Current projects in the field of material handling

Forming section for mineral wool

Always when special solutions are needed, then Münstermann’s units come into operation. One of their key aspects of competence in the area of building special machines is the design and development of the so-called forming sections as used in the production of mineral fibres. The illustrations show a special development, using conventional methods, for Saint-Gobain ISOVER G+H AG (http://www.isover.de).

Method of operation

The molten mass is turned into mineral fibres in the defibration unit and subsequently collected in the forming section. During the defibration process the fibres are mixed with a bonding agent which is responsible for the final shape by means of a hardening process in a curing oven that follows it (e.g. for the production of insulating materials for the insulation of houses or ceiling boards).

The fibred wool is fed via a conveyor belt in the forming section into the curing oven. The individual chain links are known as flights. These are made of steel and can weigh up to 30 kilos per flight. Please click on each illustration to obtain an enlarged picture and a description of the unit. The guiding walls can be made from different materials (e.g. endless bands of PVC).

Characteristic features of the project in hand are:

• The guiding walls of the forming section are water-cooled so that the hot mineral wool does not stick together. The high-value production walls are made of stainless steel. Each of the walls has undergone a pressure test in order to satisfy the appropriate demands from the customer. Added to this is the specialty that by means of linear ball bearing units in connection with tension shafts the width can be adjusted to the product to be produced. The use of the linear ball bearing units requires high manufacturing accuracy (precision).
• The synchronisation and adjustment of the tension shaft unit is made by a single mechanical device.
• The new forming section was integrated into an existing plant which meant a certain logistic effort when installing. (e.g. observance of limited stop periods).

Illustrations of the product

Please click on each illustration to obtain an enlarged picture and a description of the unit.

Forming section for mineral wool	The wall, made of high-grade steel, can be moved to suit the width of the product to be produced.
On the left is the cleaning device for the flights, on the right is the tension shaft unit.	The driving unit of the forming section. On the left the flights can easily be picked out.