Having recently reached a milestone of over 100 operational in-process measuring units, manufacturer Xoptix Ltd is celebrating the difference that in-process monitoring technology is now making outside the laboratory and in everyday operations – differences that deliver material quality consistency, energy efficiency, reduced waste and higher profitability.
With a range of applications typically in the production of calcium carbonate, powder coatings and petrochemical catalysts as well as unusual applications in toner and fire retardant manufacturing and even the production of gold these in-process measuring units are being used extensively by powder processing experts Hosokawa Micron Ltd, in partnership with Xoptix Ltd, within various powder processing systems.
‘Utilising laser diffraction technology the Xoptix in-process measuring units offer a cost effective measuring option that is robust enough for use in even the most arduous powder processing fields, which means they are ideal for many of our customers seeking real time sampling and measurement of materials in production. Presenting fast, reliable and easy to understand particle size distribution data that is automatically fed to the plant control system these flexible units are a key part of delivering optimised processes for a number of our customers,’ explains Iain Crosley, MD, Hosokawa Micron Ltd who applauded Xoptix Ltd’s 100+ achievement.
Stuart Barton, MD, Xoptix says, ‘Customers receive a superior product for less money, compared to older established in-process measuring technologies. And with the automated cell clean function there is no need to strip the unit down to clean – it can just keep running 24/7 with no deterioration in readings, efficiency, operational capability which is essential in many of the critical processes with which we and Hosokawa Micron are involved. Our initial design objectives were to build an in process particle size measurement unit with usability, flexibility, reliability and functionality, and customers agree that the system delivers on all points.’