Which feeder is best for which bulk material? In order to provide customers with accurate answers to this question, Schenck Process are now offering tests at their new, modern TestCenter in Darmstadt that are based on real life situations. The specialist in measuring and process technologies invited its customers to the centre’s official opening on 27 February.
More than 100 people attended the event to learn more about what the new centre has to offer. Just like at a trade fair, the event enabled them to view several highlights under one roof. More test rigs and an improved level of automation mean that the TestCenter can now run even more accurate tests, all very closely based on actual processing circumstances.
JUST LIKE REAL LIFE
Tests in the four test labs can be run in parallel without impacting negatively on one another. Three of the test labs feature different equipment for filling the feeders with bulk bags or pneumatic feeding and complete cycle feeding. The fourth lab can be heated in a way that simulates different ambient conditions and can even simulate the environments of hot climates.
All this means that the test processes undertaken are very simple to run. For example, the centre includes:
- Separate dust separation
- Separate preparation for tests in the PowderArea
- The test bulk material used being stored locally
- Liquid cleaning of dirty feeders and equipment in the FeederWash with dirty water collection pan
- body and eye wash units that satisfy the latest safety standards
Customers can also benefit from the test tower where bulk material can be supplied directly from the street. This features three different bulk material test areas:
- A material circuit with pneumatic cycle feeding for dust or carbon dust with MULTICOR® S40
- A granulate test area with MULTISTREAM®
- A MULTIDOS® test area
NO NEED TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
The new spatial concept satisfies very stringent cleanliness and safety standards. Work in the old test centre was often rather dusty but now the tests can be followed from screens in the separate, dust-free control room. The highly functional way in which the centre is split into a test, control and meeting area also allows meetings to be held alongside the tests or for specialist meetings to be held right next door – and those nice shiny suits can stay that way.
Portable PCs with wireless connections can be used throughout the TestCenter. Food and drink can of course also be arranged.
During the opening event, interested parties were able to follow various tests in person. These included for example feeding PP granulate using the MechaTron® and processing Finntalc with the ProFlex® C. As well as the ProFlex®, guests could take a look at the PureFeed®, MULTIDOS® L and MULTIGRAV® EasyClean.
The visitors explored all the different parts of the TestCenter and many took the opportunity to also tour the final assembly area.