Product category:
Robotics, Handling and Storage
News Release from: Mass Measuring Systems | Subject: Materials handling systems
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 03 July 2006
Handling system meets manufacturer's
demands
A materials handling system has been engineered for the specific requirements of a manufacturer of gypsum-based products.
Mass Measuring Systems has engineered a materials handling system enabling a manufacturer of gypsum-based products to receive bulk supplies of various powder ingredients in FIBCs discharged through a common station and then pneumatically transfer selected materials into one of nine existing vacuum receiving hoppers as each needs topping-up The system was installed with a PLC control system based around a Siemens S7-300 unit, with interlocked conveying system control and a touch-screen input/output enabling setup of transfer proportions, access to key parameters and full system optimisation
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 16 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Dryer refurbishment showcases skills
The decision by Lafarge Aggregates to bring a major piece of equipment back into operation gave engineering company Ace Arc the opportunity to use all its welding and fabrication expertise.
Conveyor cleaner wins in long-term test
In trials conducted at British Energy's Eggborough Power Station, Ace Arc's Dirt Whacker was found to be a most durable and effective conveyor belt cleaner.
Mass Measuring's latest conveying routines include automatic in-flight correction and a full alarm giving clear descriptions of any plant problem.
Hopper selection is made using a manual plug-in board located near the FIBC discharger and the main panel details which line is being filled and what material it is transferring to the particular day bin.
Signals from existing high, medium and low level hopper probes indicate bin product level and alert operators of any material running low so that the correct material and line can be selected to top-up that bin.
Further reading
Dirt Whacker cleans up in Norway
Ace Arc is helping Norwegian quarry owner Franzefoss extend the life of its conveyor belts with the installation of two Dirt Whacker cleaning systems.
PVC blending throughput boosted by 50%
The PVC blending plant of Dolphin Division of Sealed Air Corporation has increased production throughput by up to 50% following a plant upgrade undertaken by Advanced Bulk Systems.
The FIBC discharge unit incorporates a 200-litre capacity take-off feed bin with internal flow cone and external vibrator to assist product flow, so that the flexible outlet pipe can be connected to any one of nine conveying lines to the nine hoppers on the day bins' existing sack tip stations.
Average conveying distance is some 30m vertical by 20m horizontal with each line able to incorporate up to three 90-degree conveying line bends.
Once the appropriate line and hopper are selected and actuated, a convey/discharge cycle tops up the selected day bin to the high-level probe, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
To ensure correct product-to-air ratios for proper handling of varying powder densities, a variable speed rotary valve was fitted to the outlet of the big bag discharger feed, with appropriate preset revolution stages automatically inputted when a bin is selected for filling and adjusting output to suit individual densities.
The FIBC discharge frame with support legs and rest platform has a three-phase out-of-balance vibrator sequenced to suit the materials' flow characteristics and a front access panel allowing safe bag untying/tying.
A pneumatic neck closure valve controls flow from the FIBC and gives full neck closure bag on prior to removal.
A hoist gantry and additional steelwork allows 1.25 tonne FIBCs to be loaded onto the discharge system.
An air-powered rigging frame with quick-acting couplings included a tensioning unit for FIBCs having inner liners.
• Mass Measuring Systems: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
