Proven reliability and high levels of accuracy prompts concrete block manufacturer to install sixth Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scale
The Rugby-based division of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, has demonstrated its commitment to providing high quality and innovative weighing products to the process industries by recently supplying its sixth patented Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scale to Plasmor Limited. Underlining a relationship spanning some eight years and chosen for its rugged construction, ease of operation, proven reliability and high levels of accuracy, the robust system is installed as part of a newly commissioned rotary kiln production environment, where it monitors output of the concrete block manufacturer’s specially developed expanded clay aggregate.
Purpose designed for precise conveyor weighing of bulk materials to a value of ± 1 per cent, Plasmor has installed two Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scales in each of its two kiln areas. Ideally suited to this type of heavy-duty application, the advanced systems are bolted on to conveyors and accurately monitor production of the company’s clay aggregate, which is expanded in the kilns at high temperatures. This manufacturing process was developed by Plasmor to provide a long-term supply of aggregate and eliminate the need to import from overseas.
In addition, as part of its quality control programme, Plasmor has installed two further Ramsey IDEA belt scales at its AGLITE production facility. AGLITE is a range of low density, lightweight load bearing blocks suitable for housebuilding, industrial, commercial and RMI projects. The belt scale systems ensure the correct mix of Plasmor’s own man-made expanded clay material and other high quality aggregates.
“The vital information provided by Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scales contributes to the efficient management and operation of our business as well as helping us to maintain quality standards,” comments Ron Parker, clay plant manager, Plasmor Limited. “The systems are easy to install and operate, plus robust enough to withstand our tough production environments. We’ve dealt with Thermo Fisher Scientific for a long time and always been happy with the service and quality of its products.”
The Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scale system comprises three major elements: the weighing assembly, the belt speed sensor and an electronic integrator. The weighing assembly consists of either one or two (depending on conveyor width) compact Ramsey 10-101R scale modules, which attach to the conveyor’s stringers. Each module features a pivotless design with no linkages or moving / wearing parts to reduce potential maintenance problems. The modules support the weigh idler and measure the weight of the material on the belt.
The Thermo Scientific Ramsey 60-12 digital belt speed sensor is a reliable and accurate speed-sensing device, which is mechanically connected to the conveyor’s large diameter tail pulley and generates a stream of pulses. Each pulse represents a unit of belt travel and the frequency of the pulse stream is proportional to belt speed.
The Thermo Scientific Ramsey Mini 11-101 electronic integrator is a simple, low cost microprocessor-based integrator that has an easy calibration procedure. It integrates the output signals from the scale module and speed sensor to arrive at a rate of material flow and the total material passed over the scale. The electronics also function as the system’s power supply and incorporate all the features that allow calibration, operation and diagnostics for the entire system.
The Ramsey IDEA belt scale is also available with the powerful and versatile advanced electronics provided by the Thermo Scientific Ramsey Micro-Tech 2000 and 3000 series.
Plasmor Limited was established in 1959 and has grown to become the UK’s largest independent manufacturers of concrete products including building blocks and paving.
Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With an annual revenue rate of more than $9 billion, we employ 30,000 people and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike.
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