EuroBulkSystems The European journal for in-plant handling and processing of

INTERNATIONAL NEWS • PEOPLE • PRODUCTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

powders, granulates, pastes and liquids

ISSUE 19

Last year Dynamic Air, internationally famous for its pneumatic

conveying systems, entered the field of mechanical conveying by
launching its Stedi-Flex range of vibratory conveyors. This is just
one of many technical developments reported during 2010 by this
magazine. A brief reminder of some of the key new equipment
unveiled last year is published on p8.

BHS-Sonthofen is supplying six single-shaft continuous mixers to RWE power stations in the Netherlands and
Germany. They will be employed to mix water with ash, thereby ensuring dustfree handling and storage of the
waste product. Each mixer features a pulsating rubber trough to prevent the sticky material from caking on the
inside wall. This and other recent mixer innovations are outlined on pages 12-13.

In January Hapman’s parent company

Ammag of Austria recently installed and successfully commissioned
a dense phase conveying system for handling highly abrasive
dust at a steel plant. Trials undertaken at the engineering firm’s
test plant (pictured) demonstrated the viability of the proposed
installation. See feature on abrasion protection in pneumatic
conveying systems, p10.
PRAB, Inc acquired Texas-based Triple/S
Dynamics. Ned Thompson (pictured),
president and CEO of Hapman, said that
his company’s product lines and those of
Triple/S complemented each other well.
He went on: “It’s a win – win and we are
extremely excited to have strengthened
each other’s capabilities.” Further details
on p4.

IN THIS ISSUE
Market Intelligence ............................. 2 Avoiding premature wear during
Latest news concerning European bulk processing pneumatic conveying of abrasive
facilities: new projects, plant closures, amalgamations, products ........................................... 10
etc
Some recent advances and innovations in
News ................................................ 3-8
mixing technology ............................ 12
Newtec sells logistics/distribution business to
management buy-out; new stacking regulations for Build-up agglomeration: only certain
IBCs in transit; Scherer takes over as CEO at Zeppelin
designs of mixer can fulfil this function
Systems; ensuring long-term truck weighbridge
reliability – Mettler Toledo’s accelerated-life-cycle test effectively ........................................ 13
rig can simulate 20 years of weighing within just a
few months New equipment .................................. 14
2010 equipment review ....................... 9 Reliable silo weighing in earthquake zones; extended
range of automatic open-mouth bag placers; cable
A brief reminder of some of the key innovations and chain driven tubular drag conveyors; dustproof
in bulk handling/processing systems, equipment, self-cleaning magnet for milk powder
components and instrumentation which were reported
in EuroBulkSystems during 2010

www.go4b.com

EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 1 23/2/11 15:39:16

 2 EuroBulkSystems
BELARUS
The Belarus Potash Company
(BPC) has received official
authorisation to become the exclusive
marketing arm for nitrogen fertilisers
exported by Grodno Azot.
This gives BPC exclusive rights to
sell Grodno fertilisers in export
markets. Thanks to much improved
international demand for potash in
2010, mineral fertiliser production
in Belarus exceeded 4.7Mt nutrient
in the first nine months of 2010, an
increase of more than 85% on the
same period in 2009. Most of the
increase was due to rising output
of potash fertilisers, with nitrogen
fertiliser production increasing by just
0.6% during January to September
2010 to 566,500t.
BELGIUM
At the beginning of February
Lanxess produced the five millionth
tonne of caprolactam at its plant in
the port of Antwerp, Belgium, which
became operational in 1967. A
€35M investment project is currently
being implemented to expand
production by 10% from its current
volume of 200,000t/yr. Lanxess
has about 1400 employees at the
Antwerp site.
BULGARIA
Kaolin AD of Bulgaria has
increased capacity of its new $15M
silica sand plant in Bulgaria in order
to supply glass markets in Eastern
Europe. The PKSP plant is currently
running at its full capacity of 2000t/
day (730,000t/yr), generating about
a fifth of the group’s total silica sand
sales and employing 150 staff.
FINLAND
Borealis plans to invest €17M
to upgrade one of its polyethylene
production facilities at Porvoo,
Finland. This will increase PE
EUROPEAN MARKET INTELLIGENCE
capacity by 15,000t/yr to
255,000t/yr. The project is due to be
completed by autumn of 2012.
FINLAND
Valio, the Finnish dairy cooperative
and the country’s largest milk
processor, plans to start construction
of a new ingredients plant in
Lapinlahit to meet increased demand
for its products from the baby food
industry. The new €55M facility is
due to be completed by late summer
of 2013. The company’s original
plant, which was constructed in
1959, employs 230 staff and makes
milk powders and demineralised
whey powders among other food
products. The new plant will included
a dedicated line for milk powder.
FRANCE
The pigments division of Huntsman
Corp has agreed in principle to
an investment of about €30M to
construct a new magnesium sulphate
manufacturing operation at the
division’s titanium dioxide pigments
manufacturing plant in Calais,
France.
FRANCE
Cargill Texturizing Solutions
has upgraded its hydocolloids
plant at Baupte, north-west France.
The plant, whose products include
carrageenan, xanthan gum and
scleroglucan, was acquired from
Degussa in 2006. Improvements
include a new centralised control
room and an advanced bagging line.
GERMANY
BASF has started operations at its
upgraded plant for production of
the biodegradable plastic Ecoflex.
Expansion of the existing plant in
Ludwigshafen will increase Ecoflex
production from 14,000 to 74,000t/
yr.
GERMANY
Nordzucker has replaced the roof
of its sugar silo at the Clauen sugar
factory for the 2010/11 campaign
after damage had been detected
in the spring of 2009. The 80,000t
capacity silo consequently could not
be filled with more than 60,000t
during the 2009/10 campaign, but
the company reports it is now back
to full capacity. Together with an
identical silo at Nordzucker’s Uelzen
factory, this is the world’s largest
sugar storage of ferro-concrete
construction.
GERMANY
Lanxess is expanding its Krefeld-
Uerdingen site by investing some
€40M in two major projects for
its BAC (basic chemicals) business
unit. It is building a production plant
for the formalin needed to make
trimethylolpropane (TMP) which is
scheduled for start-up by the end of
this year. In addition it is responding
to strong global demand for menthol
by investing in expansion of existing
methanol production facilities.
Synthetic menthol is an important
component of many aromas and
pharmaceutical products.
GERMANY
Norddeutsche Rüben AG
(NRAG) has begun construction
work on a sugar beet processing
complex in Lalendorf, Germany.
About 150,000t/yr of beet is to
be processed into fuel, alcohol,
electricity and heat. Construction of
the biogas plant started recently and
it is scheduled to be completed by
April this year. NRAG plans to set
up similar plants in other parts of
northern Germany.
GERMANY
Styron is planning to build
a 50,000t/yr solution styrene
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
butadiene rubber (SSBR) production
line at Schkopau, Germany. The
plant will help the company meet the
demand for high performance tyres
with low rolling resistance which help
vehicles improve fuel efficiency.
IRELAND
Dublin-based food producer Origin
Enterprises has reached an
agreement with W&R Barnett to
establish an all-Ireland grain and
feed handling, logistics and trading
business. It will be formed through
integration of Origin’s R&H Hall
arm in the Republic of Ireland and
the businesses of Origin and Barnett
in Northern Ireland.
ITALY
Cabot Corp has announced
that it will close its Grigno plastics
masterbatch plant located in Trento
province, about 85km north of
Padova. Closure is scheduled for end
of February.
NORWAY
Norway-based Sibelco Nordic
(formerly North Cape Minerals)
is to close its pegmatite mine in
Glamsland near Lillesand in the
second quarter of 2011 owing to
falling market demand for feldspar.
POLAND
Indorama Ventures Public
has approved the acquisition of
PET resin and polyester filament
yarn businesses in Poland from SK
Eurochim, part of South Korea’s SK
Chemicals. The Polish facility has
the capacity to produce 140,000t/yr
of PET granules.
SPAIN
La Seda de Barcelona has
agreed to sell its polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) plant at San
Roque, Spain, to Madrid-based
Cepsa Quimica for an undisclosed
sum. The San Roque facility has a
capacity for 175,000t/yr of PET
and was idled several times in 2010
owing to poor demand.
SPAIN
Spanish fish oil processor Afamsa
is to build a new plant in Galicia
to meet rising demand for feed
products. The company will invest
about €14M in the facility.
TURKEY
Istanbul-based Ciner Group,
owner of soda ash producer Eti
Soda, plans to construct a 2Mt/yr
soda ash plant at Kazan, Turkey. This
is due to become operational at the
end of 2013 or beginning of 2014.
Ciner Group also intends to continue
with a project to double capacity at
Eti Soda’s plant at Beypazari, Turkey,
to 2Mt/yr by about 2014.
UK
Ragus, an independent importer
and manufacturer of sugar products,
has announced it is to open a new
sugar refinery that will enable the
firm to double its output from 25,000
to 50,000t/yr by autumn of 2012.
The facility will be built on the Slough
trading estate in Berkshire, where
the company has been based since
1928. The new plant will include
advanced machinery for drying,
sieving, screening, blending and
bagging of sugars.
UKRAINE
Cargill plans to invest about $7M
in its first animal feed mill in Ukraine
which will be built in Kutsovaka. It
will have the capacity to produce,
mix and pellet about 50,000t/yr of
bagged and bulk animal feeds. The
facility is expected to come on stream
by end of this year.

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EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 2 23/2/11 15:39:31

 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Key staff appointments at
Bunting Magnetics
B unting Magnetics Co, Newton,
KS, has announced two important
additions to its manufacturing team.
Marvin Angleton has been named
manager, technical services and
quality, while Tom Andrews becomes
metal detection service technician.
Angleton, who has worked for Bunting
in the past, will direct the technical
services department which includes the
company’s design engineering, inside
sales, estimating and R&D teams.
With over 27 years of manufacturing
experience in aerospace and
magnetic material industries, he holds
a Batchelor of Business Administration
in finance and marketing from Wichita
State University, KS, and has also been
awarded a masters degree in business
administration from Friends University
in Wichita.
Andrews will help manage all new
unit start-up and commissioning for the
company’s metal detection product
Managing Editor
Richard Miller
Tel: +44 (0)1424 446003
richard.miller@oakhillmedia.com
Consultant Editor
Patrick Hicks
Tel: +44(0)20 8398 9048
pwh@oakhillmedia.com
Bulk Liquids Editor
Neil Madden
Neil.madden@wanadoo.fr
Circulation Development, Eastern Europe
Kate Marszalek
kate@oakhillmedia.com
Art and Production
Ray Hodd
denisehodd@btinternet.com
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EuroBulkSystems is published 6 times per year by
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EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 3
NEWS EuroBulkSystems 3
Stacking IBCs in transit
T he latest amendment to the ADR word “transport” is clearly marked. It
(European agreement concerning
international carriage of dangerous
goods by road) 2009 regulations
indicates that the stated weight applies
to the stacking load only during
transport, but not in storage. The
line. This will include troubleshooting
and on-site repair activities as well
as customer audits. A veteran of
also served as an instructor at the
Wichita Technical Institute. He has
over 25 years of field experience in
has introduced a new labelling
requirement concerning the stackability
of intermediate bulk containers
permissible stacking load in storage
remains unchanged (the maximum load
marked on the identification plate).
the US Navy, he has extensive the aerospace and printing products transporting hazardous goods. The For example, Schütz – the leading
training in basic electronics and industries. new labelling applies to all IBCs global manufacturer of IBCs – points
digital electronics, having previously www.buntingmagnetics.com produced, repaired or reconditioned out that the stacking load of one of
on or after 1 January 2011. The its ECOBULK MX 1000 containers
sticker provides details of the maximum during transport is 1650kg, whilst the
permissible load for an IBC during maximum permissible stacking load
transport. during static storage is 4056kg.
To avoid possible confusion, the www.schuetz.net
New labelling refers to stackability in transit of IBCs carrying
Marvin Angleton (left) and Tom Andrews. hazardous goods (picture courtesy Schütz).
Piab opens Indian
subsidiary
The new offices of Piab Vacuum Technology Pvt
Ltd, Chennai, India.
P iab, the leading manufacturer of vacuum conveying
systems for chemical and food-grade powders with
global headquarters in Täby, Sweden, recently set up a
subsidiary in Chennai, India. Piab Vacuum Technology
Pvt Ltd is headed by general manager Jayaprakash
Veluchamy who for the past three years has operated
from the company’s Asian head office in Singapore.
To serve the huge Indian subcontinent, area sales
managers will operate out of key industrial centres such
as Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, etc. Piab’s initial plan to set Conveying Loading Palletising Packaging
up an office in India had been delayed on account of the
global financial crisis of 2009 but the regional economy
has in recent months recovered strongly.
www.piab.com
Pipe conveyors
New Greek EfÄcient solutions
representative for long distances.
for Larox
L arox Flowsys Oy, Lappeenranta, Finland, the leading
supplier of flow control and pumping solutions for
process industries worldwide, has appointed Athens-
Long distances, great heights, small
radii – the pipe conveyors of KOCH,
based Technissis Ltd as its new representative covering a BEUMER Group company, are
Greek markets. Owned by the brothers Georgios and grounded in technical know-how/
Nikos Tsaoussis, Technissis has five employees and is
expertise and transport your products
already the authorised sales and service centre in Greece
and Cyprus for three other equipment manufacturers. quickly, safely and efÄciently from
Larox valves and pumps are expected to complement point A to point B. See for yourself
the existing product range ideally. With some 100 and request further information by
employees, Larox Flowsys Group has subsidiaries in e-mail: austria@koch.beumer.com.
Linthicum, Maryland (USA), Sydney (Australia) and
Kouvola (Finland). It operates through an international
sales and service network covering over 55 countries.
www.larox.fi/flowsys; www.technissis.gr
www.beumer.com
23/2/11 15:39:35
 4 EuroBulkSystems
Vortex Valves opens UK
technical centre
V ortex Valves Europe at the end of
2010 established a combined
test plant and demonstration facility
at its Darlington, UK, headquarters.
The technical centre provides support
for customers based in the British
Isles and Northern Europe. A wide
range of fully operational valves are
available, combined with testing and
refurbishment capabilities. There is
Part of Vortex Valves Europe’s technical centre.
a work centre which is equipped to
allow valves to be disassembled and
rebuilt as well as conference and
meeting room facilities. Since its initial
unveiling in October it has already
hosted several courses on valve design
and application to specific dry bulk
solids handling requirements.
www.vortexvalves.com
NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
African flour producers opt for high-
capacity filling of PP valve bags
B ehn+Bates, Münster, Germany, a
member of the Haver & Boecker
Group specialising exclusively in
design and manufacture of bagging
systems for food and pet food
industries, recently won two separate
orders to supply high-capacity
ROTOSEAL rotary bagging systems
to major flour producers in Egypt and
Tanzania. Both customers required
hourly outputs of 1200-1700 bags,
with bag weights of 25 and 50kg,
and for the first time they will use
woven PP valve bags in preference
to woven PP open-mouth bags for
handling this commodity.
The ROTOSEAL system, which can
be equipped with 3-10 filling spouts
depending on required output, is
mounted on a rotating machine frame
and for higher capacities occupies
less space than conventional inline
packing plants. The system destined for
Tanzania will be equipped for manual
operation, whilst the Egyptian customer
has chosen the fully automatic version
with RADIMAT bag applicator which
automatically attaches the valve bags
on to the filling spouts.
High bagging outputs are attained

Reduced costs for with just a single bagging machine,

whether it is operated manually or
automatically. If customers decide in
collection and recovery favour of an expandable ROTOSEAL
packer, additional filling spouts can ROTOSEAL rotary bag filler from Behn+Bates.
be retrofitted for higher tonnages that
of plastic waste might be required in future. At the
same time considerable cost savings
generally been filled into open-mouth
woven PP bags, primarily because this
the bag is destroyed. There is therefore
absolutely no possibility that it might be

R IGK GmbH, Wiesbaden,

Germany, for 2011 plans to
maintain its level of charges for
sustainable recovery of industrial
packaging waste – and in many
instances reduce them – despite
significant recent increases in transport
costs. 2011 fees for disposing of PE
and PP plastic sacks as well as for bulk
bags have been reduced by 10 euros
per tonne, by 15 euros per tonne for
combined plastic packaging and by
16 euros per tonne for rigid plastic
Hazard labels valid for the reprocessing groups A and B of the RIGK-G-
SYSTEM.
Triple/S Dynamics joins
Hapman
packaging.
Fees for the RIGK-G-SYSTEM,
relating to return and recovery of
plastic packaging for hazardous
goods, will remain unchanged at
their 2010 levels. RIGK’s Romanian
subsidiary (www.rigk.ro) provides
similar return and recovery services
for used packaging in Romania.
Shareholders of RIGK GmbH are
notable polymer and packaging
producers.
www.rigk.de
can be achieved, as upstream and
downstream components such as
product and bag feed systems or the
discharge line for filled bags, do not
need to be upgraded.
As both mills for the African
customers only fill wheat flour,
Behn+Bates is specifying its impeller
filling system which is particularly
suitable for filling hermetically
sealed and difficult-to-deaerate bags
on account of its special impeller
geometry and its low air consumption
during the filling process. A special
inflatable sleeve ensures that the bags
are filled under hygienic conditions
with no spillage. The sleeve completely
seals the bag valve during the filling
process, thereby preventing any flour
escaping during the transfer from spout
to bag. Dust nuisance is also virtually
eliminated.
Dust-tight closure of the filled
valve bags is an integral part of the
ROTOSEAL system. Each bag is closed
directly after filling by the closing unit
located above the filling spout. The
valve is hermetically sealed by means
of ultrasound and after this procedure
it is impossible for even the smallest
particle to escape through the bag
valve. Consequently the packing
environment remains clean and free
from dust. Downstream equipment such
as conveyors and palletisers are not
contaminated by product deposits.
An optimum combination of low-
type of bag can be supplied at much
more favourable prices by many bag
suppliers. After filling, the bags are
normally closed by a sewing machine.
The end-user reopens the seam to take
the required product out of the bags
which are then normally recycled.
However, it can happen that bags
which have been carefully opened
on the first occasion are refilled by
other users a second or a third time
without the original producer being
aware of this malpractice, while in
any case being powerless to prevent
it. As a result the printed bags may
subsequently be used to carry product
of inferior quality, or even an entirely
different product, which bears no
relation to the bag imprint.
In order to avoid this possible
misuse and to assure the quality of the
original products, valve bags present
an excellent alternative compared with
open-mouth categories. After filling,
the bag valve is sealed hermetically.
Opening the sealed bag valve means
4B Braime opens
subsidiary in Australia
L eading supplier of elevator and
conveyor components 4B Braime,
headquartered in Leeds, UK, has
established a subsidiary in Brisbane,
reused.
In addition, hermetically sealed
bags are of immense importance to
flour producers for reasons of quality.
It is vital that the filled flour should
not absorb humidity in order to avoid
risk of deterioration during prolonged
storage periods. This is where
valve bags made of polypropylene
become particularly attractive. They
are as leakage-proof as woven PP
open-mouth bags, thereby ensuring
optimum product protection together
with improved compactness of bag
shape. There is economic use of
raw materials as thinnest foils are
capable of providing extraordinary
resistance against tearing. In the light
of the global need for packaging
sustainability, PP valve bags not only
score in terms of material cost savings
but also because they are recyclable.
PP woven bags can be completely
transformed into PP granules for
subsequent reuse.
www.behnbates.com
explosions in hazardous areas.
www.go4b.com

P RAB, Inc, parent company of bulk

handling equipment manufacturer
Hapman – both companies being
headquartered in Kalamazoo, MI
– has acquired Triple/S Dynamics,
Inc of Dallas, TX, specialising in
manufacture of horizontal conveyors,
screening and separation equipment
as well as distribution systems.
Triple/S is especially known for
its Slipstick® conveyors which are
notable for gently moving hard-to-
handle materials, particularly in the
food processing sector, where risk
of material breakdown and damage
is high. This novel technology can
significantly reduce maintenance costs
and increase production efficiency in
such applications.
Ned Thompson, Hapman president
and CEO, said that the Triple/S and
Hapman product lines complement
one another and will enhance their
position in the market place. “It’s
a win-win and we are extremely
excited to have strengthened each
other’s capabilities,” he said.
Triple/S employees, production and
operations will remain in Texas under
the leadership of current president
and CEO Jeff Sullivan. The company
will continue to be represented by
its existing network of independent
sales offices. Between them the two
manufacturers have a total of 180
years industry experience.
www.hapman.com;
www.sssdynamics.com
volume air filling, dust-tight filling spout
and efficient product deaeration is
vital for efficient filling of flour, since
one of the basic challenges is to
minimise dust emissions during bag
filling. Behn+Bates points out that this
goal is easy to achieve by using a
valve bag. Owing to the valve system
the filling aperture can be reduced in
size, allowing the bag to absorb only
a minimum amount of air during the
packing process. This small volume of
air is quickly extracted during and after
filling. A further advantage is that the
filled valve bag has a very stable and
compact shape, which makes it easier
to stack, handle and palletise apart
from being aesthetically more pleasing.
Traditionally in the past flour has
Queensland, Australia. 4B Australia,
which was officially incorporated at
the beginning of December 2010, is
now fully operational. It is headed by
managing director Paul Dennis, who
was previously product development
manager at Fenner Dunlop Conveyor
Services.
Now with a local presence in
Australia, 4B Braime is aiming
to provide a first class technical
support and after-sales service to its
local customer base. The company
considers this to be especially vital
for products supplied by its electronic
division which specialises in level
controls, electric sensors and safety Paul Dennis has been named
control systems that prevent costly managing director of 4B
downtime and reduce the risks of Australia.

EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 4 23/2/11 15:39:47

 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Purpose-designed container for
transporting FIBCs
Doors that open down both sides facilitate forklift access
during loading and unloading.
The special suspension frame is fitted with 10 sets of forks from
which the FIBCs are suspended. These forks have a central channel
slighter wider than the blades of a forklift truck. For loading, the
forklift operator merely has to insert the blades, from which the FIBC
is suspended, into the twin channels and withdraw, leaving the bag
suspended from the frame’s forks. For unloading the same process is
repeated in reverse.
Process weighers destined for
Mexican flour mill
C hronos BTH Ltd, the UK
arm of the Netherlands-
based parent company, has
won an order to supply two
of its innovative CHRONO-
WEIGH™ APW process
weighers to a flour mill in
Mexico. The two units will
each be fitted with 170-litre
capacity weigh hoppers and
two position infeed catch-gates.
One will be used for controlling
grain being fed into the mill,
whilst the second APW will
be used for monitoring flour
outputs. All APW weighers are
designed for simple integration
into new or existing mills and
are capable of freestanding
operation. The latest version
features a three-point ATEX-
compliant load cell system,
which ensures that weighing
accuracy in the mill is not
compromised whatever the
product being monitored,
extracted, controlled or
totalised. Their compact design
includes integral feedgate and
discharge doors.
www.chronosbth.com APW process weigher from Chronos BTH.
Further overseas expansion for J-Tec
F ollowing the recent establishment of its South
American base in Paulínia near São Paulo,
Brazil, J-Tec Material Handling, headquartered
in Kapellen, Belgium, has set up a business
location in Bangkok, Thailand. Main contact at
this new office will be Thierry Guillossou who
has a considerable track record of industrial
process line design and supply across the entire
Asian region.
The two new locations will offer local
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 5
NEWS EuroBulkSystems 5
Eriez strengthens ties
with East Europe
B
ig Bag Solutions SA, Lausanne, Switzerland,
has introduced a specially modified 20ft freight
container which has been designed to transport
W ithin the past 14 months Eriez
Magnetics Europe, Bedwas,
Caerphilly, UK, has appointed new
business to Poland.
Eriez has recently recruited
Agnieszka Dzien, a Polish national,
filled bulk bags. The first of these containers is representatives in Poland, Slovenia into its sales team based at the
currently under production and is expected to enter and Slovakia. Its new Polish agent, European head office in Bedwas.
commercial service by the end of February. Lublin-based Luxor – Maszyny do He said: “Whilst Western European
Unlike a standard ISO container, this FIBC- Odpadów, has been especially countries struggled through the
carrying box has folding doors which open successful, generating over 200 recession, Eastern European markets
completely down both sides, allowing unrestricted new enquiries for equipment such seemed to resist the strain. The Polish
access by forklift truck. As a result loading and as permanent magnetic pulleys, economy this year has registered
unloading times are reduced up to 60%. The permanent suspended overband considerable growth which has given
container is able to accept a payload of up to magnets and metal detectors. Many us good business opportunities.” In
27t and can accommodate 10 FIBCs each with a of these inquiries have since been recent months Eriez has also appointed
volume of 1.4m3. converted into orders, more than new agents in Portugal and Algeria.
The bags are suspended above the container doubling previous levels of export www.eriez.com
floor by means of a special framework. This helps
ensure that the bags are kept clean
and dry, with no need for pallets.
The same container can be used for
return trips carrying boxes, cartons
and other piece goods, the only slight
drawback being that the suspension
framework takes up a small amount of
the container’s cubic capacity.
As well as ensuring added
protection for FIBCs in transit, the
lockable container safeguards against
risk of pilferage. The container also
fulfils the role of a silo, allowing even
perishable powders to be stored
outdoors for prolonged periods, with
no risk of damage from the weather.
In this respect it can provide a cost-
effective just-in-time delivery service,
with no need to incur the expense of
maintaining large stocks of material.
The system’s inventer Bernard
Cuendet says that trials are at present
being carried out to convert 40ft
containers in a similar manner.
Luxor recently commissioned this Eriez permanent suspended magnet
www.bigbagsolutions.com for a Polish recycling company.
LISTENOW
VERLADESYSTEME FÜR SCHÜTTGÜTER
Stop spillage when
loading bulk goods!
Load all your bulk goods efficiently
and without harming the environment.
From A for ash to Z for zinc.
u Tailor-made
Designed to match the product
u Effective
engineering, sourcing and customer support,
while J-Tec’s Belgium head office will continue
to function as the central commercial and
Dedusting system
u Economic
engineering unit. The company’s core business
is the design, construction and commissioning
Robust system design
u Flexible
www.listenow.com
Listenow GmbH & Co
of liquids and solids processing installations, in After-sales service
accordance with the highest quality, safety and Dieselstrasse 21 s 71277 Rutesheim / Germany
procedural standards such as HACCP, FDA, u Loading hoses Tel: +49 (0) 71 52 / 50 90 -0 s Fax: +49 (0) 71 52 / 50 90 -50
EHEDG and ATEX. Made in-house with fast turnarounds E-Mail: listenow@listenow.com
www.j-tec.com
23/2/11 15:39:54
 6 EuroBulkSystems
Vacatex system
two years on
B raby, Bristol, UK, introduced
its innovative Vacatex
vacuum transfer and batch
weighing package in 2008.
Shortly after its launch two
systems were installed at the
factory of pie producer Pooles
of Wigan. Each was slightly
customised to meet Pooles’
precise requirements and after
two years of operation both
systems are reported to have
performed impeccably.
Vacatex was designed to
allow small to medium sized
businesses a low-cost entry to
bulk storage and handling.
Braby points out that other
bespoke bulk handling
packages can be unaffordable
because of their high
engineering content. The system Vacatex system from Braby.
facilitates handling of ingredients
in process industries and greatly improves efficiency. It eliminates
manual bag handling; provides consistent batch accuracy; saves
waste on split and damaged bags; reduces the storage area
required for bags; and creates a cleaner working environment
– thereby improving safety by eliminating dust and the consequent
risk of explosion.
Safety is one of the main advantages offered by Vacatex. It
complies with DSEAR and ATEX 137 regulations for fire and
explosion prevention in the workplace. Braby’s service includes
the provision of a hazard and operability (HAZOP) file, identifying
risks and solutions.
www.braby.com
IN BRIEF
CAN screening for African fertiliser
producer
Rhewum, Remscheid, Germany, won an order via its AMBAU
subsidiary in the spring of 2010 to supply three of its AMB
series screeners to a fertiliser production plant in Africa owned
by a globally known chemical technology group. The machines,
which have been designed to process calcium ammonium
nitrate (CAN), are scheduled to be installed and commissioned
in the near future.
The first will separate the fertiliser product at 1mm with a
capacity of 143t/h, the second at 4mm with a capacity of
158t/h, and the third at 1mm with a capacity of 22t/h. Thanks
to direct excitation of the screen cloth the mesh is reliably kept
free. Because the screen housing is statically mounted, only a
very small dynamic load is transferred to the customer’s building.
Rhewum has previously delivered more than 60 screeners for
processing CAN.
www.rhewum.com
Matcon now in new head office
The planned relocation of Matcon’s UK head office from
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, to Evesham, Worcestershire,
took place in January. The new main telephone number is: +44
1386 769000. The fax number is: +44 870 1911116. Email
addresses remain unchanged. The move was supported by a
grant for business investment from Advantage West Midlands,
financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
www.matconibc.com
Larox Flowsys opens Australian subsidiary
Larox Flowsys Oy, Lappeenranta, Finland, the leading global
supplier of flow control and pumping equipment, has set up
an Australian sales office at Frenchs Field near Sydney, NSW.
Martti Lahtinen has been appointed managing director of the
new company, Larox Flowsys Pty Ltd. He commented: “We
strongly believe that this decision will significantly improve the
availability of our products and services in the region”.
The Finnish parent company was the first pinch valve
manufacturer in the world to be awarded ISO 9001:2000
quality assurance certification in 1997. This covers all
operations including product design, research and development,
manufacturing, process application, sales and marketing,
customer service, customers’ application support and after-sales
services.
www.larox.fi
Primasonics International relocates
UK-based Primasonics International, the world leader in acoustic
cleaning technologies, has recently moved to new larger office,
workshop and warehouse premises. The move forms part of
the company’s strategic expansion, with its growing network of
international sales agents and the imminent official launch of its
new, innovative, ‘green’ product range.
Acoustic cleaning uses sound waves both to prevent
particulate build-up and to facilitate material flow within a wide
range of industries and process applications wherever ash,
dust, powders or granules are processed, generated, stored
or transported. The new address is: North Lakes Business Park,
Flusco, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0JG (tel: +44 17684 80372).
www.primasonics.com
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 6
NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Vehicle scale testing provides
proven performance
M ettler Toledo headquartered in
Greifensee, Switzerland, points out
that truck scales represent a significant
investment and premature failure can
prove costly. To help ensure that these
weighing systems last for their full expected
service life, the company employs the most
extensive testing programme in the industry.
The Swiss manufacturer starts testing
its truck scale modules during the design
stage, using computer calculations and
finite-element analysis to evaluate the Finite-element analysis identifies
designs. But it is important to do more than areas of high and low stress under The module masher tests truck scale
just theoretical calculation. Since 1992, various loading conditions. modules by simulating 20 years of
the company has used a custom-designed traffic within two months.
test stand called the Module Masher to positioned on the base of the Module
verify that its scales meet the real-world Masher. To reproduce the conditions of an the load is applied for several seconds or
demands of vehicle weighing. actual installation, the module is supported several minutes. With the module masher
only at the four points where it would running constantly, a test of 1.5 million
Module Masher normally rest on load cells. The Module cycles can be completed in 52 days. That
The Module Masher is an accelerated-life- Masher’s feet are then set to apply a force means that the module can be subjected
cycle test stand for truck scale modules. It equal to the scale’s dual-tandem-axle to the equivalent of 20 years of truck traffic
can simulate 20 years of weighing within rating. The standard test procedure consists within two months.
a few months, providing reliable test data of two stages, stress testing and life-cycle The module masher provides valuable
quickly. It has four hydraulically operated testing. performance data that ordinarily would
feet, each of which applies forces up to not be available to a manufacturer until its
13,600kg. Attached to the bottom of each Test Procedures scales have been in use for many years.
foot are two rubber pads spaced 20cm Stage one is stress testing. Engineers The data helps Mettler Toledo engineers
apart. The pads allow each foot to apply attach strain gauges to the module at key evaluate new scale designs thoroughly
a load the same way it would be applied locations on the deck, end plates, and before they go on the market. By testing
by two tyres mounted side by side on an underside. Then with the load applied to every design with the module masher, the
axle. the module, they take readings from each company can verify that each truck scale it
For a typical test, the feet are positioned strain gauge. Loads can be applied in makes is durable enough to stand up to the
to simulate the load applied by a dual different locations to verify that the stress real-world demands of vehicle weighing for
tandem axle, two truck axles spaced levels are acceptable across the entire a service life of 15 to 20 years.
1.2m apart. Testing is performed on an module. Because the loads do not need to www.mt.com
individual truck scale module while it is be applied repeatedly, stress testing can
be completed within two days. The test
results enable the engineers to identify any
area of the scale that might need to be
strengthened.
Stage two simulates the amount of
traffic that would pass over a scale during
its expected service life. This requires
applying a load repeatedly to the same
location on the module. The feet press
down on the module and then are raised,
simulating a loaded truck driving on to
the scale to be weighed and then driving
off the scale. The module masher can The module masher simulates how
Each foot is equipped with two rubber complete one load/unload cycle in three a load is applied by a truck’s dual
pads spaced like twin tyres. seconds. The stress is the same whether tandem axle.
Newtec sells logistics and distribution
businesses…
N ewtec Group, Rousset, France, has
implemented the second stage of its
planned restructure which began to take
effect during the first half of 2010 (see
May/June 2010 EuroBulkSystems p6).
This involved the group being split into
separate competence centres operating
from different locations. Its logistics
and distribution competence centre has
now been sold internally to a group of
managers (see next news item).
This operation included the Newtec
Alvey subsidiary based in Oudenaarde,
Belgium, together with French sales and
services activities of the logistics and
distribution competence centre as well as
Somefi operating in France from offices at
Rousset, Gardanne and Lorient. Turnover Part of Newtec’s Rousset headquarters
for 2010 of the sold businesses was 15
million euros from a combined staff of
around 130. …Alvey launched following
Following this divestment Newtec is
now free to focus on its two remaining
competence centres:
MBO from Newtec Group
• Newtec Bag Palletizing located at
Mulhouse, which concentrates on end-of-
line systems for bags
S enior executives of Newtec Alvey,
previously part of the Newtec
Group (see above), have completed a
custom-made projects with an emphasis
on industrial software, it will aim to serve
Benelux and French industrial automation
• Newtec Case Palletizing at Saint management buy-out to set up a new markets even better than before. The
Laurent/Sevre, which specialises in end-of- company called Alvey NV. With head company can trace its roots in East Flanders
line systems for unit loads. office in Oudenaarde, Belgium (sales, back to 1965 when a European branch
Newtec has more than 10,000 end- engineering, production and after sales) of US-based Alvey Inc was founded. At the
of-line systems installed in more than 50 it also has two branches in France beginning of 2008 it became part of the
countries. focusing on sales and after sales activities. Newtec Group.
www.newtec-group.com Specialising in distribution, palletising and www.alvey.be
23/2/11 15:40:08
 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
UK process industries ‘waste money’
through inadequate wear protection
Kingfisher Industrial estimates that if appropriate initial wear protection measures are taken, huge savings
can be made in terms of reduced repair/maintenance costs and extended plant service life.
A ccording to wear-protection
specialist Kingfisher Industrial,
Cradley Heath, West Midlands, UK,
British industry wastes millions of
pounds annually through avoidable
premature abrasion damage to bulk
handling plant and components.
At the heart of the problem are the
conflicting demands of reducing
capital project costs versus the needs
and expectations of maintenance
personnel, who inherit the plant
after the usual 12-month warranty
has expired. In many instances the
New CEO at Zeppelin Systems
B ernhard Scherer, who for the past
Bernhard Scherer
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 7
OEM has to achieve lowest installed
cost for new equipment, in order to
comply with project costs, while the
maintenance manager is looking
for minimised whole life costs from
improved equipment reliability and
longer operating life.
Kingfisher has calculated that, on
average, users of its wear protection
systems benefit by a factor of five
times their initial outlay, with many
installations providing wear life of up
to 20 years following appropriate
wear treatment. Sales and marketing
six months has been a member of
the management board of Zeppelin
Systems GmbH, headquartered in
Friedrichshafen, Germany, has been
appointed chairman. He takes over
from Peter Gerstmann who in recent
months has performed the dual role
of being chairman of both the parent
company Zeppelin GmbH and the
daughter Zeppelin Systems plant
engineering business unit. Scherer, 49,
who holds a Diplom-Kaufmann degree
(equivalent to an MBA), has extensive
international experience.
Previously CFO of Gerresheimer
Glass Inc, USA, and CEO of Kimble
Chase Life Science and Research
Products LLC, he has built up an
NEWS
director Julian Brindley said: “It is
far more profitable for companies
in process industries to employ
best practice from day one, rather
than having to provide regular
maintenance and repair of equipment
at regular intervals due to problems
associated with wear and erosion.”
The company offers ceramic, metallic
and polymer protection systems for
plant used to convey, process or store
bulk solids, in either dry or hydraulic
states.
www.kingfisher-industrial.com
excellent reputation as a specialist
in mergers and acquisitions. Before
going to the USA he was partner at
Roland Berger Strategy Consultants,
Stuttgart, Germany, where he acquired
broad knowledge in the fields of
company strategy, restructuring and
organisation.
With six subsidiaries located around
the world as well as manufacturing
plants in Germany, Belgium, Brazil,
Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Zeppelin
Systems specialises in construction and
engineering of high-grade powder/
pellet handling plants for chemical,
plastics and rubber industries,
including related systems, equipment
and components.
www.zeppelin-systems.com
IN BRIEF
Vortex appoints two new
agents
Vortex Valves Europe, Darlington,
UK, has appointed two new agents.
Stockton-on-Tees based International
Procurement Ltd, specialising in
providing valve solutions for clients
in the food, petrochemical, power
generation, pulp and mineral
industries, will represent Vortex in the
UK. Special Powder Technologies,
Federicia, Denmark, specialising in
a wide range of materials handling
and conveying systems, becomes
the Danish representative.
www.vortexvalves.com;
www.ip-ltd.net;
www.sptech.dk
Bulktrans-Pack
relocates
Bulktrans-Pack Sarl (BT-Pack), the
leading French supplier of dry bulk
container liners and flexible semi-
bulk packaging systems, has moved
a distance of 10km to much larger
offices and warehouse facilities. The
new address is: ZI Nord – avenue
de Joux, 23 Impasse des Prairies,
69400 Arnas, France (tel: +33
474 62 09 76). Earlier in 2010
the company developed what is
K-Tron reorganises sales
management structure
I n January Niederlenz-based K-Tron
(Switzerland) Ltd announced two
key promotions within the senior
management of K-Tron Process Group’s
global sales and marketing divisions.
Robert M Barnett has been promoted
to vice president of global marketing,
while Richard J Poole becomes vice
president of global sales, the position
previously held by Mr Barnett together
with global marketing.
Robert M Barnett (left) and Richard J Poole.
EuroBulkSystems 7
believed to be the first vacuum-pack
FIBC concept allowing perishable
foodstuffs such as nuts, coffee, tea,
and cocoa to remain fresh during
storage for at least 12 months.
www.bt-pack.com
Screw conveyors help
streamline production of
metal salts
Ajax Equipment, Bolton, UK, has
supplied two screw conveyors
to Shepherd Widnes which
manufactures cobalt, manganese
and nickel salts. As part of a recent
review of metal salt production at
the Widnes plant, it was decided to
replace a short conveyor employed
to fill bulk bags with 750kg of
filter cake. The operation involved
the bulk bag, mounted on a small
truck, being pushed a short distance
along a track, from where the bag
could be picked up by forklift truck
for warehouse storage. A longer
replacement 190cm diameter
screw conveyor was installed which
eliminated the need for each bulk
bag to be pushed to the forklift. A
second new screw conveyor was
also installed to the same dimensions
as the replacement unit. Ribbon
flights were specified to minimise risk
of the sticky material clogging.
www.ajax.co.uk
The appointments take place with
immediate effect and both men will
be reporting directly to Kevin Bowen,
president of K-Tron Process Group.
These changes in responsibilities reflect
the need for K-Tron to increase and
strengthen its sales and marketing
activities in order to continue to
maintain strong growth as a systems
specialist.
www.ktronprocessgroup.com
23/2/11 15:40:17
 8 EuroBulkSystems
Review of the best 2010 innovations
Last year EuroBulkSystems reported on over 140 new products – bulk handling/processing equipment, components and
instrumentation – all of which are available in Europe. Here, as a reminder to our readers, we itemise these products which were
launched last year, while highlighting some of the more outstanding technical developments.
HANDLING/STORAGE
Mechanical conveying
Antistatic elevator bucket is six times
stronger than competitive designs
4B Braime Elevator Components,
UK: 4B Braime has introduced the
heavy-duty Atlas AM Nyrim elevator
bucket. Thanks to the antistatic material
used in its construction it is designed to
have excellent surface resistivity
dissipating properties, making it
particularly suitable for use in ATEX
zones. Its non-stick properties are
enhanced by its smooth surface and
open design. Suitable for heavy-duty
applications, including handling grain
and sticky materials, it is said to be six
times stronger than other designs of
elevator bucket. 4B, which has been
supplying materials handling
components for more than 120 years,
offers the world’s largest range of
elevator buckets, bolts and belts. It also
provides a free engineering service,
helping customers with the design of
their new bucket elevators or the
upgrade of existing machines.
Atlas AM elevator bucket from 4B
Braime.
Van Beek, Netherlands: Road
powder tanker loader with integral
lump breaker and sampler.
Cleveland Cascades, UK: New
concept of belt conveyor transfer point.
ContiTech Conveyor Belt Group,
Germany: New manufacturing
method for ContiClean A-H belting
which is especially suitable for handling
very sticky materials.
Stediflex vibratory conveyors
Dynamic Air, USA & UK: In the spring
of 2010 the company launched the new
Kraus line of vibratory equipment
which includes Stedi-Flex vibratory
conveyors (see picture on front cover).
These conveyors are available with a
counterbalanced base specially
designed to isolate the counteracting
forces produced in conventional
vibratory conveyors.
With a choice of mild steel or
stainless steel construction, they are
offered in a wide range of sizes. They
are particularly suitable for feeding
materials of lighter bulk density. A dust-
tight cover is optionally available.
Flexible screw conveyor for tight
spaces
Flexicon (Europe), UK: The
company has introduced a wheeled
flexible screw conveyor with tilt-down
base that allows the machine to be
moved through narrow doorways and
around tight bends. This facility also
provides easy access for removal of the
screw for cleaning or inspection.
Each machine is customised
according to discharge height, tilt-down
height and discharge overhang to suit
the dimensional requirements of
individual applications. There is a wide
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 8
choice of screw types for handling free
flowing and problematic materials,
including those that pack, cake, smear,
plug or fluidise.
Flexicon flexible screw conveyor
with hopper, support boom and
conveyor assembly tilted down.
Hapman, USA: Helix Hi/Lo mobile
flexible screw conveyor with integral
bag compactor and bag dump station.
Simatek Bulk Systems, Denmark:
Product Dispenser designed to optimise
capacity of bulk elevators.
Wiese Förderelemente,
Germany: Bucket elevator system
designed to meet latest food industry
cleanliness requirements.
Pneumatic conveying
AZO, Germany: SaugPlus vacuum
conveying system for gentle transfer
with maximum energy efficiency.
AZO, Germany: MULTIAIR dense
phase conveying system suitable for
use with abrasive products.
AZO, Germany: VacuumPlus
conveying system combines advantages
of suction and pressure transport.
Ehcolo, Denmark: Type CTT
pneumatic unloading system for dry
bulk containers.
Hecht Technologie, Germany:
ProClean Conveyor, a vacuum
conveying system suitable for hygienic
applications.
K-Tron, Switzerland: Redesigned
K-Tron Premier P30 receiver for
applications requiring high levels of
hygiene.
Pelletron, USA & Germany:
pellcon3 pneumatic conveying system.
Pneumatic conveying
ancillaries (see also: Valves)
Protecting rotary valves from internal
damage
DMN-Westinghouse, the
Netherlands: This company
introduced a rotor interference
detection (RID) system which can be
installed to prevent serious damage to a
rotary valve in the unlikely event of the
rotor fouling the valve body or end
covers. The company’s valves are
precision engineered and rotor
movement is highly unlikely, unless the
rotor becomes damaged by foreign
objects passing through the valve. In
such an eventuality the rigid and simple
design of the RID ensures problem-free
operation. It also warns of possible
metal particle contamination of the
conveyed product.
BXL DMZC dairy blowing seal from
DMN-Westinghouse which can be
protected by the company’s new
rotor interference detection (RID)
system.
2010 REVIEW
Coperion, Germany: RotoCheck
system monitors metallic contact
between rotor and housing in rotary
valves (similar development to that of
DMN, above).
Kaeser Kompressoren,
Germany: Models CB 111 C and CB
131 C rotary blowers.
Kaeser Kompressoren,
Germany: Sigma Air Manager (SAM)
compressed air management system.
K-Tron, Switzerland: LSR
controller for vacuum conveying.
Norres Schlauchtechnik,
Germany: PUR AS range of antistatic
transport hoses.
Norres Schlauchtechnik,
Germany: CP VITON 459 EL high-
temperature hose meets ATEX
requirements.
Dosing/Metering
Alexanderwerk, Germany:
MicroDyne micro-dosing module for
research and product development in
the pharmaceutical industry.
Brabender Technologie,
Germany: DualTray Feeder with mass
flow metering unit.
Schenck Process, Germany:
Mechatron Min gravimetric powder
feeder.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sitrans WW300
weigh-feeder which can achieve
capacities up to 800t/h.
IBC & small container dosing
systems
AZO, Germany: Latest versions of the
ShuttleDos and CleanDock systems for
loading into mobile containers.
NIMO-KG, Sweden: SK 800 HA box
turner for handling 3t loads of
agricultural seed.
Vibratory systems
Italvibras, Italy: Introduction of MTF-
S02 series extended the company’s range
of MTF flanged vertical electric vibrators.
Linear air-operated vibrators
Posi-flate, USA & UK: The company
brought out the VMAX series of linear
vibrators which operate at low noise
levels and high force outputs. With a
state-of-the-art piston design, these
vibrators do not require a spring to start
and are centrifugally balanced, which
prolongs service life and provides
increased force output compared with
competitive models. The units come in a
variety of sizes to suit every application.
Posi-flate’s VMAX linear vibrator.
Vibco, USA: The Rail Boss SVRWS-
6500AW, a pneumatic railcar vibrator
designed to operate more efficiently
and with less noise.
High containment transfer
ChargePoint Technology, UK:
DiscLock technology containment valve.
ChargePoint Technology, UK: DL
split butterfly valve for high
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
containment applications.
Dinnissen, Netherlands: Hygienic
Compact Containment System (HCC)
which can be applied to company’s
mixing/dosing installations.
Bag & bulk bag handling
Chronos BTH, Netherlands:
Development of open-mouth bagging
system in accordance with EHEDG
guidelines.
Chronos BTH, Netherlands:
CHRONO-STRETCH RAINBOW stretch
hooder.
Delaere, Belgium: High-capacity
bag slitter.
Ehcolo, Denmark: Bag palletisers
with servo control, among the world’s
first to have this capability.
Bulk bag weigh batch eductor system
Flexicon Europe, UK: At the
beginning of 2010 the company
introduced a bulk bag weigh batch
eductor system designed to loosen
material which has become solidified in
bulk bags as a result of shipment or
prolonged storage, discharging it by
weight and blending it into a liquid
stream.
The unit comprises two bulk bag
unloading frames, each with its own
hydraulically powered conditioner.
Material is discharged into two surge
hoppers equipped with Flexicon
flexible screw conveyors. These
gravimetrically feed the unloaded
product into a central solid-liquid
educator which blends it into a liquid
stream in variable ratios set by the user.
Flexicon Europe’s novel bulk
bag weigh batch eductor with
dual bag unloaders, each with
integral conditioner for loosening
compacted material.
Flexicon Europe, UK: Sanitary
version introduced of its bulk bag
conditioner.
Flexicon Europe, UK: Bulk bag
and manual dump weigh batch system.
Haver & Boecker, Germany:
System developed for FFS bagging of
natural stone.
Haver & Boecker, Germany: First
ever system developed for FFS bagging
using woven tape fabric instead of PE
film.
Newtec Group, France: G300
palletiser offers combined sack
palletising and wrapping capability.
Pelletron, USA & Germany:
Combined bulk bag filler/ dust extractor
(in conjunction with Delaere).
Spiroflow, UK: C Series bulk bag
filler.
Spiroflow, UK: High-hygiene bulk
bag discharger.
Thimon, France: WRA-PAL Swing
provides five-sided stretch wrapping of
stacked sacks.
Silo storage
Zeppelin Systems, Germany: IQ
Design Concept allowing fast assembly
of modular silo sections.
Zeppelin Systems, Germany:
Panel Tec silo assembly concept.
PROCESSING
Mixing
amixon, Germany: New generation
of vacuum mixer driers called the AMT
series which feature a conical floor
design.
Dinnissen, Netherlands: Variant
of the Pandora End of Line Mixing
System designed to feed up to 10
ingredients into a compact Pegasus
paddle mixer.
Dinnissen, Netherlands: Line of
twin-shaft Sustainable Pegasus Mixers
which offer potential for energy savings
of up to 60%.
Dynamic Air, USA & UK:
Enhancement to Bella line of mixers,
including new method of adding liquids
to eliminate the tendency for the liquid
to stick to the walls of the mixing
chamber when being added when
mixing is in progress. See also p12 for
pictures and additional information.
Forberg International, Norway:
F-RM rotating twin-shaft paddle batch
mixer.
Gericke, Switzerland: Launch of
GMS.C mixer (C stands for catilevered),
a variant of its successful GMS Multiflux
range.
Gericke, Switzerland: GCM 800
ECB and 1200 ECB mixers with
excellent component accessibility and
cleanability.
J-Tec Material Handling,
Belgium: System for inline dissolving
of high concentrations of powders into
liquids. See also p12 for picture and
further information.
Lindor, Netherlands: L100 US
food-grade mixer which has a product
capacity of 100 litres and has been
specially designed to accept ultrasonic
injection.
MTI Mischtechnik, Germany: MTI
Eco and Cool-tec cooling mixer.
Ytron-Quadro, UK: System for
homogenising powders with liquids to
form emulsions.
Zeppelin Reimelt (Henschel
Mixing Technology), Germany:
Horizontal Cooler EFF 1700 and
Container Mixing Inliner (CMI)
removable plastic inlay.
Screening/sieving
Gough Engineering, UK: Compact
sack tip sieving station suitable for food
and pharma industry use.
Kason, USA & UK: New 1524mm
diameter Vibroscreen vibratory
screener.
Kason, USA & UK: Vibro-Air size/
density separator, employing vibratory
screening to remove particles, and air
flow simultaneously to remove low-
density materials.
Kason, USA & UK: Centri-Sifter
high-capacity centrifugal screener with
insulated jacket.
Kason, USA & UK: Model K40-1FT-
SS Flo-Thru sifter.
Kek-Gardner, UK: K1100C
cantilevered sifter which offers
throughputs up to 70t/h.
Rhewum, Germany: MobiSort
mobile optical sorting machine.
Rotex, USA & Belgium: Plastic
Pellet Screener and Hi-Cline high-
frequency screener for MAP and DAP.
Sweco, USA & Belgium: Mobile
QuickChange introduced which
reduces screen changing to a one-man
operation.
Sweco, USA & Belgium:
Rectangular version of Fusion Screen.
23/2/11 15:40:29
 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Milling/grinding
Retsch, Germany: Model SM 300
cutting mill for various size-reduction
tasks.
Sweco, USA & Belgium:
Introduction of KGM, the latest model
in the range of Ecutec ball mills which
is suitable for fine and ultra-fine
grinding of most minerals and ores.
Granulation
Herbold Meckesheim, Germany:
HB Series shredder which combines a
feed hopper and hydraulic ram with a
granulator, allowing large items of
infeed such as plastic IBC bottles to be
reliably processed.
Herbold Meckesheim, Germany:
SB series of forced-feeding granulators.
Drying
Mann+Hummel Protec, Germany:
SOMOS D200 dry air drier.
MEASUREMENT & CONTROL
Weighing
Avery Weigh-Tronix, UK: System of
force calibration for test approval of
silos mounted on load cells.
Mettler Toledo, Switzerland:
POWERCELL PDX, first digital load cell
of its kind to feature a network with
absolutely no junction boxes.
Mettler Toledo, Switzerland:
Pinmount weigh module with double
security for tank scales.
Mettler Toledo, Switzerland: High
resolution and high-capacity weigh
modules to enhance performance of
loss-in-weight feeders.
Penko Engineering, Netherlands:
Flex 2100 instrument range for check
weighers, belt weighers, etc.
Precia-Molen UK: Fully automatic
GeneSYS3 weighbridge-based loading/
weighing system at RockTron.
Level measurement
Rotary level indicator
4B Braime Elevator Components,
UK: The RLI “Shaker” rotary paddle
switch introduced by 4B Braime
Elevator Components has been
designed to detect high/low levels of
bulk granular solids in bins, tanks and
silos. It can also be used to detect plug
conditions in spouts. Utilising a novel
stepper motor drive, the unit rotates
clockwise, then counter-clockwise and
then shakes to shed any excess material
build-up. It uses fewer mechanical parts
compared with standard rotary level
indicators. An adjustable torque control
allows one unit to cover many different
material densities. The device is ATEX
certified.
4B Braime’s RLI “Shaker” rotary
paddle switch.
Emerson Process Management,
Switzerland: Enhancements
introduced to single-probe versions of
the Rosemount 5300 series guided
wave radar (GWR) level transmitters.
Endress+Hauser, Switzerland:
Soliwave FQR56/FDR56 for non-contact
level limit detection with a microwave
barrier.
Krohne Messtechnik, Germany:
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 9
OPTIWAVE 6300 C non-contact FMCW
radar level measuring device designed
for use with bulk solids.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sitrans LR250
radar level transmitter now available
with Foundation Fieldbus.
UWT, Germany: Nivobob 4000, a
cost-effective electromechanical plumb
bob.
Vega Grieshaber, Germany:
VEGAPULS 67 and 68 radar level
sensors that can perform effectively in
dust-laden air.
Sampling
Bürkle, Germany: SiloDrill sampler
now available in AISI 316 stainless steel.
Kersting Industrieausrüstungen,
Germany: New series of SiloTasty and
InlineTasty installed samplers.
Laarmann, Netherlands:
Developments in precision sampling
including MG100 power mortar grinder.
Sentry Equipment, USA: Model
SBS sampler controller.
Magnetic Separation/metal
detection
Bunting Magnetics, USA & UK:
Tapered step magnetic liquid trap.
Bunting Magnetics, USA & UK:
Newly redesigned TurboGrate magnetic
separator.
Centre- flow bullet magnet
Bunting Magnetics, USA & UK: The
company has developed a centre-flow
bullet magnet that is faster and easier to
clean than earlier models as well as
other models on the market, many of
which additionally experience pressure
drops that adversely affect the
performance of a production facility.
The novel design of the new unit
ensures a 15psi rating for all types of
dilute-phase pneumatic or gravity flow
conveying lines. It also features a one-
piece gasket eliminating leakages
which can happen with some
competitive designs. The poles are
tapered to provide a static recess area
where small metal fines can collect and
hide out of the air stream to avoid wipe-
off.
Eriez Magnetics Europe, UK:
ProGrade line of magnetic separation
equipment which is available for
immediate delivery.
Eriez Magnetics Europe, UK:
Upgraded Inkjet Marker Mk II kit to
identify location of pieces of tramp
metal on a conveyor belt.
Eriez Magnetics Europe, UK:
Bullet magnets added to ProGrade
range.
Goudsmit Magnetic Systems,
Netherlands: New series of clean-
flow magnets.
Goudsmit Magnetic Systems,
Netherlands: Overbelt electro-
magnets suitable for ATEX 22 zones.
GVF Components, Italy: New
range of magnetic separation
equipment launched.
Mesutronic Gerätebau,
Germany: QUICKTRON RH HyQ
metal separator.
Moisture measurement
Berthold Technologies, Germany:
Micro-Polar II moisture measurement
system specifically developed for bulk
materials.
IMKO Micromodultechnik,
Germany: SONO-MOVE T moisture
probe designed to achieve accurate
results even with cohesive materials.
Mann+Hummel Protec,
Germany: SOMOS Plastic Analyser for
recording moisture content of free-
flowing plastics.
Cleaning/dust control
Coperion, Germany: Extended range
2010 REVIEW
of separators and elutriators for cleaning
and dedusting of bulk materials.
Dinnissen, Netherlands: Fully
automatic dry-cleaning in place
concept which employs compressed
air, for use with mixers.
Explosion protection
Fike Europe, Belgium:
Pneumatically operated explosion
isolation pinch valve (EIPV) which is
capable of reliably blocking explosion
pressures of 3 bar.
Kersting Industrieausrüstungen,
Germany: Farado grounding system
which is capable of continuously
monitoring the correct earthing of road
tankers and other vehicles or items of
equipment.
STIF, France: Vigilex range of
explosion vent panels, the first from a
French manufacturer.
Valves/diverters
Clyde Materials Handling, UK:
600mm diameter Dome Valve equipped
with a hydraulic actuator fitted with a
manual hand-wheel override.
Single straight pipe plug diverter
DMN Westinghouse, Netherlands:
The company launched the new SPTD
single straight pipe plug diverter which
is available in sizes from 150 to 400mm.
It is particularly suitable for applications
in the food, pet food, plastics and
petrochemical industries. Its design
complies with all current legislation
regarding safety in the workplace.
Consequently there are no moving
parts on the outside.
The unit features standard static seals
suitable for pressures up to 3 bar g. All
sizes are optionally available with
inflatable seals. The SPTD has been
specially designed to route powders
and pellets with minimum degradation
in pneumatic conveying systems.
Smooth transfer of product is
guaranteed thanks to precision
machining, very effective sealing and
obstruction-free passage. User-friendly
design facilitates fast on site internal
examination, cleaning, and – if
necessary – replacement of seals.
SPTD diverter from DMN-
Westinghouse.
Govoni Sim Bianca Impianti, Italy:
Reinforced explosion-proof versions of
the VRRC series of rotary valves.
GVF Components, Italy: The BV2A
butterfly valve, suitable for low-pressure
applications.
Kongskilde Maskinfabrik,
Denmark: RS20 S rotary valve.
Midland Industrial Designers,
UK: Extreme Duty TWA rotary valve
being marketed in association with
Claudius Peters.
Pelletron, USA & Germany: GRM
and GRH series of low-leakage rotary
valves.
Posi-flate, USA & UK: Heavy-duty
series 585 and 586 inflatable seated
butterfly valves suitable for arduous
applications. For further information
and picture, see p10.
TBMA, Netherlands: Quick-clean
versions of its rotary valves and blowing
seals.
Iris valve with compact control handle
Vortex Valves Europe, UK: As a
departure from its well known range of
diverters and slide gates, the company
last year introduced its Iris Valve which
is available in various sizes within the
100-450mm size range. It is equipped
with a compact handle to control, shut
off, or meter flow of powders,
granulates or pellets for gravity flow
applications. The patented Irish Valve
design features several trigger lock
positions. It is well suited for use with
intermediate bulk containers, especially
where access space is restricted.
Vortex’s Iris Valve with manual
control.
Young-Massa, Italy: DRZ, DTZ and
BTZ ranges of fast-opening rotary
valves.
Zeppelin Systems, Germany:
New range of rotary valves including
the CFM and CFH series.
Conveyor/bucket elevator
monitoring
Adjustable-depth bearing temperature
sensors
4B Braime Elevator Components,
UK: 4B introduced a series of
adjustable-depth bearing (ADB)
temperature sensors which have been
designed to allow the depth of the
probe to be adjustable depending on
the application. There is a choice of
three standard probe lengths of 50, 100
and 200mm. The devices, which have
been approved for use in hazardous
areas in accordance with ATEX, CSA
and IECEx, can be screwed directly into
a bearing housing through the existing
grease zerk thread.
TTC type thermistors allow for
continuous temperature monitoring
and the units can be connected to a
PLC or to a hazard monitoring system,
such as 4B’s T500 Hotbus Elite or
Watchdog Elite.
ADB adjustable-depth bearing
temperature sensor from 4B
Braime.
Multi-function hazard monitor
4B Braime Elevator Components,
UK: The latest version of the Watchdog
Elite control module is capable of
constantly monitoring a number of
conditions relating to the operation of
conveyors and bucket elevators. These
include belt speed, belt and pulley
alignment (top and bottom), bearing
temperature, acceleration and blockage
detection. Up to four digital and six
analogue parameters can be monitored
and all data is collated at the control
unit and monitor.
Watchdog Elite from 4B Braime.
EuroBulkSystems 9
An LCD screen displays elevator/
conveyor status messages (available in
four different languages) and an LED
display shows belt speed. Calibration
and set-up parameters are accessed via
the password-protected front panel
touch buttons. All Watchdog Elite
systems are approved for use in
hazardous environments including
ATEX Zones 21 and 22.
STIF, France: Maestro monitoring
system for bucket elevators and
conveyors.
Laboratory equipment
Frewitt, Switzerland: HammerWit-
LAB, a hammer mill for milling small
quantities of product, designed
especially for R&D use.
Fritsch, Germany: New dry
dispersion unit for the company’s
ANALYSETTE 22 MicroTec plus, used
for dry measurement of particle size
distributions.
Haver & Boecker, Germany:
Laboratory instruments for enhanced
bagging performance, now available to
customers.
Other instrumentation
Endress+Hauser, Switzerland:
Solimotion FTR20 bulk solids motion
detector.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sitrans WS300
shaft-driven speed sensor.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sitrans WM100
heavy-duty motion sensing switch.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sitrans FST020
ultrasonic flowmeter.
Miscellaneous
Dinnissen, Netherlands: Pegasus
vacuum coater now has low-
temperature drying capability.
Hapman, USA: Solidquid solid/
liquid delivery system now has
increased range of options.
Infastaub, Germany: New AJP 224
silo vent filter in rectangular design.
Jacob, Germany: Hot-galvanised
pipework system.
Romaco FrymaKoruma,
Germany: Frymix II vacuum
processing unit.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: SIPLUS Extreme,
a new line of automation products such
as modules, CPUs, panels and housings
specially adapted to cope with harsh
environments.
Siemens Industry Automation
Division, Germany: Sizer 3.4
software for planning drive applications
with Sinamics.
4B Braime Elevator Components
Tel: +44 113 246 1800
4b-uk@go4b.com
www.go4b.com
Bunting Magnetics Europe
(Magnet Applications Ltd)
Tel: +44 1442 291702
sales@magnetuk.com
www.buntingmagneticseurope.com
DMN-Westinghouse
Tel: +31 252 361 870
dmn@dmn-nwh.nl
www.dmnwestinghouse.com
Dynamic Air
Tel: +44 1908 622344
sales@dynamicair.com
www.dynamicair.com
Flexicon Europe
Tel: +44 1227 374710
sales@flexicon.co.uk
www.flexicon.co.uk
Posi-flate
Tel: +44 1908 622366
sales@posiflate.co.uk
www.posiflate.com
Vortex Valves Europe
Tel: +44 870 770 9861
vortex.eu@vortexvalves.com
www.vortexvalveseurope.com
24/2/11 18:41:33
 10 EuroBulkSystems PNEUMATIC CONVEYING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011

Dense phase for abrasive products

When it comes to pneumatic conveying, low-velocity dense phase systems have become the preferred method of handling
abrasive powders, pellets and granules. Here we provide examples of several recent installations of this type of pipeline system,
and we report on latest developments in the design of valves and pipe bends to combat wear.

A ir-Tec system, the leading pneumatic conveying specialist

based in Calderara di Reno, Italy, reports that it has improved
its proprietary technology to enhance efficiency and performance
Air-Tec system has recently developed solutions for pneumatic
conveying of glass, corundum and foundry sands with different
flow rates up to 10t/h for important clients, such as Saint Gobain (a
temperature which can cause blockages. Because of the abrasive
nature of the material cast-iron pipe elbows were installed at
various locations.
in dense phase conveying of abrasive materials. The technological worldwide leader in the construction sector), Frati Group (a
advances result from recent collaboration with the University of leading Italian manufacturer of chipboard) and Eredi Gnutti Conveying coarse steelworks dust
Bologna, Italy, as well as from constant in-house R&D activity (specialising in the Italian foundry industry).
aimed at widening the range of the materials that can be efficiently Details: According to Ammag of Austria, for many years innovative steel
conveyed pneumatically. • Material: corundum producers have been engaged in optimising the process of steel
Investigative and in-depth tests on abrasive materials have Flow rate: 10t/h production in such a way as to minimise energy consumption as
resulted in major achievements regarding optimum adjustment of Distance: 200m well as all emissions. One key element of this measure is
air inlet and velocity control in order to preserve the integrity of • Material: foundry sands granulating converter dust which is of commercial value in its own
products throughout the complete pipeline system. The use of a Flow rate: 3t/h right. To supply such
specific system (Booster®) for air introduction into the pipes Distance: 30m granulating plants with dust,
makes it possible to reduce the friction inside the pipes in order to • Material: glass batch new conveyor systems have to
safeguard the material’s properties and avoid formation of lumps. Flow rate: 3t/h be installed. Numerous factors
The low speed combined with a reduced amount of compressed Distance: 150m have encouraged the decision
air or other gaseous fluid, avoids pipe wear and preserves the in favour of a pneumatic dense
integrity of the product. phase conveying system to
convey the coarse dust.
In a steelworks installation
completed by Ammag over a
year ago, the customer decided
to apply the dense phase K5 wear-resistant cone valve
principle for conveying coarse from Gericke
dust for several reasons.
• Conveying length: between the dust hopper and the newly
installed granulating plant a length of about 65m had to be
covered, 22m of which was vertical and 25m was inclined at a
WESTINGHOUSE gradient of 20 degrees.
• Flexible line routing: between the hopper and the granulating
plant there was another facility and a roadway. Therefore, a
direct route was not possible.

Feed your process

• Since this pneumatic conveying system has no moving parts,
maintenance requirements are minimal. This issue is very
COMPONENTS FOR BULK SOLIDS HANDLING

Part of the Air-Tec system test plant where recent research
has been carried out into pneumatic conveying of abrasive
products.
Cement for the Panama Canal expansion
Air-Tec was last year commissioned by Simem to supply two plants
for cement conveying within the Panama Canal widening project.
Simem, a multi-national developer and manufacturer of plants for
Dairy valve with Drop through airlock water treatment as well as for concrete batching, has been
slide bars appointed by the GUPC (Grupo Unido por el Canal) consortium as
official supplier for the expansion of the Panama Canal. Work on
the two Air-Tec system pneumatic conveying installations recently
began. Located on the Pacific Ocean and on the Atlantic Ocean
sides of the Canal, the systems are designed to convey cement to
the concrete mixers. One provides a capacity of 40t/h over a
distance of 60m, and the other will convey cement at 60t/h over a
distance of 80m. More than 5 million cubic meters of concrete will
be produced at a rate of 720 cubic meters per hour for each plant.
Single pipe plug diverter Tube diverter Last year Air-Tec supplied four interconnected TPA full line
2 or 3 way version systems to Siemens Water Technologies for conveying dried sludge
filtered from waste water used by tanneries in Arzignano, Vicenza,
Italy. The dried material, in the form of granules or pellets, is driven
by pressure vessels at low speed to storage silos over a distance of
120m. Part of the pipeline passes through tunnels where level
Dairy Rotary valves boosters guarantee optimum performance. The vessels and the
and Diverters pipelines have been insulated to avoid sudden changes in
• USDA Dairy accepted
• CIP versions available
Drop through airlock
• ATEX compliant
with extra large inlet
important, especially from the perspective of plant availability.
• Due to the big particle surface area and the existence of metal,
the dust is susceptible to oxidation. The dense phase conveying
installation is a closed system. Inerting is achieved simply by
using nitrogen as the conveying medium. Moreover, the low
velocities mean low nitrogen consumption.
• Coarse dust is very abrasive. The low conveying speed leads to
minimum wear in the pipeline, which in turn leads to much
higher availability of the plant.
The coarse dust to be conveyed has a bulk density of 1500kg/m3
and a tapped density of more than 2000kg/m3. Average particle size
is 300µm, the grain range is between 10 µm and 1300 µm. The
product temperature is up to 100°C and the grain shape is angular.
The angle of friction is 45 degrees. Therefore, coarse dust has to be
assessed as having bad flow characteristics and as being cohesive.
These properties were determined for the cold product. Those of
the hot one are clearly different. It has free flowing properties and
is only slightly cohesive. The plant had to be designed for the
whole range of these characteristics.
Before the decision was made, field-scale trials were performed.
To this end Ammag offered its test plant for trials. Here it was
demonstrated that stable conveying at a capacity of 7.5t/h was also
possible with the cold product. As was to be expected, conveying
of the hot product in real operation could be performed without
any difficulty.
Due to the wear properties of the product two butterfly valves
were provided at the inlet of the transporter. The upper one shuts

ATEX 94/9/CE

Internal: Zone 20 (II 1D)

External: Zone 21 (II 2D), Zone 22 (II 3D),
Zone 1 (II 2G), Zone 2 (II 3G)
Temperature: 120 ˚C (D) / T4 (G)

DMN Machinefabriek Noordwykerhout BV

T +31 252 361 800 E dmn@dmn-nwh.nl

www.dmnwestinghouse.com Schematic of installation of TPA full line systems supplied last year by Air-Tec to Siemens Water Technologies for
conveying abrasive dried sludge in both granular and pellet form.

EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 10 23/2/11 15:40:40

 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
off the flow of product, while
the lower one provides for a
permanently pressure-tight
sealing with no particle getting
jammed between the valve disc
and the gasket.
The transporter has a useful
volume of 560 litres. This results
in a product quantity of 840kg
per conveying cycle. At a
conveying time of 4.2 minutes
the required conveying capacity
of 12t/h was achieved.
PNEUMATIC CONVEYING EuroBulkSystems 11
high phosphorous nickel coating.
As previously reported, Posi-flate recently introduced the new
heavy-duty series 585 and 586 inflatable seated butterfly valves
which have been designed for the most severe applications. The
new seat has been designed for higher operating pressures and
temperatures. Standard valve sizes range from 50 to 600mm and fit
both ANSI and metric flanges. These valves are especially suitable
for use with abrasive materials such as sand, feldspar and fly ash.
They are available in a wide variety of construction materials
including stainless steel and aluminium.

Wear-resistant cone valve

Dense phase conveying This Posi-flate gatelock valve assembly controls transfer
line with booster recently Gericke, Regensdorf, of cobalt oxide powders between positive and negative
supplied by Ammag to a steel Switzerland, is now offering an pressure conveying lines.
plant for handling abrasive improved cone valve which is
coarse dust. especially suitable for wear resistance and the life cycle of the pump. Installed beneath
applications involving abrasive POWPUMP from WAMGROUP and (right) the two recently an open hopper, the unit prevents air blowback emissions into the
materials, high pressures or high temperatures. Available in valve launched wear-resistant pipe bends atmosphere, safeguarding operator health and improving
sizes DN200, DN300 and DN400 and designated K5 and K6, they conveying performance inside the pipeline.
employ respectively ductile iron and stainless steel as standard New design of screw pump and pipe bends To help minimise wear of the pneumatic conveying system, the
material for the valve housing. The large conical seal is pressed company additionally offers a full range of wide and short angle
against a seat ring by means of a pneumatic rotary drive and backed WAMGROUP, headquartered in Ponte Motta di Cavezzo (MO), pipe elbows, also made of SINT, which have been setting new
up by the overpressure in the pressure vessel. Rated up to 10 bar g, Italy, and with subsidiaries throughout Europe, has introduced the trends in the market. EXTRACURVE® (wide angle) and
the valve is reported to display excellent wear resistance for abrasive POWPUMP™. This innovative screw pump, manufactured from EXTRABEND® (short angle) pipe bends fitted to link pneumatic
bulk materials such as cement, fly ash, sand and aluminium oxide. SINT® engineering polymer, has been specially conceived to feed conveying pipework offer great flexibility and excellent wear
The large sealing cone is made of abrasion-resistant elastomer and dry, powdery abrasive materials into pneumatic conveying lines. resistance.
the valve is capable of closing against full product flow. Pneumatic screw pumps utilise the conveyed material to create a
seal which prevents a reverse flow of conveying air, thus increasing
Other valve developments

GSBI Components (Govoni Sim Bianca Impianti) of Casumaro

(Ferrara), Italy, has introduced a new range of components
suitable for abrasive products and high temperatures. These
innovations were developed as a result of practical experience
with cement, alumina, hard grain, ash, etc. Additional tests were
carried out at the GSBI test plant in association with technical
universities and specialists in surface treatments. The base material
for these components, which include rotary valves, diverter valves
and shut-off valves, is hard cast iron, with the additional option of
chrome plating (900 HV hardness) and nickel plating (1000 HV Govoni Sim Bianca Impianti two-way plug diverter valve
hardness) for extra heavy-duty applications. Aluminium and (right) tapered-plug shut-off valve, both of which are
components can also be supplied with hard anodised treatment in available in wear-resistant versions.

Air-Tec system Italy

www.air-tec.it

Ammag Austria
www.ammag.com

Gericke Switzerland
www.gericke.net

Govoni Sim Bianca Inpianti Italy

www.gsbimpianti.com

Posi-flate USA/UK
www.posiflate.com

WAMGROUP Italy
WAMGROUP’s new POWPUMP screw pump undergoing www.wamgroup.com
tests.

Other Valves Fight Friction,

We Designed it Out
Unlike other valves that seal
with friction, Posi-flate’s
unique butterfly valve Ring Grip Series 689, 688 & 698
uses an inflatable seat
to seal with air
pressure. Thus it The Tuf-Lok ring grip pipe coupling is a rugged,
requires less torque heavy duty, self-aligning and self-grounded pipe
and a smaller actuator, coupling with a high end pull. It can be used
resulting in lower cost. for almost any application where pipe ends need
to be connected. The Tuf-Lok coupling installs
Plus, the seat automatically quickly and aligns pipe ends with little effort.
compensates for wear,
providing longer life. Features
Some users have reported • Self-aligning
over six million cycles • High pressure rated
and the valves are still • Full vacuum rated
going strong. • Usable on thin or
thick wall pipe
• Less friction • Smooth internal
• Low torque connection
• Low maintenance • Low cost
• Lower actuator costs • Reusable
• Absorbs vibration
• Longer valve life
• Externally leakproof Tuf-Lok (UK) Limited
• More reliable
Tel: +44 (0) 1908 622366 Tel: +44 (0) 1706 822512
www.posiflate.com Email: sales@tuflok.co.uk • www.tuflok.com

EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 11 23/2/11 15:40:46

 12 EuroBulkSystems
Achieving the desired
product blend
Mixing technology continues to evolve and find new applications, as the following developments
from three leading specialist equipment manufacturers testify
The compact MFKG single-shaft continuous mixer with rubber trough from BHS-
Sonthofen.
B HS-Sonthofen, based in Sonthofen, Germany,
is supplying energy firm RWE Power with a
total of six single-shaft continuous mixers that add
water to combustion chamber ash. These are
intended for use at the new power station in
Eemshaven, the Netherlands, and the new blocks
D and E at the Westphalia power station. This will
allow RWE to eliminate atmospheric dust
released into the environment when the ash is
stored, loaded and transported. Used in
combination with discharge systems supplied by
German equipment manufacturer altmayerBTD,
the mixers can each process the ash at a rate of
100t/h.
altmayerBTD supplies complete systems for the
storage and disposal of combustion chamber ash
to RWE Power. To ensure the safe disposal of the
ash, the Rehlingen-based equipment
manufacturer has placed an order with BHS-
Sonthofen for four single-shaft continuous mixers
(model: MFKG 0728) for the new power station in
Eemshaven and two mixers for the new blocks D
and E at the power station in Westphalia.
The mixers will moisten the combustion
chamber ash previously cooled to around 100°C,
thereby preventing the release of dust when the
ash is handled and stored. The water binds the
dust particles, allowing the ash to be transported
and further processed without emitting dust into
the atmosphere.
A pulsating rubber trough is a special feature of
the BHS mixer. It vibrates to prevent material from
caking and hardening on the inside wall, thereby
continually cleaning the mixer while it is in
operation. Because the mixing tools rotate freely
under all operating conditions (see front cover
picture), the mixers consume less energy and
require less maintenance than similar systems.
The mixture is accelerated to the high speeds
that the machines are designed to handle. As a
result, a highly turbulent material ring forms on
After being processed by the BHS-Sonthofen mixers, the combustion chamber ash is
uniformly moistened thereby preventing any dust escaping into the atmosphere.
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 12
MIXING
the inside of the mixer. Due to the shearing effect
in the fluid flow, the ash and water are thoroughly
mixed together to ensure that no ‘dry pockets’
remain. In addition, the mixing time is
substantially shorter than with most other mixers,
another important factor in lowering energy
consumption.
Special helical nozzles generate a fine mist
distributed uniformly over a large area to
effectively moisten the feed material as soon as it
reaches the inlet chute. This prevents build-up of
pockets of dust and reduces the amount of water
consumed by the mixer. The concentration of
water in the final product can be optimally set for
the specific material in question. This in turn
reduces the weight of the material to be disposed
and hence the cost of disposal.
Delivery of the mixers to altermayerBTD took
place in January. BHS-Sonthofen GmbH offers
innovative and efficient mechanical process
solutions for mixing, crushing, recycling and
filtration. The company focuses on developing
and manufacturing systems able to operate
efficiently and for long periods under the most
challenging conditions. It operates internationally
with 280 employees. Subsidiaries in the USA,
China and India belong to the group.
New and improved fluidised zone paddle
mixer
The Bella XN double-shafted fluidised zone
paddle mixer from Dynamic Air has been updated
to include access doors which not only increase
accessibility but also make it much easier to clean
when necessary. The machine is capable of
achieving fast, high-capacity, low shear, precision
mixing of either dry bulk solids or liquids with
solids. Regardless of particle size, shape or
density, materials are mixed with a fast, efficient,
and gentle action with typical mixing times of 15
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
to 30 seconds. A weightless zone created by low-
speed counter rotating paddles generates very Fig 1: Dynamic Air’s Bella mixer can be
low friction without shear. This makes it ideal for started under full load thanks to the
abrasive products and fragile products that cannot arrangement of the mixing tools.
tolerate rough handling. Even flakes or spray-
dried bodies remain intact.
The Bella mixer consists of twin drums which
have two counter-rotating agitators with
specifically angled paddles. They overlap at the
centre and completely sweep the entire bottom of
both mixer drums and allow it to be started under
full load (Fig 1). The material in the mixer moves
in a horizontal counter-clockwise direction at the
perimeter while simultaneously moving both left
and right in the center (Fig 2). The material in
Zone B (Fig 1) is in its normal gravimetric state as
it is being moved and disbursed. In Zone A, a
weightless zone is created which effectively lifts
the ingredients to an almost weightless state Fig 2: Material being processed in the
allowing them to move freely and randomly, Bella mixer moves in a horizontal counter-
regardless of particle size and density. Thus the clockwise direction at the perimeter while
two zones’ interaction becomes highly efficient as simultaneously moving both left and right
every particle moves rapidly to a highly at the centre.
homogeneous mix, the key to the machine’s
novel technology for fast, precise mixing.
The Bella mixer is available in stainless steel for
• This combination makes it possible to change
the ingredients and the concentration of the mix
food applications. Customised sizes, finishes and very easily
materials of construction are available upon • High accuracy (0.5%) and range of dosing
request. • The solid/liquid ratio can be changed
throughout the entire process
• Powder ratios up to 80 %
• The entire process is easy to clean because it
can be cleaned inline, more quickly and more
efficiently.
• Limited number of components that need
cleaning
• It can be used for solids stored in all kinds of
storage systems: bags, bulk bags, silos, etc.
Various options are also available:
• The required set-up can be tested in J-Tec’s test
facilities, where the required conditions can be
simulated; here there are the facilities to
Latest version of the Bella fluidised zone simulate batch mixing as well as inline mixing
mixer from Dynamic Air. processes. A combination of batch and inline
mixing is also possible.
Inline mixing system • Heating and cooling are possible
• Dosing of additional liquids (other than the
J-Tec Material Handling, Kappellen, Belgium, main liquid) is also possible.
points out that dissolving of solids into liquids is The inline mixing system can be used for several
one of the most critical process steps. Often types of products including soda, carbon black,
problems arise because companies have to work thickeners, silica and milk powder.
with two different suppliers, who each has its
own area of expertise, either solids or liquids. For
that reason there was a strong market demand for
suppliers who could deliver the entire package:
solids handling, the mixing and dissolving of
solids into liquids, and the liquids handling. This
way the critical separation of responsibilities
between solids and liquids suppliers is eliminated.
Because of J-Tec’s extensive knowledge in the
fields of solids and liquids handling and control
systems the company has been able to develop
an advanced system for the inline dissolving of a
high concentration of powders into liquids, as
reported last year in this publication.
By means of an intensive mixing system, an
accurately controlled flow of powder is dissolved
continuously into a precisely regulated flow of
liquids. The concentration of powders in the
liquid is controllable and adjustable, through a
combination of a loss-in-weight feeder and an
inline mixer. With this set-up the powders are
dosed directly into the liquids flow, and dissolved
into the liquid.
Inline mixing system from J-Tec.
These are the main advantages:
BHS-Sonthofen Germany
• As opposed to conventional systems, there is no www.bhs-sonthofen.de
need for buffer tanks and intermediate
transport, resulting in lower costs and a Dynamic Air USA/UK
reduction in space required for the installation www.dynamicair.com
• It offers great flexibility, while still allowing a J-Tec Material Handling Belgium
reproducible process www.j-tec.com
• Less air incorporation
23/2/11 15:40:59
 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Build-up agglomeration: possibilities
and limitations of fixation of mix
components to agglomerates
All depends upon the mixer
Owing to improved product attributes, the agglomeration of powdered or fine-grained substances is continuing to gain in
importance. Although this classic process has been extensively tried and tested, it still places special demands on the machines
used – in particular for high-quality products. A glance at the possibilities and limitations shows how this method can be optimally
implemented.
By Peter Illing*
I n many industries and applications, powdered
or fine-grained substances are hardly suitable
as intermediates or end products. They are prone
to create dust, to stick or to segregate.
Agglomeration is therefore a process alternative
which consists in bringing together diverse
substances to build agglomerates. These show –
on the contrary to the diversity of the original
substances – nearly the same specific surfaces. At
the same time, they have the advantage in
offering much improved product properties like
better flowability, simpler dosability, optimised
transportability as well as a dustfree handling. In
terms of ecology and user safety, the
agglomerated product is superior to the initial
particles: less dust means that the maximum
allowable concentration levels at workplaces in
production areas are easier to meet in a reliable
manner.
Definition
This process can be used for a wide variety of
applications. Nevertheless, or perhaps just
because of that, there are always terminological
discrepancies when dealing with the basic
operation of “agglomeration”.
“Agglomeration” is often confused with the
comprehensive term “granulation”. However,
“granulation” only refers to the form of the end
product (“granum”, lat. grain) but does not
indicate how the granulate has been achieved.
This is different in the case of agglomeration.
Agglomeration consists in bringing together
diverse substances to form bigger particles
(agglomerates). This implies bonding
mechanisms between the particles whereby one
can differentiate between two sorts of bonding:
direct adherence mechanisms without product
bridging (van der Waals and electrostatic forces)
and indirect adherence mechanisms with
product bridging (viscous and hardening binding
agents, liquid bridges, cristal bridges, etc). These
bonding mechanisms can be globally generated
Fig. 1: Ploughshare® mixer working according to the mechanically generated fluid bed
principle introduced to mixing technology by Lödige.
*Mr Illing is Manager Mixing and Processing Technology/Drying & Reaction Process Technology at Gebr. Lödige
Maschinenbau GmbH, Elsener Straße 7-9 – 33102 Paderborn, Germany (illing@loedige.de; tel +49 5251 309-107)
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 13
MIXING
Fig 2: Ploughshare® shovels rotate as
mixing elements in a horizontal, cylindrical
drum close to the walls; the basic shape of
the shovel was patented by Lödige in 1949.
in three different manners: by introducing heat
(fusion granulation), by mechanical compaction
(press granulation) or by build-up granulation.
Process
Build-up granulation is an interaction between
adherence and separating forces (mechanisms
counteracting the sticking together of the
particles) generated by a mutual interaction of
particles, agglomeration nuclei and
agglomerates. The selection principle will apply
in this case: i.e. the weak bondings are broken
and only the stronger ones remain.
The achieved firmness depends therefore on
the strength of the bonding forces, the intensity
of the separating forces and time subjected to
these forces. The quantity of binding agent
generates the product bridging between the
particles. By increasing the liquid quantity in the
pore space between the particles, one can go
EuroBulkSystems 13
through different states of saturation leading to
different bonding strengths. In any case the
firmness of the agglomerates is an important
requirement to preserve the product properties in
the long run – for example in case of long-term
storage.
Suitable machines and mixing systems
The success of agglomeration in a mixer depends
on three factors:
• the construction of the mixing system
• its operating parameters
• and the method of introduction of the liquid Fig. 3: The CoriMix® ring-layer mixer
binding agent. meets the highest requirements in terms of
In case of shovel mixers (in batch and profitability and availability.
continuous operation) and vertical high-speed
mixers, the liquid binding agent is introduced characterised by a vertical, cylindrical mixing
either via lances into the turbulent zone of the vessel and is operated in a batch-wise manner. A
choppers (homogenisers) or directly into the three-bladed mixing element rotates close to the
product area. In case of ring-layer mixers, the wall and with minimum clearance to the bottom
binding agent will be introduced via nozzles into of the vessel.
the annular layer generated by the mixing tools. The special shape of this element and its
The desired product form and quality will peripheral speed are coordinated in such a way
determine the necessary retention time. The limit that the mixing product is circulated as a vortex
of size for agglomerates is approximately and thereby accelerated horizontally and
3000µm for build-up agglomeration in mixers, vertically. A high-speed chopper is placed above
and the size distribution is about 1:5 at d80. the mixing element, i.e. in the product vortex,
Gebrüder Lödige Maschinenbau GmbH - a directly in the turbulent area where
worldwide leading manufacturer of machines agglomeration can proceed.
and systems for industrial mixing and related
process technologies - supplies custom-designed Conclusion
solutions for a wide range of applications to
produce high-quality agglomerated products. The Agglomeration processes can considerably
Lödige range of supply includes batch and improve the product properties provided that the
continuous Ploughshare® mixers (Fig. 1) firmness of the product is sustainable. That is
working according to the mechanically generated why in the field of build-up agglomeration, the
fluid bed principle introduced to mixing selected machinery will have to ensure highest
technology by Lödige: Ploughshare® shovels mixing quality taking into consideration the
rotate as mixing elements in a horizontal, individual product and application.
cylindrical drum close to the walls; the basic www.loedige.de
shape of the shovels was patented by Lödige in
1949 (Fig. 2).
Ring-layer mixer and universal mixer
A further machine suitable for build-up
agglomeration is the high-speed, continuous
CoriMix® ring-layer mixer (Fig. 3). The high
peripheral speed of the mixing tools generates a
centrifugal force forming a concentric annular
layer of product. The product moves through the
mixing chamber in a plug-like flow pattern under
constant energy input. The high speed differential
causes intensive mixing within the product layer
and this creates particularly short residence
times. Depending on the product, up to 175kg/
dm3 can be processed per hour. Though the
mixer is quite compact, it is designed for high
and very high specific throughputs. Having a
working volume of 5 to 3000 litres, this machine
meets the highest requirements in terms of
profitability and availability.
The KUM universal mixer is also a high
performance agglomerator. It is a vertical mixing
system, whereby maximum mixing efficiency is
combined with low generation of energy and
minimum increase in temperature (Fig. 4). Fig. 4: KUM universal mixer with vertical,
Available in different sizes, the machine is cylindrical mixing vessel.
23/2/11 15:41:29
 14 EuroBulkSystems
Dustproof self-cleaning
magnet for milk powder
G oudsmit Magnetic Systems,
Waalre, the Netherlands, has
developed an improved version of its
rotating clean-flow magnet, working
in association with food manufacturer
Friesland Campina Domo. The magnet
removes very fine metal particles from
whey powder and, thanks to a newly
designed dynamic seal, it will also be
dustproof at an overpressure of up to
0.4 bar.
With earlier designs it was
found that pressure in the filler
pipe may increase during filling of
Intelligent weighing module can be easily
Enhanced Goudsmit rotating clean-flow magnetic is suitable for
integrated into any automated system
powdered milk and other food products such as cocoa powder.
Extended range of automatic S
open-mouth bag placers
P ayper, Lleida, Spain, has been
manufacturing its CSA range
of open-mouth bag placers for 25
years, during which time more than
450 systems have been installed
worldwide. The company towards
the end of last year launched the
CSA IF which offers a number of
technical innovations. These include
reduced noise output, totally enclosed
processing from filling through to
bag evacuation, and throughout the
filling/closing cycle each bag is
mechanically gripped. Capacities up
to 1600 bags/hour can be attained.
The first of these machines was
installed in Galicia, Spain, to fill milk
Quake-proof silo weighing
S artorius, Göttingen, Germany,
has launched the Seismic Mount
load cell mounting kit which has
been specially designed to meet the
extreme requirements of areas prone
to earthquakes. It offers maximum
security while at the same time allowing
for tilting of the load cells caused by
thermal or mechanical expansion or
contraction of the silo or its support
structure. In this way risk of error due
to these movements is reduced and
reliable weight readings are ensured.
A load cell dummy provided with the
kit enables fast and easy installation
Seismic Mount load cell mounting kit from Sartorius.
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 14
bulk bags, with the overpressure
causing dust leakage. In addition
to this enhancement the magnetic
value has been upgraded (Br value:
13,200 Gauss) and the magnets
will retain their strength at higher
temperatures. The magnetic bars have
a Lunac coating to prevent adhesion
of the product. The entire unit is
electropolished, with an RA value
of 0.2 for the bars and 0.6 for the
housing. It is suitable for use in ATEX
Zone 1/2 D.
www.goudsmit-magnetics.nl
Payper’s CSA IF open-mouth bag
placer.
powder into 25kg bags for the French
company Euroserum.
www.payper.com
even without a load cell, as overload
or welding currents commonly
encountered during installation of silos
might otherwise damage or destroy the
cell.
These mounting kits are completely
maintenance free, being suitable for
cells within the 20-520t capacity
range. They have been designed to
ensure maximum security, even when
exposed to extreme horizontal and high
lift-off forces. Currently employing some
4350 staff, Sartorius in 2009 reported
sales revenues of 602 million euros.
www.sartorius.com
NEW EQUIPMENT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Fully enclosed, self-cleaning
magnetic separator
E clipse Magnetics, based in
Sheffield, UK, has recently
is released for collection and disposal.
Each grid can be cleaned during
next cleaning, the number of cycles
performed and any problems.
introduced the Auto-Shuttle PLC- processing, in turn or simultaneously. As with Eclipse’s entire range of
controlled, self-cleaning magnetic The timing of the cleaning for food industry and pharmaceutical
separator designed for food and each grid is determined by the unit’s laboratory separators, this one is
pharmaceutical industry applications. control panel. The Auto-Shuttle can be manufactured from 316 stainless steel.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, the equipped with a touch-screen control It meets ATEX approval area 20 inside
unit can have up to four magnetic grids panel which indicates the state of the and 21 outside.
through which the product has to pass. device, the time remaining until the www.eclipse-magnetics.co.uk
The number of grids depends on the
product and the type and amount of
contamination.
Magnetic performance on the rod
surface is 9000 gauss and to provide
this high level of power, 14,000 gauss
rare earth neodymium iron boron
magnets are used. A major advantage
provided by this all-stainless-steel
separator is that there are no moving
parts in contact with the product. The
unit is completely closed so there is no
risk of foreign bodies being introduced
into the process line. It is not opened
for cleaning and therefore conforms to
ATEX standards. During cleaning the Eclipse Magnetics’ Auto-Shuttle separator can be equipped with a
magnetics are moved pneumatically, touch-screen control panel (inset) which indicates the state of the
carrying any attached contaminant into device, time remaining until the next cleaning, number of cycles
a decontamination chamber where it performed and any problems.
CAIME, Annemasse, France, a applications in terms of accuracy
world leader in load cells and and speed, such as filling and
weighing solutions, has introduced packaging machines. For example,
eNod4, its latest generation of high- it offers a conversion speed up to
performance weighing controllers.
Meeting the flexibility needs of
1600 measurements per second and
a maximum resolution of 500,000
OEMs and system integrators, it
offers Modbus RTU, CANopen and
PROFIBUS-DP interfaces for perfect
divisions. It also includes and uses
a library of powerful digital filters
dedicated to vibration and noise
connectivity with the main PLCs on the cancellation. SCAIME, which also
market. has manufacturing facilities in China,
eNod4 has been designed exports to more than 60 countries. SCAIME’s eNod4 weighing
for the most demanding weighing www.scaime.com controller.
Belt scale integrators
S iemens Industry Automation division,
Nuremberg, Germany, has improved
its Milltronics BW500 belt scale integrator,
while adding a new version – the Milltronics
BW500/L – to its portfolio. The new version,
developed specifically for simple applications
with belt scales, has two relays. It calculates
rate, totalised weight, belt loading and belt
speed.
An automatic calibration function saves
time during operation. Both versions store
parameter data in a non-volatile Flash memory.
The standard Milltronics BW500 comes with
five relays, offers additional PID control and
batching in its functionalities and is specially
designed for complex applications. Milltronics BW500 and BW500/L belt scale integrators from
www.siemens.com Siemens Industry Automation division.
ON OTHER PAGES… Drum dump feeder
Container for U K-based Flexicon (Europe) at the
end of 2010 introduced the TIP-
TITE™ drum dump feeder that seals
at controlled rates. The drum platform
is raised by a single hydraulic cylinder,
creating a dust-tight seal between the
transporting FIBCs (p5) drums against a discharge cone, tips rim of a drum and the underside of the
the drum and feeds bulk material into discharge cone.
Wear-resistant cone downstream equipment, dustfree and A second hydraulic cylinder tips the
platform-hood assembly and drum,
valve (p10) stopping at dump angles of up to
90 degrees by means of a motion
Screw pump and pipe dampening feature. Material flowing
through the discharge cone feeds into
bends for abrasive the intake adapter of a cantilevered
flexible screw conveyor that feeds
products (p11) downstream equipment volumetrically.
The unit is available in stationary
Improved fluidised zone and mobile configurations and can
accommodate drums in the 115-210
paddle mixer (p12) Drum dump feeder from Flexicon litre capacity range.
(Europe). www.flexicon.co.uk
23/2/11 15:41:34
 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011
Cable and chain driven
tubular drag conveyors
F ollowing its acquisition last
summer of Dynamet Inc (see
July/August 2010 EuroBulkSystems,
p6), Spiroflow, headquartered in
Clitheroe, UK, is now offering two
types of tubular drag conveyor:
Cableflow tubular cable and Dynaflow
tubular chain drag conveyors.
These complement the company’s
established range of flexible screw
and aero-mechanical conveyors. In
addition to these three categories of
mechanical conveyor, Spiroflow also
offers pneumatic vacuum conveyors.
The new Cableflow range has
been developed from Spiroflow’s well
proven aero-mechanical conveyors,
but operated with reduced clearances
and at reduced running speeds and
with purpose-designed drive units and
contact parts. They are especially
suitable for gentle handling through
multiple planes of friable products such
as roast coffee beans or snack foods,
being capable of transferring these
products from single or multiple infeed
points to single or multiple discharge
points. In fact Spiroflow has been
supplying this type of tubular drag
Spiroflow’s Cableflow tubular cable drag conveyor suitable for delicate
products and (right) multiple installations of the heavier-duty Dynaflow
tubular chain drag conveyor shown here feeding a silo.
Metal-detectable aerator
S olimar Pneumatics, Minneapolis,
MN, has developed what is
believed to be the first ever metal-
detectable fluidiser disc in response
to requests from food manufacturers
looking to achieve the very highest
purity for their products. According to
Solimar’s Jeff Lucke, instances of the
company’s fluidiser discs contaminating
product are extremely rare, but discs
that have been mechanically damaged
during bin cleaning, by extreme air
The grey metal-detectable disc (centre) joins the Solimar family of
colour-coded fluidiser discs with their easily recognised radial ridge
design.
Bulk material density guide
available online
H apman, Kalamazoo, MI, is now
offering a comprehensive bulk
material density guide, based on its
accumulated experience of successfully
installing individual systems for
conveying more than 2600 different
bulk materials. The guide has been
designed to provide customers with
an online reference tool to help to
determine the correct specifications
in designing an efficient bulk transfer
system.
EuroBulkSystems Jan/Feb 2011.indd 15
conveyor for years, by employing its
aero-mechanical conveyors operated
at much slower speeds to suit the
physical characteristics of the product
being conveyed.
The Dynaflow range, based on
Dynamet technology, features robust,
heavy-duty discs connected by
articulated metal links (chains) and
are suitable for the most arduous
applications, including working
temperatures up to 250°C. The discs
can be made from different materials
including steel and cast iron. This
range of conveyors has 40 years
of operational experience behind
it backed up by Dynamet technical
engineers who are now part of the
Spiroflow team.
www.spiroflow.com/en/about-
tubular-drag-conveyors
pressures or improper installation could
potentially cause a problem.
The new grey metal-detectable
disc joins the standard blue and
white silicone versions, orange high-
temperature silicone, black and white
EPDM and tan neoprene models. All
these aerators are compatible with
food-grade materials and are FDA
approved.
www.solimarpneumatics.com
It offers easy access to hundreds of
material densities and is especially
user friendly since it includes a
compound search option that quickly
identifies the specific material that the
customer needs to handle. Anyone
can add to the database via an online
request form, ensuring that the guide is
always up-to-date. Print copies are also
available.
www.hapman.com/support/bulk-
material-density-guide.html
NEW EQUIPMENT EuroBulkSystems 15
Hygienic rotary valves are now USDA approved
T he sanitary versions of the rotary
valves manufactured by Coperion,
Weingarten, Germany, have now
engineering and design guidelines
of the EHEDG (European Hygienic
Engineering & Design Group) and
chemical industries demanding the
very highest levels of hygiene. Since
these rotary valves can be readily
been approved by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
following certification in compliance
now meet current, strict requirements
governing usage in the USA.
Employed in pneumatic conveying
inspected and also cleaned quickly
and thoroughly, they are especially
well suited for applications involving
with the USDA Dairy Grading Branch. systems and for discharge of frequent changeovers from one product
These ZRD discharge valves and powdered and granular materials, to another and/or for processing
ZXD blow-through valves are already they are suitable for applications products showing adhesive tendencies.
designed in accordance with the in the food, pharmaceutical and www.coperion.com
All component parts of hygienic versions of the ZRD and ZXD rotary valves are readily accessible for
cleaning; the certificate issued by USDA’s Dairy Grading Branch shown (far right) was awarded by USDA’s
Rocky Bates (left) to Ulrich Bartel (centre) and Steve Broes, both from Coperion.
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23/2/11 15:41:40
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and/or system wear.
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.
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.
Cost effective
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
and ease of installation.
Write or call us today with Blendcon® Air Blending Head
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

Multi-Port Switch - Up to 15 positions

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