Robotic handling for dangerous substances

Citation

(1999), "Robotic handling for dangerous substances", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926fad.002

Robotic handling for dangerous substances

Robotic handling for dangerous substances

Keywords: Robotics, Handling

When it comes to weighing equipment, Mettler-Toledo is unbeatable, says Peerless Systems Ltd, which has an enviable reputation for manufacturing robotic systems to handle radioactive and other dangerous substances injurious to human health.

Since its inception in 1982, the Washington, Tyne and Wear, based company has always employed Mettler-Toledo's advanced weighing technology when supplying equipment for use in radioactive environments (see Plate 2).

"One of our specialities is building systems for duties in environmentally unfriendly locations", explained Managing Director, Moira Lamb. "We have never used anything other than Mettler-Toledo balances because of their consistent quality and reliability", she remarked, adding that some of its original systems, still in regular use, utilise balance components that are now 15 or 16 years old.

Plate 2A robotic handling system for radioactive substances incorporating Mettler-Toledo's weigh cell and measuring components

Over the years, Peerless has purchased a succession of PE, PM, PG, SG and other Mettler-Toledo models which have been stripped down and split into two separate stainless steel enclosures: one housing the weigh cell, the other housing the major electronics.

The two units are interconnected by up to 12 metres of screened cable. This configuration allows only the weigh cell unit, which has been designed to minimise the ingress of particulate matter, to be exposed to hazardous environments, while the electronics can be located in a remote, clean area. Numerous systems have been supplied to the nuclear, pharmaceuticals and chemical industries.

"We have established a very specialised niche market and as far as we know, nobody else makes systems like ours", she said. "Mettler-Toledo has played an important part in our development and will no doubt continue to be our preferred supplier of balances for many years to come."

For further information contact Mettler-Toledo Ltd, 64 Boston Road, Beaumont Leys, Leicester LE4 1AW.