Meech International used
Labelexpo Americas '14 as a podium to showcase a new distance sensor and
feedback system, the latest enhancements to its Hyperion range of static
control systems. Compatible with the 971IPS and 929IPS bars, the add-ons are
designed to help monitor and control static with greater precision in a variety
of applications, including labelling and packaging.
"By updating our
technologies, we showcased Meech's commitment to providing the best static
control solutions possible for our customers, whose feedback plays a
significant role in the development of our new systems," explained Matt
Fyffe, VP/General Manager at Meech USA. "In that spirit, we are very
pleased to exhibit our latest innovations at a prestigious show such as
Labelexpo Americas".
Distance Sensor
The Distance Sensor is to be used
in combination with Meech's 971IPS static elimination bar, which is employed
for long range ionisation. The enhancement's main function is to enable a
change in frequency when the distance to the static surface is either increased
or decreased. This means that the sensor will adjust the neutralisation
according to the varying distance of the static surface.
The Distance Sensor can be
attached directly to the 971IPS bar via an end cap and comes with a cable that
extends from 300mm to 3000mm. Its nimble and innovative design ensures that the
sensor does not interfere with the performance of the bar no matter how close it
is positioned to its emitter pins. Once the sensor is connected, it overrides
the frequency the bar is set to and adjusts it according to the detected
distance.
"In order to provide the
most effective control, the distance sensor selects the optimum output
frequency based on the proximity to the material, which is especially useful on
rewinds where the distance to the surface of the reel decreases as it is
wound," explained Matt. "Furthermore, automatic adjustment of the
frequency ensures optimum static control is maintained throughout the entire
wind."
Feedback System
Marking the second innovation in
the company's Hyperion range is the introduction of
"feedback-enabled" bars, which aim to provide high accuracy static
control in production environments with the ability to output the voltage level
for remote monitoring.
The feedback-enabled systems are
fitted with a 3 pin M8 connector and upgraded software. By connecting an
industry standard remote voltage sensor and positioning it over the web, a
closed-loop feedback circuit is created. The output of the sensor informs the
Hyperion bar whether more positive or negative ions are required to obtain a
complete and accurate neutralisation of all charges on the material.
"It is vital to ensure that
the level of static on webs is kept to a minimum, especially the ones entering
potentially hazardous areas, in order to avoid the risk of igniting
solvents," explained Matt. "While our static bars can do this quite
reliably, Meech has taken this technology to a more advanced level by
integrating an electrostatic voltmeter sensor that helps achieve higher levels
of neutralisation."
With an approximate cable length
of 5000mm, the feedback sensor can be installed downstream of the ionising bar,
in a position that is not directly acted upon by the static control system. At
50mm installation distance, the sensor has a measurement reach ranges between
-20,000V and +20,000V.
"We are always looking into
ways to perfect our static control offering," said Matt, "and the
launch of these two new enhancements mark an important step forwards for
Meech's Hyperion range of static control solutions. Showcasing
these new additions allows us to demonstrate how our ever-evolving range of
static control technologies are able to meet the needs and demands of the
labelling sector," he concluded.
