ABHR speaks to Tecweigh’s Barry Gamble about the weighing company’s TT20 gravimetric processor.
Tecweigh’s TT20 gravimetric processor is designed to enhance volumetric screw feeders, bringing unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
“With the addition of the TT20, you’re using the weight signal from either a scale base or a series of load cells to improve accuracy throughout the process,” Tecweigh business development manager Barry Gamble said.
This integration effectively bridges the gap between traditional volumetric methods and the precision demanded in today’s industries. By continuously measuring weight, the TT20 eliminates inaccuracies associated with inconsistent material flow, ensuring the right amount of product is delivered every time.
Broad industry applications
Tecweigh’s continuous weighing solutions, particularly the TT20, have found their way into diverse industries.
“In the cement industry, for example, we’re filling 10 and 20-kilo bags of cement commonly seen in hardware stores,” Gamble said.
Snack food producers utilise the system to add precise amounts of flavourings like chilli and salt. Tecweigh even offers a specialised auger for salt, tailored for its low throughput and high bulk density. In agriculture, the TT20 addresses unique needs.
“For instance, it can dispense additives onto the middle of a conveyor belt carrying a product, ensuring even distribution,” Gamble said.
This adaptability underscores the processor’s versatility across varied operational demands.
Multiple modes for maximum flexibility
One of the TT20’s standout features is its ability to operate in multiple modes, catering to different application needs.
“With continuous loss-in-weight mode, it dispenses at a specific rate until instructed to stop, making it ideal for processes like tumblers or dryers in the food industry,” Gamble said.
For applications requiring precise quantities, such as filling bags or drums, the batch gain-weight mode is invaluable.
“It dispenses material until the target weight is nearly reached, then slows to account for in-flight material, ensuring exact measurements,” he said.
Seamless integration into modern systems
The TT20’s Ethernet TCP/IP output enables seamless integration into modern plant control systems.
“While the TT20 can operate independently, it can also connect to a central control system,” Gamble said.
This capability allows real-time monitoring of load cell data, screw speed, and paddle movements, to help operators optimise processes dynamically.
User-friendly design
Ease of use is another hallmark of the TT20. Its bright, intuitive interface and programmable logic controller protocols simplify operation.
“The interface reduces errors during setup and remembers programmed parameters, making it as simple as hitting the start button,” Gamble said.
The system’s automatic tare function further enhances efficiency, zeroing out the scale before each operation.
Operational benefits and ROI
For customers, the TT20 promises return on investment.
“It saves money by preventing overfilling in gain-in-weight mode and ensures flavour consistency in snack foods, reducing the risk of customer returns,” Gamble said.
The processor also streamlines workflows by minimising operator intervention. Supervisors can set global parameters, leaving operators with straightforward controls to start or stop the process.
Built to last
Proudly made in Australia, Tecweigh’s TT20 is a reliable solution. Constructed from food-grade stainless steel, the system is designed for durability. With a 12-month warranty and readily available spare parts in Melbourne, Tecweigh ensures minimal downtime.
“We’ve been manufacturing feeders for over 20 years, and they’re used worldwide,” Gamble said.
“The system is so robust that 99.9 per cent of our customers can handle maintenance themselves,” he said.
Supporting sustainability
In an era of heightened environmental awareness, the TT20 contributes to sustainability by reducing material waste. Its precise dosing capabilities ensure that only the required amount of material is used, aligning with global efforts to minimise resource consumption.
With the TT20, Tecweigh continues provide useful weighing solutions, helping businesses accurately weigh materials, optimise their operations, and save on costs.
