TrueRate This system from Conair uses gravimetric measurement to track changes in the inventories of as many as 500 different resins and powders in a plastics processing plant. Available in two sizes, it consists of either an 8-inch weighing ring equipped with two load cells, or a 12-inch ring with three load cells. The weighing rings connect to an electrical control panel with a PLC. Users mount the weighing ring below a material loader or receiver and above a bin or other container. The system calculates the change in weight of the loader or receiver before it discharges the material through the ring and into the container.
What’s new? The system, which Conair is promoting as an alternative to using single-component batch blenders to measure resin inventories. TrueRate has two modes of operation. In default mode, it continuously measures the total flow of resin through the receiver into a container below. It can display the weight for each load cycle, tabulate a running total and calculate the total throughput for a given period. In job mode, the system uses an optional discharge valve that allows it to meter and dose material from the receiver into a container. The system uses a pneumatic cylinder to close the discharge valve when it has dispensed the correct amount. TrueRate is compatible with SmartServices, Conair’s cloud-based Industry 4.0 solution for monitoring auxiliary equipment.
Benefits The ability to keep an accurate, running inventory of resins and powders. The system eliminates manual weighing, guesswork and errors in tracking and regulating the receipt, flow and usage of resins and powders throughout a facility.
Conair Group, Cranberry Township, Pa., 724-584-5500, www.conairgroup.com
