Barrel emptying unit offers increased efficiency and easier loading

Barrel emptying unit offers increased efficiency and easier loading

Keywords: Netzsch, Pumps

Netzsch has introduced a new barrel emptying unit that can reportedly accommodate viscosities up to 10 million CPS with significantly improved efficiency and ease of operation.

Emphasising a major benefit of the new BE200 (Plate 5), Netzsch managing director Roger Willis says that at viscosities up to three million CPS the barrel emptying pump does not need to be forced into the product as it pulls itself in under atmospheric pressure. He explains that this reduces the risk of product overflowing the follower plate and reduces pressure in the discharge pipework.

The new BE200 is said to have a stronger, modular frame that no longer requires a base plate. The design is thought to provide much easier access and allows barrels to be moved into place without lifting.

Control of the lowering and raising function, which now uses a third pneumatic cylinder, is also claimed to be easier than the previous hydro/pneumatic control system, and the barrel clamping mechanism provides greater stability.

Netzsch reports that the new automated barrel emptying units are designed to remove all material from the barrel, providing savings of between 5 per cent and 10 per cent when compared with manual and air operated systems.

Plate 5The new BE2000 barrell emptying unit from Netzsch Pumps Ltd

The company quotes, for example, an installation that recovers an extra 20 litres per 200 litre barrel, will result in a saving of £120 per barrel on materials costing £6 per litre! And that does not include additional savings on the disposal cost of barrels that have produce left in them.

Automated barrel emptying units are available for 20 and 200 litre barrel capacities. Both will complete a full cycle, emptying a barrel and returning it to the ready position, with just one press of a button. Both also provide pulse-free delivery of high-viscous media such as silicone, glue, epoxy, resin,fat, ointment, paste, etc.

The speed of descent into the barrel, and the retraction, are said to be adjustable up to a maximum discharge rate of 40l/min.

Options include a range of follower plates (including heated models) which are said to ensure that empty barrels have clean walls and bases, guarding with interlocked safety gate, bypass with overflow valves, and pressure transmitters. Two control panel options are also available, with fixed or variable speed pump-drive motors.

The units are believed to be suitable for emptying plain or channel barrels and, because they can accurately meter product directly from the barrel, can also be used to feed equipment such as the Netzsch Robo-Dispenser, dosing pumps and filling valves.

Standard units are available in steel, stainless steel and lacquered finishes.

Further details are available from Netzsch Pumps Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1 922 453433; Fax: +44 (0)1 922 458404.