Beefier PET crystallizer eliminates arm breakage.

Agitator shaft and arm breakage are common problems that require major downtime for PET crystallizers. No more, says Walton/Stout, Inc. in Lithonia, Ga. Its new "ultra-heavy-duty" crystallizing hoppers carry a lifetime limited warranty against breakage. In case of a power outage or downstream equipment stoppage, the new crystallizers are able to start up under full load, and the shaft and arms can withstand all the power and torque the motor and gearbox can apply. New high-efficiency gearboxes transmit around 95% of the motor horsepower to the shaft, whereas many commonly used gearboxes use as much as 30% to 40% of the available power just to turn the output shaft with no load connected.

The new crystallizers are use two-stage agitation - i.e, the material is agitated before and after the glass-transition stage to prevent agglomeration. The standard agitator arms are drilled and tapped to accept additional rakes, which can be easily installed, removed, or repositioned without welding. A heavy-duty, variable-speed discharge feeder also helps break up agglomerates before they leave the hopper. Durable vibrating-tine level sensors are said to withstand the high temperatures and sticky material inside the crystallizer. Available sizes are 5 to 300 cu ft, suited to rates of 50 to 7500 lb/hr. Tel: [phone], www.waltonstout.com