Handling upgrade ups PVC throughput three-fold

Handling upgrading project, to increase materials handling capabilities a PVC producer, has led to a three-fold rise in throughput for its C2 production complex Line 6 compounding operation.

Latest technology from AZO, world leaders in PVC mixing systems for the plastics industry, has played a major role in a PVC compound line upgrade at leading PVC supplier, Hydro Polymers.

The successful completion of the project, to increase materials handling capabilities at the plant, has led to a three-fold rise in throughput for the C2 production complex Line 6 compounding operation.

Line 6 is capable of handling both rigid and flexible PVC compounds.

The existing compounding line has been replaced with a new extruder and larger mixer.

As the new extruder has a higher maximum throughput of 3 tonnes per hour, AZO upgraded the original system, installed in 1984, to enhance overall performance and increase weighing capacity.

During the work, latest AZO technology was added.

Additive weighing systems and storage hoppers were replaced; existing PVC and filler weighing systems upgraded.

All systems are linked to a separate control room.

The vacuum transfer system was also improved to handle the increased throughput.

Additional PVC resin day silos were integrated to provide extra flexibility for Hydro Polymers, providing their customers with a comprehensive selection of grades.

The production plant is located at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham and is one of only three plants producing SPVC resin in the UK.

At this integrated site is Europe's largest single site compounding operation, which continues to grow with the help of this investment.

It is one of the most modern and progressive SPVC/compounding plants in the world.

Employing 400 staff and generating an annual turnover of GBP 160 million, the company boasts an excellent health, safety and environmental record.

Dave Sturrock, Project Engineer at Hydro Polymers, says: "AZO installed the original system at the production plant in 1984 and have continued working with Hydro Polymers over the last 20 years.

During this time, we have only had to call an AZO engineer out once to deal with a fault, that's an impressive record." In time, it is thought production at the plant will increase with new lines being added to the nine currently in operation.

Dave continues: "Every year essential maintenance and upgrade works are performed by AZO.

Their proven track record and experience meant they were first choice on this project, our biggest upgrade to date." The EUR 250,000 contract was successfully completed at the end of 2003.

Alan Prentice, Sales Director of Ingredient Handling Solutions, UK agents for AZO comments: "AZO have worked in partnership with Hydro Polymers for many years and it was a pleasure to be asked to work with them again on the new compounding line.

We were able to integrate the latest AZO technology to enhance the performance of the original system." Photo caption: AZO additives-feeding equipment incorporated in Hydro Polymers Compounding Facility.

Ingredient Handing Solutions (IHS) are the agents for AZO in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

IHS have extensive experience and expertise in the automation of raw materials, ingredients, additives, flavouring and colouring substances in granular, powdery or liquid form.

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