Conair Group has introduced two powder-conveying units for handling PVC and other powdered material as small as one micron, as well as dusty regrind. The units are available in a PR (powder receiver) model for use in central vacuum systems, and a self-contained PM model with an integral vacuum motor.
Conair said the integral-motor version is ideal for conveying material from gaylords or bins directly to an injection molding machine or extruder. The PM motor loaders come in three sizes, with conventional direct DC brush or brushless motors. They can move up to 1,000 pounds of material an hour over distances up to 50 feet.
The PR powder receivers come in five sizes, ranging from 0.14 to 3 cubic feet, and can accommodate line sizes up to four inches outer diameter.
“Conventional loaders, which rely on screens to separate material from conveying air, work very well with virgin pellets,” said Doug Brewster, Conair's conveying product manager. “But when powdered material is being transported, screens can become laden with accumulated dust, decreasing the performance of the conveying system. The same thing can happen with dusty regrind and, as plastic processors attempt to user more reclaimed material, either for environmental or economic reasons — the issue becomes more acute. The new powder receivers and motor loaders were developed for these applications.”
Both units operate the same way. Air and material are drawn into the receiver by the central vacuum pump or integral motor. The powder remains in the bottom of the receiver while conveying air and any suspended particles are drawn upward past as many as three pleated polyester cartridge filters. At the end of every load cycle, a blowback system directs high-power blasts or compressed air down through the filters and blows off accumulated material, dust and fines.
Conair is based in Cranberry Township, Pa.
Tel. 724-584-5500, www.conairgroup.com.