Equipment Report

Innov-X Systems Inc., Woburn, Mass., has announced the introduction of its new QXR-M automated, high-volume sorting and separating system, which was on display at the 2007 Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) Conference & Exhibition in April.

According to a press release from Innov-X, the QXR-M "identifies and sorts mixed metal scrap into product-specific categories based on highly specific material chemistry—improving recoveries and increasing asset value for metal recyclers."

Applications for the QXR-M include extracting copper or copper alloys from heavies, sorting aluminum by alloy content, cleaning and grading stainless steel, extracting meatballs (shredded electric motors), extracting coins and precious metals and removing plastics and glass from shredded material.

The device uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology and allows accurate sorting and separation, according to Innov-X, at capacities ranging from one ton per hour to 10 tons per hour.

The units are available as individual components or as complete turnkey systems and can integrate with existing technologies or replace them, according to the company.

Additional information is available online at www.innov-xsys.com.

U.S. Shredder Teams Up With Toratec

The U.S. Shredder and Castings Group has become a distributor for Toratec Recycling Solutions of Bremen, Germany, a manufacturer of metal separation technology and equipment.

Toratec equipment is available in a variety of widths, making it simple to integrate into existing operations, according to a press release from U.S. Shredder.

"The EcoSort makes the most effective use of the latest sensor technologies," Bill Tigner, president of U.S. Shredder and Castings, says. The unit also offers low air consumption and features air-conditioned and dust-proof modules and cabins. "The unique modular and compact design of the system makes the sensors affordable and easy to install," Tigner says.

A mobile, self-contained system is also available.

The U.S. Shredder and Castings Group, Brookhaven, Miss., offers complete scrap shredding systems, Moros scrap shears, balers and loggers as well as shredder castings, service and consulting to the North and Central American scrap industry. More information is available at www.usshredder.com.

Nexgen, a division of Marathon Equipment Co. of Vernon, Ala., introduced its new Prospector wire processor to attendees of the 2007 ISRI Convention & Exposition in New Orleans in late April.

According to a press release from Nexgen, "The Prospector efficiently and effectively reclaims copper and aluminum from scrap electrical wire." Wire enters the granulation chamber through a hopper, and the system grinds the wire using three rotating and two stationary knives. The chopped material then travels to a separation chamber via the enclosed air-flow system. In the separation chamber, the copper and aluminum is dry-separated from its insulation, producing No. 1 chops.

The Prospector is equipped with a dust collection system and is fully soundproofed. Each unit is easy to move and to install, is easily maintained and has low power requirements, according to the manufacturer.

Four models are available: WP 200, WP 400, WP 800 and WP 1600 for a throughput range of from 200 to 2,400 pounds per hour.

More information is available by visiting www.NexgenBalers.com.

Tryco/Untha International, Decatur, Ill., has introduced the mobile Grindzilla Ginder, which is being distributed by Jobsite Recycling Equipment.

This truck-mounted unit requires no commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate and is capable of processing pallets, doors, purgings, film and construction materials, according to the company.

Output screens are available in a range of sizes from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches, with capacities ranging up to 15 cubic yards per hour. The fully enclosed system does not require dust suppression equipment.

Grindzilla’s features include an on-board computer system that constantly monitors and adjusts to maximize efficiencies, according to the company, as well as a 10-yard storage container. The grinder’s curved floor also serves to reduce bridging.

More information is available from Jobsite Recycling Equipment at (678) 455-3001 or by visiting www.jobsitesolutionsusa.com or www.tryco.com.

Terex has redesigned its Fuchs MHL 340D material handler to offer scrap handlers the ability to lift higher, reach farther and work faster than its predecessor, according to Terex.

The MHL 340D achieves greater reach and lift capacities through a larger undercarriage and improved boom kinematics and it employs an innovative two-circuit hydraulic system that minimizes power dissipation during operation to maximize machine performance.

"We evaluated the needs of operators in the scrap handling market and we’ve redesigned this machine with those needs in mind," Steve Brezinski, material handling product manager for Terex Construction Americas, says. "The enhancements made to this machine will offer operators higher productivity with lower operating costs."

The new boom and stick design on the MHL 340D’s loading system have been engineered for maximum lifting capacity. With an operating weight of 60,627 pounds to 63,934 pounds and increased lifting capacity on the loading system, "the MHL 340D offers operators a stable platform to pick and place more material at one time in its different reach ranges," according to a press release from Terex. The MHL 340D comes with the choice of either a 41.4-foot (12.6 meter) or a 45 foot (13.7 meter) reach configuration.

The MHL 340D is also designed with increased pivot, or swinging, torque which allows the machine to get up to full turning speed more quickly.

A new two-circuit hydraulic system provides operators with precise, smooth handling and more freedom in work motions, Brezinski says. The design employs a dual hydraulic pump design—one pump is dedicated to joystick functions, and the other pump serves all other functions of the MHL 340D—that allows for simultaneous operation of dipperstick/grab, as well as dipperstick/boom, movements for increased productivity and faster work cycles.

The design of MHL 340D also includes a separate engine and hydraulic cooling systems to ensure temperatures stay within optimum range during operation and noise emissions remain low.

More information is available at www.terex.com.  

The U.S. Shredder and Castings Group has announced that in conjunction with its manufacturing partner U.S. Conveyor it will be expanding its capacity at its Mackinaw, Ill., plant.

The expansion will be the facility’s third in the last three years.

The company is also adding 10 new welding fabricators and two additional design engineers.

Production, testing and painting areas will be expanded to include installation of three 10-ton overhead cranes. Along with the building expansion of 225 feet, 3.5 adjoining acres were purchased for improved traffic flow and equipment storage, company president Bill Tigner reports.

The company offers complete scrap shredding systems, Moros scrap shears, balers and loggers as well shredder castings, service and consulting to the North and Central American scrap industry.

Winkle Industries has announced a new line of magnet controllers that, according to the company, achieves significant improvements in the productivity and life-cycle cost of lifting magnets by replacing traditional contactors and discharge resistors with solid state controls.

Winkle Industries President Joe Schatz says the "OptiCon" line of solid state magnet controllers is designed for use with any magnet or magnet system. "Customers have been asking us for a new approach to magnet controllers," he says. "I’m very proud that our engineering team has come through again to develop technology that will enable our customers to operate their businesses more profitably."

OptiCon magnet controllers use solid state IGBTs (integrated gated bi-polar transistors) that provide true control of electrical current to magnets, according to a press release from the company, as opposed to traditional contactor-type controllers, which simply switch DC voltage on and off. OptiCon controllers can optimize the power delivered to the magnet for maximum lifting capacity while minimizing excess heat, according to Winkle.

The solid state design also means the controller has no moving components, so there are no wear parts to service, align or replace.

OptiCon controllers also eliminate the occurrence of damaging voltage spikes, so the lifting equipment’s complete electrical system receives an extra level of protection against unscheduled service and downtime.

Rich Edling, lead engineer, says, "Heat is a detriment to efficient magnet operation. Every degree of excess heat reduces the lifting capacity and life cycle of a magnet or magnet system. An added benefit to our controller is electrical current savings. This controller will cut energy costs as well."

More information is available at www.winkleindustries.com.