MBE Automation

On the rebuilt and revamped tote stirrer, I found out a lot of things. First is that the lowest speed available with just using the mechanical speed reducer is about 600 RPM. Which is way too high for use with the Polyurethane and the 24-inch propeller. It is a good thing I planned on using a VFD to control the speed of the motor from the start. So right now it is set to go from 0 - 250 RPM. At the 250 RPM, the motor is operating at 35.5 HZ.

I did add in solenoid valves for pressurizing and depressurizing the Air over Oil tank. And then I added an air cylinder to actuate the mechanical hydraulic oil release valve.

Electrically I added a small PLC with Analog inputs and outputs. That allowed me to control the speed of the mixer and to get feedback on the amount of torque that the motor was seeing.

When the operators installed this Tote Stirrer, they were highly impressed with how well it stirred the Polyurethane and how easy it was to operate.

From what I learned with this rebuild I decided to come up with my own design. That is specifically designed for the Polyurethane Industry. Instead of the old-fashioned messy, oily, and dirty air-over Oil lift system, it will have a linear actuator. This gives me the ability to control the speed precisely and with the feedback on travel, I can set up specific points for safety. Like don't spin the blade unless it is in the tote. Also, to make sure the blade is spinning before it gets to the bottom of the stroke. This ensures that the blades are not folded down and will hit the bottom of the Tote. Other things will be available and designed into the new design.