News items July 2025

Bulk solids safely under control. VEGA Grieshaber KG at Powtech/Technopharm in Hall 10.0, Booth 10-304; Reliable level measurement technology for bulk solids Bulk solids safely under control – this is the motto under which VEGA Grieshaber KG will present state-of-the-art sensor technology for level and point level measurement at this year’s Powtech/Technopharm – in Hall 10.0, Booth 10-304. The focus is on solutions for demanding applications in bulk solids and powder technology, where reliability and simple integration are crucial. VEGAPULS 6X with purge air connection A highlight at the trade fair stand is the VEGAPULS 6X. The 80 GHz radar sensor combines state-of-the-art technology with maximum flexibility – one device for all applications. In processes with high dirt or dust, it impresses with the optional purge air connection, which ensures permanently clean antennas and interference-free measurement results. VEGAPULS C 23 – compact, robust, economical Also on display: the VEGAPULS C 23 from the BASIC series. The compact radar sensor scores with easy handling, reliable measurement results, and excellent

Smarter Elevator Safety – Seamless Integration. -How a Leading Pet Food Manufacturer Modernised Their Hazard Monitoring System with 4B’s IE-Node A prominent pet food manufacturer in Suffolk, UK, recently undertook a significant upgrade of its hazard monitoring systems across 16 bucket elevators. The company sought a modern solution that would not only restore safety compliance but also integrate seamlessly with their existing PLC infrastructure. For this complex task, they turned to 4B Braime, a recognised name in bulk material handling solutions and industrial safety systems. Known for its robust engineering capabilities and turnkey services, 4B was selected to design, supply, and install a solution that would meet the manufacturer’s current and future hazard monitoring needs. Challenge The pet food facility had previously installed a network of hazard sensors to monitor belt misalignment, speed, and component temperature. However, over time, these sensors had either failed or been disconnected, leaving the system ineffective. In some cases, visible wear was evident - such as a belt wearing through

At K 2025, WEIMA presents smart technology for plastic recycling: new W5 shredders, optimized C.200 Duo press, and digital platform WE.connect. WEIMA W5.22 single-shaft shredder: Powerful all-rounder for plastics With the new generation of the W5.22, WEIMA is setting new standards in throughput, ease of use and flexibility. The powerful shredder reliably processes hard plastics, films and tear-resistant fibers, as well as a variety of other materials. A rotor with a length of 2.200 mm and a diameter of 500 mm ensures effective material shredding. The redesigned swing arm pusher ensures better material guidance during the shredding process, while the redesigned table surface ensures even more aggressive material feed and increases power transmission by up to 20 percent. A particular highlight is the significantly wider inspection flap, which offers more space for maintenance work, for example. In addition, access from the rear can now be opened fully automatically and the swing arm can be locked more conveniently, which speeds up maintenance considerably. The new diagonally mounted signal towers, which

The technology behind UWT’s NivoRadar®. With UWT’s radar technology, levels can be measured precisely and without contact – even under the toughest conditions. Dust, high temperatures or agitated surfaces – challenging measuring conditions are part of everyday operations in many industries. Continuous level measurement using non-contact radar has proven to be one of the most reliable and versatile methods for a wide range of applications. This also includes sensitive areas with particularly high hygiene requirements. With UWT’s radar technology, levels can be measured precisely and without contact – even under the toughest conditions. Precise Level Measurement with Radar – Reliable, Non-contact, Future-Proof Two main technologies radar sensors # Non-contact radar measurement (free-radiating radar): In this method, the radar signal is emitted and reflected without direct contact with the medium. UWT’s NivoRadar® models utilise this principle for liquids and bulk solids in silos, tanks, open containers, or stockpiles. A major advantage is the maintenance-free operation, as there are no mechanical components. #

Smart sensor technology for reliable measurement and visual monitoring – even in dusty environments, narrow silos, and sensitive process conditions Ingredients such as flour, salt or dry yeast are often stored in compact silos within the food industry – frequently connected directly to mixing or dosing systems. Dust, confined vessel geometries, and short measuring distances place high demands on the sensor technology. UWT’s radar sensors and vibrating level switches reliably meet these challenges and ensure stable, automated processes – even with light, fine-grained materials. Challenging conditions for level measurement Sensors used in food production must deliver precise and reliable performance, even under difficult conditions. This includes handling fine, lightweight bulk solids prone to bridging. Additional challenges include short measuring distances, limited installation space, and strict hygiene requirements. At the same time, integration into existing systems should be as simple and straightforward as possible. Smart sensor solutions from UWT Precise, compact, reliable; UWT offers a robust

The good news is you can reduce the chances of a dust explosion with simple actions. One crucial step to take is measuring moisture. Precision moisture control plays a significant role in the powders and bulk solids industries. If a line has improper moisture levels, it can lead to product waste, unnecessary downtime and even safety hazards. A major concern of improper moisture levels is a dust explosion, which can seriously damage a facility. The good news is you can reduce the chances of a dust explosion with simple actions. One crucial step to take is measuring moisture. By implementing a moisture measurement system, you can easily monitor the moisture levels in products and make quick adjustments for increased quality. MoistTech’s NIR3000 measures moisture in real-time for an efficient, safe production line. Causes of Dust Explosions Dust explosions are a serious concern for powders and bulk solids lines. A dust explosion occurs when overly dry conditions combine with a spark from manufacturing equipment. This can cause facility damage and worker injuries. Wood, flour, sugar, gun powder,

In vertical conveying applications, the success of a bucket elevator does not begin with selecting the bucket type or motor power—it starts with a thorough understanding of the product to be lifted. Every bulk material reacts differently during transport, especially when elevated, and overlooking its specific behavior can lead to premature wear, product degradation, or operational failures. Product characterization Product characterization: The foundation of reliable vertical transport. When dealing with fragile, abrasive, greasy, or high-temperature materials, a generic elevator design often proves insufficient. Each material must be assessed for its physical properties to determine the optimal configuration for buckets, belts, and structural elements. Key parameters to analyze * Bulk density * Particle size and shape * Flow behavior and angle of repose * Humidity and fines content * Operating temperature * Abrasiveness and corrosiveness These values directly influence not only how the material is discharged from the buckets but also how it interacts with belts, chains, and contact surfaces during elevation. Laboratory tests and pilot trials Laboratory

Success for Kreyenborg’s IR-Clean Technology: EFSA gives positive “Scientific Opinion” on decontamination of rPET flakes Process reduces contamination of recycled material to a level determined harmless to health The Germany-based mechanical engineering company Kreyenborg has achieved a significant success under the new regulation (EU) 2022/1616 of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). At the end of May 2025, the authority issued a so-called positive ”Scientific Opinion” for its infrared technology ”IR-Clean” to the manufacturer, which specializes in processing technology for bulk materials in the plastics and food sectors. This process decontaminates recycled PET flakes, which can then be processed again for food packaging that can come into contact with all types of food. With this approval of the process by EFSA, Kreyenborg’s IR-Clean system will be assigned a unique recycling authorization number (RAN) and listed in a public register. According to the machine manufacturer Kreyenborg, several IR-Clean processes have already been individually rated positively by customers in accordance with the old regulation (EC) 282/2008. According to Kreyenborg, the approval

Simple, smart and reliable – these characteristics have enabled the BASIC series of VEGAPULS radar sensors to establish itself as the benchmark in level measurement technology since its market launch in 2020. Compact, attractively priced and technologically superior, the sensors are setting a clear trend in process automation. VEGA is now celebrating a milestone: The 500,000th BASIC radar sensor was recently delivered to a European company specializing in sustainable building materials. There, a VEGAPULS 31 precisely measures levels in bulk solids silos – despite dust, noise and coarse material. Clear evidence of what has distinguished the sensor series from the very beginning: reliable measurement technology for typical applications – with minimal installation effort. With its specially developed 80-GHz radar chip, robust housing materials like PVDF, fully encapsulated electronics and industrial-grade PUR cabling, the series is designed for the toughest conditions – for example in water management, chemicals or bulk material logistics. VEGA is currently the only supplier offering radar level sensors with fully encapsulated electronic components and connection

The new 20x10 inch size addition offers even greater versatility and efficiency for a wide range of material handling applications. 4B GROUP Launches New Jumbo Elevator Bucket Size 4B GROUP is excited to expand its Jumbo elevator bucket line (type JCC-S) to include a new 20x10 inch size, increasing versatility and efficiency for material handling applications. Roger Bruère of 4B’s Material Handling Division states that Jumbo products are considered the most efficient and durable elevator buckets available in the global market today. The new 20x10 option is ideal for high-throughput bucket elevator systems, grain loading port or train terminals, or high-wear applications where the elevator is feeding on the downside or moving abrasive products. This addition brings the Jumbo CC-S elevator bucket range to seven different sizes, offering greater flexibility for various processing needs. Features and Benefits of the Jumbo 20x10 Part of 4B’s “High Efficiency” range, the Jumbo 20x10 elevator bucket offers superior abrasion resistance and durability due to its thickest corners, front face,

The new digital spare parts catalog lets you identify and order parts easily and securely – directly from your machine using a QR code. Greif-Velox Simplifies Ordering Process Greif-Velox Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a leading manufacturer of filling and packaging systems for solids and liquids, has launched a new digital customer portal for spare parts ordering. The new electronic spare parts catalog allows customers worldwide to order required components quickly, securely, and conveniently – a major step toward Industry 4.0 in mechanical engineering. Spare Parts in Just Three Steps A QR code placed directly on the machine takes users to their individual system interface within the portal. There, they can identify and select the necessary components and place the order with just a few clicks. This saves time, reduces errors, and minimizes downtime. Smart After-Sales Service with Added Value “Our customers not only expect reliable machines, but also digital services that streamline their processes,” explains Björn Voges, Global Marketing Manager at Greif-Velox. “With this new portal, we’re

Brady’s new barcode readers are designed to improve data accuracy and can share data via most prominent industrial protocols. Brady Corporation, a worldwide specialist in industrial identification, launches a range of new industrial barcode readers that achieve 99.995% reading accuracy. Brady’s new barcode readers are designed to improve data accuracy and can share data via most prominent industrial protocols. 99.995% accuracy All 3 barcode readers, the V4500, V3200 and V2200, offer extremely high barcode reading accuracy. Brady says the readers encountered 1 issue per 2000 barcode scans when tested on wrinkled and reflective barcoded materials, while passing underneath the readers at 15 centimeters per second. To achieve the 99.995% accuracy, the readers use the proprietary, high performance CortexDecoder algorithm from Code Corporation, a Brady company. In addition, the readers are equipped with patented dual-field optics to accurately scan barcodes from afar, and from a variety of viewing angles. * [AHREF**SW**brady.co.uk/barcode-readers/v4500-barcode-reader-pid-br-v4500?sfdc=701UK00000M2GAiYAN&utm_

Upgrade of the Rotonivo® rotary paddle level switch: EHEDG certification sets new hygiene standards Exciting updates in the field of level measurement for bulk solids: With the innovative EHEDG design of the UWT Rotonivo® rotating paddle detector series, UWT, as a global solution provider, is setting new standards in point level measurement. This development enables an even wider range of applications to be able to benefit from this technology and the series can now also be used in sensitive industrial sectors such as food production, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. For this, the proven design of the Rotonivo® rotating paddle sensor has been significantly enhanced and now complies with the EHEDG standards (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group). Depending on the application, the sensor can be used as a full, demand or empty detector in containers with bulk solids and fulfils the highest hygiene requirements with the EHEDG design. Insight into the EHEDG-certified product upgrade The EHEDG version fundamentally differs from the standard version.

When it is not possible to attach a pneumatic knocker directly to a silo, the pneumatic distance knocker from singold gerätetechnik gmbh offers a solution. It is not always possible to attach a pneumatic knocker directly to a silo, for instance, if the container becomes hot or if it moves. In such cases, the pneumatic distance knocker from singold gerätetechnik gmbh offers a solution. Company founder Erwin Lüer developed it using state-of-the-art engineering. How the Distance-Knocker QJ works The basic concept is the same as that of the traditional pneumatic knocker: spontaneously released compressed air pressure accelerates the impact piston, which is designed as a permanent magnet, after it is released. In contrast to the conventional knocker, the distance knocker’s piston rod strikes a moving impulse part, which is strongly accelerated according to the impulse-momentum theorem and ultimately transfers the energy to the container to be knocked off. This process takes place at such a high speed that the human eye can hardly perceive it. Thanks to the additional impulse part, the Distance-Knocker QJ can be mounted