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Fits in Confined Areas

Norcem A/S, located in Brevik, Norway employs two hundred fifty people and produces 1.2 million tons of cement each year using two kilns. The German company Heidelberg Cement bought the factory in 1999 and has since optimized its production. One of Heidelberg's objectives was to replace some of the 120,000 tons of fossil fuels the plant burned annually with alternative fuels. Heidelberg has had great success in such conversions in its plants in other countries. The goal was to find alternatives that were both more economic and better for the environment. A number of products were identified that were suitable for production, but the handling - was problematic and labor intensive.

For example, a material having a very unpleasant odor had to be mixed manually with wood chips in 3 cubic meter containers before being lifted by crane and poured into the kilns. Other materials were very difficult to handle when damp, and the fumes from the products caused problems in their local environment. So the company looked for a system that would not involve manual handling, would avoid spillage, could fit into the narrow confines, and increase the capacity.

From a number of different possible solutions, Norcem chose Sicon Roulund AB's closed conveyor belts, which met all the above requirements. The first installation was made in April 2000. That initial installation was, from the beginning, designed with future expansion in mind. The Sicon conveyor's relatively small external dimensions made it possible to fit two conveyors into a very confined area. The experiences with the first installation were so good that the decision was soon made to increase the capacity of the existing conveyor from 75 m3 to 90 m3, as well as to install a second belt. The second system was installed in March 2001.

The fuel is delivered from different factories on trucks to the cement works. The company sets stringent requirements on energy values, particle size, and the maximum content of certain substances. This is done partly to minimize the emission of such substances into the environment, and partly to comply with various limits set up by authorities. By using electrostatic and bag filters connected in series for waste gas purification, the works is today regarded as one of the cleanest cement works in the world.

The fuel is unloaded into three hoppers, one for each fuel type. FAB (at the moment 25,000 tons per year, which will be considerably increased during next few years) consists of household waste mixed with industrial waste. Bone meal (20,000 tons per year) is a product that was previously used as an additive to animal feed; as well as hotmix (17,000 tons per year) which is a mix of wood chips, solvent, lacquer, printing ink and dye residues.

Various ingredients in the fuels made in necessary to provide the Sicon conveyor with a GWF type belt that can handle oils and solvents. Floor feeders deliver the products to three screw conveyors. 90 m3/h of bone meal and hotmix are conveyed by two screw conveyors to a Sicon conveyor (97 m conveying distance, 36 m height difference) which transports the material to a screw and finally to the kiln. The materials are then efficiently incinerated in temperatures of up to 2200º C, which means that most of the harmful elements are neutralized. 150 m3/h of the FAB is conveyed through the third screw to a second Sicon conveyor (95 m conveying distance, 36 m height difference) and through another screw for incineration. The various products are introduced at different stages of the process depending on their specific energy values and properties.

At the present time 30-35% of energy requirements are provided by the alternative fuels. Norcem has the aim of increasing the proportion of alternative fuels considerably in the coming years. Besides the environmental advantages, there are also great economic benefits to be had from not buying expensive coal and getting paid for incinerating the environmentally hazardous waste.

Since 1989 Sicon has supplied closed conveyor systems to most industries. Thus far, some 120 installations have been commissioned around the globe. For example, there are Sicon conveyors operating in Europe, the United States, Botswana, South Africa, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. Materials that may vary in consistency and capacity are transported in an environmentally friendly way. Using a completely closed system (on the return as well), the Sicon conveyors eliminate, as far as possible, spillage and maintenance.

For more information contact:
Mr. Robert Olsson
Sicon Roulunds AB
Tel.: +46 (0) 42 38 80 26
Fax +46 (0) 42 16 34 26
Email:  robert.olsson@sicon-roulunds.se
Web site:  http://www.sicon-roulunds.com/

Free and Discounted Tickets/Sessions

Dear Powder and Bulk Dot Com Subscribers,

The value of attending International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference/Exhibition has become even greater and we'd like to let you know about the changes and enhancements that have made the event a "must attend" opportunity.

NEW Biennial Schedule

Don't put off attending this year's event - International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference/Exhibition will not take place again until 2004. Attending in 2002 is a critical business advantage! (To receive special, newsletter subscriber's discounts, reference Label Code "EM11".)

22 NEW Educational Courses

This year's program features 55 intensive, application-oriented courses for dry processing professionals. 22 of these courses. The program offers you a comprehensive array of courses that are available nowhere else.

• Seminars - Expanded to 75-minute presentations, seminars bring scientific or technical developments to light.
• Workshops - A unique 3-hour education experience in which you'll become aware of current scientific and technical matters essential for the efficient performance of our job.
• Tutorials - In-depth 6-hour examinations of a technology.
• Advanced Courses - These intensive, two-day sessions are intended for experienced industry veterans and this year we've added a new course.

For a complete list of courses click here!

FREE "Focus-On" Program Adds New Session

This program lets you pick the brains of the industry's top experts. You pick the topic. You set the agenda. You ask the questions. And you get the information and advice you need. The "Focus-On" Program is free to all badge holders. For a list of topics click here!

NEW Keynote Presented by Chris Matthews, MSNBC "Hardball" Anchor

Matthews is a frequent commentator on NBC's "Today" and the regular substitute anchor on NBC's "Weekend Today." He is a nationally syndicated columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Hear his opening address "A Political Insider's View from Washington", on Tuesday, May 7th at 9:00 a.m. Admission is FREE to all badge holders. For details on the keynote click here!

NEW 25% Team Discount

We've also made it more cost-effective to bring members of your team with you. The team discount has been increased from 10% to 25%. For details click here!

For some tips on convincing your employer to send you to the event, click here!  

NEW Resources For Products & Technology

The International Powder & Bulk Solids exhibit floor features over 500 companies of which 50 and counting are new. Explore the products you need to transport, analyze, weigh, batch, mix, grind, dry, and shape raw materials--and then package, store and transport the finished goods to market. For a list of exhibitors click here! 

FREE Exhibit Hall Admission & Conference Discounts

Register today for FREE access to the exhibit hall or discounts off conference fees. Be sure to reference Label Code "EM11" to receive your special rates!

Receive FREE Conference Seminar Pass

NEW program for 2002 - Refer the International Powder & Bulk Solids website, www.powdershow.com , to a colleague who may benefit by attending and receive one FREE pass to a 75-minute conference seminar at this years event. This is our way of saying thank you when you encourage someone to visit the event website. Session passes are limited to one per attendee. Visit www.powdershow.com  to refer-a-friend signup.

We look forward to welcoming you and your colleagues to the International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference/Exhibition, May 6-9, 2002, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois.

The Reading Room

Ask Joe! Column

Selecting Diverter Valves For
Your Pneumatic Conveying System
Guest article by Kevin Peterson of Salina Vortex
You can read Kevin's article at:
http://www.powderandbulk.com/pb_services/askjoe.htm

Past Ask Joe! Archived Articles
http://www.powderandbulk.com/pb_services/ask_joe_archive/toc.htm

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 at:  Joe@SolidsHandlingTech.com

Touch Screen User Interface

Erie, PA - April 2002 - Eriez launches the all new user-friendly E-Z Tec DSP Metal Detector at the Powder Bulk & Bulk Solids show in Chicago. The metal detector's state-of-the-art electronic design combines an easy-to-use 4" x 5" (1/4 VGA) Touch Screen Interface along with advanced Digital Signal Processing to provide detailed analysis and reporting for process applications including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, plastics and packaging. The E-Z Tec DSP features the highest level of sensitivities available for dry, wet and liquid product processing.

The standard three-coil aperture arrangement sends a signal to the unit's control for digital processing. The use of Digital Signal Processing, or DSP, aids in detection of metallic contaminants particularly in wet or conductive products such as meats and cheese. The E-Z Tec's electronics have been consolidated on four printed circuit boards for improved function and simplified diagnostics. Multiple detectors can be monitored and controlled from a single PC, providing plant-wide access to data and reports. Remote diagnostics, as well as company-wide control and monitoring can be added by installing Eriez' E-Z Link software.

The E-Z Tec's new Touch Screen Interface allows users to view multiple line items at a glance making setup, monitoring and operation simple. All numeric data and value entries are made through on-screen calculator type interfaces eliminating the need to scroll through long lists. The E-Z Tec DSP's multi-language capability allows users to select two secondary languages to improve the operator's ease of use. English is the primary language.

In the Auto Setup menu, new products require minimal passes to create a new product setup prior to production runs. The Report Menu allows users to track detections, faults and rejects through the production cycle. Product changeovers are fast and accomplished through the touch screen or from the remote PC connection. All reports can be downloaded in a standard file format and easily imported into any spreadsheet or word processor program. Sub Menus permit users to define settings, check report logs, set up reject devices, establish secure passwords, alter preferences and views by simply pressing the designated button.

For example, using the E-Z Tec's new Touch Screen Interface to clear the report log can be done in three simple steps.

1. Press the Password button
2. Enter a password on the Numeric Key pad
3. After entering the password simply press the Clear Log button.

The E-Z Tec DSP metal detector has a universal power input allowing switchless operation from either 120VAC to 240 VAC. E-Z Tec DSP is available in a variety of aperture models as well as a host of integrated conveyor systems.

For information about the new E-Z Tec DSP contact Eriez by phone 888-300-ERIEZ (3743), or visit their web site  Eriez Magnetics

41,000+ Visitors!

A record-breaking, 35,000+ professionals visited our web site last month!

That's over 1,700+ people per business day!  They are looking for equipment and services you offer!  Banner advertising is a great way to make your company stand out and reach these savvy material handling pro's.

Want a Rate Card?  It's Easy!
Click here to visit our Banner Ad Rate information page.

Eliminates the Need to Cut Keyways

See Demo at the 2002 Powder and Bulk Show in Chicago, IL, Booth #2002

LYMAN, SC—SEW-Eurodrive introduces TorqLOC, the compact hollow shaft mounting system that adds versatility to SEW 7-Series hollow shaft reducers. SEW's answer to keyless hollow shaft mounting, the TorqLOC system offers interchangeable bushings for mounting SEW hollow shaft gear reducer products onto various sized solid shafts.

The TorqLOC eliminates the need to cut keyways or turn the solid shaft to exacting tolerances, thus reducing the costs of new machines as well as lowering replacement expense. TorqLOC Features Dimensionally compact design, allowing for mounting locations close to bearings or machine frames. Dependable support of the hollow shaft reducer on the solid shaft while delivering maximum torque and shock load capability. Gear reducer can be removed after years of service as easily as the first day it was installed.

Available in either electroless nickel or stainless steel to withstand the harshest environments. The TorqLOC hollow shaft mounting system will be available at the beginning of the year on select hollow shaft reducer sizes. The TorqLOC will be introduced at the International Poultry Show in Atlanta.

SEW-Eurodrive will be at booth #6168. For more information contact your local SEW-Eurodrive assembly center or sales representative, which you can find at http://www.seweurodrive.com/sales.htm.

About SEW Eurodrive

SEW-Eurodrive—one of the world's largest suppliers of drive technology—has built a unique organization in the United States, now celebrating over 25 years of manufacturing and support. The SEW organization has grown to include a world-class manufacturing center, 5 assembly plants, and 63 technical sales offices strategically located across the country. The result is not only the broadest selection of drive motors, speed reducers, and electronic controls, but the most responsive support of any supplier in the industry.

Help Forum

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

Mr. Chandy needs help dedusting:

l have an application where I need to dedust Activated Carbon Granules (made of Coconut Shells). This dust is hygroscopic.

Can anyone suggest the best way to handle this problem?
(Click here to post a reply)

Thanks
John Chandy
john.chandy@vsnl.com

Mr. Velan needs conveyor for capsules:

We need to convey capsules (size: dia-10mm; length-25mm; weight 150mg) @ 3,000 capsules per minute.

The problem we face is that the capsules must be very gently handled- too much pressure locks the capsules shut which is undesirable and too little pressure pulls the capsules apart. The capsules must be easily separable by hand but locked shut when not in use. It has to be conveyed over 25 m.

Are there any companies specializing in making these machines?  The relative humidity also plays a role so entire operation must occur under controlled conditions.
(Click here to post a reply)

Krithika Velan
krithika@scorpioengg.com

Share your expertise with others in the Help Forum.

Photos Wanted

This week's homepage photo is a new and improved Littleford Day 5 liter laboratory mixer blending yellow and blue powders.  The M-5 has a modular, cast stainless steel construction allowing for easy disassembly and cleaning. The jacket is designed for heating and cooling and is rated at 75 PSI.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Corken of Littleford Day Inc.

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

Jobs

Sales Engineer Wanted

We are  looking for a talented, experienced sales engineering professional to support our growth initiatives. This individual is capable of planning, designing, and selling dust collection /filtration systems to industrial clients, especially in the wood working industries primarily in Washington State.

Responsibilities to include:

• Meeting with potential and existing clients to evaluate their requirements and concerns for dust collection and low pressure air conveying systems.
• Designing, estimating our solutions to client needs.
• Prepare, present and sell proposals to prospective/existing clients.
• Active participation in the successful fabrication of the project by communicating  with the shop foremen and appropriate personnel.
• Coordination and order of needed components and requirements for the project.
• Overseeing, as the original responsible sales engineer, the projects to their successful completion by interfacing with project installation foremen and clients.
• Cultivate and maintain customer relationship with existing clients and develop new clients for future projects.

Qualifications:

• 5  years of experience designing, estimating and selling air filtration and pneumatic conveyance systems.
• Excellent customer relationship management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills including excellent listening skills.
• Proposal preparation and presentation  skills.
• Excellent teamwork  skills, including the ability to communicate with both in-shop and on-site foremen and crews as well as senior management.
• Microsoft Office Suite required, CAD experience a plus.
• High school diploma required , engineering degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Strong work ethic with open and “above board” attitude.

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive Salary, DOE.
• Two weeks accrued vacation and company holidays.
• Vehicle and cell phone to be provided.
• Benefits presently to include: health insurance, 401k plan.
• Relocation provided according to individual agreement.

Contact:
Karen Fenstermacher
Email resume to: nwrecruiting@pugetsound.net
Fax resume to: 360-675-0543

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.

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About Us

© 1999-2002 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