Auxiliary equipment examples

Fig. 8-76 Examples of auxiliary equipment in a production line that starts at the top right end through to the bottom left end.

Even though modern fabricating machines with all its ingenious microprocessor control technology is in principle suited to perform flexible tasks, it nevertheless takes a whole series of peripheral auxiliary equipment to guarantee the necessary degree of flexibility (Chapter 18). Examples of this action includes ... 

Figure 18.1 Examples of plant layout with extrusion and injection molding primary and auxiliary equipment...

Figure 18.2 Example of an extrusion laminator with auxiliary equipment...

It is important to emphasize that in this context "operating condition" does not only refer to the heat release rate of the flare alone but also to all other parameters characterizing its operation, as for example, flow rates of auxiliary equipment (steam or air injection, etc.). Accordingly, flares shown in Figure 8.17 can operate under different conditions at the same heat release rate. 

The fabrication cost of a drying unit besides its size depends also on the material of construction it is the lowest for carbon steel. If the process requires a more chemical-resistant material, a cladding may be applied in some cases. In certain drying operations, optimum design of the equipment as well as product-quality requirements calls for the use of not only more durable but also more expensive materials. In general, drying equipment built of 304-stainless steel typically costs from 1.5 to 1.7 times more than that made of carbon steel and 2-3 times more if built of titanium. The cost depends also on the auxiliary equipment, and this is a reason for some uncertainty in cost prediction from literature sources without vendors data. Figure 65.3 presents, as an example, the purchase cost for several dryers in relation to their capacity that is updated to the year 2000 with the M S Index equal to 1089. 

As emphasized throughout this book, many different types of auxiliary equipment and secondary operations can be used to maximize overall processing plant productivity and efficiency. Their proper selection, use, and maintenance are as important as the selection of the processing machines (injection molder, extruder, etc.). The processor must determine what is needed, from upstream to downstream, based on what the equipment has to accomplish, what controls are required, ease of operation and maintenance, safety devices, energy requirements, compatibility with existing equipment, and so on. This chapter provides examples of this selection procedure and its importance in evaluating all the equipment required in a processing line. Details on all the equipment that is available can be obtained from plastics industry trade publications, usually compiled in an annual issue. These and other pertinent publications are included in the reference section (1-4, 33, 271-289). 

There are many different approaches to setting up QC. For example, mechanical properties can be considered the most important of all properties, and there are many factors that determine the mechanical behavior of plastics. As reviewed throughout this book, the factors that influence properties include the resin composition (fillers, molecular weight distribution, morphology, etc.), the processing method and machine controls, the capability of auxiliary equipment, and part performance requirements. 

Evaporation, distillation, and extraction processes are carried out in several stages. Even reactions are carried out in several vessels. Since each stage requires its own auxiliary equipment, telescoping the stages could be highly beneficial. Performing all the reactions in one pot followed by isolation is the most ideal situation. Fermentation is an example of this philosophy, where complex products are formed from simple chemicals. 

Calibration measurement of the empty balance parameters as for example the so-called asymmetry of beams in a two beam balance or the mass mo of the permanent magnet and auxiliary equipment inside a magnetic suspension balance i2o = mo-... 

Non-routine procedure such as equipment clean-outs and preparation of equipment for maintenance Auxiliary equipment operations inciuding as examples LEV and Ventilation Systems, Heat/Cool Skids, Water (Soft, RO, WFI, Tower, etc.) Systems, Instrument and Process Air Systems, Waste Treatment Systems, Cooling (Glycol Refrigeration) Systems, Steam Generation, and others Safety and operational issues Change control procedures ... 

For example, since 1987 Rhode Island has been successfully recycling MSW of all sorts in specific localities. The result has been the separating and selling of recycled paper, aluminum, glass, and plastics. Different procedures with their own auxiliary equipment are used to separate these materials, such as aluminum cans being separated from glass and plastic by eddy current equipment and conveyed to flatteners. Plastics separation involves granulating milk bottles (HOPE) and soda bottles (PET), which are also separable by color. At present 15 percent or some 60,(X)0 tons per year of Rhode Island s residential waste is disposed this way. 

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