Metering and feeding: product lines reviewed.

METERING AND FEEDING

ACCUMETRIC, INC.

See Meter-Mix, Inc.

ACCURATE, INC.

Using its AccuRate feeder, company offers loss-in-weight systems for feeding a variety of pigments, fillers, stabilizers and reinforcers with deviations as low as [+ or -] 0.25-0.50%. The feeder's agitation features reportedly provide superior materials handling capabilities. The hopper is gently massaged from the outside by two paddles, conditioning the material to a uniform bulk density and eliminating bridging and ratholing. The feeder sits on a counterbalanced scale that weighs only the material in the feeder, not the feeder itself, to deliver maximum resolution. The controller can be configured to control one, two, three or four feeders at the same time. Advanced features include dynamic refill compensation, multiple security access codes and an optional communication package. With loss-in-weight systems, materials can be fed continuously at rates from 0.25 to 45,000 lb/hr, or batched off or onto a scale at cycle times from a few seconds to a few minutes.

ACRISON, INC.

Offers a complete and versatile line of metering, blending and hoppering equipment for precision handling of dry, solid and liquid materials.

Company says that it developed the first commercially successful weight-loss-type continuous feeder produced in the U.S.

AMERICAN LEWA, INC.

Supplies reciprocating, positive-displacement metering pumps and complete packaged systems for injection of liquid additives (colorants, flame retardants, lubricants, peroxide, plasticizers, uv stabilizers) and blowing agents (CFC, [CO.sub.2], butane) into the extrusion process. The pumps are all stainless and are offered in plunger or sealless diaphragm designs with manual or automatic flow adjustment and ability to follow extruder speed. Multiple head arrangements allow on-line blending of additives. Virtually all flow rates, pressures, and fluid characteristics can be accommodated. Complete systems include tank and piping, filters, heating/cooling, dampeners, relief valves, flowmeter, controls, safety devices, etc., as needed. Flow accuracy is better than 1%.

ANDREWS PRODUCTS INC.

Offers its TruFlo positive-displacement pressure discharge pump, which can pump liquids from zero viscosity to liquids that will not even pour (100,000 cp). It will handle thixotropic, Newtonian, and non-Newtonian liquids. The unit meters and pumps directly from the closed drum and is simple to mount and operate. A standard-size pump body screws into 2-in. bung on 30-or 55-gal drums. Very small amounts can be pumped within 0.5% accuracy. This accuracy is also maintained on moderate volumes, or on large volumes, which can be easily handled with selection of a larger pumping head. The pump has an infinite-speed control up to 1200 rpm.

The progressive-cavity positive-displacement pump is designed to produce an accurate and constant flow of liquids. It is not affected by the following inherent conditions: changes in viscosity, whether by temperature or shear forces; Newtonian or non-Newtonian; solvated or suspended materials.

CHRONOS RICHARDSON, INC.

Offers engineered products and systems for high-accuracy and throughput metering, conveying, feeding, packaging and control of carbon blacks, oxides and most difficult-to-handle powders.

Low-pressure, high-density, fluidizing pneumatic system transports from bulk unloading, sacks (emptied by automatic sack splitter Model J11), or from storage. Remote adjustable DCV transmitter maximizes conveying rates on the widest range of blacks, with minimal fines generation for optimum dispersion in mixer.

Air-slide feeder with fluidized bed and precise dosing valve provides accurate batch/transfer with low fines.

For prepackaging small additives in low-melt poly bag for direct addition to mix, company's Small Powder System has accurate batch control of 16 bins in multi-formulation with auto-bag form/ fill/seal.

Total plant process control from bulk intake through weighing, mixing, and downstream routing control to finished product storage is provided by Select-O-Weigh 900 computerized system with color graphics.

CINCINNATI MILACRON

U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Pellet feeders are microprocessor-controlled, utilizing a closed-loop system in conjunction with recovery time. The feeders are designed with a pivot motor mount, interchangeable auger/liners, a sample port, slide-out supply hopper and hopper sight glass. A variable-speed, 90 volt d-c motor is used. Options include oversized riser with drawer magnet and quick-change auger kits.

COMET AUTOMATION SYSTEMS INC.

Manufactures automatic equipment for precision metering and blending of granulate, both free-flowing and nonfree-flowing powders, regrinds, liquids, and pastes on the processing machine. The metering/mixing unit may either be machine-mounted or mounted on a stand for central blending. Three different models are offered with total throughputs up to 2500 lb/hr. The mixing hopper is fabricated of stainless steel to insure longer wear-time and greater reliability. The metering hopper uses aluminum metering discs for high accuracy. The metering/mixing units are of a modular design allowing for future system expansion.

CONAIR FRANKLIN

THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Offers a wide variety of metering/ blending/feeding equipment to suit specific applications:

* Proportioning colorant/regrind feeder is suitable for dual, at-the-throat volumetric feeding of color and regrind to virgin.

* Additive metering feeder allows volumetric, at-the-throat metering of one or two additives to the flow of virgin or virgin/regrind materials.

* Autocolor allows batch volumetric loading/blending of virgin, regrind resins with color concentrate of dry colors.

* Microconomix allows blending of pellets, powders, regrinds, concentrates and liquids for up to 1200 lb/hr.

* Conomix allows continuous volumetric blending for up to 4000 lb/hr.

* Gravicon allows continuous precision volumetric blending of free-flowing pellets and powders, regrinds, color concentrates and other free-flowing materials for up to 5000 lb/hr at accuracies of 0.5%.

DRESSER INDUSTRIES 

See Jeffrey Div.

FILTERLESS CONVEYING SYSTEMS

Its Hurricane feeders for compounding and molding are specifically tailored to customer's needs and applications, including custom transition pieces to fit any machine. Sizes range from less than 1 gm/min to 50 lb/min. Units possess a solid-state probe and microprocessing, programmable counter, and are accurate to 1/12th of a revolution at any rpm. Feeders can be supplied with agitated hoppers, static mixers, level controls, and alarm and loading systems. Materials handled range from concentrate to flake regrind and powders. Available options include cycle counters, solid-state high-level control alarms, and static and agitated mixing units.

GENERAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Offers a full line of industrial counting and weighing equipment including counting and weighing scales, electronic digital counting and weighing indicators, stainless steel over/under check-weighers, bench scales, floor scales and related peripheral equipment. Company also offers its patented Dual Loadcell Counting Scale (DLC) and its Multiple Loadcell Counting Scale (MLC). The MLC solves the parts counting problem of conventional counting scales. Also, the Dual Sensor Module provides the sensitivity of multiple scales for quick and accurate sampling of the smallest parts with the capacity to count a large number of those parts.

GRACO INC.

Produces fluid-transfer and supply pumps (air- and hydromatic-powered), plural component proportioning systems, adhesive applicators, conventional and electrostatic spray-painting equipment, robotic spray finishing, and complete circulating systems.

HFI 

Provides a line of volumetric feeders to accurately feed dry, free-flowing bulk solids (pellets, powders, granules, chips) from 0.001 cu ft/hr to 54 cu ft/hr.

All feeders can be taken apart easily for cleaning. The internally mounted hopper, made of urethane, has external paddles that flex and massage the hopper to break material bridging and hangups. Feeders come with a remote control NEMA four-control panel and are made for variable speed and are suitable for volumetric dispensing of products with accuracy rates of [+ or -] 2% or better.

A.C. HAMILTON, INC.

Company offers its Spectra Metering Feeder, a colorant/additive metering system, which mounts on the processing machine and precisely augers free-flowing materials into base resins as they flow into the machine throat. A variable-speed, d-c motor powers a selected metering auger. Metering occurs on a signal from either the injection or blow molding machine, or in conjunction with extruder speed. The Spectra is available with a variety of metering augers from 1/2-in. to 2-in. diam. to vary letdowns in accordance with shot size or extrusion rates and material type.

The supply hopper includes a quick-cleanout door and the cast-aluminum auger housing includes a sampling port for setup calibration.

An in-line mixer option can increase preblending performance and a machine throat adapter, which mounts between the machine hopper and machine mounting plate, allows two Spectras to feed simultaneously for nearly instant color changes on the same machine. Stacking another adapter on the assembly provides mounting for four Spectra units.

HARREL, INC.

Offers two types of metering equipment: melt pumps, which precisely meter plastic out of the extruder, and weigh feeders, which precisely meter plastic into the extruder.

Melt-pump systems range from less than one lb/hr up to 4000 lb/hr. Systems are complete with metering pump, precision digital-drive, gear reducer, mounting bench, and a microprocessor controller. Weigh feeders are used for large volumes, or where corrosive plastics are to be used. A complete range of sizes is offered. Both melt pumps and weigh feeders are suited for use as part of a closed-loop control system. Company offers its Tube-Trol, Pipe-Trol, and Sheetrol closed-loop systems, which provide close control of the dimensions of the extrudate.

HENNECKE MACHINERY GROUP

See Mobay Corp.

HYDRECLAIM CORP.

Offers its Ratio Weigh Injection Molding Blender (RWIMB), a weigh blender designed specifically for injection molding.

The RWIMB conveys and weighs virgin and regrind to any preset ratio. The color concentrate is volumetrically metered during the virgin/regrind dump cycle into the vertical auger mixer. The unit is controlled by an advanced menu-driven microprocessor with key pad input and large-character (2 x 40) LCD display. Inventory is kept on all materials with RS232, RS422, RS485, and SPI communications. Blending is done at rates of 300, 600, and 1500 lb/hr.

JEFFREY DIV.

DRESSER INDUSTRIES

Offers a full line of vibrating feeders, both single-mass brute-force and two-mass natural-frequency feeders. In the two-mass type, both electromagnetic and electromechanical with adjustable feed rates of 0-100% are manufactured. Feed rates can be adjusted either manually with a control knob or automatically, using a variety of process signals. Controls offer flexibility in operation for batching and blending systems.

A wide variety of feeder decks is available, varying in widths from 4-96 in. and lengths from 1-25 ft. Special designs include enclosed tubular decks with water jacket, heater blanket and many types of metallic and nonmetallic wear liners. Feed rates vary from a few lb/hr to many tons/hr. The electromagnetic type features high-frequency long stroke, encapsulated coils, dust-tight drives, vibration isolation, and advanced design drive without rotating parts. The electromechanical type features a positive cog-belt drive, heavy-duty drive motor, frequency control, low frequency, long stroke and precompressed coupling springs.

JESCO PRODUCTS CO., INC.

Manufactures continuous and intermittent equipment for automatic metering, mixing, and dispensing of epoxies, urethane elastomers, and two-component reactive resin systems for the building and auto industries, including systems to dispense urethanes for roof coating, insulated glass, windshields, and sunroofs. For higher production requirements, units can be equipped with a catalyst system and a mixer assembly, and can be mounted remotely or directly to the dispenser. They provide a uniform material flowrate to the part, are hydraulically or electrically operated, and are readily adaptable to automatic turntable or robotized systems.

Company offers a complete line of equipment from the most basic manual instruments to very sophisticated, multi-functional dispensing systems. Also available is a complete line of in-line shut-off valves, single-component dispensers, applicators, and batch proportioners for fluid and high-viscosity materials up to 12 million cp.

K-TRON VERTECH, INC.

Offers a complete line of gravimetric and volumetric feeders and controls for compounding operations. General-duty, open frame, quick-clean and sanitary-duty weigh-belt feeders control the flow of free-flowing pellets, granules and powders.

Units provide high gravimetric accuracy, overflow rates from 50 to 100,000 lb/hr, and automatic belt-tracking, tensioning, and cleaning systems. Loss-in-weight feeders gravimetrically control flows of dry or liquid materials to 50,000 lb/hr (dry) or 12,000 lb/hr (liquid). Dry material feeders offer a broad choice of single-screw, twin-screw, and vibratory metering elements to tailor the feeder to specific materials handling requirements. Single- and twin-screw volumetric feeders provide economical volumetric control of virtually any dry material to over 1000 cu ft/hr.

Model K-10S Single Ingredient Control offers microprocessor-based design and plug-in control algorithms for continuous or batch compounding operation of any of the company's feeders. Model K-10 Feeder System Control provides for single-point control and monitoring of up to 15 feeders in any desired compounding system configuration.

LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL

A PENTAIR CO.

Manufactures a full line of measuring valves for dispensing vinyl plastisols into molds in precise, preset volumes. Standard model is adjustable from 4 to 46 fl oz, with larger volume ranges available. Company's Multi-Measure incorporates 10 adjustable measuring positions on numbered rotating index heads, allowing an output range from 0 to 34.7 cu in. (up to 18.5 fl oz). PTFE packings are standard, as is a manual four-way hydraulic directional valve.

Company also manufactures a complete line of air-operated reciprocating pumps that can be used to supply the plastisols from original containers to the measuring valve. Company's plastisol measuring/dispensing systems are being used by toy manufacturers and automotive trim and accessories manufacturers.

MATSUI AMERICA, INC.

For small molding machines, the JC II metering blender can handle two or three materials, such as virgin, regrind, and powdered or granular additives. The machine-mounted unit consists of a metering drum, two or three material hoppers (which can be self-loading), and a choice of vibratory or rotary feeders. Microprocessor timing control is provided. Models cover a range of 220-660 lb/hr. A Jet Color Mini Blender has capacity up to 110 lb/hr.

MAX MACHINERY, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of liquid flow meters. Specialized capabilities include: measurement of flow rates as low as 1 cc/min, suitable for process temperatures to 550 F and pressures to 3000 psi, the ability to meter liquids with varying viscosities, as well as metering high-viscosity liquids with a minimal pressure drop. The meters are all positive-displacement devices, which offer drift-free, lifetime K-factors, eliminating the need for recalibration.

Company also manufactures liquid blending systems for use with two or more components. Systems will heat materials up to the desired process temperature, degas, meter with an accuracy [+ or -] 0.5% of the desired flow rate, mix and dispense. Systems, according to the company, are suited for blending of urethanes, standard subassemblies and are roll-in-place, turnkey units.

METER-MIX, INC.

SUB. OF ACCUMETRIC, INC.

Designs and manufactures specialized processing equipment for multiple component applications. Equipment designs include pneumatic and hydraulic metering cylinders, gear pump metering systems, variable ratio control, PLC controls, static and dynamic mixing and positive ratio control. Typical products handled include silicone, epoxies, urethanes, and multimix commercial products.

Company offers the latest technology in design and controls for all types of metering process, cold and hot, with metering accuracy of [+ or -] 1% or better. Cylinder designs assure seals are not subject to metering stroke pressure, while pumping systems are available with variable speed and variable output capability for a wide range of ratio selection.

MOBAY CORP.

HENNECKE MACHINERY GROUP

Offers a wide variety of single- and multiple-component metering machines. All metering systems feature high-pressure equipment with the latest technology in mixheads. Metering units are assembled in inlet filter, inlet- and outlet-pressure gauges, high- and low-pressure switches, safety-rupture discs, and motor. Components are mounted, piped, and wired on a free-standing base.

Electronically controlled, high-pressure Rimdomat piston-metering machines can be used for both filled and nonfilled polyurethane systems and are recommended for large-volume applications where consistency and trouble-free operation are essential.

Hennecke mixheads are available from Mobay. Mixheads for open- and closed-mold pouring (either hand-held or mounted) can be cleaned by a hydraulically operated piston or dry air. Shot actuation may be hydraulically synchronized, air-operated, or chemical-pressure actuated. Included are the transverse piston MQ mixhead for all normal polyurethane systems, as well as for difficult mix systems; mold-mounted MP mixheads for RIM and RRIM; ML mixheads with hydraulically actuated nozzles and air-flush mix chambers; and standard HK mixheads, which are lightweight, compact units.

MOULD-TEK INDUSTRIES, INC.

See listing in Conveying, Loading, and Storage.

O.A. NEWTON & SONS CO.

MATERIALS CONTROL SYSTEMS DIV.

Custom designs materials handling, feeding and storage systems for specific compounding and mixing operations. Proprietary units include Micro Ingredients Controller (MIC), a weighting and feeding system for minor ingredients; E-Z Flo vacuum and mechanical lines including conveying systems, self-contained pellet coolers, control systems, vacuum and pressure power systems, and a wide range of specialized manufacturing equipment and repair services. Company will design, engineer and custom build components for the system or retrofit an existing system.

NOVATEC INC.

Company's auger feeder can be machine mounted to save floor space. Up to four feeders with various feeder-screw combinations can be mounted on a single throat providing throughputs of up to 3960 lb/hr of material having a bulk density of 45 lb/cu ft. Feeders can also be mounted on top of company's cascading blender, which mixes up to four resins into a homogenous blend with correct particle distribution. The cascading blender uses a static mixing device with no moving parts, reportedly eliminating energy costs and wear-out of parts.

PACIFIC ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Provides a full line of state-of-the-art gravimetric blending systems. Company's Weigh Master is designed to handle powders, granules and pigments, in addition to nonfree flowing materials such as talc, calcium carbonate and regrind. Weigh Master combines up to eight ingredients with accuracies on both major and minor ingredients of 0.25%. Accuracy is provided through standard or custom software packages, which can be interfaced to CIM protocol. All systems are completely SPC and SQC compatible, and able to access production data; they come equipped with automatic material cleanout, changeover systems, and the ability to store up to 99 recipes.

PARKER HANNIFIN CORP.

See Zenith Pumps Div.

PLASTICS ANCILLARIES CORP.

Company offers on-the-machine and beside-the-machine metering/blending/ proportioning units. High-accuracy, color-concentrate metering units that are auto-interfaced with processing machines, and are able to easily change color, are also available.

PLASTORE, INC.

Offers the Plasticolor proportioning unit for mixing color concentrate, regrind, or other free-flowing nonbridging materials with the main raw material. The unit is mounted on the production machine under the main supply hopper and can also be combined into mixing stations for up to eight materials. The mixing station is mounted on the machine throat, making batches of material independently of the production machine. Controls that regulate the speed of the screw are said to be extremely accurate. Four different sizes of feeders offer a capacity range of 2.4 oz to 4500 lb/feeder/hr.

PROCESS CONTROL CORP.

Offers a complete line of continuous, low-intensity mixer/blenders with either gravimetric or volumetric metering.

* MV/MX Series machine-mounted blenders feature inclined augers, on-line sampling, quick clean-out, continuous mixing, and optional counter or computer control. They can handle up to six ingredients, including flake regrind at rates up to 5000 lb/hr per ingredient. The blenders can be converted to gravimetric operation.

* MW/MZ Series machine-mounted continuous weight-loss gravimetric blenders come with hardware similar to volumetric machines, but with load cells and computer for total inventory control. Operator can select a precise blend ratio by weight or select from any of 99 stored recipes. Optional printer and communication with central computer enable total line control. Continuous weight-loss operation optimizes accuracy, homogeneity, and space requirements. Rates range up to 5000 lb/hr per ingredient for up to six elements.

* "Cascade mixing" series of continuous, on-machine gravimetric blenders is a variation of the standard gravimetric line, but with a special design intended to prevent segregation or "demixing" of ingredients that can occur from stirring or agitation of a blend of different particle sizes or bulk densities. All ingredients are "cascaded" simultaneously through a proprietary mixing chamber, and then the mix is captured in a vertical column directly above the extruder throat. Plug flow through that column is said to prevent segregation, improving mix quality in critical jobs.

SCHENCK WEIGHING SYSTEMS

Manufactures and engineers continuous weighing and feeding equipment and associated systems. Equipment includes belt-type weighers, momentum flow meters, coriolis flow meters and loss-in-weight systems. A full range of microprocessor-based electronics is available including basic systems for single or multiple components, standardized process control schemes and custom software supervisory systems. Company offers a complete range of equipment types and has experience on a wide range of material characteristics and flow rates. A material test lab is available for development and customer demonstration.

SHRED-TECH LTD.

Designs and manufactures equipment for handling material before and after processing. Infeed and outfeed systems, ram or hydraulic feed assists, vacuum outfeeds, discharge systems and sound enclosures are a few of the options. Company will design handling equipment to complement a current line or will fully engineer an integrated scrap recovery system.

THAYER SCALE

Offers a complete metering systems approach to compounding. Products include model MXL weigh feeders, model LWF loss-in-weight feeders and proportioning systems. Company specializes in feeding chopped strand fiberglass, resins and additives.

TRIDYNE PROCESS SYSTEMS

DIV. DBI INDUSTRIES INC.

Offers net-weighing or weigh-counting machines and systems for dry materials. Features include pre-weighing and discharging, or continuous feeding; multiple heads and job memory. Weigh ranges from 0-300 lb with 0.1% accuracy.

UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS CORP.

Manufactures a full line of volumetric and gravimetric blending/metering units. A predetermined percentage of additive plastic (granular, pellet, or regrind) is metered by an auger or vibratory device into a base material. Patented dispersion chambers and fixed-speed mixing chamber ensure uniform consistency of the final blend.

Small press-mounted feeders are suited for controlled metering of color, modifiers, antioxidants, or other process aids. Central blending units handle throughputs up to 10,000 lb/hr with 2 to 6 individual materials. Centralized control and monitoring of systems are accomplished by a microprocessor control with computer/network interface packages available with all models.

VIBRA SCREW, INC.

Produces a wide range of controlled-vibration equipment to assist and improve accuracy of screw and belt feeders designed to aid in the processing of dry-bulk material. Application of controlled vibration in the discharge of materials from storage bins, and in feeding with gravimetric and en masse feeders, with feeding and metering accuracies as high as [+ or -] 1/4% to [+ or -] 1/2% of set rate are offered.

Company's MassWeigh moves floodable, dusty and other hard-to-handle materials continuously at accuracies of [+ or -] 1/2%. MassWeigh uses evenly spaced pusher blades circulated by chain from inlet to discharge in a closed-feed trough. Controlled vibration at the bulk-supply hopper and discharge increase accuracy, as does weighing the entire feeder unit with material included.

Company produces a broad range of feeding and metering equipment, including bin activators, bulk-bag unloaders, volumetric screw and belt feeders, all types of gravimetric feeders, blenders and electronic controls.

WHITLOCK/AEC, INC.

Manufactures the AM-1 additive feeder for metering pelletized or granular color concentrate or additives directly at the throat of a molding machine or extruder. The AM-1 is a precision auger-type feeder that can be used for up to four additives. It is available with standard controls for use on an injection molding machine or with an optional extruder tracking control of extrusion applications.

ZENITH PUMPS DIV.

PARKER HANNIFIN CORP.

Manufactures precision metering gear pumps and systems. Applications include booster/transfer pumps, distribution pumps, spin pumps, and finish pumps. Sizes range from 0.06 cc/rev up to 4000 cc/rev with 400 series stainless and high-speed tool steel the primary construction material.

Pumps are used for such diverse applications as polymer extrusion (both mainline and liquid additive), two-component systems (epoxies, polyurethanes), adhesives, melt-blown nonwovens, and commercial-scale, polymerreactor pumps.

Company provides a complete line of standard gear pump styles to meet all viscous liquid metering needs or will custom design and manufacture a gear pump to customer's requirements. The pump will handle virtually any viscous liquid, providing a precise, pulseless and repeatable flow.