A Polished Performance In Batch Control Improves Productivity And Reduces Waste
Kemet International is at the forefront of precision lapping and polishing technology, creating diamond polishing compounds, slurries and machinery for a wide range of industrial processes.
As part of a process improvement initiative, the company wanted to create a more efficient fluid control system, making the entire manufacturing process more productive.
automated calibration process.
The initial contact with Burkert came through the need for a replacement flowmeter, and the discussion soon turned to the application itself and additional improvements that could be made. The concept included the addition of batch controllers, fluid control valves and level sensors, all of which would improve productivity and reduce waste.
Richard Bolton, Operations Manager at Kemet International, comments:
“This project has been developed using Burkert’s expertise with the aim of improving productivity and efficiency. The final installation has achieved this and also helped us with our company goals of reducing waste and minimising energy usage.”
The first objective was to reduce the time taken to fill a storage tank and to add a control circuit that would automatically stop the pump when the tank was full. By installing a larger capacity pump and new pipework, the filling time was reduced by 75%. The addition of a Type 8110 tuning fork level switch gave the necessary signal to the pump to prevent overfilling.
In conjunction with this, a new batch control system was designed and manufactured by Burkert that would allow several pre-set batch sizes from 450 ml to 25 litres to be produced automatically.
The system used a paddlewheel flowmeter and an angle seat control valve directly connected to the electronic control module to provide a simple, inline batch control installation.
A second batch control system of a similar design was also installed but this time the batch sizes were much smaller so the pump and associated pipework were sized accordingly. Both systems incorporated the Type 8025 batch controller, which can accommodate seven batch sizes and has a built-in automated calibration process.
In each case the pumps were connected to the batch control panel to allow them to be directly controlled by the batch process. In this way the pumps only operate when necessary, reducing energy consumption and prolonging the service life of the pump.
The final part of the project was installed for the production of de-ionised water and involved the supply of a new 1200 litre tank, along with a pump and the installation of all the pipework to allow several batching points to be supplied at once via a manual ball valve.
seat valve to control flow.
The new pump has an improved delivery capacity and throughput has increased by 70%. It is designed to provide a pressurised supply to four outlets. When demand is low the water is recirculated back to the storage tank via a bypass valve.
The installation includes a digital flowmeter, located downstream of the pump, that also acts as a totalizer to record the amount of de-ionised water produced each day.
Richard concludes: “The final installation has delivered exactly the improvements we were specified and were promised, which will certainly improve productivity. The project has run very smoothly and Bürkert will continue to provide on-going field support.”
Kirsty Anderson
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
Tel: +44 (0)1285 648761 Fax: +44 (0)1285 648721
Web: www.burkert.co.uk
Email: kirsty.anderson@burkert.com
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
- 01285648720
- sales.uk@burkert.com
- http://www.burkert.com/
- Fluid Control Centre 1 Bridge End Gloucestershire Cirencester GL7 1QY GB
About us
Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.
At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.
Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.
What we do in a nutshell
Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe
Industries we supply to
Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater
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