Fairs
Improved Pellet Quality and Easier Handling
New Generation of Strand Pelletizers
Coperion Pelletizing Technology, introduces improved dual bearing strand pelletizers which have been re-engineered based on field experience and current market demands. The SP140, SP240 and SP340 models in the SP series have been equipped with a variety of enhanced features for easy, rapid handling and optimized pellet quality. Moreover, the company has developed a new proprietary technology for cutting gap adjustment which impresses users with increased comfort and speed compared to tried and true classic systems. The new generation of the strand pelletizers will be on display for the first time at K 2019 in hall 14 at booth 14B19.
This new cutting gap adjustment (patent pending) constitutes the heart of the re-engineered strand pelletizers. Conventional solutions like eccentric screws or compression-tensioning screws present disadvantages such as non-linear movements, potential dirt pockets on the product, several setting steps or subsequent shifting from additional locking mechanisms. The unique new technical solution from Coperion Pelletizing Technology offers faster and more comfortable adjustment. Fine adjustment is also simpler and more precise, as it can be done by hand without tools. Likewise, the integrated spring pre-tensioning eliminates the screws’ free clearance, markedly reducing machine setup times.
Optimization reduces service and downtime
Along with the more compact design and integration of the operation panel into the machine, the reworking of the interior space counts first and foremost among further new developments. The robust cutting tools have been installed closer to one another, thus enabling a shorter, unguided strand length in the pelletizer and the best possible cutting results, especially with soft materials. This new construction results in less dead space in the interior which, together with optimized edges and fewer free surfaces, provides improved cleanability. Furthermore, the new quick change cutting chamber system really impresses users. The complete cutting area is accessible without tools and the cutting unit can be exchanged quickly and easily. This quick change minimizes machine servicing times and downtimes. Likewise, Coperion Pelletizing Technology reworked the intake area; whereas this previously used a conical construction, today a straight intake allows strands to be optimally side fed into the pelletizer. Strands are therefore fed directly into the pelletizer without deflection. Side panels on the intake roller prevent individual strands from breaking free. Moreover, intake proceeds without splits or gaps so that strand tears and bevel are avoided during intake. Additionally, Coperion was able to increase the operating width by 20 mm so that higher throughputs are now possible. Pelletizing in this new design also features improved soundproofing. Along with the more compact interior cutting space and the resulting smaller sound chamber, all motors are now housed under the base plate and are noise insulated there. In so doing, machine operation at a very low noise level is possible.
Pelletizing with a multitude of options, suitable for every need
These new, optimized strand pelletizers are available now, impressing manufacturers not only with these new developments but with proven technology as well. Among these, for example, are a pellet outlet chute with soundproof cladding, a frequency-controlled drive, and pneumatic control for feed roll pressure. The baseplate is mounted on vibration-insulating rubber pads; likewise, the pelletizer is installed on lockable rollers for more flexibility. In the control cabinet, transfer signals are built in for remote control; moreover, the pelletizer is equipped with a safety device (Haake system), in place of the classic retarding spindle. Operation is thus even more ergonomical and safe.
Further features are available as options for Coperion pelletizers, including a high temperature-resistant upper feed roll for long service life as well as wear-protected or corrosion-protected cutting rotors for highly filled or reinforced materials. Increased drive power for high processing demands is likewise available as a dual drive — with a driven upper feed roll for improved intake. Optional cooling for the feed roll and the cutting head to cool the entire cutting chamber ensures a longer service life. Coperion Pelletizing Technology also offers control cabinet climate control for especially demanding environmental conditions.
Coperion at the K 2019: Hall 14, Stand B19
Chemicals Fairs Food & Beverage Pharmaceuticals Plant Construction, Engineering & Components
For the polymers, chemical, pharma and food industry
Next Generation of High Accuracy Vibratory Feeding Technology
Coperion K-Tron is proud to announce a completely new K3 line of vibratory feeders for dry bulk solids. The innovative new feeder design features a unique, patent-pending drive system combined with an advanced control package. The new K3 vibratory feeder is able to achieve accuracies averaging 35% better over traditional vibratory technologies. This revolutionary new generation of Coperion K-Tron loss-in-weight vibratory feeders offers gentle handling of the bulk material, higher accuracy and faster product changeover, resulting in less product waste, less downtime and better end product quality as well as improved sustainability.
New technology brings significant advantages
These advantages are possible thanks to groundbreaking new technology. The key to achieving high accuracy is the ability to deliver a continuous, even product discharge with minimal pulsations. The new K3 vibratory drive is able to do this thanks to a completely new shock absorber design. Conventional vibratory feeders use rubber or spring shock absorbers, which allow movement of the drive in all directions, resulting in rotational motion. In contrast to these conventional shock absorbers, the new K3 line uses a unique flexible pendulum technology which provides shock absorption only parallel to the desired direction of motion, eliminating rotational movement. This parallel motion ensures an even material flow of the product along the entire length of the tray.
The advanced control system and feeder electronics include internal sensors which measure acceleration, displacement, load, current and temperature at rates of up to 25,000 times per second. The fast-acting controller then adjusts the vibratory drive signal to maintain clean sinusoidal displacement for optimal mass flow. The combination of this unique drive with the Coperion K-Tron SmartConnex control system also results in extremely low energy consumption as compared to other feeding technologies. Power consumption can be as low as 20 Watts for feed rates as high as 6,000 kg/h, thus making it ideal for improved production sustainability and minimal heat dissipation.
The typical feeder package consists of a feed hopper, vibratory tray and vibratory drive mounted on a weighing system featuring patented, high accuracy Smart Force Transducer weighing technology and combined with SmartConnex controls. The mechanical package is modular in design, and versatile in that it can accommodate custom tray configurations and lengths, offering the user more flexibility. A special quick-release clamp mechanism on the feeder tray allows for quick product changeover. The absence of mechanical wear parts results in lower maintenance requirements and ensures gentle handling of the bulk material. In addition to the standard design, a line of hygienic, easy-clean configurations is also available. These include a hygienic silicone cover to enclose the complete drive assembly, making it also suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Ideal for gentle handling of difficult bulk materials
Vibratory feeders are ideal for the gentle handling of a wide variety of materials, including friable products, abrasive products, products with non-uniform shapes, and glass fibers. They are ideally suited to applications such as the high accuracy feeding of finished food products to packaging lines, uncoated tablets to coating lines, as well as difficult feeding of pellets or regrind to plastic extrusion lines, for example in plastic recycling applications.. Vibratory feeders can often be a viable alternative to screw feeders for difficult materials, where gentle vibratory feeding may allow feeding without build-up which can occur on screws and screw tubes.
Coperion at the K 2019: Hall 14, Stand 14B19
Fairs Food & Beverage Plant Construction, Engineering & Components Pumps & Compressors
Adding value with state-of-the-art separation technologies
Smart solutions for the beer-brewing process
International technology group Andritz is presenting its unrivalled range of separation and filtration technologies for the beer industry at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg, Germany, from November 12 to 14, 2019, hall 7, booth 7-421. Experts from Andritz will be on hand to provide specialist support for a wide range of brewing processes from mash filtration to yeast beer recovery and beer filtration.
The solutions cover a wide range of separation and filtration processes and equipment needed for beer production – from filter presses and dynamic crossflow filters to decanters and separators.
One special product designed exclusively for the brewing industry is the Art Brew beer clarifier, the latest version of which will be showcased at BrauBeviale. Combining efficiency and ease of maintenance, Art Brew is a high-quality and simple-to-operate beer clarification solution, which comes as a plug-and-play unit for the craft beer industry but also in large sizes for industrial beer production.It comprises a unique inert-gas sealing system known as KO2 (knock-out oxygen) that prevents unacceptable levels of oxygen pick-up between the clarifier inlet and outlet connections. Thanks to its small dimensions and custom configuration, the Art Brew is not only highly efficient, but also a very compact solution that is quick to install. The Art Brew range caters to brewers of any size, with a beer clarification capacity ranging from 50 to 700 hectoliters per hour. Visitors will be able to explore the Art Brew’s control options and see the process clearly from close quarters.
Another separation technology that has proven its worth for producers of a wide range of beverages is the Andritz Dynamic Crossflow Filter (DCF). Its rotating membranes allow users to separate highly viscous sludges like surplus yeast up to yeast concentrations containing more than 25% by weight, thereby ensuring optimum yeast beer recovery with the highest filtration quality. Because breweries no longer have to dilute the yeast with water in order to process it, the filtered beer can be blended with the main stream without any impact on the quality or alcohol content. As a result, this method becomes an interesting alternative to traditional concentration technologies.
The membrane filter presses ensure that the effective filtration of mash is kept at a constant, high quality level. As filter press filtration is a sealed process, the risk of oxidation is kept to a minimum. Additional peace of mind comes from the fact that Andritz filter presses are not only easy to clean and come with the option of cleaning-in-place solutions, but the components also conform to FDA standards. In addition, brewery customers in particular benefit from the fact that Andritz filter presses can be adjusted to a variety of processes and recipes.
IIoT Technologies
With the development of Metris addIQ control systems, the company has taken the lead in IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) solutions for solid/liquid separation processes and offers a wide range of innovative products and services under the Metris technology brand. These technologies allow the evolution of separation processes towards fully automatic operations. In addition to user-free operation, the biggest advantages lie in the fields of predictive maintenance and risk mitigation. The innovative automation solutions add a new dimension to the performance of production facilities by minimizing downtime and maximizing product yield, quality, and consistency – even for operations that are already up and running. Furthermore, they are completely scalable and backed by a specialist network of global automation experts.
One specific smart product that appeals to brewers is the intelligent filter press. Equipped with a Metris addIQ control system, the intelligent filter plate within the filter press is able to measure the residual moisture content in the spent grains while simultaneously monitoring this factor online. This means that the filtration process is always stopped at the ideal moment – gaining valuable filtration time and therefore a higher filtration capacity.
And the expertise doesn’t end with technology – whether customers need spare parts, rentals, local service, repairs, upgrades, or modernization of equipment, Andritz is a full-service provider. From initial consulting through to service agreements, process optimization, and training programs, Andritz specialists are always looking for ways to minimize downtime and increase predictability in operations while raising overall production efficiency. The network of 550 service specialists and global service centers ensures that the firm will always be there to support its customers for many lifecycles to come.
Andritz at the Brau Beviale 2019: Hall 7, Stand 421
Fairs Measurement, Instrumentation, Control & Automation Plant Construction, Engineering & Components
Product related and smart services
Customer focused solutions for smart engineering
Digital and product related services are also playing an increasingly important role in the drives industry. Against this background, Wittenstein alpha will unveil a value-added service portfolio – the web based “Wittenstein Service Portal” – which is individually tailored to the needs of fitters, maintenance technicians and commissioning and service engineers. As of November 2019, details of all standard products from Wittenstein alpha, Wittenstein cyber motor and Start-up Galaxie can be displayed on a Service Portal website for each individual product. All relevant product information such as technical data, video tutorials, documentation, add-on components and accessories, successor models can be accessed there easily throughout the lifecycle together with numerous other services. Gearboxes with cynapse – in other words, with an integrated sensor module and an IO-Link interface – are likewise incorporated along with smart services, so that the Service Portal simultaneously builds bridges to Wittenstein components used in IIoT environments.
The second generation of Wittenstein cyber motor’s small servo drive system promises even more performance in terms of connectivity, configurability and compactness. The completely redesigned cyber simco drive 2, which is about 30 percent smaller and also forms part of the new, compact cyber dynamic system, is the principal highlight here. Integrated in the motor, it impresses with its connection to the PLC in real time via a multi-Ethernet interface as well as decentralized intelligence directly on the axis.
The ability to generate motions directly in the servo drive relieves the machine’s automation system. Moreover, by integrating the electronics in the motor, a compact and installation-friendly design results while at the same time wiring is eliminated. The optional integration of multiturn encoders, holding brakes and planetary gearboxes further expands the functionality of the servo motors in the cyber dynamic line. In short, manufacturers profit from smart and totally new performance dimensions.
Wittenstein at the SPS 2019: Hall 4, Stand 221