TECHNOLOGY // #foodtec
Strain relief with flexible conduit fittings Flexicon has extended its range of FPA and FPAX fast fit flexible conduit fittings to include integrated cable glands that provide cable strain relief when using non-metallic flexible conduit systems. Flexible conduit is installed into FPA and FPAX fittings by simply pushing it into place and twisting to secure. The all round teeth on the fitting provide a secure fit with a high pull off strength of 70Kg with the 21mm FPAH flexible conduit. The system has been vibration and shock tested to EN61373 Cat 2 and is tamper resistant to help maintain system integrity. The new cable gland fittings have an IP
rating of IP68 or IP69k for the FPAX system and IP66 for the FPA system and can withstand temperature ranges of: -40°C - 100°C for static applications and -20°C - 100°C for dynamic applications. They are available in straight, 45 degree elbow or 90 degree elbow derivatives with both of the latter incorporating a swept bore for easy cable installation and to protect the cables when they are installed. These products can be used with either fine or coarse pitch nonmetallic flexible conduit in diameters from 13mm to 54mm. Cable diameter clamping ranges are from 4.5mm to 35mm depending on size.
Contact Flexicon on tel 01675 466900 or visit www.flexicon.uk.com
Integrated actuator provides simple all-in-one Olsen Engineering has launched the new Exlar Tritex II DC TDM/X integrated actuator in the UK. Already available in AC rotary and linear versions, the new Tritex II can operate from 12V, 24V, 48V and 60V DC supplies in five different motion modes. It features an integrated energy efficient PM motor, high-resolution position controller and amplifier as standard. The Exlar Tritex II’s built-in non-volatile memory stores programmed functions for motion requirements for linear and rotary motion control applications, product configurations and motion parameters. The specifically designed free-of-charge ‘Expert’ software allows very fast commissioning of actuator applications, configuring position or force control using a 0-10V or 4-20mA control signal or digital inputs or now even with the NEW EtherNet IP fieldbus options amongst others. An Onboard RS/485 interface as standard provides control, programming and monitoring of all aspects of the motor or actuator. Exlar Tritex II actuators have Class I Division 2 explosion proof rating for hazardous areas, with ATEX certification planned for next year. Ingress protection to IP54 or IP65 is available – in fact Tritex II even passes IP67 tests. Furthermore, subsea variations that can operate to 10,000ft below sea level are also available. Another option consists of two types of
front-protective bellows: standard and high temperature Teflon-coated fibreglass rated to 260°C. Different coating options include stainless steel housing and main rod, Type III hard coat and food grade white epoxy. There is also the alternative of low temperature grease allowing operation from -40°C. In fact, even all aspects of the mounting and main rod dimensions can be customised specifically to suit the application needs. Piers Olsen, Managing Director at Olsen Engineering UK says: “Tritex II is based on the same inverted planetary roller screw design used on the GSX, GSM and I Series. Because of the annular groove engaging spurs design there is no conflicting friction and load is transmitted evenly across the central pinion resulting in +85 percent high efficiency and five times the travel life compared to an equivalent ball screw. Bearings are preloaded and heat shrunk into the housing avoiding the risk of adhesive issues.” PM Electric actuators have been proved to consume at least 11 times less energy than pneumatic cylinders and 4.4 times less than a hydraulic with little or no maintenance, repeatable smooth positioning/applied force. It is therefore the more modern and reliable method of controlling linear movement. Exlar is one of the worlds largest roller screw linear actuation makers, with a range up to 370kN, 8m travel and max speeds of 1.5m/s with 25m/s Accel/decel.
Contact Olsen Engineering on tel 01686 689812 or visit www.consultolsen.com
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IWM’s waste bin washer handles three sizes Specifically developed for use in food companies, hospitals, and waste treatment plants where HDPE waste bins (wheelie bins) must be washed and where the highest standards of cleanliness are essential, the new ECW cabinettype bin washer from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) accommodates all of the three main sizes of bin (120, 240 and 600 litre) and offers a throughput of up to 40 bins per hour for the smaller sizes and 20 bins per hour for the largest size. To ensure efficient operation with all sizes of bin, the machine washes two 120 or 240 litre bins per cycle, or one 600 litre bin per cycle. All bins are thoroughly washed on their internal surfaces by a rotary jet nozzle system, and on all their external surfaces by sustained jetting with bayonet type jets. Washing is carried out with water and detergent at a user-adjustable temperature that is typically set between 50 C and 60 C (120-140°F). To minimise the usage of water and detergent, the washwater is recirculated through a highefficiency box filter system that lifts out of the machine for easy cleaning. A user-selectable option is provided for rinsing the bins after washing either with hot water at 85 C (185°F) or with ambient temperature water to which a chemical sanitising agent has been added. When the hightemperature rinse option is used, the bins flash dry and are ready for re-use immediately. The machine is semi-automatic in operation. The operator simply wheels one or two bins, depending on the size, into the loading position, closes the safety gate and presses the load button. The washing and rinsing operations are automatic and, when they are complete, the operator presses the unload button to discharge the bins from the machine. To ensure that the machine has a long reliable working life, all key components are manufactured from high-grade T304 stainless steel. Special care has been taken in designing the machine to eliminate dirt traps and to make provision for easy cleaning and maintenance. The control of waste and the risk of contamination from waste containers is an increasing area of focus for all areas of industry. The equipment has proven successful in operation by minimising risk of contamination from dirty bins into clean areas and has become a well respected addition to IWM’s range of industrial washing equipment.
Contact Industrial Washing Machines on tel 0121 459 9511 or visit www.indwash.co.uk