Polyurethane molders require metering machines designed for specific process specifications and production rates. Cannon is able to supply machines tailored to the specific needs of each customer using a flexible "modular system" that can be configured for a wide variety of applications.The Cannon "A-System" provides modular configuration flexibility. Tanks, pump group (for non-abrasive chemical components), temperature control, mixing heads, and controls are available in a wide range of options to meet all production requirements. The "A-System" configurations currently available are:

"A-System" Standard: PLC-based; "A-System" Loop: PLC-based with closed-loop flow control; "A-System" Pro Loop: PLC-based with graphic PC operator interface; "A-System" Penta: for safe use of hydrocarbon (flammable) blowing agents.

Their main features are:

• The user can define his own machine configuration, to balance performance against economics; machine operator interface with precise control and rapid programming of process parameters; easier machine maintenance, due to the open-frame design and easy access to replaceable items; corrosion-proof treatment of the metering pumps, ideal for water-based formulations; forced lubrication of the Isocyanate seal housing to increase the life of the gaskets; magnetic coupling can be fitted to eliminate seals and reduce maintenance; a wide range of options is available for the chemical output settings: from a simple manual adjustment (by means of a calibrated hand-wheel) to "closed-loop" adjustment through the HMI; software packages, to improve preventative maintenance and troubleshooting, offer invaluable assistance to the maintenance staff; software packages for quality and production control, to reduce scrap and operating costs; on-line programming to modify process parameters during machine operation;
• Total integration into Computer Integrated Manufacturing plants (CIM), thanks to the machine's ability to interface directly with mainframe computers and networks.

The "A-System" Modularity

Metering Group

• high-pressure, axial piston pumps, available in different sizes: 12, 28, 55 and 107 cc/rpm; setting output can be:
  • manual (hand wheel) AC variable frequency motor speed control
  • through the HMI keypad with "closed loop" adjustment
  lower vibration level and lower noise; forced lubrication seal on Isocyanate side; constant monitoring of process parameters;
• optional magnetic pump couplings

Temperature Control

• available in a variety of configurations shell and tube heat exchangers with or without heating elements; jacketed tanks low-pressure feed pump and plate and frame heat exchangers
• chillers and tempered water units

• availability of different tanks sizes; standard tank sizes (70, 330, 500 litres) custom tank groups with or without water jacket; variety of agitators
• automatic level control;

ControlsThe Cannon "A-System" is available with several standard control configurations as well as custom options. Standard configurations include

• Siemens control
• Various HMI options

Mixheads

A full range of high pressure mixing heads are available for the A System and are specified according to the machine output, type of product to be foamed and the chemical system used. High pressure mixing heads include L configuration FPL, straight and multi-component.