Pelletron introduces the FineAlyzer™ for the measurement of Fines and Dust particles on Plastic Pellets by wet test Analysis in accordance with the new ASTM Standard D 7486 - 08
Why a new Wet Test Standard?
Plastics Manufacturers need a reliable wet test method to determine the fines and dust content in plastic pellets. Plastics Processors’ increasing quality demands for resins with low fine content forced the plastic manufacturers to improve the quality of their resins. Installation of DeDusters™ under the silos before bag packaging or filling stations for rail cars and trucks is considered state- of-the-art technology today. In order to prove the remaining dust content after DeDusting, a test method became necessary.
The European Federation established a wet test method to determine the content of fines in the year 1999, the FEM 2482. This method defines dust content in three classes: Type A from 63m to 500m, Type B from 45m to 500m, and Type C from 20m to 500m.The FEM standard doesn’t determine a fines analysis below 20m. In addition, the fines analysis apparatus described in the FEM standard faces one major issue; it uses a closed loop automated water washing system for one hour for separation of the fines from the pellets. The tumbling effect, along with the friction of the pellets against the sieve and walls of the apparatus, can potentially create additional fines during the separation process.
This method may lead to tampered results, depending on the pellets characteristics. Particularly, the very fine dust particles are the cause of quality problems during processing. For many years, Pelletron has used a fines analysis to measure the dust between 1.6m to 500m. Pelletron has worked with ASTM to establish the new standard using the Pelletron fines analysis procedures, the FineAlyzer™. The Pelletron method in accordance with the ASTM procedure avoids any vigorous movement or friction of pellets during the fines separation process and delivers the most accurate, non-tampered measuring results.
How the FineAlyzer™ works
The fundamental principal used by the FineAlyzer™ is based on the condition that the unwanted dust and fines will normally adhere to the larger pellets and will be removed by rinsing the test sample with a liquid (preferably demineralized water). This causes the fines and dust in the sample to wash away to the beaker below. These particles are then poured into the filter collection unit, separating the fines from the water. The weight of the filter paper is very accurately measured before and after the collection process, and this weight is used to calculate the PPM of the sample. The wet analysis quantifies the amounts of dust with particle sizes from 1.6 to 500 microns. (see Fig 1 below).
The FineAlyzer™ is available from Pelletron as a complete unit, in accordance with CE regulations. Please contact us for more information or to ask for a proposal. Pelletron also provides free-of-charge DeDusting tests, including a dry and wet test analysis, presented in an electronic report format.
The figures below show various testing steps
Samples of resins are taken before DeDusting and after DeDusting.
For both samples, a dry and wet test analysis will be provided.
ASTM Wet Test Analysis
New ASTM Standard For Wet Test Analysis
Pelletron introduces the FineAlyzer™ for the measurement of Fines and Dust particles on Plastic Pellets by wet test Analysis in accordance with the new ASTM Standard D 7486 - 08
Why a new Wet Test Standard?
Plastics Manufacturers need a reliable wet test method to determine the fines and dust content in plastic pellets. Plastics Processors’ increasing quality demands for resins with low fine content forced the plastic manufacturers to improve the quality of their resins. Installation of DeDusters™ under the silos before bag packaging or filling stations for rail cars and trucks is considered state- of-the-art technology today. In order to prove the remaining dust content after DeDusting, a test method became necessary.
The European Federation established a wet test method to determine the content of fines in the year 1999, the FEM 2482. This method defines dust content in three classes: Type A from 63m to 500m, Type B from 45m to 500m, and Type C from 20m to 500m.The FEM standard doesn’t determine a fines analysis below 20m. In addition, the fines analysis apparatus described in the FEM standard faces one major issue; it uses a closed loop automated water washing system for one hour for separation of the fines from the pellets. The tumbling effect, along with the friction of the pellets against the sieve and walls of the apparatus, can potentially create additional fines during the separation process.
This method may lead to tampered results, depending on the pellets characteristics. Particularly, the very fine dust particles are the cause of quality problems during processing. For many years, Pelletron has used a fines analysis to measure the dust between 1.6m to 500m. Pelletron has worked with ASTM to establish the new standard using the Pelletron fines analysis procedures, the FineAlyzer™. The Pelletron method in accordance with the ASTM procedure avoids any vigorous movement or friction of pellets during the fines separation process and delivers the most accurate, non-tampered measuring results.
How the FineAlyzer™ works
The fundamental principal used by the FineAlyzer™ is based on the condition that the unwanted dust and fines will normally adhere to the larger pellets and will be removed by rinsing the test sample with a liquid (preferably demineralized water). This causes the fines and dust in the sample to wash away to the beaker below. These particles are then poured into the filter collection unit, separating the fines from the water. The weight of the filter paper is very accurately measured before and after the collection process, and this weight is used to calculate the PPM of the sample. The wet analysis quantifies the amounts of dust with particle sizes from 1.6 to 500 microns. (see Fig 1 below).
The FineAlyzer™ is available from Pelletron as a complete unit, in accordance with CE regulations. Please contact us for more information or to ask for a proposal. Pelletron also provides free-of-charge DeDusting tests, including a dry and wet test analysis, presented in an electronic report format.
The figures below show various testing steps
Samples of resins are taken before DeDusting and after DeDusting.
For both samples, a dry and wet test analysis will be provided.
For more information, please visit:
https://edir.bulk-online.com/profile/79-pelletron.htm
http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
http://media.bulk-online.com/video/4...tented-Pellbow
Fig. 1: General arrangement
A.Mobile Cart
B. Water Tank, Integral Drain and Pump
C.Filter Collection Unit
D.1500 ml Beaker
E.500 Micron Sieve and Funnel
F.Ground Fault Circuit Indicator
G.Spray Nozzle/Rinse Tube
H.Water Flow Control Valve
I.Laboratory Oven
J.Laboratory Analytical Balance
K. Pump Switch
Fig. 2: Pellets before DeDusting
Fig. 3: Pellets after DeDusting
Fig. 4: Removed dust and streamers
Fig. 5: Separation of fines
Fig. 6: Separated dust particles in a beaker
Fig. 7: Weighing of the filter paper
Fig. 8: The FineAlyzer™
Attachments
pelletron_1-technical-drawi (JPG)
pelletron_2-pp-before-dedus (JPG)
pelletron_3-pp-after-dedust (JPG)
pelletron_4-dust-and-angelh (JPG)
pelletron_5-separation-of-f (JPG)
pelletron_6-dust-in-water (JPG)
pelletron_7-filterweighing (JPG)
pelletron_8 (JPG)
pelletron_astm_en (PDF)
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