Thermolator® Temperature Control Units
Conair, Stamford, Connecticut, has redesigned two new Thermolator® temperature control units – the mid-range TW-E Series and basic TW-B Series – feature upgraded mechanical and electronic components for improved durability and control, a new panel layout to improve airflow and cooling for easier inspection, reduced maintenance and maximum operating life. All of the new units are built on a common redesigned chassis, which reduces footprint by 15% (compared to previous-generation Conair TCUs) and, with the use of an optional rack, allows dual-unit stacking for additional space savings. The new models round out Conair’s line of temperature control units (TCUs).
TW-B Series (basic unit) is aimed at cost-efficiency for basic temperature control applications. It features a simple, easy-to-use LCD control panel with multiple readouts and indicator lights, a 250 F maximum setpoint, and a choice of 3/4 or 2 hp pumps. It shares upgraded components and features with the higher-end TW-T and TW-E units, including high-efficiency pumps, incoloy heaters and new silicon carbide seals for long-term, leak-free operations even at high temperatures.
TW-E Series (extended unit) has all the standard features of the TW-B units, plus:
- An enhanced LCD digital control, which features multiple screen displays for normal operations, user-programmable parameters and integrated diagnostics.
- A modulating cooling valve that automatically adjusts flow and temperature to serve varying mold sizes and process needs; this proportional valve can adapt to mold changes or process variations without deadheading or cooling valve replacement.
- An adaptive maximum setpoint to allow for continued operation despite plumbing limitations that reduce input water pressure.
- Auto-pressure relief, which uses the modulating cooling valve to relieve excess system pressure internally, eliminating the puddles caused by an external pressure relief valve.
- Pump sizes up to 10 hp, heater sizes to 48 kW per zone and adaptability for single or dual-zone control.
- Digital pressure transducers that eliminate analog gauges while providing real-time system pressure readings on the digital display.
The TW-E unit also offers a long list of options including an automatic phase detection circuit that ensures proper wiring and shaft rotation, solid-state heater controls, brazed plate heat exchanger, 300°F maximum operating temperature, a mold-purge cycle and MODBUS-TCP communications via Ethernet.
Moisture Monitor Sensor
In addition, Conair has launched its Moisture Minder™ sensor that detects residual moisture levels as low as 10 ppm in a broad range of polymers at throughput rates of 20-5,000 lbs each hour. The sensor can be installed at the outlet of a drying hopper, it suits new installations or can be retrofitted to existing systems.
The real-time monitor measures material moisture continually and set points can be configured so that an alert is issued when the specified moisture level drifts outside prescribed limits. All readings are stored for historical trending so that managers can recognize when conditions begin to shift in the wrong direction and make dryer-control changes to avoid compromising the entire volume of material inside the drying hopper. These historical records can also be used for process validation, confirming that parts were manufactured under acceptable conditions.
The Moisture Minder™ sensor can be used in conjunction with the Conair Drying Monitor, which provides the earliest possible indication that drying conditions are not right. Placed vertically in the drying hopper, the Drying Monitor probe measures temperature at multiple levels in the bed of material being dried, detecting anomalies that could result in higher-than-acceptable moisture levels in the resin as it leaves the hopper hours later.
The Moisture Minder™ sensor is available in two models: The M5 unit detects moisture levels in the range of 10-1,000 ppm, while the M10 tracks moisture in 300-3,000 ppm. Both sensors are 100% electric, with no moving parts to maintain or change. Operation is passive, so there is no impact on production rates. A yearly calibration and cleaning are the only regular maintenance chores.
A color touch screen control enables set-up and monitoring of up to eight drying hoppers. Users can also communicate with the Moisture Minder™ sensor or pull data into a plant-supervisory system using Modbus TCP/IP communications or, optionally, with OPCUA protocol.
For more information, visit www.conairgroup.com.
