FKI Logistex LS-4000 Sorters Use 75% Less Energy


LS-4000's high-speed linear synchronous motor operates more efficiently than alternative linear drive technology

(ST. LOUIS: January 6, 2009) FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com), a leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces that its new LS-4000E tilt-tray and LS-4000CB cross-belt sorters, which feature linear synchronous motor (LSM) technology, and consume approximately 75 percent less energy than comparable sorter systems using linear induction motor (LIM) technology.

The LS-4000's LSM generates propulsive force via electromagnetic energy, as opposed to mechanical friction between moving parts. This operation reduces energy consumption and noise levels, while increasing speed, reliability and positioning accuracy. In addition to the LSM drive, the LS-4000E and LS-4000CB feature a modular design that enhances system flexibility and offers fast and easy installation and commissioning.

Electrical consumption tests conducted under typical warehouse conditions demonstrate that, on average, the LS-4000E tilt-tray sorter consumes 2.4 kilowatts per hour of operation. In contrast, energy consumption of a comparable sorter using LIM technology is 10.3 kilowatts per hour. Tests of cross-belt sortation technology demonstrate that the LS-4000CB cross-belt sorter consumes an average of 2.7 kilowatts per hour of operation while energy consumption of a comparable sorter using LIM technology is 11.0 kilowatts per hour. As the chart below illustrates, the LS-4000E and the LS-4000CB can provide energy savings of 19.8 megawatt hours (19,800 kilowatt hours) per year and over 20 megawatt hours (20,000 kilowatt hours) respectively.

Energy Consumption Comparison

 	                    Tilt-Tray Sorter	                     Cross-Belt Sorter 
Competing systems LS-4000E Competing systems LS-4000CB
(LIM technology) (LSM technology) (LIM technology) (LSM technology)

Power consumption per hour 10.3 kW 2.4 kW 11.0 kW 2.7 kW
Hours of operation per day 10 10 10 10
Days of operation per year 250 250 250 250
Annual energy consumption 25.8 MWh 6.0 MWh 27.5 MWh 6.8 MWh
Annual energy savings -------- 9.8 MWh -------- 20.7 MWh

Energy consumption comparison based on sorter layout with 200-meter length and no level change, operating at 2.0 m/s with 700 mm carts and an average load per tray of 3 kg.

The LS-4000E and LS-4000CB will be on display at the FKI Logistex ProMat 2009 booth (#1003), January 12-15 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Ill.

About FKI Logistex

FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com) is a leading provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying its customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total material handling automation. FKI Logistex provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations, library automation, and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has the resources and the experience to solve the most demanding material handling challenges.

For general sales information, contact FKI Logistex by phone at +1.877.935.4564 or by e-mail at info@fkilogistex.com.

For more information about ProMat 2009, visit www.promatshow.com.

For sales and marketing information, contact Emily Smith, marketing supervisor, FKI Logistex North America, by phone at +1 513 881 5239 or by e-mail at emily.smith@fkilogistex.com.

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