The new moisture addition system includes a Thermo Scientific Ramsey IDEA belt scale with a Thermo Scientific Ramsey Micro-Tech 3105 feeder controller and an electromagnetic water flowmeter. The robust and compact Ramsey IDEA belt scale gives an accuracy rate of ± 1 per cent and consists of three elements: the weighing assembly, the belt speed sensor and a feeder controller. The weighing assembly will be attached to a conveyor where it supports the weigh idler and measures the weight of incoming clay on the belt.

Connected to the conveyor's tail pulley, the speed sensor generates a stream of pulses with each one representing a unit of belt travel. The frequency of the pulse stream is proportional to belt speed. The flexible Thermo Scientific Ramsey Micro-Tech 3105 feeder controller integrates the output signals from the scale module and speed sensor to arrive at a rate of clay flow and the total amount of clay that passes over the scale. This measurement allows the flowmeter to be set by the operator to ensure the correct amount of water is added to the clay.

Ian Walker, assistant works engineer, Baggeridge Brick comments: “We had used a fairly unreliable system that required a lot of operator intervention to manually adjust the amount of water added. Our Works Engineer, John Wright, came up with the original idea and approached Thermo Fisher Scientific as we already used the company's belt weighers and standard weighing systems in other areas of our factories.

Ian continues: “The two moisture addition systems already in operation have proved reliable and significantly enhanced our production processes. We have no complaints in terms of service and support. As a result, we wouldn't hesitate in using Thermo Fisher again!” 

This latest order underlines a long and successful relationship between the two companies with the first moisture addition system installed at Baggeridge Brick's facility in Waresley during 2003, where it controls water in clay used for the manufacture of high volume extruded and press moulded bricks. A second was installed last year at the first of the company's two Hartlebury-based plants.

Baggeridge Brick is the UK's premier independent manufacturer of clay bricks and pavers. Founded in 1944, the company operates five plants located in Sedgley, Kingsbury, Rudgwick, Hartlebury and Waresley. It produces in excess of 300 million bricks every year.