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A reliable high tech solution

Above - Fig. 1: Pressure on inside a blank mould.

Martin Grönblad, Product Manager of Process Products at Bucher Emhart Glass, outlines the group’s Flexible Pressure System (FPS) and how it has evolved since it was introduced 18 years ago.

Since the Flexible Pressure System (FPS) was first introduced almost 18 years ago, the system has evolved into a standard in the industry. In the Bucher Emhart Glass machine portfolio it is the standard for Plunger Up actuation on all machine types and is a must for customers producing containers in NNPB. The success of FPS for Plunger Up is based on the dynamics that are required to successfully form a parison. Once the plunger has penetrated the glass and is approaching the end position, the control of the plunger operating air pressure becomes vital to avoid unfilled finishes and over presses.

Blank seams can be caused by the pressing pressure inside the blank moulds, which is a product of the ratio difference between the projected area of the plunger piston and the projected area of the plunger (the opening on the finish). Since the area for the finish is smaller than the piston area, the pressure inside the blank mould will be amplified, and it therefore creates an increased pressing pressure. This pressure is projected onto the walls of the blank mould and can potentially push the mould equipment apart and consequentially create blank seams. Not only does the operating air pressure need to be kept low, the pressure oscillation must also be kept to a minimum to ensure repeatability in the forming process (Fig. 1). To further complicate the forming process, when the plunger is exposed to stick slip at standstill, the friction coefficient is higher than during movement (µStatic>µKinetic).

The required low pressure during pressing is therefore not ideal at the beginning of the plunger motion. In addition, the plunger movement is also related to the mechanical condition of the mechanism, where factors such as lubrication and dirt also contribute to variations in the movement. For this reason there is a need for multiple pressure steps with an actuator that offers a quick response to set point changes. With this background it is clear that a directional valve (On/Off) with one defined operational pressure cannot perform this task successfully.

The heart of it
The heart of the FPS technology is the direct proportional solenoid valve (Fig. 2). This proportional valve acts on an analogue set point signal coming from the FlexIS control system and outputs the corresponding operational pressure. However, if we look under the hood of the proportional valve we understand that it is actually packed with intelligence. Depending on which function the proportional valve is used for, the characteristics of the underlying control algorithm is tailor-made to suit the intended function and therefore gives optimum functionality in the forming process.

Bucher Emhart Glass’s proportional valves are produced in Hannover, Germany. In this high-tech production facility the valves are assembled in a lab environment with each individual valve calibrated against its own mechanical characteristics for optimum performance. Going from the lab coats and ESD protected environment in Hannover to being mounted on a glass production line may seem from the outside as a big step, but this is a misconception. Over the years, these valves have built a good reputation in the industry due to their long service lifetime.

Nearly 100% of the annually produced IS machines are equipped with FPS Plunger Up, but this technology is not limited to use for the Plunger Up. Today also a high percentage of the machines are equipped with FPS for Plunger Cooling/Counter Blow as the industry sees the advantage of precise parison forming during B&B, as well as the increased cooling capacity during NNPB and PB due to the valves high flow rate.

The popularity of FPS for Final Blow has also increased over the past few years, with better shaping control being achieved during the final stage of forming. Today, Bucher Emhart Glass promotes new innovations such as the Plunger Up Control, which offers further enhancements and control features for the forming of the parison.

With this control, a defined dwell time can be set and kept at a narrow band through the parison forming process. During recent years, the availability of a repair kit for the valves, repair services as well as an FPS tester has been added to complement the portfolio.

In conjunction with the FlexIS control system, the actual output pressure can be displayed on the User Console by utilising the integrated feedback signal from the valves.

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is delivering a DESERT turnkey production line to Brazil, the first of its kind and hopefully the first in many breakthroughs to leave the factory floor on their way to the largest country in South America. With a capacity of 30 MW, this is a small semi-automatic DESERT production line, but still a flagship in terms of DESERT solar module production and electricity generation in the country, now fully functional and ready to start with operation.

The machinery consists of DESERT production machines for high-efficiency DESERT solar modules built specifically for extreme hot climate, such as can be seen in deserts or in tropical areas. Made solely in Germany and built using the latest in DESERT and TROPIC module production, the systems inlcudes all cutting-edge technology.

Certified DESERT solar modules, DESERT containers, DESERT power plants and DESERT manufacturing machinery built using pioneering DESERT and TROPICS technology are now fully set up, and ready to perform. But powering on the machinery has been a long time coming. Up until recently, this advanced piece of equipment had been waiting for clearance at a port in Brazil. Now that the formalities have been dealt with, both J.v.G. Thoma and its customer in Brazil can get production under way.

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is a company whose vision has always been to harness the infinite power of the sun and convert it into an inexhaustible supply of energy. But a vision such as this requires global reach, and this project has opened new doors. Brazil is not only a gateway to South American cooperation, but also the launchpad to international reach and expansion.

Following the delivery of this initial order, J.v.G. Thoma GmbH will be looking forward to an ongoing collaboration with the Brazilian company. From setup and initial training to setting the scene for a ramp up, J.v.G. Thoma will be there to provide expertise and assistance. Moreover, the company will be jointly responsible, along with the client, for the successful integration of the DESERT solar module factory.

In the future, bigger DESERT power plants will be set up on Brazilian soil, and together with existing turnkey production systems, they intend to take up a large share of the products and assets this sector will possess locally. J.v.G. Thoma plans to build up a local network of sales agents that can extend a premium offering to neighbouring countries in South America. Eventually, the company hopes to be able to expand its customer base to clients in North America.

Hans Thoma, general manager from the Thoma-group, is eager to acquire a substantial market share in Brazil, a growing country with tremendous potential for solar energy output. Having complied with local official procedures (Inmetro, TÜV, Fraunhofer CSP) and cleared the way for future business collaboration, he expresses his hope that the solar industry will henceforth expand quickly.

”Being able to introduce Brazil to the infinite opportunities of a solar industry is a privilege for J.v.G. Thoma GmbH, and one that we are extremely grateful for. At the same time, this placed the ball squarely in our court, and the pressure to get the ball rolling quickly was high. Now that the lengthy initial formalities are out of the way, we can focus on making this project a success.“

The first DESERT solar module production in BRAZIL! Lets go ....
J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is delivering a DESERT turnkey production line to Brazil, the first of its kind and hopefully the first in many breakthroughs to leave the factory floor on their way to the largest country in South America. With a capacity of 30 MW, this is a small semi-automatic DESERT production line, but still a flagship in terms of DESERT solar module production and electricity generation in the country, now fully functional and ready to start with operation.

The machinery consists of DESERT production machines for high-efficiency DESERT solar modules built specifically for extreme hot climate, such as can be seen in deserts or in tropical areas. Made solely in Germany and built using the latest in DESERT and TROPIC module production, the systems inlcudes all cutting-edge technology.

Certified DESERT solar modules, DESERT containers, DESERT power plants and DESERT manufacturing machinery built using pioneering DESERT and TROPICS technology are now fully set up, and ready to perform. But powering on the machinery has been a long time coming. Up until recently, this advanced piece of equipment had been waiting for clearance at a port in Brazil. Now that the formalities have been dealt with, both J.v.G. Thoma and its customer in Brazil can get production under way.

J.v.G. Thoma GmbH is a company whose vision has always been to harness the infinite power of the sun and convert it into an inexhaustible supply of energy. But a vision such as this requires global reach, and this project has opened new doors. Brazil is not only a gateway to South American cooperation, but also the launchpad to international reach and expansion.

Following the delivery of this initial order, J.v.G. Thoma GmbH will be looking forward to an ongoing collaboration with the Brazilian company. From setup and initial training to setting the scene for a ramp up, J.v.G. Thoma will be there to provide expertise and assistance. Moreover, the company will be jointly responsible, along with the client, for the successful integration of the DESERT solar module factory.

In the future, bigger DESERT power plants will be set up on Brazilian soil, and together with existing turnkey production systems, they intend to take up a large share of the products and assets this sector will possess locally. J.v.G. Thoma plans to build up a local network of sales agents that can extend a premium offering to neighbouring countries in South America. Eventually, the company hopes to be able to expand its customer base to clients in North America.

Hans Thoma, general manager from the Thoma-group, is eager to acquire a substantial market share in Brazil, a growing country with tremendous potential for solar energy output. Having complied with local official procedures (Inmetro, TÜV, Fraunhofer CSP) and cleared the way for future business collaboration, he expresses his hope that the solar industry will henceforth expand quickly.

”Being able to introduce Brazil to the infinite opportunities of a solar industry is a privilege for J.v.G. Thoma GmbH, and one that we are extremely grateful for. At the same time, this placed the ball squarely in our court, and the pressure to get the ball rolling quickly was high. Now that the lengthy initial formalities are out of the way, we can focus on making this project a success.“

The first DESERT solar module production in BRAZIL! Let
Source: Glass International
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