Space Technology Helps Louisiana Packaging Firm

A technology developed for the nation’s space program by Rockwell International Corp.’s Rocketdyne Division in Canoga Park, Calif., is finding a down-to-earth application with a packaging equipment manufacturer in Monroe, La.

Custom Equipment Design (CED) manufactures machinery which is used to move bulk chemicals from storage bins to packaging equipment. According to company president Charles DeCrane, transporting very light, powdery materials such as talc, carbon black, and fused silica is difficult if the materials are carried along by the traditional method: strong currents from air blowers. The air causes the light, powdery materials to become too loose, making bulk packaging difficult. Once packaged, the powders settle out of the air in the container, resulting in a good deal of wasted packing space and materials.

CED electrical engineer William Nally was studying the problem when the plant was visited recently by a technology transfer team. Nally discussed his firm’s problem with the visitors and submitted a request for NASA technical assistance.

A NASA representative researched the problem and found a potential solution in an issue of NASA Tech Briefs, a monthly publication from NASA Headquarters, which describes technologies developed through the nation’s space program.

A “Powder Feeder for Oxygen-Sensitive Powders” technology developed by four engineers at Rocketdyne seemed to be the answer to the firm’s problem. A meeting at the Marshall Center was arranged between the Louisiana firm’s representatives, Rocketdyne engineer Christopher Power, and members of the NASA technology transfer team.

Discussion focused on modifying the vacuum system to pull the loose powders through the conveyor pipes to the packaging site without dispersing the fine particles in the air stream. Tests have been successful and CED is now building a prototype. A patent application has been submitted for this new way of conveying for packaging loose, light-weight materials.