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Focus on Weighing

| By Gerald Ondrey

Alfa Laval

This load cell is robust and hygienic

The UltraPure single-point load cell (photo) is a comprehensive solution for hygienic process weighing and measurement of liquid level, mix ratios, dosage or batching, and is suitable for weighing on small hoppers and vessels, scales or conveyor belts. With its patented technology, mounting kits are unnecessary and setup is quick and easy. A complete laser-welded construction makes the weighing system an ideal choice in processes where the production environment is hosed down on a daily basis. The pre-calibration of the load cells eliminates the need for onsite calibration in many applications. Mechanical protection devices are not necessary when installing these digital load cells. This is not only an important cost and maintenance saver, but also allows for a hygienic installation. Two standard accuracy ranges ( 0.05% and 0.025%) are available that cover a total measurement range up to 150 kg. — Alfa Laval AB, Lund, Sweden

www.alfalaval.com

A new compact class for weighing technology

This company recently announced an upgrade to its weighing technology portfolio to include two complete packages for standalone applications: the new weighing terminals Siwarex WT231 for non-automatic scales and Siwarex WT241 for belt scales and solids flowmeters combine weighing electronics and a touch panel in a single unit. The two new weighing terminals can be set up as a standalone solution with the utmost speed and simplicity, and using an RS485 Modbus RTU interface, they also allow integration into any commonly used control environment. Due to its extensive diagnostic capability and limit value control, the Siwarex WT231 weighing terminal with integrated WP231 weighing module can be used in industries demanding a high degree of accuracy, like food and beverage production, and the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The WT231 weighing terminal is suitable for measuring the amount of product in a bin or tank where the mass of the material is required. It can also be used where non-contacting measurement is needed, but other non-contacting technologies are not appropriate because of pressure or temperature. The Siwarex WT241 weighing terminal with integrated weighing module WP241 for belt scales offers not only a high level of measurement accuracy, but also an array of supplementary functions. — Siemens Industry, Inc., Alpharetta, Ga.

www.industry.usa.siemens.com

Hardy Process Solutions

New CIP, open-source checkweighing machines

Introduced last September, the clean-in-place (CIP) version of the Dynamic Checkweigher is able to meet the demands of food or chemical manufacturers. The Dynamic Checkweigher CIP (photo) uses a framework that minimizes horizontal flat surfaces, using sloped faces and round tubing where possible, and a sloped cabinet. An enhanced safety conveyer design minimizes entrapment and other hazards from rotating shafts or equipment. The Dynamic Checkweigher Series is a fully automated system designed to automatically weigh items while in motion for quality control or sorting applications. — Hardy Process Solutions, Inc., San Diego, Calif.

www.hardysolutions.com

Adam Equipment

This weight indicator can be hosed down

The new AE 403 digital weight indicator (photo) features a stainless-steel housing that is IP67 rated, so the indicator can be hosed down or pressure-washed after use. This indicator performs well at food processing plants, in farm environments, on loading docks, or for shipping and receiving tasks. The AE 403 offers features and functions for numerous applications, including weighing, parts counting, percentage weighing and peak hold. A large backlit LCD has 40-mm-high digits that are easily viewed under any lighting conditions, reducing the chance of user error when recording results. Checkweighing is fast and easy, as the display changes color when the weight is over, under or within limits. A capacity tracker on the display helps users easily monitor overloads. — Adam Equipment, Oxford, Conn.

www.adamequipment.com

Two new weight transmitters for automation applications

Mettler Toledo

The ACT350 DIO and ACT350 Powercell Automation Weight Transmitters (photo) have been added to the ACT350 product family. Integration of analog and Powercell weighing systems into automation applications is now easier than ever. These new ACT transmitters provide enhanced network functionality and onboard I/O for direct local control of connected scales, load cells and weigh modules in conjunction with PLC application control. The ACT350 DIO Weight Transmitter delivers precision measurement at an exceptional speed (800 Hz PLC update rate) that is suitable for fast filling and sorting applications. The device supports fast PLC connectivity via add-on profiles and device description files, enabling complete weight integration in minutes. The ACT350 Powercell weight transmitter delivers precise measurement and monitoring of individual load cells. This device also supports fast PLC connectivity via add-on profiles and device description files. — Mettler Toledo, Inc., Columbus, Ohio

www.mt.com

Direct weighing technology with a very high capacity

Schenck Process

The latest generation of this company’s SensiQ WB weighbeam technology (photo) is said to be the world’s highest capacity loadcell, with a nominal capacity of 600 metric tons (m.t.), and can be installed by simply bolting into the given steel structure. This makes it suitable for hopper scales with a total weight of up to 2,500 m.t., as well as for hoppers in train loading systems. The latest SensiQ WB development has an expanded operating temperature range between –40 and 180°C, an improved accuracy of 0.07% across the entire load range, and meets IP68 requirements according to ANSI/IEC 60529. The weighbeams connect directly inside the given structure without moving parts and transmit all disturbance forces and moments with minimal measuring-value interference. — Schenck Process GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany

www.schenckprocess.com

A checkweigher that also sorts tablets

MG America

The MG2 Selekta (photo) is a high-speed checkweigher and sorting machine for the production of tablets. Depending on the product, Selekta can check up to 500,000 units per hour, faster than anything else currently on the market, says the company. This technology is designed for seamless integration with existing tabletting equipment that allows for continuous process manufacturing. The Selekta incorporates the main benefits of the company’s Multi-NETT weight control system. Multi-NETT affords the ability to monitor and control net weight in low-dose applications (5–25 mg). The system also can singularly monitor and control the net weight of multiple components dosed into a capsule, and rejects any capsule that exceeds preset weight tolerances. — MG America, Inc., Fairfield, N.J.

www.mgamerica.com

Affordably replace manual ingredient batching

Sterling Systems & Controls

The Affordable Batching Controller (photo) is a semi-automatic batching system that still requires operator involvement through each step in the batching process, but provides automated operator instructions and prompting, ingredient validation and lot tracking, automatic weighing with over/under tolerance control and more. This controller will eliminate bad batches that result from operator error and interruption. The operator no longer needs to keep track of where he or she is in the batching process — the automated Hand Prompt Batching Station does that automatically. The controller’s PC and touchscreen display will ask the operator to weigh ingredients, then the controller sequences an operator through a formula one ingredient at time. The primary advantage of the system is to ensure that each ingredient is added to the container, is within a programmed weight tolerance and from the correct ingredient lot before the controller will index to the next ingredient to be added. — Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc., Sterling, Ill.

www.sterlingcontrols.com

Integrated feeding, weighing and mixing boost efficiency

Gericke USA

The Continuous Manufacturing Modules (CMM; photo) integrate feeding, weighing and mixing as a single, continuous step. Developed to increase speed and efficiency in oral solid-dosage pharmaceutical manufacturing, the CMMs combine a high-precision loss-in-weight feeder with a continuous mixer and the company’s proprietary process analytical technology (PAT) to automatically convert the active drug and up to five excipients into tablets with a homogeneous distribution of ingredients in minutes. Streamlining the process versus batch production, the CMMs cut several hours from the batch process and eliminate the need for large-volume mixers and storage tanks, along with their cleaning and space requirements, while meeting quality targets and reducing the cost per tablet. Custom engineered as a turnkey solution, the CMMs are designed to seamlessly integrate with direct compression, dry and wet granulation and hot-melt extrusion processes, and to serve as a self-contained process for product R&D. The systems are FDA-approved and GMP-compliant. — Gericke USA, Inc., Somerset, N.J.

www.gerickegroup.com

New feeder line with integrated load cell

The new DS line of pellet feeder (photo) is available in four sizes and is characterized by a simple design. The S version is for continuous operation involving one material and the E version is for frequent product changeovers. The difference between them can be explained by the way the motor and screw are configured. On the DS-S, the standard version, both components are linked together. This is ideal for long-term feeding. For product changeovers and cleaning, both can only be removed together. The enhanced DS-E version features a different design: the motor remains in place, and is only shifted to allow the screw to be removed from the rear. The DS-E is therefore suitable for pellet-feeding processes that involve frequent product changeovers. The entire DS line is typically equipped with an analog load cell, but a digital load cell can also be installed, if required. — Brabender Technologie GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg, Germany

www.brabender-technologie.com

Accurately weigh grams per hour to tons per minute

With a broad product line that addresses everything from main silo discharge to micro-ingredient feeding, this company offers a continuous or batching weighing solution for nearly any dry bulk-feeding problem. Accurate weighing of dry bulk solids requires reliable and consistent flow of material from storage into the feed mechanism itself. The manufacturer’s use of controlled vibration promotes flow, uniformly densifies the material, and completely fills and empties each flight of the feed screw. As a result, all the company’s weigh feeding systems start as highly accurate volumetric feeders, eliminating inaccuracy during the refill cycle. Weigh feeders in screw sizes from 1/4 to 18 in. are available. — Vibra Screw Inc., Totowa, N.J.

www.vibrascrew.com

Hoist attachment handles all 55-gallon drums

The HCB hoist attachment (photo) safely lifts steel, fiber and plastic drums weighing up to 2,000 lb using the company’s Parrot-Beak drum-handling attachment. The model HCB-BC attaches to any overhead hoist, crane or boom and engages drums automatically. A mechanical clamping system engages the top lip of the container, assuring a safe and reliable pick-up each time. An adjustable counter-balance on the main frame of the unit allows for safe handling of all drums from 15 to 27 in. in diameter. A padded belt cradle protects the drum sidewall during transport. The model HCB is available in one- or two-drum configurations, including stainless-steel units for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications. — Liftomatic Material Handling, Inc., Buffalo Grove, Ill.

www.liftomatic.com