Quick-Change Loading System speeds material changeover.
Press Release Summary:
VersaLoad(TM) features 2 vacuum chambers and central mini hopper for purging compound mounted on rail above processing machine. Each chamber connects to different raw material conveying line, enabling plastics processors to switch from one resin or color to another without downtime. Each chamber includes see-through reservoir with externally-mounted photoelectric level sensor.
Original Press Release:
Quick-Change Loading System Reduces Downtime for Material Changeovers
BALTIMORE, MD, U.S.A., August 30, 2006: A new twin-chamber system from NOVATEC, Inc. enables plastics processors to switch quickly from one resin or color to another for job changeovers without incurring the usual downtime for cleanout and changing resin source points, it was announced today by national sales manager Joe Rich.
The VersaLoad (TM) system consists of two vacuum chambers and a central mini-hopper for purging compound, all mounted on a rail above the processing machine (see photo). With each chamber connected to a different raw material conveying line, the operator can quickly change over from the job run that chamber "A" has been supplying by simply: 1) moving the system on the rail so that the mini-hopper is positioned at the throat of the processing machine and the machine can be purged; and then 2) moving the system farther until chamber "B" is positioned at the machine throat.
The system eliminates the downtime associated with cleaning out chambers and changing resin sources. Even if a third material or color is required, that change can now be accomplished "on-the-fly" with one chamber while the other chamber continues to supply material to the processing machine. The system also offers added safety as the operator does not need to climb the machine to make hose changes.
Each chamber includes a see-through material reservoir with an externally-mounted, variable-height photoelectric level sensor. Models are also available using NOVATEC'S VL self-contained vacuum loader series for operations where a central material handling system is not employed.
"VersaLoad is based on a simple concept yet can increase product output, reduce costs, and simplify procedures for the operator," said Rich. "NOVATEC is prepared to design VersaLoad systems to accommodate throughputs up to 1,000 pounds per hour."
NOVATEC, INC. is a leading supplier of resin drying, blending, and pneumatic conveying systems to plastics processors. The ISO 9001-certified company specializes in custom-engineered material handling systems that meet specific process and production requirements. Its range of dryers is the broadest in the industry, including desiccant, hot air, compressed air, and infrared systems, as well as the patented NovaDrier (TM) compressed air / membrane dryer and the NovaVac II (TM) vacuum dryer. NOVATEC, Inc. is headquartered at 222 East Thomas Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225 U.S.A. Tel: 410-789-4811. Fax: 410-789-4638. Email: sales@novatec.com.
