Tilt-Tray/Cross-Belt Sorters utilize LSM technology.

Press Release Summary:



Featuring modular design that promotes system flexibility, LS-4000E tilt-tray and LS-4000CB cross-belt sorters respectively consume 2.4 and 2.7 kW/hr (typ). This can be accomplished because integrated linear synchronous motor (LSM) drive generates propulsive force via electromagnetic energy, minimizing energy consumption and noise levels while increasing speed and positioning accuracy.



Original Press Release:



Sorter Technology from FKI Logistex Reduces Energy Consumption and Increases Reliability



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, 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.

"The linear synchronous motor technology makes our LS-4000 series tilt-tray and cross-belt sorters greener, cleaner and more efficient," said Steve Ackerman, president, FKI Logistex North America. "It not only saves energy, it increases manufacturing and distribution productivity and decreases product life cycle cost without expensive facility expansion or greenfield construction."

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 LS-4000E Competing LS-4000CB
systems (LSM systems (LSM
(LIM technology) (LIM technology)
technology) technology)
Power
consumption 10.3 kW 2.4 kW 11.0 kW 2.7 kW
per hour

Hours of
operation 10 10 10 10
per day

Days of
operation 250 250 250 250
per year

Annual
energy 25.8 MWh 6.0 MWh 27.5 MWh 6.8 MWh
consumption

Annual
energy -------- 19.8 MWh -------- 20.7 MWh
savings

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.

For sales and marketing information, please 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.

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 more information on FKI Logistex, click here to visit the FKI Logistex media center. For general sales information, contact FKI Logistex by phone at +1.877.935.4564 or by e-mail at info@fkilogistex.com.

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