Use this bench unit for hydrostatic testing of hoses
The new Hose Test Bench (photo) can be used for hydrostatic testing of hoses from pressures of 100 to 10,000 psi. The test bench is equipped with three Maximator air-driven liquid pumps for operation at 100–400, 400–3,000 and 2,000–10,000 psi, and a circular chart recorder, having three pressure ranges, records the results of the tests. Safety devices are included to prevent operation during unsafe conditions. — Maxpro Technologies, Inc., Fairview, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-445
Corrosives aren’t a problem for this expansion joint
This non-metallic expansion joint (photo) handles extreme heat conditions as well as abrasive and caustic gases. High reliability is achieved with innovative design features. For example, the mounting of belts is performed using steel channels instead of flatbars, for stronger and more consistent clamping force. The non-metallic expansion joints have belts made of either elastomers or fluoropolymers. The company’s Supratef Series of fluoroplastic materials is a combination of fluorocarbon resin (for chemical resistance) and woven fiberglass reinforcement (for extra strength). — WahlcoMetroflex, Lewiston, Maine
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-452
Make corroded pipe thicker instead of replacing it
The wall of a pipeline can corrode, but instead of going through the expense of replacing large portions of aging pipeline, Pipe Wrap A+ can be installed around the weak area of the pipe. Pipe Wrap A+ thus increases the wall thickness and acts as a corrosion barrier. The application requires no special tools and can be applied to wet or dry surfaces as well as underwater pipe. — Pipe Wrap, Houston, Tex.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-450
Multilayer tubing now part of this firm’s inventory
The 78A durometer hybrid tubing (photo) combines the attributes of non-reactive polyethylene with clear, flexible medical-grade PVC. The pure low-density polyethylene (LDPE) inner layer is compatible for contact with many reagents, and the outer non-DEHP PVC layer enables easy assembly, feel and bonding of traditional tubing. — Qosina, Edgewood, N.Y.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-451
Large diameter CPVC pipe now available
This manufacturer has extended its line of rigid extruded-industrial-CPVC pipe to include 18-, 20-, and 24-in. sizes in Schedule 40 and 80 dimensions. The company’s full line of CPVC pipe (1/4 to 24 in.) features outstanding corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. — Harvel Plastics, Inc., Easton, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-449
This new laboratory model handles difficult-to-wet solids
The solids-liquid-injection manifold (SLIM) system takes advantage of the strong vacuum force that occurs at the intake area and sucks in powders or liquids for immediate emulsification or dispersion. The new laboratory model (photo) includes all stainless-steel surfaces and a mirror finish on the interior wetted components. As a result of this clean design, the unit is clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) capable. The entire system is mounted on casters to enable portability and includes a 1.75-gal funnel for powder charging. Controls, sanitary connections, a double mechanical seal and seal barrier system are also provided. Typical uses for the SLIM system are for the induction of difficult-to-wet solids such as fumed silica, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, gums, thickeners and many pigments. — Charles Ross and Son Co., Hauppauge, N.Y.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-420
A fieldbus calibrator is now available
Up to now, calibrating fieldbus transmitters has been time consuming and complicated, typically requiring two persons and a fieldbus system that is in operational use. With the launch of the MC5 Fieldbus Calibrator (photo), only one person is required to calibrate fieldbus transmitters, and the unit automatically documents the results. The MC5 is a combination of a multifunctional calibrator and a fieldbus configurator, and can be used for Foundation Fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA transmitters; and the device also supports HART communication. It has calibrating capabilities for pressure, temperature, and electrical and frequency signals. — Beamex, Inc., Marietta, Ga.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-400
This connector simplifies servicing of solenoid valves
The new HA connector system (photo) is an Ex-approved plug and socket system for this manufacturer’s explosion-proof solenoid valves. The system enables the installation, maintenance, repair and servicing of solenoid valves to be carried out within a hazardous area, without the need to isolate the equipment. Because there is no need to obtain a hot work-permit, which can delay the start of work, a replacement device can be quickly installed keeping plant downtime to a minimum. The plug and socket provides protection according to IP66/68 and is rated at up to 10 A. — ASCO Controls B.V., Scherpenzeel, the Netherlands
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-401
Keep hot oil flowing and contained with this mag-drive pump
The Dickow NMW Series of magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps (photo) is suitable for hot oil or other applications without the need for external cooling. Thanks to the sealless design and leak-free performance, the NMW pumps include a containment shell that ensures a hermetically sealed liquid end, without the need for mechanical seals (90% of pump failures are said to be caused by leaking seals). The pumps handle temperatures up to 400°C at capacities of up to 600 m3/h at differential heads of up to 60 m. — Michael Smith Engineers Ltd., Woking, Surrey, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-402
A modular fieldbus hub for higher performance
The new PSI-REP repeater (photo) can be used in Profibus, Modbus and numerous RS 485 system installations. Thanks to its modular design, the active-repeater system allows individual branched network structures in stub, line, star and tree topologies. Each module can be used in stand-alone operation or in a network with a modular, hot-swappable star coupler. The advantages lie in the short segment lengths with significantly increased transmission speeds as well as isolated potential segments for the entire fieldbus cabling. Each port has a potential isolation of 1.5 kV. The integrated bit retiming allows an unlimited cascading of devices for expanding networks up to several kilometers. — Phoenix Contact, Harrisburg, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-403
Concentrated acids are no problem for this fiberglass pipe
The Z-Core centrifugally cast piping system is claimed to be the world’s most corrosion-resistant fiberglass pipe available. Capable of handling high concentrations of acids, including 98% H2SO4, alkalis, and solvents, the Z-Core piping system is more corrosion resistant that stainless steel, lined steel and other metallics, says the firm. Z-Core is available in 1- to 8-in. sizes and with a complete range of fittings. — Smith Fibercast, Little Rock, Ark.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-446
Transfer fuel without leaks with this hose
The new Vapor-Loc tank-truck hose is the first bulk fuel-transfer hose to use this manufacturer’s patent-pending hydrocarbon/chemical vapor fuel hose-barrier technology. The hose is vacuum rated and available in sizes from 1- to 4-in. I.D. It offers full working pressures of 150 to 200 psi and accepts most hose couplings. — HBD/Thermoid, Inc., Bellefontaine, Ohio
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-448
This crusher has no cutting tools
Launched at the Ensorga Trade Fair (Cologne, Germany; October 24–27), the BHS-Rotoshredder Type RS (photo) is suitable for continuous size reduction and disintegration of valuable metals and other materials. It can be used as a primary crushing stage or as a secondary stage after a main shredder. The machine does not use any cutting tools; instead it uses a combination of impact, punch and shear forces. The costs of wear and tear are said to be considerably reduced compared to traditional cutting methods. — BHS-Sonthofen GmbH, Sonthofen, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-404
Use this personal gas detector with confidence
The new Altair Pro (photo) is a reliable and compact single-gas detector with three available sensor options: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen. Single-button operation offers quick and easy access to all functions of the instrument. If a simple calibration check or “bump” test is performed, the instrument will display a checkmark that lasts for 24 h, increasing user’s confidence. The easy-to-read display shows gas concentration, alarm conditions, alarm set points, battery status and peak reading. Visible, audible and vibration alarms ensure complete protection. — MSA, Pittsburgh, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-405
A new detector improves liquid chromatography performance
The new 1200 Series of diode-array and multiple-wavelength detectors for liquid chromatography applications enable users to reach lower detection limits, even under harsh, fluctuating ambient temperature and humidity conditions, says the manufacturer. A dual-lamp design covers the wavelength range of 190 to 950 nm. Low-noise electronics and electronic temperature control combine to achieve the lowest detection limits. The unit can easily be upgraded to the 80 Hz sampling rate for high-speed separations. — Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-408
This sensor can quickly distinguish between different metals
This firm has developed a sensor that can detect different metals, independent of the measurement distance. The sensor is an analog eddy-current sensor that detects the amplitude signal as well as a phase signal. Both 0–10-V analog signals can be transmitted to a control unit for analysis. The sensor (photo) can be used, for example, to differentiate pipes manufactured from different metals, and can also differentiate between hardened and non-hardened material. — Hans Turck GmbH & Co. KG, Mülheim an der Ruhr
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-406
Perform decentralized automation tasks with this controller
The recent launch of the KS 108 family (photo) is said to represent a new era for high-performance process controllers and multi-zone controllers. The devices offer compact combinations for control, sequencing, visualization and operating functions as well as numerous fieldbus interfaces. Use and application of the ready-made function blocks of the company’s control technology is not restricted to experienced programmers. The metal housing is fitted with either a 5.7- or 10-in. touch screen, and almost all types of industrial interfaces are available. A USB port also permits use of memory sticks. — PMA Prozeß- und Maschinen-Automation, Kassel, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-407
This batching system handles multiple ingredients at a time
Unlike conventional gain-in-weight systems that can only be batched one ingredient at a time, the Convey-N-Weigh batching conveyor is a multiple-ingredient batching system; By operating in a loss-in-weight mode, all modules can be run simultaneously. This results in smaller equipment and power consumption, says the firm. The Convey-N-Weigh incorporates a continuous pulse-jet-clean filter, live bin discharger for powder conditioning, and a precision feeder with the entire assembly mounted on load cells. — HAF Equipment, Inc., Centerville, Minn.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-412
Master and slave capabilities possible with this TCP/IP driver
With the release of a Modbus TCP/IP Driver for the DeltaV Virtual I/O module (VIM), seamless connectivity between a wider range of systems with Emerson’s DeltaV process system is now possible using industrial Ethernet technology. In this release, the VIM can function as both a Modbus TCP/IP master and slave simultaneously. Master or slave mode is set at the virtual-port level. In master-only mode, the driver can communicate with a maximum of 32 slave devices. Systems that use both master and slave mode can communicate with a maximum of 16 slaves and 16 masters at the same time. — MYNAH Technologies, St. Louis, Mo.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-410
The advantages of ABS piping for cooling lines
Cool-Fit is a complete, pre-insulated plastic pipe system for secondary cooling and refrigeration piping systems. The system is based on the manufacturer’s ABS plastic system, which contains pipe, fittings, valves and transition fittings. Cool-Fit is especially suitable for outdoor applications because the black PE shielding is ultraviolet resistant. The system can be vapor sealed and is 100% water tight. It can be used for applications with glycol and saline solutions at temperatures from –50 to 40°C at an operating pressure of up to 10 bar. — George Fischer, Inc., Tustin, Ca.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-413
Stopping the flow is not necessary to clean this strainer
The Model 570 duplex, pipeline basket strainer continuously removes particulate mater from system flows, thus protecting system components (valves, pumps, meters) in pipelines. The strainer can be used in pipelines with a size from 8 to 36 in., and is designed so that the system flow never has to be shutdown for cleaning the basket. — Eaton Filtration LLC, Elizabeth, N.J.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-409
This light stabilizer is okayed for plastics contacting food
The light stabilizer Uvinul 4050 H is claimed to be the first monomeric HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) to obtain a Food Contact Notification (FCN) for the use in plastics with food contact. The FCN is granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Washington, D.C.). The light stabilizer can be used in polypropylene, polystyrene, styrene copolymers, and acrylonitrile copolymers (including ABS) that come in contact with foodstuffs. — BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-414
Magnetic levitation, for absolutely contamination-free powders
At Achema 2006 last May, a prototype of the Leviplex 100 UPZ fine impact mill was on display. The mill features a magnetic bearing assembly (patent-pending), which allows a hermetic separation of products from the technical zone; this not only prevents contamination, but also ensures that no valuable products are lost. The magnetic bearing assembly needs no lubrication or wear-parts (such as ball bearings or shaft-lip seals), and permits high speeds of up to 28,000 rpm. Because no additional frictional heat is generated by the bearing assembly, the Leviplex is especially suitable for processing heat-sensitive products. — Hosokawa Micron Corp., Osaka, Japan
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-416
All type of materials handled by this grinder
The Model RM 200 (photo) is the latest product generation for the grinding of hard, brittle and pasty materials. A revised scraper provides more efficient feeding of the material into the area between mortar and pestle. As a result, the sample is continuously subjected to the grinding process, while also being thoroughly mixed; this results in a perfectly ground and homogeneous product, says the firm. The unit can be used for both wet and dry grinding and is suitable for various materials such as ceramics, oil seeds, ashes and pharmaceutical products. — Retsch Inc., Newtown, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-415
A new generation of handheld vibration analyzers
The PDA-based Datastick VSA-1214 and VSA-1215 vibration spectrum analyzer modules attach to a state-of-the-art Palm computer with Datastick Spectrum Version 1.6 software. The systems collect vibration measurements and displays and store the data as time waveforms and FFT (fast-Fourier transform) spectra (photo). The Datastick VSA can be used for machine condition monitoring, predictive maintenance and routine trouble shooting to reduce costs ansd downtime, says the firm. — Datastick Systems, Inc., Campbell, Calif.
A fieldbus calibrator is now available
Up to now, calibrating fieldbus transmitters has been time consuming and complicated, typically requiring two persons and a fieldbus system that is in operational use. With the launch of the MC5 Fieldbus Calibrator (photo), only one person is required to calibrate fieldbus transmitters, and the unit automatically documents the results. The MC5 is a combination of a multifunctional calibrator and a fieldbus configurator, and can be used for Foundation Fieldbus H1 and Profibus PA transmitters, and the device also supports HART communication. It has calibrating capabilities for pressure, temperature, and electrical and frequency signals. — Beamex, Inc., Marietta, Ga.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-400
This connector simplifies servicing of solenoid valves
The new HA connector system (photo) is an Ex-approved plug and socket system for this manufacturer’s explosion-proof solenoid valves. The system enables the installation, maintenance, repair and servicing of solenoid valves to be carried out within a hazardous area, without the need to isolate the equipment. Because there is no need to obtain a hot work-permit, which can delay the start of work, a replacement device can be quickly installed keeping plant downtime to a minimum. The plug and socket provides protection according to IP66/68 and is rated at up to 10 A. — ASCO Controls B.V., Scherpenzeel, Netherlands
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-401
Keep hot oil flowing and contained with this mag-drive pump
The Dickow NMW Series of magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps (photo) is suitable for hot oil or other applications without the need for external cooling. Thanks to the sealless design and leak-free performance, the NMW pumps include a containment shell that ensures a hermetically sealed liquid end, without the need for mechanical seals (90% of pump failures are said to be caused by leaking seals). The pumps handle temperatures up to 400°C at capacities of up to 600 m3/h at differential heads of up to 60 m. — Michael Smith Engineers Ltd., Woking, Surrey, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-402
A modular fieldbus hub for higher performance
The new PSI-REP repeater (photo) can be used in Profibus, Modbus and numerous RS 485 system installations. Thanks to its modular design, the active-repeater system allows individual branched network structures in stub, line, star and tree topologies. Each module can be used in stand-alone operation or in a network with a modular, hot-swappable star coupler. The advantages lie in the short segment lengths with significantly increased transmission speeds as well as isolated potential segments for the entire fieldbus cabling. Each port has a potential isolation of 1.5 kV. The integrated bit retiming allows an unlimited cascading of devices for expanding networks up to several kilometers. — Phoenix Contact, Blomberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-403
This crusher has no cutting tools
Launched at the Ensorga Trade Fair (Cologne, Germany; October 24–27), the BHS-Rotoshredder Type RS (photo) is suitable for continuous size reduction and disintegration of valuable metals and other materials. It can be used as a primary crushing stage or as a secondary stage after a main shredder. The machine does not use any cutting tools; instead it uses a combination of impact, punch and shear forces. The costs of wear and tear are said to be considerably reduced compared to traditional cutting methods. — BHS-Sonthofen GmbH, Sonthofen, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-404
Use this personal gas detector with confidence
The new Altair Pro (photo) is a reliable and compact single-gas detector with three available sensor options: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen. Single-button operation offers quick and easy access to all functions of the instrument. If a simple calibration check or “bump” test is performed, the instrument will display a checkmark that lasts for 24 h, increasing user’s confidence. The easy-to-read display shows gas concentration, alarm conditions, alarm set points, battery status and peak reading. Visible, audible and vibration alarms ensure complete protection. — MSA Europe, Berlin, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-405
This sensor can quickly distinguish between different metals
This firm has developed a sensor that can detect different metals, independent of the measurement distance. The sensor is an analog eddy-current sensor that detects the amplitude signal as well as a phase signal. Both 0–10-V analog signals can be transmitted to a control unit for analysis. The sensor (photo) can be used, for example, to differentiate pipes manufactured from different metals, and can also differentiate between hardened and non-hardened material. — Hans Turck GmbH & Co. KG, Mülheim an der Ruhr
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-406
Perform decentralized automation tasks with this controller
The recent launch of the KS 108 family (photo) is said to represent a new era for high-performance process controllers and multi-zone controllers. The devices offer compact combinations for control, sequencing, visualization and operating functions as well as numerous fieldbus interfaces. Use and application of the ready-made function blocks of the company’s control technology is not restricted to experienced programmers. The metal housing is fitted with either a 5.7- or 10-in. touch screen, and almost all types of industrial interfaces are available. A USB port also permits use of memory sticks. — PMA Prozeß- und Maschinen-Automation, Kassel, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-407
A new generation of handheld vibration analyzers
The PDA-based Datastick VSA-1214 and VSA-1215 vibration spectrum analyzer modules attach to a state-of-the-art Palm computer with Datastick Spectrum Version 1.6 software. The systems collect vibration measurements and displays and store the data as time waveforms and FFT (fast-Fourier transform) spectra (photo). The Datastick VSA can be used for machine condition monitoring, predictive maintenance and routine trouble shooting to reduce costs and downtime, says the firm. — Datastick Systems, Inc., Campbell, Calif.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-411
A new detector improves liquid chromatography performance
The new 1200 Series of diode-array and multiple-wavelength detectors for liquid chromatography applications enable users to reach lower detection limits, even under harsh, fluctuating ambient temperature and humidity conditions, says the manufacturer. A dual-lamp design covers the wavelength range of 190 to 950 nm. Low-noise electronics and electronic temperature control combine to achieve the lowest detection limits. The unit can easily be upgraded to the 80 Hz sampling rate for high-speed separations. — Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-408
This batching system handles multiple ingredients at a time
Unlike conventional gain-in-weight systems that can only be batched one ingredient at a time, the Convey-N-Weigh batching conveyor is a multiple-ingredient batching system; By operating in a loss-in-weight mode, all modules can be run simultaneously. This results in smaller equipment and power consumption, says the firm. The Convey-N-Weigh incorporates a continuous pulse-jet-clean filter, live bin discharger for powder conditioning, and a precision feeder with the entire assembly mounted on load cells. — HAF Equipment, Inc., Centerville, Minn.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-412
All type of materials handled by this grinder
The Model RM 200 (photo) is the latest product generation for the grinding of hard, brittle and pasty materials. A revised scraper provides more efficient feeding of the material into the area between mortar and pestle. As a result, the sample is continuously subjected to the grinding process, while also being thoroughly mixed; this results in a perfectly ground and homogeneous product, says the firm. The unit can be used for both wet and dry grinding and is suitable for various materials such as ceramics, oil seeds, ashes and pharmaceutical products. — Retsch GmbH, Haan, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/6519-415
Master and slave capabilities possible with this TCP/IP driver
With the release of a Modbus TCP/IP Driver for the DeltaV Virtual I/O module (VIM), seamless connectivity between a wider range of systems with Emerson’s DeltaV process system is now possible using industrial Ethernet technology. In this release, the VIM can function as both a Modbus TCP/IP master and slave simultaneously. Master or slave mode is set at the virtual-port level. In master-only mode, the driver can communicate with a maximum of 32 slave devices. Systems that use both master and slave mode can communicate with a maximum of 16 slaves and 16 masters at the same time. — MYNAH Technologies, St. Louis, Missouri