Powder-Solutions, Inc., American distributors of the USDA accepted/3A certified BFM® fitting, is pleased to announce an addition to the expanding BFM® fitting family, the Seeflex 040E flexible connector. The Seeflex 040E comes after much research and development, including trials and testing in many different application settings.

The new Seeflex 040E will replace both the Seeflex 040 model and the Seeflex 400W. The improved characteristics make this new product superior to the existing 040 and 400W models and will significantly improve your flexible connector performance.

The Seeflex 040E is ether based urethane, making it superior by offering:
- Improved strength
- Increased abrasion resistance
- Higher temperature rating
- Better UV resistance
- Improved resistance to mechanical vibration
- Increased resistance to chemical attack

The Seeflex 040E will begin replacing current versions of 040 and 400W. The part numbers will not change, which should aid in this transition. If you currently utilize the blue Seeflex 400W as your CIP wash sleeve, you should order that same part number and the designated sleeve will be stamped with, “CIP WASH SLEEVE”.

By request, we will be pleased to offer you a sample piece of the new material. Contact Kyle Alger at KAlger@powder-solutions.com for questions, sample requests, and order placement.

The BFM® fitting is a flexible connector system that replaces standard hose clamps and flexible sleeves for bulk powder processing operations.

ABOUT POWDERS-SOLUTIONS, INC.
Powder-Solutions, Inc. is a leading distributor of the USDA accepted/3A certified BFM™ fitting, the first flexible industrial connective solution specifically designed to replace the standard flexible sleeve and hose clamp assembly and address chronic sanitation and safety concerns for the bulk powder processing industry. By working closely with companies in the food, dairy, nutritional, pharmaceutical, chemical and other industries, Powder-Solutions, Inc. continues to develop and refine new strategies to assist these companies in achieving their business objectives via safe and innovative plant processes. For more information on Powder-Solutions, Inc. or the revolutionary BFM™ fitting, visit http://www.powder-solutions.com.

Budget

Everyone has a budget to adhere to, and rotary valve maintenance is no exception. When it comes to the cost associated with rebuilding or replacing, it’s important to remember two things.

1. In most instances the cost of rebuilding a sanitary, stainless steel rotary valve is much lower than the cost to replace the complete unit. It is substantially less to rebuild your rotary valve because the only costs involved include machining and parts, returning the valve to proper working order.
2. If you choose to rebuild your rotary valve the possibility for system downtime occurs, and downtime equals lost revenue.  One way to avoid this is to purchase a spare valve kept on hand for maintenance and rebuilding situations. In circumstances where a single valve could be used in multiple locations within one plant, a spare rotary valve could pay for itself in short order when considering the cost of production down time. Though the upfront costs are substantially more, the long-term savings increase with each rebuild completed.

Application

As long as a high-quality valve was purchased and used in its intended application, a typical sanitary grade rotary valve can be rebuilt up to 3-4 times before it is necessary to replace the valve altogether especially if the application is light duty.  Some things to consider about the rotary valve’s application include.

1. How often is the valve taken apart for cleaning?  If the valve is taken apart often and it is an old unit with no slide support system, you may want to consider upgrading the rotary valve to a more modern design built for regular disassembly.  There have been major advances in the last decade with sanitary rotary valve design and these valves are much less prone to damage from regular cleaning service.  There may be a chance your old rotary valve can still be rebuilt as a spare for the next time the new valve needs to be serviced.
2. Is the application severe duty?  If the rotary valve experiences high pressure differentials, high temperatures, abrasive product, or other harsh environments it may require more work to bring the rotary valve back to the precise tolerances required for the application.  While the cost for rebuilding will likely still end up being far less than replacement, it might not be possible to rebuild the rotary valve multiple times and still achieve optimum performance.

One of the main things to consider is long-term cost savings potential. If you develop a plan to keep up with the proper maintenance of your rotary valves, you can potentially save thousands of dollars in the long run while avoiding costly system downtime.

To learn more about rotary valves and bulk powder processing solutions, subscribe to the Powder-Solutions Group resource center.

Contact us to discuss rebuilding or replacing your rotary valve!

Powder Process-Solutions, Booth #624

May 21-23, 2013, exhibiting the 22 & 23

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Columbus, Ohio

http://www.pbepowdershow.com/

Showcasing PPS product literature and photos/videos on interactive touch screen.

Upper North Hall, The Processing Zone

September 23-25, 2013

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas, Nevada

http://www.packexpo.com/

Highlighting the VAV Sifter and the PPS Rotary Magnet with interactive touch screen featuring literature, videos and photos of the most recent PPS equipment and system examples.

South Hall, Near the International Dairy Show

November 3-6, 2013

McCormick Place,

Chicago, Illinois

http://www.myprocessexpo.com/

Highlighting the VAV Sifter and the PPS Rotary Magnet with interactive touch screen featuring literature, videos and photos of the most recent PPS equipment and system examples.

The need for a medium to high capacity screw feeder that could meet the requirements of 3-A sanitary standards was presented recently and the company answered. As the president of Powder Process-Solutions Mike Salvador put it, “There are very few options available for larger screw feeders that meet sanitary requirements for dairy and food applications.  We knew that with the company’s expertise in sanitary design and construction we could design a product that would set the standard for  the future of sanitary screw feeders” A team with the highest level of sanitary design knowledge was utilized for this process which, included employees who are current members of 3-A work groups. Salvador said the team, “Set out to design and build a high quality, easy to use feeder that will meet the needs of our customers.”  In early August of 2012 the company was given license to display the 3-A symbol on the full line of VSF & VSFO screw feeders.

Featuring a broad range of sizes and options PPS VSF & VSFO Volumetric Screw Feeders are available with auger diameters ranging from 4” to 10” and lengths to fit almost any application.  A variety of outlet options are available including ferrules, flanges, BFM® flexible sleeve fittings, and plain tube stubs.  The VSFO line incorporates over-flighting in the auger to improve feeding of non-free flowing powders.  The entire line of VSF & VSFO feeders are constructed of stainless steel with all product contact surfaces polished to a maximum 32Ra finish.  The fully demountable design allows for the complete feeder to be broken down for cleaning.  The auger can be removed from the housing with simple clamps and hand knobs.  Demountable air purged shaft seals prevent powder leakage and allow for quick removal for cleaning and replacement.

PPS has been in the sanitary bulk powder handling industry for over 30 years (formerly known as Nu-Con Equipment).  The name change allows PPS to globally supply customized designs, utilizing the same employees with the same values and goals of improving our customers’ processes.

About Powder Process-Solutions

Powder Process-Solutions, a division of Powder-Solutions Group is headquartered in Chanhassen, MN. Powder Process-Solutions engineers, manufactures, and installs bulk powder processing turnkey systems and components. Powder-Solutions Group is a leading bulk powder processing solution provider and parent company to Powder Process-Solutions and Powder-Solutions, Inc.  Powder-Solutions, Inc. supplies the BFM® fitting, clampless hose connector, and the PSI-Pleat, efficient pleated filter element. Both companies serve the food, dairy, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

The expansion adds 7,000 sq. ft. to the already 27,000 sq. ft. existing building. The company says the expansion has come at a time of growing demands in the bulk powder handling industry, which has required them to accommodate their space accordingly. This new expansion, along with their already existing office buildings and warehouse, provide space for staff, engineering, system and component testing, component servicing, and spare parts.

Powder-Solutions Group is now positioned to continue to be the leader in customized bulk powder processing designs in the United States as well as internationally. To inquire about current positions within the company, call toll free at 1-877-939-0510 or visit www.powder-solutions.com/careers for details.

About PSG

Powder-Solutions Group is a leading bulk powder processing solution provider and parent company of two successful companies. Powder Process-Solutions engineers, manufactures, and installs bulk powder processing turnkey systems and components. Powder-Solutions, Inc. supplies the BFM® fitting, clampless hose connector, and the PSI-Pleat, efficient pleated filter element. Both companies serve the food, dairy, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, just miles from Minneapolis.