Static is never still
Static elimination expert Eltex Elektrostatik has launched a bevy of new products in recent months.
In all situations where great or changing distances have to be bridged and very high electrostatic charges have to be dissipated, the latest Eltex innovation, the RX3 Ionstar discharge bar, is one answer.
The intelligent sensors of the RX3 Ionstar (below) continuously monitor the distance and the charge level of the object to be discharged and automatically adapt the power output to the actual conditions.
The system has been designed for the removal of electrostatic charge from winding stations. The powerful high voltage generator is integrated in the bar and is capable of neutralizing even high charges in ‘almost no time’.
Output voltages of up to two x 50 kV provide the discharge distances, without the need for additional air assistance. Despite all this power, Eltex has succeeded in making the RX3 Ionstar shockless. There is no danger of electrical shock to personnel, even when the bar is energized. Non-wearing emission tips, robust and an easy-to-clean design ensure that only a minimum of maintenance is needed. An aluminum profile on the rear with cage nuts makes for easy assembly, even in difficult installation situations.
The RX3 Ionstar optimizes the production process whether its winding or unwinding film webs, in the reel slitter, for bag machines, or many other demanding applications, claims Eltex.
Static Combi Cleaner
Most plastic and synthetic materials in use today have a very strong tendency to create static surface charges, with the effect that the surfaces have a similarly powerful tendency to attract airborne particles.
This can result in major problems and loss of quality during certain processes. Eliminating dust and dirt settling on three-dimensional and structured surfaces with conventional methods is notoriously difficult.
Due to their geometry, components such as product carriers that are in continuous revolving operation are also very difficult to clean down.
The dynamic ionizing blower station has been specially developed for applications such as these.
Ionizing bars attached at the inlet and outlet point neutralize the plastic surfaces. The patented variable-speed rotary nozzles mounted inbetween capture the particles carrying static charges and propel them in the direction of the extraction channel where they are eliminated safely and thoroughly. The integrated variable-speed control of the cleaning nozzles keeps an even and pressure independent rotary speed that, in turn, ‘guarantees’ a consistent and excellent cleaning result with its pulsating and highly efficient air cleaning effect. Rotary speed and air velocity can be adapted to optimized cleaning requirements.
The Static Combi Cleaner is made in various installation sizes. The number of nozzles depends on the size and shape of the components to be cleaned. Working width and extraction direction are adjustable depending on customer requirements.
Statictube RX10
The Eltex tube ionization Statictube RX10 is a development for use in pneumatic conveying systems. It is claimed to completely and effectively eliminate static charges that arise on the conveyed product during transport. The Eltex tube ionization is used particularly in systems for removing edge strips from paper and plastic using suction.
The Eltex tube ionization is connected to a high-voltage power supply and generates an electrical field at the discharge bars. As a result, positive and negative ions accumulate on the air molecules around the ionization tips. If electrostatically charged material gets close to the tube ionization, an ion exchange takes place until the conveyed product is electrostatically neutralized. It consists of a one-metre long tube section with a diameter from 50mm to 450mm. The Eltex discharge bars are integrated into this tube section, and the cables are joined in the high-voltage distributor. The discharge bars are powered by the Eltex ES50/51 power supply.
Gravure printing systems
For over 30 years, ESA printing assist systems have been used in gravure printing. This not only means an end to missing dots, it is also much easier to operate the entire system. ESA GNH61 delivers an optimum ink transfer to the substrate. The Eltex GNN71 side-Loading system and the GNN75 core charging system have proven to be a great performers in publication gravure printing and the wide and extra wide machines used in this field, says the company.
The ESA GNN75 core charging system has been enhanced by adding a new technical feature: fully automatic adjustment of the optimum output value for missing-dot free printing. The charge in the printing nip necessary for emptying the recessed cells is generated directly via the core of the impression roller. This reduces maintenance to a minimum.
ESA impression roller bars
ESA impression roller bars are used in the area of the gravure press where ink mist and paper dust lead to pollution of the bar. For safety reasons, the impression roller bar in the gravure press must not exceed a certain degree of pollution. Previously, regular manual cleaning was mandatory. The new ESA impression roller charging bar (below) with integrated air flushing extends the cleaning cycle, the bar remains free of ink and paper dust for a significantly longer time frame.
The air is blown along the surface of the bar body towards the high voltage tips via two narrow air ducts with nozzle holes on both sides of the impression roller bar. The air nozzles all work together to generate an air curtain that surrounds the relevant part of the bar and effectively prevents larger quantities of foreign particles (ink and paper dust) from depositing on the bar and in the tip area. It is important that the surface between the bar tips and the air duct on both sides remain free of pollution. Blower nozzles around the ionization tips do not solve this problem, since the bar body is not kept free of pollution in terms of safety considerations.
The new dirt repellent special coating on the outside of the impression roller bar body also provides a surface that is easy to clean. Consequently, the combination of special coating and air curtain brings clear advantages with regard to safety, even while extending the cleaning cycles. Packaging, decorative and publication printers worldwide benefit from these features, Eltex maintains.
Impression roller tester
The Impression Roller Tester 6208 is used for measuring surface and insulation resistance of rollers that are coated with insulated or semi-conductive material. Even under very high resistance values, the measuring voltage of 1000 V guarantees accurate measurements at all times.
Especially in gravure printing, the Impression Roller Tester 6208 is useful as a measuring instrument. It ensures that the impression rollers used meet the demands of the electrostatic Printing Assist (ESA) systems. Even for machines that are not equipped with ESA, this ensures that the impression roller coating is not too high ohmic. It avoids charges that could potentially lead to sparking.
ELTEX ELEKTROSTATIK:
T: +49 (0) 76 21/79 05