Glue mixing and coloring: 100% automatic systems by Movingfluid

In this article:

• • • • Supersix: glue measuring, mixing and dispensing in one system
      • Colormix: the extra component with extraordinary performance

Supersix and Colormix: the evolution of dilution in Tissue Converting    

Inventing something new is never an easy thing to do. There are no competitors to draw inspiration from and, in some cases, there is not even a perception of the problem and therefore of the gap that needs to be filled. This is perhaps because in the meantime the sector has found a way to adapt and overcome the production obstacle, without realizing that there could be better alternative solutions. Yet sometimes it happens and, when it does, the satisfaction is maximum. Actually, super.

As we experienced with our Supersix: Movingfluid’s automatic glue dilution system which replaces manual mixing and makes the paper rolling process in Tissue Converting even more efficient. We have already talked about the guaranteed results for the paper industry from this system and its complementary module, Colormix. Instead here we will focus on the technical aspects of both, to enhance the engineering qualities of this double invention.   

Supersix: glue measuring, mixing and dispensing in one system

But what elements is Supersix made up of? If we wanted to simplify the explanation, we could say that the automatic mixing system designed by Movingfluid is made up of two pumps and a stirrer: 

1. the first pump is used to draw the concentrated glue from the canister; 
2. the second pump releases the diluted glue into the in-line tank on board the machine; 
3. in the middle, the stirrer mixes glue and water in the required proportions inside a drawing tank. 

All this is done automatically, without any human intervention: neither in the weighing and mixing operations of glue and water, nor in the handling of the compound. The operator only has to program the cycle (to be started via PLC on a database of 100 customizable recipes) and top up the concentrated glue tank. Everything else is automated and designed to perfectly meet the company’s production needs.

In fact, Supersix provides numerous configuration and management changes and in its latest release it has been further optimized for even greater performance.  

Manual or automatic level measurement

There are two variants of the same system, both currently in use at different sites: 

1. the fully automatic version; 
2. the partially manual version. 

In the fully automatic version a sensor installed on the in-line tank detects when the minimum level is reached, draws the diluted glue already prepared by the Supersix until it reaches the maximum pre-established quantities. The minimum and maximum levels are in fact preset by the PLC and therefore the entire process works autonomously. A mode that ensures maximum precision and avoids wasting time related to the operational filling check. In this version the sensor can be configured directly by Movingfluid based on the liquid to be handled, the expected levels and the type of output (analogue or digital) of the customer and therefore be ready for use straight away.  

In the absence of the sensor (therefore in the partially manual version) it is the operator who must check the level of the glue in the tank: if a top-up is necessary, it makes the delivery pump of Supersix fill the diluted glue to the desired level. 

Different pumps depending on the viscosity of the glue

Regarding the type of liquid, we know that glues are not all the same and that they have different viscosities. That’s why our Problem solvers have created – also in this case – two variants of Supersix, depending on the type of glue that the system will be handling: 

1. with diaphragm pumps suitable for glues with viscosities up to 17,000 centipoise; 
2. with piston pumps, recommended for glues with higher viscosity and a 6:1 compression ratio.    

This way, we can integrate Supersix into any production line without interfering with the raw materials selected by the company or existing recipes, nor compromising the machine’s operation. 

Variable tank dimensions

Finally, precisely to respond to variable needs, we have also provided two versions for the tank dimensions: 

1. the version with 100-litre tank; 
2. the version with 200-litre tank. 

Thus, customers who need to support multiple lines can choose the Supersix with a larger capacity, while the smaller tank is sufficient for standard production.  

Improvements and evolutions of the latest Supersix configuration

How do you know if an invention is brilliant or just good? From the changes it brings about, of course, but also from its ability to evolve, improve over time, and adapt to market demands. Well, Movingfluid’s glue mixing system did just that. Stemming from the development of our Touchmix, Supersix has recently undergone a modernization in 3 essential aspects: 

1. maintenance: Our engineers focused on the tank assembly and completely reconfigured it to ensure greater safety for operators during inspection and repair operations. Unlike previous versions, in fact, it is now possible to access the water inlet valves, stirrer motor and tank individually without having to dismantle the entire body at once, which is more challenging to move in terms of weight and size;  
2. precision: the addition of anti-vibration feet ensures that the vibrations caused by the pumps on the scale are dampened. Always with a view to improving the performance and accuracy of weighing (which proceeds in a continuous cycle while the machine is in operation) a new function has also been added, a flow regulator which allows you to adjust pump speed. This way, while maintaining the same pumping force, it is still possible to moderate the speed of the pumps to create even less vibration; 
3. dimensions and logistics: finally, a note of merit goes to the extremely compact dimensions of Supersix: 700×700 cm of surface for a total of approximately 2 meters including the container of concentrated glue. A minimal area that brings an additional advantage with it: the system does not require a dedicated space in-line, rather, it works externally and can convey the diluted glue up to a distance of 10 meters. This also allows for optimal management of the plant’s logistics, because all Supersix needs are access points to the various utilities: water, electricity and pneumatic energy. 

What about coloured glue? Colormix will take care of it! 

Colormix: the extra component with extraordinary performance

Colormix is the Movingfluid module dedicated to colouring and distributing glue and can be purchased alone or in combination with Supersix. 

How does it work? Colormix connects to the diluted glue supply and, through a three-way valve, the operator can select which path to activate to obtain neutral (uncoloured) glue, coloured glue, or water for washing the circuit. Colouring takes place through an ink dosing pump that works by vacuum, activated by the pressure of the diluted glue. Ink dosing can be configured in two variants: from 0.2% to 2% or from 1% to 10%. 

What is it composed of? Colormix is a system composed of a dosing pump and 4 pipes: one for diluted glue, one for water, and two output pipes for coloured or neutral glue. It requires no electrical or pneumatic equipment and works as a continuous flow, without the need for any internal storage tank. Maintenance is equally linear and simplified: the front panel can in fact be quickly removed to operate the control valves and the dosing pump. Thanks to the nozzles on the suction and delivery ports, it is possible to extract the pump body and remove it for checks and repairs in complete safety.

Designed for Tissue Converting, Colormix can be successfully used for colouring other liquids even in different sectors, such as the textile industry, for example. In fact, just configure it for the type of fluid to be treated and insert it into the production cycle.  

The best inventions? The ones, once they are created, it is impossible to go without. Supersix and Colormix? They definitely fall into this category.

If you too want to take your company to the next level thanks to the efficiency of Movingfluid’s automated processes, all you have to do is contact us!

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