Plant.

range of temperatures down to -35 [degrees] C.

User-Friendly Powered Case Tapers

Abbott's Packaging Ltd are complementing their range of end-of-line machinery by the introduction of the Little David series of powered case tapers.

These machines are suitable for simultaneous top and bottom sealing of both corrugated and fibreboard cases. Of heavy duty construction, these machines can be used equally well for long or short-run operations.

Two standard models are offered: the LD-7 is suitable for sealing uniform Heavy Duty Steam Hose

BTR Silvertown Ltd have brought out a high specification steam hose to withstand the effects of erosion, which rapidly destroys conventional steam hoses by causing the inner liner to granulate. The new BTR steam hose incorporates an extruded liner of solid PFA within a robust carcass of rubber. In addition to its resistance to high temperatures, PFA is totally unaffected by steam and the contaminants commonly found in steam lines. Because this type of hose does not granulate, it delivers clean steam, which minimizes damage to machinery and filters whilst maintaining good steam flow. Such hoses are available in lengths up to 60ft and bores up to 2in. nominal from BTR of Horninglow Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, tel:[phone].

Thermal Dispersion Flow and Level Sensors

FCI Fluid Components International of California have developed an all-welded flow/level/temperature switch product line that is available in the UK through Allison Engineering Ltd of Allison House, Capricorn Centre, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex, tel:[phone]. Known as the FCI Model FLT93, the new unit has a built-in electronic temperature compensator circuit and is fully CENELEC certified. It will provide flow/temperature or level/temperature sensing in liquid, gas or slurry applications. Improved sensing performance is delivered along with improved stability and accuracy in the form of published and available accuracy and repeatability figures. Fail-safe, field-configurable dual switch point relays for flow, level or temperature alarms or single switch points are also included.

This model is equipped with comprehensive field-selectable electronics which, if necessary, allow the user to choose between flow, level or temperature switch functions for duties that can include liquids, gases or slurries.

The unit's normal temperature range is -55 [degrees] to +121.2 [degrees] C but such detail should be checked with Allison Engineering.

Air Products' new Freezing Technology

Air Products Plc have released details of a new development in freezing technology that could be of considerable interest to those involved in the manufacture of products like ice lollies.

Research work at the company's European Technology Group in Basingstoke have revealed that by chilling ice lolly moulds down to at least -80 [degrees] C, using liquid nitrogen, intricate shaped and coloured lollies can be produced that have not been possible using existing technology.

So far, the company has demonstrated that ice lollies can be produced in the shapes of fried eggs, light bulbs and even multi coloured rockets as thin as an index finger.

Air Products explain the principle behind this development as zero adhesion - where the surface is so cold that nothing will stick to it. This is the key to intricately shaped moulds and ice lolly products. Traditionally, manufacturers freeze the product in a mould then heat the mould rapidly to release it. Heating melts the product's surface but and product can then lose definition and there is a risk of any colour running. Air Products' development enables the most intricate shape to be released from a mould as easily as if it were covered in oil.

In the final analysis, this technique allows the casting of high surface detail and very thin sections, ensures no mixing of surface colours and allows finer colour detail, ensures increased energy efficiency as the moulds are not warmed then recooled, which in turn increases production rates.

Interested readers should contact the company at Hersham Place, Molesey Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, tel:[phone].

BS 5750 Certificate for Urschel

At the recent Foodex/Meatex exhibition the directors of Urschel International Ltd were presented with their Certificate of Registration to the approved quality standard BS 5750 and ISO 9002 Part 2 by the chief executive of the exhibition organisers.

Redashe Stainless Steel Reels

A new range of self-rewinding hose reels has been launched by Redashe Ltd of Unit 11, Hewitts Industrial Estate, Elmbridge Road, Cranleigh, Surrey, tel:[phone].

Their SS Series reels are designed for use in corrosive environments where hygiene is of primary importance. They are particularly suitable for washdown and chemical transfer applications.

Constructed in heavy gauge 304 stainless steel, this range features a solid 1in. diameter axle for maximum stability. The swivel that contains all the wetted components is externally mounted for ease of access.

MG Gas Products Air Separation Plant on Stream

MG Gas Products Ltd's new [pounds]20m. air separation plant has been officially opened. This plant will separate air at the rate of 375 tonnes a day into its component gases nitrogen, oxygen and argon, which will be marketed as cryogenic liquids to a wide range of industries.

The plant is located next to the Eggborough Power Station and has direct connection to the power station facilities following on from an agreement between MG Gas Products and National Power for direct electricity supply. In fact, the air separation plant has a continuous demand for 10 megawatts of power.

The new plant, which has been eighteen months in the building, represents part of the [pounds]70m. the German parent company, Messer Griesheim, has invested in the UK market in the last four years.

Readers needing more information should apply to MG Gas Products Ltd of Cedar House, 39 London Road, Reigate, Surrey, tel:[phone].

Ultromat Aids Sedimentation of Vegetable Effluent

An Ultromat polyelectrolyte preparation and dosing plant from ProMinent Fluid Controls (UK) Ltd can be of great benefit in the treatment of effluent from the washing of vegetables. Used at the clarifier stage, prior to discharge, this organic flocculant dosing system will help with the sedimentation process, they tell us. Three compact versions of the system are available. The Ultromat AT is a fully automatic unit for the continuous preparation and dosing of polyelectrolyte powder. It contains all the equipment for the dry storage, dosing, wetting and ageing of the polyelectrolytes in a single packaged unit. Different concentrations of the final polyelectrolyte solution may be selected since the dry dosing rate and water flow are variable. Solution is dispensed to the point of use via a metering pump.

The MT unit is a batch-type preparation and dosing system with manual preparation and the AF version is also fully automatic but designed for using liquid polyelectrolyte concentrate rather than powder.

ProMinent are located at Resolution Road, Ashby de la Zouche, Leics, tel:[phone].

Biotrace Agreement with Ecolab

Biotrace International Plc have concluded negotiations with the Klenzade Division of Ecolab Inc for a marketing agreement throughout the USA and Canada.

In fact, Ecolab have been using the Biotrace system of rapid hygiene testing for some time, to demonstrate the effectiveness of their own cleaning and sanitizing products and services in the food and beverage manufacturing sectors.

Seamers for Lighter Gauge Materials

A range of competitively priced four and six-station seamers has been developed by Carnaud Metalbox to allow both can-makers and fillers to take advantage of the lightweight end technology that has been introduced by Carnaud Metalbox Engineering Seaming Systems.

Available for can-making, beverage can filling, atmospheric and steam-flow applications, these seamers feature driven lifter assemblies. The speed range covered is up to 750 cans a minute for a 6 spindle 10-6 machine and up to 450 for the four spindle 10-4 version.

A fine adjustment facility on the seaming arm cam follower allows precise setting of the seaming rolls, and this, coupled with a constant rise seaming cam and high chuck spindle working revolutions, ensures high accuracy double seaming even with ultra lightweight double reduced end materials. For maximum control, cans are delivered to the seaming turret via a horizontal finger feed chain, with ends fed into a single screw end feed magazine that is highly tolerant of variations in end components.

Full details should be discussed with the engineers at Bilford Road, Worcester, tel:[phone].

Noise Assessment

Sargents Acoustics Ltd have specialized in the design and manufacture of noise and vibration control equipment for half a century and claim to be one of the most experienced companies in this field in the UK.

Part of the Hunter International Group, Sargents extensive portfolio covers acoustical hardware and includes sound-resistant screens and enclosures, sound-resistant doors, acoustic barriers, isolated floors and ceilings, duct and fan-mounted attenuators, flexible connections, vibration isolators and attenuating louvres, and all this equipment is manufactured to BS 5750 Part 1 standard.

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 impose a duty of assessment and action on employers and, to satisfy the need for reputable assessment and advice, Sargents have established a nationwide network of acoustic engineers. These people are not only able to carry out a workplace noise survey but have the experience to offer practical solutions. In addition to this service, the company have specialist teams of engineering and technical, together with the manufacturing capabilities to overcome the most complex noise and vibration problems.

The company of 111 Mills Road, Quarry Wood Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent, tel:[phone], offer complete technical support including project management, negotiation with planning authorities and environmental health departments, and can provide measurement and analysis at all stages, including final verification.

Cleanfix Dual Purpose Cleaner

The DS3 dual purpose cleaner from Cleanfix (UK) Ltd combines the advantages of high temperature steam cleaning with the benefits of vacuum cleaning in one portable unit.

A DS3 weighs just 13kg and is built as a circular unit on wheels. Made in an industrial polymer, this versatile tool will reach into awkward places for cleaning. All that is necessary to operate the machine is to fill it with cold water and plug it into the electricity supply. Then, as one moves the wand across an item to be cleaned, the nozzle sprays steam; immediately behind this is a vacuum suction tube that removes dirt water, grease, etc, leaving the surface dry with no water or dirt deposits.

Readers wanting more information should contact the company at Crown Street, Southampton, tel:[phone].

Compact Vacuum Conveyor

PIAB have added a higher capacity conveyor to their range. The VC200 is capable of handling up to 2 tonnes an hour and specifically designed to cater the exacting demands of industry. It is capable of handling either powder or granulate materials from very fine grades up, and will handle many types of slurry.

The VC200 is easy to keep clean as all exposed metal is polished 316 stainless steel. PIAB UK Ltd of PO Box 8, Brentford, Middx, tel:[phone] tell us the unit only weighs 15kg.

Neolith Bacterial Hand Rinse

Neolith Bio-Rinz is a powerful new bactericidal hand rinse that has been developed by Neolith Chemicals Ltd. This material is designed to protect operatives working in high risk areas from the day-to-day hazards of bacterial contamination.

Applied to the surface of hands after washing, this rinse ensures maximum protection against microbiological organisms, say the suppliers, British Flowplant Group Ltd of Watt Road, Churchfields, Salisbury, Wilts, tel:[phone].

New Challenger Trimmers and Clippers from FIEE 

A new range of Challenger trimmers was launched on to the UK market at the recent Foodex/Meatex exhibition by Food Industry Equipment Europe Ltd of Unit 7, Union Way, Hillbottom Road, Sands Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucks, tel:[phone].

The Challenger II Series 93 is a comprehensive range of trimmers designed for applications from trimming pork carcasses to slicing smoked salmon. They have been designed to improve yield and provide the operator with greater safety and comfort. All the models feature an ergonomically designed hour glass-shaped nylon handpiece.

Ease of cleaning and hygiene have been prime considerations in the design of the new range and an easy-action connection on the flexishaft makes it quick to remove for cleaning and sterilisation. Likewise, the blades can be removed in seconds without the need for tools.

A new DFC automatic double clipper from Poly Clip was also on show for the first time. Available with a lager size stuffing nozzle of 76mm, the DFC is able to handle chubs up to 180mm with greater ease than its predecessor. In addition, the optional automatic size control system allows the diameter of the chub to be selected quickly and easily.

Pal Rebrands Wipes

Pal International have decided to rebrand their disinfectant wipes. They are now called the Wipex range.

New RTH 100 Series Recorder

A new range of temperature and humidity recorders, the RTH 100 Series, has been launched by British Rototherm. Full traceablity is confirmed by BS 5750 Part 1 approval.

The RTH 100 Series provides temperature and humidity recording with continuous, accurate and easy-to-interpret readings. This monitoring system provides a cost-effective alternative to other methods like electronic data-logging systems and avoids the inaccuracies often associated with manual note-taking. This unit can be supplied as a controller fitted with up to four high and low alarms, that can be set by the operator within the full chart range.

Cost savings have been achieved by using mechanical sensors. The bimetallic coil temperature sensor is accurate to [+ or -]1% within a chart range from zero to 40 [degrees] C. A hygroscopic membrane measures humidity with an accuracy, at this temperature range, of [+ or -]2%. Sampling can be ambient or remote, allowing continuous samples to be taken in another area, say The British Rototherm Co Ltd of Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam, Port Talbot, West Glamorgan, tel:[phone].

Dedicated Colorimeter for Sugar Analysis

A new colorimeter designed to measure the colour of white sugar solutions has been launched by Index Instruments Ltd of Industrial Estate, Bury Road, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambs, tel:[phone].

Known as the ATM420, this instrument uses the internationally accepted ICUMSA Colour 420 method and gives direct read-out of results that can be compared with specifications. The instrument is intended for use in either the factory or laboratory environment and its sample cell is made from 316 stainless steel. The sample compartment is completely sealed from the rest of the instrument and has been designed for ease of cleaning.

There are only two controls - zero and print - and the results are displayed by means of large bright LEDs.

Steriliser Cleaner

Malkyl has been formulated and blended by Forward Chemicals as an odourless, non irritant liquid biocide wide a anti-microbial spectrum that is recommended for use in the meat, dairy and poultry industries.

Malkyl is a steriliser, bactericide, germicide, fungicide, algicide and disinfectant with a Rideal Walker value of 75 and pH value of 7.0.

Uses includes the removal of algae and mould growth from walls, cleaning floors and paintwork, and it also prevents the formation of obnoxious gases caused by the contamination of stagnant water.

This biodegradable material is part of the company's Ecosafe system but the fullest details can be obtained from them at PO Box 12, Tanhouse Lane, Widnes, Ches, tel:[phone].

Striped Wipe for Coded Use

To avoid complicated colour coding decisions, Robert Scott & Sons Ltd have developed Sure Stripe, wiping cloths and dishcloths that feature a bold stripe in red or blue.

Cloths with such simple identification can therefore be used only in certain locations, or inversely it is easy to check and see whether they are being used in the correct locations.

The cloths come 10 packs to a box and eight boxes to an outer from Scotts of Oak View Mills, Greenfield, Oldham, Lancs, tel:[phone]. They tell us these hard-wearing cloths are very absorbent and the stripes are colour-fast.

Conidur Gas Distributor Plates

For bulk handling powders and other dry materials the fitting of Conidur fine hole sheets and cones in silos and storage bins can provide better flow and discharge characteristics, lower energy consumption in drying processes, reduced maintenance and improved operational efficiency.

The fine conical profile perforations, mounted on a supporting framework and angled in the direction of flow, facilitate a continuous, uniform flow of gas to the product over the entire cross-sectional area of the silo, so preventing compaction and moisture build-up, ensuring that the product remains permanently loose and free-flowing without the cost of vibrators or other mechanical aids.

Handled throughout the UK by Plastok (Meshes and Perforations) Ltd, Conidur sheets consist of very small, conical cross-section, non binding, self-cleaning holes in relatively thick plates. These plates are electrolytically treated to provide a passive, non plugging surface and they can be supplied in a wide range of materials, say Plastok of 77 Market Street, Birkenhead, tel:[phone].

Carier's Answer to Sticky Problem

A specially developed, self-cleaning belt conveyor from Carier Bulk Materials Handling Ltd is designed primarily for the handling of green malt, from which it takes its GM name but it also can handle barley in both steeped and germinated states.

This troughed belt conveyor is of ledge-free construction in galvanised or stainless steel, with a choice of standard or food quality belts in widths of 600 or 1200mm as standard. It is equipped with a belt spray, a spring-loaded stainless steel scraper assembly and water wash facility to cope with the maltings' special needs.

Intermittent operation of such conveyors makes such self cleaning features all the more critical but full details should be discussed with Carier of East Street, Braintree, Essex, tel:[phone].

Water Safety Management

A comprehensive package of water system assessment, treatment, monitoring and recording has been introduced by Rentokil Water and Ventilation Division (Watersafe) of Felcourt, East Grinstead, West Sussex, tel:[phone].

A formal programme of risk assessment, sampling, testing, cleaning, inspections and reporting is provided, including a detailed log of maintenance schedules and all the documentation needed to meet COSSH Regulations and Health and Safety Executive Guidelines.

Storage tanks, humidifiers and cooling towers in which tepid water accumulates are all potential trouble spots in which legionella may breed and, as part of the company's risk assessment, Rentokil will map out each system, identifying problem areas so that steps can be taken to eliminate contamination at source.

Thurne Equipment Improve Hygienic Design

Thurne Engineering Co Ltd have recently been directing their attention to improving the design of their machines from the hygienic point of view. They have now introduced the concept of removable parts to facilitate cleaning. This means items, such as blades, trays, conveyors, guards, etc, can be removed from the machine and taken away to a cleaning area on Thurne's optional trolley system. Readers needing more information about this development should contact the company at Delta Close, Norwich, Norfolk, tel:[phone].

Compuscan Foreign Body Detector

The Compuscan is a foreign body detection system developed by Nationwide Inspection Systems in America.

This high speed contaminant inspection system combines machine vision with X-ray imaging technology to accomplish real time inspection of products. In the UK this equipment is handled by David Brotherton, whose address is PO Box 104, Wilmslow, Cheshire, fax:[phone]. He tells us this system provides five times greater resolution than conventional X-ray systems by utilizing 256 level grey scale processing, that allows the accurate detection of glass, plastics, bone and metal foreign matter as small as 5mm at various speeds up to 200ft a minute. Products inspected may be packaged either singly or in bulk and the system is also able to fulfil quality assurance inspection of product shape, thickness, location and quantity inside prepackage containers designed to operate a part of a production line, the Compuscan will inspect and automatically reject contaminated product without operator involvement.

Comas Depositers from EPP 

European Process Plant Ltd have added the Comas depositing equipment to their range.

This computer-controlled machine produces both soft mass and wire-cut products. It has been specially designed for depositing stiff batters that also contain solid ingredients, like nuts, chocolate pieces, candied fruit or shredded materials.

The Comas DRT depositor is available in three different widths - 400, 500 and 600mm - and can be used with baking sheets, single or strapped moulds or indented trays. It has interchangeable parts to allow either the soft mass or wire-cut facility to be used. In addition, there are a number of interchangeable nozzleplates for different products.

This machine operates at the rate of 40 strokes a minute and can easily be stripped down, say EPP of EPP House, Epsom Business Park, Kiln Lane, Epsom, Surrey, tel:[phone].

Kane International has been Awarded NAMAS Accreditation

The calibration laboratory at Kane International, the makers of Kane-May and Comark thermometers, have been awarded NAMAS accreditation for temperature calibration of thermometers and other measuring equipment.

The company sought NAMAS accreditation to gain an independent quality approval for the calibration service provided for customers. However, they can now provide a cost-competitive calibration service to NAMAS standards for many other brands of thermometer and temperature sensor.

UV Disinfection of Seawater 

Seawater used for storing live shellfish can now be disinfected using a non chemical method developed by Hanovia Ltd of 145 Farnham Road, Slough, Berks, tel:[phone].

With a 99% microbial kill rate, Hanovia's UV systems are designed to reduce total faecal coliform levels in water used for preparing and storing seafood prior to sale.

Each UV system uses a medium pressure, high intensity arc tube to kill all types of microbe found in seawater containing large amounts of solids, such as suspended organic matter. In fact, the UV treatment is very suitable for treating water containing live sea organisms as it doesn't use chemicals or create any by-products that could kill the organisms and harm aquatic life.

Compact and easily retrofitted, each system consists of one or more cylindrical chambers constructed of non reactive 316 stainless steel and containing an arc tube.

Leaf Spinach Processing Equipment

Mecparma Plant SpA of Italy specialize in the design and construction of equipment for leaf spinach processing although they also manufacture other equipment for processing food materials. Their Aeroseparator, designed for leafy vegetables, ensures that foreign materials, like insects, pieces of wood, earth, stones, etc, are carefully removed. Whilst it is impossible to guarantee every undesirable item is removed, use of this equipment eliminates the cost of most manual work and produces a low level of waste. The equipment comprises an infeed belt conveyor which feeds a rotary gauging drum fitted with wires. An aerodynamic separator group is the next part of the system required to give calibrated product. Variable speed fans create the air current needed. A wire conveyor is used for collecting cleaned product and a belt conveyor to remove waste material.

This equipment is being brought into the UK by Bryon Corp of Rosedale House, 42 Exton Gardens, King's Lynn, Norfolk, tel:[phone].

Low Cost Spillage Detector

Ionics (UK) Ltd have added a low cost spillage detector to their range of on-line monitors for processing waste waters, like effluent containing foodstuffs rich in organic material, which place a high oxygen demand on rivers.

Their new TOC Transmitter is a single stream, single range analyzer for total carbon or total organic carbon analysis. It is based on the same high temperature measurement techniques as the more advanced instruments in their range and can detect both TOC and TC levels over the range from zero to 50ppm, with cycle times of 5 and 2.5 minutes, respectively, say Ionics of Mercury Way, Mercury Park Estate, Trafford Park, Manchester M41, tel:[phone].

Versatile Humidity Transmitter

The HMP 233 is the latest addition to the HMP 230 Series of industrial transmitters from Vaisala (UK) Ltd of Science Park, Cambridge, tel:[phone]. While measuring humidity, the HMP 233 can also calculate dewpoint, absolute humidity, wet bulb temperature and mixing ratios. There are two versions of this unit, with sensor heads capable of measuring up to 80 [degrees] and 120 [degrees] C, respectively, and there is a choice of output variables, keypad/display, duct mounting kit and variable cable length up to 10m as well.

New Metal Detector

Safeline Ltd of 510 Montford Court Montford Street, Salford, tel:[phone] have launched a new digital detecting system for use on food packaging lines.

Their Series 35 incorporates an integrated metal detector and conveyor system for use in the final inspection of packed product prior to checkweighing. The design is novel in that the conveyor is mounted on the detector, rather than the other way round, making for simpler construction and easy maintenance.

Unlike standard detectors, which use plastics rollers in order to keep a minimum distance around them free from metal, the Series 35 employs metal rollers without a reduction in sensitivity. This is possible because of Safeline's expertise in developing systems that are resistant to interference from metals in close proximity to them.

Self-Regulating Heater Cable

Safetrace has been introduced as an addition to the Jimi-Heat Electrace range of self-limiting heater cables. They tell us the Safetrace is a self-regulating heater cable that combines versatility with substantial energy savings.

Designed for variable loading, Safetrace automatically reduces its power output with an increase in temperature. This allows the cable to be crossed over itself and negates the danger of overheating. Being of round construction, rather than the more usual flat heater cross section, Safetrace can be more easily installed around corners. Being 4mm in diameter, it can be cut to the exact length required with easily formed on-site terminals, say the suppliers, Jimi-Heat Ltd of Jimi-Heat House, 200 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Herts, tel:[phone].

Colour by Numbers

The PFX-990 is the latest automatic microprocessor-controlled colorimeter from The Tintometer Ltd of The Colour Laboratory, Waterloo Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, tel:[phone].

Designed for the measurement of clear liquids, the PFX-990 is able to report results in terms of 14 different colour scales as well as display transmission values over the range 410 to 719nm.

This versatile unit can be used for assaying edible oils for chlorphyll A and B and [Beta]-carotene content, fats, potable water and caramel solutions.

A single measurement process enables colour parameters to be calculated for all colour scales in the instrument, significantly reducing analysis time. Numerical values for any scale appear on a clear liquid crystal display and a simple control keypad allows the appropriate instrumental parameters to be set. Information can be presented in the English, French, German or Spanish languages. Once the initial parameters have been set-up, measurement is reduced to a single keystroke. A heater unit is provided to allow measurements to be made at elevated temperatures using borosilicate sample cells and the unit is easily connected to a printer.

Improved Yeast and Mould Detection

The Maltus System V provides an easily adaptable answer to the increasing pressure on quality control laboratories. Yeasts and moulds can be detected and enumerated rapidly and automatically, by using direct conductance technology. Developed from the work of J D Owens and others at Reading University, this indirect conductance method measures the conductance changes in a base solution brought about by the absorption of carbon dioxide evolved by growing yeasts and moulds present in the sample.

Using the Malthus indirect technique, testing times can be reduced to less than 48hr, so greatly shortening product release times, say Radiometer Ltd of The Manor, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, tel:[phone].

SeparaTech in Northampton

Separation Technology Inc, one of the leaders in membrane filtration, have now established a European subsidiary at Moulton Park Business Centre, Red House Road, Moulton Park, Northampton, tel:[phone].

The parent company have a achieved a considerable degree of prominence in their field and intend to bring the same degree of high technology, customer service and performance related benefits to the European market.

SeparaTech will be providing membrane filtration equipment, product feasibility testing and full support services in the areas of reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and microfiltration.

New Laporte Packaging

Cheadle Hulme-based Laporte ESD have developed a new packaging concept - water soluble bags are being used as an alternative means of dosing cleaning chemicals.

Their Kleencare NN470 product is a highly caustic detergent for cleaning food plant loaded with protein or carbohydrate soiling. The product's exceptional wetting properties are particularly beneficial in assisting soil removal.

This powder detergent is contained within a water soluble bag which is then packed in a 5kg pail with lid. When added to water, the bag dissolves within 10 to 20 seconds, releasing detergent into solution.

Due to the fact that the detergent is 'wrapped' in a bag, the bucket contains no residue, which poses less of a problem on disposal.

Heavy Duty Wipes from Pal

Pal Hygiene have produced a robust, snag-resistant heavy duty wipe.

Manufactured from blue, hydro-entangled non woven material to give maximum strength and resistance, these wipes are intended for use on processing machinery, including chain-link equipment and conveyor belts. In addition they may be used to disinfect equipment in the meat and poultry industries, without leaving torn fragments of cloth that may lead to contamination of products.

Available in buckets of 500, these single-use wipes are impregnated with a controlled dosage of a concentrated high specification formula that is active against all the main viruses, fungi and food-poisoning bacteria, say Pal Hygiene Ltd of Smallshaw Industrial Estate, Accrington Road, Burnley, Lancs, tel:[phone].

Key Technology's Topview Sorting System

Key Technology Inc have introduced Topview, a high speed sorting system for food products.

They tell us this system provides all the features of their traditional high speed sorting system, including high speed video processing.

The stainless steel Topview scans product in mid air as it is launched from a belt conveyor at a speed of more than 500ft a minute. Topview unit uses a combination of high resolution monochromatic cameras and dual-threshold image processing to provide accurate and reliable defect detection.

What is known as 'centroid puffing' allows Topview's bank of 144 high speed air jets to ensure removal of defective items from the product stream, say Key of 150 Avery, Walla Walla, Washington 99362-1668, USA, fax:[phone].

Tamper-Evident Plastics Packaging

Tyneside-based Jaycare Ltd of 14 Alder Road, West Chirton North Industrial Estate, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, tel:[phone] are expanding into the food manufacturing industry with their range of products.

Jaycap is a wadless, one-piece tamper-evident hinged closure with good sealing properties -- a version of which has already been adopted by a major super-market chain as a standard spice jar closure. Supplied in many colours and sizes, the standard Jaycap is suitable for fitting on to glass or plastics containers.

Two versions of the cap are available. The first is intended for use with a pack that is to be utilised as a storage jar, whilst the second is designed to take a sprinkler insert, so the cap has no plug. The sprinkler is pre-assembled into the cap, ensuring the packer can continue to have a single capping operation.

With a polypropylene container and a polyethylene cap, Securitainer features a tamper-evident band, with two sealing points between cap and body, and between these is an anticapillary cavity. The cap locks under a retaining bead on the body. Such a seal provides protection for moisture-sensitive products and dimensions range from 26mm in diameter by 41mm in height to 109mm by 130mm, with a nominal capacity from 22 to 1150ml.

Securitub is similar in design. Again it is tamper-evident and has two sealing pints between the cap and the body. A multi-start thread form, with a positive location turn, provides an effective seal, even with the tear-band removed. The Securitub range comes in sizes from 105mm in diameter by 78mm high to 120mm by 142mm, with a nominal capacity from 500 to 1250ml.

Lawson Mardon EFTA Winners

Two Lawson Mardon companies, Lawson Mardon Smith Bros and Lawson Mardon Flexible, have between them won eight awards in this year's European Flexographic Technical Association competition.

The seven winning entries from Lawson Mardon Smith Bros are: Gold award for Eclipse Crackers printed six colours process flexo, illustrating that process flexo at its best can compare with gravure; Gold award for Monster Munch Pickled Onion Flavour - a colourful T-shirt promotional pack printed six col-ours line flexo in a high speed very tight register design; Silver award for Sainsbury's Plain Chocolate Drops for Cooking - a reverse printed five colours line flexo laminate showing fine type reversed out of solid brown; Highly Commended for Jacobs Twiglets - redesigned from gravure to process flexo and printed in eight colours; Highly Commended for Grand Masters Coffee - this design was re-originated to process flexo from gravure and is printed in five colours; Highly Commended for Harvest Crunch 1.5kg - printed in six colours process flexo, the complex background vignette creating the overall effect; Highly Commended-Stratmann Chocolate Cake in a six colour process flexo design.

The Lawson Mardon Flexible gained a Highly Commended award for a range of dried fruit packs for Scotia Haven. The polypropylene laminates are printed five colours half tone flexo; previously the packs were gravure printed and the change to half tone flexo has allowed an expansion in the range of products whilst remaining within a specified budget.

Graseby Allen Hot Ink Coder

Fast, high quality contact coding at a realistic price is delivered by the Graseby Allen hot ink coder.

Launched at the recent Foodex/Meatex show, this hot ink coder sets the pace for high speed applications, boosting contact printing speeds to 90m a minute, with up to 1100 prints per minute.

These coders can be integrated with existing packaging machinery and equipment say Graseby Allen Ltd of 6 Little Mundells, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, tel:[phone].

Fischbein's new Double Fold Closer

Fischbein of Unit E4, Northway Trading Estate, Tewkesbury, Glos, tel:[phone] have recently introduced an improved version of their DFC 360 double fold closer.

This unit now has the following attributes: Precise sensing of bag using fibre optics; Better control of glue application; Strengthened compression unit; Improved interlocking guarding; and Increased suction to first ply unit.

These improvements ensure the unit produces strong, siftproof closures, with no product contamination and provides a good quality pack image for the product.

We understand that three of these units have been already installed in maize and flour mills in South Africa.

New Omori Launched

Building on the success of the Omori ST60 and ST7000 series of stretch tray wrappers, the makers have now added two new servo motor driven machines to complete the range. Coded as the STC-V and STN-7500, these units follow the STC-1B launched a couple of years back. Both these new machines use the same in-line operation and now incorporate a belt in-feed system and semi automatic size change system as standard. The STC-V has been designed to handle trays up to 260mm wide and was seen at the recent Foodex/Meatex exhibition on the stand of Solo-Bollans Ltd of Mulberry Road, Rock Ferry, Wirral, Merseyside, tel:[phone].

Tomato Products in Glass

The IDAL factory in Portugal has just commenced packing its tomato products in glass aseptically, using a sealing machine and caps from CarnaudMetalbox Closures of Poole. In fact, the caps supplied are 58 and 63mm twist closures printed in three colours.

Located in Benevente, the plant, which is part of the Heinz group, produces a wide range of tomato-based products, including purees, ketchup, pastes and cooking sauces.

The aseptic packing procedure provides products that are superior in colour an taste. The products themselves are being exported across Europe under the Heinz label, although in Portugal the brand name Guloso is being retained.

Norprint now Has TEC Printers In its Range

Norprint UK have added TEC label printers to their desk-top range.

Norprint now has what it believes is the largest stock range of thermal transfer ribbons available in the UK, and they have recently developed their own Windows software program, based on the latest Windows 3.1 system. The TEC B572 has a Windows driver option which ensures good results from this type of user-friendly program.

The B572 is the first TEC machine Norprint have supplied. It includes as standard a built-in ribbon saver and rewinder. The TEC's floating edge-type head revolution thermal head adjusts automatically, reducing abrasion and wear, for longer head life. It will produce all bar-codes, graphics, lines or text. Print resolution is 12 dots per millimetre and top speed is 203mm a second but such details should be checked with the company at Horncastle Road, Boston, Lincs, tel:[phone].

Finnah Form Fill Seal Unit Handles Both Solids and Liquids

GEA Finnah have developed a form fill seal system with the ability to produce twin-pack desserts and yogurts of varying consistencies and flavours.

This new Type 2300 machine can produce packs with two compartments that are simultaneously filled with liquids, mousses, granular materials, fruits or other solids. Typically, it can handle mueslis, fruits and chocolate chips.

The machine has three fillers: one for liquids or semi liquids and the other two are interchangeable, according to the product that needs filling, be it dry solid or fruit.

In the UK this equipment is being marketed by Medway Packaging Systems of Medway House, New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, Aylesford, Kent, tel:[phone], who tell us that one of these units has already been commissioned for the German company Milchwerke Naarmann KG and one of their Type 2600 machines is already being used by Muller at their Market Drayton plant to produce two-compartment packs of yogurt.

A First from Precision Labelling

A first in carton label application was demonstrated by Precision Labelling Systems Ltd at the recent Foodex/Meatex exhibition. They tell us such a system shows considerable savings over conventional carton sealing/labelling combinations.

It provides a compact configuration, incorporating conventional or thermal printed label application as an integral part of the carton tape sealing machine, utilizing mechanical linkages for corner label applications, thus avoiding the need for complex electronics or electronics.

PCS of Leeming Bar Industrial Estate, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, tel:[phone] tell us this system is adaptable to existing or new tape sealing machines and labels of any length or width can be applied to the face, end or corners of cartons whilst being sealed, thus providing appreciable savings in both space and cost whilst enhancing productivity within end of line packaging operations.

Beiersdorf Gain ISO Standard

Beiersdorf are the first self-adhesive tape manufacturer to obtain the quality standard ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 at all their production facilities and head office. We understand that the tesa Division of Beiersdorf UK Ltd at Milton Keynes hopes to achieve BS 5750 accreditation very shortly.

Packaging Design Changes

Tameside Cartons of Stockport reckon to be right up to date with their technology and have now installed Apple Macintosh screens at their customers' premises.

This means that when changes are required on existing designs, or a customer wishes to see the design laid out on a carton, the standard procedure is to produce colour proofs. However, with the installation of these screens, the designs or layouts can be sent through ISDN2 lines by Tameside from their Macintosh systems, so they appear on customers' screen in full colour.

Such a system is a valuable time-saver and so far such installations have been made at Trebor Bassett Ltd and Miles Ltd, with others being made in the next few months.

Flexible Labelling System

A new fully automatic and highly flexible label printing and applicating system, known as Print-A-Ply, has been developed by Norprint UK of Horncastle Road, Boston, Lincs, tel:[phone].

Each of these systems incorporates different options to suit individual customer needs.

The print unit used is derived from the SATO 8400 series of desk-top label printers. It produced either direct thermal or thermal transfer units. All the popular bar-codes and eight readable fonts are resident in the memory. Bar-codes, graphics and text are printed at speeds up to 125mm a second across a print width of 104mm.

The Print-A-Ply system combines automatic pitch detection for continuous printing and selectable backfeed to ensure each label print area is maximised. Printed labels may be applied automatically to the tops, sides or even around the comers of products and packs. Different methods of applying labels are available - air-blow, vacuum and pressure, etc.

Kalco's new Tray Range

Kalco Packaging Ltd have recently introduced a range of standard trays, measuring 130 by 180mm, in different depths and gauges of material.

Available in clear UPVC, they can be purchased in any full box quantity, holding a minimum of 2000, from Kalco of Unit 8, Semington Turnpike, Semington, near Trowbridge, Wilts, tel:[phone].

Increased RHM Business for Sonoco

CMB Sonoco have further increased their supply portfolio with RHM Foods. The Manchester-based packaging company has been gradually increasing sales turnover with RHM Foods, through the launch of new products and the awarding of contracts on existing cans that were previously held by competitors.

Bisto Gravy Powder for Eire is the latest in a line of packs that ha been contracted to CMB Sonoco. The board can has a lever lid-style closure and metal base. The body walls of the an are made from 100 percent recycled paper and include a barrier line for product protection. The traditional design labels are printed in 4 colours with a litho sealant varnish on a 85gsm paper by BPCC Broadleys of Accrington.

Courtaulds' SWH Film for Fun Bags

Versatile SWH film from Courtaulds Films Polypropylene has been chosen to add the final touches to a colourful multi-pack containing fun bags of chocolate sweets.

The Tesco Milk and White Chocolate Buttons pack, wrapping ten 22g single bags of sweets, incorporates a bright and humorous design in six colours, enhanced by the inherent whiteness and stiffness of the 20 micron SWH web. This film, which eliminates the need to print white ink, is laminated to Courtaulds SCB20, reverse printed to form a structure where the ink is sandwiched to prevent damage through scuffing. The SCB provides an attractive glossy surface.

To complete the brand's Courtaulds connection, the individual fun bags are also formed from SCB20 that is laminated to SHM20, the company's metallised film.

The actual packaging is converted by Foilwraps and the chocolates are produced by S and A Lesme-Callebaut and run through Gainsborough and Ilapak vertical form fill seal machines.

New SP6000 Wrapper from Delford

Delford have marketed the SP6000 stretch wrapper for many years but, historically, these machines were imported from Japan. Now they are being manufactured at Harwich.

This machine has been redesigned to incorporate improvements that will enhance its performance and care has been taken to ensure it meets all the latest European standards for safety and hygiene.

Predominantly constructed from stainless steel, the unit is simple to clean and can be used under the most arduous conditions. Microprocessor control gives it up to 5 programmable memories for quick tray change-over via servo driven motors and it will handle both PVC and non PVC film.

A full range of infeeds is available, from 2.5 up to 6m, and a fully automatic unit can be fitted where product is accepted at random from an approach conveyor. This new wrapper can accommodate soft-wall punnets without product damage and trays up to J4 size, say Delford of Main Road, Harwich, Essex, tel:[phone].

New Label Printer from ICS 

A new thermal transfer printer with 300dpi laser resolution and capable of operating at speeds up to 8in. a second on a 5in. web is now available from Industrial Computer Systems of PO Box 8, Farnham, Surrey, tel:[phone].

The combination of speed and quality, with the reduced running costs associated with the thermal transfer auto ribbon saver, ensures that the new TEC B572 outperforms most other in-house print options for dedicated labelling applications, they tell us.

Technical features of the B572 include 20 on-board soft fonts, to give texts more stylish presentation. It also has an in-built label re-reeler and options for external re-reeling with a slitting device to separate the columns of labels.

10,000th Codebox Printer Made

Last month Domino UK Ltd were celebrating production of their 10,000th Codebox ink-jet printer. With 80 percent of the output made at their Cambridge site being exported and many thousands more being manufactured in the USA, their Codebox must be the largest-selling industrial ink-jet printer.

Multivac's Tray Sealer 

Multivac have launched a new tray sealing system that offers retailers a packaging method which combines the advantages of modified atmosphere packaging with the use of premade trays.

Known as the R5200TS, this new tray sealer feeds trays on to a carrier system and through the same precise vacuum and gas flushing system used of their R5200 thermoformer. Trays are then advanced to the film cutting station, where accurate positioning each cycle ensures a clean and tidy edge for every pack, before they are dispensed on to a converger for labelling.

Trays can be filled either on or off-line, allowing products to be presented as attractively as possible. Further flexibility is provided by the R5200TS' ability to handle trays manufactured from a wide range of materials and to feed through trays of differing depths at the same time, without the need for machine adjustment, say Multivac UK Ltd of Multivac House, Rivermead, Swindon, Wilts, tel:[phone].

Keyboard Controller Allows Easier Label Printing

A new low cost printer controller now allows the production of bar-coded labels on the factory floor.

Keycon has been launched by KTP Ltd of Waltham House, Riverview Road, Beverley, Yorkshire, tel:[phone] and is configured to drive a Digitech Allegro label printer.

The unit comprises a traditional keyboard with a 4-line, 40-character LED display, its memory module will hold a variety of preprogrammed label formats but the details of each field have to be entered by the operator.

Boxes Gains ADAS Accreditation

The carton company Boxes Ltd of Great Harwood tell us they have received the ADAS Hygiene Accreditation from ADAS, a agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Scanvaegt's new Box Weigh Labeller

This new automatic labeller has four major components - a stainless steel bench scale, weight indicator terminal, label printer/applicator and Multiflex 2000 software. In operation, motorised conveyors transport boxes on to the scale base, which is adjusted to compensate for the conveyor's weight. Before a box reaches the scale, the bar-code reader captures product, customer and date information from a bar-code on the box. This information is downloaded to the weight indicator terminal.

When the box reaches the scale, its weight is registered and combined with the product information to produce a label. The box then continues along the conveyor where the label is automatically applied. This label will contain all the information required by the processor and their customer in whatever form or layout required.

The labels themselves are printed by using the Model 201 label printer produced by Scanvaegt GB Ltd of Lancaster House, Grange Business Park, Enderby Road, Whetstone, Leicester, tel:[phone].

Constars' new Bottle Range

Constar International UK Ltd of Moor Lane Trading Estate, Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, tel:[phone] are currently introducing a range of standard PET bottles aimed at the still drinks market. These bottles come in 1, 2 and 3 litre sizes, they have a 'rectangular shape and are ribbed. This means they are visually attractive and make maximum use of shelf space. Such a shape also provides maximum area for label panels.

All three bottles have 31.5 MTE neck finishes, to make filling line operations and change-overs smoother. The 3 litre bottle also incorporates a carrying handle for customer convenience.

Thurgar Bolle's Square Containers

A new range of square-sided polypropylene containers with nominal capacities of 2.5, 5 and 10 litres has been introduced launched by Thurgar Bolle Ltd Telford Way, Kettering, Northampton, tel:[phone].

This new development follows on from the launch a couple of years back of their SQ10 square-sided 10 litre container. Features of the new containers include a recessed clip-form closure system, in which the lid clips into a channel formed by a re-entrant rim profile, offers resistance to tampering and transit damage because the edge is concealed. Tamper-evidence is an integral feature of the container design and requires no second operation. A break-tab in one corner must be broken away to give access to the lid edge so the container can be opened.

These new containers are formed from food grade copolymer polypropylene with an antistatic additive. Containers and lids can be supplied in white, natural or various standard colours and multi-colour printing can be carried out on all four walls of a container, with photographic half tone illustrations in full colour if required.

Salter's High Precision Checkweigher

Speed and accuracy, alongside ruggedness and reliability, are essential requirements for equipment operating in our industry. The Salter Weigh-Tronix 3275 is claimed to offer all these attributes.

Its colour graphic display shows all the necessary information in a form that any operator can understand. Acceptable weights produce a green display, a red display tells the operator to stop as the product is too light, and a yellow display warns the operative that product is too heavy.

The 3275 allows precise monitoring as the product is dispensed and provides the opportunity to fine tune the operation for maximum performance. It flashes immediate and accurate readings that don't slow the production line any more than is necessary.

Target weights and over/under tolerances can be set-up via the front panel, say Salter Weigh-Tronix Ltd of George Street, West Bromwich, Birmingham B70, tel:[phone].

Somerfield Biscuit Pack Designs from Aaron

With 84 different own brand biscuits on their shelves, the relaunch of the Gateway Foodmarket's branded Somerfield range, aimed at achieving consistent packaging print quality throughout, posed a considerable challenge. The illustration chosen by the retailer to provide a unifying image for each subrange had to be recreated by each of the printers used by the several biscuit suppliers. Such an exercise made the potential for variation enormous.

In spite of the risks, Somerfield put the project in the hands of Slough-based Aaron Associates, the packaging origination specialists, who were able to provide a central reference point and ensure design integrity and consistency throughout the range.

To do this, Aarons obtained from each of the printers exact details of the technical specifications they proposed to use for their particular system, be it flexographic or gravure, chemical or electronic etching, then provided high quality colour separations to their very tight brief, to ensure variations were kept to a minimum.

One-Handed Opening Container

A recyclable, single use container for dispensing a wide range of products is being launched by Norden Pac International AB as their Unit Dose dispenser. It can be opened easily with one hand by snapping off the top with the thumb to dispense a premeasured dose, and the design also makes it easy to see if the package has been unsealed and the contents exposed to the atmosphere.

The unit dose container is made entirely of polyethylene, which makes it easier to recycle than containers made from a mixture of plastics. The material is also light, so that a 30ml Unit Dose container weighs just 11g. Such a container can be custom-designed in a variety of colours and they can be screen decorated.

For more information in the UK readers should contact Norden (UK) Ltd at Church Street, Baldock, Herts, tel: [phone].

Formost Agency for Thurne

Thurne Engineering Co Ltd have concluded discussions with Formost Bagging Machines Inc of Seattle, which have resulted in Thurne gaining the agency for Formost's range of bagging machinery in the UK and Eire.

Readers will know that Formost helped pioneer the whole business of polybagged bread and now full information about their equipment can be obtained from Thurne of Delta Close, Norwich, Norfolk, tel:[phone].

Dines new Closure for PET Coffee Jars

Last month Makro launched a range of instant coffees under the ARO brand in new PET catering packs, which challenge the more traditional format of lever lid composite or tin packs.

Dines Plastics Ltd's 1250ml square/round PET jar, tinted amber, proved ideal for the range of four instant coffees (300g), a hot chocolate drink (750g) and a low calorie sweetener (150g). The shape provides a generous area for branding and product information, whilst the indented waist and ribbed lid provide a comfortable grip for ease of opening and resealing.

To enable Makro to utilize a 4.5 litre square PET jar from RPC for a bulk 1kg coffee pack and maintain the 'family' concept, a specialised screw closure was required. Dines Plastics Ltd of Basildon provide the solution -- a screw closure to fit the existing thread profile with an integral square-round outer shell. Such a design ensures that once the closure is applied, the four sides of the lid are parallel with the four faces of the jar.

High Speed Collating and Display Boxing

F P Packaging Machinery Ltd of Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, tel:[phone] have just introduced the range of Verpac machines from Italy. These machines are designed for the automatic collation and boxing of products in display outers, with or without integral lids, and they are suitable for traditional wraps or pillow packs.

These machines offer considerable board savings by enabling display outers to be manufactured with separate lids. The system involves the automatic forming of the display box from a precut scored blank into which the collation is placed, after which the formed tray, that can be open-ended, is hooded with a lid and fed from a separate magazine. Since both bases and lids are separately produced, heavy duty Kraft board or E-flute corrugated board can be used on this machine, which operates using Nordson hot melt glue applicators.

Alpha Dot's Print and Apply Label

System Alpha Dot (LA) Ltd have developed an integrated thermal print and apply labelling system with bar-code capability for on-line packaging operations.

Producing WYSIWYG computer-generated variable or fixed text labels, it subsequently applies them with accuracy to one side or through a right angle to one side and the rear of outer cases and trays. Designed for both stand-alone use or networking, it features a hand controller that provides easy access for operator data entries and has a memory store for up to 30 different label formats: These may include sequential numbering, automatic shelf-life dating and line formations to highlight data in boxes.

Other features include jumbo roll capability with an alarm systems to provide awareness of depleted levels, defects in label integrity and missing labels but such detail should be discussed with the company at Unit 3, Hollow Down Road, Lopcombe, Salisbury, Wilts, tel:[phone].

Seal Tester Aids Quality Inspection

Seal integrity testing specialists, Ishida-Nonpareil have launched a bench-top seal tester, the LAB100.

Primarily intended for quality control departments and laboratories, this machine provides on destructive seal testing for a wide range of randomly selected packaged products, as well as destructive testing to determine the strength of the seals themselves. It operates by applying pressure to a pack and measuring the resulting resistance.

Ishida-Nonpareil claim the LAB100 will detect a hole just 0.1mm in diameter under a seal.

As well as testing seals, this machine can also be sued to monitor packs to ensure they have a specified maximum or minimum fill volume of air of gases, as well as a good seal. The unit's specially written computer program allows it to overcome the problems usually associated with variable fill volume in packs, say Ishida Europe Ltd of Crystal Drive, Smethwick, Warley, West Midlands, tel:[phone].

Ecotape Used by Tiffany Sharwood

Tiffany Sharwoods are now using Tritel's new self-adhesive tape for sealing various sizes of outer cases containing their products ready for dispatch to supermarket outlets.

Made from recyclable polypropylene, this Ecotape material, that Tiffany Sharwoods use in its clear form, does not taint food and is tolerant of a wide