C. B. Kaymich is launching two new pieces of equipment: its new High Capacity Gemini Flavour Application System and the CM7A7Ax Hot Melt Controller.
Orders for the first two Gemini units have been taken and they will be installed during the next eight weeks.
In reporting the launch of the new Gemini, Kaymich said that it had seen a significant increase in the manufacture of ‘product having significantly higher dosages of flavour, specifically menthol’.
But it said there had been two significant technical obstacles to overcome in developing the higher capacity unit. A significant increase in pump capacity of up to a litre of delivered fluid per minute had been required without sacrificing the delivery accuracy of +/-1 percent or consistency across a range of doses.
The other technical obstacle that had been successfully overcome had to do with melt capacity. ‘Applying pure menthol without a carrier reduces material costs and increases potential dosing per rod,’ Kaymich said in a press note. ‘It also requires a higher melt capacity when applying high dosage at high speed.’
Kaymich reported that it now used a new pump significantly higher in capacity – up to one litre per minute depending upon materials – yet still capable of maintaining accuracy of +/-1 percent flow across a range of dosages between 0.91 ml per minute and ≥1000 ml per minute, depending on the materials used.
‘Whilst delivery accuracy is reliant upon the pump, any fluctuations due to outside factors such as fluctuating machine speed, are monitored using a none-invasive flow meter, which eliminates any negative effect on the flow rate of monitoring delivery rates,’ Kaymich said. ‘Any out of tolerance product is identified and rejected. In this way the consistency of product progressing through the cigarette manufacturing process is guaranteed.
‘The second technical obstacle to high speed, high dosage application was the capacity of the tanks and their ability to melt flavour (menthol). Gemini has two 50 litre tanks which normally expect to have menthol melted ready for dispensing inside ninety minutes. To assist in the process of maintaining a supply of molten menthol for application by the Gemini, a re-circulation system has been developed to further reduce the melt time.
‘Using the feedback provided by level sensors in the tanks, flavour supply to the pump is alternated between the two 50 litre tanks ensuring continuity of supply and, subsequently, production. The large tank capacity means that operators are free to get on with their “day job” of making rather than managing the flavour application system and specifically the supply of flavour.’
Meanwhile, Kaymich announced too the launch of its new hot melt controller which replaces the now obsolete CM7A, CM7A1, CM7A2, CM7A3 and CM7A4 industry standard digital controllers.
‘The CM7A7Ax is easier to configure, easier to use and offers improved accuracy in terms of temperature control,’ said Kaymich in a second press note.
‘Gradual obsolescence of electronic components provided the need for a new controller which is now available as a direct replacement for existing units.
The main circuit board has been fully re-designed to incorporate contemporary technology and components and is fully backwardly compatible with the CM7A range of controllers.
‘The CM7A7Ax provides control for three-zone gravity fed hot-melt systems. It incorporates the necessary interface connections on the rear panel for heated zone power, heated zone temperature measurement, main input power and host machine control signals.
‘Each zone set-point temperature can be individually configured as appropriate for the installation via the in-built temperature controllers via the unit front panel.
‘Heated zone temperature measurement can be achieved using industry standard PT100 sensors or thermocouples. These are preconfigured during manufacture, but can be altered by trained service technicians if necessary, making the controller suitable for use in different installations.’