David Stuart Dick Joins Solids Handling Technologies

Fort Mill, SC -- Solids Handling Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of David Stuart Dick to our group. Solids Handling Technologies provides bulk solids flow testing and design services to bulk solids handling for the chemical, food, plastic, pharmaceutical, and mineral industries.

David has BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Natal in South Africa. He spent 12 years in South Africa designing mining structures and silos and was also responsible for developing a solid’s flow testing laboratory.

David comes to us from Powder Engineering Systems, a UK-based company he founded in 1997 where he worked closely with companies experiencing solids handling problems. He previously worked for 10 years with Jenike & Johanson Inc as Vice President and Director of R&D at their California office.

David has had extensive experience in equipment design and fabrication. He has one international and two US patents relating to powder and bulk solids handling equipment.

Joseph Marinelli, President of Solids Handling Technologies says, “David is welcome addition to Solids Handling Technologies. In the short time he has been here so far, his experience and technical expertise has already impacted our work in many areas of solids handling. Specially his ability to troubleshoot bulk solids flow problems.”

Solids Handling Technologies measures the flow properties of bulk solids to generate data for use in the design of bins, feeders, chutes and reactors. Tests are conducted on a Jenike Shear Tester. Consulting services include the evaluation of bulk solids flow properties and recommendations for the design of bulk solids handling equipment to ensure reliable solids flow.

For more information please contact:
Solids Handling Technologies, Inc.
1631 Caille Ct.
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Telephone: 803 802 5527
Fax: 803 802 0193
Email: info@solidshandlingtech.com
Website: http://www.solidshandlingtech.com/

GE Fanuc Automation Announces Proficy Batch Software

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- GE Fanuc Automation, Inc., a unit of GE Industrial, has announced the new Proficy(TM) Batch Version 5.0 software, which delivers complete data collection, robust batch management, clear process visualization and powerful supervisory control capabilities. Batch Version 5.0 has been optimized to boost production efficiency, increase return on investment (ROI) and improve batch manufacturers' ability to meet regulatory demands.

Part of the Proficy Automation and Production software family, Proficy Batch Version 5.0 introduces new features such as "Batch Direct" to speed implementation and reduce costs. In addition, the software features improved analysis capabilities to increase batch quality, OPC 2.0 support for quicker connectivity, and Local Regional Support (LRS) and Multi-Language Support (MLS) reinforcing its capability to deliver global solutions.

"Today's business environment is extremely competitive, and the pressure has never been higher to work faster, more efficiently and more consistently. Each batch run must be perfectly executed. Every aspect of production must be perfectly documented, and companies must be able to repeat the 'golden batch' time and time again," explained John Leppiaho, senior manager of Proficy software for GE Fanuc Automation. "With this latest version of Proficy Batch, users will find the critical tools to achieve the highest levels of implementation efficiency, production quality and system connectivity - and transform production processes into a powerful competitive advantage."

Speeding Implementation with "Batch Direct"

The new Batch Direct functionality featured in Proficy Batch Version 5.0 provides a more intuitive interface between the Batch Execution System (BES) and the phase/equipment logic that is located in controllers. This new interface offers a flexible and customizable approach to implement batch functionality with existing control systems without the burden of reprogramming the complex control logic. Furthermore, Batch Direct allows the implementation of standard Programming Logic Interface (PLI) functionality alongside simpler phases to reduce implementation complexity and costs.

With enhanced batch analysis capabilities, Proficy Batch Version 5.0 can help users increase quality and consistency of operations while reducing variability in processes. Users can now compare cycle times, parameters, variables and other relevant data in context; report and summarize batch data in support of improvement initiatives; produce trend-related parameters across batches; and understand and control process variation providing the critical tools to enable better batch process quality.

Similar to Batch Direct, the new analysis capabilities in Proficy Batch Version 5.0 also can lower costs by leveraging a user's existing systems and infrastructure to drive improvements. Standard interfaces ease implementation and speed return. The system also combines quality, production tracking and other core manufacturing functions with batch operations to provide a more complete view of plant operations.

For more information, contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone: (800) GE FANUC (800-433-2682)
Fax: 434-978-5205
Email: gefanuc@gefanuc.com
Web site: http://www.gefanuc.com/

Schwing Introduces Fluid Bed Drying Systems

White Bear, MN -- Schwing America’s Material Handling Division recently introduced Fluid Bed Drying Systems for municipal and industrial applications. This indirect-heated, closed-loop system for granulation, drying and cooling of municipal biosolids produces a Class ‘A’ reusable product and surpasses other drying methods in efficiency, safety and maintenance.

As wet material is fed directly into the dryer, the system automatically accommodates fluctuations in incoming dry solids content without blending or pre-conditioning the material. This eliminates the need for extra screening, milling, conveying and mixing equipment, and allows a higher level of automation and reduced operator attention.

Schwing’s fluid bed dryer systems operate at an energy-saving 185-degree F temperature for all materials, in comparison to other drying technologies requiring temperatures in excess of 200 deg F. Closed-loop inert operating conditions at less than 3 percent oxygen concentrations provide safer facility conditions during start-up, operation, shutdown, emergency stop, and even during stand-by or shutdown modes. Excess inert gas is recovered for use in the auxiliary dried product cooling and storage. Cyclones for dust removal eliminate the need for a baghouse and the associated maintenance, plugging and explosion hazards inherent to these devices.

The innovative design of Schwing Fluid Bed Drying Systems involves few moving parts or mechanical components, requiring less maintenance. Start-up and shutdown processes require less than 30 minutes – substantially shorter than other technologies. Operators can achieve 90 percent uptime and create a final product that is virtually free of dust without the need for addback or additional screening equipment.

Schwing offers complete biosolids processing, storage and handling solutions from feeding to loadout. The Schwing piston pump is operating continuously in many sewage treatment plants. Schwing also offers design-build and contract operation services. Marketing, hauling and spreading of Class ‘A’ materials can also be provided.

For more information on the fluid bed dryer, contact:
Schwing America, Inc.
5900 Centerville Road
White Bear, MN 55127
Telephone: 651-429-0999
Web site: http://www.schwing.com/

PITMAN, NJ -- Chemical Processing, a Putman Media trade journal serving the North American chemical process industries, recently recognized the K-Tron Process Group as the “Best provider of technology” in the category of “Feeders” by awarding their 2005 Readers Choice Award for “Feeders” to K-Tron, making two years in a row K-Tron has earned this honor.

In the category of “Feeders,” 23% of readers named K-Tron as the best technology provider, up one percent from 22% in 2004. Chemical Processing inaugurated the awards in 2004.

K-Tron International companies provide material handling equipment, systems and services to a wide variety of industries, including the plastics, food, chemical, detergent, pharmaceutical, electric utility and paper and pulp industries. K-Tron's customers include many of the largest companies in their fields as well as numerous other multinational, regional and local businesses.

Feeding and Pneumatic Conveying

The K-Tron Process Group consists of several K-Tron companies operating in the United States, Europe and Asia. The group produces and sells feeders through its K-Tron Feeders brand and pneumatic conveyors and associated equipment through the K-Tron PCS and K-Tron Colormax brands. The K-Tron Process Group also provides a global network of systems engineering, field service engineers, parts and training in support of its customers.

For more information, contact:
K-Tron Process Group
Routes 55 and 553
Pitman, NJ 08071
Phone: +1 856-589-0500
Fax: +1 856-589-8113
Email: info@ktron.com
Web site at http://www.ktron.com

I

New Automatic Bagging Machine American-Newlong's 3CM-PDS high-speed Automatic Bagging Machine bags 2,000 bags/hour of bags weighing 20 lb to 110 lb.

Martin Engineering Opens Business in China
Martin Engineering has opened a new wholly-owned business unit to manufacture and market Martin® Products for the bulk solids handling industries in China.

New Lift & Seal Container Dumper The container dumper was designed to accept and discharge a container of flaked product.

More headline news...

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

Mr. Harland wants a powder feeder:

I need to control the flow rate of the powder that we are conveying. I am currently using pneumatics to push powder out of a hopper and into an air flow where it becomes fluidized and travels down about 20' of hose before exiting a nozzle. The problem is that we have discovered the powder properties change with temperature and the flow rate that the powder enters the air flow varies because of this. We need to keep this under fairly tight control as the powder is mixed with water at the nozzle tip and the mixture ratio is important.

My first idea was to add a small screw at the base of the hopper (moving ~23 ft^3/hr) to control the volumetric flow into the air stream. I imagined the screw to be about 1" dia x 3" long, moving horizontally out of the base of the hopper. Because the hopper is connected to a pressurized air flow hose, the hopper is a sealed unit so the screw would have to be as well.

In my research of different companies I only found large screws connected to bulky feeder funnels. As our unit is for military application, we must be able to disassemble the components by hand (no tools) and lift them in and out of the truck bed by hand. The best solution would be to have a small screw that is connected to the base of the hopper, and can be easily connected to our air line and an electrical cable.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,   (to post reply, click here)

Thanks,
Charlie Harland
Davtair Industries
charland@davtair.com

Mr. Kerketta needs help finding a better conveying pipe:

I am doing "Root Cause Analysis" for some pipe transport lines between reactor and regenerator ( for Pyridine production plant in our industry) carrying high pressure and temperature catalyst (powdered silica) which is nitrogen purged for its transport.

We are using SS 316 steel pipes which requires very frequent maintenance at weld joints at anchor points and bends which are mostly due to high erosion, thermal stresses and vibration.

I would like to know what other pipe material is currently used for such transport lines enduring such conditions? If possible, please give me some links.  Your suggestions would me most helpful.
(to post reply, click here)

Thanks.
Suresh Chandra Kerketta
Jubilant Organosys Limited
Suresh_Kerketta@jubl.com

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

Design Engineer - Processing Machines

Leading New Jersey manufacturer of capital equipment has an immediate opening for a Mechanical Design Engineer.

To be considered candidates must have:
-BS in Mechanical Engineering.
-Background in machine design and power transmission technologies.
-Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, structural steel, welding practices and capabilities; shop fabrication procedures and abilities; strengths of materials, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
-Knowledge of AutoCAD with practical experience.

Salary to $65,000 plus top benefits
Relocation Negotiable

Please send confidential résumé and cover letter including current or last salary to admin@Engineerhotjobs.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.

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Great issue this week, have a look at our new "Ask Joe" article about getting more from your pneumatic conveying system, I think you will find it interesting and very useful, read on!

With over 5,600+ subscribers, our goal is to provide information to improve your business by using the resources available on the Internet.

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jtaylor@powderandbulk.com

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Manual on Test Sieving Methods
by ASTM Manual Series
Manual 32 by ASTM

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Agglomeration in Industry : Occurrence and Applications
by Wolfgang Pietsch
Hardcover: 834 pages
January 2005

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Mixing of Solids
(Powder Technology Series, No. 12)by Ralf Weinekotter, Hermann Gericke
Hardcover, 176 pages, February 2000

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

How to Get a Pneumatic Conveying Pipeline
to Handle More
Guest article by Jack D. Hilbert, Pneumatic Conveying Consultants

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This week's homepage photo is of a NERAK designed and manufactured conveying system, including the access tower, platforms for loading bulk solids into a domed silo. NERAK manufactures some of the world's most technically advanced vertical conveying equipment for loose bulk materials. 

Photo courtesy John Hellier of
NERAK Systems.

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