Latest developments in bulk materials handling technology
Pitman, NJ, USA (August 2015) – At this year’s PackExpo, September 28-30, 2015, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, West Hall, Booth S-7470, Coperion and Coperion K-Tron present their latest technological developments that are advancing packaging and bulk materials handling to the next level. Representing their comprehensive portfolio in bulk materials handling systems, feeding solutions, packaging systems and service for the plastics, food, pharmaceutical and chemicals industry the equipment on display will include an Integrated Bagging & Palletizing Machine IBP250/500, a Sanitary Filter Receiver, a ZRD Hygienic Rotary Valve, a Smart Weigh Belt Feeder, and a Twin Screw Loss-in-Weight Feeder.
Integrated Bagging & Palletizing Machine IBP250/500 – ideal for free flowing granular products
The FFS Packaging Machine IBP 500 with automated features provides accurate weighing, ideal dosing and hygienic packaging for crystalline, granular, beaded or flaked goods. Ideal for free flowing granular products, this investment-friendly machine saves production space as well as planning and installation costs. It’s user-friendly with easy-to-use operator menus and comprehensive documentation. It accepts multiple bag styles, which will be on display in the booth. Its modular design allows an easy upgrade of machine performance to be made without replacing the complete system. Check weigher, metal detector, bag marking system and automatic cleaning can optionally be integrated into the system. As an added benefit, advanced control functions permit complete integration of the packaging line into a variety of processes, including pneumatic conveying, feeding or extrusion, which can also be provided by Coperion and Coperion K-Tron.
Sanitary Filter Receiver for quick clean-out and elimination of cross contaminants
The Sanitary Filter Receiver (SFR) provides automatic separation of product material from the convey air for vacuum and pressure conveying sanitary applications in batch and continuous processes. The SFR is specifically designed for stringent food applications requiring quick clean-out and to reduce food contaminants and/or the cross contamination of allergens. The unit is easily cleanable with round corners, no ledges and no hidden areas. The tool-less side entry access door allows for safe and easy cleaning of the unit and simple access to the filter media for fast changeover. The access door and tube sheet are integrated on a single hinge with removable tube filter assemblies. The unique material entry design on the top of the receiver reduces can velocity concerns. The unit also features an integral 70 degree hopper, mounting legs and pressure differential indicator. The SFR is designed to meet FDA, EHEDG, ATEX standards and can easily be adapted for NFPA standards.
The SFR is available in a 914 mm (36 in) and a 1,219 mm (48 in) diameter unit. It is constructed from DIN 1.4301 [AISI 304] stainless steel with highly polished P150 grit Ra 0.8 surface on both the interior and exterior of the unit – commonly used in food processing and dairy equipment. All product contact welds are continuous ground flush and polished to 1.65 Ra (80 grit). The filter tube sheets include filters made from spunbond polyester with an ePTFE membrane which is FDA acceptable. The filters are cleaned by sequential pulses of compressed air from a removable, locally mounted accumulator. Pulsing intervals are adjusted via an DIN 1.4301 (AISI 304) stainless steel IP66 (NEMA 4X) timer panel to ensure optimal cleaning. Coperion K-Tron designs and manufactures sanitary support stands and service platforms to accommodate the SFR units.
ZRD Hygienic Rotary Valve – USDA approved, easy to clean
Coperion’s ZRD sanitary rotary valves have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) following certification in compliance with the USDA Dairy Grading Branch. Already designed in accordance with the engineering and design guidelines of the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group), these sanitary rotary valves also meet the current, strict requirements governing application in the USA. The valves can be used in the food, pharmaceuticals and chemical industries for applications demanding even the highest degree of hygiene and cleanliness. In addition, they are distinguished by their extreme reliability in operation. As these rotary valves can be readily inspected and also cleaned quickly and thoroughly, they are ideal for applications involving frequent changeovers from one product to another and/or for the processing of products with adhesive tendencies. Parameters such as particle size, cohesion and adhesion influence the flow properties of bulk materials and therefore the correct design and layout of bulk material handling components. The ZRD Hygienic Rotary Valve offers an extra-large inlet for high throughputs and is suitable for pneumatic conveying up at up to 1.5 bar (g)/21 psi.
The sanitary versions of the ZRD rotary valves are used in pneumatic conveying systems and for the discharge of powdered and granular materials. The certified versions of the ZRD series of rotary valves are equipped with the innovative and service-proven FXS (Full Access System), which enables easy withdrawal of the rotor, as both side covers can be swung out through an angle of more than 90°, making the interior of the rotary valve fully accessible. The withdrawn rotor can then be readily detached from the side cover.
Smart Weight Belt Feeder for high-precision continuous and batch feeding
The Smart Weigh Belt can be supplied in two different belt widths: 300 mm and 600 mm. The mass and volume flow rate is strongly dependent on the bulk density, the maximum allowable height of the bulk solid on the belt and the belt speed. By utilizing different control software, the Smart Weigh Belt can be used to feed material into a batch system. The Smart Weigh Belt uses digital load cells instead of analogue load cells.
Twin Screw Loss-in-Weight Feeder
Gravimetric feeding of free flowing to very poorly flowing powders (e.g. lumpy, moist or bridge building materials) as well as fibers, flakes, especially in pharma applications. The weigh bridge is a sanitary version and therefore suitable where quick and easy cleaning is essential. The modular twin-shaft feeder is mounted on a weigh bridge. A great variety of feeder screws allow for the accommodation of various bulk materials. All parts in contact with the material being fed are stainless steel. The modular components are held together by V-clamps. The horizontal agitator gently moves bulk material to the large throat and then into the discharge screws. It is removable without tools. The horizontal agitator speed totals 14% of the screw speed.