ABB spreads Smart Sensor to general machinery

Global technology company ABB expanded its ABB Ability Smart Sensor to general machinery. Now available for industrial motors and general machinery, including pumps and fans, the innovative sensor is designed to detect potential asset disturbances and planned maintenance before the reliability, productivity and safety of machinery are impacted, the company says. The sensor, which requires a quick installation, turns rotating equipment such as drives and motors, as well as applications like pumps, into smart, wireless connected assets. It fits to the assets surfaces and collects and transmits data through a smartphone or gateway, with a secure cloud service. The data is then analyzed with advanced algorithms to provide real-time insights as to the condition and performance of the monitored assets. ABB notes that the monitored asset is chosen during commissioning. The powertrain’s components are monitored through one portal, either individually or as the complete powertrain. The sensor is ideal for application in hazardous areas and harsh environments, with a design meant to withstand high vibration levels and dust ingress, it says. It’s certified for ATEX, IECEx and NEC 500, it adds.

ROSS releases Multi-Shaft Mixers

Charles Ross & Son Co. (ROSS) recently unveiled a multi-shaft mixer that is designed for processing medium to high viscosity applications up to several hundred thousand centipoise, it says. The VersaMix Multi-Shaft Mixers are perfect for thick slurries, pastes, gels and suspensions, it adds. The mixers come in a 3,000-gallon VersaMix Model VM-3000, equipped with a custom combination of three agitators. The agitators are driven by a 60 HP TEFC inverter-duty motor. With a three-wing anchor and two screw augers, all are independently controlled with variable speeds, “working together to ensure efficient batch turnover at every ingredient addition and mixing stage,” the company says. Operated from an independent 15-inch NEMA 4X touchscreen control panel, the vacuum-rated VMC-3000’s feature stainless steel type 304 dimpled, dual-zone jackets. The jackets are designed for 100 psig at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The VersaMix models range from laboratory to large-scale capacities as much as 4,000 gallons.

Ripples Inc. unveils changing print color feature

A new beverage-top printer was recently released by Ripples. The Ripple Maker II Pro features food technology with naturally changing print colors that quench rising consumer demand for novel drink experiences, the company says. Made with flavorless cabbage extract, the patent-pending Chameleon Plus pods alter to a drink’s pH level, then print a variety of blue- and red-based hues. The color all depends on the beverage acidity or alkalinity. “Gen Y and even more so Gen Z keep food and beverage businesses on their toes by raising expectations for innovation, personalization and sustainability,” Yossi Meshulam, Ripples’ CEO, said in a statement. “The Ripple Maker II Pro was created with these audiences in mind. We wanted to elevate their food and beverage experiences and give them eye-catching reasons to share their moments on social media.” The Ripple Maker II Pro features dual pod holders for printing two colors on one drink, as well as an automated sensor tech that can identify cup dimensions for a perfectly centered print without user intervention. The system was upgraded to ensure fast operational workflow, it says. The full product line at Ripples uses completely plant-based printing pods.

New forklifts from NOBLELIFT fit for indoor and outdoor operation

NOBLELIFT North America announced its designed FE4P50Q-70Q Lithium-Iron Phosphate Forklifts, featuring highly efficient, durable lithium-iron forklifts, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With front/rear axles and chassis engineered to be durable like an internal combustion engine (ICE) forklift, this machine has all the advantages of lithium-ion, it says. The AC drive technology allows for the achievement of high performance at low costs of operating and maintenance, it notes. The easily operated lifts have great visibility due to the mast layout, which is optimized for a wide view and clear visibility while operating, the company says. Features like the ergonomically designed LED display, which provides status information like driving direction and speed, allow for smooth truck operation, it adds. The steering axle has a shock mitigation system that is designed to both protect the vehicle and prolong its service life, while also giving the operator comfort while driving, according to the company. The FE4P50Q-70Q forklifts have a 20,000 hours, or 10 year, warranty on the lithium-iron battery used in the truck. The trucks use lithium-iron phosphate batteries, which are the longest-lasting and safest lithium-iron battery available, it says. These batteries are fully charged within two to three hours, and the batteries can be charged during user breaks or shift changes.

Refrigerated, retail merchandising solutions provider Due North recently acquired MTL Cool, an open air commercial refrigerated showcases company. Due North is the newly created operating company of QBD and Minus Forty. The acquisition will allow for Due North to “further diversify and complement its multiple-product lineup,” while also positioning the company to serve the fast-changing retailer and food and beverage markets, it notes. “With these three brands operating under Due North, our business is well positioned with both high-quality merchandising products and services,” Troy Shannan, CEO of Due North, said in a statement. “We now have the product reach to become the preferred choice for food and beverage brands and retailers. … We are committed to using all our resources and status to boost both our brand and the sales of the industries we serve.”

According to a new public opinion poll, 81% of Americans support recycling refund programs. These programs place a fully refundable deposit, typically 5 or 10 cents, on beverage containers at the time of purchase. The deposit is refunded upon the returning of the container. Right now, only 10 states use recycling programs in the United States. The study, conducted by Lincoln Park Strategies, found that, regardless of political affiliation, support for recycling refunds was consistent — at more than 70% for Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The highest support, 90%, came from residents in states where recycling refunds were already in place.

London-based RS Group announced the merging of its global maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supply chain solutions business into a single brand: RS Integrated Supply. Previously IESA and Synovos, the uniting of the two brands is the first step in RS Group’s transition to uniting the operating brands into a unified RS identity. “Our transition to RS Integrated Supply brings the combined value of the IESA and Synovos MRO solutions to organizations around the world,” Debbie Bowring, president of RS Inegrated Supply, said in a statement. “As one global brand, our digitally enabled procurement and storeroom solutions and engineering skills provide unmatched reliability, consolidation, standardization and total cost efficiencies across the supply chain.”

Dobbs Truck Group revealed that 15-year company veteran Kirk Gulian was promoted to the position of Director of EV Mobility. Gulian will be responsible for developing, implementing and leading Dobbs Truck Group short and long range business plants relating to electric vehicle (EV) truck sales, infrastructure planning and the identification of funding and grant sources. Gulian has extensive fleet sales and truck specification, as well as vast transportation industry knowledge. “We are pleased to have Kirk helping us lead the charge in the growing Battery Electric Vehicle Segment,” Olen Hunter, Dobbs Truck Group executive vice president, said in a statement. “We are also excited to bring Kirk’s leadership and industry experience to bear as our valued customers seek solutions for BEV commercial trucks, charging infrastructure and funding solutions.”

Vancouver-based EnWave Corporation, a leader in the innovation and application of vacuum microwave dehydration, announced that Dole Worldwide Food & Beverages Group would be leasing two additional 10kW Radiant Energy Vacuums (REV) from EnWave. The leasing of the pair of dehydration machines is the latest development in the two company’s Global Strategic Partnership, which was announced in August 2021. The third and fourth REV machines “will further support this strategic initiative,” EnWave says. With these technologies from EnWave, food and ingredients companies can reach optimal moisture levels faster, improving the taste, texture, color and nutritional value of products, it adds.