Powtech 2017

Over on the Kasser Kompressoren stand visitors could learn about the company’s Sigma Air Manager 4.0 (SAM4.0) system that is Industry 4.0 technology – a master control system for all compressed air units in a plant. It enables predictive maintenance and boosts operational efficiency, while reducing energy costs. The company also had the ASK rotary screw compressor on view with flow rates of 0.79 to 4.65m³/min. The compressor performs up to 20 per cent better than many comparable products on the market, according to Kaesser Kompressoren.

For the laboratory

PanAlytical offered first sight of its Aeris XRD benchtop diffractometer for mineral processing. The Aeris is available in four editions for cement, minerals, metals and research. The cement version directly probes the mineralogical composition of cement and enables judgement of the physical properties to better control the kiln when introducing alternative fuels, for example. In addition, it facilitates quality assurance for blended cements. It is an automated benchtop diffractometer with high throughputs and can be connected with a belt or a robot for fast automated processing. Standard clinker or cement analysis takes five minutes, says PanAlytical.

Another company in the lab analysis sector is Sympatec, which launched a new dispersing line unit for use with its Helos laser diffraction series and its QICPic particle size analyser. The modular dispersing unit slots into the units quickly and easily.

Freeman Technologies demonstrated its powder testing in the form of the FT4 Powder Rheometer, which can be used for raw material and additive analysis.

Meanwhile, Fritsch offered visitors a view of its variable speed rotor mill Pulversitte 14 for impacting shearing and cutting comminution in one instrument.

Fritsch was demonstrating its high-tech laboratory mills such as the knife mill Pulverisette 11 and 14, the latter of which has a variable speed rotor. The new Pulverisette 6 is also likely to be popular with the cement sector with its that has two grinding stations for wet and dry grinding of hard, medium-hard, soft, brittle and moist samples.

Weighing equipment

Weighing was uppermost in evidence on the Schenck Process stand that launched its new Multidos® VDP-C apron weighfeeder. This product is designed for raw material feeding and hot clinker feeding. The weighfeeder has an enclosed design, but has quick access via easy-to-remove covers, while an open design option is available.  It is also versatile in having 48 possible installation configurations to suit plant requirements, claims Schenck Process. The coarse material apron pans are made of Hardox® steel for longer service life.

Packing innovations

Beumer installed an automated filling, palletising and

packaging line at Cooperativa La Cruz Azul in Mexico

Moellers GmbH highlighted its palletising and stretch hood technology with its 2 in1 series that is a low-level palletiser with automatic transverse stretch hooder. The two technologies are incorporated in one machine without any additional conveying equipment.

Silo technology

USA-based Tank Connection was explaining the merits of its bolt-on silos that require no scaffolding when being erected as they are prefabricated and are quick to take down, because of their modular set-up.

Into the Digital Age

Claudius Peters then explained its solution to digitalising plants with its Smart Solutions technology for optimum plant operation. Claudius Peters says that it is fairly rare for OEMs to be offering this service for the cement sector, but it brings greater levels of equipment insight, improved efficiency, costs savings and data security. The CP Portal with project information can be accessed from a tablet or PC, while the CP Smart Engineering technology offers intelligent networking and standardised process modules for customers needing intelligent data at their finger-tips. Modules include Smart Device, Smart Connect, Smart Design, In touch and plant view.