Description
With the AtLine Lab, HERZOG offers an optimal solution for the automated sampling, preparation, and analysis of powder samples for users who focus on cost-effective cement automation with a fast response time. Since the AtLine Lab is placed directly in the factory and not in a central laboratory, all steps associated with sample transport, such as the operation of a pneumatic tube, are omitted.
Compact Unit for Sampling and Preparation
The AtLine Lab has a mixer in which the material conveyed by the sampling (e.g., a screw or channel sampler) is collected. A homogeneous average sample is created in the mixer from a freely selectable time interval. After the sample has been homogenized, volumetric dosing takes place for the subsequent sample preparation in the HP-MP. This automated mill/press grinds the sample to the fineness required for the X-ray fluorescence analysis and then presses the ground material into a steel ring. This fast and coordinated procedure from sampling to analysis enables up to seven analyses per hour.
Configurable for All Areas of Application
The AtLine Lab was specially developed for the cement industry and can be used for the analysis of raw meal and cement. The HP-MP can be individually programmed using a large number of controllable parameters. Thanks to the 100 cm³ grinding vessel, short grinding times and thus a high sample throughput can be achieved even with raw meal that is difficult to grind. In contrast, by choosing a low speed in combination with a short grinding time, cement can also be ground gently so that minerals that react to mechanical stress with a loss of crystalline order (e.g., gypsum) can still be analyzed without errors using X-ray diffractometry.
Smooth Operation and Easy Maintenance
Due to the small footprint, the AtLine Lab can also be found in cramped factories. The accessibility of the HP-MP and the analysis device is possible due to the optimized use of space in the cabin. The side walls of the cabin can be removed from all sides, so that installation or major maintenance work can be carried out without difficulty. The AtLine Lab is designed to keep dust levels inside the cabin as low as possible. At the same time, an air conditioning system ensures optimal temperature conditions for sample preparation and analysis. Since the AtLine Lab is fully automated, no personnel need to be present at the laboratory container; only routine maintenance work and checks should be carried out.
In combination with the newly developed PrepMaster Analytics, the data from the AtLine Lab can be viewed in the central laboratory or control room and used to control the mixing control. This can optionally also be automatically taken over by the PrepMaster.
Linear Automation
All components required for a fully operational cement automation are interconnected by means of belt conveyors. Automatic receipt of pneumatic carriers containing the sample material is carried out by means of one or more laboratory stations of the HR-LA or HR-LSP type. After automatic emptying into a cup, the sample material is forwarded to one of the sample preparation machines like the combined mill/press HP-MP. Here, a pressed tablet is produced from the sample after grinding. However, sample preparation can also be carried out by a separate mill HP-MA and press HP-PA. In addition, a sample aliquot can be forwarded to the HAG-HF fusion system, where a glass bead is produced fully automatically. All commercially available analytical devices for X-ray fluorescence analysis and X-ray diffraction can be integrated into a linear automation system. In addition, it is of course possible to integrate a wide range of other devices, e.g., for granulometry and colorimetry.
Robot Automation
The advantages of robotic automation are the fast and flexible handling of samples. This not only leads to a reduction in cycle times from sample collection to receipt of analysis results, but also to an improvement in performance with a higher sample throughput. In addition, robotic automation also offers great serviceability. Usually, all machines are freely accessible and can be serviced without shutting down the entire automation system. Furthermore, robotic automation allows easy extension by adding further components. For example, an additional mill/press combination can be easily integrated as the number of samples to be analyzed increases. Also, an exchange of old components for newer machines is possible in most cases with little effort. HERZOG robotic systems are equipped with modern safety components. For example, all automations are delivered with integrated safety functions in the robot controller to enable personnel-safe robot movements in any situation.
AtLine Lab
The AtLine Lab is a compact laboratory that allows sampling, sample preparation, and X-ray fluorescence analysis already in the cement plant. Raw meal and cement samples are collected via a sampler in a mixer, which enables the generation of a homogeneous and representative average sample. The sample material is then volumetrically dosed into a cup and passed on to the combined mill/press HP-MP. There, sample preparation is performed by grinding and pelletizing into a ring. The pressed tablet is passed on to the analyzer via a belt connection. Due to its proximity to the sampling point, the AtLine Lab enables real-time analysis of critical products such as raw meal. The AtLine Lab is thus a useful complement or substitute to a central laboratory in some cement plants. All components of the AtLine Lab are contained in a robust and compact housing and protected from the dusty environment of the cement plant. At the same time, spacious access possibilities in the container ensure the full serviceability of the AtLine Lab.
Compact Unit for Sampling and Preparation
The AtLine Lab has a mixer in which the material conveyed by the sampling (e.g., a screw or channel sampler) is collected. A homogeneous average sample is created in the mixer from a freely selectable time interval. After the sample has been homogenized, volumetric dosing takes place for the subsequent sample preparation in the HP-MP. This automated mill/press grinds the sample to the fineness required for the X-ray fluorescence analysis and then presses the ground material into a steel ring. This fast and coordinated procedure from sampling to analysis enables up to seven analyses per hour.
Configurable for All Areas of Application
The AtLine Lab was specially developed for the cement industry and can be used for the analysis of raw meal and cement. The HP-MP can be individually programmed using a large number of controllable parameters. Thanks to the 100 cm³ grinding vessel, short grinding times and thus a high sample throughput can be achieved even with raw meal that is difficult to grind. In contrast, by choosing a low speed in combination with a short grinding time, cement can also be ground gently so that minerals that react to mechanical stress with a loss of crystalline order (e.g., gypsum) can still be analyzed without errors using X-ray diffractometry.
Smooth Operation and Easy Maintenance
Due to the small footprint, the AtLine Lab can also be found in cramped factories. The accessibility of the HP-MP and the analysis device is possible due to the optimized use of space in the cabin. The side walls of the cabin can be removed from all sides, so that installation or major maintenance work can be carried out without difficulty. The AtLine Lab is designed to keep dust levels inside the cabin as low as possible. At the same time, an air conditioning system ensures optimal temperature conditions for sample preparation and analysis. Since the AtLine Lab is fully automated, no personnel need to be present at the laboratory container; only routine maintenance work and checks should be carried out.
In combination with the newly developed PrepMaster Analytics, the data from the AtLine Lab can be viewed in the central laboratory or control room and used to control the mixing control. This can optionally also be automatically taken over by the PrepMaster.
Linear Automation
All components required for a fully operational cement automation are interconnected by means of belt conveyors. Automatic receipt of pneumatic carriers containing the sample material is carried out by means of one or more laboratory stations of the HR-LA or HR-LSP type. After automatic emptying into a cup, the sample material is forwarded to one of the sample preparation machines like the combined mill/press HP-MP. Here, a pressed tablet is produced from the sample after grinding. However, sample preparation can also be carried out by a separate mill HP-MA and press HP-PA. In addition, a sample aliquot can be forwarded to the HAG-HF fusion system, where a glass bead is produced fully automatically. All commercially available analytical devices for X-ray fluorescence analysis and X-ray diffraction can be integrated into a linear automation system. In addition, it is of course possible to integrate a wide range of other devices, e.g., for granulometry and colorimetry.
Robot Automation
The advantages of robotic automation are the fast and flexible handling of samples. This not only leads to a reduction in cycle times from sample collection to receipt of analysis results, but also to an improvement in performance with a higher sample throughput. In addition, robotic automation also offers great serviceability. Usually, all machines are freely accessible and can be serviced without shutting down the entire automation system. Furthermore, robotic automation allows easy extension by adding further components. For example, an additional mill/press combination can be easily integrated as the number of samples to be analyzed increases. Also, an exchange of old components for newer machines is possible in most cases with little effort. HERZOG robotic systems are equipped with modern safety components. For example, all automations are delivered with integrated safety functions in the robot controller to enable personnel-safe robot movements in any situation.
AtLine Lab
The AtLine Lab is a compact laboratory that allows sampling, sample preparation, and X-ray fluorescence analysis already in the cement plant. Raw meal and cement samples are collected via a sampler in a mixer, which enables the generation of a homogeneous and representative average sample. The sample material is then volumetrically dosed into a cup and passed on to the combined mill/press HP-MP. There, sample preparation is performed by grinding and pelletizing into a ring. The pressed tablet is passed on to the analyzer via a belt connection. Due to its proximity to the sampling point, the AtLine Lab enables real-time analysis of critical products such as raw meal. The AtLine Lab is thus a useful complement or substitute to a central laboratory in some cement plants. All components of the AtLine Lab are contained in a robust and compact housing and protected from the dusty environment of the cement plant. At the same time, spacious access possibilities in the container ensure the full serviceability of the AtLine Lab.
