Future-focused solutions: Ensign dumper/conveyor systems

For decades, shredders, grinders, and dumper/conveyor systems have been used to reintroduce recyclable material back into the manufacturing process. In response to a global demand to reduce waste, reuse single-use materials, shrink our carbon footprint and protect the planet, manufactures have used size reduction and bulk material handling equipment like this to contribute to the goal of a zero-waste product life cycle.

As the technology has progressed to accomplish this, Ensign Equipment has stayed at the forefront of the plastic recycling industry by producing cost-effective and automated systems to introduce and discharge shredders, grinders and granulators. Today, dumper/conveyor systems regularly integrate with these size-reduction machines to provide end-users a turn-key solution.

Important design features for optimal efficiency and ROI

Ensign Equipment's dumper/conveyor systems are always designed specifically to the end user's process requirements. The modular designs for both their conveyors and dumpers allow their team of engineers to easily and quickly customize the machines to meet nearly any configuration. Plastic processors have consistently looked to Ensign to provide in-feed equipment to their grinders because of some, but not all, of the following design features and options.

Ground entry loading: All of Ensign's dumper/conveyor systems offer ground entry loading, mitigating the need to continuously occupy an expensive forklift. This also reduces operator training requirements for processors as nearly anyone can operate a manual pallet jack.

Automated process controls: PLC automation, variable speed controllers, interlocking relays, photo eyes and other sensors can all be integrated into the system's controls to ensure the downstream size reduction machine is kept at ideal amperages and optimal running conditions. These can also allow for a "dump & run" process for the operator, which frees their time to execute other, more value-add production tasks without sacrificing a continuous flow of material into the grinder.

Product contamination prevention: Plate and tunnel-style metal detectors, with or without automated reject chutes, can be built into the conveyors to detect metal contamination and prevent it from reaching the downstream equipment. This assists in preventing not only significant downtime on the size reduction processing line, but also the main production line as metal contamination can cause high levels of damage. Preventing metal contamination from dulling the cutting blades increases the life expectancy and the overall ROI of the grinder.

Safety: By sourcing the complete dumper/conveyor system from Ensign, processors have confidence that the interface between the operator and the material handling equipment feeding the grinder will be safe and intuitive to use. Dumper/conveyor systems can be equipped with E-stop buttons and pullcords, multiple safety cage types and other guarding to protect operators from any pinch points or automatically moving parts. Ensign electrical and mechanical engineers work closely with customers to meet all safety categories and electrical requirements such as UL508A, NFPA79, ISO 13849-1 and ANSI B11.0.

As time marches on, advances in technology continue to multiply. Ensign Equipment will continue to support the plastics industry by using all the resources available to provide smart solutions that are safe, customizable, and cost-effective to keep you moving.

Visit Ensign Equipment for more information.