This auto-diverter for the Iso-Flo vibratory conveyor line is well-suited for bulk product and packaging distribution lines. It splits the product flow to two downstream systems, such as digital sorters or packaging machines, and changes the proportion of product going to each of the two lanes as needed. The device features a strong diverter blade and an improved pneumatic hold-down system to achieve longer equipment life and greater accuracy for better performance of downstream systems. Suitable for dry, frozen and wet applications, it can handle almost any free-flowing food product, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, candies and snacks. Key Technology www.key.net
Metering hopper and feeder systems
These metering hopper and feeder systems store, feed and transport even amounts of product at a steady, controlled rate for a range of food handling and packaging applications. Doubling as in-process storage, the hoppers contain high volumes of bulk products before accurate metering commences. They are suitable for use in high-volume production lines benefit, as they prevent downstream equipment from being overwhelmed. Vibratory feeders handle and transport a high throughput of bulk products with less force, reducing the likelihood of product damage. Vibratory feeders commonly are used with hoppers and are made more effective as controlled doses of product are discharged steadily. Triton Innovation www.tritoninnovationllc.com
Bag break station for combustible dust control
The AFC Dump Clean EX bag break station controls combustible dust in explosive environments. It permits powders to be transferred automatically from bags, sacks, drums and other containers into storage or into the process without allowing fine particles to escape into the workplace. The automated bag break station draws dust inside the unit continuously before it can become airborne, almost eliminating the fuel source from the explosive environment along with the potential for an explosive incident. It features a location motor with companion electrical components that meet National Electrical Code standards for transferring Class I, Div. 2 hazardous materials. Automated Flexible Conveyor www.afcspiralfeeder.com
New DXD and DXD+ dual energy detector technology is optimized for identifying foreign bodies such as calcified bone, low-mineral glass, rubber and some plastics. These types of contaminants are traditionally hard to detect within the “cluttered” or “noisy” X-ray images generated by overlapping and multi-textured products such as packs of pasta, chicken breasts, sausages and frozen potato-based goods. Combine it with new Mettler-Toledo Advanced Material Discrimination software tools, which helps to separate and remove the prominent material of the food product within the X-ray image, revealing the presence of any lower density contaminants. As a result of the accuracy and reliability of DXD and DXD+ detection, food manufacturers can be more confident that their products are safe for consumers, and that they will benefit from reduced false reject rates and product waste, helping to deliver a fast return on investment. Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection www.mt.com/pi
Progressive cavity metering pump for corrosive media
The MDR progressive cavity metering pump is designed to withstand harsh chemicals. Because of an external GA seal arrangement and engineered composite seal housing, lantern and rotating unit, the only metallic part in contact with the conveyed product is the rotor. This design allows for broad chemical compatibility, increased performance and decreased maintenance. It also features a joint design that performs as a constant velocity joint, reducing pulsation to levels detectable only by laboratory equipment. This, combined with progressive cavity pump technology, provides laminar flow and a high degree of accuracy in chemical dosing applications. Seepex www.seepex.com
Detection and rejection solution
Both metal detection and weighing are vital to the packaging of products. Having a combination unit, with one common interface, resolves having separate machines with separate controls to perform required inspections. The Bunting Metal Detector Checkweigher Combo is a fully integrated metal detector and weighing unit. The weighing portion uses Electro Magnetic Force Restoration technology instead of traditional strain gauges used in other scales for greater accuracy. Moving along a conveyor, the package is first inspected for metal. If traces of metal are detected, the package is automatically rejected without slowing down the line. As pure packages continue along the conveyor, they are then checked for accurate weight. If it is either over or under the prescribed weight, then it is rejected into a different bin. Simple Assurance without further delay. Bunting www.buntingmagnetics.com
Smooth transfer in continuous processes
The VS pneumatic vacuum conveying system transfers powders, pellets and other bulk food ingredients from storage to an extruder in measured amounts. Transferred as pulsed slugs in preset weights or volumes, the sanitary conveyors eliminate the use of manual extruder loading along with its potential for errors and contamination in favor of an automated approach that ensures the material flows smoothly to the machine. The enclosed vacuum conveyors may discharge the ingredients into a feeder, hopper or mixer, or directly into the extruder inlet as a sealed raw material transfer system without exposing sensitive materials to the plant environment. Suitable for conveying food, petfood, nutritional and other ingredients for extrusion, the VS conveyors may be used to transfer multiple ingredients from bulk bag unloaders, sack tip stations, silos, feeding hoppers, and drums in multiple locations for feeding into a single extruder or continuous mixing processor. Powders such as fine sugar and salt in particle sizes as small as 0.1 µm to chocolate chips, candies, nuts, and berries up to several inches in size may be transferred safely and gently without damaging the ingredients. Volkmann USA www.volkmannusa.com
Mobile sanitary IBC unloading and conveying system
The mobile sanitary IBC unloading and conveying system transfers contamination-sensitive bulk solid materials from intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) to downstream processes, dust-free. The discharger frame is mounted on casters for in-plant mobility, while a hinged subframe supporting a surge hopper, flexible screw conveyor and support mast can pivot down for maneuvering through doorways and low-headroom areas. The IBC frame is forklifted onto receiving cups, which position the IBC outlet onto the surge hopper inlet. Material flowing from the IBC into a flexible screw conveyor’s charging adapter is propelled at an incline and discharged into elevated process equipment and storage vessels. Flexicon www.flexicon.com
