Page 46 - Food & Drink Magazine July 2018

PRODUCT NEWS
ENERGY
MEASURING TOOL
AN energy efficiency module from Festo has been designed to makes energy saving in compressed air systems simpler.
The MSE6-E2M service unit measures, controls, and monitors the consumption of compressed air in production, and makes important data visible. It ensures compressed air is supplied according to needs, and helps detect and rectify leakages. During downtime, the compressed air supply to the machine is shut off, preventing any air escaping through leakages on the machine. The module also has an option whereby the compressed air supply can be switched on and off manually. In the case of particularly complex production processes, automatic standby detection can be deactivated so that plant operators can specify themselves via a PLC, whether a machine is in production operation or not.
A further advantage of the energy efficiency module is active condition monitoring, which gives plant operators access to energy and process-related data at all times. The module can be integrated into a machine control system via Profibus,
CUSTOMISED CABLE CUTTING
LAPP Australia has launched a cable cutting machine which offers same-day turnaround for customers.
The cable, connector, and automation company, which recently launched a permanent Australian subsidiary, can now complete a large order on the same day it was received due to new cable cutting technology which can slice through a variety of different cables of up to 500mm2 in thickness, to precise lengths.
These can be precision-finished to global reliability and service standards, according to the company.
Lapp Australia general manager Simon Pullinger said new service standards were needed as industries expanded and automated to meet higher demands and 24-hour production and automation cycles.
“Customers often want to buy cable in bulk, but prefer it cut into smaller sections,” he said.
FASTER NIR ANALYSIS
FOSS’S FoodScan 2 is a near- infrared (NIR) analyser offering process and quality control options to meet time-critical testing requirements.
Building on FoodScan technology, the FoodScan 2 uses rapid NIR analytical technology to give a time-to-result as low as just 15-25 seconds – about 50 per cent faster than the first FoodScan, according to the company.
The FoodScan 2 also provides more parameters for labelling and quality control of dairy products and meat.
Sub-scans are made simultaneously to ensure a large share of the sample is measured in a short time. This reduces dependency on the sample homogenisation step.
Quality controllers can also perform a colour measurement simultaneously with compositional tests, which offers a time-saving alternative to separate colour measurement equipment or subjective assessment by eye with visual charts. Both NIR transmission and transflectance technology is used in the one unit.
CUTTING AIR CONSUMPTION
SMC’S flow and pressure valves in its AS-R and AS-Q series enable energy savings due to a cut in internal air consumption by up to 25 per cent.
Using these valves helps shorten the response time of the return stroke and harmonises stroke movements to prevent a harsh jerky start, according to the company.
In pressing applications, these valves enable a rapid supply of compressed air at the end of the stroke, while the valve bodies and plug-and-socket connections can rotate 360° to ensure fast and easy installation.
The pressure and flow valves range includes six AS-R and five AS-Q models. SMC supplies these in R1/8, R1/4, R3/8 and R1/2 connection sizes, and for hose diameters ranging from 6mm to 12mm.
Customers are able to choose between the new AS-R series with its fixed two-bar supply pressure, and the older ASR valves with fixed or variable set pressures, depending on the application where pressures are adjusted manually using a handle with a
three-part scale.
The pressure and flow valves are mounted together on cylinders. The AS-Q flow
valve is
installed on the working stroke
side, and the
AS-R pressure valve on the return stroke side.
Further time savings are offered by the artificial neural network (ANN) calibrations. The calibration models avoid the burden of maintaining many calibration models because fewer are required than with other methods.
Instrument standardisation makes it faster to install new units, while networking facilities save costs on routine maintenance and reporting via new remote support services such as FossAssure, the company says.
FoodScan 2 models include a Lab TS for laboratory operation, a Pro model for use in the production environment, and Lab model with a keyboard for users not requiring the touchscreen interface.
CORRECTION
An article in our June Product News pages about Festo’s pneumatic pinch valves (pictured above) incorrectly featured an image of Festo’s MSE6- E2M service unit (see story above).
46 | Food&Drink business | July 2018 | www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au