Processors using liquid colors and additives can now benefit from the accuracy and simplicity of gravimetric (loss-in-weight) metering technology, thanks to the new TrueFeed™ LQ liquid feeder from Conair. The liquid feeders eliminate the need for time-consuming color calibration and adjust automatically for changes in material and processing conditions. This, in turn, results in easier set-up and greater processing up-time for increased productivity.
“Introduced several years ago, Conair TrueFeed gravimetric feeders for pelletized materials revolutionized on-machine dosing,” says Alan Landers, Conair Blender Product Manager, “by offering a new standard for accuracy and ease-of-use. Our new TrueFeed LQ feeders are likely to have a similar effect. With improved dosing accuracy, users may find that they can use less expensive color and still get the look they want.”
The Conair feeders use the same clean, simple peristaltic pumping technology as conventional volumetric dosers. However, the liquid container is supported on a load cell that constantly measures the loss-in-weight as material is pumped to the processing machine. Programming is easy. In injection-molding applications, the operator simply enters the part weight and the color/additive percentage.
For extrusion, the feeder can run on an open loop or precisely control the metering rate against extruder screw speed. Once set up, the digital control takes over, adjusting pump speed to meter exactly the right amount every time, regardless of changes in production rate, variations in viscosity, pump/hose condition or environmental changes.
The menu-driven control system includes a real-time memory that not only stores up to 1500 process settings, but also tracks actual dosed weights, providing process validation over time. The weighing system has a self-regulating electronic filter that ensures weight information is interpreted correctly even under high-vibration conditions. Control readouts can be presented in any of more than six languages.
An optional wheeled trolley base can be added to support the liquid additive canister, weigh scale, pump and TrueFeed control, creating a compact, portable metering system.
The Conair Group (www.conairgroup.com) is the world’s leading supplier of auxiliary equipment for plastics processors, including resin drying systems, blenders, feeders and material-conveying systems, temperature-control equipment and granulators. Extrusion solutions include line-control systems, film and sheet scrap-reclaim systems and downstream equipment for pipe and profile extrusion.
Over 450 individual products solve problems, save energy, cut waste and are easy to use. Conair is also an international company, with long-standing operations in Europe, Asia and South America. The industry’s most complete product line, top-flight engineering and unbeatable service, all combine to give processors the confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace.
