Automated material handling system provides efficient, trouble-free ingredient batching
A refractories company installs an automated batching system to improve its production process.
SPAR Inc., Jacksonville, Ala., produces various dry refractories that contain multiple ingredients, including very hard ingredients that can withstand temperatures exceeding 3,000°F and lightweight ingredients that have good insulating properties. The company’s refractories have various amounts of up to 18 different ingredients, ranging in weight from 30 to more than 3,000 pounds and in size from small particles up to large aggregates. The company was batching the refractory ingredients manually, but wanted to find a way to automate the process to increase production capacity, improve product quality, and reduce waste.