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Materials Handling: Pneumatic systems gain upgrades
Maguire Products
Maguire Products’ latest vacuum loading system is designed for conveying pellets and regrind from storage to one or multiple blenders. The LoPro vacuum loading system is simpler to operate than standard systems and consists of autonomously controlled receivers that are 80 percent shorter than conventional receivers.
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“The key to the LoPro is it is taking vacuum loading and turning it on its side,” said Frank Kavanagh, VP of sales. “What we mean by that is, it is a low-profile receiver. We have actually taken the receiver and turned it sideways and created a low-profile design.”
The LoPro is easier to install where there is limited overhead clearance, Kavanagh said. In addition, it has a lower center of gravity, meaning it minimizes swaying on fast-cycling processing machines. Its receivers extend only 8 inches above the lid of a blender.
In addition, the receiver’s discharge flap is three to six times wider than the flap on traditional upright receivers, making possible a dump time of only a second or two per cycle, depending on material flow properties. The wider discharge flap makes the receiver ideal for use with poor-flowing materials, such as PET flake or regrind.
Each receiver is self-controlled, with no central control required. Plug-and-play cabling and sequential linking of components ensure only one receiver operates at a time.
Maintenance has been simplified, with all operating components of the LoPro receiver being housed in a removable module that allows the receiver to remain in place. Modules are interchangeable, allowing production to continue even if service is needed.
The vacuum required to operate the unit can be supplied by a “mini-central” unit on a portable stand and is powered by a single-phase, 1.3-horsepower, brushless motor, which requires minimal maintenance. LoPro receivers also can be tied into a central vacuum conveying system, he said.
LoPro vacuum loaders have a conveying capacity of 1,300 pounds per hour over 12 feet and 1,000 pounds per hour over 20 feet. The company plans to offer larger LoPro receivers and vacuum pumps in the future.