New equipment and publications
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Materials handling equipment includes not only large items such as fork trucks costing perhaps thousands of pounds; millions of tons of materials are moved every year by small and inexpensive units and in the field of bulk-liquid haulage many pumping units cost less than £200. They give yeoman service year in, year out, but their importance is often overlooked.
A new unit just announced by Drum Engineering Ltd., P.O. Box No. 178, Edward Street Works, Dudley Hill, Bradford 4, looks like being a winner in this field.
Drum pumping gear, has, in my opinion, improved beyond all recognition in the past four years.
The Fastnet model just announced is said to be achieving performance figures that could not have been approached by a unit of its size a few years ago. Pumping molasses with a viscosity of 30,000 seconds Redwood, it will displace 1 ton per minute through a 4in. hose at 600 rpm. With the increasing need to "keep them running" for a greater proportion of every working day, a reduction in turnround time by the significant margin of over 75 per cent —25 minutes to shift 20 tons as opposed to 2 hours—is the materials handler's dream.
Like current Drum pumps the Fastnet can be top or bottom-shaft driven, in either direction of rotation. It can be supplied with components manufactured from aluminium, bronze, cast iron or stainless steel. Rotor shafts are carried in taper roller bearings and a relief valve is incorporated in the body casting. The breaking pressure of the valve is adjustable between 40-100 psi. The Fastnet in light alloy form weighs 1681b, or when equipped with the Drum reverse-flow valve 2361b.
Rectangular Auxiliaries
A pair of rectangular auxiliary lamps has been introduced by Lucas. Individually known as the Square Eight Fog Lamp (Model FT8) and the Square Eight Long Range Lamp (Model LR8), they are the first models in rectangular form from Lucas.
They use replaceable 12V, 55W quartzhalogen bulbs and are comparable in output to lamps in the existing range. Each one measures 7in. wide and 4in. deep with a front-to-back measurement of only 2.5in. The stem mounting gives a choice of pendant or upright positions and to aid and ensure correct mounting, various brackets are available.
Made by: Joseph Lucas Ltd., Great King Street, Birmingham.
Price: £5 19s 6d each.
Spray booth fans
Two ranges of exhaust fans for spray booths introduced by the De Vilbiss Co. Ltd. include indirect-coupled and direct-coupled types.
The indirect-coupled range has diameters of 17.5in., 24in. and 34in. while the direct
coupled type is produced with diameters of 15in., 18in., 24in. and 30in. Capacities vary from 1,900 cu.ft/min. to 16.240 cu.ft./min. and 1,200 cu.ft./min. to 9,100 cu.ft/min. respectively. Both types are available with totally enclosed or flame-proof motors.
Made by: The De Vilbiss Co. Ltd., Ringwood Road, Bournemouth.
Hydraulic jack
A hydraulic jack having a capacity of 1.5 tons has been announced by V. L Churchill and Co. Ltd. It weighs 83Ib and can be easily dismantled for transport in breakdown vans or for stocage.
A rapid lift is provided from 4.5in. to 201n. or from 8.5in. to 24in, if an extension head is fitted. As a safety feature, the mechanism is designed so that the jack cannot be lowered until the handle has been lowered and twisted. Made by: V. L. Churchill and Co. Ltd., P.O. Box No. 3, London Road, Daventry, Northants. Price: £24.
Blind-spot mirrors
Weather-proofed mirrors for use at blind corners and entrances have been introduced by the Volumatic Co. of Coventry. The mirrors are of circular convex design and provide an extremely wide angle of view.
Units are available in 16in., 24in. and 32in. diameter and are supplied complete with swivel-jointed mounting brackets which can be attached to walls, pillars or stanchions. A special stand is available which allows two of the mirrors to be mounted back-to-back.
A free advisory service on mirror layout is provided by the manufacturers.
Made by: The Volumatic Co., 4 Holbrook Lane, Coventry.
Lamps with back fixing
The Lucas Silver Sabre fog light and Silver Lance spot light are now available in backfixing versions, that can be bolt-mounted on the grille or bodywork of a vehicle. A fully concealed ball joint allows the lamp to be swivelled into any position after the adjustable lock nuts have been slackened off. The lamps are quartz halogen sealed-beam units of 55W and incorporate snap-on covers.
Made by: Joseph Lucas Ltd., Great King Street, Birmingham.
Price: £6 10s Od each; £12 5s Od matched pair