Gypsum industry news
Sensortech to trial new Kiln Jam Detector KJD-7000
17 October 2017US: Sensortech Systems is looking for client companies to run extended trials of its new Kiln Jam Detector KJD-7000. Part of the trial will be to test the functionality of the sensor and, over a period of some months, check reliability and stability. Another part is to receive input from users as to what features need to be incorporated, particularly in the software design.
The company says that its new radio frequency (RF) gypsum wallboard jam detector product offers a saving compared to previous sensors. The RF sensor requires no maintenance and is unaffected by siloxane build-up or other debris. The Kiln Jam Detector KJD-7000 uses a custom-designed coaxial cable able to withstand the high operating temperatures.
The sensor itself follows the design of open-frame planar sensors used for moisture measurement. The outer frame is formed from 16ga stainless steel; ceramic insulators isolate a stainless-steel centre electrode to which the high temperature cable is attached. The electronics unit is located outside the dryer at each deck level. An on-board 32-bit ARM-Based micro-controller processes signals from up to three sensors and networks via RS-485 to a dedicated programmable logic controller (PLC).
The system software is set to trigger an alarm when either no product is detected over the sensor for a pre-defined time interval, a blockage upstream, or if a failure to detect gaps between boards over a pre-defined time is recognised. All sensors in an array are node addressable on an RS-485 network. If an anomaly occurs at any sensor, the exact position will be known including which deck and its position on the deck (left, right, centre).
Sensortech will be displaying its new kiln sensor at the Global Gypsum Conference & Exhibition taking place in Krakow, Poland on 25 – 26 October 2017.
Claudius Peters launches new Rotary Drum Cooler
13 October 2017Germany: Claudius Peters’ has launched an upgrade to its Rotary Drum Cooler (RDC) that is intended to low energy costs and includes new features. The product operates on the counter-current indirect principle re-using cooling air as preheated combustion air for the hot gas generator, with a reduction in plant energy costs. During the cooling process, the RDC enables homogenisation of materials, with reduction of unwanted calcining by-products such as soluble anhydrites and dehydrates. The cooler can handle up to 100t/hr of product.
“We are proud to have been supplying the gypsum industry with cutting-edge products for more than 20 years. Our Rotary Drum Cooler deploys state-of-the-art technology to maximise plant efficiency by reducing maintenance and energy costs,” said Claudius Peters’ managing director Reiner Fruehling.
Other features of the RDC include trunnion bearings, central axis feeding and discharge, aeroslide feeding and discharge, variable speed motor for soft start-up, improved automatic lubrication system and optional inlet housing for external cooling air.
US: National Gypsum has published 17 health product declarations (HPD) for a range of products that cover nearly all of its interior wall systems.
"At National Gypsum, we recognize that sustainable building design isn't just a trend but has become the preferred business practice for top architects and developers in the country," said John Mixson, vice president of sales and marketing.
The HPDs cover all product brands and 40 products. They include: Gold Bond Brand; Fire-Shield Type X; Fire-Shield Type C; XP Fire-Shield Type X; XP Fire-Shield Type C; High Strength Fire-Shield LITE; High Strength Fire-Shield LITE 30; SoundBreak XP Fire-Shield; eXP Interior Extreme; eXP Tile Backer; eXP Sheathing; eXP Shaftliner; DEXcell Brand Glass Mat Roof Board; DEXcell Brand Cement Board; and PermaBase Brand Cement Board.
USG releases Sheetrock Brand EcoSmart Panels
20 March 2017US: USG has released Sheetrock Brand EcoSmart Panels, a lightweight gypsum wallboard panel with sustainable credentials. The panel is based on USG's UltraLight Panels and USG's Corporate Innovation Centre developed new gypsum core chemistries and a manufacturing process to reduce 20% of carbon dioxide emissions and decrease water usage by 25%. It is being released in the US in two core formulations for fire and non-fire-rated applications.
The product was developed in response to the Architecture 2030 Challenge for Products in July 2016. It may also contribute to achieving additional US Green Building Council (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) LEED v4.0 credits and meet the requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
"There has been a significant movement in the architecture community to reduce the carbon footprint of the building sector," said Edward Mazria, chief executive officer and founder of the Architecture 2030 Challenge. "Yet, to fully achieve our goal for the building sector to become carbon-neutral by 2050, manufacturers like USG must quickly rise to the occasion and develop sustainable, low-carbon and zero-carbon building materials."
USG celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Sheetrock brand
09 February 2017US: USG is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its Sheetrock brand, developed as the world's first wallboard panel in 1917. To observe the anniversary USG is hosting celebrations across North America with its employees, dealers and customers. Limited quantities of commemorative products celebrating the anniversary will also be shared with customers and dealers.
"From the first simple wallboard panel developed 100 years ago to the breadth of high-performing panels available today, USG has led the industry in innovation," said Jennifer Scanlon, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of USG Corporation. "We are thrilled to celebrate a century of excellence and product leadership. We are proud that USG's Sheetrock brand is one of the world's most recognised brands."
British Gypsum launches Gyproc Habito to retail market
20 January 2017UK: British Gypsum has launched its Gyproc Habito plasterboard product to the retail sector. The plasterboard features a high-strength core that provides strength, durability and fixability. The product is intended to help create durable and robust commercial spaces, while improving design flexibility. Due to its strength it is being targeted at high traffic retail spaces where interiors are frequently redesigned.
"Retail is a sector that's constantly evolving to meet customer needs and requirements, so flexibility is crucial on any project. There is a lot of time pressure during construction to get a store open as quickly as possible. Due to a reduced need for patressing, Gyproc Habito speeds up the installation process in addition to providing the freedom to fix heavy items anywhere," said Paul Campbell, Head of Product Marketing at British Gypsum.
Cabot Gypsum expands to focus on markets along eastern seaboard
21 December 2016Canada: Cabot Gypsum is expanding to focus on markets along the eastern seaboard of North America. The decision follows upgrades on production equipment and maintenance procedures following investment from a Texan investor, according to CBC News. It has now started to expand its workforce and has added BlueGlass, a sheathed gypsum wallboard product, to its portfolio. The plant has a target of 650,000Mm2/month.
US: Arizona Instrument has released the Computrac Vapor Pro XL (VPXL), the latest in its line of moisture analysers. The Computrac Vapor Pro instrument line provides a moisture specific alternative to Karl Fischer titration without the use of chemical reagents. New features for the VPXL include an upgraded heater, compatibility with multiple sizes of sample vials, stepped temperature testing capabilities and a touch screen interface. Applications for the Computrac moisture analyser line include gypsum purity testing as well as uses in plastics, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and chemical production.
Knauf launches StandardShield brand in Vietnam
12 July 2016Vietnam: Knauf Vietnam has launched StandardShield, a locally-produced brand of gypsum wallboard made at its plant at Hai Phon. The event was marked with a ceremony for clients and press at Ho Chi Minh City on 8 July 2016.
"After two years of operation, with product presence in key areas, we believe this is really the good time for us to supply the market with local products," said David Victor Thomas, General Director of Knauf Vietnam. "This is our special gift for all our valued customers, aimed at expressing our deep gratitude with their continuous support and cooperation in recent years."
Knauf StandardShield is 9.5mm thick with dimensions of 1220 x 2440mm and 1210 x 2420mm. The product is promoted as having high performance in terms of flexural strength, sag and nail pull resistance that passes all requirements of TCVN 8256:2009 and ASTM C1396.
Knauf Vietnam started commissioning at its local wallboard plant March 2016. The plant has a production capacity of 20Mm2/yr.
USG launches Securock brand gypsum wallboard
21 April 2016US: USG has launched USG Securock Brand UltraLight Glass-Mat Sheathing, a lightweight gypsum wallboard designed for use under exterior claddings. The board has a coated fibreglass facer mat to maximise coverage of air/water barrier systems, it has a treated gypsum core with a fibreglass face and back to provide water resistance and USG say it meets or exceeds the requirements of ASTM C1177.
"Our customers are always looking for innovative products to give them an edge, which is why USG is focused on bringing our gypsum panel technology to the glass-mat category," said Greg Salah, senior vice president, USG Corporation and president, North America. Securock will be rolled out regionally.