Lab-grade briquetter produces fast test data

A specially instrumented, bench-scale, roll-press briquetting machine from KR Komarek offers faster, easier generation of test data needed to improve established compacting/briquetting operations.

A specially instrumented, bench-scale, roll-press briquetting machine from KR Komarek offers faster, easier generation of test data needed to improve established compacting/briquetting operations or to define optimum specifications for new ones.

Rated at 9072kg of roll separating force, Model B100R also can serve as a cost-effective production machine for lower- volume batches, custom blends or variable-product operations.

Equipped with independent, variable-frequency drives to control speeds on compaction rolls and feeder screw, a variety of optional transducers for sensing roll speed, pressure and gap, plus a computerised data acquisition system for analysis and report generation, the B100R eases coordination of the 50 to 100 experiments typically needed for optimising briquette processing variables.

One roll is mounted in a fixed position, the other is moveable.

The force holding the rolls together is provided by hydraulic cylinders pressing against the bearing block that supports the moveable roll.

By adjusting the pressure in these hydraulic cylinders, the force applied between the rolls is easily varied to suit test requirements.

The rolls are cantilevered -- mounted outside of the shaft-bearing blocks to protrude from one end of the press.

This speeds roll changes by eliminating the need to remove the bearings.

The feed-screw assembly is mounted on a sliding base plate, which permits users to move the complete feed assembly out of the way to avoid disassembling the feeder when changing rolls.

No special tools are required to change rolls: an Allen wrench removes the set screws holding the roll keys, and a standard open-end wrench removes the retaining bolts.

Full-featured to simulate larger production-model capabilities, the B100R can satisfy briquetting tests with as little as 2.27 to 5.54kg of particulate material, and test data can be used to estimate performance of full-size briquetters.

With throughput capacity up to 90.7kg per hour, it can produce sample quantities needed for proper statistical evaluation with less time/labour input than typically required with a conventional bench type piston-and-die hydraulic press.

As with full-size machines, the B100R's 129.5mm diameter rotating rolls have half-briquette cavities (pockets) cut into the circumference of each roll.

The rolls are indexed so the half-cavities on opposing rolls match up as the rolls turn, closing to form whole cavities as both halves pass through the roll centreline.

Pressure applied to the loose infed material by the closing roll cavities compresses the material into a solid.

Typically, B100R rolls can produce briquettes up to a maximum dimension of 41 x 22 x 16mm and an infinite variety of custom-designed rolls can provide smaller briquettes, sticks or sheet compacting.

The new unit and its metal control cabinet are installed on a rugged welded-steel stand fitted with large industrial casters for easy in-plant mobility.

It occupies approximately 0.91 x 0.91m of floorspace.

The unit weighs about 816.5kg including stand and controls; a bench-mountable model also is available.

The machines typically are priced around $50,000, including one set of rolls per customer specification.

For temporary testing or trial requirements, the machine is available on a rental basis.

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