News items October 2005

It is well known that Bonfiglioli Engineering enjoys the trust of customers worldwide in various industry sectors as manufacturer and supplier of leak testing machinery. This was the case for an esteemed client of Bonfiglioli operating in the food industry who required a machine able to detect leakages in packaged cheese. The ideal solution was the Bonfiglioli SXE in line leak tester machine for testing food pouches. The SXE is sturdy and compact making it ideal to fit in current production lines and the stainless steel structure is designed to be efficiently washed down thus making very hygienic. The machine could reach speeds from 30 ppm up to 120 ppm depending on the size of the pouch and could detect micro holes from 200 to 300 microns. The pouches are transported between two synchronised 3 meter long conveyors. The upper conveyor, at an adjustable height, exerts a slight pressure onto the pouches on the lower conveyor in the testing area. Two sensors present

Malvern Instruments and the Institute of Particle Science & Engineering (IPSE) at Leeds University in the UK have formed a long-term partnership to launch ‘IntelliSense’. The initiative brings together the expertise of the internationally renowned research teams at IPSE, and the extensive scientific, technical and commercial skills within Malvern Instruments. Particulate processing is a key operation in the manufacture of pharmaceutical, agro-chemical, dye and pigment, food, detergent, personal and speciality chemical products. It represents a huge business worldwide with a predicted growth factor of 5 to 10 over the next decade. Global competition is the driver for manufacturers to seek new solutions in the monitoring, control and management of their processes, these solutions must deliver step changes in cost and quality. Given the importance of this sector, particle processing is on the verge of a revolution in understanding, monitoring and control. IntelliSense’

GejaPLAST distibutes Ayalit Laborsave GejaPLAST Plastics services & solutions takes besides a complete programm for polymer processing and handling equipment, the Laborsave in this programm. The Laborsave is a patented fully automatic robot developed by Ayal Robotics & Enginering LTD. Israel. Opening and emptying 600 till 1200 sacks/ 25kg hour raw materials like polymers, chemicals and food products. Huge savings for manpower and material consumption. Suitable for almost all kind off sacks, plastics, paper, burlap et cetera. Almost all dimensions for sacks.

The Sweco SentryScan for dry applications uses integrated microwave technology to directly monitor the condition of your separator`s most critical component: the screen itself. Increase Efficiency * Alerts operator to breaks, holes or tears in a separator’s wire mesh screens * Reduces production of off-spec product * Lowers reprocessing costs * Helps avoid costly product recalls

Whitehouse Scientific has further extended its range of filter pore size standards, with the inclusion of standards down to 0.5 micron. These narrow distribution glass microspheres are used to ‘challenge’ filter media. Analysing the proportion of spheres passing through the filter enables determination of the maximum pore sizes present. For pore sizes of greater than around 15 microns, the percentage of dry microspheres passing through can be related directly to pore size, simply using a calibration graph, and without the need to use particle size analysis. For pore sizes of below about 15 microns a wet suspension method is used and this extends the range to submicron regions. All measurements provide unambiguous results and are traceable to international standards of length, such as NIST.

Doubling of the working place surface After a first expansion in 1998 the French plant of TRIAX SICHERHEITSTECHNIK has increased its working place surface this summer and created a new office building. TRIAX manufactures and distributes safety gates, vehicle access protections, dropdown gangways, pallet stackers and sorters as well as vehicle restraints and flap doors. TRIAX will be at the A+A trade fair in Düsseldorf from October 24th, 2005 to October 27th, 2005 (hall 6 stand H 25).

Exceptionally torsion-resistant aluminium conveyors made to individual measure Right to the point: GEPPERT-Band Ltd manufactures every aluminium conveyor of its range made to individual measure – in both belt-length and belt-width. The smallest total band-width measures 60 millimetres, and starting with a smallest productive belt-width of 100mm, the width can be enlarged in steps of 50mm. All belts come with the exceptionally torsion-resistant TorsioDur frame. The manufacturing time for bent- and Z-shaped conveyors made of standard components is between 24 hours and four days, depending on the model. Easily integrating aluminium conveyors into existing production processes was the prime target of this innovative development. Whereas belt-widths have previously been available in steps of 100mm, the new 50mm steps leave next to no customer wanting. Apart from their individual measures, the aluminium belt conveyors offer a decisive advantage: the patented TorsioDur fame. Conventional belt conveyors made of aluminium come with a screwed

Conical mills are used for crushing agglomerates or for control screening. Dust/air compounds with a certain concentration and an existing energy source can be explosive. An intertisation with N2 or CO2 can indeed guarantee that the oxygen concentration stays below the explosion limit but implicates high costs. With the re-fitting of existing plants, the inertisation is often as problematic as the suppression of explosions. Hosokawa Bepex GmbH, Leingarten now manufactures the BEXMILL 400 in impact resistant design for 10 bar. Emerging explosion pressure is safely kept within the machine. In case of emergency, the units may deform but they do not burst with this design. This means a high degree of safety for the plant operator. The machine is laid out for WIP (Washing In Place). Return valves in the conduits guarantee safety. New application cases for processing organic and metallic products arise for the impact resistant BEXMILL.

Technology for high potential pharmaceuticals and chemicals By integrating the proven conical mill (BEXMILL) into an isolator, Hosokawa Bepex has succeeded in meeting the stringent demands of the pharmaceutical industry with respect to product and personal protection when processing high potential pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The BEXMILL is suitable for a wide range of applications: · Deagglomeration · Crushing of roller compacted flakes · Grinding of oversized particles · Sizing of product at the inlet of an air jet mill Various mill screens, round hole or rasp type are available to accomplish any process requirement. The minimal airflow does not require additional filter systems. The BEXMILL does not need any dosed feed, but can totally be flood fed. For isolator purposes, two sizes are available which are also ideal for R&D work. All contact parts are made of stainless steel AISI 316 L (DIN 1.4404) with a surface quality of Ra <=0,8 µm respectively Ra <=0,4 µm

Our introductory model with the unbeatable price-to-performance ratio Our introductory model with the unbeatable price-to-performance ratio is reintroduced to the market after a complete overhaul and demonstrates what can be done in particle measurement technology, even with a modest budget. - measuring range 0.3 to 300 µm - easy-to-use bench top instrument - for routine particle size analysis in laboratory or in production - wet and dry dispersion in a single instrument - auto-alignment of the beam - rapid location of measurement cells - easy cleaning of measurement cell - fully automatic cleaning of the measurement circuit - individually programmable for every application - processor-controlled, automatic measurement process - One-Touch operation; the measurement is started by the press of a button - remote-controlled operation via RS232 possible without computer - up to 6 measurements can be performed without a computer - high reproducibility - high flexibility through individual programming capability - meets

Flexible system for emptying, metering and conveying DASAG has developed a compact and flexible system which can empty big bags with a simultaneous metering and conveying process. Thus 3 passes are automated in one unit whereas 3 different devices were required up to now.

L.U.M. in strategic partnership with EPPENDORF L.U.M. GmbH, Berlin, world-wide leading producer of analytical devices for direct and rapid stability analysis and particle characterization of dispersions announces the begin of a long-term cooperation with EPPENDORF AG, Hamburg. EPPENDORF is the world-wide leading producer of systems for biotechnology and produces High End-laboratory centrifuges. The exclusive agreement enables L.U.M. to use the latest centrifuge technology for the innovative product lines LUMiSizer and LUMiFuge and provides the customers with solutions for future challenges. „This cooperation permits us the consistent expansion of our product portfolio of dispersion and stability analysers according to the increasing demands from our international customers“, states Prof. Lerche, Managing Director of L.U.M. GmbH. „In addition to the classic devices, completely based on our own development, we meet an increasing demand for the advanced LUMiFuges and the LUMiSizers since their market release

Novel feeding technique, well thought-out handling system For gravimetric feeding of pellets and free flowing ingredients the Brabender ScrewDisc Feeder utilizes a rotating disc and vertical metering screw combination housed in a special PUR outlet. A tubular PUR insert slipped over the screw replaces the conventional screw tube. A lowering mechanism with load cell connects the group to a support unit and carries the storage hopper. The new ThreeFlex system allows recipe changeover in 3 steps. For discharge the feed unit is lowered and turned into any discharge position (1). Its PUR outlet with disc, screw and insert is then lowered and swung out for cleaning (2). Insert, disc and screw are removable and exchangeable (3). The design offers high feeding accuracy and constancy due to solid flow and 100% screw filling. Optimum grain distribution around the disc circumference results in pulsation-free discharge over the whole 100:1 turndown ratio. Two models for up to 5000 dm³/hr or multi-feeder stations with up to 8

Simple rotary valve system The new construction is tested and approved by TÜV. The cooresponding Typ approval includes following ATEX Zones: Inside Zone 20 Outside Zone 1/21 The Kraft Rotary Butterfly Valve is thanks to its universal design especcialy suitable for dosing and transporting of bulk solids & granulats. The actuator can operate with a fixed RPM or frequency controlled. As alternative to the excecution on the picture with Stainless Steel seatring it is also possible to use elastomer seats.

We are pleased to announce our Sympatec Particle Characterisation seminars. For the first time, Sympatec Benelux are going to present their latest assortment of instruments for particle size analysis. 8 November 2005 Particle Characterisation of Nano and Submicron particles 9 November 2005 Particle Characterisation of Micron and Millimetre particles See the Calendar for more information

Flexible system for emptying, metering and conveying DASAG has developed a compact and flexible system which can empty big bags with a simultaneous metering and conveying process. Thus 3 passes are automated in one unit whereas 3 different devices were required up to now.

Novel feeding technique, well thought-out handling system For gravimetric feeding of pellets and free flowing ingredients the Brabender ScrewDisc Feeder utilizes a rotating disc and vertical metering screw combination housed in a special PUR outlet. A tubular PUR insert slipped over the screw replaces the conventional screw tube. A lowering mechanism with load cell connects the group to a support unit and carries the storage hopper. The new ThreeFlex system allows recipe changeover in 3 steps. For discharge the feed unit is lowered and turned into any discharge position (1). Its PUR outlet with disc, screw and insert is then lowered and swung out for cleaning (2). Insert, disc and screw are removable and exchangeable (3). The design offers high feeding accuracy and constancy due to solid flow and 100% screw filling. Optimum grain distribution around the disc circumference results in pulsation-free discharge over the whole 100:1 turndown ratio. Two models for up to 5000 dm³/hr or multi-feeder stations with up to 8

ROTEX will be revealing its new Centrifugal Sifter at easyFairs Solids in Rotterdam – The Netherlands in November. Rotex adds a new equipment to its existing screening, feeding and conveying equipment range: Rotex Gyratory screeners, Plastic Pellet screeners, Electromagnetic & Electromechanical feeders, Minerals separators, and Direct Drive screeners, feeders & conveyors. Designed to meet high-capacity sifting for bulk load-in/load-out and larger process applications, the Rotex Centrifugal Sifter proves its cost efficiency daily in handling a wide variety of powders, granules, agglomerates and other free-flowing materials. Processed particles ranging in size from 10mm to 30 microns are scalped with ease. The combination of high centrifugal force and blade spreading action reduce binding problems, even when handling materials that tend to flake or agglomerate due to fat or moisture content. Centrifugal sifter units meet big job needs too. Rotex offers the largest

Weighing amplifier with built in junctionbox and testloadcell. Weightec 341 AD The Weightec 341 AD is an extension of the excisting model 341 A. By adding an extra microcontroler there is now, next to the analog output (V and mA), a full duplex digital output available with a resolution of 19, 18 or 15 bit (max.: 1 : 400,000) at a loadcell signal of 0 - 2 mV/V. Transmission speed may be selected from 31 Hz to 0,25 Hz and can be set at continuous transmission or at one or more strings per request. The communication may be started and stopped by the connected computer system by short messages. With these messages too the connected scale may be set at zero (with standstill conrol) and be switched over from sending weightvalues (kg) to weighspeed values (kg/sec) Transmission is RS232 or Current Loop (galvanic split) and has an own bussytem with max. 15 other amplifiers. The 341 AD has settable filters and a built in loadcell test simulator. All hardware settings are digital, there are no potmeters. All inputs and outputs are

New: more platformscales and downloads of technical informations Weegtechniek Holland is specialized in SOEHNLE platformscales and WEIGHTEC weigh amplifiers. The website has got a completely new structure and more pictures of the products, so the extended program of platformscales may be searched more adequate, and more technical informations are available as downloads. The technical specificatations of all the presented loadcells and amplifiers may be downloaded as pdf`s, and the content of productleaflets has been extended. Pricelists may be required for direct from the website. The full range of -certified- weights in class M1, with pricelist included, in steel, brass, nickled brass and stainless steel is presented, togetther with support how to calibrate a weighing scale according to EN 45501.

Gentle Feeding Without Material Arching The SolidsFlow® fibrous material feeder is preferred by drywall producers worldwide for feeding wet chopped fiberglass. Arching or hang-ups in the hopper are prevented and no flow-aid devices are required. The feeder utilizes a special one-piece vibratory feed-tray specifically designed to the material’s unique flow characteristics. This special design allows instantaneous and complete cut-off once the drive is turned off, preventing trickle feed. By the horizontal motion applied to the feed tray a consistent uniform material flow is produced when the feeder is turned on - without damage to the integrity of the fibers. Advantages and Technical Details at a Glance: • Uniform material discharge • No flow-aid devices needed • No moving parts, hence minimum maintenance cost • “Instant cut-off” for optimum batch accuracy • Suitable for continuous or batch operation • Volumetric or gravimetric feeding Fibrous Materials Fed: • chopped

Complex Multi-functionality Monitored by Radio! In combination with the weighing electronics of the DISOMAT® series or the PC software DISOVIEW-E highly precise multi-talented weighing systems evolve. During commissioning, for instance, an exact analysis of the deadload distribution can be made as well as a convenient electronic corner comparison. During operation, the load distribution on the scale is analysed and each load cell is individually monitored. In case of faults the affected component is quickly detected. In the end, this means a considerable saving in time, material, and cost as well as a distinct process safety. Technical Data: ~ Installation of the DISOBOX® in a housing of protection type IP 65. ~ The unit comprises up to eight high-resolution signal channels measuring synchronously and aditional binary inputs and outputs. ~ Universal utilization. ~ When used as 8-times converter up to eight hopper scales can be acquired decentrally and interfaced directly with the existing host system

The new Aeration Control Unit for Freeman Technology’s FT4 Powder Rheometer allows fine control of air flow through a powder under test and enables the automated measurement of the powder’s flow properties as a function of increasing levels of aeration. At maximum aeration - or for some powders, fluidisation - the energy required to make a powder flow is reduced by a measurable factor, known as the Aeration Ratio (AR). This varies from around 5 for cohesive powders to in excess of 1000 for fluidisable powders. It is therefore an important flow performance indicator. The bulk properties of powders can be greatly affected by even small amounts of entrained air. The aeration control unit allows evaluation at very low air velocities down to 2mm/min. Aeration at higher velocities up to 2000 mm/min can examine the fluidisation behaviour that has important practical processing implications in many industries. These include toner production, powder coatings and pharmaceutical

In a development that will further strengthen Malvern Instruments’ highly successful process team, Oliver Schmitt will move from Malvern Instruments GmbH to the company’s headquarters in the UK, to take up the role of Business Line Manager – Process Systems. Welcoming him to the UK, managing director Paul Walker, commented: “Oliver has a unique blend of technical and commercial skills and experience. He is the ideal person to lead our process team – a team that has achieved strong sales growth over recent years, underpinned by groundbreaking multiple unit contracts with key industry players.” Oliver Schmitt’s first experience of the industrial relevance and benefits of the Insitec on-line particle size analyzer was gained when he worked at WR Grace, before moving to Malvern in 1999. Working as Malvern’s Process Specialist for Germany he has gained extensive knowledge of the technology and its applications, and has worked closely with

In a development that will further strengthen Malvern Instruments’ highly successful process team, Oliver Schmitt will move from Malvern Instruments GmbH to the company’s headquarters in the UK, to take up the role of Business Line Manager – Process Systems. Welcoming him to the UK, managing director Paul Walker, commented: “Oliver has a unique blend of technical and commercial skills and experience. He is the ideal person to lead our process team – a team that has achieved strong sales growth over recent years, underpinned by groundbreaking multiple unit contracts with key industry players.” Oliver Schmitt’s first experience of the industrial relevance and benefits of the Insitec on-line particle size analyzer was gained when he worked at WR Grace, before moving to Malvern in 1999. Working as Malvern’s Process Specialist for Germany he has gained extensive knowledge of the technology and its applications, and has worked closely with

At-line and on-line raw material, intermediate and final product inspection Analytical Spectral Devices has a unique position in quality control with her wide product offer of Vis/NIR and flexible software. The cooperation with experienced distributers guarantees the calibration and maintenance support. Inventech Benelux is offering her customers shopfloor quality control with laboratory accuracy without the need of labor intensive sample taking and sample preparation.New applications will be developed in close cooperation with the customer and if feasible, fast implemented. The calibrations are defining the final functionality and thus a proces improvement is nothing more then a renewed calibration without the need of new hardware investments.

Adding a new dimension to screening technology Fine mesh separation and filtration specialists Russell Finex have introduced the new Compact Airlock Sieve, adding a new dimension to screening technology. This new Compact Airlock Sieve is the first real advance in sieving technology, with its validatable pneumatic clamping system giving large improvements in product containment and operator health and safety. With powders safely contained, the screener accurately removes any contamination and therefore improves product quality and safeguards the reputation of the user. The unit also complies with the new ATEX legislation in Europe. The operation of the Compact Airlock Sieve is simple but very effective. Oversize contamination is accurately removed by the mesh screen fitted to the unit, while the good product passes through the mesh and on to the next stage of production. Clean down times are reduced, as the sieve is simple to disassemble in seconds without the need for tools. Crevice free and smooth surfaces

Improving your product quality The new Vibrasonic Spiroscreen introduced by Russell Finex, enables powders to be sieved on finer meshes with more accuracy than ever before. This increases the value of the screened powders as well as improving the quality of the final products they are used to produce. The Russell Vibrasonic Spiroscreen achieves these improvements by eliminating mesh blinding for a wide range of difficult to screen materials including, light and sticky powders. Benefits : Sieving capacities increase because all the apertures remain clear and powder can pass through them. Downtime is reduced as there is no need to stop the production process to clean the mesh. Eliminating blinding also reduces production costs. Accurately screening powders in one pass maximises sieving capacity thereby preventing the need to re-size good product. This shortens production time and increases yields, both saving money. The Vibrasonic system is easy to fit to an existing sieve or screener, even

according to the EU directives WEEE and RoHS The EU directives 2003/108/EC (WEEE) and 2002/95/EC (RoHS) regulate the collection of electronic components by the manufacturer and limit the use of problematic substances such as chromium or mercury in the manufacture of electrical and electronic products. Compliance with these directives must be verified through appropriate analysis. For such tests FRITSCH offers the suitable mills for the sample preparation. The material which need to be ground are comprised of a mixture of substances. Metals, ceramic components and various plastics: these are all found in the samples. In order to achieve a fineness appropriate for analysis (<200µm) of such a heterogeneous composition, the FRITSCH universal cutting mill pulverisette 19 is used in the first step. The pulverisette 19 is ideal to grind materials mixtures gently and achieves a pre-crushing down to 1 mm. One decisive advantage of the pulverisette 19 in comparison with the competition is the very simple and

The DL dust airlock from DMN-Westinghouse has been ATEX approved and optional available flameproof up to 3 bar. The ATEX approval is awarded for protective system / equipment up to 3 bar, Dust class 2 marking Ex II D / 1D/2GD, as well as for equipment marking Ex II 1D/2GD. The DMN-Westinghouse dl (Dust Lock) is of a dedicated design for filter applications and is conforming to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. The standard valve is pressure shock resistant up to 10 bar g pressure. Recently the DL was also tested and approved flameproof up to 3 bar. Both the standard version and the ATEX 3 bar flameproof version can be delivered ex stock. The universal flanges on both sides of the valve are suitable for both round and square counter flanges and are drilled to PN 10. The angle of the inlet down to the rotor has been kept as steep as possible, to reduce the chance of bridging. The outlet from the valve is round, so that you can discharge into either a round or square connection.