Meech demonstrates advanced static monitoring solutions at ICE Europe

27.10.11

At ICE Europe, Munich (Hall 5, Stand 896) Meech International highlights the 904CM monitoring unit — the latest addition to its comprehensive range of static control solutions for converters.

Used in combination with Meech AC ionising systems, the 904CM increases productivity through real-time monitoring of the performance of the emitter pins on the ionising bars, allowing users to plan cleaning and avoid unnecessary stoppages of the production line.

“Real-time monitoring of AC ionising bars is relatively rare, but demand is growing as converters seek ways of squeezing maximum performance out of their installations,” says David Rogers, Meech’s business unit director for static control.  “Ionising bars become contaminated during normal operation, but because the rate of contamination depends on factors such as the stock and running conditions, it’s difficult to pre-schedule maintenance.  It’s especially difficult in installations where the bars are hard to see and the build-up of dirt on the body and emitter pins goes unnoticed until quality falls or products misbehave.  The 904CM provides straightforward, reliable monitoring.”

The 904CM consists of a power unit and a monitor.  The latter incorporates status indicator LEDs and a numerical display.  A green LED indicates the bars are operating normally, while amber informs the operator the bars are approaching a point where they need cleaning to stay effective.  The red LED warns that urgent action is needed to remove contamination.  The trigger points of the amber and red LEDs are user-adjustable, and the analogue output means the output of the bars can be monitored off-line and the data logged for future analysis.

The 904CM also includes spark detection circuitry to immediately detect damage to the high voltage cabling or ionising bar.  To avoid false alerts, the trigger level for detection of sparks is user-adjustable.

Meech — a pioneer in Pulsed DC static control with over 4,500 systems in use worldwide — also demonstrates the successful 977CM Pulsed DC controller, the first true closed-loop Pulsed DC static control system.  Combining precise static control with advanced self-monitoring features, the 977CM features a fully automated closed-loop feedback system.  A sensor bar detects residual voltages on web paths and rewinds and communicates with the 977CM unit to tune its output to ensure the optimal charge neutralisation for the current operating conditions.  When no further compensation is possible, adjustable alarms alert the operator, via local audible and visible warnings and remote alarm signals, to the need to clean the bars.

The 977CM is straightforward to install and can be quickly connected to existing Meech Pulsed DC static elimination systems.  The easy-to-use keypad on the front of the unit enables the 977CM to be set up to maintain the optimum output of the ionising equipment, while a lock facility prevents unauthorised or accidental alteration of the desired settings.  In addition, data can be collected and transmitted to allow remote monitoring and logging for quality assurance purposes.”

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