Hellweg, Roetgen, Germany, at K2019 exhibited its granulators with their new digital smart control system. This enables networked communication of the machines with upstream and downstream components, as well as with operators, in line with Industry 4.0/IoT principles. The new system measures and stores power consumption as well as, for example, rotational speed and bearing temperatures and monitors the service life of bearings, blades, screens and the wedge-profile drive belts (V-belts). This smart control system is now available for all Hellweg granulators from the 150 series upwards.

Monitoring of mechanical mill components allows expected maintenance dates to be scheduled  in order to avoid unplanned production downtime, while possible faults and damage can be detected at an early stage. A visual alarm informs the operator of the need to replace a part due to wear. An active V-belt monitoring system automatically switches off the granulator in the event of a deviation from the nominal value. Smart control also includes an automated enquiry system that issues requests for quotations for spare parts such as blades, screens and V-belts directly from the manufacturer.

The new ‘boost operation’ option enables a short-term increase in grinding performance, in order to compensate for production-related fluctuations. In addition, certain rotational speed ranges have been defined for various plastics, thanks to which, for example, low melt-temperature granulation can be performed continuously without problems arising, so that water-cooling is not required.

Power consumption recording allows conclusions to be drawn about the specific energy input when grinding certain plastics to defined grain sizes. Standardised soft starting of the motor and a new motor brake make the granulators safe and more energy efficient. Power consumption can also be reduced with the new ‘eco’ operating mode, as this adapts rotational speed to input quantity. Detailed, user-friendly step-by-step instructions are available, for example for changing blades, maintaining V-belts and cleaning the granulator quickly and efficiently. www.hellweg-maschinenbau.de

 

New MDSi digital smart control version of Hellweg’s well established MDS 150 granulator
 

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