Metering and feeding.

ACCURATE, INC.

Volumetric feeders handle fine powders, flakes, granules, chips and pellets. For agitation, instead of using internal stirring devices or vibration to keep material moving, Tuf-Flex flexible vinyl hopper is agitated on the exterior by two alternating paddles. Paddle action gently massages material down into the metering screw, eliminating ratholing and bridging, while conditioning material into a uniform bulk density. Helix flights are filled uniformly for accuracy. Volumetric metering deviations generally range from [+ or -]0.5% to 2% for most materials.

Loss-in-weight systems feed a variety of pigments, fillers, stabilizers and reinforcements with deviations as low as [+ or -]0.25%. Dual-paddle screw feeder sits atop a scale that counterbalances out the dead weight of feeder and hopper, delivering maximum resolution and accuracy. Multiple-unit controller can be configured to control up to four feeders at the same time. Feed rates range from a few grams to 2400 cu ft/hr on volumetric feeders, and from 15 to 45,000 lb/hr on loss-in-weight systems. Batching systems also available.

ACRISON, INC.

Line of metering, blending and hoppering equipment for precision handling of dry, solid and liquid materials.

Model A405-V101 weigh feeder for metering dry solids at low-to-moderate rates can handle fibrous materials that are traditionally difficult to meter accurately. Unit is said to be able to feed glass fibers from 1/8 to 1/4 in. long without degradation; and metering accuracy is reported at [+ or -]0.25-1%. Feed rates range from 10 to 600 lb/hr.

AEC/WHITLOCK

Precision series additive feeders and blenders includes models for up to four materials, as well as volumetric blenders and weigh blenders for two, three or four materials.

Model AM-1 additive feeder meters pelletized or granular color concentrate or additives directly to molding machine or extruder. A precision auger-type feeder, unit features swing-away motor, removable augers, and large material flood zone. Standard controls for intermittent or continuous processing in injection or extrusion have accurate closed-loop motor speed control and digital display of setpoint. Options include extruder tracking and cycle timer/batch counter for injection.

Smart additive feeder control system for extrusion or injection processing features microprocessor with four closed-loop modes of operation. Control communicates via 40-character, two-line vacuum fluorescent display.

Precision series volumetric blenders accurately blend up to four materials in a single, self-contained unit. Output for each material is infinitely variable from 30 to 1000 lb/hr. Machine mount, floor mount or gaylord discharge configurations available. Blending control system features individual motor speed controls with digital readouts.

Precision series batch weigh blenders available in quick-clean design with capacities to 5000 lb/hr for two to four components. Off-the shelf microprocessor control has interactive menu programming with recipe storage and password protection.

AMERICAN LEWA, INC.

Modular metering pumps and packaged systems for all controlled volume liquid blending, proportioning, and injection services. Applications include continuous blending of reactive components in making pre-polymers, or in the production of synthetic resin (urethane or epoxy) products; proportioning and feeding of additives such as dyes, pigments, flame retardants, lubricants, peroxides, plasticizers, uv stabilizers and modifiers; and metered injection of blowing agents and blends for producing foamed products. Pumps are constructed of stainless steel and offered in packed plunger or sealless, low-maintenance diaphragm designs with manual or automated flow adjustment in open- or closed-loop control. Virtually all flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and fluid characteristics can be accommodated. Complete systems include tanks, piping, filters, heating/cooling, flow smoothing, relief valves, flow meters, controls, and safety devices. Flow accuracy is better than [+ or -]1%.

ANDREWS PRODUCTS INC.

Add*Flo container pump to meters and transfers liquids from pails, drums and tote bins to processing equipment. Pumps fit through the 2-in. bung and lock in place. Progressive-cavity, positive-displacement pump produces an accurate and constant flow of liquids with only one moving part. Reversing direction will empty supply lines.

Systems completely automated with variable-speed, master/slave and batching controls. Microprocessor with SPI communication cards available for metering down to tenths of a gram. Color pumps are mild steel with pressures of 160 psi to ensure accuracy.

AUTOMATIC INDUSTRIAL MACHINES

Flexifeeder volumetric feeders with completely enclosed spiral for conveying powders, granules and other dry bulk materials. Systems meet FDA, USDA and OSHA requirements.

Drum dumpers for fully emptying metal or fiber drums from floor level into processing vessels, totes and surge hoppers available with hydraulic or pneumatic capabilities and push-button or manual control. Standard capacity of 705 lb with a rotational range of 145 [degrees] can empty contents of a drum in approx. 15 sec.

LOUIS P. BATSON INC.

Colormax Micro-Module feeders and Module feeders designed for dosing color down to as little as one granule/tenth shot. Units have a pulsing hollow cone for accurate concentrate dosing directly to any process screw. Features easy calibration and microprocessor control, which adjusts dosing according to fluctuations in the screw-back signal for constant letdown.

CHRONOS RICHARDSON, INC.

Engineered products and systems for high-accuracy and high-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, 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 available using 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 plasticating-screw recovery time. Feeders are designed with a pivot motor mount, interchangeable auger/liners, a sample port, slide-out supply hopper and hopper sight glass. Variable-speed, 90-v d-c motor is used. Options include oversized riser with drawer magnet and quick-change auger kits.

CLEVELAND VIBRATOR CO.

Light- and medium-duty vibratory feeders suitable for controlling flow of bulk materials to secondary processing operations. Vibrations produced by electric or pneumatic (reciprocating piston) drives provide smooth, uniform volumetric flow that is fully variable from a dribble to a surge. Units control product flow in bulk-handling operations such as packaging, batching, mixing, drying, weighing, sprinkling, dusting and spreading. Feeders can handle a variety of material from dry to damp, cold to hot, fine to coarse, with bulk densities ranging from 5 to 400 lb/cu ft. Available in a variety of trough sizes and shapes, feeders can be furnished with special trough coatings such as neoprene, Armorite, glass, PTFE, as well as abrasion-resistant, removable steel-plate wear surfaces and antistick textured surfaces. Troughs can be furnished in steel, polished stainless steel, nickel and aluminum to meet demanding requirements. Air-powered feeders recommended for use in hazardous areas such as atmospheres containing explosive dust, vapors or gas. Units equipped with explosion-proof solenoid or air-pilot operated signal valves. All units have noise levels below OSHA standard requirements.

COLORMAX

See Louis P. Batson Inc.

COMET AUTOMATION SYSTEMS INC.

Automatic equipment for precision metering and blending of granulate, both free-flowing and nonfree-flowing powders, regrinds, liquids, and pellets on the processing machine. Metering/mixing unit may either be machine-mounted or mounted on a stand for central blending. Three models offered with total throughputs to 2500 lb/hr. Mixing hopper is fabricated of stainless steel for longer wear and reliability. Metering hopper uses aluminum metering discs for high accuracy. Metering/mixing units modularly designed, allowing for future system expansion.

CONAIR FRANKLIN THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Three direct-to-the-throat, volumetric metering/feeding units add colorants and/or additives to virgin or virgin/regrind materials as they flow into machine throat. Units also can be used for accurate, controlled metering of regrinds with virgin materials. Feeder controls include digital setting of auger speed and feed-time intervals. Operation is slaved to machine throughput. Extrusion versions include Autotrack control package.

Model 476 high-capacity feeder delivers pelletized additives at rates to 300 lb/hr. Two units can be mounted on machine to meter different materials. Model 470 feeds up to 60 lb/hr.

A proportioning regrind/colorant feeder is a dual assembly. One feeder meters colored regrinds at preset rates, the other meters colorants to virgin materials flowing from supply hopper into machine.

FILTERLESS CONVEYING SYSTEMS

Hurricane feeders for compounding and molding specifically tailored to customer's needs and applications, include 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 microprocessor, 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, alarms and loading systems. Materials handled range from concentrate to flake regrind and powders. Options include cycle counters, solid-state high-level control alarms, and static and agitated mixing units.

GENERAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Industrial counting and weighing equipment includes counting and weighing scales, electronic digital counting and weighing indicators, over/under checkweighers in stainless steel, bench scales, floor scales and related peripheral equipment.

Patented dual-sensor Multiple Load-cell Counting Scale (MLC) 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.

Powerproof design protects against loss of calibration due to electromagnetic interference, lightning-induced spikes, power surges, static discharge, noise and blackouts.

GRACO INC.

Produces fluid-transfer and supply pumps (air- and hydromatic-powered), plural component proportioning systems, and complete circulating systems.

HAMILTON AVTEC INC.

Spectra Metering Feeder, a colorant/additive metering system, mounts on the processing machine and precisely augers free-flowing materials into base resins as they flow into the machine throat. 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. Spectra comes 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. Supply hopper includes a quick-cleanout door, and the cast-aluminum auger housing includes a sampling port for setup calibration.

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 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 1 lb/hr to 4000 lb/hr. Systems have metering pump, precision digital drive, gear reducer, mounting bench, and microprocessor controller. Weigh feeders are used for large volumes, or where corrosive plastics are to be used. Complete range of sizes is offered. Both melt pumps and weigh feeders suited for use as part of a closed-loop control system.

HYDRECLAIM CORP.

Offers Ratio Weigh Injection Molding Blender (RWIMB), a weigh blender specifically for injection molding. RWIMB conveys and weighs virgin and regrind to any preset ratio. Color concentrate is volumetrically metered during the virgin/regrind dump cycle into the vertical auger mixer. Unit is controlled by an advanced menu-driven microprocessor with keypad input and LCD display. Inventory is kept on all materials with RS232, RS422, RS485, and SPI communications. Blending rates of 300, 600, and 1500 lb/hr.

Also loss-in-weight gravimetric blenders which includes Model 470 series with built-in extrusion yield control; weight-loss color feeders; RS485-controlled volumetric color feeders; and complete line of volumetric blenders.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

Information on Italian companies offering equipment for materials handling.

JEFFREY DIV. DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.

Full line of vibrating feeders, both single-mass brute-force and two-mass natural-frequency.

In the two-mass type, both electro-magnetic and electromechanical types with adjustable feed rates of 0-100% available. Feed rates can be adjusted manually with a control knob or automatically, using a variety of process signals. Controls offer flexibility for batching and blending systems.

A wide variety of feeder decks is available, varying in widths from 4 to 96 in. and lengths from 1 to 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 electro mechanical 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.

Manufacturers continuous and intermittent equipment for automatic metering, mixing, and dispensing of epoxies and 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 on the dispenser. They provide a uniform material flow rate to the part, are hydraulically or electrically operated, and readily adaptable to automatic turntable or robotized systems.

Complete line of equipment from basic manual instruments to sophisticated, multifunctional dispensing systems. Also 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 NORTH AMERICA

Soder brand offers complete line of gravimetric and volumetric feeders and controls for compounders. Systems engineering installation support, startup, operator and maintenance training, and service and parts coverage available. Smart Force Transducer weigh modules provide weigh feeder resolution 1:1 million. Feeder controls can be easily interfaced with PLC/DCS and configured for continuous or batch processes.

Weigh-belt feeders, used to control free-flowing pellets and granules, are advantageous where low headroom is a problem, or when feeding friable materials. Units have high-feed-rate capabilities (50 to 100,000 lb/hr for general duty, up to 1000 tons/hr for heavy-duty feeders). Initial installation cost is lower than a loss-in-weight feeder with equivalent throughput. Automatic belt-tracking, tensioning, and cleaning systems help keep the feeder operating at accuracies to [+ or -]0.25% deviation from setpoint and [+ or -]0.5% repeatability 2E.

Loss-in-weight feeders gravimetrically control flows of dry or liquid materials to 70,000 lb/hr. Low rate feeders can meter as little as 0.25 lb/hr. Modular dry material feeders offer broad choice of single-screw, twin-screw, and vibratory metering elements to tailor feeder to specific needs. New K2-Modular feeders feature Powersphere feeder module for fast cleanout, good mass flow, and consistent screw fill. Powershift feeder drive system permits widest range of feed rates--up to 500:1 turndown. Accuracies to [+ or -]0.25% deviation from set-point and [+ or -]0.5% repeatability at 2E.

Single- and twin-screw volumetric feeders provide economical control of any dry material to over 1000 cu ft/hr. For applications especially where material has a consistent bulk density with constant particle size and moisture content, or where material content is not critical to the process. Units also used as prefeeders for weigh belts and in gain-in-weight batching applications. New K2-Volumetric feeders offer same Powersphere and Powershift features as K2-Modular units, and may be easily up-graded to loss-in-weight. Units come with Digi-Drive all-digital control, a microprocessor-based control that includes "no flow" alarms. Speed control accuracy is within [+ or -]1 rpm.

Colortronic line of gravimetric blenders provides continuous, high-accuracy, in-line weigh blending of up to eight ingredients and additives (pellets or powders). Weighblender features stable, high-resolution digital weighing of each ingredient. Features stainless-steel ingredient modules, with easy sampling and fast cleanout for material change-overs. Special feeder modules for regrind and fluff can be integrated into system. Microprocessor-based controls provide RS485 serial communications link to interface to host computer or to record comprehensive documentation for ISO 9000. Extrusion control packages also available: weight-per-length control for profile and wire and cable coating extrusion; or weight-per-area control for blown film, cast film and sheet extrusion.

Colortronic volumetric continuous blenders automatically meter and mix pellets, granules, powders and liquids directly on injection and blow molding equipment. Units incorporate discs instead of augers and disassemble easily for quick cleanout when material or color change is needed. Synchronous blending needs no mechanical mixing, eliminating potential for material segregation. Models available from low rates to more than 3000 lb/hr throughput. Optional microprocessor-based blender control provides recipe storage, "auto calibrate" mode, totalizer functions and interface capability.

LABOTEK INC.

Resin/additive blenders provide metering accuracy of pellets of color concentrate and additives in the range of 0.1% to 1.0%. Mini-Masterbatcher and MMB Mixer with Con-Evator vacuum hopper loader and Ratio-Selector provide automatic loading, metering and mixing of resin, regrind, color concentrate, and a second additive if required.

Conti-Master, a compact machine with two to five metering stations feeding into an inclined screw mixer, offers the same accuracy as the MMB with capacities from 500-6000 lb/hr, depending on number of stations and materials being metered. Automatic loading of stations is provided by three-phase vacuum motor/blower units mounted in the remote control unit.

Mini-Contimaster microprocessor-controlled metering/mixing unit for virgin plastics, regrind and additives in granular form has up to five dosing stations, with high dosing accuracy using step-motors, and max. capacity of 180 liters/hr (approx. 240 lb/hr). It has a built-in microprocessor; after the operator enters data on material bulk densities and mixing percentages required, proportions are calculated automatically, and the machine adjusted accordingly. Detachable keyboard can be removed and the Mini-Contimaster will remember the programmed data, so the same keyboard can be used to program other units. Automatic conveying is accomplished by means of a single vacuum blower.

LASITS-ROHLINE SERVICE, INC. L-R SYSTEMS

Material feeders add or blend most materials from ounces to thousands lb/hr. Adaptable to volumetric or gravimetric systems and capable of total automatic operation.

LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL A PENTAIR CO.

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.

Multi-Measure valve 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.

Also line of air-operated reciprocating pumps that can be used to supply plastisols from original containers to the measuring valve. Plastisol measuring/dispensing systems used by toy manufacturers and automotive trim and accessories manufacturers.

MATCON USA, INC.

Discharger/valve, which bolts to the discharge of a silo, consists of a hopper and an inverted cone within it. At rest it acts as a sealed valve for a dust-free atmosphere. On demand the cone rises and vibrates, allowing material to discharge through the resulting annular gap. Once open it continues to vibrate, becoming a fully automatic discharger and bridge-breaker, promoting a free flow of material. Variable throughputs are obtained by increasing or decreasing the height of the cone and by pulsing the machine on and off.

Discharger/valve can be used on new and existing silos, discharging and controlling the flow of solids from storage, or as a prefeeder for accurate gain-in-weight and loss-in-weight feeder systems and for automatic filling or packing lines. System is suitable for topping off feeder hoppers on demand, because it maintains a constant bulk density and avoids overworking the material. Machines built of stainless or mild steel to accommodate any bin or silo.

MATSUI AMERICA, INC.

JC II volumetric color blender can handle two, three or four materials, such as virgin, regrind, color and powdered or granular additives. The lightweight unit consists of metering feeders, two through four material hoppers, which can be self-loading, and mixing drum to homogeneously blend metered components. Microprocessor timing control is provided. Models cover a range of 220660 lb/hr and provide [+ or -]0.5-1.0% precision on pelletized materials. Cleanouts and color changes are quick and need no tools or disassembly. Unit can be mounted directly on molding machine or on a floor stand for use as a central blender.

MAX MACHINERY, INC.

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

Also offers liquid blending systems for use with two or more components. Systems will heat materials up to the desired process temperature, de-gas, meter with an accuracy of [+ or -]0.5% of the desired flow rate, mix and dispense. Systems are suitable for blending urethanes, and are roll-in-place, turnkey units with standard subassemblies.

MERRICK INDUSTRIES, INC.

Belt feeders and belt weighers range from 1.0 ppm to 600 tons/hr, loss-in-weight feeders range from 1.0 ppm to 10,000 lb/hr in continuous and batching versions, conveyor belt scales for up to 72-in.-wide belts, single and multi-ingredient batch scales, screw and disc-type volumetric feeders range from 0.00046 to 72 cu ft/hr, and distributive controls for complete weigh-feeding and metering systems capability.

METALFAB, INC.

Line of volumetric screw and belt feeders, batch-in-weight screw and belt feeders, bin activators, bulk bag unloaders, continuous mixers and railcar/hopper spin-loading equipment

METER-MIX, INC. SUB. OF ACCUMETRIC, INC.

Specialized processing equipment for multiple-component applications includes pneumatic and hydraulically driven metering cylinders, gear pump metering systems, variable ratio control, PLC controls, static and dynamic mixing, and positive ratio control. Products handled include silicone, epoxies, urethanes, and multimix commercial products.

Offers designs and controls for all types of metering processes, cold and hot, with metering accuracy of [+ or -]1% or better. Cylinder designs ensure 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 selections.

MOTAN, INC.

Blending and additive feeders include central and machine-mounted models. Exclusive 100-pulse countback feature reportedly guarantees accurate, repeatable performance from these auger-style units. Complete installation available, featuring all equipment necessary for handling resins from bulk to the molding machine.

NATIONAL BULK EQUIPMENT

Horizontal screw blender with output capacity from 4000 to 12,000 lb/hr is for precision metering and blending of virgin materials and regrinds. Features include positive a-c drives, automatic shut-off, adjustable regrind ratio, and blower, vacuum, or gravity loading. Optional color-concentrate bin. Company will also modify or build a materials-handling system to fit specific applications.

O.A. NEWTON & SON CO. MATERIALS CONTROL SYSTEMS DIV.

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

NOVATEC INC.

Up to four auger feeders with various feeder-screw combinations can be machine-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 utilized with company's gravimetric or cascading volumetric blenders, which mix up to eight or more resins into a homogeneous blend with correct particle distribution.

OIL-RITE CORP.

New PurgeX injector metering pump system, which dispenses a liquid spray, stream or drop, eliminates vapor lock and cavitation. No priming is necessary even at the smallest flow setting. Positive inlet suction is provided along with an outlet suck-back (no after drip) feature. System dispenses adjustable quantities of substance for virtually any application, including oils for lubrication, liquid for food additives, inks, adhesives and chemicals. Methods of operation include air operated, hydraulically operated, motor driven, solenoid operated and manual operated. Body of the system is made of lightweight aluminum extrusion. Buna N viton seals are used throughout for positive sealing.

Each PurgeX operates as an individual pump and is available in single feed for multiple (2-24) feed outlets. Each injector is precisely adjustable in liquid output of 0.012 cu in. to 0 per cycle. High output pressures can be achieved because of a 9 to 1 difference in air piston size. Pressures to 1000 psi output can be achieved with 120 psi air. Minimum air pressure required to operate air injector pump is 40 psi.

Complete PurgeX modular system is available with built-in controls and reservoir. Related accessories also available. System can be utilized for an entire plant or for an individual system on a single machine.

PACIFIC ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Full line of gravimetric blending systems includes Weigh Master, which is designed to handle powders, granules and pigments, in addition to nonfree-flowing materials such as talc, calcium carbonate and regrind. Unit combines up to eight ingredients with accuracies on both major and minor ingredients of [+ or -]0.25%. Accuracy 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.

PLASTICS ANCILLARIES CORP.

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

PLASTORE, INC.

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

PREMIER PNEUMATICS, INC.

ProRate II high-capacity auger feeder, designed for applications requiring feed rates from 450 to 3500 lb/hr, mounts directly on a molding machine, extruder or mixer and has a stainless-steel housing and auger. Quick-release band clamps permit the motor, bearing housing, and auger assembly to be easily cleaned.

PROCESS CONTROL CORP.

Line of continuous, low-intensity mixer/blenders with either gravimetric or volumetric blending.

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

BG series machine-mounted continuous gravimetric blenders is designed to blend up to eight ingredients accurately at up to 5000 lb/hr. Using a computer, blend ratios by weight can be entered or selected from hundreds of recipes. Unit meters ingredients from weighed hoppers, using loss-in-weight control, through a proprietary cascade mixing chamber, where homogenization occurs without requiring any moving parts. Blended mixture then flows as a "plug" through an integral tube directly above the extruder throat, eliminating any chance of demixing. Features include increased computer speed and memory, factory-wired weigh and drive system, supported SPI standard interface, easy access for machine cleanout, one-piece loading platform and clear plastic doors on each hopper.

BC series offers similar features in a central blender; BE series includes all features of BG series plus gravimetric extrusion control; and XB series is suitable for low-throughput applications.

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Trident Series Power Master crammer feeders are custom-engineered with a throughput capacity range of 400 to 5000 lb/hr. Features include a conical hopper with sight glass, d-c motor, adapter mount, variable-speed control with load and power indicators, feed opening on top of unit that interfaces with the existing materials-handling system, and multistage, heavy-duty auger system. Available in 3 1/2- to 8-in. sizes.

SCHENCK WEIGHING SYSTEMS

Continuous weighing and feeding equipment and associated systems include belt-type weighers, momentum flow meters, coriolis flow meters and loss-in-weight systems. Full range of microprocessor-based electronics available, including basic systems for single or multiple components, standardized process-control schemes and custom software supervisory systems.

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. Will design handling equipment to complement a current line or will fully engineer an integrated scrap recovery system.

THAYER SCALE/HYER INDUSTRIES

Full line of gravimetric screw and vibratory loss-in-weight feeders, weigh belt feeders, belt scales, display and control instrumentation, and bin and hopper flow aids. Specializes in powder feeding such as additives and pigments, but also supplies a range of equipment for feeding fibers, flakes, pellets and liquids.

Weigh feeder controller instrumentation is durable and user friendly. Installed drivers for serial interface with all popular PLCs and distributed control systems assure straightforward and reliable integration of equipment.

TRIDYNE PROCESS SYSTEMS DIV. OF DBI INDUSTRIES INC.

Net-weighing or weigh-counting machines and systems for dry materials. Features include pre-weighing and discharging, or continuous feeding; multiple heads; job memory; and weight ranges to 300 lb with [+ or -]0.1% accuracy.

UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS CORP.

Full line of volumetric and gravimetric blending/metering units. A predetermined percentage of granule, 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 to 10,000 lb/hr with 2 to 6 different materials. Centralized control and monitoring of systems accomplished by a microprocessor control with computer/network interface packages.

VIBRA SCREW, INC.

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

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.

Broad range of feeding and metering equipment include bin activators, bulk-bag unloaders, volumetric screw and belt feeders, all types of gravimetric feeders, blenders and electronic controls.

WHITLOCK

See AEC/Whitlock.

ZENITH PUMPS DIV. PARKER HANNIFIN CORP.

Precision metering gear pumps and systems include booster/transfer pumps, distribution pumps, spin pumps, and finish pumps. Sizes range from 0.06 cc/rev to 1600 cc/rev. Built of 400 series stainless and high-speed tool steel. Pumps are used for such diverse applications as extrusion (both mainline and liquid additive), two-component systems (epoxies, polyurethanes), adhesives, melt-blown nonwovens, and commercial-scale, polymer-reactor pumps.

Line of standard gear-pump styles meets all viscous liquid metering needs. Pump will handle virtually any viscous liquid, providing a precise, pulseless and repeatable flow. Custom designs available.