United Kingdom -- Stable Micro Systems, leading designer and manufacturer of texture analysis equipment, has launched a revolutionary Powder Flow Analyzer. Hailed as industry's most accurate and reliable method of measuring flow characteristics of dry and wet powders, the Powder Flow Analyzer helps manufacturers avoid a range of powder problems with diverse ingredients. The Powder Flow Analyzer includes an innovative blade which has recently been granted full US Patents for its design.

Rapid analysis of free-flowing powders, such as drug substances, as well as cohesive powders, wet mixes and granules can be achieved with the Powder Flow Analyzer. The flow behavior of powder and bulk solids is often unpredictable but by knowing their characteristics, manufacturers can avoid typical problems including batch and source variation, caking during storage, bridging in hoppers and sticking during production.

To ensure that data accurately mimics real-life conditions, the sample is preconditioned (aerated and gently compacted) to eliminate any variations in loading. Sophisticated mixing and testing cycles, using the precision-engineered, patented blade, enable users to test their products in realistic conditions. A true helix, the blade causes 'controlled flow' and can be mathematically described, unlike similar measuring devices available on the market. It naturally cuts through the column of powder and negates the need for complex torque measuring systems, allowing reproducible and discriminating results from a reliable, simple and low cost accessory.

The Powder Flow Analyzer is supplied with library tests so manufacturers can start testing quickly and conveniently after straightforward installation and calibration. Users can fully program the instrument to carry out slicing, shearing, compressing, compacting, mixing and aerating cycles in any combination and sequence. Test sequences can be repeated ad infinitum to maximize accuracy and repeatability.

Stable Micro Systems is a leading designer and manufacturer of texture analysis equipment including the renowned TA.XT2i and TA.XTplus. These are already used in around 5000 laboratories worldwide for testing in food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care, paints and coatings and other manufacturing industries. By simply changing the attachments of the texture analyzers, manufacturers can test semi-finished and finished products quickly and easily.

Source:  http://www.stablemicrosystems.com/

Salina, KS -- Salina Vortex Corporation, has re-engineered their Iris Valve to offer customers added sizes and enhanced features at a reasonable cost.

Both models are now available with the following features: Complete size range including 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 15" and 18" sizes, Tough, stainless steel control ring and sturdy metal handle, Lightweight aluminum construction with options for stainless steel material contact or stainless steel valve construction

The IP (infinite position) Model offers infinitely adjustable positioning between fully open and fully closed by rotating the handle through a 180 degree arc. The QL (quick lock) Model offers rapid multiple set positioning using a re-designed trigger lock handle. A form-fitted, poly-nylon fabric sleeve (urethane coated for FDA requirements) provides a dust tight seal and is ideal for handling delicate, "friable" products.

Optional sleeve material is available for both models as well as "double sleeving" for fine, dusty materials. The Salina Vortex Iris Valve is an excellent choice for use with bulk bag applications. It is a reliable valve for controlling the gravity discharge of free-flowing bulk materials from bins, bulk bags, chutes and hoppers.

For more information contact:
Mr. Kevin Peterson
Salina Vortex
3024 Arnold Avenue
Salina, Kansas 67401
Telephone: 785-825-7177
Email:  kevinp@svortex.com
Web site:  http://www.svortex.com/

Whitewater, WI -- Today, cement producers need a product they can rely on when feeding and blending fly ash, slag, and cement. With accuracies of ± 0.5 percent of the actual feed rate, the Multicor gives the precision needed when feeding these cement products. The compact design makes the unit easy to install without taking up much floor space or headroom. Unaffected by external forces, wind, or vibration, the Multicor can be installed virtually anywhere, indoors or outside.

Because of the characteristics of these materials, dust and debris can be a constant issue for cement producers. The dust-tight construction of the Multicor virtually eliminates any housekeeping issue typically associated with feeding these materials. Not only does the design of the Multicor reduce the time needed for maintenance, but also decreases the potential for health hazards.

The versatility of the flowmeter is clearly shown with its automatic on-stream calibration capability. With the ability to verify the accuracy while feeding the process without interruption, production down time is reduced and accuracies are optimized.

Schenck's Multicor Coriolis Flowmeter gives cement producers the ideal system when feeding and blending materials like fly ash, slag, and cement. The Multicor also comes in sizes with feed rates up to 300 metric tons per hour and handles material temperatures up to 266°F.

Schenck Weighing Systems is a Unit of Schenck AccuRate, a global supplier of bulk solids weighing and feeding equipment and systems.

For additional information contact:
Mr. Mike Karas
Schenck Weighing Systems
Phone:  800-401-9702
Fax:  973-882-3796
Email: cement@schenckamericas.com
Web site:  http://www.schenckamericas.com/

United Kingdom -- Powder and particle manufacturers now have even more choice for contract processing services thanks to a recent global agreement between Hosokawa Micron and a major toner manufacturing organization.

The joint processing facilities in the US and UK, utilizing Hosokawa Micron's powder testing services coupled with small to medium scale production capabilities in conjunction with various micronizing and classifying equipment such as the AFG 800 jet milling system, enables customers to have access to cost effective and wide ranging contract processing facilities capable of producing a few kilos of product to multi-ton lots.

Whether manufacturers are sourcing a cost effective route for processing without capital equipment, development of isolated projects, require new product trials or additional manufacturing capacity, customers will now have access to Hosokawa Micron's process engineering expertise and contract processing facilities.

The 800 AFG Jet mills, some of the largest Jet Mills available in the world are capable of micronizing below 5 microns, with the ability to generate a very narrow particle size distribution. These 10 bar pressure shock resistant systems incorporate an ATP100/4 classifier for continuous grinding and classifying with in-line real-time particle distribution analysis provided by a Malvern Insitec.

With large throughput capacity and controllable and highly accurate particle distribution profile these systems are ideal for processing large, multi-ton lots and regular repeat contracts. With full product/ process traceability and adherence to ISO9000/2000 international standards, product quality, integrity and security are achieved at all times, enabling operatives to work in a safe clean environment.

For more information contact:
Mr. Jim McEwan
Hosokawa Micron Limited (UK)
Telephone: 00 44 (0) 1928 755211
Fax: 00 44 (0) 1928 755106
E-mail: jmcewan@hmluk.hosokawa.com
Web site:  http://www.hosokawa.com/

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

Mr. Guirgis needs help with grains bridging in silos:

I wish to get some information about what may cause the bridging action in a grain storage (a steel silo used to store canola/wheat grains). Is there any known formula to calculate the probabilities of occurrence of this phenomenon in terms of the type of grains, moisture content, silo's dimensions, etc?

What if a bulky piece of consolidated grains fell on the floor after a bridging action has taken place, is there a standard method to estimate the magnitude of this impact load and to consider it in the design of the floor itself?
(Click here to post a reply)

Thanks,
Sameh Guirgis
samehguirgis@hotmail.com

Mr. Turner needs a contract bagging facility:

I am currently bagging soil products (topsoil, compost, peat moss, potting soils, etc.) for a customer who wants to expand their geographic territory.  I cannot justify the expense of opening another bagging facility for only one customer.

I am trying to find someone who is not fully utilizing their bagging capacity year-around and might be able to handle some additional bagging.

The areas my customer wants to expand into is the Kentucky/Tennessee area and also into the Northern Illinois/Wisconsin area.

Please contact me at turner@datawise.net if you can help me with serving my customer or even know of someone who might be able too.
(Click here to post a reply)

Thanks,
F. Turner
turner@datawise.net

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

For Sale - Best Offer:  Nisshin Turbo Classifier

Model TC-60- II, for classification of fine atomized aluminum powder and other powders allowing fine cuts below 10 micron.

The Turbo Classifier comes with complete system - dust collector, cyclone, screw feeder, air/gas flow controllers. It has a capacity 1,000 kg per hour and was built in 1992. 

Do you have new, used or refurbished equipment for sale?
List your equipment and/or services in our E-Classifieds.  Its quick, simple and you can pay by credit card!.  You can even include a photograph with your ad!  

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Sales Representatives Wanted

Regional representation is now being established for Ankersmid Particle Size and Shape Analyzers www.ankersmid.com Prospects are invited to submit their credentials for consideration.  Please forward all correspondence to:

Sean T. Murphy
MCC/Ankersmid
6 Great Meadow Lane
East Hanover, NJ 07936
smurphy@mcc-online.com

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© 1999-2003 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

Our goal is to provide information to improve your business by using the resources available on the Internet.

Thanks,
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jtaylor@powderandbulk.com

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Dust Explosions in the
Process Industries
by Rolf K. Eckhoff
Paperback, 643 pages, January 1997

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Perry's Chemical Engineers' Platinum Edition
by Robert Perry, et al
Hardcover, 3000 pages, Bk&cdr

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Statics and Kinematics of
Granular Materials
by R.M. Nedderman
Hardcover, December 1992

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Increasing Conveying Rates in Pneumatic Systems
Guest article by A. Tim Agarwal,
Pneumatic Conveying Consultants

Past Ask Joe! Archived Articles

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This week's homepage photo is an inside view of a Lodige, 20,000 liter continuous rubber-lined mixer for blending 800 mt/hr of iron ore with bentonite binder in Eastern Quebec.  Lodige Process Technology is a leading supplier systems for industrial mixing for bulk solids, powders, dusts and pastes.

Photo courtesy of Terry Frank of Lodige Process Technology 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