KRAUSMAFFEI Berstorff has introduced EcoLine for the production of rubber profiles. According to the company, the microwave channel of the new EcoLine reduces energy costs and environmental impact in rubber profile production Hannorve
This microwave channel sets new standards in terms of productivity and cost-effectiveness in sealing profile vulcanisation. It substantially reduces equipment operating costs in the energy-intensive vulcanization process compared with other systems available in the market today. Time-tested technology for maximum reliability.
“Three essential OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) targets – maximum machine availability, high output rates and unparalleled final product quality -have played a vital role in the development of the new system in order to boost the machinery owners’ benefits”, explains Peter Roos, President of the Extrusion Technology Segment and of the KraussMaffei Berstorff brand.
“Thanks to its highly efficient energy concept, the EcoLine for the production of rubber profiles provides uncompromising cost-effectiveness even at high production speeds. The premium quality of the individual machine components and the sturdy design ensure a long machine lifecycle “, adds Roos.
Each of the three EcoLine microwave channel modules is equipped with a generator designed to supply 6 kW magnetron power. A circulator integrated into the energy supply transfers the energy not absorbed by the product to the connected water load, thus improving the magnetron service life. The microwave generators are arranged above and below the conveyor belt, which ensures an extremely homogeneous field distribution.
Both the microwave power and the conveyor belt speed can be continuously adjusted. The microwave channel has an effective cross-section of 130 mm width and 60 mm height.
KraussMaffei Berstorff claims to be the only manufacturer worldwide, which has managed to reduce the opening and closing times of microwave and hot air treatment channel doors to a few seconds. Where frequent material changes are necessary, the pneumatic doors reduce set-up and cleaning times substantially. When the treatment channel is opened, the hot inside panel of the doors automatically moves downward towards the frame, giving operators easy and ergonomic access to the profiles and enhancing operator safety.
The energy savings achieved with the EcoLine system are the result of reduced waste gas loss and the use of energy-optimised switched-mode power supplies in the microwave channel. Closed circulation of the process air provides maximum cost savings because the air is heated centrally and 90% of the energy-intensive hot air remains in the system. Another new feature is the improved thermal insulation of the process chambers. Roos says that “as energy prices continue to rise these technical improvements will be key criteria for a positive investment decision in favour of KraussMaffei Berstorff systems”.