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JUST-IN-TIME HOPPER FOR GLASSVU™ SEE-THROUGH VACUUM LOADING SYSTEM SWINGS OUT FOR EASY ACCESS AND FAST MATERIAL CHANGES
ANAHEIM, CA, January 29, 2008—A swing-out glass hopper adds the finishing touch to the “just-in-time” (JIT) capability of the NOVATEC GlassVu™ vacuum loading system, it was announced at Plastec West by NOVATEC, Inc. (Booth 3855).
Unique for its glass-walled cylindrical loaders and receivers, the GlassVu system provides a full view of resin loading and consumption and makes possible fast setups, streamlined material flow, and rapid cleanout. For installations at the processing machine throat, the see-through hopper adds an extra dimension to the JIT capability of the system.
A GlassVu loader or receiver is mounted atop the hopper, which is contained within a metal frame. The hopper pivots away from the throat of the processing machine, allowing residual material to be drained directly through a hole in the base plate of the mounting structure and providing easy access for cleanout. A seal integral with the hopper prevents moist air from contacting dried materials while the hopper is in operation. Flow into the processing machine is speeded by a smooth, steep cone at the bottom of the hopper.
The JIT hopper is designed to provide a sturdy platform for a GlassVu loader or receiver. It bolts easily at the molding machine or extruder throat, is sealed against intrusion by ambient air, and has non-ferrous material at all contact points. Options include a height-adjustable demand sensor and a grate magnet for trapping metal fines.
“The easy-drain, easy-clean features of the GlassVu JIT hopper prevent material loss and eliminate need for tools to carry out material changes,” said Chuck Morgan, resin handling business director. “In combination with the other components of the GlassVu system, the swing-out hopper makes possible the fastest material changes available.”
All three components of the GlassVu™ loading system—loaders, receivers, and machine-mount hoppers—have large glass mid-sections that provide a clear view of the filling process to ensure proper operation and aid in setup. Loaders and receivers have slanted lids that allow full access to the interior without disturbing material or vacuum lines; flat
bottoms that provide large openings for resin evacuation; and slanted bottom panels inside the loaders and receivers that are pneumatically opened and closed, functioning as slide-gate
valves for efficient discharge. The loaders and receivers are modular in construction,
comprised of stainless steel and tough, 5-mm thick borosilicate glass sections.
GlassVu loaders, receivers, and hoppers are available in a range of sizes. Loaders are shipped with a 38-mm outside-diameter line size and vacuum motors sized according to loader capacity. Also standard is a mini-PLC remote control from Siemens. Included in the loader is a patent-pending blowback system with an accumulator that provides filter cleaning after every loading cycle.
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NOVATEC, INC. is a leading supplier of resin drying, blending, and pneumatic conveying systems to plastics processors. The 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™ membrane dryer, the NovaWheel™ desiccant wheel dryer, and the NovaVac II™ 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.
