BST April 2016

CONVEYING • BULK MATERIALS HANDLING • HEALTH & SAFETY • POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW • VALVES

APRIL 2016

NEWS

NEWS

NEWS

NEWS

NEWS

KEK-GARDNER EXPANDS INTO KASON KEK-GARDNER Broadened product line produced worldwide, solves unequalled range of processing problems globally

HORIZONTAL MIXING/ BLENDING

VERTICAL MIXING/ BLENDING

COARSE TO MEDIUM GRINDING

FINE GRINDING

CENTRIFUGAL SIFTING

VIBRATORY SCREENING

BAG DUMP SCREENING

FLUID BED DRYING/ COOLING/MOISTURISING

EUROPE: +44 (0)1625 665999 sales@kasonkekgardner.com USA: +1 973 467 8140 info@kason.com CANADA: +1 514 667 6777 info@separatorengineering.com

www.kasonkekgardner.com www.kason.com

Visit the new Kason Kek-Gardner at POWTECH 2016, Hall 4A, Stand 4A-525

The Smart Way to Unload, Convey, Weigh & Mix ®

MODU-KLEEN BIN VENT FILTER

SWITCH RECEIVER

CONVEYING LINE

®

BLENDCON SILO BLENDER

TM

BULKBUSTER BULK BAG UNLOADER

STORAGE SILO

STORAGE SILO

STORAGE SILO

TM

VIBRA-JET BIN AERATOR

BULK BAG

®

GYRO BIN ACTIVATING FEEDER TM

DYNA-SLIDE HIGH PRECISION AIR-ACTIVATED FEEDER

WEIGH HOPPER

®

BAGBUSTER BAG BREAKER ®

BELLA TWIN SHAFT FLUIDIZED ZONE MIXER

®

BLENDCON AIR BLENDING HEAD

TRANSPORTER MANUAL HOSE SWITCH

Less degradation

Cost effective

Move your dry granular materials gently, reliably and with significant reductions in product degradation and/or system wear.

Our high material-to-air ratios reduce energy and compressed air requirements. Our low conveying velocities provide significant process savings in both operation and maintenance. Initial cost is surprisingly affordable too, thanks to our modular design concept and ease of installation.

Proven capability Dynamic Air dense phase pneumatic conveying systems have been proven in over 15,000 installations worldwide. They handle a wide range of materials and bulk densities at rates from less than a hundred kilograms per hour to 400 tonnes per hour, over distances exceeding 1500 metres.

Sixteen concepts Each Dynamic Air system is custom designed from one of our sixteen different conveying concepts. So you get a conveying solution that fits your process perfectly, without compromises.

BellaTM Twin Shaft Fluidized Zone Mixer

GYRO EXTM Bin Activating Feeder

Write or call us today with your questions, or for detailed information on our system applications.

Dynamic Air Ltd. Milton Keynes United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0) 1908 622344 E-mail: sales@dynamicair.co.uk

www.dynamicair.com

Dense Phase Transporter, J-Series

BulkBusterTM Bulk Bag Unloader

Issue 113

CONTENTS 4 NEWS 16 COVER STORY 18 VALVES 24 CONVEYING 27 BST TEAM Sales Director: James Scrivens Creative Director: Sarah Daviner Accounts Manager: Katie Brehm Office Manager: Susan Daley Printing: Mixam Print BULK SOLIDS TODAY is published 6 times a year by Abbey Publishing Ltd ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL Please contact us at: Bulk Solids Today 17 Whitley Close, Irthlingborough, Northants, NN9 5GN Tel: 01933 316931 Email: editorial@bulksolidstoday.co.uk

advertising@bulksolidstoday.co.uk Web: www.bulksolidstoday.co.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/BulkSolidsToday

SIEVES, SIFTERS, SEPARATORS & SCREENING

30 BULK MATERIALS HANDLING 36 POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW 40 HEALTH & SAFETY 46 RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT 48

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

50 BUYERS GUIDE 10

CIRCULATION To receive a copy free of charge, please send your details to subs@bulksolidstoday.co.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available to non-qualified readers for £30 per annum (postage incl.), £35 (Europe), and £45 (rest of the world) Cover Price: £5.00 No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior permission from the publishers. The publishers do not accept any responsibility for, or necessarily agree with, any views expressed in articles, letters or supplied advertisements.

SOME MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS HAVE MADE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARD THE COST OF REPRODUCING SOME PHOTOGRAPHS IN BST.

ISSN: 1365/7119 All contents © Abbey Publishing Ltd 2016

25 37

40

www.bulksolidstoday.co.uk Bulk Solids Today

3

COMPANY NEWS

BARTON SECURES ADDITIONAL GCS SILO ORDER

T

he Global Closure Systems (GCS) Group has installed two more Barton silos to join more than ten vessels already erected at its sites across the UK. The two latest silos at the company’s Norwich UCP site will provide extra polypropylene and polyethylene granule storage for a range of pharmaceutical ClicLoc child resistant and flip top dispensing closures. The 50 tonne silos are both 12 metres tall and have a diameter of 3.5 metres.

Commenting on the silo installation Mark Turner, Engineering Manager, at UCP said: “We have a successful history with Barton for the supply and installation of a number of our existing silos. The company’s friendly sales and admin staff provide a professional, no nonsense, approach and all technical details were discussed up front so we had no surprises. Barton were also flexible to any changes and modifications we had to make within the build time, as well as being able to assist us in dealing with a delay in the base construction by a third party.

“The installations went extremely well and the agreed plan was delivered to the letter. We are very pleased with end result thus far and will definitely be using Barton again in the near future.”

UCP Norwich is part of the GCS Group which produces a wide range of plastic and metal closures for the global beverage, food, household & industrial, health care, personal care and wine & spirits markets. The contract confirms Barton Fabrication’s expertise supporting the plastic moulding industry and is the latest in a series of successful silo installations across the UK and mainland Europe.

For more details on Barton Fabrications’ silo solutions, contact Mark Barton:- Tel: +44 (0) 1275 845901 Email: sales@bartonfabs.co.uk Web: www.bartonfabs.co.uk

FARLEYGREENE EXPAND EUROPEAN NETWORK

NEW CATALOGUE FEATURING LATEST INNOVATIONS

arleygreene are pleased to welcome Matthieu Philippault to the team in the Sales & Business Development Co-ordinator role, he will be focusing on strengthening their European sales network as well as contributing to developing internal processes to enhance their business development.

Matthieu joins Farleygreene with several years of experience and knowledge in the bulk handling sector as well as a 1st class Degree in Engineering Product Design.

Utilising his bilingual skills he will be managing Farleygreene’s French speaking agent and customer portfolio, as well as expanding their European partnerships and distribution channels across the Globe.

Mathieu’s diverse skill set of sales, identifying new business and business development supports Farleygreene’s ethos and brand. He joins the company whilst they are celebrating their 40th year and welcome Matthieu to the FG team. www.farleygreene.com

n international filtration specialist has launched its new catalogue, consolidating its range of leading materials and products. Porvair Filtration Group will be marketing its extensive offering through the catalogue, highlighting an ongoing dedication to delivering heightened efficiency and lowered costs across numerous industries.

Porvair has a policy of continuous improvement in all areas of its business – and the publication of its latest products and materials gathers the best possible filtration and separation solutions for its customers in a single, easily accessible resource.

The specialist in world class filtration solutions offers products across such markets as Aerospace and Defence, Energy, Process, Food and Beverage, Water Treatment, and much more.

The new catalogue is available to view online here: www. porvairfiltration.com/Brochure/5PFG008_Filtration_Catalogue.pdf Porvair Filtration Group – which has supplied the aerospace, nuclear, energy, process and bioscience industries with performancedriven filtration equipment for nearly 50 years – has an extensive network of sales offices and distribution channels throughout the world.

F

4

One of two Barton Fabrications silos installed at UCP Norwich.

Bulk Solids Today

A

ΖQFUHDVH \RXU 0DUNHWSODFH )OH[LELOLW\ DQG 0D[LPL]H 3URGXFWLRQ

0RGXODU 'HVLJQ DQG %XLOG 6ROXWLRQV WR \RXU VSHFLȴF UHTXLUHPHQWV

0LQLPLVH ȴQH VDQG ORVVHV WR WKH SRQGV WKXV PD[LPLVLQJ SURGXFWLRQ RI VDOHDEOH SURGXFW &DOO XV WR GLVFXVV \RXU VSHFLȴF :DVKLQJ &UXVKLQJ DQG 6FUHHQLQJ $JJUHJDWH 3URFHVVLQJ DQG %XON +DQGOLQJ UHTXLUHPHQWV '82 (TXLSPHQW /LPLWHG 5\H +LOO 2ɝFH 3DUN %LUPLQJKDP 5RDG $OOHVOH\ &RYHQWU\ &9 $% 8.

7 ( HQT EVW P#GXRSOF FRP : ZZZ GXRSOF FRP

COMPANY NEWS

STOCEXPO 2016 SHINES IN ANTWERP

StocExpo 2016, the world’s leading international event for the tank terminal industry, returned to Antwerp on 15-17 March 2016 after two years in Rotterdam. The event attracted record numbers for an Antwerp based show, achieving a 13% increase since 2013.

O

ne hundred and fifty exhibitors were packed into Antwerp Expo, bringing together the very best and brightest in the international bulk liquid sector, and welcoming visitors from major names including Shell, Oiltanking, BP, ExxonMobil, Vopak and LBC Tank Terminals to name a few.

Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Event Manager commented: “Once again StocExpo has surpassed all our expectations. The quality of visitors was exceptional and we are thrilled to announce that 72 per cent of our exhibitors rebooked stands live on the show floor, highlighting just how important the event is for suppliers and buyers. A big thank you to all who attended.

“We also had great delegate feedback on the conference programme and its mix of global and local talks. It is a shame to have closed the 2016 chapter, but it does mean we can focus on making next year’s show even better. Make sure you mark the 28-30 March 2017 in your calendar now, it is not one to miss!”

Gil Anukov, General Manager at Gil Engineering visiting the show, remarked: “This is not my first StocExpo, but it is my first in Antwerp. It has been such a success and I would say perhaps the best yet!”

The sell-out StocExpo conference programme featured 28 speakers including experts from Vopak, the Port of Antwerp, Botlek Tank Terminal, VOTOB, Gulf Petrochem and the Port of Tarragona. The talks were in dual streams, one with a regional feel and one focusing more on international issues. This was a new initiative for 2016, ensuring delegates with both a local and a global remit were catered for.

Among the speakers was Eduard J. Smits, Manufacturing IT, MES at Accenture, who discussed the convergence of IT and OT in terminal operations. Smits remarked: “As much as we might not like it, data is becoming more important to us every day. We need to adjust to today’s real-time processes, and create a culture where everyone within an organisation trusts each other, in order to move forward.”

John McVay, Managing Director for Energy at IHS Consulting,

8

Bulk Solids Today

who chaired the conference commented: “I have been lucky enough to witness every presentation at this year’s show. The talks have been interesting, educational and highly-interactive, covering a broad and varied range of topics. It has addressed a wide audience, exceeding all of the delegate expectations. StocExpo 2016 has been the best yet.”

In addition to the conference, StocExpo’s exhibition featured the newest technologies, with exhibitors using the show to launch new products to the market: Endegs launched its new range of Mobile Vapor Combustors; Chubb Ajax unveiled its E-FOAM systems; Implico previewed its new OpenTAS and Scully Systems displayed its new Intellitrol2 Overfill Prevention, Static Ground Proving and Vehicle Identification Control System.

After a hugely successful show Alec Keeler, Managing Director at Loadtec Engineered Systems, said: “We have far exceeded our own expectations of how busy we would be, in terms of quality visitors expressing real and current demands for our products and services.”

Euan Fisher, Business Development Manager at Fort Vale, agreed: “The launch of our new loading arm, Safeload, has attracted a large amount of visitors to our stand, which has resulted in some significant future enquiries. We have experienced an increase in visitor numbers this year compared to last year, so we are very pleased.”

Other show floor activity included the ‘Best in Show’ awards. Tom De Backer, Division Manager Process Automation at Agidens picked up the award for best stand, having been selected for originality and unique design. Jessica Ivarsson, Marketing Communications Specialist at Emerson Process Management collected the award for Best Entertainment, whilst Aart Kroneman, Director of International Sales at Verwater Group was selected for Best Hospitality. In addition, three exhibitors used StocExpo 2016 to mark significant milestones – Scully Systems celebrated its 80th anniversary, Kenbri its 30th year and Agidens reached its half century live on the showfloor.

Register to attend the exhibition for free online at www.stocexpo.com.

COMPANY NEWS

NUMBER ONE FOR PIPEWORK SYSTEMS ROTECH SYSTEMS NUMBER ONE FOR SCREEN MONITORING SOLUTIONS Rotech Vibration Sensor – VS4000 Series

M

ost modern screens are designed with the benefit of modern CAD & computer simulation techniques and can cope with a wide range of operational conditions under very different applications.

However, variations in feed rates and composition of the material being processed can, in some circumstances, result in an excessive amount of material being on the screen at any one time. If, as a result, the rate and speed of vibration of the screen slows down, even temporarily, problems can quickly occur, causing blockages, stoppages, downtime etc, inevitably leading to a major situation & proving to be very costly to rectify.

Material continues to be fed on to the screen at the normal rate but the slowdown causes the discharge rate to be reduced, a marginal overload can quickly enter a runaway situation with material arriving at the screen causing an ever increasing overload and further slowdown.

Mechanical failure, V-belt ‘burn off’ or the intervention of the drive motors electrical overload is often the first time the operator will know that all is not well.

Rotech’s Vibration sensor VS4000 fitted to a screen is designed to monitor its rate of vibration and will operate an alarm or switch the in-feed conveyor off if the screen slows down. Even a drop in speed of 5% for a few milliseconds can be detached and action taken almost instantaneously. On V-belt-driven screens the drive motor can be switched off the moment any slippage occurs, preventing extensive & expensive damage to the belts.

The VS4000 signal output can be connected to the Plant Control PLC/Computer or independently used with the Rotech Vibration Relay – SR4000 series.

Typically on a screen vibrating at 750 throws per minute, the SR4000 Vibration Relay is set at 725 TPM, if the screen speed drops below this level, the relay operates in less than 10 milliseconds, resulting in immediate protection of the plant BEFORE things start to go drastically wrong!

For details, contact:- +44 (0)151 3562322 sales@rotechsystems.co.uk www.rotechsystems.co.uk

Modular pipework systems Stainless Steel, Galvanised or Powder Coated (inside and out) 60 - 800 mm diameter sections as standard 1 - 3 mm thickness Easy to fit Quick Connect nnect nect Jacob (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0) 1694 722841 E: sales@jacob-uk.com W: Jacob-uk.com

ROTECH FOR RELIABILITY! ROTECH motion sensors can be used whenever information on shaft speed, position, completed revolutions, etc, is required, for indication, control, interlocking, alarm initiation, etc.

Less?

Why Accept Anything

Speed monitoring Safety interlocking Rotation control

Polypropylene Body Stainless Steel Body

Rotation/Vibration monitoring solutions for your equipment using our wide range of sensors.

• Self Contained, Easy to Fit Aluminium Body

• Maintenance Free for Life • Pulse rates from 1 to 1000

Vibration Sensor

Speed Relay

• Range of AC/DC signal outputs • All Industrial Applications •

Tel: +44 (0)151 356 2322

ATEX

Website: www.rotechsystems.co.uk

Monitoring the world since 1983

Bulk Solids Today

9

COMPANY NEWS

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING SPECIALIST DTL HAS ANNOUNCED A MAJOR NEW CONTRACT WITH HANSON UK

D

TL (Develop Training Limited) – which has five training centres in England and Scotland – will provide electrical equipment training for more than 1,000 employees of the company, which is a leading supplier of heavy building materials to the construction industry, including aggregates and cement, and employs around 3,500 people in the UK. DTL was approached to run the training through its partnership with Mentor – the UK’s leading provider of training in workplace transport, materials handling and mobile plant equipment – which has an existing relationship with Hanson UK. The new contract comes after Hanson identified the need to enhance safe working practices on the repair, maintenance and management of high and low voltage electrical equipment. Around 1,100 people will take part in training from DTL, who will provide bespoke courses both at Hanson sites and its own sites, which include Derby, Swindon, Linlithgow, Bolton and York.

The rolling programme will run over 12 months with 19 courses varying from entry level – including circuit breakers, electrical resetting, safe system function testing, light fitting, lamp training and safe isolation – to formal C&G qualifications including 17th edition wiring regulations, inspection and testing, explosive atmospheres (hazardous areas) and authorised person high voltage.

After its partner Mentor Training approached DTL to support the development of this major training programme, the company has worked in partnership with Mentor and Hanson to ensure the programme reflects industry best practice and that training is based on the kind of equipment typically used by Hanson. The training also covers the relevant compliance processes in operation at Hanson.

As part of the service, DTL is providing Mentor with its electronic training recording system, which automatically delivers recall reminders when refresher courses are required and allows Mentor to manage Hanson’s training needs accurately. It also provides site managers the visibility to monitor the levels of qualifications of individuals and identify those employees who need top up training.

DTL has tailored the system to meet the specific requirements of Mentor and Hanson.

With DTL’s online platform, Profiler Live, the training provider manages assessments electronically with an e-portfolio system that removes the need for trainees to carry heavy paper portfolios, and enables trainers and management to track each trainee’s progress. www.developtraining.co.uk

DOOSAN’S NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TEAM

D

oosan are delighted to announce the creation of an in-house National Accounts team who will be responsible for identifying and developing the larger fleet users and multi-site operations within the UK. Since Doosan’s acquisition of Rushlift, the UK’s leading independent provider of forklifts and fleet services in February 2015, the £20-billion Korean Doosan Corporation, and leading manufacturer of high quality counter-balance forklifts and warehouse equipment, is now targeting the forklifts users who operate larger materials handling fleets.

Paul Watson, Doosan UK Sales Director explains, “Many businesses want to deal directly with the manufacturer to build a closer relationships and ensure the best channels of communication, and for many OEM’s, the service offering is often an after-thought.”

Rushlift has, and continues to be a customer service focused business, which makes a huge difference to their customers, because knowing exactly how to manage their customers’ fleets and assets in the best way possible ways, ensures the maximum operating time and availability but at the lowest possible cost,” continues Watson.

“Now Doosan has

10

Bulk Solids Today

its our own in-house service operation, we are able to go to market directly to create long-term partnerships with strategic large fleet and national account type customers with the knowledge that we have some of the highest quality and innovative products in our line-up, combined now with the best service operation and fleet management system in the industry.”

“However,” adds Watson, “we are very proud of our independent dealer network, some of whom we have worked with for over 30-years, and they will continue to promote the ever-increasing Doosan product range at a regional level, and it is our firm commitment to them and their very loyal customers, that we will continue to provide them with first-class support to ensure they maintain the highest levels of customer service that their customer have come to enjoy.”

The start of 2016 saw the first two members of the new National Accounts Team, Brian Grady and Andy Cross join the growing company. Both Andy and Brian each have over 20-years of materials handling industry experience and have worked at large manufacturers and bring with them a wealth of knowledge of the industry.

They will be working closely with the Rushlift operations and service team to ensure the complete success of the new joint Doosan and Rushlift proposition.

If you would like to hear more about what Doosan could offer your business, please contact Doosan HQ in Northampton on 01604 825600 or email salesadmin@doosan.com and they will be delighted to hear about your operation and to share ideas with you.

COMPANY NEWS

AUMUND: EXTENSIVE PACKAGE FOR ARABIAN CEMENT TO RABIGH

A

rabian Cement Co. (ACC) is presently building a new Brownfield-cement mill in Rabigh (Saudi Arabia) with a clinker production capacity of 10,000 tons per day. AUMUND Fördertechnik GmbH now received the order for delivery of a substantial package of machines for the grinding plant presently being constructed in Rabigh. Initially it will grind externally produced clinker.

Already ten years ago, AUMUND got a chance with the placement of an order for the lines no. 5/6.

Until July 16 bucket elevators, seven deep drawn pan conveyors, four arched plate conveyors and two CENTREX®-Machines will be delivered by AUMUND. Depending on their field of operation, the 16 bucket elevators are equipped with belt or chain and have elevating heights between 22 and 73 meters. They will be utilized for the transport of cement from the grinders to the cement hoppers, for the clinker transport, for the charging of the grinders and for the grinder circulation. One of the bucket elevators will be used for charging the grinders with additives (pozzolana, limestone and gypsum). The conveying capacity of the individual machine is between 120 and 660 tons per day.

Five of the seven deep drawn pan conveyors (axis-centre distance: 50 – 148 meters, conveying capacity: up to 800 tons per day) will be equipped with baffles. The deep drawn pan conveyor with baffles (KZB-Q type) has been constructed for inclination angles up to 45 degrees and axis-centre distances up to 78 meters. Baffles bolted to the pans and stabilized by catches pressed into the side panels, Mixing (2016) Ad (134x178)_Layout 1 29/02/2016 10:16 Page 1 provide for flexibility and an efficient, reliable transport during

conveying up the inclination.

With the pan conveyor, conveying capacities between 33 and 1,300 cubic meters per hour and pan widths between 400 and 2,400 millimeters can be realized. The conveyor utilized at ACC Rabigh has a pan width of 1,800 millimeters and will be used for transporting clinker to the clinker hoppers.

Since the customer wants to do completely without the use of spillage conveyors, AUMUND developed special discharge chutes with spillways during lay-outing the plant. Besides, special spatial demands had to be considered. Since the optional transfer of the material to two different conveyors should be a possibility, the chutes were designed to serve a deep drawn pan conveyor on both sides respectively.

Four arched belt conveyors with a pan width of up to 2.40 meters are utilized for the transport of clinker, gypsum, additives and pozzolana. The highest performance machine for the transport of clinker has been designed for a capacity of 1,200 tons per hour.

The package of delivery is completed by two machines of the CENTREX® type with a diameter of five meters for the discharge of FGD gypsum. www.aumund.com

Experience the

difference… …in innovative continuous or batch mixing Our mixing technologies can be used for homogenising, improving product quality, coating particles, fusing materials, wetting, dispersion of liquids, altering functional properties and agglomeration.

• Mixing solid-solid; liquid-solid; solid – liquid; pastes • Low, mid and high shear mixing capabilities • Surface particle modification mixing technology • Individual machines to complete mixing systems • Process improvement services delivering energy savings and product improvement

Tel: +44 (0) 1928 755100 • E.mail: info@hmluk.hosokawa.com • www.hosokawa.co.uk Bulk Solids Today

11

COMPANY NEWS

INTELLIGENT, ADAPTIVE DRIVE CONTROL – HYBRID SOLUTIONS FOR DECENTRALISED CONTROL CONCEPTS Drives & Controls Show 2016 – Stand D526

N

ORD DRIVESYSTEMS will demonstrate two smart control solutions for synchronous and asynchronous motors utilising SK 200E series frequency inverters, which are technological leaders in the field of decentralised drive electronics due to their integrated positioning function, high overload capacity and large power range (0.25 kW to 22 kW). The flexibility of these drive units is demonstrated in large systems with a central automation concept.

They can be controlled via a field bus or Industrial Ethernet, but can also be disconnected from the central control system by means of a switch, for example for maintenance purposes. In this case, the PLC which is integrated in the frequency inverter takes over and carries out other functions such as positioning. In this way, even in case of an unscheduled, sudden disconnection from the higher level control system, an SK 200E can keep important process stages in operation autonomously in order to limit interruptions to production.

Thanks to the PLC functionality, applications close to the drive unit, which are normally assigned to the central machine control system, including sequence control can be completely implemented in the drive unit. A second exhibit shows a drive unit which can, for example be used for pumps. This detects blockages and responds to these independently by attempting to free the blockage by changing the speed and direction of rotation. If the drive unit is able to free the blockage, it then resumes normal operation. Otherwise, it sends an error message to the control level. In customer applications this could for instance, enable a bypass.

NORD Drivesystems will be also be showcasing a large fully functional conveyor technology demonstration rig that brings together a selection of its geared motors and decentralised frequency inverters and starters that are well proven for materials handling applications in packaging machinery and logistics industries such as baggage handling.

Suitable for applications up to 22 kW, NORD inverters for distributed drive control can now also be operated via mobile devices

ABOUT NORD DRIVESYSTEMS A developer and manufacturer of drive technology for over 50 years, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS employs more than 3,200 people and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of full-scale, comprehensive drive solutions. NORD’s portfolio ranges from standard drives to customized solutions for demanding application requirements, e.g. based on energy-efficient or explosion-protected drives. Gross sales amounted to EUR 540 mn in the 2015 business year. Subsidiaries in 36 countries around the world and an extensive distribution and service network ensure minimal lead times and provide customer-oriented services wherever needed on short notice. NORD’s wide variety of gear types covers torques from 10 Nm to 242,000 Nm and more. The company also supplies motors with outputs from .12 kW to 1,000 kW and manufactures frequency inverters up to 160 kW. NORD’s inverter lineup features conventional models for installation in control cabinets as well as design types for fully integrated drive units in decentralized automation environments. http://www.nord.com

WORLDS FIRST 80 GHZ RADAR LEVEL SENSOR FOR LIQUIDS

V

EGA introduces VEGAPULS 64, the first 80 GHz frequency contactless liquids radar level sensor. This higher frequency enables improved focusing of the radar beam, making measurement easier and more reliable, even under difficult conditions, in vessels with heating coils, baffles or agitators.

The VEGAPULS 64 has a beam angle starting from only 3° with an 80mm/3” antenna size. This allows the sensor to be used in vessels with many internal installations or heavy build up on the walls, the focused microwave beam simply avoids them. The smallest

12

Bulk Solids Today

antenna is no larger than a £1 coin, yet still has a narrow 10° beam angle. These compact dimensions enable the sensor to offer an excellent level measurement solution for even the smallest of process vessels. The new device has an ultra-wide dynamic range, which means even foaming, turbulent product surfaces, condensation, or antenna build up have little or no effect. It can also even measure very low dielectric products like hydrocarbons and liquid gases reliably, with an accuracy of +/-2 mm, over a range of up to 30 m.

Designed for use in the chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and food industries, the VEGAPULS 64 has a wide range of resistant materials, connections and hygienic designs. In addition to mainstream manufacturing and processing industries, this sensor opens up application possibilities in pilot plants and even laboratories which, for space reasons, could not use radar level technology before. Bluetooth programming options using free downloadable app or PC offer added convenience and user safety.

More information available at: www.vega.com/radar

COMPANY NEWS

NEW BUSINESS SET UP BY FORMER SSI CONTRACTOR EMPLOYS REDUNDANT STEEL PLANT WORKERS

A

former SSI sub-contractor has launched his own business, creating jobs for redundant steel plant workers, with support from SSI Task Force funding.

Dan Wilcox from Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough, has set up Cleveland LGV Training Ltd, based at the town’s Skippers Lane Industrial Estate. Tapping into two strands of Task Force funding, Dan was able to register the company within a month of losing his job. In addition, Dan’s son-in-law, Matthew Switzer, joined the company as a partner investing some of his own money to help get the business up and running. The pair identified a gap in the market after discovering a three month waiting list for LGV lessons and tests in the North East.

Keen to capitalise on what they saw was a niche in the market, they are now attracting interest from companies in Belgium, Holland and Sweden. Closer to home, Cleveland LGV Training Ltd has secured a number of contracts for significant local companies, including delivering JCB Bomag Ride on Roller training for PD Ports.

The skills and experience within the new company amounts to a combined 43 years in the steel and training industry for the four former SSI colleagues alone. Dan now is looking to employ another two staff as the demand for his company’s services continues to grow.

Dan received financial support from The Business Advice Start Up Fund and the SSI Task Force Flexible Skills Support Fund.

Support from a number of organisations around the Tees Valley is available, including The Five Lamps organisation, which provided valuable assistance for Dan and his venture.

The Business Advice Start Up Fund, administered by NEEAL,

already has proven extremely popular with nearly 250 people receiving advice and guidance and over £430,000 of funding awarded to 56 people starting their own business.

L-R Matthew Switzer (Business and Finance Director), Anyone Derek Bailey (Training Manager), Jim Glew (Driver interested in Trainer Manager), Dan Wilcox (Operations Director) the scheme and looking for further information should contact NEEAL on 0191 516 6093 or visit http://www.teesbusinesscompass.co.uk A package of flexible support is open to those made redundant from SSI itself, their partners, as well as those similarly affected within contracting companies and the SSI supply chain.

Those who wish to undertake refresher or top-up training to enhance their existing skills or who wish to re-skill to move into a new sustainable career, will now be able to do so using the SSI Flexible Skills Support Fund.

Those who wish to access this fund should contact JobCentre Plus / National Careers Service on 0191 382 1003.

Bulk Solids Today

13

COMPANY NEWS

DIARY DATE – PPMA TOTAL SHOW 2016 What: The UK’s premier processing and packaging machinery and design materials exhibition, The PPMA Total Show 2016, returns to the Birmingham NEC this September for the first time in its history, moving from its usual summer slot.

Running over three days from 27-29 September 2016, the PPMA Total Show will be the first under the sole ownership of the PPMA for over a decade. This year’s show is set to be the biggest in recent years, with already more than 300 exhibitors confirmed.

The PPMA Total Show incorporates three major exhibition brands – PPMA, Pakex and Interphex – highlighting the latest innovations in materials, containers and packaging design, as well as the very latest processing and packaging machinery, industrial automation and vision innovations.

For more information, please visit http://www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk/ Where?

The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom The exhibition is free to attend – visitors may register via the website. Visitor badges are valid across all three days of the show and as this is a trade show, no under 16s will be admitted.

When? 27th September – 29th September 2016 Tuesday 27th September 09:30 – 17:00

Wednesday 28th September 09:30 – 17:00

Thursday 29th September 09:30 – 16:00 Contact: For details on exhibiting at the show, contact Scott McKenna on 020 8773 8111 or email scott.mckenna@ppma.co.uk Why exhibit? Exhibiting at the PPMA Total Show 2016 will enable companies to: • Engage in powerful face-to-face selling with receptive buyers • Demonstrate machinery and equipment live to senior professionals • Network face-to-face with new and existing clients • Prove products really work and keep up-to-date with the competition • Generate brand-new business and build brand awareness Why visit?

Visitors at the PPMA Total Show 2016 can: • Discover and purchase the latest technology • Talk face-to-face with technical experts • Solve processing and packaging queries • Watch LIVE machinery demonstrations • Listen to the industry’s top figures speak on hot topics Online: For further details, including information on how to register, visit http://www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk/ Directions:

By Rail: The NEC is situated adjacent to Birmingham International Rail Station. Depending on your start location, you can travel directly by train to the NEC by alighting at Birmingham International.

Alternatively there is a connecting service to Birmingham International from Birmingham

14

Bulk Solids Today

New Street. For further information on travelling by train to Birmingham International Station, please contact National Rail enquiries.

By Coach: National Express coaches run services between Digbeth coach station, near Birmingham city centre, to Birmingham Airport. From the airport you can get to the NEC in minutes. Birmingham New Street station is approximately 11 minute’s walk from Digbeth coach station. The NEC is approximately 10 miles by taxi from the coach station at Digbeth. There are also buses from Digbeth via Moor Street Bus/Rail Interchange (also in Birmingham city centre): the 900 local bus service runs every 20 minutes during the day, journey time approximately 30 minutes.

By Air: The NEC is just minutes away from Birmingham Airport (BHX). From the airport, simply take the free and fast Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International railway station and then it’s just a short walk to the entrance. The Air-Rail Link runs every two minutes and takes just 90 seconds to reach the NEC. It leaves the airport from the upper level of Terminal 1, and operates daily between 5:15am and 2:00am.

By Taxi: ComCab black cabs are available at clearly marked ranks outside the NEC’s main entrances.

They’re an easy and convenient way to get to your hotels and the towns and attractions around the NEC. As one of the appointed NEC suppliers, ComCab are committed to providing a reliable, good value service to enhance your NEC experience. You can book ComCab taxis by phone on 0121 226 6666, online or pick one up outside the NEC main entrances if available.

By Car: The NEC is situated at the hub of the UK motorway network allowing visitors travelling from any direction to access the site directly via the M1, M5, M6, M6 Toll, M40 and M42. The NEC is signposted on motorways and major roads and is marked on most good maps. If using a satellite navigation system please enter the postcode B40 1NT. Parking: The NEC has its own on-site car parks located close to the exhibition halls and is within easy walking distance. Please refer to the NEC site map for more information.

COMPANY NEWS

LEADING METAL FINISHING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER REPORTS BUMPER YEAR

L

eading supplier of metal finishing equipment and consumables, Engineering Utilities, has announced its ambitious growth plans for the year ahead following its most successful year to date.

The company, based in Leeds, reported growth of 25% in 2015 when compared to the previous year, with 2016 looking to be even more successful for the family-run firm, with a sales increase of 40% reported in January alone and the firm’s best ever month in February.

Spearheaded by the four Soulsby brothers, Engineering Utilities has built up a renowned reputation for supplying industry-leading equipment and consumables for metal preparation, finishing and cleaning to a diverse range of market sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. The team prides itself on its solutions-driven approach and impeccable customer service, which often involves them sourcing bespoke machines and equipment based on a customer’s specific requirements.

Speaking about the company’s success, Nigel Soulsby, director of Engineering Utilities, said: “2015 was a brilliant year for us – to grow by 25% was a real achievement for the team here, especially since we operate in such a niche market. As well as reporting strong sales figures, we also grew our workforce by a quarter in 2015, which is something we’ll be increasing further over the coming months due to increased customer demand. “The year ahead is set to be even more exciting for us, having just recorded our best January and February sales figures in the history of the company. We’ve already secured some really high-profile

CLUGSTON DISTRIBUTION RISES TO MILLER’S CHALLENGE

C

lugston Distribution, one of the UK’s leading independent bulk tanker specialists and part of the privately owned Clugston Group of companies is continuing to develop its long-term distribution agreement with C. Marston & Sons.

As part of their growing relationship which commenced in Autumn 2013, Clugston provide bulk flour haulage delivery expertise to the family run flour milling and cereal processing business based in Icklingham, Suffolk for all their UK deliveries.

David Heath, head of logistics at Clugston Distribution said, “We have committed investment of a further ÂŁ1.2m this year developing our tanker fleet capabilities, with the aim of expanding our services to companies including those within the food manufacturing and processing sector. It’s pleasing to see the investment is having an impact.â€?

James Marston, operations manager at C. Marston & Sons Ltd. said, “Clugston’s expertise in bulk flour haulage and ability to react to our customers constantly changing requirements has made them stand out against the competition.

Since outsourcing our logistics to Clugston we are now able to dedicate more of our time and finances into offering a quality product for all our customers. It has also enabled us to concentrate fully on the recent expansion of our plant as we develop our business.� www.clugston.co.uk

account wins over the last few weeks thanks to our exclusive licenses with a number of innovative products, and I look forward to driving the business forward with my three brothers to improve upon the success we’ve already experienced this year.�

The firm owns the exclusive rights to distribute a number of innovative products including Eisenblatter, Loewer, Boeck, NS Maquinas and the revolutionary TIG Brush in the UK and Ireland. The product has revolutionised the stainless steel finishing market, providing a quicker, safer and more powerful method of cleaning both TIG and MIG welds on stainless steel.

Engineering Utilities assists sector-leading clients across the globe in a variety of industries including nuclear, filtration, oil and petrol, food and catering, transportation, pharmaceutical and construction.

More information on Engineering Utilities and the services the company provides is available at www.engineeringutilities.com or by calling 0113 255 8887.

High Efficiency Drying or Cooling of Bulk Solids The Bella dryer/cooler offers thermal efficiencies to 80 percent or better because air flows around material while it is suspended in the weightless zone.

The result is a more consistent material.

$YNAMIC !IR ,TD s

www.dynamicair.com

Bulk Solids Today

15

MEET THE EXPANDED The same Kek-Gardner equipment, services and people as before

Kek-Gardner Quick-Clean Cantilevered Shaft Centrifugal Sifters

Kek-Gardner Centrifugal Liquid/Solid Separators

Kek-Gardner Model Vertical Sifters

n Lab volumes to 100 tonnes/h n High containment operation n Easy-Clean two-bearing cantilevered shaft n Dewaters low- to high-viscosity liquids

n Check screens for off-spec material n Several kilos to 50 tonnes/h n Vertical design with straight-through flow path

n Accept lumps up to 150 mm in diameter n Suitable for de-agglomeration, pre-milling, coarse grinding n 2 to 150 mm particle size range n Cantilevered shaft n Low speed, dust, noise and heat

Kek-Gardner Model Cone Mills

Kek-Gardner Model Universal Mills

Kek-Gardner Model Air Classifier Mills

Kek-Gardner Model Horizontal Mixers

n Lab volumes to 100 tonnes/h n Gravity and inline pneumatic models n Two-Bearing cantilevered shaft n Dry sifting or dewatering

Gentle, low energy granulation High efficiency, gentle grinding Low dust, noise and heat Ideal for fatty, heat sensitive, sticky, moist or fragile products n Close particle distribution from 125 to 250 micron n n n n

Kek-Gardner Model Kibblers

n Fine grinding from 30 to 500Âľm mean particle size n Several kilos to several tonnes/h n Available for pressure applications up to 10 barg n Interchangeable grinding media

n Fine grinding to 15 to 100Âľm mean particle size n Several kilos to 15 tonnes/h n Precise control of particle sizes and grinding temperature

n Ribbon, plough and paddle mixers n Batch or continuous blending n 35 to 60,000 litres n Optional intensifiers for extra shear

Kek-Gardner Model Double Cone Blenders

Kek-Gardner Model Vertical Mixers

Kek-Gardner Model Processors & Reactors

Kek-Gardner Process Systems

n Gentle, low energy tumbling action n Ideal for delicate and fragile products n Equally effective with heavy and abrasive products n 20 to 100,000 litre capacity

n Easy access for cleaning and maintenance n 100 to 25,000 litre capacity n Rapid, low energy, gentle mixing action with minimal heat generation

n Designed for vacuum and pressure mixing applications n 50 to 5000 litre capacity n Heating and cooling jackets for temperature controlled mixing

n Custom built solutions for: Chemical Process Systems Pharma Process Systems Food Process Systems Powder Coating

Visit the new Kason Kek-Gardner at POWTECH 2016, Hall 4A, Stand 4A-525 EUROPE: +44 (0)1625 665999

sales@kasonkekgardner.com

www.kasonkekgardner.com

KASON KEK-GARDNER Plus the entire line of screeners, sieves and fluid bed processors from Kason

Kason Kason Single Single and and Multi-Deck Multi-Deck Vibratory Vibratory Screeners Screeners

Kason FLO-THRU Low Profile Vibratory Screeners

Kason Bag Dump Screeners

n n Separate Separate 11 to to 55 fractions fractions at at low low cost cost n n Lab Lab volumes volumes to to 150 150 tonnes/h tonnes/h n n Quick Quick shipment shipment available available

n Separate at high rates in low headroom areas n Diameters from 460 to 2135 mm n Bottom outlet directly below top inlet

n Scalp bulk material while collecting dust n Ultra-low-profile screener reduces deck height n Diameters from 610 to 1220 mm n Available to sanitary standards

High-Capacity Classifier

“Air-Lift” “Air-Lift” Quick Quick Screen Screen Change Change System System

Ultra-Sanitary Low-Profile Batch Screener

Ultra-Sanitary, Gap-Free Screener

n n Allows Allows quick, quick, easy easy cleaning, cleaning, screen screen changes, changes, inspection inspection n n Available Available for for any any make make or or model model of of circular circular vibratory vibratory screen screen n n From From 1016 1016 to to 2540 2540 mm mm in in diameter diameter

n Meets cGMP, 3-A, USDA and FDA standards n Scalps oversize particles down to 38 microns (400 mesh) n 450, 610 and 760 mm diameters

n Meets cGMP, 3-A, USDA and FDA standards n Crevice-free interior n Air-Lift device and quick–release “U” clamps allow for easy cleaning and screen changes

n Scalps in-line with pneumatic conveying systems gently, at ultra-high rates n Available in 1220 and 1525 mm diameters

Kason Kason 3-Bearing 3-Bearing Quick-Clean Quick-Clean Centrifugal Centrifugal Sifters Sifters

Kason VIBRO-AIR™ Size/Density Separator

Kason Medium/High Capacity Fluid Bed Processing System

Kason CROSS-FLO Static Dewatering Sieve

n n Lab Lab volumes volumes to to 100 100 tonnes/h tonnes/h n n Gravity Gravity and and inline inline pneumatic pneumatic models models n n 3-Bearing 3-Bearing cantilevered cantilevered shaft shaft n n Dry Dry sifting sifting or or dewatering dewatering

n Removes undersize and low-bulk density materials n Available in diameters from 610 to 2540 mm n Available on mobile frame, ready to plug in and run

n Outperforms rectangular systems of equivalent area n Batch or continuous n Laboratory to medium-high capacity

n Removes solids from waste streams at ultra-high rates n Adjustable deck maximises dewatering rates n Two-deck models separate two sizes of solids

n Scalps and de-dusts at ultra-high rates n Available in diameters from 1525 to 2540 mm n Processes up to 70 tonnes/hr

PNEUMATI-SIFTER/FLO-THRU Dual-Screen Ultra-HighCapacity Separator

Visit the new Kason Kek-Gardner at POWTECH 2016, Hall 4A, Stand 4A-525 USA: +1 973 467 8140

info@kason.com

www.kason.com

VALVES

THREE WAYS TO AVOID WEAR ON YOUR LOADING SPOUT

P

urchasing a loading spout can be a huge investment for your company. The last thing you want is to worry about is replacing it in three to five years because of wear and tear. Selecting a quality spout with the correct parameters for your applications can prolong the life of your spout for decades.

Here are three suggestions you can do to save unnecessary wear to your loading spouts.

1. First check the angle of the head chute and trajectory of the product. The product stream should be entering the loading spout at the point it becomes vertical. This will ensure the product passes through the spout in a straight and steady stream. The only point the material should have any internal contact with the spout is at the bottom of the inner cone. If the loading trajectory is misaligned, the material will hit the upper sides of the cones and bounce down the spout creating premature wear and future maintenance issues.

Further, it may advisable to correct the trajectory of the material using sacrificial impact surfaces, rather than geometry, to attain vertical flow. Using the freeflow trajectory of the material not only results in a very large headchute, the vertical velocity of the material at the entrance to the spout can be very high, resulting in accelerated abrasive wear at the first cone. Impact plates placed in close proximity to the head pulley can gain control of the flow stream immediately after leaving the conveyor, and can be made of highly abrasion resistant materials like chromium carbide, wear plates marketed under various trade names (Hardox®, Astralloy, etc.), or elastomers that stand up to impact by particles, such as urethane, neoprene, or natural rubber.

2. If you’re having to move the spout numerous times to match the inlet of a truck or other container, the best way to do this is to accessorize your spout with a positioner. The spout positioner consists of a support pan and a traversing hopper that aligns the spout on a single or a double axis so you don’t have to move the spout or the container.

Using a positioner eliminates the chance of an angled chute or misaligned outer sleeve rings, which can result in the outer sleeve contacting the inner cones, tearing the fabric or catching the support rings and bending them. A spout that does not hang vertically will also result in abrasion to the sides of the cones 18

Bulk Solids Today

Material will cause premature wear internally if the spout is not aligned

as the material flows through them.

Chances of damage due to handling are greatly reduced as well, since there is no reason for the operator to manipulate the spout into the desired position.

3. Another option is to upgrade the construction material of your loading spout. For coarse, abrasive, heavy material (like mineral ore) using abrasion resistant steels such as AR400, Hardox, or using bonded ceramics for the internal cones will help minimize wear on the contact areas of the loading spout. Upgrading the material will add weight and cost to a standard loading spout model, but it will prolong the life of the equipment, ultimately saving time and money.

The outer sleeve can also be upgraded to a neoprene coated polyester or nylon for more durability. The sleeve material choice should be reviewed in light of the service conditions as well: extreme cold will have a detrimental effect on certain polymer coatings, as will extremely hot products flowing through the spout. While reviewing the sleeve material, take a look at the dust collection specifications: while it is important to extract enough air to control fugitive dust, more is not always better. Overpowering the spout with excessive air withdrawal, leading to high static pressure differential with the ambient conditions, will cause the sleeve to collapse, pulling the support rings together, which has the effect of lifting the spout. If enough lift is generated, the spout will break vacuum and fall back in place—repeatedly. If the vacuum is not broken, and the static pressure continues to rise, the rings will collapse further, eventually distorting permanently and requiring replacement.

Maintain, maintain, maintain: Without proper regular maintenance, the loading spout, like any other piece of equipment, will fail to perform the intended function. Periodic inspection of the wear points to maintain the

A spout positioner can align the spout directly above container inlets

spout will keep it functioning for many years. Check the inner stacking cones for pits, misalignments, and shavings, as well as damage to the support cables or straps. Make sure that the outer sleeve is not torn or ripped from contact with the stacking cones.

Upgraded spout sleeve materials are available for Lift cables should be more abrasive conditions inspected for abrasion and fatigue due to contact with the various parts of the drive system. Additionally, control devices such as limit switches, probes, cable reels, and others, require regular inspection to insure the integrity of electrical connections, adjustments, and mounting fasteners.

Contact an experienced manufacturer willing to design and manufacture an engineered spout for your needs, which will save you time and money. Tel: 1-785-825-7177 Email: vortex@vortexvalves.com www.vortexvalves.com

VALVES

NEW BARDON HILL SF20/2 FABRIC FILTER INSTALLATION PROVIDES INCREASED EXHAUST AND FILTRATION CAPACITY

T

he replacement of the existing fabric filter on the Bardon Hill Standard Havens drum mix plant presented a challenge to BG Europa (UK) Ltd. Aggregate Industries required the new installation to occupy the same area taken by the existing unit, whilst offering increased exhaust and filtration capacity.

The existing reverse air cleaning filter unit had provided several years of service, however the requirement for replacement provided the opportunity to increase capacity in preparation for the future upgrade of the drum mixer. With limited space available a bespoke solution was required to install the new filter unit within the footprint of the existing filter unit.

The BG Europa SF Pulsejet Filter allowed the opportunity to increase both filtration performance and available exhaust capacity whilst utilising the existing foundation fixings.

Using a pulse of compressed air the BG Europa SF filter generates a shock wave which cleans the filter bags. This advanced and efficient method of cleaning has been well proven in the field and does not encounter the problems associated with reverse air filters which suck atmospheric air into the bags to clean them.

The internal design of the pulse jet filter does not require provision for ducting channels within the filter body, therefore a higher density of cloth can be installed.

At Bardon Hill a total of 1280 x 500 g/ m² Nomex type filter bags are installed in two ten module parallel filter units to provide a total cloth area of 1438m². Within the snap ring bags the zinc coated wire bag support cages each incorporate an integral venturi to enhance bag cleaning efficiency.

The pulse jet shock wave cleaning system sequentially cleans rows of filter bags whilst they are on line, ensuring that all of the cloth area within the filter is utilised at all times for efficient filtration. This is in contrast to the reverse air type cleaning method which takes up to 25% of the bags off line for cleaning.

An electronic pulse controller is installed within a dust tight enclosure mounted at the filter top and is pre-wired to each of the solenoid valves. This controller allows fine adjustment of cleaning pulse duration and frequency to suit operating conditions.

Additionally a differential pressure monitor is installed to ensure cleaning is only performed when required, thus reducing

20

Bulk Solids Today

energy requirements and maintaining the bags at their ultimate cleaning performance.

The bags and cages are factory installed within the filter unit top sections to quicken site installation. The filter top is enclosed by hand rails with safety gate access and kicking strips. Within this area access to the bags and cages is provided through full width easily removed hatch covers.

The compressed air manifold for bag cleaning is housed within the filter body ensuring protection from the elements. This arrangement provides easy access from within the hand railed area at the filter top by removal of full-length lift-off covers.

The solenoid valves are also fitted on the top of the manifold allowing unrestricted access for ease of maintenance.

Collected fines fall from the filter bags into a common pyramid hopper whose dimensions were designed to allow a support structure to be fixed down to the original foundation bolt nests. The project therefore did not require any additional civils works minimising both disruption and overall costs.

Regardless of infrequency of access the

existing vertical ladder, which is a common feature of most existing filter installations, did not provide the degree of safety now expected within the industry. Therefore BG Europa supplied and installed stairways and rest platforms to allow improved access to the filter top, inlet ducting and exhaust stack from ground level.

Jason Broughton – Operations Manager, Asphalt/Bardon-Croft, commented. “With no operational issues since the installation, it has been a perfect replacement and what we expected. The BG Europa bespoke design minimized any disruption and overall costs with the extra stairway and improved access bringing everything in line with the current H&S requirements.”

Fulfilling the project brief on time BG Europa has provided a modern system designed with safety as a key criteria.

Additionally Aggregate Industries’ facility now has the capacity and flexibility to allow future upgrade to new clean recycling technologies as they become available.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1440 821155 Email: sales@bgeuropa.co.uk Web: www.bgeuropa.co.uk

VALVES

HEAVY DUTY BUTTERFLY VALVE

P

osi-flate 585/586 butterfly valves feature seats and discs for application pressures up to 10 bar. The design improves on existing 485/486 seats to provide the same incredible valve life at even higher pressures. The 585/586 valves are designed to fit PN 10 flanges, and come in sizes 80mm to 600 mm.

The Posi-flate Series 585/586 butterfly valves are designed for the most the most severe of applications. They are ideally suited for very abrasive materials which can reduce valve life. The inflatable seat design provides a better seal by utilizing air pressure to expand the seat against the disc, providing more sealing area and an even pressure distribution against the disc every time. The seat automatically compensates for wear when it inflates against the disc, extending valve life considerably.

Because the Posi-flate disc only makes casual contact with the seat during opening and closing, torque requirements are substantially lower. This ease of movement also allows the disc to come to a perfect 90-degree position every time. Additionally, the smooth profile of the disc helps material flow easier and reduces build-up. For unique fail-safe monitoring, a pressure switch can be utilized to verify a perfect seal. The Posi-flate 585/586 butterfly valves are available in a wide variety of construction materials including stainless steel and lightweight aluminium.

Tel: + 44 1908 622366 E-mail: sales@posiflate.co.uk www.posiflate.com

Bulk Solids Today

21

VALVES

TOP 10 TIPS – SELECTING THE RIGHT GASKET Gaskets can often be overlooked in manufacturing and process operations, despite providing a vital seal between mating surfaces. It is only when they start to fail that their importance is recognised. Garry Wakeling, Industrial Sealing Manager at ERIKS UK offers their top 10 tips for selecting the right gasket and avoiding contamination entering the production line.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

22

Value your gaskets.

The importance of gaskets in manufacturing and process operations is often undervalued, yet they provide an essential seal that prevents leakage and contaminants entering a piece of equipment. Gaskets should be carefully specified to ensure plant safety is maintained, damage to equipment is prevented, and potential downtime – and its associated costs – are kept to a minimum.

Establish the correct specification.

In order to correctly specify a gasket for its application, important criteria such as chemical, temperature or mechanical compatibility need to be considered. Failure often arises when these elements are overlooked, leading to gasket material, shape or thickness being incorrectly specified.

Consider the temperature of the application. During the specification process, it is essential that the application’s operational temperature is considered. Gaskets become brittle at low temperature, leading to a lack of flexibility in the seal which can ultimately lead to ingress or contamination.

In high temperature applications, consider graphite. Finding a gasket suitable for higher process temperatures can be a difficult task. Graphite is an ideal solution as it offers a robust resistance to high temperatures, limiting the threat of ingress.

In hygiene-critical applications, consider PTFE. The issue of chemical contact is especially critical within the food processing and pharmaceutical industries, where process substances can rapidly degrade gasket materials that are not compatible with the application. However, a range of chemical-resistant gaskets are now available using materials such as PTFE, which can result in exceptionally resilient gaskets.

Bulk Solids Today

6.

7.

8.

Get custom-cut gaskets fast with CAD/CAM services. Today’s stateof-the-art cutting systems use CAD/ CAM to deliver fast results to a range of specifications and can cut customsized components without transferring contaminants to the gasket. This increases wider gasket availability and reduces unnecessary downtime in machinery overhauls.

Gaskets can be over-specified as well as under-specified. There is a tendency for end-users to overspecify unnecessarily expensive gaskets. Sometimes a simple gasket is perfectly adequate for the application and offers a cost-effective solution, which is good news when a plant often requires the cutting of thousands of gaskets. However, it is also important to ensure that gaskets are not underspecified in an attempt to cut costs, as any potential downtime could cost the end-user much more than if they’d fitted the correct gasket in the first place.

Consult an expert supplier. When it comes to selecting the right gasket for your application, the best option is always to consult the experts. An expert in gasket technology will be

able to establish your specification needs and see whether the performance requirements of your application can be met by a simple, inexpensive gasket, or whether more advanced materials are needed.

9. Make cost savings by rolling out new specifications plant-wide. If you establish that current components across your plant have been overspecified, one option may be to implement a planned reduction of gasket quality. This can help to limit any continued unnecessary expense, whilst also ensuring that components are also not underspecified.

10. Time spent reviewing gaskets will bring measurable ROI. It pays to take expert advice and specify the right solution, especially when you consider the costly results of wastage and downtime that occur when contamination enters the production line. Taking the time to make the correct gasket selection, and to prepare the flanges and fit the gasket, will provide invaluable savings within the manufacturing process and bring measurable ROI. For more information on ERIKS UK, please visit www.eriks.co.uk

VALVES

Other Valves Fight Friction, We Designed it Out Unlike other valves that seal with friction, Posi-flate’s unique butterfly valve uses an inflatable seat to seal with air pressure. Thus it requires less torque and a smaller actuator, resulting in lower cost.

Plus, the seat automatically compensates for wear, providing longer life. Some users have reported over six million cycles and the valves are still going strong. s s s s s s

,ESS FRICTION ,OW TORQUE ,OW MAINTENANCE ,OWER ACTUATOR COSTS ,ONGER VALVE LIFE -ORE RELIABLE Tel: +44 (0) 1908 622366

www.posiflate.com

WESTINGHOUSE

! n O s i e r u ss e r P The

NEW High Pressure Rotary Valve The DMN-WESTINGHOUSE HP valve with specially designed inlet is very suitable for handling granular formed products under a high pressure of maximum 3.5 bar g.

The valve has a very important advantage in air leakage: the special configuration of body, rotor and seals does not only protect product against degradation, it also does not allow any axial air leakage.

DMN UK Ltd. T +44 1249 818 400 dmn@dmnuk.com

CURIOUS? Check out our new HP valve at the Powtech Stand H1-427!

Features: • Special inlet for maximum protection against product degradation • High filling efficiency • Lowest air leakage through special seals • Robust construction • Easy assembly and disassembly

COMPONENTS FOR BULK SOLIDS HANDLING

| STAND H1-427

www.dmnwestinghouse.uk Bulk Solids Today

23

CONVEYING The materials handling functional demonstration rig to be shown at Drives & Controls 2016

FUNCTIONAL DEMONSTRATION FOR MATERIALS HANDLING INDUSTRIES Drives & Controls Show 2016 – Stand D526

N

ORD Drivesystems will be showcasing a large fully functional conveyor technology demonstration rig that brings together a selection of its geared motors and decentralised frequency inverters and starters that are well proven for materials handling applications in packaging machinery and logistics industries such as baggage handling.

With Profibus communication and fully synchronised control across the entire multi-axis system, the demonstration rig displays the diversity of features and functions available from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS’ electronic and mechanical drive technology. The walk-around rig includes a combination of general purpose and closed loop positioning inverter controlled geared motors driving belt and roller conveyors linked with mechanical elevating elements; these interact with machine control components such as proximity sensors and light barriers to load, transport and stack sample crates.

For the left and right load pickup axes, NORD SI series universal worm geared motors are controlled with motor-mounted SK 135E soft starters. This decentralised configuration includes actuation via Profibus where sensors in the form of light barriers are used monitor the position of the crates which are stopped by switching off the soft starter.

All other axes on the rig feature high-efficiency NORDBLOC.1 bevel geared motors: The lower roller conveyor geared motor is driven by an SK 180E frequency inverter – an economic general purpose combination for simple speed control of horizontal conveyors. With material position detected via a light barrier, the sensor is directly connected to the inverter with information transmitted to the controller via Profibus.

The upper belt conveyor displays more sophisticated control with an SK 200E series inverter. Contactless backing up of crates via sensors directly wired to the inverter allows the stopping position

24

Bulk Solids Today

of the crates to be set via the inverter over the communication bus and also handles synchronisation with the load pick-up inverter for transferring the crates into the lifting equipment.

The motor-mounted roller conveyor inverter and machinemounted belt conveyor inverter demonstrate the flexibility of the decentralised SK 200E series.

For the elevating axes at both ends of the rig, SK 200E inverters demonstrate the POSICON positioning option available in the range.

In this case the motor is fitted with a CANopen absolute encoder which is directly wired to the inverter. The encoder is protected by a second cover. The raising and lowering function includes a motor mounted brake and brake management on the inverter, with further external proximity switches installed on the elevators for safety purposes. Brake management is taken care of via an 180VDC output and the high overload potential is countered with a brake resistor.

ABOUT NORD DRIVESYSTEMS A developer and manufacturer of drive technology for over 50 years, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS employs more than 3,200 people and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of full-scale, comprehensive drive solutions. NORD’s portfolio ranges from standard drives to customized solutions for demanding application requirements, e.g. based on energy-efficient or explosion-protected drives. Gross sales amounted to EUR 540 mn in the 2015 business year. Subsidiaries in 36 countries around the world and an extensive distribution and service network ensure minimal lead times and provide customeroriented services wherever needed on short notice. NORD’s wide variety of gear types covers torques from 10 Nm to 242,000 Nm and more. The company also supplies motors with outputs from .12 kW to 1,000 kW and manufactures frequency inverters up to 160 kW. NORD’s inverter line-up features conventional models for installation in control cabinets as well as design types for fully integrated drive units in decentralized automation environments. http://www.nord.com

CONVEYING

SPIROFLOW’S SAFE HANDLING SOLUTIONS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT FOODEX Award-winning Spiroflow will be showcasing its latest state-of-the-art bulk handling and conveying solutions for shifting food ingredients during the Foodex Show at the NEC in Birmingham (April 18-20 Stand P276).

T

ransferring food powders, flakes and granules from one area of a factory to another for processing, packaging and distribution requires a system that is fast, easy to route, has few moving parts, empties the system of product with minimum residue and provides a dusttight operation – essential when dealing with potentially combustible material.

As well as providing a comprehensive range of equipment and testing facilities, an outstanding level of customer service is part and parcel of Spiroflow’s ATEX approved conveying and bulk handling systems, which really makes the company a cut above the rest.

Foodex attendees can see for themselves how Spiroflow’s equipment can make a difference. In addition to demonstrating working models of a Bulk Bag Discharger and Flexible Screw Conveyor, Spiroflow’s team will be on hand to discuss the range of flexible and totally secure solutions for food materials where the most rigid standards in hygiene and containment need to be met and maintained.

Spiroflow’s bulk bag discharger along with the flexible screw conveyor are ideal for the totally hygienic discharging and distribution of food ingredients, including sugar, flour and spices, within a factory environment. This exceptional equipment fulfils the very highest levels of hygiene and dust control, whatever strict operating parameters are in place.

The Model T2 bulk bag discharger is a market leader, installed by major food processors world-wide for dust-free and controlled discharge of ingredients. Options include loss-inweight product feed, patented massage systems to promote flow from bags, hygienic bag spout sealing device, integral hoist and other features to ensure hygienic emptying of 1-2 tonne bags.

The main advantage of Spiroflow’s flexible screw conveyor is its simplicity, which results in short installation times and low maintenance – the whole system can be stripped down for cleaning in minutes. It can transport powdered, granular and flaked materials with a bulk density up to 2.5kg/1 and carry material to a maximum distance of 20 metres, although multiple units can extend to greater distances as required.

Food manufacturers and processors visiting Foodex - possibly agonising over which conveyor not only best suits their product but also meets the stringent regulatory safety requirements - need look no further than Spiroflow’s stand P276.

Finding the right conveyor will depend a lot on finding the right supplier. The key for food companies is to source a conveyor provider that understands your business, proves it can meet your requirements and who will give a performance guarantee – just like Spiroflow. www.spiroflow.com Tel: +44 (0) 1200 422525.

Up, down and around For clean, safe, cost effective and dust free bulk handling of products turn to UniTrak Powderflight’s range of reliable equipment: U Bucket elevators U Aeromechanical conveyors

U Flexible screw conveyors U Bulk bag dischargers

UniTrak Powderflight always moving in the right direction!

Featured product: TipTrak Bucket Elevator

Trust the experts.

(0)1457 865038 www.unitrak.co.uk

Bulk Solids Today

25

CONVEYING

POETH SOLIDS PROCESSING INTRODUCES HIGH-CAPACITY Z-CONVEYOR COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO EXPLOSION-PRONE BUCKET ELEVATOR TRANSPORT

T

he cost of ensuring that bucket elevator transport systems are explosion-safe can be up to three times as much as the cost of the transport system itself. That is also why Poeth Solids Processing, based in Tegelen, has developed the innovative and cost-effective Z-Conveyor for the high-capacity transport of bulk solids to great heights. The Z-Conveyor eliminates the need for expensive investments in ATEX safety systems. The new system is also energyefficient and suitable for handling fragile products. Finally, the construction costs are also significantly lower.

TRANSPORTING DRY PARTICULATES WITHOUT THE HIGH COST OF ATEX SAFETY SYSTEMS Dry organic particulates are explosion-prone by nature, especially when transported at speeds in excess of 1 m/s. Bucket elevator transport systems are very suitable for transporting materials vertically, but such systems are effective only at speeds in excess of 2 m/s. Accordingly, bucket elevator systems must be equipped with increasingly rigorous and expensive ATEXcompliant safety systems. As a result, the costs associated with decoupling, explosion suppression, load relief, misalignment protection, automation, and maintenance for bucket transport systems are presently up to three times as high as the cost of the transport system itself. That is why Poeth Solids Processing has developed a new system for the horizontal, vertical, and/ or diagonal transport of explosion-prone dry products which eliminates the need for investing in expensive explosion suppression and safety systems that comply with the ATEX standard.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND GENTLE TRANSPORT WITHOUT MAJOR CONSTRUCTION COSTS The innovative design of the new Z-Conveyor developed by Poeth allows for high loading levels and transport capacities from 45 m³ up to 220 m³ per hour. Since the Z-Conveyer has excellent performance characteristics at speeds well below 1 m/s, there is also no risk of explosion. This eliminates the need for making major investments in order to ensure compliance with the increasingly strict ATEX safety standards, including the costs resulting from the new CEN 305 legislation.

The new Z-Conveyor can also be installed without a roof structure, basement, or building pit, resulting in additional cost savings that make it a very attractive alternative to bucket transport.

The Z-Conveyor transports powders, particles, and granulates gently and carefully, making it very suitable for fragile ingredients such as malt, barley, maize, milk powders, coffee, tea, cocoa, soya, pressed

26

Bulk Solids Today

pellets, and extruded products. Poeth’s Z-Conveyor is also very energy-efficient and saves up to 90% of energy costs compared to pneumatic transport. The system can be used for vertical transport up to heights of 10 metres and more.

Poeth develops, builds, and installs high-quality machines and production lines for a wide range of solids handling processes. The Z-Conveyor can be used for handling bulk solids in a wide range of sectors including the feed, food, chemicals, petfood, plastics, recycling, and brewery industries. For more information, simply go to www.poeth.nl or call (+31) 6 13518065.

SIEVES, SIFTERS, SEPARATION & SCREENING

METAL RECOVERY SOLUTIONS AT IFAT 2016 Reliable separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals is an important element of today’s recycling industry with a distinct emphasis being placed upon achieving maximum recovery.

O

n stand 439, hall C1 at IFAT 2016 (Messe Munich, Germany) from 30th May to 3rd of June, Eriez Magnetics Europe will be exhibiting the latest separation solutions available for efficient metal recovery and maximum product purity.

Eriez’ extensive range of recycling equipment, which includes Overband Magnets, Eddy Current Separators, Metal Separators and Magnetic Drums, allows for the consistent recovery of valuable metals helping waste material processors increase their profits. At the show, Eriez will be demonstrating an array of fully operational equipment including ferrous, non-ferrous and metal detection solutions.

Visitors are invited to bring sample materials to the stand to see the separation performance of the units.

Eriez understands that customers in the recycling industry are continually looking to achieve increased levels of recovery, a requirement that is satisfied through the company’s focus on continuing product development and improvement. As a result, there have been many advances in the last few years in the solutions that Eriez offers, including the launch of a pioneering Eddy Current Separator design for maximum non-ferrous removal, which has proven to be a huge success for Eriez and will feature as a focal point on stand 439.

Commenting on Eriez’ attendance at IFAT this year, Gareth Meese, Sales Director said, “It’s an extremely exciting time here at Eriez Magnetics. We have made significant developments with regards to both ferrous and non-ferrous separation solutions, which we are excited to announce prior to the IFAT show. We are confident that these developments will allow Eriez to further strengthen its market position and continue to provide pioneering separation solutions to the recycling industry and beyond.”

Members of the Eriez technical sales team will be on the stand to offer support and answer any queries. To make an appointment, please contact +44 (0) 29 2086 8501 or email info@eriezeurope.co.uk

Bulk Solids Today

27

SIEVES, SIFTERS, SEPARATION & SCREENING

GS MK III CENTRIFUGAL SIFTERS Proven Reliable Solutions for Product Screening and Particle Size Control

F

or more than 50 years Gericke has provided Centrifugal sifting solutions to the solids and powder handling industry, gaining unrivaled experience handling a multitude of materials in many applications, catering for a wide range of industries including; food, chemical, pet food, beverages, dairy processing; infant formula and pharmaceutical.

Our wealth of knowledge supplying complete turnkey systems ensures that Gericke can optimise the interfaces between the sifter and other essential process components which is a critical factor in ensuring a successful installation.

GS MK III CENTRIFUGAL SIFTERS Building on our proven technology Gericke has introduced a complete NEW range of centrifugal sifters with updated design and operational features necessary to satisfy the demands of today’s processing industries especially with regard to sieving efficiency, higher yields, improved hygiene, ease of maintenance and compliance with the latest industry standards including the Machinery and ATEX Directives.

The new range of Mk III centrifugal sifter provides three base modules incorporating twelve standard configurations which can be optimised to suit different processes depending on the requirements of the application in terms of throughput rate, sieving mesh size, materials of construction, surface finishes and hygiene requirements.

The Baseline model provides a cost effective solution for general applications whilst the Multi-purpose unit includes additional features such as hinged doors to improve access for cleaning and maintenance.

The Hypergienic model is designed to meet the most stringent of requirements for cleaning and hygiene and features a cantilevered shaft assembly with bearings only at the drive end, three hinged interlocked doors, quick release fully welded paddle assembly and integral discharge hoppers.

ADVANTAGES OF GERICKE CENTRIFUGAL SIFTERS • High Capacity / High Efficiency • Robust and Reliable construction • 360 degree in-situ rotating screen assembly inspection • Hypergienic construction

28

Bulk Solids Today

• Cantilevered design • Quick-change over of screens without the need for special tooling • Ease of Maintenance • Pressure rated design for in-line applications • Dust tight construction • No Vibration - No flexible connections on the inlet or outlet.

APPLICATIONS Gericke sifters are utilized to guarantee product quality within the processing of powdery products, granules, or fibre.

Our ATEX certified sifters provide three main operations of the sifting processes: Particle Separation; the separation of two different product fractions with varying particle size, typically within the range of 40μ to 5 mm.

Safety sifting; removal of foreign parts and tramp material prior to product entering the production process or to secure product quality before filling processes.

Conditioning; to separate foreign bodies and condition the bulk density of the product prior to entering production or immediately before packing.

Gericke sifters have been designed and developed for the optimization of these sifting tasks. The basic principles of centrifugal sifting, provides high level performance and optimum separation with a minimal footprint.

The high throughput capability of sifters justifies them as the effective choice for bulk sifting requirements prior the filling of silos from tankers.

Sifting capacities from; 2-3kg/ hr guaranteeing product quality of high value small batch operations, to 120te/hr minimising the time-frame for filling of road tankers, a preferred method utilized throughout the milling industry and the production and processing of sugar and starch.

SCREEN TYPES A critical element of any successful sifter application is the correct selection of sieve hose for optimum performance.

Gericke offer a comprehensive range of screen sizes and colours which are available ex-stock, including; HD Nylon, Anti-static, Polypropylene, Perforated plate and Wedge Wire.

ATEX DIRECTIVE Gericke centrifugal sifters are widely used throughout the food, plastics, pet food and pharmaceutical industries and within Building chemicals processing, these process requirements are increasingly subject to ATEX categorization.

Gericke Mk III Sifters are designed and certified for ATEX zone 21 external and zone 20 internal for use with dusts with minimum ignition energy (MIE) of greater than 3mJ. The full range of screens can be used within the ATEX certification taking into account such risks as propagating brush discharge.

TRIALS Gericke sifters are available for in-house trials in our comprehensive test facilities situated at their various locations around the World, enabling clients to trial their specific materials and determine the correct machine size and configuration for their application.

Hire machines are also available for on-site trials and long term testing within the client’s actual production conditions and environment.

In addition we provide machinery and systems for all bulk handling processes; from receiving of raw materials to complete process supply lines as well as dosing and mixing processes.

Tests can be conducted on original process equipment in one of our Test Centres. For more information on our Test Centre capabilities or to arrange a trial, please visit: www.gericke.net/en/services/test-centre

SIEVES, SIFTERS, SEPARATION & SCREENING

SANITARY CONE MILL FOR STICKY, MOIST, FRAGILE MATERIALS

A

new Kason Kek-Gardner Model CM540 Sanitary Cone Mill delivers gentle, low-energy size reduction while achieving even particle distribution with minimal fines. It is suitable for delumping of dried or hygroscopic materials that have agglomerated due to dampness or compaction, for intermediate sizing of “wet mass” product for improved drying and granulation prior to tableting, and for regrinding of out-of-spec tablets to be reintroduced to the tableting process.

Its smooth, moderate action alleviates traditional milling problems of product build-up, dust and heat generation, enabling it to process fatty, heat sensitive, sticky, moist or fragile products.

Intended for pharmaceutical, food and chemical applications in which contamination must be avoided, the mill provides consistent results within fine limits.

Material is fed by gravity or pneumatically into a central milling chamber in which a rotating impeller accelerates it centrifugally against and through apertures in a conical screen, and then into a receptacle below the milling chamber.

Conical screens can be changed rapidly, and are offered with apertures from 150 micron for fine/ dry de-agglomeration, up to 25 mm including square and rectangular perforations for wet granulation.

Constructed of #304 or #316 stainless steel to sanitary standards, the mill can be cleaned wet or dry, and is available configured for CIP, SIP or filling with liquid during cleaning.

Provision is included for air purging of bearings and seals where required.

Other options include top, bottom and remote drives, high-containment and glove box designs, construction of special alloys, and mobile designs.

Other models range in diameter from 75 mm for laboratory applications to 680 mm for production capacities up to 25 tonnes/h, depending on application.

The company also manufactures air classifier mills, universal mills, lump breakers, centrifugal sifters, round vibratory screeners, fluid bed dryers/coolers/ moisturisers, static sieves, ribbon/paddle/ plough blenders, vertical mixers, and double-cone and vee-cone blenders.

Request details from Kason Kek-Gardner, +44 (0) 1625 665 999, sales@kekgardner.com, www.kasonkekgardner.com.

NEW MAGNETIC SEPARATOR RECOVERS PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

B

unting Magnetics has developed a new Magnetic Separator that separates and recovers Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). The High Intensity Separation Conveyor (HISC) has an exceptional strong magnetic head pulley and was originally designed to separate very weakly magnetic materials such as abraded and shredded stainless steel. During onsite tests at a UK plastics recycling company, the HISC was also found to efficiently separate and recover PCBs. The separation of Printing Circuit Boards is an issue for many recycling companies, especially those involved in WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). PCBs contain a number of components mounted on a nonconductive substrate including capacitors, resistors and active devices. A PCB will contain gold, palladium, silver, copper and different hazardous materials, and cannot be disposed of in landfill. Once recovered, there are companies who

specialise in recovering the precious metals from the PCBs, but firstly, these need to be recovered from a waste stream.

Bunting’s HISC Magnetic Separator is commonly installed after primary Magnetic Separation and Eddy Current Separation and is used to either remove weakly magnetic materials from the primary product to produce a clean recycled material (eg UPVC window frames, recycled plastics, etc), or recover valuable

materials (eg stainless steel and PCBs).

The strength of the magnetic field is far greater than standard magnetic separators, extending the separation capabilities from just removing ferrous and strongly magnetic materials to materials that have a very low magnetic susceptibility.

For further information on Magnetic Separators please visit contact our technical sales team on: sales@buntingeurope.com call us on 01442 875081 or visit www.magneticseparation.co

Bulk Solids Today

29

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

DUST-TIGHT MOBILE DRUM TIPPER A new TIP-TITE速 Mobile Drum Tipper allows dust-free transfer of bulk materials from drums into process equipment and storage vessels.

R

eady to plug in and run, it is mounted on a mobile frame with quick-action floor jacks for stable operation anywhere in the plant.

A hydraulic cylinder raises the drum carriage which seals the drum rim against a discharge cone, after which a second hydraulic cylinder tips the carriage-hood assembly and drum, stopping at a predetermined dump angle of either 45, 60 or 90 degrees with a motion-dampening feature.

As the assembly approaches its fullytipped position, the outlet of the discharge cone mates with a gasketed receiving-ring inlet fitted to existing process equipment or to the lid of an optional hopper with integral pneumatic, tubular cable or flexible screw conveyor, creating a dust-tight seal.

Once the discharge cone is seated against the gasket, a pneumaticallyactuated slide gate valve opens, allowing material to enter the receiving vessel.

The unit accommodates drums from 114

to 208 litres weighing up to 340 kg and measuring 91 to 122 cm in height.

An optional pneumaticallyactuated vibrator on the discharge cone promotes complete evacuation of non-freeflowing materials.

The drum tipper is available constructed of mild steel with durable industrial finishes, with material contact surfaces of stainless steel, or in all-stainless steel finished to food, dairy, pharmaceutical or industrial standards.

The company also manufactures highlift drum tippers, drum fillers, box/container tippers, bulk bag dischargers, bulk bag conditioners, bulk bag fillers, flexible screw conveyors, tubular cable conveyors,

pneumatic conveying systems, bag dump stations, weigh batching and blending systems, and engineered plant-wide bulk handling systems with automated controls.

For information contact Flexicon Europe Ltd, +44 (0)1227 374710, Email: sales@flexicon.co.uk www.flexicon.com.co.uk

CLEAN METHOD FOR EMPTYING LARGE BULK BAGS

D

ynamic Air BulkBuster bulk bag unloaders provide the solution for effectively emptying large bulk bags and getting the material where you want it in your process. Safety is always a primary concern when handling and manoeuvring extremely heavy and cumbersome bulk bags.

The Series 422 Model 1900 BulkBuster bulk bag unloader offers a continuous cleaning method of discharging bulk bags because it includes internal dust collection for containing all fugitive dust.

Features include easily removable bayonet mounted cartridge filters for recycling the fugitive dust by discharging it back into the process hopper below. Also included

30

Bulk Solids Today

is a bag closing device, sight glass and work gloves to allow the bulk bags to be untied and emptied without contacting any of the process material being discharged.

One unique but standard feature is a set of air operated bulk bag jostlers for massaging the bulk bags for faster discharging of difficult to handle materials. An optional bag closing mechanism is also available to allow partial bulk bag unloading. www.dynamicair.com/products/ bagunloader.html

Tel: + 44 1908 622344 Email: sales@dynamicair.co.uk www.dynamicair.com

Intelligent Drivesystems, Worldwide Services

RELIABLE

VERSATILE

A complete range of geared motors rated at 0.12...200kW provides the optimum solution for all drive requirements. For convenient control combine with our decentralised inverter range to 22kW.

NORD Gear Limited

11 Barton Lane, Abingdon, OX14 3NB Tel. No.: +44 (0) 1235 534404 Email: GB-Sales@nord.com

Member of the NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Group

GLOBAL

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

NEW BAGGING TECHNOLOGY IS A FRONT-RUNNER FOR HORSE FEED MANUFACTURER Upgrading an automated bagging line has led to leading UK horse feed manufacturer FH Nash achieving a 30% increase in output. Bagging up to 144 tonnes a day, Pacepacker has used its new ROI calculator to show how the innovative new FastPac sack placer, also recently installed, can achieve a 12 month ROI by significantly improving efficiency and by handling a range of different sack types.

A

t their Essex based factory FH Nash operates three production lines that weigh, bag and palletise over 50,000 tonnes of horse feed per year. For almost 30 years Pacepacker has supplied the majority of the company’s equipment, supplementing and upgrading their systems to optimise productivity and incorporate new packing technology. Increased demand means that FH Nash now produces 20 different ranges of horse feed, making them one of the UK’s largest suppliers to racehorse trainers, merchants and distributors.

With heightened demand for more flexible plastic sacks featuring enhanced graphics and durability, FH Nash decided to tackle one productivity bottleneck – their non-Pacepacker sack placer: “Plastic sacks can be tricky to handle as they are either too slippery or contain static. Previously, this often resulted in more than one bag being picked up at the same time, so our operatives frequently needed to intervene.

Having one worker permanently manning the line, manually lifting the bags when they became stuck was causing significant

32

Bulk Solids Today

For bags that have a tendency to stick together, such as plastic, the FastPac sack placer picks them up by the bottom, peeling them off the stack.

machine downtime and consequently impacting our productivity,” explains director Joe Venner.

Coincidentally, at the same time Pacepacker was experiencing growing demand from the bulk sector for faster, moreversatile bagging equipment, and had launched an upgraded sack placer under its new FastPac range of bagging systems. Capable of running at 17 bags per minute, the new FastPac sack placer is up to 20% faster than previous models.

Although the speed increase appealed to Joe, it was also the system’s ability to handle an unprecedented range of sacks.

Benefiting from the integration of mechanical grippers along with the conventional suction grippers seen on most sack placers, Pacepacker’s FastPac sack placer works by picking bags up by the bottom and peeling them off the stack, rather than picking up the top of the bag.

This counteracts the issue of bags sticking together. When the bag is picked from the

The mechanical grippers hold the 20 kilo bags firmly in place during filling.

pile by the sack placer it is immediately held in place on a sack clamp for filling.

FH Nash’s new FastPac sack placer was installed along with Pacepacker’s Total Bag Control System (TBC). Once the sack is placed onto the clamp by the sack placer the TBC takes over. Using motorised grip arms, the TBC transports each filled 20 kilo sack of horse feed to be heat sealed. The sacks are then stacked onto pallets using a robotic palletiser.

With the reduction in manual workers needed to manage the line and a new shift output of 3,600 bags, compared to 2,800 bags, FH Nash is well on the way to

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING achieving a 12 month ROI since the installation of the FastPac sack placer in September 2015.

“Since installation we haven’t looked back.” Joe comments, “We no longer need to intervene which allows FH Nash is one of the leading our workers UK manufacturers with an annual output of 50,000 tonnes. to focus on other areas of the business. Pacepacker has been instrumental in keeping us abreast of new technology and upgrading our systems over the years which in turn allows us to continue meeting our customer’s needs.”

This isn’t the first time that Pacepacker’s technical prowess has assisted FH Nash.

Double flap valves

With the new FastPac sack placer FH Nash has seen an increase in output by 20% and expects the ROI to be less than 12 months.

Several years ago, Pacepacker created a bespoke sack placer and TBC on sliding rails, which toggled the other two production lines. By using sliding rails, Pacepacker’s solution was interlocked into

Rotary valves

the weighing system on each production line and worked in unison, giving FH Nash the ability to pack two separate products – one sticky and one dry – without additional outlay. www.pacepacker.com

Slide valves

Atex approved

Ibis Intergrid Ltd. Materials Handling Engineers

Suppliers, manufacturers & distributors of bulk handling equipment worldwide for 25 years

Tel: 01539 731900 Fax: 01539 731910

Email: sales@ibis-int.co.uk Web: www.ibis-int.co.uk

Loading chutes

Screw conveyors

Area Sales Agents Required

Bulk Solids Today

33

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

PSL COMPLETE FULL MICROSPHERE FORMULATION PRODUCTION LINES

Powder Systems Limited (PSL), an international award-winning manufacturer of filtration, drying and high containment isolators for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, recently delivered several aseptic microsphere formulation process facilities in Asia and USA.

T

he MicroSphere Refiner™ range was awarded the best mechanical process innovation at the ACHEMA 2015 Awards. This revolutionary technology allows for the sterile filtration, classification, drying and harvesting of polymeric microspheres used as drug delivery devices such as PLA, PLGA or PMMA capsules. These biodegradable particles work as miniature time release capsules for parenteral drugs, to treat various conditions from cancer to diabetes and mental illness. Microsphere production is experiencing a fast growing demand due to its revolutionary characteristics and applications including also vaccines and hormones.

To support biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, PSL developed a unique technology to efficiently formulate microsphere drugs in a sterile and controlled manner. The MicroSphere Refiner™ range allows process development and scale-up from R&D to commercial production. This innovative technology overcomes challenges faced with typical sieving and nitrogen drying operations such as mesh blocking, poor particle size distribution, low yield and sterility issues.

PSL’s technology has been developed and refined over 10 years and is now being adopted by blue chip pharma groups around the world. After successfully installing production lines in USA and Europe, PSL has recently completed three production lines for the Asia market. These installations consist of a MicroSphere Scalping Filter followed by a MicroSphere Refiner™ suitable for an aseptic production of about 10L of final product. PSL completed the entire process line with process skids, modular process system contained with

34

Bulk Solids Today

individual frame for each process equipment.

The equipment is using Steam-In-Place sterilisation and a unique discharge method to maintain the sterility envelop throughout the process and during harvesting of the dried microspheres. The three production lines are all provided with full automation of the two vessels and respective process skids through dedicated software and HMI/PLC systems. Two lines are being installed in South Korea and the third one in India. They will all be operational in 2016 and will contribute to the production and commercialisation of controlled drug release medication in a targeted manner that will improve the wellbeing of millions of suffering patients.

PSL activities in Asia with the MicroSphere Refiner™ range are expanding with new projects in South Korea for bigger scale production of microspheres and growing interest from Indian and Chinese markets for GMP problem-free manufacturing of such drug devices. PSL will be exhibiting at the upcoming 2016 COPHEX exhibition in Korea from the 26th to the 29th April 2016 on their partner stand Nara Machinery Korea (3C511) and in China during the CIPM exposition in Chongqing on Austar booth C32 in Hall V2.

Later this year Pierre Landais, PSL APAC (Asia-Pacific) Tendering Manager, will be presenting on Process Development & Sterile Manufacturing of Polymeric Microsphere Drug Delivery Devices on the Thursday 25th August at the ISPE Singapore Annual Conference 2016.

In 2015, PSL provided a MicroSphere Refiner™ to a US biopharmaceutical

company as part of their platform to develop novel extended release therapies.

This smaller unit has a capacity of about 5L of microsphere product used for the development and production of polymeric time release drugs. With more projects in 2016 for microsphere development in the USA, PSL will launch a Centre of Process Excellence to support the R&D and commercialisation of new drug delivery devices. PSL’s team, including Senior Process Development Engineer Craig Patrizio, will be at the Interphex trade show from the 26th to the 28th April 2016, booth 2232. Michelle Frisch, Sr. Manager, Global Technical Systems, will present on Process Requirements drive innovation; Microsphere classification filtration and drying a case study of how innovative design solves difficult process requirements on Wednesday 27th April at 2.15pm, Technical Conference Stage, 1577, Meeting Room 5.

To receive your complimentary FREE visitor pass to Interphex 2016, please click here http://www.interphex.com/?appn ame=100026&moduleid=0&campaign id=61903973

BULK MATERIALS HANDLING

CAT® LIFT TRUCKS BECOME PART OF THE FURNITURE AT MOORES Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture manufacturer Moores Furniture Group Ltd has taken delivery of a fleet of new forklift trucks from Impact, the UK’s sole Cat® Lift Trucks distributor, with the company applauding Impact’s “job done” approach to business.

O

perating at Moores Furniture Group’s Wetherby site in West Yorkshire, the five diesel powered Cat® lift trucks – one DP20CN, two DP25Ns and two DP35Ns – will operate around-the-clock on a double-shift basis, moving raw materials, loading trucks and supplying the factory floor.

Doug Gough, Moores Furniture Group’s Distribution and Fleet Manager, says: “We decided to work with Impact thanks to a combination of the easy-to-use, robust nature of the Cat lift trucks, and the company’s no-nonsense, ‘job done’ business acumen.

“Before signing up, we consulted with a number of Impact’s other customers, including Harrogate Water Brands, and they all said Impact offers comprehensive support, with a focus on 24/7 service provision and proactive maintenance.”

The five trucks all feature full metal cabs with heaters, blue spot reversing lamps, idle limiters and integral side shifts. “We worked with Impact and Cat to specify exactly the trucks we needed, and they have proven to be reliable, flexible and powerful, as well as looking great when busy in the workshops,” says Doug.

“We’ve even put up pictures of the truck fleet arriving, as a message to our staff that we’re investing in high-quality equipment, as Moores continues to grow,” he adds.

Moores Furniture Group, which operates from 4 sites around the UK and employs 450 members of staff, supplies furniture to retail and trade customers, as well as major housebuilders including Redrow and Persimmon.

The company’s new Cat lift trucks were supplied under a five-year

repair and maintenance contract, which will see Impact provide aftermarket support and quality technical assistance.

Impact will also establish a proactive maintenance programme with Moores Furniture Group, ensuring engineers visit outside of peak times wherever possible – such as in the late afternoon or early morning – to carry out regular ‘check-ups’ on the five trucks.

Founded in 1947 as G A Moore Joinery, Moores Furniture Group has grown to offer a comprehensive range of fittings, and has even been appointed the Royal Warrant to Her Majesty The Queen.

For more information about Impact visit www.impact-handling.com.

Bulk Solids Today

35

POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW

POWTECH 2016: EXTENSIVE SUPPORTING PROGRAMME OFFERS READY-TO-GO EXPERTISE • International supporting programme in three forums • Accompanied by IND EX Safety Congress and PARTEC • New: Plan your schedule using the POWTECH App

T

he world of mechanical processing technology will gather at POWTECH 2016 from 19 to 21 April. About 900 exhibitors will present the latest technologies for processing, analysing and handling powder and bulk solids in Nuremberg. Visitors will also have free access to an extensive supporting programme, providing them with firsthand access to the latest process expertise. The VDMA (German Engineering Association) will present best practices in eco-efficiency through its Blue Competence Initiative. Trade visitors will encounter concentrated university research and new talents at the Generation Future special area. The new POWTECH app will help to find personal highlights in the programme.

Three trade forums with non-stop presentations in the exhibition halls reflect the wide range of sectors and topics at POWTECH. The special areas organised by associations and highcalibre partners at the exhibition also invite visitors to linger, network and exchange knowledge.

THE VDMA: INNOVATION FOR GREATER SUSTAINABILITY The VDMA, represented at POWTECH by its Drying Technology and Air Pollution Control associations, will highlight its Blue Competence sustainability initiative at the exhibition. Visitors to the VDMA stand will find exhibits and success stories showing how process technology helps to foster more sustainable processes that conserve resources. The VDMA and participating companies span the entire exhibition with the Blue Competence network: a special exhibition guide lists all POWTECH exhibitors supporting the initiative and helps to find sustainable solutions.

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE TO TAKE HOME The three presentation areas in the POWTEC exhibition halls will offer non-stop presentations, many of them in English.

The 30-minute slots and panel discussions will address current topics in the industry in a useful, compact format. The Pharma.

Manufacturing.Excellence expert forum (hall 3A), organised by APV (the International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology), will focus on trends and challenges in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including continuous production, tabletting and testing, 3D printing and serialisation. The POWTECH Expert Forum (hall 2) will provide non-stop presentations on process automation, particle analysis and measurement technology. This is also where the new POWTECH Awards will be presented in three categories: technology, energy excellence and service. In the POWTECH Technology Forum (hall 3), visitors will receive practical tips about handling bulk solids in the food, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries.

36

Bulk Solids Today

A BRIDGE TO RESEARCH AND NEW TALENTS A total of 15 universities, institutes and institutions will present their research projects in the new special area Generation Future at POWTECH and will provide information about partnerships. Here companies will meet the talents of tomorrow and can recruit new professionals thanks to a constantly updated job board. The DSIV (the German Powder and Bulk Association) invites visitors to network in a relaxed, student atmosphere every day at 16:30.

EXPERIENCE EXPLOSION PROTECTION LIVE The international IND EX Safety Congress will be held at POWTECH on 20 April 2016. Explosion protection experts from all continents will be on hand to explain different legal requirements by region and the latest approaches for greater explosion protection.

On all three days of the exhibition, visitors will be able to experience up close how quickly gas or dust explosions can occur during production and how they can be prevented during moderated live explosions in the outdoor area of the exhibition.

SUMMIT MEETING FOR PROCESS EXPERTS For the first time, POWTECH visitors can use an app to find out information and the times of all presentations and compile their own personal schedule using their smart phone. If desired, the POWTECH App can remind visitors of selected events at the exhibition and help visitors to find their way around thanks to an interactive hall plan.

“In 2016 we are raising the visibility of POWTECH’s high-calibre programme. Nowhere else do so many experts from the bulky solids and process industry meet in one location,” notes Beate Fischer, Project Manager for this event at NürnbergMesse. “Every trade visitor will go home with a wealth of new knowledge – and can start afresh with very tangible solutions and ideas after visiting the exhibition.”

Visitors can also find details of all presentations and speakers in the POWTECH programme by visiting: www.powtech.de/programme THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY Alongside POWTECH, the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre will also be welcoming PARTEC, the international congress for particle technology. PARTEC brings together leading particle engineers and scientists to share knowledge about the latest developments in particle formation, agglomeration and coating processes as well as measuring techniques and various industrial applications for particles.

POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW

NEW SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROCESS INDUSTRY

A

t Powtech 2016 Coperion und Coperion K-Tron will present a variety of solutions for handling bulk materials in different process steps on their booth no. 4-290 in hall 4.

In addition to the newly developed ZZB rotary valve and the ZHD rotary valve, which is now also available in Europe, visitors will also be able to see the completely re-designed FFS packaging machine ITL 250. In addition, Coperion K-Tron will present its new Electronic Pressure Compensation (EPC) on the booth as well as a batch weighing system.

This new compact stainless steel rotary valve was especially developed for small capacities and high sanitary needs.

It is therefore perfectly suitable for operations in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The interior and exterior polished surfaces prevent undesired product deposits. With the standard extraction device, the rotor can be easily removed from the housing. Easy to open tri-clamp flange connections at both inlet and outlet simplify installation and maintenance. The ZZB is available in sizes DN 80 and 100 (inlet and outlet) and is suitable for use in ATEX zones.

Coperion expands its product portfolio with the ZHD rotary valve for powders for easy and medium applications. Due to a large inlet, this cost-effective, grey cast rotary valve is ideally suited to a variety of discharge operations. With a feeding shoe it can also be used for pneumatic conveying tasks up to 0.8 bar. Purge-free sealing gaskets are available for certain applications. Attractive delivery times are possible for rotary valves in standard execution.

The FFS Packaging Machine ITL 250 with automated features provides accurate weighing, ideal dosing and hygienic packaging for crystalline, granular, beaded or flaked goods. Due to a variety of new design details, this machine now works even more efficiently than the previous model. The new conical shape of the loading hopper assures less dead zones and better cleanability. Faster and more accurate dosing can be achieved by the new, servoactuated gravity feeder. Furthermore, the machine will be equipped

with a vacuum pump, instead of a venturi system, which results in better vacuum flow for moisture sensitive products and improved bag shaping. Additional design improvements include a new body frame with motorized reel unwinder, new filling spout, motorized pivoting arms and outlet conveyor. Together, all these enhancements ensure more efficient and reliable operation. Beyond that, a mobile version mounted on a motorized cart is also available.

Coperion K-Tron will present a unique new Electronic Pressure Compensation (EPC) system for their high-accuracy loss-inweight feeders. The main advantages of the new system include improved accuracy and reliability as well as lower initial cost and easier installation compared to traditional mechanical pressure compensation systems. Coperion K-Tron has developed a clever but simple electronic solution for accurate and steady pressure compensation in feeder hoppers. The modular design incorporates pressure sensors and electronics tailored to interact smoothly with Coperion K-Tron’s KCM feeder control system. Retrofitting options for existing feeders are available. EPC can be installed on a majority of Coperion K-Tron gravimetric feeders in almost any application and all industries.

A complete Coperion K-Tron batch weighing system features a P100 batch weigh receiver combined with a KT20 loss-in-weight twin screw feeder, mounted on a wheeled cart with a collection hopper will also be on display. The unit combines a vacuum receiver with a reliable weighing system. The resulting combination allows ingredients to be conveyed and weighed so that accurate batching of ingredients can take place on either a cumulative or sequential basis. www.coperion.com

SURFACE TREATMENT WITH MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

W

here surfaces of inorganic recipe components have to be homogeneously, completely and reproducibly coated with functional coatings in batch processes, highperformance universal mixers of the Uni tec® series from MTI Mischtechnik offer significant advantages over conventional systems.

They produce, for example, a three-dimensional mixing vortex without any dead spots in which the entire material to be mixed is fluidised and the particles slide past each other in a fluid bed. The result is maximum homogenisation with minimum time and energy consumption. At Powtech 2016, the company will present the Uni tec® high-performance universal mixer in Hall 1 on Stand 1-154 as part of its comprehensive portfolio of performance-optimised mixing and processing equipment.

All Uni tec® mixers are suitable for vacuum operation. This makes it possible to carry out complex processes such as vacuum drying after coating – which is necessary when using aqueous or alcoholic solutions – efficiently and inexpensively in one single machine. An optional chopper avoids formulation of lumps in the raw material. Spray systems for adding the fluids, double-jackets for tempering the vessels respectively electrically heated lids and surfaces plus a number of other options enable the adjustment to

product-specific requirements.

The operating parameters are permanently recorded and, if necessary, transmitted via bus systems for complete batch tracking.

In addition to the Uni tec® high-performance universal mixers, MTI Mischtechnik’s product portfolio includes a wide variety of innovative mixer concepts for the plastics processing, chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

This covers vertical high-speed mixers, horizontal universal and cooling mixers, various heating/cooling mixer combinations, a highly versatile laboratory mixer as well as the Vent tec® aspiration and filter system for optimum dryblend quality and maximum reduction of moisture content. www.mti-mixer.de

Bulk Solids Today

37

POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW

THE MULTI-TALENTED Q-ROHR AND Q-BOX – NEW APPLICATIONS FOR FLAMELESS EXPLOSION VENTING IN THE BULK MATERIALS INDUSTRY

R

EMBE continues to develop and refine Q-Rohr and Q-Box, the original flameless explosion venting solutions. This work has already generated exciting new application areas: with metal dusts, generators, ships’ engines and pneumatic conveyors for bulk materials. Another new feature is a service camera, which can be used to inspect the interior of the Q-Box quickly and easily during explosion safety checks without the need to dismantle inspection hatches. REMBE has recently adopted a new motto “Consulting. Engineering.

Products. Service.” Find out more at the end of this article.

Q-ROHR – MUCH MORE THAN FLAMELESS EXPLOSION VENTING Downtime is lost time – and it is also boring. This is why the busy engineers at REMBE are constantly working to develop new products. They love finding answers to their customer’s unsolved problems. Recent innovations include sound insulation solutions which are integrated into explosion safety products, e.g. for mills or similar plants, and devices for protecting suction lines in pneumatic conveyors. Both these areas are top priorities in the bulk materials industry. The former is particularly of interest for plants located close to Q-Rohr: offering a wide range of applications in residential areas or other buildings the bulk materials industry, where noise reduction is a major issue. including sound insulation Until now, suction lines have been – integrated into standard explosion safety equipment protected using air filters to prevent it is also popular with the entry of particulate contaminants residents in neighbourhoods and heavy non-return valves or adjacent to industrial plants explosion isolation valves, which lead to a significant loss of pressure. A modification to the Q-Rohr changes all that: the filter and isolation valve can simply be replaced by the Q-Rohr – a more cost-efficient solution both in terms of purchase price and maintenance.

However, the specialists in Brilon also lead the field in areas other than explosion safety for bulk materials. The Q-Rohr is the first flameless explosion venting product to be certified for use with metal dusts in accordance with DIN EN 16009. In addition, it can also be used to protect LNG or dual fuel marine engines in the case of an explosion.

SERVICING THE Q-BOX JUST GOT EVEN EASIER A special camera now allows you to inspect the interior of the Q-Box in situ. This new accessory gives users almost instant view of the condition of the installed explosion vent.

Moreover, it can be used to inspect the interior of the Q-Box quickly A new camera also allows the Q-Box to be inspected in situ. after an explosion.

38

Bulk Solids Today

MS Ostfriesland, a German ferry, is fuelled exclusively using LNG (liquified natural gas). A Q-Rohr in the exhaust system offers protection against the consequences of possible explosions.

CONSULTING. ENGINEERING. PRODUCTS. SERVICE. SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT The biggest problem with most slogans is that they are developed in marketing departments and more a case of wishful thinking than a reflection of reality. REMBE thinks differently. With just four words, its specialists express what they have been doing for years in explosion safety for the bulk materials industry: inspecting plants, developing customer-specific safety concepts and products and supporting them during start-up and maintenance.

The company’s rush order service is growing in popularity: for a supplementary charge, the customer can order goods to be manufactured immediately. An attractive proposition in the age of just-in-time logistics. REMBE has a favourite festive story about one unusual rush order: three years ago REMBE received an order at Christmas (customers can contact the company all year round by telephone). One employee from sales, the production manager and two of his staff cut short their Christmas celebrations and started up production immediately. But the story does not end there – the goods were collected by the buyer in a private jet. “It seems to have been really urgent,” remembers Friedhelm Kesting, Production Manager, with a wink.

FURTHER DISPLAYED PRODUCTS EGV HYP – The smooth surfaces, in combination with the patented, full surface and tapered sealing concept, enables this special explosion vent to be implemented in previously critical plants, e.g. spray-dryers with/without wet cleaning, fluidized bed dryers, filters and mixers.

TARGO VENT – is an opening angle limiter developed especially for bursting discs, which guides the pressure relief specifically into areas, in which there is no danger for the adjoining infrastructure.

EXKOP – The EXKOP® system provides safe, economic and easy explosion-, spark and flame front isolation. The quench valves protect interconnected equipment by high speed closure of a fast acting pinch valve.

You find REMBE in Hall 3, Stand 207 www.rembe.de

POWTECH 2016 PREVIEW

MOST ADVANCED PEGASUS® MIXER AT POWTECH

T

he well-known Pegasus® mixer still has his double-axle mixing paddles, which rotate in opposite directions. This creates a unique fluidized mixing zone with an excellent homogeneous mixing result, quickly and with minimal consumption of energy. The mixer can be adjusted to all sorts of bulk goods, either or not to be mixed with fluids. It is suitable for the food, feed, pharma and chemistry branches, with small to high capacities. But Dinnissen is continuously busy with improvements and adjustments to optimise the mixing results and to broaden the applications. The innovations are based on the requests of our clients, but also on our own experience. All innovations are implemented immediately, because Dinnissen develops and manufactures everything in-house.

Therefore the most advanced mixer of the Pegasus® series is exhibited at the POWTECH. Provided with the approved mixing technology, but now with the latest cutting heads. The design is completely fitted out in stainless steel, including the attached automatic sampling system. The design of the mixer has also been

FREEMAN TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHES NEW POWDER TESTER

F

reeman Technology, the powder characterisation specialists, will launch the Uniaxial Powder Tester (UPT) at POWTECH 2016 (19 April – 21 April, Nüremberg, Germany). The new powder tester provides an accurate and repeatable measure of the unconfined yield strength (UYS) of a powder to assess and rank flowability. It is quick, reliable and easy to use, delivering value to scientists, process engineers and QC analysts working in a diverse range of bulk solids handling industries. Available in manual and advanced versions, the UPT offers a low cost, powder testing solution. For more information please visit www.freemantech.co.uk/upt.

Alongside the UPT, the company continues to provide a comprehensive powder characterisation solution in the FT4 Powder Rheometer ®, a unique universal powder tester, which uses patented dynamic methodology, automated shear cells and bulk property tests to quantify the flow properties of powders. See both instruments on stand #4-547 where representatives from Freeman Technology will be on hand throughout the event to discuss all aspects of material characterisation.

There will also be an opportunity to hear about the company’s latest research during Partec, the conference running alongside POWTECH. Specialists will present on the development of the automated uniaxial tester, predicting the performance of powder feeders using multivariate modelling and the influence of roller compaction processing variables on the rheological properties of granules.

The team looks forward to welcoming you on the stand and discussing the challenges associated with powder handling and processing. www.freemantech.co.uk

further improved so that no product residue stays behind. Hygiene aspects have always been very important during the development of this concept.

For perfect cleaning not only are the mixing shafts completely withdrawable, but now you can also open the back cover plate. The cover plates are not flanged but welded, and all seals are fitted so that also wet cleaning is possible. Because Dinnissen develops and produces in-house, a high quality is guaranteed!

If you want to see the latest developments in the mixing sector, please visit us at the POWTECH from 19th to 21st of April, booth 371 in hall 4. http://www.dinnissen.nl/

4TH SAFETY CONGRESS ON INDUSTRIAL EXPLOSION PROTECTION

P

arallel to the world famous POWTECH Exhibition the 4th Safety Congress on industrial Explosion Protection takes place in Nuremberg on 20th April 2016, comprising Presentations of state-of-the-art Solutions and Concepts as well as Scientific Input on Codes and Standards and lastbut-never-ever-least: Scary Live Explosions, Breathtaking Experiments and latest Video Clips about Explosions.

TOPICS INCLUDE: • Influence of explosion vent dimension on the venting efficiency • Standards and Legislation: What is new and what will come up around the world?

• Explosion Engineering / Explosion Protection in Practice: Latest Developments and future Research Activities presented by Manufacturers and End Users.

• LIVE: Demonstration of small scale gas- and dustexplosions in the chemical industry • PLUS: Live dust explosion under real conditions Among the top rank speakers are Richard Siwek from FireEx Consulting, Dr. Pablo Lerena from Nestlé and Hugues Châteauneuf from BBA, Canada.

For further information please check www.ind-ex.info.

Freeman Technology and Powder Rheometer are registered trademarks of Freeman Technology Ltd.

Bulk Solids Today

39

HEALTH & SAFETY

ENSURE YOUR LIFT TRUCK OPERATORS ARE FULLY TRAINED

G

uidance on lift truck operator training from the Health and Safety Executive clearly states the requirement for a three stage approach to operator training, but according to RTITB, many employers are unaware of this, allowing operators to work in a live environment solely on the strength of Basic Operator Training. The combination of a fast paced and challenging workplace with machine operators at the controls of vehicles they don’t necessarily understand, carrying out work they are not familiar with could be catastrophic.

“These three parts of the training process are hugely important when it comes to the safety and security of staff, as well as stock and equipment,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director at RTITB. She adds, “Operator training is an ongoing process that doesn’t just stop at Basic Operator Training, or even Specific Job and Familiarisation. When you consider the vital role of ongoing supervision, assessment and Refresher training in maintaining competence you can see that employers and operators alike have an obligation to keep training at the heart of workplace health and safety.”

40

Bulk Solids Today

BASIC OPERATOR TRAINING Basic Operator Training is, as the name suggests, just that. It’s important to note that Basic Operator Training should always take place ‘off the job’. Any individual attending Basic Operator Training will learn the basic practical skills of operating a lift truck – simple manoeuvring and basic hydraulic controls – and gain an understanding of the principles governing safe operation. As well as learning to operate the machine, operators will also learn about the risks and hazards

associated with operation. Also covered during this training are important skills such as pre-use inspection and routine basic maintenance like refuelling or battery care.

“It’s a common story that employers believe their operators to be qualified once they have attended and passed Basic Operator Training,” says Laura. “But the fact is that, no matter how good the Basic Training is, it must be backed up by Specific Job and Familiarisation Training before the individual is authorised by the employer to operate in their workplace.”

HEALTH & SAFETY Laura explains, “Basic Operator Training is the foundation. It provides a solid base upon which more specific training can be built.”

SPECIFIC JOB TRAINING Specific Job Training is where context is added to the basic skills learnt in the first stage of training. This is where the operator learns about the operating principles specific to the equipment they will be using, with focus on any attachments they might use. “The operator will learn about the layout and configuration of the controls in the type of machine they will be using – after all, who’s to say that the machine they used in Basic Operating Training is identical to the machine they will be using day-today?” explains Laura Nelson.

But it’s not all about the machine by this stage; during Specific Job training the individual will learn about conditions they are likely to encounter at work – for example confined areas, the racking system, cold stores, other vehicles and the surfaces they’ll be operating on.

Importantly, during Specific Job Training, the individual will also be instructed on site rules such as speed limits, pedestrian areas, traffic flow and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

As with Basic Operator Training, Specific Job Training must take place away from the job. It is often combined with Basic Operator Training and can be theoretical or practical, depending on the availability of safe and appropriate training areas.

FAMILIARISATION TRAINING This is closely supervised training that introduces the operator to the ‘live work’ environment for the first time. This is where the skills and knowledge that have been gained over the first two stages of training begin to be put to use in the workplace. The operator starts with simple tasks and builds towards more complex procedures, allowing them to develop their skills and build their confidence. As with stage two, site layout and rules form an important part of Familiarisation training.

It is also often the case that the ‘off-thejob’ nature of Specific Job Training makes instruction in some elements of the site impossible. This is the time to cover those.

Only once all three stages of training are completed satisfactorily and recorded should an ‘Authorisation to Operate’ be issued. This is issued by the employer and it is their acknowledgement that the individual is qualified to operate specific equipment, within a specific environment.

For more information on lift truck and other workplace transport training, visit www.rtitb.co.uk

DICKIES SHOWCASE ITS NEW 2016 PRODUCT RANGE Dickies, the internationally renowned workwear brand will be exhibiting its core range of Flame Retardant clothing, gloves, Every Day and Industry trousers at SAWO International Fair of Work Protection, FireFighting and Rescue Equipment - the largest meeting of the health and safety industry in Central and Eastern Europe, in Poznan, Poland on 26-28th April.

E

mploying the latest developments in fabric technology and manufacturing techniques, Dickies’ high performance workwear is suited for even the harshest working environments.

Dickies has joined forces with KONG® to develop an exclusive new range of Impact gloves. These gloves are built on the proven expertise of the KONG® chassis. Proudly branded Dickies® they cover jobs both “on” and “off” the drillhead: from rigger gloves with a Duraclad® rope channel that offer 8x durability where the riggers need it most, to Deck Hand Cut 5 glove that can withstand the most extreme rigours.

The new Dickies Pyrovatex coverall will be at the show, which offers an FR, treated cotton, to provide maximum heat and flame protection.

An extended collar offers extra protection and coverage around the throat and neck area, whilst the reflective tape (also FR) provides visibility in low light working conditions.

There are side access pockets allowing you to reach your clothing underneath and access to your pockets etc.

Fallx is a new concept incorporating fall arrest with regular coveralls. The design combines complete fall protection and the versatility of regular coveralls. As well as being practical, lightweight and extremely comfortable compared to a traditional harness, Fallx can provide a solution to issues of compliance, safety and comfort. It is also

suitable for use as a rescue harness (EN 1497) and is used in many applications from working at height; confined spaces or ERT teams where its ability to be donned quickly provides critical extra seconds.

For safety footwear the Dickies Detroit boot is a high-end boot with internal waterproof membrane and waterproof YKK side zip. It also has 200 gram Thinsulate lining for cold insulation. This is made with composite toe and non-metal midsole with moulded PU scuff cap. The outsole is made with PU/rubber, which is heat resistant to 300 degrees. www.dickiesworkwear.com

Bulk Solids Today

41

HEALTH & SAFETY

H&S SPECIALIST HARRIER AND RDHS SECURE INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARD

D

erbyshire-based Harrier UK and Somerset-based RDHS Management Consultants were rewarded for the development, management and delivery of the Games’ health and safety programme, even though they were commissioned surprisingly late in the planning process.

Managing Director of RDHS, Joe Ryan explained: “The 2015 European Games was a prestigious and complex project and as soon as we were approached we were keen to get involved, despite the timescales for such a sizeable project being incredibly limited – we were approached just six months prior to the Games and, as you can imagine, this presented us with a number of challenges.

“Working with one of our regular business partners, Harrier UK, we were responsible for overseeing health and safety at the 68,000 capacity Baku Olympic Stadium and in addition to the 6,000 or so athletes from as far afield as Russia and Israel taking part in the ceremonies, the athletic events also saw regular crowds in excess of 25,000 attending throughout the 16-day duration of the games.”

The European Games was the first project that two firms had collaborated successfully on, and as Managing Director of Harrier UK, Andy Smith notes, it was

42

Bulk Solids Today

Two H&S companies that partnered up to deliver the health and safety for the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been recognised with a prestigious British Safety Council (BSC) Award. complicated: “We were working in a country which is, in many ways, still developing its health and safety standards which meant we found in many areas there was no overarching health and safety legislation in place. To combat this we introduced European standards and employed HSE best practice to put new processes in place and since the stadium was built particularly for the games, we also needed to develop many stadium-specific policies and procedures from scratch too.

“Our areas of responsibility stretched from crowd safety and food and water hygiene to fire safety and the monitoring of weather conditions – Baku often has very high winds to contend with so temporary structures and banners were a concern, and it can also be extremely hot, requiring adequate protection and water for the games workforce.”

Although primarily using staff from the UK, Harrier UK and RDHS also hand-picked, with the help of

the US company, Broadstone, subcontracted staff and a further four Azeri local health and safety advisers.

Harrier UK’s Andy Smith concludes: ”We are thrilled to have had our hard work and excellence recognised by the British Safety Council, that’s an exceptional accolade. We also believe that, thanks to the hard work of our team, we have left a health and safety legacy which will benefit Azerbaijan in the long-term.”

The award will be presented at a gala ceremony in London this May. Speaking after announcing the winners, British Safety Council Chairman, Mike Robinson, said: “All of the winning organisations are examples of dedication and hard work to ensure the risk of injury and ill health is prevented.”

The list of International Safety Award winners for 2016 can be found at: www.britsafe.org/isa http://www.rdhs-ltd.co.uk/ http://harrieruk.com/

HEALTH & SAFETY

BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL EXTENDS SUPPORT TO SCOTTISH MEMBERS BY SIGNING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH QUENSH SPECIALISTS LTD

BPF ROTATIONAL MOULDING SEMINAR 2016 TO FOCUS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY

T

Donna Hutchinson, Director of Operations, Quensh Specialists Ltd, Tracie Watson, Managing Director, Quensh Specialists Ltd, Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of the British Safety Council’s Board of Trustees and Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, British Safety Council; signing the partnership agreement.

T

he British Safety Council has announced it has signed a partnership agreement with Quensh Specialists Ltd. This followed a successful half-day conference jointly hosted by the two organisations focusing on the challenges facing businesses, particularly in relation to such topics as health at work and competence.

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, highlighted the benefits this partnership brings to the British Safety Council’s members: “We have a strong membership base in Scotland, some of whom have been with us for some considerable time. To best support our members in relation to some of our key services, we felt it was timely to look for a local partner. We are therefore delighted to be working with Quensh who are an experienced and well-respected HSEQ consultancy.”

Tracie Watson, Managing Director of Quensh Specialists Ltd, said: “Quensh is thrilled to have signed a partnership agreement with the British Safety Council.

As the preferred supplier in Scotland we will now have the exclusive licence to conduct health and safety audits for businesses within Aberdeenshire.

“Both Quensh and the British Safety Council hold the same values of delivering high quality, value added, pragmatic HSE services so the partnership was a perfect fit. We look forward to working closely with such an influential international safety body to deliver its Five Star health and safety management audit services.”

For further information about the British Safety Council go to: www.britsafe.org, or contact the British Safety Council customer service team on Tel: +44 (0)20 8741 1231 or Email: customer.service@britsafe.org Quensh Specialists Ltd provides businesses and organisations with the highest quality HSEQ services, helping to provide a safe and healthy working environment.

For further information about Quensh Specialists Ltd go to: www.quenshspecialists.co.uk

he British Plastics Federation (BPF) has launched its 2016 Rotational Moulding Seminar, which this year will focus on Health and Safety. The 2016 event will take place at Northamptonshire County Cricket Clubs ground in the heart of Northampton on 19th May 2016.

This event will provide all attendees with a comprehensive exploration of the Health and Safety issues facing the Rotational Moulding industry.

The BPF has secured expert speakers for this event from organisations including the Health and Safety Executive and major players from the rotational moulding industry such as Matrix Polymers, Persico and Polivinil. This seminar will cover presentations including explosions, smart technology and the HSE campaign for 2016.

This essential seminar is aimed at all parts of the Rotational Moulding Community including those who are responsible for health and safety in their organisation and those who wish to ensure they are aware of the latest thinking in Health and Safety for their industry.

This event will provide an opportunity for delegates to network with their peers. Over 100 attendees are expected at this event.

The event is free to members of the BPF up to the fifth member of the organisation and costs only £60 + VAT for non members, table tops are available at this event.

For more information about this event, please visit http://www.bpf. co.uk/events/rotational_moulding_ health-and-safety.aspx If you would like to speak to a BPF Executive about this event, please get in touch with Paul Baxter via pbaxter@bpf. co.uk or 020 7457 5047

Bulk Solids Today

43

HEALTH & SAFETY

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST EXPLOSION PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR YOUR ZONE 2 MOBILE EQUIPMENT Faced with operating a forklift truck or other mobile equipment within a potentially explosive bulk solids handling or storage environment, how should a company select which explosion proof solution is right for their needs?

“A

ssuming you have correctly established that you have a ‘Zone 2’ area, where an explosive atmosphere is possible but not likely during normal operation, you must assess which type of explosion protection technology is right for your specific environment,” says Darren Boiling, Group After Sales Manager at Pyroban.

“Forklifts, cranes, access platforms and sweepers are regularly needed in Zone 2 warehouses and productions areas all over the world. These can be either diesel or electric.”

Pyroban’s most popular solution for mobile equipment in Zone 2 environments is system6000, incorporating gas detection that continuously monitors the direct environment around protected equipment and automatically shuts it down where necessary, eliminating the risk of an explosion. This unique system is available with either a pellistor or infrared based gas detection system.

WHY CHOOSE A PELLISTOR BASED SYSTEM? Those with a worksite, storage area or warehouse at risk due to handling a wide range of different potentially flammable products such as companies handling chemicals or those in the paints/coatings industry, should usually select a pellistor based detection system. This is because the system6000 pellistor option detects 95 per cent of hydrocarbons so is a more versatile choice for these environments. Although,

44

Bulk Solids Today

pellistor based systems may not be suitable if silicones are present in the environment.

WHY CHOOSE A SYSTEM WITH AN INFRARED SENSOR? Operations with single or far fewer hazard types tend to find infrared technology is most suitable. Many cosmetics producers for example are already successfully using system6000 with the infrared option.

WHAT IF YOUR NEEDS CHANGE? If you have interchangeable needs and may switch between handling different types of materials, system6000 allows users to select and interchange the technology that is best suited to their application.

This means your gas detection system can be altered by a trained engineer but there is no need to change the whole of your Zone 2 protection system.

Pyroban’s system6000 combines gas detection with various explosion protection methods such as restricted breathing enclosures, stainless steel cladding of forks and surface temperature cooling to ensure the engine, motors, brakes, electrics and other components remain below the auto-ignition temperatures of flammable materials.

To ensure that the operator is instantly informed when gas is detected, the control

module for the system is located within easy reach and view of the operator. The system also helpfully offers an auto-calibration function which removes the need for periodic and costly site visits by engineers having to recalibrate the gas detection. It also removes the risk that the gas detection system could be operating out of calibration for significant periods of time. system6000 can be used with diesel or electric materials handling equipment, including turbo charged engines and complex control systems, and enables businesses to work with their usual forklift supplier with very minimal impact to the operating performance. It has also been specifically developed to work with other mobile equipment, such as cranes, access platforms and scrubber driers.

“If the wrong gas detection technology is used, it impacts the effectiveness of the complete safety system. A truck user can be rendered ‘blind’ to the presence of a flammable atmosphere, jeopardising the safety of the site and putting themselves and their colleagues at risk – that is why it is so important to seek expert advice when specifying gas detection and safety equipment,” concludes Darren Boiling.

For further information, visit www.pyroban.com or email info@pyroban.com.

HEALTH & SAFETY

UNCAGING YOUR ROBOT Collaborative robots - or cobots as most are affectionately known - are bringing the fences down in manufacturing and production facilities all over the world. Unlike early industrial robots that had to be isolated behind a protective cage, this new wave of robots comes equipped with sensors, vision and, in most cases, plenty of programmed self-control, enabling people and robots to work safely side-by-side. FANUC has recently launched the world’s first collaborative robot with an impressive payload capacity of up to 35 kg (exceeding all current competitor robots by 24kg).

C

ompared to its yellow cousins, the Kermit-green FANUC CR35iA is a totally cage-free species of robot. Designed for tasks like heavy workpiece transfer and parts assembly, robot and human operator can work collaboratively alongside each other without a safety fence. A dexterous 6-axis arm with a reach of 1.813 metres, the CR35iA also has a gentler side, including a soft green surface to reduce impact force and prevent a human operator being pinched. Certified to meet the requirements of international standard ISO 10218-1, if it comes in contact with a human co-worker or any object with a certain force, it stops or retracts immediately. In Japan, the robot has demonstrated its unique higher payload credentials, lifting and putting down a wheel.

Thanks to the success of the 35kg payload collaborative robot, FANUC will shortly introduce another collaborative robot to their range – the CR-7iA with a payload of 7 kg with mechanics corresponding to that of the company’s LR Mate-series.

This newest development represents a significant leap in addressing robotic safety hazards. Although it doesn’t eliminate the need for comprehensive workplace risk assessments, the increased adoption of peripheral safety devices is enabling robots and humans to work in close proximity of each other, eradicating the fear of interrupting production or worse, causing an accident.

EMBEDDING GREATER CONTROL INTO AUTOMATION OPERATIONS “Until recently, the mindset of most people was if you have a robotic hazard you banish humans from the robot working area with a physical guarding solution,” highlights Steve Capon, technical manager at FANUC UK. “That thought process for many is changing thanks to rapid advancements in sophisticated software control technology and integrated safety.” This now means that you can impose set limits on how fast your robot works and the operational areas it can and can’t enter, programme your robot to slow down as it approaches a hazard rather than coming to an abrupt standstill, and even introduce presence-sensing detection.

Above all, the newest robotic software is enabling manufacturers to think more

creatively around how automation equipment is deployed and how companies can boost production efficiencies whilst also saving space in valuable commercial real estate. “Safety risks vary depending on the selected robot and application,” emphasises Steve. “One of the key advantages of being able to embed more of the safety-related functions into the robot controller is you can design out the various safety hazards whilst also eliminating the need for external fixtures or mechanical devices to supply this functionality.

FANUC recently demonstrated an example of a fenceless robot cell in collaboration with Rockwell Automation.

In this showcase, Rockwell safety laser scanners were installed close to floor scanning horizontally for any approach to the system. As an intrusion got closer, these scanners informed the robot system to operate slower. Additional mini scanners were concealed under the FANUC robot system mounting, providing an invisible shield and initiating the robot to stop when the box of light is encroached.

SETTING YOUR SAFE LIMITS Many of these developments, including FANUC’s Dual Check Safety (DCS) Position & Speed Check solutions, were initiated in the automotive sector on FANUC CNC robots. However, the trend for built in logic and safety motion is rapidly spilling into other markets, including packaging and palletising, claims Steve.

In addition to meeting the safety requirements for electronic control systems, DCS Speed and Position Check offers significant benefits to applications where the travel of the robot needs to be restricted due to floor space or process limits that are less than the full reach of the robot. Restricting the robot motion in Cartesian space means the robot can be restrained to exactly designated safe area in which it works; something that is not possible with systems that limit robot motion externally using limit switches.

What’s more, this software works across the whole robot model, not just a single point. For example, Position Check can identify multiple areas of the robot, including any attached end effectors. The safe zones around the robot arm and its end effector

can be modelled within the software, using geometric shapes of up to eight vertical lines each. These areas can be adapted – enabled and disabled to change the areas that the robot is not allowed to enter – depending on the task it is undertaking and the changing conditions within the defined area. “This is a useful feature for applications that require an operator to load parts into a fixture, for example,” says Steve. “An operator can safely walk into the area because the robot will stop the task it is performing. And when the operator leaves the defined area, the robot is able to continue with its task.”

The DCS Speed Check functionality makes it possible to define the maximum speed that the robot can travel during normal operation. Speed can also be changed in reaction to a defined event, in addition to ensuring that the robot holds a position when necessary. This can be used for zero speed monitoring, explains Steve “Often, there are rotary fixtures within a cell which must not move while the operator is undertaking a loading procedure. The DCS Speed Check functionality allows the speed of the fixture to be monitored, and ensures it remains motionless when required. There are also process safety benefits to this, for example if the robot is working with delicate products that need to be moved at low speeds.”

Ultimately, the onus on safety still rests with humans. Even with all these technology advancements and comprehensive workforce training you can’t risk becoming risk complacent. Deep within our human genetic makeup is that niggling desire to test the boundaries and ‘see what happens’.

Every intentional and unintentional scenario when interacting with robots should be factored in when conducting regular risk assessments. With safety, getting it mostly right isn’t an option! www.fanuc.eu Bulk Solids Today

45

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

FRIEL CONSTRUCTION TAKE PIONEERING APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY WITH NEW TEREX FINLAY 683 SUPERTRAK

T

he plant is proving its economic and environmental worth at a Barratt Homes development in the West Midlands by providing a self-contained means of converting material generated by the groundworks into high quality processed materials for reuse on the site.

The machine, supplied to Friel Construction by Finlay Central, is creating valuable products including top-quality NHBC approved top soil, along with three to four different sizes of gravel and sharp sand for pipe bedding and service mains.

Brendon Lines of Friel Construction is the site manager on the 119 home development. He said: “This is the best piece of plant I’ve worked with bar none.

I first used a 683 several years ago and I’ve been pushing for one ever since.

“All the material we process and screen is being used on our site here at Cannock, or at other Friel sites in the locality. We are working to the Considerate Constructor standard and this arrangement really helps with environmental performance.

“There’s no need to haul the material we generate off site as it’s self-contained and the process makes economic sense too, as it saves on fuel, haulage and muckaway

46

Bulk Solids Today

facilities. We are not having to tip material and we are getting real quality products for use in a variety of ways on the site.

“Friel Construction is one of only a few contractors using plant like this from start to finish on a housing site and we think this is the way forward. Anything we can do to regenerate and reuse is important.”

The 683 joins another Terex Finlay machine in Friel Construction’s fleet, a 595 tracked scalping grid, also supplied by Finlay Central.

Friel Construction is recognised as a leading provider of civil engineering, groundworks and remediation services across the UK, in particular within the Midlands area.

The company was founded in Cannock in the 1990s by managing director Bill Friel.

It employs more than 200 people and prides itself on a locally-based, loyal workforce.

Continued investment in its staff and fleet, combined with a commitment to quality and the environment, are all cornerstones of the business’s ongoing success.

Neil Bailey, of Finlay Central, helped Friel Construction specify the new 683, He said: “Friel Construction

are very forward-thinking in terms of implementing new ideas and running the 683 on this site is reflective of that.

“The Terex Finlay 683 is a compact, aggressive three-way split mobile screen, which is suitable for a range of applications throughout the construction, recycling and quarrying sectors.

“It is renowned for its quality, performance and productivity and combines scalping, screening and stockpiling into one self-contained unit.

These qualities are proving just the job for Friel Construction on this project.”

A video of the Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak can be viewed at http://bit.ly/22XAvip

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

LINDNER SHREDDER BOOSTS EFFICIENCY

B

elgian plastics recycler Tivaco is converting clean post-industrial scrap into high-grade pellets for demanding applications. On its latest, fully automated line the company uses cutting-edge Austrian/German technology to provide recyclates of highest possible quality at throughputs of up to 1,700 kg/h.

Cornerstones of this line are a Micromat Plus 2000 shredder from Lindner reSource (www.lindner-resource.com) and a downstream INTAREMA® 1714 TVEplus® recycling/extrusion line from EREMA (www.erema.at). The shredder, which is precisely tailored to the capacity of this extruder, shreds filaments, tapes (raffia), Big Bags or nonwoven fabrics made of polyolefins (PE, PP) to the ideal size for processing in the extruder. Using this preshredding process means that Tivaco has been able to increase the throughput capacity of the INTAREMA system by up to 15% in comparison with direct processing of the unprocessed material.

Thanks to its capacious hopper, the shredder can be charged with batches of up to 2 tonnes of material by forklift truck/ tipper and acts, so to speak, as the stockpile for the extruder. A precision controller and numerous programs for a wide variety of different materials mean that the shredder can be set so that it always supplies the extruder with exactly the quantity of shredded material which, depending on the nature of the material, the extruder

can handle. Any metals exposed by the shredding process can be detected and separated by means of a metal detector and magnet. The Micromat Plus thus ensures that the feed material is also ideal in terms of purity and dimensions for the downstream extrusion process.

Moreover, there is no longer any need for laborious and costly manual charging of the recycling line.

The Micromat Plus 2000 is one of Lindner reSource’s comprehensive range of shredders for the plastics industry. The Micromat series has a wide variety of drive systems, rotors and blades that can be freely combined with one another. This means that the shredder can be adapted to a particularly wide range of materials, so increasing productivity. The configuration devised for Tivaco is optimised for problematic materials such as Big Bags, filaments or stretch films. The shredder is equipped with a 160 kW motor which is designed for high throughput and small grain sizes using a clean starting material.

Further components include special screens and a point blade rotor with a length of 2,000 mm and a diameter of 563 mm

which is fitted with 43 × 43 mm blades, four sides of which can be used, to ensure precise cutting and a high throughput.

The line described here can been seen in operation at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RFrHuzeSZ2k.

Tivaco, based in Blandain (Belgium), has four recycling lines with a total capacity of around 20,000 tonnes/ year stated in terms of pellet output. The standard product range extends from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), plasticised PVC and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), such as SBS, SEBS, EVA, TPU, etc., up to customoptimised compounds for applications in the automotive or construction industries, in agriculture and in the production of household goods etc.. www.lindner-resource.com

PYROLYSIS PROJECT TO USE AJAX SOLIDS HANDLING EQUIPMENT

S

olids handling specialist, Ajax Equipment is supplying hydrocarbon reclamation firm Recycling Technologies with waste handling equipment for the company’s waste-toresource pyrolysis system. Ajax will provide a combined screw feeder and elevator, an agitated screw feeder featuring plug screw

and a hopper. Recycling Technologies’ process uses a fluidised bed pyrolysis system to breakdown mixed plastic waste to produce heavy fuel oil that can be resold into the hydrocarbons market.

Waste material held in the Ajax hopper is transferred into the pyrolysis chamber using a plug screw feeder. A plug is required as the pyrolysis process creates gases that react with oxygen to form unwanted by-products. The stainless steel screw elevator recycles sand from the fluidised bed back into the pyrolysis process.

Matt Green, Recycling Technologies commented on the project “Ajax’s plug screw technology is well matched for pyrolysis as it allows continuous production and prevents by-products forming. Ajax

has worked on several pyrolysis projects giving them valuable insight on solids handling for pyrolysis, making them the ideal supplier for Recycling Technologies”.

MATERIALS TESTING To determine the requirements of the waste handling equipment Ajax carried out tests on multiple materials representing the likely variation. Bulk waste materials can vary in their size, therefore, it is recommended that tests are carried out using material from the same source as will be used. If alternative materials are used the performance of the equipment may alter, affecting the quality of the whole process.

For more information on Ajax Equipment solids handling equipment call +44 (0) 1204 386723, email: sales@ajax. co.uk and visit www.ajax.co.uk.

Bulk Solids Today

47

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

NEW TWO-STAGE HELICAL BEVEL GEARBOXES WITH OUTPUT TORQUES UP TO 50 NM

N

ORD DRIVESYSTEMS will be showing its latest series of slim two-stage helical bevel gearboxes in the form of a new smaller unit for output torques up to 50 Nm at the Drives & Controls Show 2016. The highly efficient helical bevel type units are now available and complement the line-up of worm gearboxes that are already available for small powers. Thanks to the ‘Unicase’ gear housing and large dimensioned bearings, the gear units are very robust and can withstand high radial or axial loads acting on the output shaft.

The new units are available for gear ratios from 3.58 to 61.88. They add a new size to the existing series that now comprises six sizes with output torques up to 660 Nm. NORD supplies the two-stage helical bevel gearboxes with hollow and solid shafts, single or double shafts, for foot or flange mounting, and in open or enclosed designs.

All versions feature a very high power density, ensuring robust reliability and easy handling. NORD custom-configures motors, drive electronics, accessories, gaskets, and lubricants to suit the demands of all industries. One of the options, for instance, is the heavy-duty corrosion-protection surface treatment nsd tupH for the aluminium housings, making them suitable for wash down applications.

NORD Drivesystems will be also be showcasing a large fully functional conveyor technology demonstration rig that brings together a selection of its geared motors and decentralised frequency inverters and starters that are well proven for materials handling applications in packaging machinery and logistics industries such as baggage handling.

Further decentralised capability will be demonstrate through two smart control solutions for synchronous and asynchronous motors utilising SK 200E series frequency inverters complete with PLC functionality.

A developer and manufacturer of drive technology for over 50

The NORD helical bevel gearbox series, now available for torques from 50 Nm to 660 Nm, ensures highly efficient speed adjustment in various applications

years, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS employs more than 3,200 people and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of full-scale, comprehensive drive solutions. NORD’s portfolio ranges from standard drives to customized solutions for demanding application requirements, e.g. based on energy-efficient or explosion-protected drives. Gross sales amounted to EUR 540 mn in the 2015 business year. Subsidiaries in 36 countries around the world and an extensive distribution and service network ensure minimal lead times and provide customeroriented services wherever needed on short notice. NORD’s wide variety of gear types covers torques from 10 Nm to 242,000 Nm and more. The company also supplies motors with outputs from .12 kW to 1,000 kW and manufactures frequency inverters up to 160 kW. NORD’s inverter line-up features conventional models for installation in control cabinets as well as design types for fully integrated drive units in decentralized automation environments.

Tel: +44 (0)1235-534404 Web: http://www.nord.com

WHAT THE CHANGE IN BUYING HABITS MEANS FOR THE PALLET TRUCK BUSINESS

A

s Amazon has announced yet more growth, one of the UK’s leading providers of pallet and pump trucks has welcomed the news as it means significant growth for the industry, but warns businesses to ensure they are prepared for the demands this brings.

Midland Pallet Trucks, who have a long-history of providing pallet trucks to a variety of industries, have urged businesses to plan ahead and invest in quality equipment. As internet shopping shows no signs of decreasing, Midland Pallet Trucks is predicting a rise in demand for equipment, and as such, are advising those who think they might be affected by the increase in online sales to invest and prepare for the future.

The increased emphasis on online trade will put an enormous amount of pressure on warehouses and distribution centres, and it is up to the individual businesses to make sure they are able to cope with demand. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks, said: “Investing in quality equipment is vital for businesses to be able to meet the needs of their customers. The industry is constantly growing due to consumers’ buying habits, and as a result,

48

Bulk Solids Today

we are always evolving to meet the needs of our customers. By investing in top-quality equipment such as hand pallet trucks and practical manual handling solutions like weighing scale pallet trucks with printers, businesses are future-proofing and ensuring they are able to provide a first-class service for years to come.”

The ease of online shopping is thought to be fuelling increased demand. It is now much easier than ever before to purchase goods from e-commerce websites such as Amazon, and as consumers get more accustomed to receiving goods within a day or two, demand for services such as next day delivery will increase and put pressure on distribution centres in a way never seen before.

To find out more about Midland Pallet Trucks and its range of pallet trucks, visit the website: http://www.midlandpallettrucks.com/

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

NEW LARGE FRAME STRAPPER IDEAL FOR CORRUGATED MARKET Strapping equipment specialist Mosca has introduced a large frame version of its top-selling RO-M Fusion model, specifically developed for the corrugated industry.

T

he new addition combines the larger dimensions required for bulkier product loads with the proven solid design, reliability and simple operation of the RO-M Fusion range. Like the other models, it incorporates Mosca’s tried and trusted Standard-3 sealing head and offers straightforward maintenance.

For operator ease-of-use, bundles can be positioned manually onto the table plate and a foot pedal or a push button activates the simple strapping process. In addition, the machine features a potentiometer that allows the operator to easily adjust strap tension.

Depending on the size of the bundle, the machine achieves a rate of up to 55 straps per minute with a strap width of 5 mm.

Other user-friendly features include a turntable control panel and an infeed system that simplifies changing strap coils by using an easily accessible spool.

“This large frame RO-M fusion is set to be next success story in Mosca’s range of reliable strapping machines tailored to the corrugated industry,” comments Mosca Direct’s managing director Gaye Tate. “As with all our new product development work, we have paid special attention to the requirements of the market to develop a

solution tailored to endusers’ needs.”

Mosca RO-M Fusion machines have enjoyed continuing success in a variety of markets including wholesalers, distribution centres and logistics companies. They fit easily into existing lines to replace old machines or as part of a new project to improve throughput due to their speed and efficiency.

The RO-M Fusion models are part of a vast range of automatic, semi automatic and fully automated top-of-the-range strapping machines, available in the UK from Mosca Direct Ltd of Cotgrave, Nottingham. The company provides comprehensive sales and service support for Mosca equipment and strapping throughout the UK and Ireland. http://en-uk.mosca.com

NEW ECONOMICAL GRANULATOR FOR UNIVERSAL APPLICATIONS

S

ummit Systems is pleased to announce the launch of the new SS60 granulator, for affordable size reduction. The SS60 will fill a space in Summit Systems extensive range, for low cost, general purpose granulation. The launch adds confirmation to Summit Systems’ position as the UK go to granulator specialist.

The SS60 is around 30% more affordable than similar granulators at £19,299. A business granulating a tonne a day can expect payback in 2-3 months. This universal granulator is able to cut through anything from sprues to small barrels. Larger items can be reduced in size first via a low cost shredder – such as the Q Series.

The SS60 can be used manually, or fully automated with granulation of smaller items as fast as 500 kilograms per hour. A raft of clever features keep downtime and maintenance costs low including easy access to the cutters.

Summit Systems provides the peace of mind behind the SS60 range via complete installation and aftersales services. As sole distributor for so many granulators in the UK, Summit Systems are in a unique position to provide clients with a solution that best matches their needs rather than being tied in to a particular brand or system.

Summit Systems was the first plastic ancillary supplier to provide 24/7 availability, boasts the highest number of regionally based engineers and has the highest volume of stock available on a next day delivery. Granulators are provided under warranty with an option to ‘try before you buy’.

For more information please call 01827 265843 or email lorna.hopkin@summitsystems.co.uk.

Tuf-Lok ring grip pipe and tube couplings are rugged, heavy duty, self-aligning and self-grounded couplings with a high end pull. They can be used for almost any application where pipe or tube ends need to be connected. The Tuf-Lok self-aligning couplings install quickly and easily with little effort.

Features UÊ -i v > } } UÊ -i v }À Õ ` } UÊ } Ê«ÀiÃÃÕÀiÊÀ>Ìi` UÊ Õ ÊÛ>VÕÕ ÊÀ>Ìi` UÊ -Ì> iÃÃÊ ÀÊ mild steel UÊ 1Ã>L iÊ ÊÌ Ê or thick wall pipe or tube UÊ ÜÊV ÃÌ UÊ ,iÕÃ>L i UÊ LÃ ÀLÃÊÛ LÀ>Ì UÊ ÝÌiÀ > ÞÊ i> «À v

Tuf-Lok (UK) Tel: +44 (0) 1706 822512 > \ÊÃ> iÃJÌÕy °V °Õ ÊUÊwww.tuflok.com

Bulk Solids Today

49

BUYERS GUIDE Aero Mechanical Conveyors

Conveyors & Elevators

Mixers & Blenders

“Often copied NEVER matched�

Suppliers of the Original EnteconŽ Aero Mechanical Conveyors Other Products: • Sack Openers • FIBC Fill / Discharge Tip or Automatic • Pneumatic Conveyors

Sales office for UK & ROI: SGH Equipment - EnteconÂŽ Agent

Tel / Fax: 01270 651611

E: sales@sghequipment.co.uk • www.sghequipment.co.uk

Bulk Storage & Handling

MANUFACTURERS OF SILOS, TANKS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS Redbrook, Barnsley S75 1HR Tel: 01226 730037 Fax: 01226 730066 Email: info@eb-equipment.com Web: www.eb-equipment.com

Bulk handling with complete confidence Designers and UK manufacturers of:

Dynamic Air Ltd. Milton Keynes, England

+44 (0) 1908 622344 www.dynamicair.com

• Bucket elevators • Chain & flight conveyors • Screw conveyors & bin dischargers • Belt conveyors

www.perryengineering.com Tel: 01404 891400 Fax: 01404 891402

Pack Off Stations Powder Handling Specialists 6SHFLDOLVWV VLQFH LQ GHYHORSLQJ EXON PDWHULDOV SURFHVVLQJ DQG KDQGOLQJ SURMHFWV ZLWKLQ WXUQNH\ GHVLJQ DQG SODQW VROXWLRQV ‡ 'HVLJQ (QJLQHHULQJ ‡ 3URMHFW 0DQDJHPHQW ‡ %HVSRNH 0DFKLQHU\ 0DQXIDFWXUH ‡ 6LWH ,QVWDOODWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQLQJ ‡ 7XUQNH\ 6ROXWLRQV ‡ &$' ‡ $QLPDO )HHG ‡ 3HW )RRG ‡ *UDLQ 6HHG ‡ %LRPDVV +DQGOLQJ )XHO *HQHUDWLRQ ‡:DVWH 5HF\FOLQJ ‡ +XPDQ )RRG

Pack Off Stations

Tuf-Lok (UK) +44 (0) 1706 822512 www.tuflok.com

*Accurate automatic filling by weight *Fills Bags/sacks/drums/kegs *Dust tight system *Easy clean facility *Recipe system for different pack sizes *Rapid fill option

*$0( (QJLQHHULQJ /WG 7HO (PDLO VDOHV#JDPH HQJLQHHULQJ FRP ZZZ JDPH HQJLQHHULQJ FRP

Cleaning

Web: www.processlink.co.uk

FIBC Big Bag Filling

Powder Handling Systems

Powder Handling Specialists

FIBC/Big Bag Filling

Dust Tight

*Controlled Feed System *Filling by Weight *Auto loop release *Dust Tight Inflatable Seal *Compaction for improved fill *Adjustable frame for various bag sizes

Web: www.processlink.co.uk Tel: 01608 662878

FIBC Dischargers

Remote Silo Monitoring

Powder Handling Specialists

NEW Patented Varicone FIBC/Big Bag Discharging

To process

*Automatic Agitated Discharge *Dust Tight Connection *Control Feed System *Discharge by Weight *Load by Hoist or Fork Lift *Adjustable frame for different Bag sizes

Web: www.processlink.co.uk Tel: 01608 662878

50

Bulk Solids Today

Tel: 01608 662878

BUYERS GUIDE Sack Filling

Sieves & Sifters Cont’d

*OREDO 6LHYLQJ DQG )LOWUDWLRQ 6SHFLDOLVWV

Manufacturers of semi/fully automatic weighing and filling machines into valve/open mouth sacks.

T: +44 (0)1487 711114

E: enquiries@atsackfillers.co.uk www.atsackfillers.co.uk manufactured in the UK

ATEX

W-0729a CLASSIFIED.qxd

5/15/08

7\YP[` [OYV\NO PUUV]H[PVU

Bella 15

&DOO XV RQ

Duo 5

1:33 PM

Page 1

Screeners

6:(&2 (XURSH Vibratory & centrifugal Solids/solids or liquid/solids separations Standard and custom designs Industrial, food, pharm. designs

:RUOGZLGH OHDGHUV LQ YLEUDWRU\ VFUHHQLQJ DQG VHSDUDWLRQ HTXLSPHQW &RPSOLDQFH ZLWK )RRG (& 5HJXODWLRQ &RPSOLDQFH ZLWK $7(; 'LUHFWLYH (& ,QQRYDWLYH GHVLJQ WR JXDUDQWHH DQ HIILFLHQW UHOLDEOH DQG VDIH SURFHVV

www.kasoneurope.co.uk

ISO 9001: 2000

W-0729a

Tel: +44 (0)1782 597540 Fax: +44 (0)1782 597549 sales@kasoneurope.co.uk

Screw Feeders, Mixers & IBC Systems

7HO )D[ (PDLO XNVDOHV#VZHFR FRP ZZZ VZHFR FRP

Vacuum Cleaning

AJAX

23

Dynamic Air

2

Farleygreene 27 Hosokawa Micron

11

Ibis 33 Jacob 9 Kason Kek-Gardner 1, 16 Mucon 21 Posi-flate 23 Powtech 6

Ajax Equipment Ltd Tel: 01204 386723

Primasonics 13

Fax: 01204 363706 www.ajax.co.uk email: solids@ajax.co.uk

ntitled-2 1

DMN UK

NORD 31

Screw Feeders, Mixers & IBC Systems

Sieves & Sifters

Index to advertisers

RDS 35 Valves

22/10/2013 14:56:57

Rotech Systems

9

Tuf-lok 49 Unitrak Powderflight

Posi-flate Milton Keynes England +44 (0) 1908 622366

25

VEGA 52 Vortex Valves

19

www.posiflate.com

Intermodal dry bulk logistics for polymers, chemicals & minerals Cost effective Environmental savings Reduced C02 emissions

www.InterBulkGroup.com

InterBulk GROUP

Bulk Solids Today

51

Bulk solid level - it’s time to focus VEGAPULS 69: The best just got better VEGA have utilised the latest high frequency radar technology to create a non-contact level sensor focused and sensitive enough to measure the most difficult of bulk solids products in the most challenging environments. ƒ All applications, one device: short range up to 120m ƒ Excellent focusing: simplifies set up ƒ Encapsulated antenna: reduces build up For an application demo: info.uk@vega.com www.vega.com/vegapuls69