Conair Group will display a series of recycling-friendly products, including a Conair Viper 1736 granulator equipped with the advanced Smart Granulator 2 (SG2) control, the SmartFLX mini conveying control, and a FilterLess receiver optimized for handling dusty or flake regrind at the AMI Plastics World Expos, Booth C1324, November 13-14, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Whether processors are just getting started in scrap reclaim/recycling or are looking to expand their current sustainability efforts, Conair has something for processors at every stage along the continuum.

The second generation of the Smart Granulator control, dubbed SG2, simplifies automation of complete size-reduction systems (including shredding, conveying, and evacuation equipment), but also provides first-in-the-industry predictive maintenance capabilities. When paired with a Viper granulator, this control gathers performance data from sensors located throughout the granulator – rotor RPM, motor load/amperage, cutting chamber and screen temperatures, and vibration levels – and compares it to data reflecting desired equipment performance. Should live performance data diverge from desirable ranges, the SG2 control issues alarms for situations requiring immediate attention, such as Low RPM/High Amp conditions indicating a material jam. The control also provides maintenance displays (e.g., a unique Knife Status tracker), trend-lines, or on-screen reminders to indicate maintenance needs and connects with Conair SmartServices®, a cloud-based Industry 4.0 platform for auxiliary monitoring, measurement, and control.

The new SmartFLX™ mini conveying control from Conair is sized for the needs of small processing plants or work cells that need a centralized conveying control with powerful standard features, easy installation, and an economical cost. Based on the system architecture, logic, and field-proven components developed for Conair’s full-sized SmartFLX conveying control, the SmartFLX mini supports vacuum conveying systems with up to three vacuum pumps and a maximum of up to 12 receivers. Though scaled for smaller operations, the SmartFLX mini offers central-conveying features including “predefined” I/O panel slots, enabling receivers to be configured for standard, multi-source, or ratio loading, while sources can be configured to operate as pocket valves, purge valves, or as a granulation device / common line valve. Other important conveying features include FIFO priority loading, load-and-hold, fill-sensor operation, and VNC remote connections. Pump configuration options include idle-mode and dust-collector controls.

The Conair display also features a FilterLess (FL) Series Vacuum Receiver, one of a line of central vacuum receivers that convey pellets, virgin-regrind mixes, dusty materials or coarse powders with maximum efficiency. Instead of using conventional filter media or screens to achieve air/material separation, FilterLess receivers rely on a patented insert that generates cyclonic action to separate incoming material from the vacuum air stream and minimize material fracturing and dust. The result is smooth material entry without the risk of blinded or clogged filters and the need for periodic maintenance. The FilterLess receiver is perfect for processors handling increasing amounts of regrind material.

The Conair Group is a world-leading supplier of plastics auxiliary equipment and systems. Our equipment line includes more than 450 innovative auxiliary products for plastics molders and extruders around the world. Our product range features resin drying systems, blenders, feeders and material-conveying systems, temperature-control equipment, and granulation and recycling products. Extrusion solutions include line-control systems, film and sheet scrap-reclaim systems, and downstream equipment for pipe and profile extrusion. Conair also combines specialized expertise in every major end market – such as automotive, packaging, medical, transportation, building and construction, and many others – with the technical and engineering resources needed to deliver sustainable, fully-integrated system solutions that Make Every Pellet Count.

The latest SG2 (Smart Granulator) control, seen on a Viper Granulator, offers Conair’s “common” control interface, easy integration with material handling equipment, and first-in-the-industry predictive maintenance capabilities including a “Knife Status” tracker.

 

Close-up of Conair SG2 touchscreen control interface, showing “smart” features, including Knife Status indicator.
The 7-inch color touchscreen HMI on Conair’s new SmartFLX mini conveying control offers access to powerful central conveying features, context-sensitive Help screens and easy configuration options. This small, but powerful central conveying control is sized for smaller processors and work cells.