PETpla.net Insider 07+08 / 2015

f.l.t.r.: Mr Doug Brewster and Mr Gene Flockerzi CONVEYING 34 PET planet insider Vol. 16 No. 07+08/15 www.petpla.net Next level conveying by Kay Barton Auxiliaries’ manufacturer Conair is showcasing some of their innovations at the NPE, including their new convey- ing system R-Pro (Resin Protect Conveying System), for which a patent application has now been filed. With the new system Conair are promising an improved and cost-effective option for materials handling. We discuss this with inventor Mr Doug Brewster, Conveying Product Manager, Mr Gene Flockerzi, Packaging Vice President and Ms Dori Raybuck, Director of Global Marketing. R-Pro is reportedly virtually wear- resistant in operation, both in regard to the material and the convey- ing equipment. The system uses a vacuum method which, by contrast to the usual transport procedure, slows down throughput and transports the material from A to B in smooth waves. The intention with this is to solve problems like dust and ‘angel hair’, which occurs when materials make also features hidden flexibility when it comes to user requirements”. If pro- duction quantities are low at certain times, the material-handling system can be adjusted accordingly. Speeds and throughputs can, of course, also be increased at times of peak demand. Energy usage is a fraction of that of conventional high-speed conveying systems. The system’s control constantly monitors the flow of material so that it is possible to keep conveying speed and energy use as low as possible while main- taining the desirable throughput. “Basically, our system is no more price-intensive than those of our competitors. We are talking about certain components that are 10-12% more expensive, however, the very much smaller degree of wear bal- ances out the extra investment and quickly pays for itself”. www.conairgroup.com high-speed contact with the inner wall of conveying tubing. In a worst case scenario, this could lead to a blockage in the conveyor system. Similarly, static charges are reduced, limiting dust accumulation. R-Pro’s normal operating speed is between 70 m/min and 366 m/min, throughput of up to 13.5 t/hr is comparable with high-speed systems and convey- ing distances can be even longer. “Materials protection is one thing”, says Doug Brewster, “but the system