The thousand grain weight TGW (also called 1000 grain mass) is an important quality criterion in seed tests, which must be determined with great accuracy. The TGW or the derived value “number of parts per gram” are also an important parameters in the production and quality control of technical and pharmaceutical granules. Using an additional software module, an electronic balance and a special base frame, the elmor C3 precision counter can be used to directly determine the TGW of a sample. Both the C3 and the scale are connected to the control computer. A freely selectable quantity is counted and falls on the weighing pan. At the end of the counting process, the weight of the sample and the corresponding number of particles are automatically transferred to the PC, where the TGW is calculated. This is all done without manual input, so errors are avoided. The equipment allows tests to be carried out in accordance with ISO 520.

Feeder bunkers are used to refill the elmor C1, C3 or CX counting machines continuously and unattended. These devices are available with a storage volume of 2.5 liters to more than 30 liters.

For light parts such as seeds, a linear vibratory feeder is the best choice. The picture shows two vibrating conveyors / storage bins with 2.5 liters and 5 liters storage volume. For larger and heavier items a belt conveyor can be used. The third unit on the picture is a 30-liter refill bunker based on a belt conveyor.
The filling level in the conveyor bowl of the counter is measured continuously. As soon as it reaches a minimum value, the product to be counted is automatically refilled. As a result, a long operating autonomy of the counting devices can be achieved, in particular if they are used in combination with a filling or packaging machine.

elmor C1 PHARMA: a new parts counter for the pharma and the food industry

The elmor C1 seed counter is now also available in a special version for the pharma industry and the food industry, the new elmor C1 PHARMA. Based on the well known, precise and reliable elmor C1 seed counter, all parts that come into contact with the product are made of materials or have coatings that meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Title 21 CFR 21. This includes the conveyor bowl, the sorting element and the outlet for the counted products.
In contrast to the normal C1 seed counter, the housing cover of the elmor C1 PHARMA has a white colour. On request, however, the cover can also be made of bare stainless steel so that the entire counter can be cleaned and disinfected with liquid agents.

The new elmor C1 PHARMA is also equipped with an internal self-test device. In connection with GMP regulations (operational qualification OQ), it is now possible to prove the correct function of the counter at any time. The test module checks the correct function of the entire optical path, the sensor system and pulse processing unit as well as the pulse counter itself and the display.

The new parts counter elmor C1 PHARMA is used in many areas. This is the case, for example, in the random testing of automatic filling lines for tablets, or when filling small quantities of pharmaceutical products such as pills, tablets, capsules or globules. Furthermore, implantable parts are counted with the C1 PHARMA parts counter, for example radioactive seeds, small titanium markers, parts for bone screws and others.

The elmor 800 packaging machine is a popular choice for seed packing companies. It is specialized in the processing of sealable flat bags. If many different products but mostly small lot sizes have to be packed, the seed packaging machine elmor 800 is best suited together with an elmor seed counter or with any other suited dosing device.

In the case of the elmor 800 packaging machine, the empty bags are removed from a magazine, opened, filled and then closed by hot sealing. The bags are held with several vacuum suckers. The required vacuum is generated by means of compressed air operated venturi nozzles. These vacuum generators have no wear and function troublefree for years. Their disadvantage, however, is the high air consumption. This is why a compressor with a high air throughput is required. The overall energy consumption of the packaging machine is thus mainly determined by the air consumption of the venturi nozzles.

Improved version eliminates the venturi nozzles

With the latest version of the elmor 800 packaging machine, the elmor 800 ECO, motor-driven vacuum generators are used. The pumps used are quiet, wear-free and have a long service life. The entire energy consumption of the packaging machine drops by around 90%, since only a very small amount of compressed air is required for the remaining pneumatic elements. Depending on the tariff of the electricity costs this saving can make a substantial amount per year.

The picture shows an elmor 800 ECO packaging machine. It also shows how easy the machine can be adapted to different tasks. In the present case the dosage of the product – two different pharmaceuticals – is carried out by using two C1 PHARMA counting devices. Each counting device is equipped with a storage bin and feeding conveyor elmor 610 for automatically refilling the conveyor bowl of the counters. In addition, a printer module is used with which each bag is printed with a lot number and the packaging date.