Meech International is using Labelexpo Americas '14 as a podium to showcase a new distance sensor and feedback system, the latest enhancements to its Hyperion range of static control systems. Compatible with the 971IPS and 929IPS bars, the add-ons are designed to help monitor and control static with greater precision in a variety of applications, including labelling and packaging.

"By updating our technologies, we are showing Meech's commitment to providing the best static control solutions possible for our customers, whose feedback plays a significant role in the development of our new systems," explains Matt Fyffe, VP/General Manager at Meech USA. "In that spirit, we are very pleased to be exhibiting our latest innovations at a prestigious show such as Labelexpo Americas".

Distance Sensor

The Distance Sensor is to be used in combination with Meech's 971IPS static elimination bar, which is employed for long range ionisation. The enhancement's main function is to enable a change in frequency when the distance to the static surface is either increased or decreased. This means that the sensor will adjust the neutralisation according to the varying distance of the static surface.

The Distance Sensor can be attached directly to the 971IPS bar via an end cap and comes with a cable that extends from 300mm to 3000mm. Its nimble and innovative design ensures that the sensor does not interfere with the performance of the bar no matter how close it is positioned to its emitter pins. Once the sensor is connected, it overrides the frequency the bar is set to and adjusts it according to the detected distance.

"In order to provide the most effective control, the distance sensor selects the optimum output frequency based on the proximity to the material, which is especially useful on rewinds where the distance to the surface of the reel decreases as it is wound," explains Matt. "Furthermore, automatic adjustment of the frequency ensures optimum static control is maintained throughout the entire wind."

Feedback System

Marking the second innovation in the company's Hyperion range is the introduction of "feedback-enabled" bars, which aim to provide high accuracy static control in production environments with the ability to output the voltage level for remote monitoring.

The feedback-enabled systems are fitted with a 3 pin M8 connector and upgraded software. By connecting an industry standard remote voltage sensor and positioning it over the web, a closed-loop feedback circuit is created. The output of the sensor informs the Hyperion bar whether more positive or negative ions are required to obtain a complete and accurate neutralisation of all charges on the material.

"It is vital to ensure that the level of static on webs is kept to a minimum, especially the ones entering potentially hazardous areas, in order to avoid the risk of igniting solvents," explains Matt. "While our static bars can do this quite reliably, Meech has taken this technology to a more advanced level by integrating an electrostatic voltmeter sensor that helps achieve higher levels of neutralisation."

With an approximate cable length of 5000mm, the feedback sensor can be installed downstream of the ionising bar, in a position that is not directly acted upon by the static control system. At 50mm installation distance, the sensor has a measurement reach ranges between -20,000V and +20,000V.

"We are always looking into ways to perfect our static control offering," says Matt, "and the launch of these two new enhancements mark an important step forwards for Meech's Hyperion range of static control solutions."

He concludes: "Showcasing these new additions allows us to demonstrate how our ever-evolving range of static control technologies are able to meet the needs and demands of the labelling sector."