Weigh-Feeder

Featuring a spun conical, stainless steel feed-hopper, two-stage material agitator, dual load-cell weigh-section and output rates up to 23 cu ft (650 liters) per hour, the low-range “LS” Mechatron is designed specifically for applications in the cement, gypsum, brick and tile industries involving dry materials including fillers, organic and inorganic colors, bonding and hardening agents, adhesive powders and more. Among the features of the “LS” Mechatron are the following:

• Industrial construction levels
• Integrated, prewired, volumetric or gravimetric control packages
• Disassembly, cleaning, reconfiguring and service from the nonprocess side
• Selection of 1-ft 3-in., 2¼-ft 3-in., 3-ft 3-in. spun, conical stainless steel extension hoppers
• Elimination of material leakage with 360° connection clamps
• Small 15- ∞ 25-in. (380 ∞ 635 mm) footprint (feeder only)
• Profibus, DeviceNet, Modbus or Ethernet communications interfaces (optional)
• Chemical-duty and explosion-proof motors and controls (optional)

Overall, the Mechatron family of Coni-Flex (flexible walled) and Coni-Steel (all stainless steel) feeders are available in a variety of configurations capable of handling most dry materials at feed rates from 10 grams per min. to 1,100 cu ft per hour. Schenck Weighing System, (+1) 800-401-9702
Circle 176 on Reader Service Card

Tension/Compression Force Indicator

Model LK is a portable, digital force indicator that operates on dual 9V batteries. While its compact size makes it suitable for use in remote locations or on the shop floor, the LK may also be panel mounted with 110VAC or 11-32VDC power. It is said to instantly perform force measurement and calibration in tension and compression up to 10,000 lb. with repeatability of 0.2% F.S. The Model LK features an easy-to-read 4½-in. digit LCD display. Engineering units are field selectable, and the Hi/Lo capture feature allows the highest and lowest force readings to be displayed with the push of button. A zero/tare button is also standard on all models. Stainless steel construction reportedly stands up to rough use as a transfer standard for press calibration, material testing, and spring testing. Optional NEMA 4 construction is available. Accessories include NIST certificate, panel mount ring, carrying case, and integral handle. DCT Instruments, (+1) 800-328-1028
Circle 177 on Reader Service Card

Load Cell

Model 41a is a precision tension/compression load cell that offers an internally amplified, high-level 4-20 mA or 0-5 VDC output and Cenelec, FM, CSA, and CE approvals. This unit features a low-profile, “pancake” design, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications in which space may be limited. Standard units are available in ranges from 0-5 through 0-500,000 lb. The manufacturer notes that the bonded-foil, strain-gauge load cell delivers exceptional nonlinearity (±0.1%), hysteresis (±0.08%) and repeatability (±0.03%) specifications. Full-scale, plus or minus deflection is only 0.003 in., and the operating temperature range is from -20° to 185°F. All-welded, stainless steel construction provides excellent resistance to side load, bending and torque. The high output eliminates problems associated with electrical noise, RFI and EMI. The internal amplifier eliminates the need for costly external signal conditioning and amplification as it reduces setup time. Sensotec, Inc., (+1) 614-850-5000
Circle 178 on Reader Service Card

Cut-Off Valve

The Spheri Valve is a fast-closing, bulk-materials cut-off valve based on a dome assembly design. According to the manufacturer, the valve features simple, but robust construction allowing reliable, unrestricted full-bore material flow that minimizes the possibility of material build-up within the valve body. The Spheri Valve design incorporates an inflatable seal, which automatically deflates during opening and closing, inflating only when the dome is fully closed to eliminate unnecessary wear. The valves are capable of handling fine-grained materials and hard, abrasive products. Vane actuator models can cut through static columns of material up to ⅛-in. in particle size, and through moving columns of powders, pastes and granular products similar to coal, above ⅛-in. Cylinder actuator models have the added capability of cutting through static columns of material over ⅛-in. in particle size. Spheri Valves can handle pressures up to 435 psi and material temperatures from -4° to 900°F, lasting up to 1 million cycles between major overhauls in many applications. Valve sizes — from 2 in. to 20 in. — are available, as are several end connection configurations. Water-cooled options are offered for applications involving temperatures in excess of 400∞F, as are special features such as a solenoid valve and timer and a quick-exhaust valve. Available in cast iron, S G iron, stainless or carbon steel with four surface coatings, the Spheri Valve is suitable for handling a wide range of materials from fine and abrasive to sticky and cohesive, including detergents, ores and ash. Clyde Materials Handling, Inc., (+1) 513-576-9200
Circle 179 on Reader Service Card

Robotic Palletizing Systems

Ready for shipment with only a two-week lead time, the standard, fully integrated robotic system includes the A1600 palletizer, capable of attaining speeds up to 20 bags per minute. If required, it can be converted to a single-line case system at no extra charge, and minor layout changes can be made upon installation. Automatic pallet dispensing is standard for pallet sizes ranging from 36 ∞ 36 in. to 48 ∞ 48 in. Upgrades can provide capabilities to handle multiple lines and sheet placement. Columbia/Okura LLC, (+1) 360-735-1952
Circle 180 on Reader Service Card

Air Cannon Thermo Safety Shield

To protect plant personnel from exposure to high temperatures during air cannon maintenance in such applications as cement plant preheater towers and clinker coolers, Thermo Safety Shield provides a barrier that moves into place with the flip of a lever to allow air-cannon service procedures like piston replacement or seat inspection to be performed without safety risk. The device is installed on the air cannon's discharge pipe between the discharge opening and the entry into the high-temperature system. A simple eight-bolt retrofit, the shield will fit air cannons originally supplied by any manufacturer. The Thermo Safety Shield promotes compliance with plant safety requirements, including lockout and tag-out procedures. Martin Engineering, (+1) 309-594-2384
Circle 181 on Reader Service Card