Charles Ross & Son Co. has introduced a new Discharge System with Electronic Pressure Control. This Discharge System is used in conjunction with Ross Planetary Mixers and Multi-Shaft Mixers designed for processing high viscosity applications. After the mixing cycle, the vessel is simply rolled over to the Discharge System which is programmed to maintain a desired platen pressure. This enables automatic and controlled transfer of the finished product straight into the filling line.
Ross Discharge Systems consist of a platen that is lowered hydraulically into the mix vessel. The platen is fitted with an O-ring which rides against the vessel wall as the platen pushes down on the batch. Product is forced out through one or more outlet valves located on the vessel or on the platen. Interfaced to a PLC-based Control Panel, the new Discharge System features a cylinder-mounted linear transmitter for precise indication of platen position. When the platen reaches the bottom of the vessel, all product outlet valves automatically close and a vent valve opens as the platen retracts to the up position.
In addition to accelerating product transfer and reducing contamination risk, this method of discharging viscous or sticky mixtures also prepares the mix vessel for easy clean-up. Virtually all of the product is pushed out by the platen; in most cases, only a thin layer of material remains on the vessel bottom requiring very minimal manual cleaning.
