feeder. Accuracies of + 0.5% can be easily achieved in 2-lb or less batches, and + 0.25% with 3-lb or greater batches with time spans of 30 to 90 seconds. In continuous mode, the feeder’s electronic controller is used to constantly monitor loss of weight of material per time in order to maintain a continuous loss of weight with an accuracy of + 0.25% to 0.50%. Standard features include a platform or lever balance scale, sealed tactile keyboard, 7-digit numerical keyboard, automatic manual batching, and 2- or 5-cu-ft hopper. Sanitary construction is also available. Metalfab Inc., Vernon, NJ 800-764-2999 www.metalfabinc.com
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Weigh FeedersThe Model 407 Series “weight-loss” weigh feeders feature a compact design with a small footprint resulting in low overall space requirements. Yet, the units are versatile and available with a variety of different metering mechanisms capable of feeding a broad range of even the most difficult-handling dry solids materials. They incorporate a robust design, featuring a high-resolution, “non-load cell”-based weighing mechanism that never requires field calibration or adjustment. The weighing system, including its associated electronics, is unconditionally guaranteed for five full years. Acrison Inc., Moonachie, NJ 201-440-8300 www.acrison.com
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Precision Weigh CellThe slim design weigh cell uses the principle of Electro-Magnetic Force Restoration (EMFR) with active self-damping to ensure fast sampling every 1ms. With a weighing range up to 2000g, an active dead range of 2000g, and resolutions of up to 0.00005g, it is ideal for fast accurate process weighing applications. No A/D conversion is required. Direct communication is accomplished via RS-422 or Can-Open. An internal forceless electrical connection ensures high-speed precision. Options for filling algorithm and measuring changeover are available. A mechanical option for a lift-up system used for a cup-filling or tube-filling machine can be designed for your inprocess weighing application. Wipotec North America, Marietta, GA 770-971-5414 www.wipotec.com
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Bag Dump Weigh Batching SystemThis sanitary bag dump weigh batch station collects dust created during manual dumping of bulk materials from bags, boxes, drums, and other containers, and discharges bulk material by weight. A high-velocity vacuum fan draws airborne dust onto two cartridge filters. Automatic reverse-pulse filter cleaning maintains efficient, continuous operation by releasing short blasts of compressed plant air inside the cartridge filter on alternating cycles, dislodging dust build-up on outer filter surfaces. The hopper discharges into an integral flexible screw conveyor supported by a boom that cantilevers from the frame of the system, the entire weight of which is supported on four load cells, allowing loss-of-weight batching. A controller runs the flexible screw conveyor, first at high feed rate, then at dribble feed rate, stopping material flow once the accurate batch weight has been discharged. A mechanical hopper agitator improves the flow of material into the intake adapter of the flexible screw conveyor. Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, PA 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com
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Metering Feeder for Weighing ApplicationsThe Rotary Scalpel is a volumetric metering feeder that can be applied in a variety of weighing applications. In batching applications, it can be applied as: 1) a batch dribble control system—stand-alone; 2) batch dribble control system complementing a fast fill batcher to complete the batch; 3) single ingredient loss-in-weight batch system performing both fast and dribble feed, simultaneously feeding multiple ingredients; 4) single ingredient gain-in-weight batch process system, performing both fast and dribble feed in new process lines or as an addition in an existing process line. It offers a new level of precision in dispensing small increments of material into a batch or package. With the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, it can deliver +/- 0.5 g, independent of batch size. The technology can be utilized to handle a variety of materials, even fines such as flour. 3i’s Technologies, Vineland, NJ 609-910-1342 www.3istech.com
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Open-Frame Weighbelt FeedersDesigned for pharmaceutical and other sanitary processing environments, the open-frame weighbelt feeder is manufactured to handle high-pressure wash-down settings. Additionally, the design of the weighfeeder makes it simple for cleaning crews to clean and maintain. A cam-operated lever lets you remove the belt virtually in seconds and special clean-out ports and sanitary-grade bearings enable the weigh feeder to be pressure washed to remove any material or debris build up. The stainless steel DEA open frame weighbelt feeder utilizes a direct-drive system that reduces the use of grease, belts, and chains. Hermetically sealed stainless steel strain gage load cells and a design that incorporates watershed angles optimize drainage and cleanability. In an effort to accommodate different materials, feed rates, and plant settings, the unit can be custom built in 12- or 24-in. widths. Feed rates up to 1680 cu ft/hr are achievable. Schenck AccuRate, Whitewater, WI 800-558-0184 www.accuratefeeders.com
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Net Weigh ScaleThe E55 net weigh scale works with a complete range of feeders (gravity, gravity high-speed, gravity-vibratory, belt, belt high-speed, screw, and vibratory). This versatility allows it to be able to handle several kinds of products, including chemicals, feed, food, pet food, minerals, powders, seeds, etc. The E55 provides accurate weighing that results in less product losses and more profit. The weight controller for this scale can be “stand alone” or it can share the PLC of the bagger for easy system integration when PTC provides both equipment. This allows saving time and to reduce the possibility of errors since there is only one interface to operate. Premier Tech Chronos, Rivière-du-Loup, QC Canada 418-867-8883 www.premiertechsystems.com
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Custom Weighing SystemsThese weighing systems are designed and manufactured to customer requirements. With high capacities, new and existing plants can ensure the availability of all their required raw materials. Accurate proportioning is achieved within the allowable weight tolerances while simultaneously meeting the highest international sanitation standards. Centralized, decentralized, and external decentralized weighing systems are available for high-capacity requirements, frequent recipe ingredient changes, compact applications, or tight spaces. A universal control unit performs all the required control functions for all weighing applications. Buhler Inc., Plymouth, MN 763-847-9900 www.buhlergroup.com
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Continuous and Batch Weighing SolutionsContinuous or batch weighing solutions are available to address everything from main silo discharge to micro-ingredient feeding. Accurate weighing of dry bulk solids requires reliable and consistent flow of material from storage into the feed mechanism itself. The use of controlled vibration promotes flow, uniformly densifies the material, and completely fills and empties each flight of the feed screw. As a result, all systems start as accurate volumetric feeders, eliminating inaccuracy during the refill cycle. Weigh feeders are offered in screw sizes from 1/4 to 18 in., along with a broad range of belt, pan, and tube feeder-based systems. Vibra Screw Inc., Totowa, NJ 973-256-7410 www.vibrascrew.com
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High-Speed Net WeigherThe BEST Model NW-50 food-grade net-carton-filling system feeds 20-30 lb of snack food chips to 16x20-in. cartons at 4 cartons/min with an accuracy of ±0.1 lb. Cartons are indexed into position, filled, vibrated, and moved out on a powered-roller conveyor. The filling machines feature rugged, long-lasting components that require minimum maintenance. Metso Minerals Industries Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com
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Industrial ScaleThe completely stainless steel Signum Supreme is ideal for pharmaceutical applications. Its high resolution and large loading pan allow for the weighing of large quantities of powder while still providing precise measurements, eliminating steps and cutting down on valuable process time. The dampening system ensures accuracy even in ventilation or vibration-filled environments, and the IP65 wash-down protection makes it clean-room friendly. A variety of communication options including RS232, Ethernet, and Profibus DP make it easily integrated into an already existing process, making it ideal for a dispensing room where a combination of scales are needed. Sartorius Mechatronics Corp., Bohemia, NY 800-635-2906 www.sartorius-mechatronics.com
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Bench ScaleThe Versa-portion RLP-S compact bench scale features stainless steel construction and an IP68 rating. With capacities from 6 to 60 lb, it is ideal for food processing applications. Its straightforward keypad easily toggles between ounces, pounds, and grams. Custom pans and fixtures can be designed for limitless weighing potential. Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Rice Lake, WI 715-434-5168 www.ricelake.com
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