New Products & Services

The SM100 Sampling Pump Module draws combustible or toxic gases for detection and monitoring in areas that are too remote, inaccessible or too cold, hot or wet for direct sensor monitoring. The SMP100’s stainless-steel design makes it suitable for gas-detection service in harsh conditions and at humidity up to 95%. The pump module’s applications include gas detection in wet wells, sewage dryers, print drying ovens, storage tanks and ducts carrying toxic or combustible gas. Featuring a low-flow indicator and trouble relay with local signal indication, the SM100 is capable of flows from 0.05–1.0 L/min, with an operating temperature range of –4 to 131ºF. The SMP100 is available in two configurations, an aspirated model that is used with a compressed air source, and a d.c. pump module. — General Monitors, Lake Forest, Calif
www.generalmonitors.com

The low-profile LiftMat lift table allows users to access loads from all four sides with no bending and minimal reach-over, reducing worker fatigue, back strain and injuries. Descending to just 3.25 in. above the ground, LiftMat can accommodate any skid or pallet, including closed-bottom designs. As boxes are added or removed, the platform is smoothly raised or lowered to the most comfortable height with a powered footswitch, a hand-held push-button remote, or a wall-mounted switch. A full-perimeter, auto-stop safety toe-guard instantly stops descent when it comes in contact with any obstruction. The LiftMat’s full raised height is 31.5 in. Available with 15 platform sizes, the LiftMat has a total load capacity of 2,200 lb. — Southworth Products Corp., Portland, Maine
www.southworthproducts.com

This company’s range of pneumatic and manually actuated double-flanged inline slide gate valves have complete shut-off that is applicable for use with powders, granules and pellets. A durable, self-compensating polymer seal ensures that the blade is completely dust-tight, thus preventing material leakage into the environment. Completely unobstructed full-bore openings give these valves smooth, non-jamming operation. Available in diameters from 4 to 12 in., these valves feature stainless-steel construction and a moving orifice side plate. — Kemutec USA, Bristol, Pa.
www.kemutecusa.com

The Titan 20 shredder, shown in stainless steel, reduces the volume of scrap plastics, resins, fibrous products, fiberglass, wood products, paper and cardboard, gypsum wallboard, aluminum, glass, and other industrial, medical and manufacturing waste products by up to 80%. The self-cleaning shredder features dual rotors with extended cutter teeth that chop and shred large volumes of large solids with minimal power consumption. Constructed of hardened heat-treated material, the cutter blades are mounted along two parallel shafts that are hexagonal in cross-section. Options include auto-reversing controls, ram feeders, extended support legs, specialized hoppers, and gravity or pneumatic transitions. — Munson Machinery Company Inc., Utica, N.Y.
www.munsonmachinery.com

New Wonderware InTouch Access Anywhere software enables users to securely access plant-floor data from mobile devices. The software and its applications are compatible with Android-operated devices, as well as iPads and iPhones. For laptops and personal computers, it also supports Microsoft, Macintosh and Linux-based systems. Giving users the capability to access realtime visualizations of plant information, this software can help plants in lowering costs and improving efficiencies. — Invensys plc, London
www.invensys.com

The AutoJet Model 1550+ modular spray system provides automatic control of spray nozzles to ensure uniform and accurate placement of the sprayed solution with minimal waste. Compact and self-contained, the system is applicable in coating, marking and lubricating operations. The system operates both electrically and pneumatically actuated spray nozzles. Featuring a touchscreen, enhanced timing modes and food-contact options, the Model 1550+ provides a sophisticated solution for spray control. — Spraying Systems Co., Wheaton, Ill.
www.spray.com

The DS-MPE-SER4OPT is a multiprotocol opto-isolated serial port module that is designed for rugged environments. Its extended temperature capability of –40 to 85ºC enables the board to operate in many outdoor applications. Additionally, the board may be custom-configured with 0-ohm resistors in place of jumper blocks for use in high-vibration areas. Each of the board’s four serial ports offers up to 500-V isolation from the system ground. Opto-isolation increases reliability in applications with long cable runs, where a difference in ground potential can cause significant damage. The module measures only 2 in. x 1.18 in., and weighs 8.5 g.— Diamond Systems Corp., Mountain View, Calif.
www.diamondsystems.com

Introduced last April, Torayfan MWX6 metallized white cavitated biaxially-oriented polypropylene (PP) film is designed with a proprietary “ultra-barrier” layer on one side for “superior” moisture- and oxygen-barrier functionality, and the other side of this MWX6 film is a hermetic, heat-sealable layer. The new film can be used as a “monoweb” or a lamination, and thus runs on horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) and vertical FFS machines. Available in 100 and 110 gages (1–1.1 mil), MWX6 film is suitable for packaging food products (snacks, baked goods, confectionary items and refrigerated and frozen foods), as well as agricultural and chemical packaging. — Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North Kingstown, R.I.

With over 3,000 exhibitors from 56 countries, K 2013 — the International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber (October 16–23; Düsseldorf, Germany; www.k-online.de) — is one of the largest sector exhibitions in the chemical process industries (CPI). Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended if you are one of the more than 220,000 visitors from 109 countries planning to see whats on display throughout the 17 Halls 162,093 m² of exhibition space at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds.

The halls are organized into the following categories: machinery and equipment for the plastics and rubber industry; raw materials and auxiliaries; and semi-finished products, technical parts and reinforced plastics. At the center of Hall 6 is the special show, “Plastics move the world.” There, selected exhibits will be presented illustrating the many improvements already attributed to plastic products today and their potential contribution to future challenges. To move includes not merely the direct contributions of plastics to different areas of mobility, but also emotional aspects, such as their effect on art and design, and their potential for solving future problems, including demographic growth, increasing energy consumption and climate change.

The new Science Campus, launched at K 2013 is a special forum presented by numerous scientific organizations. The event is intended to intensify the discourse between science and industry. For the first time, 16 universities, institutes and agencies have come together in Hall 7.0 of the exhibition area in Düsseldorf to present pioneering technologies and solutions for central challenges faced by the plastics and rubber industry. At the communication and discussion forum hosted at the center of the Science Campus, the hosts will discuss topical issues that concern the entire industry such as: surfaces (functional scope and processes); functional integration (materials and processes); lightweight engineering (structural materials and processes); material cycles (renewable resources, biopolymers, recycling); and scientific education.

At the Pavillion Printed Electronics Products and Solutions, the printed-electronics companies will introduce their new products directly to their specific target groups. Here, print technologies as well as functionalized surfaces such as RFID (radio-frequency identification) solutions, flexible displays and OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) will have a platform in order to be presented to trade visitors from the processing and user industries.

The following is a very small sample of some of the products and services on display at K 2013.

BayerMaterial Science

These plastic films enable three-dimensional displays

Special Makrofol RP (real projection) polycarbonate films from this company are used in 3D displays for car interiors. Traditional displays on flat, black surfaces are no longer popular, says the company. Thanks to recent developments in the electronic industry, images on these new displays are homogeneous and very sharp on 3D surfaces, too. Makrofol RP films are scratch-resistant and can be equipped with any kind of surface — from transparent to black, and from shiny to matt. The company is now developing products for touchscreen applications that are resistant to sweat, cleaning agents and chemicals. Hall 6.0, Stand A75 — BayerMaterial Science AG, Leverkusen, Germany

Beumer Group

This machine accurately stacks and packs bags onto pallets

The paletpac high-performance layer palletizer stacks bags of granulate or high-quality pigments on pallets of all common sizes up to a pack height of 2.4 m flexibly, with geometrical accuracy and extreme stability. Users can quickly and easily set the required parameters using a multi-program. Depending on the product requirements, the paletpac is fitted with a rotary clamp or double-belt turning device that moves the filled bags quickly and gently into the required position. Hall 12, Booth B21 — Beumer Group GmbH & Co. KG, Beckum, Germany

Automatik Pelletizing Systems

Gently dry abrasive materials with this belt dryer

The Duro belt dryer is designed for drying abrasive and sensitive compounds. Used mainly for underwater pelletizing, the Duro significantly reduces operating costs because the design of its pellet-contacting components means very little wear occurs during operation. Duro gently drys glass-fiber-reinforced products or high-fill mineral compounds to residual pellet moisture levels of less than 0.1%. Gentle treatment minimizes dust formation and enhances product quality, says the company. Hall 9, Stand A04 — Automatik Pelletizing Systems, Oberglatt, Switzerland

Plastic-recycling machines get bigger while using less energy

This company offers a complete range of machines for plastics recycling, from shredders via granulation, washing and separation lines, through to compactors. Among the machines on exhibit at K 2013 is the new model of friction washer — the FA 60/300, which covers the performance range of 2–3 ton/h for films, and 4–6 ton/h for rigid plastics. Also on display will be the Plastcompactor Type HV 50 for continuous agglomeration of films, fibers, foams and dust. — Hall 9, Stand B42 — Herbold Mechesheim GmbH, Mechesheim, Germany

List

Reduce costs with this direct devolatization process

Traditional processing of elastomers uses a high concentration of solvent to keep the rubber solution viscosity low. But after polymerization, devolatalization of the solvent using steam stripping has been a significant cost for processors. This company has developed a direct devolatization process that reduces multi-step steam stripping and enables processors to eliminate the majority of water, energy and waste-disposal costs associated with traditional methods. With direct devolatization, 98% of the solvent is first removed in the main evaporator using mechanical and thermal energy. In a second step, material with 2–5% solvent is transferred to a “finisher”, where continuous mixing and kneading augments the devolatization, resulting in rubber product with residual solvent of just 10–200 ppm, says the company. Hall 9, Stand C24 — List AG, Arisdorf, Switzerland

Improve the properties of biopolymers with this binder

The Vinnex binder system enables biopolymers to be processed just like conventional thermoplastics. With Vinnex, a vinyl-acetate-based polymer-binder system, manufacturers can now develop high-performance blends of bioplastics that can be processed with conventional equipment. Vinnex makes injection molding, extrusion, vacuum forming, thermoforming and calendaring much easier, says the company. The binder is compatible with many biopolymers; polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxylalkenoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and starch can be used to create polymer blends with significantly improved physical properties. Hall 6, Stand A10 — Wacker Chemie AG, Munich, Germany

Haver & Boecker

Time savings and cost reduction with this bagging machine

At K 2013, this company is presenting the latest developments of its Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) technology. The FFS 2000 WT offers new features. In addition to polyethylene (PE) film, this FFS system can operate with woven FFS band film, and thus perform over a wide range of industries, says the company. Advantages of the new features include higher production capacity, time savings, and cost reductions for operating and maintaining the packing system. The bags are optimized by continuously monitoring the bulk density and adjusting the corresponding bag length. And because the bags are compactly filled, bag surfaces are clean and the bags are stable during transport. Hall 12, Stand A32 — Haver & Boecker, Oelde, Germany

Maag Filtration Systems

A compact screen changer for extrusion applications

Introduced in July, CSC-R is a new generation of screen changer, which is said to have up to four times more filter area than conventional systems. The new line adapts the company’s patented, large-area polymer screen changer to the needs and filter requirements of the extrusion industry. Thanks to the shape of the pistons that are now fitted with curved breaker plates, 75% of the active piston surface acts as a filtration area. For any given footprint, the screen changer’s filtration area is four times larger, which results in longer screen lifetime, low pressure differential, a lower flux rate and an increased filtration area. Hall 9.0, Stand A04 — Maag Filtration Systems, Oberglatt, Switzerland

Dinnissen

A complete system for mixing and transporting powders

Launched at K 2013, the Lean Mixing concept offers a total and integrated solution for mixing powders, granules and granulates, including a system for transporting both the raw ingredients and the finished product. The integrated mixing and transport process avoids the disadvantages associated with pneumatic-conveying systems, such as increased risk of product damage, higher energy costs, higher contamination risks and extra handling, says the company. Lean Mixing uses big bags in which the ingredients have to be lifted only once. Once hoisted, the bags are transported via an automatic route-guidance system to the proper position for unloading. The company’s FeederValves enable particle-free dosing of the ingredients. The system can handle capacities from 6 kg/h to as much as 50 ton/h. Hall 10, Stand B71 — Dinnissen B.V., Sevenum, the Netherlands

This polymer can take the pressure and the heat

In the oil-and-gas sector, production failures can be catastrophic and costly. Unlike other high-performance polymers, this companys PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is said to provide 100% greater pressure handling capability, three times more creep resistance and 12 times the compressive strength at elevated temperatures. It meets excessive temperature and pressure demands with materials that can withstand pressures up to 30,000 psi, temperatures of –60 to 260°C and exposure to harsh chemicals, says the manufacturer. The company’s PAEK (polyaryletherketones) are also replacing metal in the automotive and aerospace industries, thereby reducing weight and fuel consumption, along with the associated emissions of carbon dioxide. Hall 5, Stand A23 — Victrex USA, Inc. West Conshohocken, Pa.

Improved heat performance for engineered plastics

This producer of styrene maleic-anhydride (SMA) copolymers and compounds has recently introduced Xiran IZ grades that are designed to be highly efficient in increasing the heat performance of engineered plastic, especially in styrenics like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These grades were developed to meet the demand for styrenic engineered plastics with high temperature resistance and low volatile residue. The new Xiran IZ grades exhibit a glass transition temperature of 175°C or higher, and can be exposed to higher processing temperatures with “excellent” miscibility in styrenic polymers such as ABS, says the company. Hall 5.0, Stand E08 — Polyscope Polymers B.V., Geleen, the Netherlands

The 86th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (Weftec) will be held this October at the McCormick Place South Convention Center in Chicago. The conference runs October 5–9, with the exhibition taking place on October 7–9 and will feature more than 140 technical sessions and 27 workshops. Over 750 exhibitors will be showcased on the tradeshow floor. The following preview highlights a small sampling of these exhibitors’ products and services.

Fluid Components International

This gas flowmeter achieves a 1,000:1 turndown ratio

The ST100 flowmeter (photo) measures gas mass flowrate, total flow, temperature and pressure, storing up to five unique calibration groups to accommodate broad flow ranges at up to 1,000:1 turndown. The meter continuously displays all process measurements and alarm status, and it has the ability to query for service diagnostics. Information is displayed on the meter’s graphical, multivariable, backlit LCD display screen. With a maximum operating temperature of 850ºF, the ST100 is designed for a wide range of plant operations, including wastewater applications for aeration systems, digester gas and disinfection gas. Booth 3944 — Fluid Components International, LLC, San Marcos, Calif.

www.fluidcomponents.com

McCrometer

 

This full-profile-insertion flowmeter features hot-tap installation

The FPI Mag full-profile-insertion electromagnetic flowmeter (photo) features an accuracy of up to ±0.5%. The FPI Mag boasts simple hot-tap installation, requiring no service interruption, making it a good fit for retrofits, upgrades and maintenance projects. Hot-tap installation also reduces installation time by eliminating the need to de-water lines or cut pipe. The FPI Mag flowmeter is available for forward-only or bi-directional measurement in line sizes ranging from 4 to 138 in. Booth 1319 — McCrometer, Inc., Hemet, Calif.

www.mccrometer.com

Watson-Marlow Pumps Group

A turnkey skid is a single-source peristaltic metering solution

This company’s turnkey peristaltic chemical metering systems (photo) combine pumps, gages, columns and other accessories into a robust skid solution. Fully integrated and tested, the skids decrease installation time and costs, allowing users to obtain an entire system from a single source. In addition, each peristaltic skid features provisions for pressure relief, pump isolation and fluid calibration as standard without the need for degassing valves, strainers, back pressure valves, pulsation dampeners or other ancillary items typically associated with diaphragm pump systems. Booth 2416 — Watson-Marlow Pumps Group, Wilmington, Mass.

www.wmpg.com

Moyno

A convenient alternative to gravity-based sewers

The new InviziQ pressure sewage system (photo) is an alternative to conventional gravity sewage options, giving users the flexibility to build and operate in almost any location. Rather than relying on gravity and a network of lift stations to transfer sewage, InviziQ pressure sewage systems utilize grinding and pumping technology for controlled movement of sewage to treatment facilities, even in areas with complex terrain topography or environmental sensitivity. The system’s dry well design delivers clean access to the unit’s motor and other working parts. Other features include stainless-steel pump cartridge, 150-gal emergency storage capacity and diagnostic software. Booth 436 — Moyno, Inc., Springfield, Ohio

www.moyno.com

 

www.vanton.com

 

World Water Works

Remove ammonia from wastewater with this treatment system

Demon water treatment systems (photo) remove nitrogen from municipal and industrial wastewater streams that have high ammonia concentrations. The Demon system features ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which convert half the ammonia to nitrite. A second anaerobic biological process uses anaerobic ammonium-oxidation bacteria to convert the combination of nitrite and remaining ammonia directly into nitrogen gas. This system requires less energy, eliminates the need for additional chemicals, and produces significantly less sludge, when compared to traditional nitrogen removal processes. The anaerobic process consumes carbon dioxide, giving this system a very low carbon footprint. Booth 736 — World Water Works, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla.

www.worldwaterworks.com

Endress + Hauser

Access data remotely with this Web-integrated transmitter

Liquiline CM44x multichannel transmitters (photo) monitor and control processes in many industries, such as water and wastewater, chemicals, oil-and-gas and power. These transmitters can accept inputs from up to eight digital sensors, including nitrate, spectral absorption coefficient (SAC), pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, free-chlorine and ion-selective electrode sensors. Optional current inputs are available for processing signals from other process devices, such as flow, level or pressure sensors. Internet connection is available through the CM44x’s Ethernet port, allowing users to perform remote configuration or access device parameters via an integrated Web server. Featuring a backlit display, the transmitter alerts users to errors, displays load curves and also allows for configurable viewing of the built-in data logger. Booth 3246 — Endress + Hauser, Inc., Greenwood, Ind.

www.us.endress.com
  

Georg Fischer Piping Systems

This transmitter offers batch controller capabilities

The new Signet 9900 transmitter (photo) supports multiple parameters that include flow, pH, conductivity, resistivity, salinity, temperature, pressure and level. With optional batch and relay modules, this transmitter can also be converted to a batch controller system. The 9900 features a 3.90-in. by 3.90-in. auto-sensing backlit display with large, illuminated characters, allowing for visibility even at long distances. The display shows separate lines for units, main and secondary measurements as well as a dial-type digital bar graph. Other capabilities include relay and warning LEDs and an intuitive menu for customized programming. Booth 213 — Georg Fischer Piping Systems, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

www.gfpiping.com

Asahi/America, Inc.

A polyethylene-based piping system certified for drinking water

The Chem Proline piping systems have been certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 61-G, the nationally recognized health effects standard for drinking-water system components. Made from polyethylene resin, which is more resistant to slow crack growth than other materials, these systems present a lower-cost alternative to metal, fiberglass and lined steel pipe. Stocked in sizes up to 12 in. and available up to 88 in., Chem Proline systems are appropriate for use in water treatment and chemical processing applications using a variety of chemicals including sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda and low-concentration acids. Booth 4677 — Asahi/America, Inc., Malden, Mass.

www.asahi-america.com

Neptune Chemical Pump 
 

A mechanically actuated diaphragm pump designed for water                          

This company’s Series 7000 mechanically actuated diaphragm metering pumps (photo) are designed specifically for water and wastewater applications. The mechanical design of the Series 7000 eliminates the use of contour plates on the liquid side of the diaphragm while the straight-through valve and head design allows for improved flow characteristics. The Series 7000 is self-priming and has a maximum capacity range of up to 300 gal/h (1,135 L/h) at 150 psi. Pump capacity is adjustable by micrometer dial while the pump is running. Booth 2605 — Neptune Chemical Pump Co., North Wales, Pa.

www.neptune1.com

Dinnissen B.V.

A system to reduce losses when emptying bags

Bags of 10–90 kg typically lose between 0.4 and 1% of the products — often expensive ingredients — due to residues left behind when the bags are emptied, says this company. To reduce losses, the company has developed a new system for emptying bags. Up to 99.9% of the contents can be removed by the system, which uses vibration-, air-pulse- and suction-based technology. The system is especially suited for processing expensive and contamination-sensitive ingredients. The system is suitable for all types and sizes of bags (10–90 kg) and can be used with products having a wide range of transport characteristics. — Dinnissen B.V., Sevenum, the Netherlands

Packing paper that protects against corrosion

Cortec

Bio Wrap Creped — powered by Nano-VpCI (vapor-phase corrosion inhibiting technology) — is a corrosion-inhibiting paper for protecting metals that are in an enclosed package. This non-toxic, biodegradable crepe paper combines multi-metal corrosion protection with the packaging benefits of paper creping, which increases the tensile strength and degree of pliancy. The paper provides cushioning and surface protection for wrapped parts and a “pooling” effect for oiled parts. The paper is effective against aggressive environments, including humidity, SO₂, H₂S and galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals. It can be used for the protection of products for storage and shipment, as end enclosures for shipping tubes, insert paper for recess areas in large packages and as sheet liners or separators between products. — Cortec Corp., St. Paul, Minn.

Flexicon

Integrate this tubular conveyor anywhere up- or down-stream

The new Flexi-Disc line of Tubular Cable Conveyors is suitable for the gentle transfer of friable food and non-food products, and is offered as a standalone system, or fully integrated with upstream and downstream equipment, including bag-dump stations, bulk-bag dischargers, bulk-bag fillers, container dumpers and more. The conveyor moves material using high-strength polymer discs — affixed to a stainless-steel or galvanized cable — that slides within a smooth stainless-steel tubing. The system can have single or multiple inlets and outlets, and can convey over short distances or hundreds of meters. — Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa.

Lock Inspection Systems

Detect and reject metals from pills with this machine

The standalone Insight PH metal detector combines core technologies with additional features to deliver benefits to manufacturers of tablets and capsules. The system is highly resistant to vibration, and its integrated digital search head and Optix detector-management software guarantee detection and rejection of minute metal fragments, while maintaining high productivity. The detector is sensitive to all metals, and can inspect up to 30,000 tablets or capsules per minute. — Lock Inspection Systems Ltd., Oldham, U.K.

Romaco Group

This automatic tube filler has a small footprint

The Unipac U 2060 automatic tube filler has an enclosed design that meets ergonomic requirements. With a compact structure (footprint less than 1.5 m²), the unit is easy to access. Equipped with eight stations, the system is suitable for filling semi-solids, such as ointments, creams, gels, pastes and other products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The products are filled into aluminum, laminate or polyethylene tubes, which are closed either mechanically (by means of a series of folds) or in a heat-sealing or hot-air process. The machine has a maximum output of 60 tubes/min. — Romaco Group, Karlsruhe, Germany

Intelligrated

A robot to add or load or unload pallets automatically

At Pack Expo (Las Vegas, Nev.; September 23–25), this company presented its Avley robotic palletizing and depalletizing machine. The robot’s flexibility, combined with advanced software and vision technology, enables handling of variable loads and products and brings the speed and accuracy of automation to previously manual processes, says the company. The manufacturer offers all the components for complete order-fulfillment solutions, enabling users to phase out manual processes. — Intelligrated, Mason, Ohio

Shrink films for beverage multipacks

Introduced in August, the Bemis Titan brand shrink films and labels are designed to enhance beverage packaging quality, efficiency and brand appeal using advanced polyethylene shrink technology. The film creates vibrant, sustainable shrink multipacks that replace corrugated, paperboard or plastic rings. Multipacks made with these shrink films reduce material weight by 50% and decrease packaging costs by up to 30% compared to paperboard, says the company. — Bemis Performance Packaging, Oshkosh, Wisc.

Instant product authentication with a new barcode

Unlike traditional 2D barcodes, which are limited in data capacity and require an internet connection or time consuming database look-ups, the HD Barcode has none of these shortcomings, making it suitable for absolute product authentication. A single code can hold 175 times more data than a traditional 2D barcode, and may contain text, images, HTML and other file types. HD Barcode uses a proprietary reading application that allows an authorized user to scan and read these comprehensive product details in any location. Manufacturers can track and trace information, product specifications, e-pedigree data, plant location, manufacturing date, distribution regions, package carton or label identifiers, user data, and more. — Complete Inspection Systems, Inc., Indialantic, Fla.

Rigid packaging manufactured from only polyethylene

This company continues to expand its sustainable packaging portfolio with the recent launch of a 100% PE Standup Pouch (SUP). The SUPs structure is made with only one raw material, PE, enabling easier recycling with 83% less plastic used when compared to traditional rigid plastic packages. Also, the monomaterial composition and improved trimmings contribute to lighter weight, which leads to additional cost savings and storage and transportation benefits. The SUPs can be used for cleaning products, beverages, cosmetics, dry and frozen foods and products in the building and construction sector. — The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.

NJMPackaging

A modular tablet counter that delivers
fast and accurate filling

The Cremer CFS-622 Tablet Counter is a servo-driven counting and filling system that features a modular design, accommodating up to four counting modules to fill up to 170 bottles per minute. It handles almost any size tablet, capsule or softgel and fills almost any bottle while achieving 100% counting accuracy, says the manufacturer. The unit’s servo-driven feed screw and dipping filling nozzles provide fast and accurate transportation and filling of almost any size bottle. Servo-driven vibratory plates, product separator flaps and discharge flaps provide fast and consistent product flow while minimizing maintenance, adds the company. The system meets 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines. — NJMPackaging, Lebanon, N.H.

Print compliant labels faster and with better quality

ColorWorks Label Printer technology was introduced to help manufacturers that produce a large number of SKUs (stock-keeping units) manage the chaos associated with different label varieties and to meet new regulatory labeling standards. Launched last month at Pack Expo, ColorWorks offers improved image quality and production speeds. The company says this new technology can help reduce total labeling costs by up to 50% for a wide range of packaging and manufacturing applications. The company also launched its ColorWorks C831 Wide Label Printer to help manufacturers and transporters comply with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling standards. — Epson America, Inc., Long Beach, Calif.

New applications available with this PP film

Polypropylene Lumicene Random is based on proprietary metallocene technology from this company’s Refining & Chemicals Div. The new material is said to expand the range of applications for conventional PP and adds a new dimension to the more traditional applications. The product offers ultra-low extractables and “best-in-class” organoleptic properties, to give universal grade status for food packaging from the refrigerator to microwave applications, says the company. Converters can achieve higher productivity as a result of 150 MPa more rigidity and reduce cycle times thanks to the material’s higher fluidity. Downgaging of between 4 and 8% has been proven, the company says. — Total S.A., Paris, France

A redesigned filling machine has improved accuracy, and more

The redesigned RPF Rotary Piston Filling Machine accommodates a wide range of containers and products of most viscosities at high production speeds of 600+ per minute. This series is available in different frame sizes and models, from four to 36 filling nozzles. The overhead driven pistons feature fine-fill piston adjustment, achieving ±0.5% fill accuracy. The cylinders and pistons are easily removed for cleaning and changeover to other sizes. New features include an improved starwheel drive system with factory set overload clutches and improved spiral-drive clutch, both offering more precise adjustment that never requires readjustment, says the company. — Cozzoli Machine Co., Somerset, N.J.

A PP film with functional layers on both sides

Introduced last April, Torayfan MWX6 metallized white cavitated biaxially-oriented polypropylene (PP) film is designed with a proprietary “ultra-barrier” layer on one side for “superior” moisture- and oxygen-barrier functionality, and the other side of this MWX6 film is a hermetic, heat-sealable layer. The new film can be used as a “monoweb” or a lamination, and thus runs on horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) and vertical FFS machines. Available in 100 and 110 gages (1–1.1 mil), MWX6 film is suitable for packaging food products (snacks, baked goods, confectionary items and refrigereated and frozen foods) as well as agricultural and chemical packaging. — Toray Plastics (America), Inc., North Kingstown, R.I.

The TR-702 temperature and humidity data logger comes in two versions: one with integrated Ethernet and the other with wireless capabilities. The loggers keep users abreast of current readings and recorded data via automatic file transfer or E-mail. The TR-702 has an internal Web server for directly viewing current readings and is fully compatible with the company’s cloud-based Web storage services. With a temperature range of 0–55ºC and a relative humidity range of 10–95%, the TR-702 features a contact closure for triggering an external device in the event of an alarm condition. — T & D Corp., Santa Fe, N.M.
www.tandd.com

The new Model TPT low-flow mini peristaltic pump provides a small-footprint flow solution for many applications, including pH control, fermentation processes, nutrient dosing and environmental sampling functions. Capable of flows ranging from 1–30 mL/min, users can select from four different speed drives. Pump construction consists of a rigid metal housing, aluminum square tube and top and bottom plates. A glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) roller head containing four rollers ensures quiet operation. A control switch allows for reversible, clockwise or counterclockwise flow. The pumps feature a brush-style, continuous-duty, 24-V d.c. gear motor with an internal permanent magnet. Also available is an optional counter that indicates the number of revolutions. — Aalborg Instruments and Controls, Inc., Orangeburg, N.Y.
www.aalborg.com

The redesigned RPF Rotary Piston Filling Machine accommodates a wide range of containers and products of most viscosities at high production speeds of 600+ fills per minute. This series is available in different frame sizes and models, from 4 to 36 filling nozzles. The overhead-driven pistons feature fine-fill piston adjustment, achieving ±0.5% fill accuracy. The cylinders and pistons are easily removed for cleaning and changeover to other sizes. New features include an improved starwheel drive system with factory-set overload clutches and improved spiral-drive clutch, both offering more precise adjustment that never requires readjustment, says the company. — Cozzoli Machine Co., Somerset, N.J.