Materials Handling: Gravimetric Feeder for Compounding; Remote Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance

At the recent Fakuma show in Germany, Schenck Process (U.S. office in Kansas City, Mo.) presented a new feeder series for compounding and masterbatch production, as well as new remote monitoring capability for the company’s weighing, feeding, and conveying equipment.

New ProFlex C loss-in-weight feeders for powders and pellets have flexible hopper walls with external agitation, easy-to-clean extension hoppers, and a compact, off-center design that allows space-saving installation of up to eight feeders in pairs with close-fitting discharge helixes and nozzles. Orientation of the discharge side can be changed easily. Three basic feeder sizes (500, 3000, and 6000 liters/hr) are offered with a variety of extension hoppers, spirals, and screws.

Meanwhile, Schenck feeders and other equipment can now be connected to the internet via the new Proxiq remote maintenance-monitoring system. This allows access by the customer’s own service group or Schenck Process staff worldwide for early detection and diagnosis of conditions that require maintenance. The system is said to be highly secure.