News items June 2006

Double resolution, optimized software, excellent reproducibility and 100% compatibility to sieve analysis results - that`s the new CAMSIZER for particle size and particle shape analysis. ·New optics with extreme depth of sharpness allow for even better size and shape analysis, also for the very fine size range. The CCD cameras in the new CAMSIZER now operate with a 100% higher resolution which means that more than 45 megapixels are measured per second. The intensity of the new LED-stroboscope light source is 20 times higher than that of the light source of the predecessor. Extremely short exposure times allow for pin sharp images. The new CAMSIZER provides an excellent resolution over the complete measuring range from 30 µm to 30 mm.

The new HAS Vario automatic pallet transverse stretch hooder from Maschinenfabrik Möllers GmbH of Beckum, Germany, applies stretch film hoods for securing loads on pallets of all formats, ranging from 600 to 1,300 mm long by 800 to 1,140 mm wide, and can handle standard stretch film as well as High-Expander and Ultrastretch film from 60 to 180 µm thick. The modern film types are characterized by their elasticity of up to 150 %, their increased tensional grip on the pallet load, and by up to 30 % less film consumption. With its pneumatic film opening system and patented stretch finger nesting for film take-up, the new stretch hooder is designed to process both standard tubular stretch film dimensions and the extremely small tube widths of the high-stretch films. The machine works by transverse stretching, which generates the restraining forces acting on the pallet and the load exclusively from the radial stretching of the tubular film. This creates a firm bond

ProMinent Verder in Vleuten representative for TOMAL in the Netherlands ProMinent Dosiertechnik GmbH has acquired TOMAL from Sweden by the 1st Janaury 2006. For the Netherlands ProMinent Verder bv will take care of their product portfolio, consisting of polymer units [liquid and solids based] as well as the 5 spindle feeders for accurate dosing and integrated bidge breaking principle. The synergy between TOMAL and ProMinent is their mutual market approach in potable- and sewage water treatment. For more information please contact via +31 30 677 92 80 either Hans den Hartog or Fred ten Hove

EGLI Retracting cable reels for Ex-zone II from Egli, Fischer & Co. Ltd. The EGLI retracting cable reels for electrostatic earthing are the first that have been approved for the Ex-zone II, Categories 3G and 3D. EGLI cable reels have a potential free contact which makes possible advanced automated solutions in combination with process control or monitoring systems. As a novelty, a 24 volt version is available, ideally suited for the automotive industry. Safety hazards are, amongst others, loading and unloading of silo- and tank-lorries, transfilling of chemical products and powdery substances, as well as various tasks in industrial facilities. Egli, Fischer has developed a retracting cable reel for these applications in the Ex zone II, that eliminates the risk of electrostatic discharge, meeting the requirements of all regulations and ATEX 94/9 approved already in 2005. In addition to category 3G – important for the chemical industry – the EGLI cable reels are approved for category 3D as well, i.e. for environments, where an explosive

The on-site calibration of test sieves has been further simplified by the introduction of new software from Whitehouse Scientific. Every sieve manufactured from 20 to 3350 microns, ranging in diameter from 40 to 450 mm, can now be unambiguously calibrated. The new program will be provided free of charge to customers purchasing the company’s calibration standards. It allows the calculation of sieve apertures directly from the weight of glass calibration beads passing through the sieve. To determine the mean aperture size, the operator simply selects the nominal rating of the sieve to be calibrated and enters the initial weight and the weight of the beads passing through. Using the new program it is possible to measure more than 80% of available apertures, with full NIST traceability, in under two minutes. The speed, simplicity and reliability of the Whitehouse procedures have eliminated the need to return sieves to the manufacturer for recalibration.

Calculation becomes easy Jansen & Heuning makes her calculation program for bulk conveyors free available for many years. Lots of specialists use it all over the world at their full satisfaction. After an extended testing period a new release is available for a wide range of possible users. The new version is more user friendly and has nicer lay outs for output. The help function is extended and contains all explanation of the calculation methods. You can receive this tool by sending an us href=http://www.solidsprocessing.nl/downloads.php?id=2284&lnk=11 target=_new>an email . You will receive the software by return e-mail (app. 5 MB). The program calculates: - belt conveyors - screw conveyors - bucket elevators - chain conveyors - frames for belt conveyors

Darmstadt, Germany, 1st of June 2006. Schenck Process announces agreement on the acquisition of Stock Equipment Company (“Stock”). This acquisition further strengthens the position of Schenck Process as the leading global supplier of weighing, feeding, screening and automation solutions throughout the process industries. Stock together with its Redler and Solvera products is the global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of highly engineered bulk material handling systems and electronic controls for coal-fired power plants and other process industries. Founded in 1929, Stock has the most extensive bulk material handling product offering in the industry with their portfolio including feeding systems, chain conveyors, speciality valves, electronic controls and other accessory products. Headquartered in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA with operations in China, India, Japan and the United Kingdom, Stock is well positioned to serve both its international customer

The on-site calibration of test sieves has been further simplified by the introduction of new software from Whitehouse Scientific. Every sieve manufactured from 20 to 3350 microns, ranging in diameter from 40 to 450 mm, can now be unambiguously calibrated. The new program will be provided free of charge to customers purchasing the company’s calibration standards. It allows the calculation of sieve apertures directly from the weight of glass calibration beads passing through the sieve. To determine the mean aperture size, the operator simply selects the nominal rating of the sieve to be calibrated and enters the initial weight and the weight of the beads passing through. Using the new program it is possible to measure more than 80% of available apertures, with full NIST traceability, in under two minutes. The speed, simplicity and reliability of the Whitehouse procedures have eliminated the need to return sieves to the manufacturer for recalibration.

The latest accessory for Freeman Technology’s FT4 powder rheometer allows the flow properties of powders to be studied under vacuum. Reducing the air pressure, and hence the entrained air in the powder, can lead to dramatic changes in flowability. Since a number of unit operations in powder processing may be carried out under vacuum (including drying, filtration, pneumatic transfer and dosing) it is important to understand the behaviour of powders under these conditions. The FT4 is a fully automated, universal powder tester that can be used to characterise powder behaviour under aerated, conditioned, consolidated and now vacuum conditions. In this new test mode, vacuum is applied to a powder sample through the system’s standard aeration base. The FT4 allows the rapid and systematic investigation of dynamic behaviour as a function of applied vacuum and other variables, such as flow rate, moisture content and composition. By characterizing a powder in a range of