CASE STUDY WOOD INDUSTRY

23/03/2023

PAL s.r.l.

company history and characteristics

PAL S.r.l., established in 1978 and headquartered in Ponte di Piave, stands as a premier manufacturer specializing in industrial woodworking machinery and equipment. Renowned for its cutting-edge solutions, PAL S.r.l. excels in providing innovative machinery for the preparation and processing of both fresh and recycled wood materials. The company operates across various sectors including chipboard and insulation production, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) manufacturing, pellet production, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) creation, and the fabrication of pallet cubes. PAL S.r.l. consistently delivers advanced solutions tailored to the woodworking industry's diverse needs.

Pall logo

CUSTOMER REQUIREMENT

PAL required Level sensors that catered to specific needs:

  • prevent clogging of machinery during wood processing;
  • enable accurate and automated management of material accumulation within machinery and storage silos;
  • offer extensions of customizable lengths to adapt to varying equipment configurations and silo depths.

 

SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS

We recommended PAL the PFG05 rotary paddle level sensor, designed with a die-cast aluminum body and featuring a threaded connection to the G 2" ½ process or an option with a mounting flange. This sensor offers a diverse selection of helixes, enabling it to detect materials within a density range of 0.1 to 2.0 kg/dm3. This instrument is well-suited for demanding operational conditions and sustained work cycles, being both robust and reliable. It maintains functionality within an ambient temperature range spanning from -20°C to +70°C. Furthermore, the sensor can be tailored with specialized lengths and electrical accessories, providing customization options to accommodate specific requirements.

Rotary paddle level sensor - PFG05

PAL requested a customized PFG05 configuration, specifically with extensions measuring 750 mm or 1500 mm in length. This modification aimed to better align with the dimensions of their silos and ensure reaching the product effectively. Initially using rotary level switches equipped with nylon propellers, PAL later transitioned to the AC9INOX2 two-bladed stainless steel paddle. This choice was made to address wear and tear concerns when in contact with woody materials. The stainless steel propeller, with its larger footprint, minimizes wear and tear and is better suited for this application. Its design, featuring increased friction surface and specific blade structure, enables the detection of extremely light materials with densities up to 0.2 kg/dm3, preventing the formation of voids.

Stainless steel paddle - AC9INOX2

CONCLUSIONS

CAMLogic's array of customization options has enabled seamless adaptation of the same level sensors utilized in silos across PAL's entire plant, ensuring smooth and effective operation. These sensors have found application within PAL's machinery manufacturing sector as well. For instance, these sensors have been strategically positioned sideways within hoppers at the machine's inlet or outlet, counter to the material descent. This setup helps in early detection of potential blockages at the onset, allowing for timely process halts. Additionally, within a specific machine where the front functions as a scale and the rear as a mini-accumulator with adjustable accumulation height, the rotary sensors serve a crucial role. They act as an emergency maximum, preventing over-accumulation by halting the load if the accumulation surpasses the designated level before the switch to weighing occurs.

Furthermore, the customized PFG05 level sensor with extensions were employed in two distinct modes within the company's operations. At the top of the silo, they function as emergency maximum indicators. Conversely, at the bottom, they are frequently installed in redundant pairs and shielded by a baffle. This setup enables the detection of the minimum level, prompting the cessation of extraction operations once this threshold is reached. The utilization of two instruments to determine the minimum level offers added security in material detection. This redundancy ensures continued functionality, even if one of the sensors malfunctions or breaks. Consequently, this setup enhances the reliability of signaling the presence of product inside the silo, bolstering overall safety measures.

THEY SAY ABOUT US…

“The reliability and precision offered by CAMLogic's rotary switches have played a pivotal role in the company's progress over the years. These indicators have significantly contributed to enhancing plant management and bolstering production efficiency. Through their consistent performance and accuracy, these sensors have been instrumental in facilitating operational improvements and augmenting overall productivity within the company's facilities.

CAMLogic products used in the project:

stainless steel 2 blade paddle

 

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