technology update

PPI, May 2008

PPI brings you the latest in product and technological development from around the world

INTELLIGENT PACKAGING

CIBA has developed the latest generation of ONVU TIME-TEMPERATURE INDICATORS for 'the label that makes freshness visible".

"Consumers often prefer transparent packaging, as it allows them to see what they are buying and whether the package is full," says Denis Keller, marketing manager packaging, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "Transparency also enhances the appeal of the goods, as it indicates freshness, cleanliness and visibility. However, transparent packaging is especially prone to content damage: Ciba offers special barrier technology to help protect packaging contents and prevent discoloration."

OnVu(TM) TTIs allow producers, retailers and consumers to check at a glance whether perishable goods have been stored and transported properly, says the supplier.

Tel: 41 61 636 4444

Or visit: http:// www.ciba.com/packaging

CUTTING

FUTURA has developed a trim cutter and log saw combination which optimizes the number of toilet rolls which can be cut from a log of tissue. It is suitable for log rolls of diameters up to 260 mm.

The results of using Futura's F SERIES TRIM CUTTER AMD LOG SAW depend on the individual mill set up and on the equipment being replaced, but the technology has already proved its ability to extract an extra roll from every log in a recent installation at Papelera San Andres de Giles in Argentina.

The Futura cutting system is also designed to improve the quality of the cut, which allows rolls to sit better in their packaging, and to increase processing speed compared with conventional alternatives.

Tel: 39 0583 94911

Or visit: http://www.futuraconverting.com

NANOCELLULOSIC TECHNOLOGIES

The VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE of Finland, the HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY TKK, and UPM have established a FINNISH CENTRE FOR NANOCELLULOSIC TECHNOLOGIES. It aims to create new applications for cellulose as a raw material, substance and end product. Cellulose-based nanofibers can be used to alter the structure of the material and create products that better correspond to future market needs.

The Finnish Centre for Nanocellulosic Technologies started operating in March 2008 in Otaniemi, Espoo. The center will employ approximately 40 researchers. It is an equal consortium of the three partners. The operations are being financed by public and private investments.

Cellulose fibers (30 micrometers wide, 2-3 mm long) consist of nanofibrils with dimensions about one-thousand times smaller. One of the challenges in research is to produce large quantities of nanofibrils of even quality. Nanofibrils provide a number of possibilities for treating wood fiber materials and adding completely new properties to them. The mechanical properties of raw materials can be improved, their moisture behaviour controlled, electrical properties changed or optical properties adjusted.

Applications include special papers, paper coating, packages and building materials.

Tel: 358 20 722 5314

Email: pia.qvintus-leinoevtt.fi

MIXER STANDARD

Independent experts from ITT WATER & WASTEWATER joined hands with the industry to help devise a brand-new ISO international standard for mixer performance, ISO 21630.

Traditional industry-wide specifications based on power input per volume do not take other important factors into account like propeller efficiency and hydraulic results.

ISO 21630 means that customers can now calculate and specify the traction that provides required mixing, instead of specifying Watt per m^sup 3^ which is more an indication of the size of the mixer, says Lars Urby, ITT's head of Applications, Support and Development of Treatment Applications.

Email: webmasterOttt.com

Or visit: http://www.ittadvancedwatertreatment.com

QUALITY MEASURING AND DOCTOR BLADES

BTG'S revolutionary new technology in measuring transmitters, the TWIN TORQUE MEK-3000 can be seen on display at SPCI, in Sweden later this month, along with the company's brightness transmitter, BT-UV which has the rare capacity to measure the florescence from optical brightners. Also on display will be its complete range of Mutek lab products including the new standard for lab charge measurement, the PCD-04 Travel, and the brand new software ChargeView that generates a charge data base, compiles PCD-04 and SZP-06 measurements, and shows cationic demand versus zeta potential.

The company will also be showing its ceramic tipped coating blade and its complete range of DUROBLADE creping doctor blades, its CBC blade holder, and a variety of tissue related products such as creping process surveys and blade holder performance surveys.

BTG's booth is No.A29:30

Email: lena.conqueandebtg.com

Or visit: www.btg.com