Waste Expo '98 on Stage in Chicago
"It surpassed last year's," and "It's too early to tell," were exhibitors' most common assessments about the floor traffic at Waste Expo '98.
The exhibition, which opened on June 9 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL and will run through June 11, is a showcase of products and services for more than 200 companies. The products presented ranged in size from a dowel-dimensioned fuel-saving device to transfer trailers capable of containing tens of millions dowels. Product functionality covered the spectrum--from recycling receptacles to waste-to-energy processing equipment.
Among products debuting at the show were:
An on-board front-axle weighing device from Weight-Right, Inc. According to the company, it is the first unit to directly register the load on a vehicle's front axle. The enabling technology is a height-position transducer signal that feeds a digital weight display to 155,000 pounds in 100-pound increments. As for the company's other on-board scale systems, the new unit offers alarm and controller set points, permitting the device to signal for loading cutoff.
Weight-Right, Inc., 15 E. Second, S. Hutchinson, KS 67505. Tel: 888-665-1123; Fax: 316-663-6488.
A show-readied S462 cast-iron axle from Mack. The replacement for the company's SS441 axle, according to the company, boasts a metallurgical-advanced cast-iron housing that increases its load bearing by more than two tons; makes it 87 pounds lighter than its stainless-steel forerunner; and boosts its wear life more than fivefold (beyond 2-million flex cycles). Accompanying the new housing are induction-hardened spindles. The new entry also embodies other company designs that extend tire life and optimize torque/traction ratios.
Mack Trucks, Inc., 2100 Mack Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103. Tel: 610-709-3011; Fax: 610-709-2380.
An SEA cullet sorter. Available in production capacities of 7.5, 12.5, and 25 tons per hour, these Italian-made units can be arranged to deliver separate streams of flint, amber, and green glass from a "mixed bag" of ceramics, metals, and glass. Segregation consistency of the separate streams is reported to exceed 95%. The sorter's "nerve center" is described as combining precision optics and microprocessor-controlled rapid-response solenoids commanded by one of 30 stored programs.
Countec Recycling Systems, 443 SW 6th Street, DesMoines, IA 50309. Tel: 515-246-1709; Fax: 515-246-1773.
The Welger SB 3000 baling press. The company's literature highlights the unit's special construction, high throughput, small footprint, and easy maintenance and handling. The unit boasts a wide-inlet hopper, a fully automated binder/knotter system, and a two-stage hydraulic unit. The last feature reportedly contributes to low operating costs. Press density ranges from 15.6 to 39 pounds, depending on the material baled.
Kalow Technologies, Rutland Airport Industrial Park, Route 78, RR1, Box 231-3 North Clarendon, VT 05759. Tel: 800-510-4633; Fax: 802-775-3066.