Consumables

Meech to showcase new products in static control and web-cleaning ranges at ICE Europe 2013

Thursday 10. January 2013 - Meech International is set to use ICE Europe (19-21 March, Hall A5 - Stand 1132) as a launching pad for its brand new static elimination bars, the Hyperion 971IPS and Hyperion 929IPS, along with its recently released non-contact web-cleaner, the CyClean. While the latter is designed for wide webs and coating applications, the two static bars are particularly suitable for converting machinery.

“Whenever we update our equipment we always make the conscious decision to incorporate customer feedback, as we endeavour to answer the needs of all our customers,” explains Business Unit Director for Static Control, David Rogers. “In this case, by tailoring the two new static bars to OEMs that have a preference for simpler installations, we are also confident we have further improved the overall quality of Meech’s static elimination services.”
Business Unit Director for Cleaning Systems, Adam Battrick instead explains what sets the CyClean apart from Meech’s previous web-cleaning products. “In order to deliver higher levels of cleanliness, we designed a web cleaner based on a brand new technology for Meech that incorporates fluid dynamic principles.”
Hyperion 971IPS static elimination bar
Meech has further developed the recently released Hyperion 971 bar to bring to market the 971IPS, (Integrated Power Supply). The 971IPS allows users to run the long range ionising bar from a 24V power supply and borrows some of its features from Meech’s first true closed-loop Pulsed DC static control system, the popular 977CM, although in miniature form. For instance, Ion Current Monitoring technology allows the performance of the bar to be metered and also provides an alarm signal to advise the operator to clean the bar.
For many customers, the bars’ default settings will allow quick and easy installation and use. But, for more demanding installations Meech have developed a remote programmer, the Hyperion BarMaster. Connecting the BarMaster to the 971IPS enables the engineer to adjust the balance and frequency of the outputs, as well as setting the alarm parameters. Once the output has been optimised and the alarm levels selected, the BarMaster can be removed and used to program the next bar.
The standard version of the 971IPS bar will provide great static control in most instances. But, for more complex installations where absolute accuracy of neutralisation is required, an advanced version of the bar is available. This version includes two additional features. The first is an integrated distance sensor that enables the automatic adjustment of the ionising rate, dependant on the distance. This is particularly useful when the target distance is subject to change on production runs.
The second additional feature is a closed-loop feedback system. A sensor bar detects residual voltages on web paths and rewinds and communicates with the 971IPS unit to instruct it to tune its output, which ensures the best possible charge neutralisation for the current operating conditions, and gives very high accuracy control.
Hyperion 929IPS static elimination bar
The 929IPS is a 24V, plug and play bar, which provides excellent ionisation for short to medium range applications (up to 450 mm). Like the long-range 971IPS, the 929IPS features Ion Current Monitoring technology to provide performance alarms and cleaning alerts.
Compatibility with the Hyperion BarMaster programmer allows the engineer to modify the output settings, depending on their requirements. This adjustability will be of great benefit to high accuracy applications, such as RFID converting machinery.
“The 929 IPS is not only the most advanced of our new bars but it is also IP65 rated,” explains David, “this means that it can be used in environments where the productions lines may be washed down, such as food packaging applications.”
CyClean – non-contact web cleaner
The CyClean is a compact, non-contact, double-sided blow and vacuum-based web cleaning system which flows contaminants into an inline filter unit.
The system comprises a cleaning head, 4x active static control AC bars and an Air Handling Unit (AHU). The AHU provides the blowing and vacuum airflows and filtration for the system through an F8 grade washable “labyrinth” filter, which can be upgraded to a HEPA filter for installations in very clean environments. In addition, the CyClean includes a pneumatic opening/closing system when used for coating-related web widths, making it ideal for full line integration.
The CyClean can clean webs up to 2m in width, is capable of removing 0.5 micron contaminants and has a small footprint that enables it to be fitted into confined spaces.
Integrated static control on the entry and exit of the cleaning head guarantees a thorough, long-lasting cleaning process. The ac ionising bars neutralise all static charges on the web and ensure easy breakdown of the bonds holding contaminants to it. The risk of re-attracting contaminants to the cleaned web surfaces is also significantly reduced.
“A lot of time and research has been spent developing our web-cleaning and static control range, so we’re very excited to be exhibiting the new equipment at an event like ICE Europe,” concludes David. “We look forward to showing visitors to our stand the benefits of these new products and how they can be best utilised within the converting industry.”