NPE 2012 ROUND-UP: AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT

Herbold PVC shrink label remover makes bottle recycling more efficient

The latest development from Herbold is a shrink label remover for the PET bottle recycling industry. The machine has a rotating drum that collapses the bottle, strips off the label, takes off the cap and ring, and separates them into three waste streams of the highest possible purity. As part of this process, much of the dirt is removed, which results in less wear on subsequent recycling equipment.

With the usual pre-washing steps it was not possible to separate labels covering the whole surface of the bottle. What’s more, most shrink labels are PVC, and both PET and PVC sink in a float tank.

The separation of the labels and other contamination is achieved using the friction between rip-off elements on the rotor and exchangeable steel pins. The working chamber is designed to ensure even loads and dwell times of the bottle. Two sizes are available: the HLR 90/140 with a capacity of around 7,000 lbs./hr. and the HLR 120/230 with a capacity of around 15,000 lbs./hr., depending on the bottle type and drive.

Herbold Meckesheim USA Resource Recyling Systems Inc. (Smithfield, RI);

www.herboldusa.net; 401-232-3354

Dryer that displays and controls pellet moisture automatically

Until now, the only way to verify that a dryer has not under-dried or over-dried resin has been to test the resin off line and then adjust the process. The new MoistureMaster drying system from

Novatec displays and can control real on-line resin moisture automatically, as well as displaying and controlling the dew point level of the drying air. A sensor is mounted at the base of the drying hopper to detect online the actual level of moisture in the pellet. A PLC touchsceen control displays pellet moisture as a percentage or as parts per million. This precise and on-line control of moisture level drying means that considerable energy savings are possible.

The patent pending sensor has been developed and is manufactured by BryAir Prokon (Switzerland). Novatec is the exclusive North American dryer integrator for the BryScan 100.

The sensor is available as a retrofit to existing hoppers and material lines. It is also embedded in Novatec’s MoistureMaster Powerguard Wheel Dryers, which are available from 500 to 5,000 lbs./hr.

Novatec Inc/Maguire Canada (Vaughan, Ont.):

www.novatec.com/moisturemaster; 866-441-8409

Barway Plastic Equipment Inc. (Vaudreuil-Dorian, Que.); www.barway.ca; 450-455-1396

Self-cleaning magnetic drawer magnet

Bunting Magnetics has taken the features of its FF series and HF series of magnetic drawer filters and combined them into a single design. The new NEO self-cleaning FF drawer magnet features easy cleaning with one smooth motion. There is no reason to remove any components for cleaning.

The new self-cleaning drawer magnet comes standard with temperature compensated rare earth magnets, with other magnetic loads available. The standard size will fit a 2 inch to 7 inch machine throat opening, with other sizes available on request. The welded steel housing is standard for easy cleaning and durability. A detachable tramp tray alleviates messy cleanups and spills.

Also available is a pneumatic self-cleaning model, ideal for hard to reach places that are difficult for a maintenance person to get to for cleaning.

Bunting Magnetics Co. (Newton, Kan.);

www.buntingmagnetics.com; 800-835-2526

New line of low temperature chillers

Mokon’s line of Iceman portable chillers has been expanded to deliver low temperature process fluids as cold as -10°F (-23°C) on models up to 10 Tons with both air and water-cooled condensing. The addition of the Low Temperature portable chillers to Mokon’s Iceman line is in direct response to feedback received from customers.

The main feature of the Iceman LT Series chiller is its semi-hermetic discus compressor arrangement that is very robust and easy to service with internals that can be replaced, allowing it to be used in a broad range of industrial and commercial applications. In addition, semi-hermetic compressors are more energy efficient than many other compressor types and are built to last, thus saving time and money in maintenance and service calls.

Additional features of Mokon’s Low Temperature chillers are the cylinder unloading/hot gas bypass feature used for capacity control, and a microprocessor-based digital controller that is specifically programmed for chiller applications.

The Iceman LT Series utilizes R-507 refrigerant that provides customers with an environmentally friendly option to replace CFCs and HCFCs. Mokon also offers standard Iceman SC portable chillers ranging from 1/4 to 40 Tons that use R-134A and R-407C environmentally friendly refrigerants for process cooling.

Mokon (Buffalo, N.Y.); www.mokon.com; 716-876-9951

En-Plas Inc. (Toronto); www.en-plasinc.com; 416-286-3030                     

Scale hopper provides accurate batch weighing

The K-Tron Scale Hopper uses three load cells to integrate batch weighing into a pneumatic conveying system. Featuring installed accuracy producing a margin of error no greater than + 0.5% of full scale capacity, the Scale Hopper is specially designed for pneumatic systems to accurately weigh loads, even when unevenly distributed.

The hopper inlet is equipped with a tangential entry baffle which mates to a K-Tron Aeropass valve, providing better material-air separation. This reduces carry-over and provides for more consistent filling of the hopper. The hopper features three evenly-spaced support lugs around the circumference, used to suspend the hopper from load cells mounted to a prefabricated load ring. The load ring can be bolted or welded into place for easy installation.

The hopper is constructed on a steep 63^o slope to encourage the discharge of hard-to-handle materials, and is equipped with a vibrator mounting pad. K-Tron Scale Hoppers are available in working capacities ranging from 198 dm³ to 2,945 dm³ [7ft³ to 104 ft³].

K-Tron (Salina, Kan.); www.ktron.com;  856-589-0500

Separator Engineering Ltd. (Toronto); www.separatorengineering.com; 416-292-8822

Dryers for lower processing throughputs

Piovan has expanded its line of dryers to accommodate a broader range of process drying applications for lower processing throughputs. The PCT3 dryer series has a new standard throughput range of 100 to 6000 lbs//hr. and drying temperature range of 120 to 375 degrees F.

These units deliver extremely stable dewpoint and drying temperatures throughout the entire drying cycle and offer very low energy consumption. This is achieved
with an advanced heat recovery system, adaptive energy optimizer and a water saver valv
e. Available in gas, electric or dual fuel/single housing configurations.

Also aimed at the low throughput market is Piovan’s GS series of dryers. A number of energy and process modifications improve dryer performance and reliability. The GS3 incorporates the Focus Controller for stable dewpoint and temperature control. It has an extremely small footprint and may be configured with a side car hopper mount and loading system for a complete beside-the-press or portable drying system. The throughput range is 30 to 150 lbs./hr.; drying temperature range on standard models is 180 to 250 degrees F.

Piovan Canada (Mississauga, Ont.);

www.piovan.com; 905-629-8822

Ultra compact volumetric loader for small machines
The new MC12-Micro from Movacolor B.V. of the Netherlands is one of the smallest dosing units on the market. It stands just 7 inches high and can fit in the palm of your hand. It was designed especially for small injection molding machines, 100 T or smaller. Throughput is 10 lbs./hr.

Accuracy is ensured because the unit is driven by a stepper motor. It is equipped with a quick release coupling, allowing easy color change. The unit can be supplied with an optional hopper loader for the main material. Adapters are available for different small injection molding machines. Also available is a relay mode for extrusion applications, such as tubing and laboratory extruders.

The new loader was displayed at NPE by Movacolor’s North American representative:
Hamilton Plastic Systems Ltd. (Mississauga, Ont.)
www.hamiltonplasticsystems.com; 800-590-5546

Automated resin manager routes resin using robotic actuators

A new material-selection station from The Conair Group uses robotic actuators to route plastic material from one place to another based on digital instructions entered in any of the Company’s central material-conveying system controls. What used to be a manual operation, requiring an operator to connect conveying lines from a given source to those leading to a specified destination, is now completely automated in a compact, easy-to-use system. Connections take only seconds to complete.

The patent-pending Automated Resin Manager (ARM) selection station incorporates two manifolds: a bottom manifold includes inlet ports for 32 different sources of material, and above it, an outlet manifold with 16 ports corresponding to various destinations (processing machines, blenders, dryers, other storage vessels, etc.). If required, the system can be optionally extended to double the number of sources and destinations.

Making the connection between source/destination manifolds are two 3-axis robotic motion coordinators and a single flexible hose between them. Responding to instructions from the material-handling system control (both Conair’s new large-scale ELS system and the smaller, flexible FLX control are compatible), the bottom robot connects one end of the flexible hose to a source inlet, while the upper robot attaches the other hose end to the appropriate destination outlet.

Operators use the material-handling control interface to identify source and destination and the robotic actuators and valves do the rest. Positional feedback from the actuators delivers automatic inherent proofing to confirm that the connections made actually match up with the source/destination information entered by the operator. Designed for flexibility and expandability, the system only requires 110 or 220v AC power and minimal compressed air. 

The Conair Group (Cranberry Township, Pa.); www.conairgroup.com; 724-584-5500

Dier International Plastics; (Unionville, Ont.); www.dierinternational.com; 416-219-0509

Horizontal shredders for lineal plastic scrap

One of eight shredders displayed by Vecoplan’s at NPE, the VTH 45/12/2 VU represents Vecoplan’s comprehensive line of continuous feed, horizontal shredders for lineal plastic scrap. The VTH 45/12/2 VU features an 18” wide x 5” high in feed opening, a continuous feed 16’ vibratory feed conveyor and is designed specifically for shredding strips, moldings, siding, profiles, composite lumber, pipe, or any long plastic waste.

The VTH 45/12/2 VU’s high output, “Torsion Point” cutting rotor is 16” in diameter, and powered by a 60 HP drive motor. 24 – 40x40mm cutting inserts are recessed into, and bolted onto the rotor. Each insert features four points that can be quickly and easily rotated to extend cutting life. Developed and patented by Vecoplan, the “U” cutting rotor is engineered for durability.

Lineal scrap is pulled into the rotor by both top and bottom feed rollers. Each feed roller is driven by separate 2 HP motors, the dual feed rollers deliver aggressive positive feeding and at the same time provide added safety by minimizing material bouncing or flopping common to long scrap. Material is then cut between the inserts on the rotor, and a replaceable serrated bed counter knife. Precision cutting tolerances, that are adjustable down to 0.010”, ensure precise shredding action. Interchangeable sizing screens, from 3/8” to 3”, allow you to determine the desired output particle size and produce consistently sized particles in one pass.

Vecoplan LLC (High Point, N.C.); www.vecoplanllc.com; 336-861-6070

Greg Parent; (Toronto); 416-678-0154

Integrated color and gloss management

Datacolor introduced its 45G, which measures color and gloss simultaneously in a single portable instrument.

Measurement with a 45G captures the impact of color, texture and gloss on the visual appearance of a plastic part. The unique optical design and dynamic calibration algorithm results in consistent measurement over time and across multiple 45G units. The 45/0 optical geometry allows correlation with visual assessment of appearance.

The 45G has a modern, ergonomic design, with color touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. Datacolor TOOLS software is included for detailed QC, reporting and data management.

Datacolor (Lawrenceville, NJ);

www.datacolor.com; 609-924-2189

Prism Instruments; Pickering, Ont.; www.prisminstruments.com; 888-717-7476

Improved controls on central chiller

Thermal Care, Inc. has improved upon its innovative TC Series central chiller with the addition of a newly updated powerful Panasonic PLC system with color touch screen HMI, built in diagnostics and troubleshooting screens. 

The PLC system combines a controller, operator interface, I/O and networking capability into one seamless solution. A clear language text display and graphic representation of unit components on a 6 inch color touch screen allow for quick and easy understanding of unit operation. Users can view an extensive amount of system diagnostic and operational information including safeties, alarms, and operating parameters and can make control adjustments from a single interface point. Modbus communication is now standard making remote diagnostics even easier. This PLC has the ability to change parameters as ambient conditions change to optimize performance.  Chillers are available in sizes from 60 to 180 tons; the controll
er will enable up to three chillers (six compressors)to run from a single master control so a system can be up to 540 tons.

These enhancements have further improved the efficiency of the TC Series chillers while maintaining the oil-free, quiet operating, small footprint industrial chiller package many customers have come to rely on for their process cooling needs. The ability to use a control panel mounted modem for Thermal Care to remotely diagnose problems, do predictive maintenance, and operate the chiller is considered by customers to be a major benefit.

Thermal Care Inc. (Niles, Ill.); www.thermalcare.com; 847-966-2260

D Cube (Montreal); www.dcube.ca; 514-831-5623

Tantus Corp. (Pickering, Ont.); www.tantuscorp.com; 647-258-9657

New gravimetric dryer/blender

Dri-Air Industries has upgraded their volumetric blending system for their PDII dryer. Both feeders are mounted on load cells to monitor and record the actual amount of each material used. A unique algorithm for the PLC was developed to maintain the exact ratio between the different materials. In use, the feeder is automatically filled to a preset amount by opening a gate under the drying hopper. The actual amount of material in the feeder is recorded and compared to the amount left in the feeder after dispensing into the common conveying stream.

This system yields a more accurate ratio from a shot-to-shot basis than other designs by eliminating the mixing chamber. Ratios can be programmed into the touch screen from 1 to 50 percent for processing colorant or regrind. The feeders are easily removed from the dryer for cleaning.

Dri-Air Industries Inc. (East Windsor, Conn.); www.dri-air.com; 860-627-5110

PMI – Plastics Machinery Inc. (Newmarket, Ont.); www.pmiplastics.com; 905-895-5054

New inverter technology continually adjusts chillers and dryers

Unique new inverter technology from Shini adjusts the tonnage capacity of its SIIC-A-R2 air-cooled water chillers to match process requirements. This avoids the starts and stops in conventional chillers, and thus results in substantial savings in energy, reduced cycle time, and less wear on the compressor.

Conventional chillers are always working under full load and energy consumption remains unchanged if the load changes. In the SIIC series, the inverter continually monitors temperature and the compressor can adjust the frequency based on system load variations.

If the external load is too large and the water tank temperature is higher than setpoint, the driver unit speeds up the compressor to increase refrigeration. If the load is small and water temperature is lower than setpoint, the compressor will be driven to decrease refrigeration in order to maintain precise temperature control accuracy of +/-0.1 degrees C.

A similar inverter technology is being used by Shini to regulate the heat used to dry the honeycomb in its SCD energy saving compact dryers. With the rotation of the wheel, the moisture in the air is absorbed and desorbed by the regenerated air to drain out continuously and to form a steady low dewpoint. The air is heated to the dry temperature of the plastic and is blown into the drying hopper drum to form a closed loop. It is necessary for the operator only to specify the resin type and the hourly consumption, then the system will auto-adjust the drying air capacity and power consumption.

Shini Plastics Technologies Canada Inc. (Mississauga, Ont.);

www.shini.ca; 905-565-1602