INTERLEAVANT POWDER ASSESSMENT
The IQ system provides a consistent, reliable, and safe means of assessing interleavant coverage at a frequent interval, offering measurements of:
- Number of particles of each type (beads or acid)
- Area coverage by particle type
- Total mass of powder by particle type
- Density of powder by particle type
The system is available in a range of configurations using either trundling or static cameras to provide full conveyor coverage or point readings. The modular design and tight hardware/software integration employed within the IQ system ensures that the required functionality is delivered at an optimal cost.
The IQ system offers the following features:
- Detailed visual data with real-time measurement display
- Data and statistics across time ranges
- Full integration with plant control equipment and plant networks
- Feedback to plant to allow closed loop control of powder applicators
These features allow detailed analysis of interleavant powder enabling specific problem areas to be targeted quickly and efficiently.
Typical issues that IQ can help with include:
Too little powder:
- The reduction of stained glass rejections due to inadequate coverage of powder. The IQ system enables the user to monitor the coverage and ensure that an optimum level is kept. The impact of this is fewer stained glass issues which results in less buy back issues from the customer.
- The reduction of motion scratches during shipping due to inadequate coverage of powder. It is sometimes possible that batches of glass are scratched due to localised areas with too little powder. The IQ system enables the user to be alerted of these localised areas therefore avoiding a potential cost of buyback issues.
- A reduction in the number of buy back issues related to inadequate coverage which causes plates to adhere to each other.
Although this happens infrequently the potential impact of each buyback issue can be thousands of dollars and may adversely affect customer relationships.
Too much powder:
- The ability to monitor the powder levels to ensure optimum coverage may allow for a reduction in the amount of powder applied thus generating a cost saving.
- Excess powder can cause problems for downstream processors who must wash the glass before performing value added work. Inadequate washing may leave powder residue that detrimentally affects their value added work, leading to potential buyback issues and poor customer relations.
- Excess powder accumulates in and around the area of application.
This is an area of concern for both equipment maintenance and health & safety. Equipment may need cleaning more often as powder may block ventilation panels etc, and the powder can cause a slip hazard. Ensuring optimum levels are applied reduces this risk and avoids a potential law suit should an accident occur.
