ACS Group auxiliary equipment brands AEC (Booth W2542), Sterling (Booth W2642) and Cumberland (Booth S24189) will show new products at the NPE2018 trade show.
AEC will launch a high-efficiency central chiller, a hybrid adiabatic process cooling system and a VacTrac-brand Plus Series of vacuum conveying controllers.
The central chiller can save users up to 60 percent in average energy savings per year, AEC reports. Efficient fan technology is the reason. Ethernet-driven communications allow the chillers to expand up to 10 modules with each individual unit having a chilling-capacity range of 20-60 tons. The central chiller can achieve the largest savings when it runs between 40-80 percent of capacity. The system's pass-through communication provides the ability to skip a unit that is down without interrupting the rest of the system.
The freeze-proof adiabatic system combines dry-air cooling during cooler months of the year and fluid cooling during warmer months. AEC says the system can save up to 95 percent in annual water use by utilizing hybrid adiabatic cooling technology instead of a traditional cooling tower or a closed-circuit fluid cooler. Further, AEC says the system can reduce energy usage by up to 86 percent versus packaged air cooled chillers. In functioning as a dry-air cooling system, the adiabatic unit operates a fan motor rather than a chiller compressor motor.
The VacTrac Plus line offers a discrete wired conveying controller, flexible configurations and a seamless upgrade path. A processor can customize the number of pumps and receiver stations as needs change. The advanced design accommodates multiple functions including blowback, residual pressure valves, knife gates, local alarms, purge valves and low-level alarms. The VacTrac Plus has a 7-diagonal-inch high resolution color touchscreen and an Allen Bradley programmable logic controller.
Sterling will show the Sterlco-brand K Series two-stage centrifugal pump for 2-foot net-positive-suction-head applications. The unit can pump hot concentrate up to 212° F while reducing maintenance costs. Standard pumps can accommodate 200° F, but the Sterlco pump's higher tolerance can avoid harmful formation of bubbles or cavitation. Sterling engineers and assembles the centrifugal pump in the U.S. The K Series is designed to replace pumps on existing units. Adaptor kids are available for most competitors' boiler feed and condensate tanks.
Cumberland will introduce its T50 Series granulators and new feed rolls for the thermoforming industry.
The T50 Series offers precision tolerance cutting chambers that can provide regrind consistency and smooth reprocessing. A Twin Shear-brand design reduces energy consumption and the cost per pound of output. Rotating knives are fixed, permitting adjustments to take place at the bed knife. Screens are reversible for longer use and increased durability, and the new rear hopper door has a zero-speed locking mechanism and improved seal design. A new linear-actuated rear cutting chamber door allow access for bed knife maintenance.
For the thermoforming industry, Cumberland offers the Versatile FRV and Edge Trim FRE Series feed roll system. Capabilities include thermoforming scrap reclamation. The granulator feed conveyor is designed for seamless startup for thermoforming applications. The feed rolls can be used with a granulator to process sheet, film, web and part imbedded sheet. One version is suitable for thin film, and another can accommodate large draw parts up to 8 inches tall. The feed roll's opening is 56 inches across.
New Berlin, Wis.-based ACS is owned by members of the Fox family, who also own diversified private equity investor Harbour Group Industries Inc. of Clayton, Mo.
Harbour Group acquired AEC Inc., Sterling Products Inc. and Wabash Metal Products Inc. in 1995; Cumberland Engineering LLC in 1999; and Walton/Stout Inc. in 2009.