Food Manufacturing

Universal control head for hygienic processing industries

Burkert's new Type 8681 control head offers the key advantage of universal fitment onto third-party hygienic valves: single seat valves, double seat, mix proof, and also quarter turn ball and butterfly valves that have linear stainless steel actuators. The 8681 comes complete with a full range of communication networks, such as ASi and DeviceNet, and is enclosed in a robust polycarbonate and polyamide housing that is IP65 and IP67 rated, enabling it to be washed down and cleaned safely. View the video here.

6th June 2012

Light-weight lube-free hybrid chain for wet environments

Tsubaki's range of PC chain combines the benefits of stainless steel and engineering plastic to create a lube-free hybrid chain for applications where corrosion and a lack of lubrication are a problem. Available in drive, conveyor and attachment variations, the new PC series chains offer resilience to outdoor conditions, detergents and steam, as well as food ingredients such as oils and lactic acid. The solid engineering plastic inner link design promotes easier cleaning and allows lube-free operation, extending chain life in poor lubrication situations.

1st June 2012

New, smaller slip-on geared motor has 1600Nm output torque

A strength of the Framo Morat Compacta slip-on geared motors from R. A. Rodriguez is their ability to provide a reliable driving force in a small design envelope. And with the introduction of the new Compacta AG160 to the range, this attribute is even more pronounced. This top-of-the-range addition extends output torque to 1600Nm yet has a housing that only measures 375.25mm × 200mm.

30th May 2012

Top-of-the-range slip on geared motor

The great strength of the popular Framo Morat Compacta slip-on geared motors from R. A. Rodriguez is their ability to provide a reliable driving force in a small design envelope. And with the introduction of the new AG160 to the range, this attribute is even more pronounced. This top of the range addition extends output torque to 1,600Nm yet has a housing that only measures 375.25mm x 200mm.

30th May 2012

IE4 motor slashes energy consumption by up to 50%

SEW Eurodrive has launched a new Super Premium Efficiency motor in the IE4 class that can cut energy consumption by up to 50 percent over conventional designs. The new DRC permanent-field synchronous motor contains integrated drive electronics in an enclosed housing and is designed for flexibility so that it can be directly mounted to various gear unit types such as helical, parallel-shaft helical and helical-bevel via a flange and pinion shaft.

25th May 2012

Oh crumbs, solved at last

A process that defied automation has finally been brought into the 21st century by systems integrator Clint Johnson of the wonderfully named Control Freaks, who has developed an all-Mitsubishi Electric solution. He automated a machine for producing biscuit crumbs, breakfast cereal and snack foods, replacing a labour intensive manual process with one that guarantees consistent results.

24th May 2012

Full of air

In an interesting application, Abssac has developed a shaft coupling that could be used in the drive assembly of an aerator used in the oxygenation of water in fish spawning ponds and small lakes. Aeration is especially required in times of hot weather where the oxygen concentration within the water can fall and have a detrimental effect on spawning.

24th May 2012

New oil-free, positive displacement screw blowers in ZS range

Atlas Copco is expanding its ZS range of oil-free, energy saving, positive displacement screw blowers with the introduction of new models from ZS7 to ZS22. Launched at this year's International Water and Effluent Exhibition (IWEX), the new blowers will allow more customers with low-pressure compressed air installations to benefit from the efficiencies offered by Atlas Copco's ZS oil-free screw blower technology.

23rd May 2012

IE4 Super Premium Motor reduces energy consumption by up to half

SEW Eurodrive is launching a new Super Premium Efficiency motor in the IE4 class that can cut energy consumption by up to 50 per cent over conventional designs. The new DRC permanent-field synchronous motor contains integrated drive electronics in an enclosed housing, and is designed for flexibility so that it can be directly mounted to various gear unit types such as helical, parallel-shaft helical and helical-bevel via a flange and pinion shaft.