Matcon : Presenting at Southeast Powder & Bulk Solids Conference

Southeast Powder & Bulk Solids Conference, May 11-12, 2005
Cobb Galleria Centre – Atlanta, Ga

Carl Andrews, General Manager & CEO, Matcon USA, will be presenting High Accuracy Batch Formulations & IBC Based Manufacturing Techniques, on Wednesday, May 11th from 9:00am – 9:45am.

The presentation will introduce Matcon’s new “Flexi-Batch” system, which utilizes the unique “Vari-Stroke” cone valve technology to rapidly and accurately batch a wide variety of ingredients with different flow characteristics in a highly cost effective manner.

The FLEXI-BATCH system is suitable for materials from a wide range of Industries, including Food Mixing, Metal Powder Processing, Ceramics Production, Pigment Manufacture, Plastics Compounding and many more.

The modular nature of the system means that future expansion can be achieved economically as it is a simple case of adding an additional ingredient position. It also provides flexibility as ingredient changes can be accommodated quickly, without the need for cleaning or risk of dust creation.

High Shear Blend Testing Now Available

Matcon now has the ability to conduct full-scale Blending trials at their renovated Test Lab in Sewell, New Jersey. The In Bin Blender can handle containers up to 1.5 cu meters (42 cu ft).

Also available is the ability to add shear to the blending process using static diverter plates or a new more aggressive mechanical shear to add attrition to the blending action. In Bin blending is the single most important step in the evolution of containment technology the industry today. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s) eliminate contamination at the mixer and cleaning dead time. All testing in the lab is free of charge.

Source:  http://www.matconibc.com/

CEMA : Sales Increase Continues in February

NAPLES, FL. -- The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association reported that its February 2005 Booked Orders Index was 133 up 16 points or an increase of 14% from January 2005's Index of 117 (1990=100). The February 2005 Index represents an increase of 23% from the February 2004 Index of 108.

February Booked Orders Indexes were 154 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 117 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Booked Orders was 153 in February. Index represents an increase of 1% from January 2005's Twelve-Month Index of 151.

The CEMA Billed Sales (shipments) Index was 122 in February down 49 points or a decrease of 29% from the January Index of 171. The February 2005 Index represents a decrease of 12% from the February 2004 Index of 139.

February Billed Sales Indexes were 106 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 132 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Billed Sales was 169 in February. Index represents a decrease of 1% from January 2005's Twelve-Month Index of 171.

* Since Bulk Handling Systems booked and billed sales are reported quarterly, they are averaged back to the two preceding months to enable a running monthly index.

Source: http://www.cemanet.org/

New : Eriez Introduces New Polymag Process

Erie, PA -- With today’s material and process innovations, designs may only be limited by scrap cost. Sequential 3-D blow molding, 2-Shot injection, Co-extrusion or post-molded assembly carry a greater risk for scrap. This scrap is often multiple materials which need to be separated for maximum recovery efficiency. The standard method, utilized by the most innovative companies in the world, requires a bandsaw and manual labor. This labor intensive, dangerous and contaminant prone practice is now as out-of-date as the plunger molding machine.

Eriez’ revolutionary new PolymagTM Process utilizes the time-tested method of magnetic separation on such high-tech, high-cost products. Plastics have traditionally been difficult for separation and have typically required hand-sorting or other costly procedures. The Polymag Process goes right to the core of the problem and creates a material that incorporates separation characteristics into the design. By including an additive of .5% or less, the resin becomes a candidate for magnetic separation.

This resulting material can be separated from other materials by the extremely powerful EriumTM-powered Rare Earth magnet used in Eriez’ new Polymag Separator. When scrap occurs from start-up, process swings or design change, the method for material reclamation is as simple as granulating with a standard grinder. Simply grind the part and run it through the Polymag Separator and enjoy the results. No labor, no danger and a high percentage of resin separation.

Different products and process will have their own unique results, but if the part regrind has distinct particles of each resin, it can be recovered. When chemically bonded material such as SantopreneTM and PP are used, it is often not possible to break apart the regrind into the distinct materials. It may require separating this minor percentage with and additional pass over the separator.

Consistent size regrind with minimal dust will have the best result when introducing it back into the process. Large parts with distinct material contact point have the greatest recovery rate. However, virtually all parts and processes will be more efficient with this simple method.

The Polymag Process is a candidate for any material, including thermoplastic, thermoset, gaskets and odd components. As long as the part can be ground, Polymag can separate it. Read what Recycling Today magazine had to say about this new innovation.

Eriez is recognized as world authority in advanced technology for magnetic, vibratory and metal detection applications. The company’s magnetic lift and separation, metal detection, materials feeding, screening, conveying and controlling equipment have application in the process, metalworking, packaging, recycling, mining, aggregate, and textile industries. Eriez manufactures and markets these products through nine international facilities located on five continents.

For additional information, call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (888) 333-(ERIEZ) 3743 or (814) 835-6000 or contact us via e-mail.

Web site: http://www.eriez.com/

Walla Walla, WA -- Key Technology announced today that it has added laser-sensing technology to its optical inspection capabilities, introducing Raptor Laser Technology. The new Optyx G6 3000 Series Sorter with Raptor Laser Technology combines Key's proprietary state-of-the-art G6 color cameras and powerful G6 sorting platform with laser technology to maximize the simultaneous detection and removal of defects and foreign material, achieving unmatched product quality and optimizing food safety.

As the only Class I laser sorter in the food industry, Key's innovative Optyx G6 Sorter with Raptor Laser Technology sets a new standard in inspection performance and safety. Offering the highest spatial resolution laser scanner in food sorting, Raptor detects the smallest defects and foreign material.

With Key's high intensity discharge (HID) illumination system and G6 CCD-based camera technology, Optyx analyzes size and shape as well as millions of subtle color differences. Raptor Laser Technology reliably detects foreign matter based on differences in the optical properties of materials. G6's image processing muscle is applied to images from both the G6 cameras and the Raptor Laser Technology. Combining the industry's most sophisticated color sorting with new laser technology achieves the most complete sort, maximizing the removal of defects and foreign matter in the product stream while improving recovery rates.

Key's new Optyx G6 Sorter with Raptor Laser Technology is ideal for packaging lines handling up to six tons of product per hour. With superior detection of defects and foreign material, Optyx with Raptor eliminates costly hand-sorting labor and offers rapid payback. When located on the packaging line immediately upstream of final packaging, the new sorter assures processors and their customers that packaged products meet specifications.

The Optyx G6 3000 Series features a 24-inch wide scan width and up to three sensors located above and/or below the product stream, depending on the needs of each application. The compact, self-contained unit slips easily into the processing line: Connect to air, power, and water, and start sorting. Optyx features a flat belt with air-tensioning for consistent tracking and minimal maintenance. The quick-release feature and easy-access cantilever design make belt replacement fast and simple.

Key Technology, Inc.
150 Avery St.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509-529-2161
FAX: 509-527-1331
http://www.key.net/

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Exclusive MultiPort Rotary Union for Processing Duff Norton offers the HPMC Series MultiPort Rotary Union for applications requiring high pressures and more than one media.

Mathis and Brock Partner for Industrialized Effusivity Solutions
Brock Solutions and Mathis Instruments announced an agreement to collaborate for the delivery of industrialized effusivity packages for the pharmaceutical industry.

PEBCO : New One-Way Rolling Blade Gate The Rolling Blade® Gate is especially good for use on fine and aerated materials.

More headline news...

People post their requests for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open forum.

Mr. Perez needs to calculate duct slope for solids:

Is there are a standard for minimum slope in duct design over the angle of repose of the granular material for gravity discharge? 10 degrees? 20 degrees?

In the case of NPK Fertilizer granular material or another granular material there are available formula for calculate the velocity of the granular flow with parameter as: inclination angle of the duct, diameter of the duct, Length of the duct, etc.? (Click here to post a reply)

Thanks,
Marcos Perez
perezmx@servifertil.com.ve

Mr. Materton wants help with vacuum drying:

Looking to retrofit a new product into an existing plant. There are two existing solids vacuum dryers for final product drying.

To make the desired production rate, we need to reduce the moisture content (water in this case) of a full load of product from 15% to 0.1% in 2 hours, including loading and unloading.

Most drying cycles that I have seen are more on the order of 8 to 12 hours, so I think this is VERY optimistic, and we are in for a nasty surprise. What does everyone else think?  Click here to post a reply)

Fred Masterton
Dupont
Fritz1255@hotmail.com

Click here to share your expertise with others in our Help Forum.

Dry Bulk Systems Representation in New England

Vac-U-Max is looking for representation for our pneumatic conveying systems and equipment in the New England territory. Including these states: CT, MA, VT, NH, ME.

This is a well established territory with many existing accounts.

Contact:
Henry Kadel
Vac-U-Max
henrykadel@vac-u-max.net

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Pneumatic Conveying Design Guide
by David, Ph.D. Mills
Hardcover, 650 pages, December 2003

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Agglomeration Processes : Phenomena, Technologies, Equipment
by Wolfgang Pietsch
Hardcover: 622 pages, March 2002

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Dust Explosions in the Process Industries
by Rolf K. Eckhoff
Paperback, 643 pages, June 2003

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This weeks photo is of a Bulkflow sugar cooler installed at the American Crystal Sugar Company plant in Drayton, North Dakota. The Bulkflow Heat Exchanger heats or cools bulk solids by combining a welded plate heat exchanger with mass flow design.

Photo courtesy of Denis Piche with Solex Thermal Science

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