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CENTRAL VACUUM LOADING CONTROL SYSTEM COMBINES NETWORKING SIMPLICITY WITH LOCALIZED RECEIVER CONTROLS
TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE, UK, August 6, 2008: An ultra-streamlined vacuum loading control system based on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus concept uses a single cable to connect a vacuum pump with one or many individually controlled receivers and readily accommodates the addition of more, it was announced today by Maguire Europe, which will introduce the system at Fakuma 2008 (Stand B3-3207).
The basic components of the new FlexBus™ CAN-bus control system are a pump control, onboard controls for all receivers in the system, CAN bus cable, “T” connectors for each receiver wiring junction along the cable, and a hand-held pendant that provides advanced functions for the pump and receivers.
“The FB network simplifies the installation, operation, and expansion of a vacuum loading system, saving time and plant space and providing greater versatility than complex, wiring-intensive conventional systems,” said Chris Crittenden, sales manager. “Because the network instantly recognizes and communicates with each added receiver, and because connections typically are plug-and-play, a processor can make an initial investment with the assurance that, down the road, the system can easily be modified or enlarged.”
Crittenden added that he expects the FB system to be expandable to include “dozens” of pumps, receivers, and other devices, though the upper limit depends on pump and receiver size, throughput requirements, and other factors. “Particularly for larger systems, we recommend that customers consult with Maguire about the selection, arrangement, and installation of all devices in a FlexBus system,” he said.
FlexBus™ CAN-Bus (FB) System Is Designed for Fast, Easy Deployment
The FB system processes calls for vacuum power from each receiver on a first-come, first-served basis. Details on components of the system are as follows:
● Pump control provides the power for the entire network and includes an alarm in the event of pump overload to enhance pump life and system performance.
● Receiver control is available as a built-in part of Maguire’s new GlassVu™ series receivers (see below) or as a fully enclosed onboard component on other types of receivers. The control requires no special instructions for making and changing on/off and load-time settings and it incorporates a no-load alarm. It is fitted with a CAN bus connector for plugging into the communications network.
● Pendant (optional). This hand-held device plugs into the receiver control and provides an advanced level of control over purging, proportioning, monitoring, and changing of loading functions. Since changes to a receiver control made with the pendant are stored in that receiver, the pendant can be used with multiple receivers. It can also plug into the pump control to make changes in vacuum breaker timing.
● CAN bus cable. For plug-and-play capability, the customer can order sets of cable in specific lengths, along with T connectors. Alternatively, cable can be purchased in bulk, cut to length during installation, and field-wired in special terminal boxes that are connected to the receivers via drop cables.
Background on the GlassVu™ loading system:
Introduced by Maguire in 2007, the new GlassVu system includes cylindrical loaders, receivers, and machine-mount hoppers, all of which have large wrap-around 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 non-ferrous metals and tough, 5-mm thick borosilicate glass sections.
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MAGUIRE EUROPE supports a network of distributors throughout Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, with sales and technical support, customer service, and an extensive inventory of Maguire® equipment systems and parts. Maguire Italy, a Padova-based Maguire Europe business unit serving customers through sales agents in five regions of Italy, can be contacted by telephone at 39-049-970-5429 and by email at Robert@Maguire-Europe.com. Maguire Europe is headquartered at Vanguard, Tame Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 5DY, United Kingdom. Tel: 44-1827-265-850. Fax: -855. Email: Paul@maguire-europe.com.
MAGUIRE PRODUCTS, INC., headquartered in Aston, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., is the world’s largest supplier of gravimetric blenders and liquid color pumps and also manufactures loading systems, granulators, dryers, auger feeders, and related equipment and software. Its customers include injection, blow, and rotational molders, extrusion processors, and compounders. Founded in 1977, Maguire operates five manufacturing facilities in Aston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, U.S.A. The company maintains a network of distributors in the Americas and overseas and has two sales and service subsidiaries: Maguire Europe, which supports customers throughout Europe and operates a distribution center in Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; and Singapore-based Maguire Asia, serves customers throughout South Asia and the Pacific Rim. Visit the Maguire Products web site: www.maguire.com
