Labotek Centralised Systems are comprehensive solutions that enable raw material conveying, dosing, and distribution operations to be carried out through a centralized architecture in modern plastic manufacturing plants. These systems ensure that materials such as granules, powders, and regrind are transferred to production machines in extrusion, injection moulding, and other thermoplastic processing lines in an efficient, reliable, and remotely controllable manner. With a centralized system architecture, it is possible to optimize material flow throughout the entire plant, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall process control.
Labotek's centralised systems are structured around three main components:
Centralised Conveying Systems
Centralised Drying Systems
Coupling Stations
Thanks to this structure, manufacturers can achieve a high level of performance and control both in a single production line and in the coordinated operation of multiple lines running simultaneously.
Centralised Conveying Systems
Labotek Centralised Conveying Systems provide a plant-wide vacuum conveying infrastructure. The main technical features and advantages of these systems include the following:
Vacuum Stations and Blower Technology
Vacuum stations can be configured with single, dual, or dry claw pump arrangements.
The blowers used are available in various power options starting from 0.4 kW and are designed as maintenance-free units.
By maintaining deep vacuum levels at low air velocities, vacuum stations maximize material conveying efficiency.
Thanks to the modular design, multiple blowers can be connected in series to increase system capacity.
Frequency-Controlled Vacuum and Energy Efficiency
With frequency inverters integrated into the system, air velocity can be controlled individually, allowing the conveying speed to be optimized according to the specific material.
Frequency control significantly reduces energy consumption, extends the service life of pipes and hoses, and ensures gentle handling of the material.
Labo-Sync Technology
With Labo-Sync, conveying cycles are synchronized simultaneously, increasing system reliability even at high production capacities.
Multiple vacuum cycles can operate at the same time, enabling fast and efficient material transfer between production lines.
Filtration and Dust Separation
Four different filtration solutions are available as standard in centralised conveying systems:
Self-purifying filter
Dust cyclone
Blow-back valve
Compressed air filter cleaning
These filtration solutions keep the conveying lines clean and minimize dust accumulation throughout the system.
Vacuum Receivers
Labotek supplies vacuum receivers made of AISI 304 stainless steel for centralised systems.
The vacuum receivers are equipped with spring-return vacuum valves and support precise dosing of regrind materials through internal or external proportional valves.
Piping and Connection Systems
Piping systems are manufactured from standardized materials tailored to the requirements of each production line.
When processing glass-fibre-reinforced materials, special glass bend connections are used.
Line cleaning valves and slide valves integrated into the system ensure fast and efficient emptying of the pipelines.
Centralised Drying Systems
Labotek Centralised Drying Systems are designed to improve energy efficiency and process stability, especially for polymers with high drying requirements. The systems are engineered with a focus on durability, reliability, and environmental protection. The Labotek Energy Saving System (LESS) used in these drying systems enables energy-efficient air generation and prevents over-drying of the material.
Once the set drying temperature is reached, LESS automatically reduces the temperature based on the return air temperature. This both lowers energy consumption and prevents excessive heat that could damage the material.
Through continuous monitoring of the return air, the drying process is constantly optimized to achieve the ideal moisture removal performance according to the material characteristics.
Coupling Stations
Coupling Stations are used when different raw materials need to be supplied to the same production machine. These stations allow multiple materials to be transferred in a controlled manner through a single conveying line.
With the central station monitoring function, materials are distributed in accordance with the production plan.
The new-generation automatic coupling station, LaboLink, is designed to provide full control over material distribution.
It is ideal for simultaneous dosing and conveying operations of different materials, such as various colour masterbatches or additives, through the same line.
Industrial Advantages of Centralised Systems
Labotek Centralised Systems offer the following key technical benefits to plastic and polymer manufacturing plants:
High Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is significantly reduced and conveying processes are optimized through frequency-controlled vacuum stations.
High Production Continuity
Continuous material flow is ensured throughout the production line thanks to modular blower and vacuum receiver configurations.
Low Noise Level and Maintenance Cost
The systems operate at low noise levels (below 69 dBA) and use maintenance-free blower technologies.
Wide Application Compatibility
Centralised conveying, drying, and coupling processes can be applied in a wide range of plastic processing operations, including PET preform production, profile extrusion, injection moulding, recycling, and technical part manufacturing.
Operational Flexibility and Control
Labo-Sync and automatic LaboLink control technologies provide flexibility and precise control over system operations.
Conclusion - Plant-Wide Process Optimisation
Labotek Centralised Systems represent a comprehensive engineering solution that organizes material handling in plastic manufacturing plants in a centralized, energy-efficient, and fully controllable manner. By combining vacuum stations, frequency-controlled air velocity systems, advanced filtration technologies, specialized vacuum receivers, piping solutions, and material distribution stations, these systems maximize process efficiency. This centralized approach to conveying and drying operations reduces energy consumption, increases production continuity, and lowers total process costs across the entire facility.