New NIR-Based Dryer Analytics System

MADISON, WI -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announces a new near-infrared (NIR)-based dryer analytics system ideal for a range of applications in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, including API and tablet manufacturing. These tools allow greater process understanding and optimization of cycle times and product quality and consistency.

The turnkey system has been designed from the ground up to offer the perfect combination of software and hardware for efficient and accurate NIR drying analyses. The complete system allows faster realization of process and product improvements than was previously possible because the need for integration engineering has been virtually eliminated.

Drying is a key factor in tablet manufacturing with the main goal of fit-for-purpose and consistent endpoint determination for real-time product and process control. The new Thermo Scientific dryer analytics system combines the Antaris EX FT-NIR process analyzer with specialty fiber optics probe options, specifically designed for industrial drying processes.

This complete platform provides precise measurements to adapt processes or determine endpoints, thus improving yields, consistency, and cycle times through the elimination of laboratory testing.

The Antaris EX FT-NIR process analyzer, part of the dryer analytics system, is supplied ready-to-use in Class I Division/Zone 1 or 2 drying installations. It offers integrated computing as well as OPC and PLC I/O for automatic process communications control to enable complete closed loop monitoring. The analyzer has also been pre-configured to work effectively in hazardous or potentially explosive environments.

The retractable fiber optics probes, also part of the dryer analytics system, are particularly suited to pharmaceutical powder drying applications. They feature pneumatic probe insertion and retraction, automatic purge or wipe cleaning of the sampling window and a wash chamber to clean hazardous materials without human exposure. Thanks to all of these unique features, the probes effectively address and eliminate the usual interfacing and sampling challenges occurring in today's drying processes.

The Thermo Scientific NIR-dryer analytics system is supported by a comprehensive training and maintenance program, with easy-to-use validation protocols and reduced costs of calibration.

For more information contact:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Telephone: 800-532-4752
Email: analyze@thermofisher.com
Web site: http://www.thermo.com/nir

Siemens Drives the World's Longest Conveyor Belt

Rockdale, TX -- The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) has equipped a 19-kilometer-long conveyor belt system with drive systems for Alcoa Inc., based in Texas (USA). The Siemens systems offer precise methods of control, can be quickly and flexibly adapted to different loads and are highly energy-efficient.

Alcoa is a leading producer of aluminum. The mill in Rockdale, Texas, needs a constant supply of brown coal for energy to maintain production around the clock. For this purpose, a conveyor belt system transports the necessary coal from the Three Oaks Mine to Rockdale, a distance of 32 kilometers.

The critical section in the middle of the transport route, which is approximately 19 kilometers long, is bridged with the longest single conveyor belt in the world, parts of which have to pass over uneven terrain. It is the link between the point where the material comes out of the open-cast mine and the place from where it is then taken to the power station.

The belt system was fitted with a solution from the I&S product family Simine Con, which features robust and energy-efficient drive systems. Five drives systems of the type Simovert Masterdrive VC, each with 556 kW, were installed. The drives are strategically positioned in such a way that the complete system can be optimally operated, stopped and started up. One drive has been installed at the loading point, two drives in the middle of the route and two at the unloading point.

Fiber optic cables between the conveyor belt stations enable the operator to individually control the belt speed, for example slowing down when the load is extremely heavy, accelerating or stopping quickly. The belt control system prevents oscillations of the conveyor belt during starting and stopping. The system was matched to the following loading situations: no load, partial load and full load. This method of operation uses considerably less energy than conventional uncontrolled belt drives.

Moreover, the mechanical components are protected. High round-the-clock availability with low operating costs is attained. The drives are first powered up to ten percent of the total speed and, after a stabilization phase of approximately 60 to 120 seconds, the system is accelerated to its 100 percent target speed.

The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) is the integrator of systems and solutions for industrial and infrastructure facilities and global service provider for the plant and projects business covering planning, installation, operation and the entire life cycle.

For more information visit:
http://www.siemens.com/mining 

K-Tron Introduces Products at K-Show

Pitman, NJ -- The K-Tron Process Group will introduce a new extrusion Control System, a low rate pellet feeder and several products from the Premier Pneumatics brand in Booth A74, Hall 10, at the K-Show in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 24-31, 2007.

The K-Tron booth will also feature the new K-Vision feeder operator interface, the full Bulk Solids Pump™ (BSP) feeder family, the Multiweigh blender as well as a K4G blender with integrated Premier Pneumatics vacuum receivers for refill, a Smart Flow Meter, the newly enhanced MT12 Micro feeder, the Quick Change Feeder and both single and twin screw loss-in-weight feeders.

A computerized demonstration of the features of the new K-Tron Gravimetric Extrusion Control system will highlight this new package. In addition, the K4G blender on display will feature the weigh hopper that is an integral part of the extrusion control system and receives the material flow from the blender and weighs it on its way into the extruder. K-Tron’s extrusion control system gravimetrically measures the throughput of the extruder and adjusts its speed to maintain the desired rate and provide consistent end product quality.

It is primarily targeted for use with single screw extruders in both mono- and co-extrusion applications such as profile extrusion, cast sheet, blown film, cable coating and laminating. The system is implemented in the KCM feeder controller and also in the K-Tron Smart Commander (KSC) feeder operator interface for co-extrusion of multiple layers. The K-Tron package offers mass flow or weight-per-length control, gravimetrically controls the layer recipe and acts as a mass flow sensor.

K-Tron will introduce a new version of its Micro Cone low rate feeder. By utilizing a screw-less rotating tube or cone, the Micro Cone Feeder is designed to dose as low as 0.02 to 6 dm³/hr. This new Micro Cone feeder will use KCM controls and a stepper motor and will be available in volumetric and gravimetric models. It can also be incorporated into the K4G blender stand, to offer on-line feeding of very low rate additives. This new version of the Cone Feeder has been undergoing Beta testing at locations in Europe and the USA over the last year.

Several product lines from K-Tron’s Premier Pneumatics brand will also be introduced to the European market for the first time. Premier will show both Heavy Duty (HD) and Maximum Duty (MD) Aerolock™ rotary valves and a number of Series 2400 vacuum receivers.

The Premier Pneumatics Heavy Duty (HD) Aerolock rotary valve is engineered for heavy duty industrial service and high volumetric efficiency at up to 15 PSI pressure differential. The (MD) Aerolock™ rotary valve is engineered for heavy to severe industrial service with pressure differentials up to 20 PSI. The unit is designed to withstand the severe shock loads and elevated temperatures consistent with continuous use.

For more information visit www.ktron.com

New E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System

Marine City, MI --- Martin® Vibration Systems Solutions announces the launch of its new Martin E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System designed to increase the number of packaged containers per hour and at the same time reduce on-the-job injuries.

The Martin E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System was developed specifically for short runs. Gourmet Food Manufacturers, Re-packers, Coffee and Spice Sellers, Chemical Packagers and other Industrial Packing Professionals will find that the Martin E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System meets their needs for capacities up to 750 fills per hour.

To reduce the number of repetitive on-the-job motion injuries, the Martin® E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System operates without the need for scooping or hand filling. Just place the container on the scale and step on the foot switch to operate.

The Martin E-Z Auto Scoop Filling System increases productivity and safety, while it also allows for easy cleaning and operation of controls. The live storage hoppers lift off with no fasteners to remove, and it runs without proprietary software allowing worldwide usage.

About Martin Vibration System Solutions

Martin is the original industrial vibrator company and the inventor of the ball vibrator over 50 years ago. Martin has solved thousands of material handling problems in a variety of industries, including Pharmaceutical, Foundry, Bakery, Foods and Chemical.

For more information visit:
http://www.shake-it.com/e-z-filling-station.shtml 

I

Test Laboratory Performs Material Analysis A new laboratory that solves particle size reduction challenges in all industries by using wet-mix process systems.

Lift & Seal Drum Dumper with Volumetric Feeder
The system is designed to discharge and meter powders into the inlet of a conveying system or existing process.

Malvern Spraytec in Dusty Plumes A research team at is using a Spraytec particle size analyzer to better understand the mechanics of powder handling and dust emissions.

More headline news...

 Powder and Bulk Dot Com Video Center

Easily share your videos with everyone.  Watch, upload and share industry videos, free!

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

Mr. Butler wants help with screens and screening:

I have two questions. The first relates to our existing screens. The second to new screens.

1)  Existing screens: We are experiencing production rate problems through our screens. The moisture content of the clay ranges between 7 and 12. Due to the moisture we need to heat the screens. Currently we are using an Italian screen. The vibration is produced with 12 pods with rods attached at 12 points on the screen cloth. It is heated with natural gas but the amount of heat delivered was too little so we added higher volume gas heaters. All of this produces moisture that causes problems with dust collection and production rate. Any ideas?

2)  New Screens: We are considering converting to electrically heated screens. Currently I am working with Midwestern Industries. If anyone has experience with Midwestern, I would appreciate your opinion on the validity of the production rates they quote. Also, what screen manufacturer do you like?
(to post reply, click here)

Thanks in advance for your help,
Bob Butler
Elgin-Butler
bbutler@elginbutler.com

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

Manufacturer's Reps Wanted - Central US

Rulmeca Corporation, manufacturer of Motorized Pulleys for the international bulk handling industry, is seeking Manufacturer's Representatives for the Central US territories.

Click the image and watch our video to learn more about Rulmeca's motorized pulley technology.

We need reps with expertise in belt conveyor technology. Candidates must possess at least 5 years of industry knowledge and be familiar with bulk handling applications such as mines, quarries, steel mills, river terminals, and coal-fired power plants.

For more details, contact:
Mr. Mike Gawinski
Rulmeca Corporation
6508-B Windmill Way
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone:  910-794-9294
Fax:  910-794-9296
Email:  mgawinski@rulmecacorp.com 
Web site:  http://www.rulmecacorp.com

The Job Fair is a free service of Powder and Bulk Dot Com.  You can post job opening for managers, engineers, sales, reps or other talented people you need. ...Or one can post their resume for companies who are looking to add talented people to their staff.

Do you have a position you need to fill?  Visit the Job Fair.

© 1999-2007 Powder and Bulk Dot Com
Home page:  http://www.powderandbulk.com/

Joseph Taylor, Editor
Powder and Bulk Dot Com Newsletter
3948 South Third Street, No. 121
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Phone: 904-280-4656
Fax: 904-273-1399

Email:  jtaylor@powderandbulk.com

Powder and Bulk Dot Com's Newsletter is a 100% opt-in e-mail list of information for the materials handling professional.  Do you have company news, a new product, new service or other information you would like to share with our subscribers?  Please submit articles via e-mail, only to: news@powderandbulk.com

We Have Books to Give Away!

Our "Blogging for Books" contest continues, we have two books available for winners.  Contact Don Dunnington, our blog moderator, if you are ready to blog for one of these great books.  Email him at: don@powderandbulk.com

With over 6,000+ subscribers, our goal is to provide information to improve your business by using the resources available on the Internet.

Very Truly Yours,
Joe Taylor, Editor
jtaylor@powderandbulk.com

• Homepage

• Buyers Guide
  & Industry Directory

• Video Center

• The News Center

• Help Forum

• Job Fair

• Powder and Bulk Weblog

• Ask Joe! Column

• Banner Advertising

• Newsletter Ads

• Archived Newsletters

Powder Technology:  Fundamentals of Particles, Powder Beds, and Particle Generation
by Hiroaki Masuda, et al.
Hardcover, 394 pages, 2006

.

Screw Conveyor 101
by Michael P. Forcade
Spiral-bound, 260 pages, 1999

.

Particle Breakage, Volume 12
by Agba D. Salman, etal
1258 pages, 2007

.

Find more books for the materials handling professional online, visit our Reading Room.

Preventing Conveyor Belts from Derailing!
Guest article by Ing. Harry P.M. Clerx
Centre for Concepts in Mechatronics

We Need Your
Guest Articles!
Do you have an area of expertise in bulk materials, have you solved a difficult materials problem? Share your knowledge with others and promote yourself by contributing an article to the Ask Joe! Column.

For more information, please contact Joe Marinelli.

Past Ask Joe! Archived Articles

More case histories...

How can you reach the world's bulk materials handling and processing top executives, engineers, managers and service personnel?

By placing a banner ad on the industry's most popular web site. Powder and Bulk Dot Com is your strategic link to the precise audience interested in your products and services.  Both nationally and internationally.

Rates are reasonable - and results are more than satisfying!

Want a Rate Card now?

Email:  rates@powderandbulk.com

Click here for more
Advertising information

This week's photo is of a Cleveland Cascade Chute for Lafarge North America's Davenport facility. This particular chute is loading 250 short tons per hour of finished cement into barges. PEBCO is widely recognized as an innovator in the loading of bulk materials.

Photo courtesy of PEBCO, Inc.

Send us your photos:  We would love to have your photo of a bulk materials process, packaging, conveying or handling "action shot" for our home page.  Send your photograph and description to: news@powderandbulk.com