Product category:
Pumps and valves
News Release from: Burkert Fluid Control Systems | Subject: Fluid control valves
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 17 September 2002
Fluid control systems improves dyeing
machines
A British company has found that its efforts to cost-engineer its dyeing machines with the help of a fluid control specialist have led to an overwhelming success overseas.
A British company has found that their efforts to cost-engineer its dyeing machines with the help of Burkert Fluid Control Systems have led to an overwhelming success overseas Roaches International is a growing force in the design and manufacture of products and services for textile testing
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 2 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The company was formed some 25 years ago and in the past 18 years alone has seen its export business rise by almost 50 per cent.
Its latest machine, however, opens up yet more opportunities for the Leek-based company, using the Burkert Type 2000 angle seat valve.
A number of valves are used on each machine - clearly illustrating Roaches' confidence in the Burkert product.
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The process valves, says Roaches control system design engineer Tony Partridge, have easily proved their worth against their competitors when it comes to reliability and performance.
He says: "We have tried most of the alternatives on the market but found Burkert to be the best.
Not only do they offer a high level of reliability in that we just never get reports of requirements for replacements but the company also offers us an excellent standard of service." Roaches principle products focus upon 'sample dyeing and finishing' processes within the textile industry.
The aim is to recreate, in the laboratory, the processing conditions of full sized production machines.
This usually involves some scaling down of full scale or 'bulk' equivalent processes (many hundreds of kilograms of yarn) while maintaining the correct process conditions in the sample dyeing unit (1-10 kilograms of yarn).
A robust valve is required for the machines due to the varied range of media being used in the dyeing process.
Many of the chemicals and dyes are highly corrosive.
The Type 2000 fitted the bill.
The valve also met another vital requirement in the latest machine to be produced by Roaches - a reduction in Total Cost of Ownership.
The latest machine - the Colorpac - was developed with a worldwide leader in textile yarn production.
The prototype machine was designed and manufactured in just over three months from a specification provided by the customer.
Since then, extensive in house trials have been undertaken to verify the design.
Tony said: "The generic type of dyeing machine was not unfamiliar to us, nor were some of the products supplied by Burkert but the logistics and manufacturing demands obviously are going to be potentially greater than any other project.
This triggered a major re-think with the design and it became a 'cost engineering' project as well as a design engineering one.
"Good service from all our suppliers is relied upon to ensure that the parts arrive on time and that any problems are dealt with rapidly and effectively for example.
This can only be achieved if the supplier understands our requirements and frequent visits by Burkert's sales engineers have been made to ensure that this service is being realised after the specification for the valves had been agreed and the parts ordered.
"The Colorpac, like the majority of our products, is designed and manufactured in-house.
Key components are sourced from suppliers whose input is taken to ensure that the component is the best for the job at the minimum cost, especially in cost sensitive projects like this one." The Colorpac is designed specifically for the dyeing of yarn in standard 'packages' at high temperature (in excess of 100degC and up to 140degC).
This can only be done if the process vessel is pressurised.
The vessel design therefore must also be safe.
The pressure vessel complies with the latest Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) that requires close control of the vessel design and manufacture.
The yarn package dimensions, weight and types are specified by the customer.
Up to four packages can be accommodated in each process vessel or 'kier', stacked vertically on a removable spindle.
The kier is filled with water and the dyes and other chemicals are added when the water is re-circulated through the packages.
The processing conditions are closely controlled using a microprocessor based PLC and a 'touch screen'.
Many of the process elements are controlled using the compact air operated angle seat control valves supplied by Burkert.
The valves and other wetted parts are made from high quality materials, predominantly stainless steel to avoid corrosion and to ensure a long service life.
The result of the partnership is that Roaches has now agreed a deal with a leading fabric producer.
The machines are now available for worldwide sale and will be exhibited at major international exhibitions. Request a free brochure from Burkert Fluid Control Systems ...
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