Electronic Ratio Monitor
Mechanical proportioners like the Graco HydraCat ® provide an economical method for plural component dispensing. The units are typically very mechanically reliable although the fluid side can by-pass causing an off ratio condition.
Autoquip can supply an Electronic Ratio Monitor system to constantly measure and report the current ratio of a mechanical proportioner. The Electronic Ratio Monitor consists of four major components, Resin Flow Meter, Catalyst Flow Meter, Computer Monitor, and Pneumatic Interface.
The Resin Flow Meter is an electro-mechanical device that is installed at the outlet of the mechanical proportioner resin pump prior to the static or mechanical mixer. The Resin Flow Meter is used to feed back accurate flow volume information to the Computer Monitor.
The Catalyst Flow Meter is an electro-mechanical device that is installed at the outlet of the mechanical proportioner catalyst pump prior to the static or mechanical mixer. The Catalyst Flow Meter is used to feed back accurate flow volume information to the Computer Monitor.
Computer Monitor is a microprocessor based recording device that is used to tabulate the volume of resin and catalyst flowing from the mechanical proportioner to the static or mechanical mixer. The Computer Monitor is programmed to acquire the flow total information and calculate the ratio at a programmable time value (typically 1-2 seconds). After the ratio is calculated the Computer Monitor determines if the ratio is within specifications and sets an alarm if a problem exists. The Computer Monitor provides alpha numeric information for resin and catalyst flow rate and ratio. The Computer Monitor also connects to the AutoLog software allowing for the generation of environmental and SPC reporting.
The Pneumatic Interface provides the method for theComputer Control to interrupt the flow of resin and catalyst to he mechanical mixer. If the Computer Control determines that the ratio has exceeded the limits programmed within the parameters, the pneumatic power is removed from the proportioner and a supplied alarm is activated.
