The BigEZ (photo) is the only dye injector for large refrigeration systems, holding enough fluorescent dye to treat systems that contain up to 16 gal of lubricant. This multi-dose injector has a disposable dye cartridge that is calibrated in 1/8 oz increments, allowing technicians to add the desired amount of dye to a system in one connection without pouring or measuring. A disposable cartridge is pre-filled with four ounces of AR-GLO fluorescent leak detection dye, which is OEM approved by major compressor, refrigerant, lubricant, and air-conditioning and refrigerants equipment manufacturers. — Spectroline, Westbury, N.Y.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-331
This nanosilica-filled, UV-curable epoxy (photo) was developed for coating, sealing and encapsulation applications. It operates in a temperature range from –50 to 150°C. After curing, the UV22 material enhances its temperature-resistance profile and improves its chemical resistance, and adding heat will give it a glass transition temperature of 275°C. Though UV22 has more than a 35% composition of nanoparticles, it retains high transparency and low viscosity without sedimentation thanks to the agglomerate-free colloidal dispersion of nanoparticles. This material features high abrasion resistance, optical clarity, low shrinkage, and high physical strength. — Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, N.J.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-332
SKF single-row, angular-contact ball bearings (photo) are designed to meet high performance requirements of centrifugal pumps. They feature a steep contact angle of 40 deg. and are designed for universal mounting, including arrangements of face-to-face, back-to-back and tandem. The raceways in the inner and outer rings can accommodate combined radial and axial loads and provide high-thrust load capacity, low friction losses and reduced edge stresses. With a precision level of ISO P6, these SKF bearings allow for better control of their mounted clearance as well as less overall vibration. A heat-treating process stabilizes the rings and minimizes dimensional changes at temperatures of up to 125°C. — SKF USA, Inc., Norristown, Pa.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-333
The QPL-certified 12000X778 toggle switches (photo) feature a double-shell case that provides mechanical strength and electrical insulation. A pinned lever adds strength and ensures a strong electrical ground to the bushing. These switches can be used in both low-level (10 mA, 50 mV) and power-level (2 A, 250 Va.c. – 4 A, 125 Va.c.) applications. An electrical life of 20,000 to 150,000 cycles is typical. For low-visibility situations, a white fluorescent tip is available. — APEM Components, Inc., Haverhill, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-334
Dynacal Permeation Tubes (photo) are small inert capsules that contain a pure chemical compound in equilibrium between its gas and liquid or solid phases. Concentrations range from levels of parts-per-billion to high parts-per-million. At a constant temperature, the tubes emit the compound at a constant rate through its permeable membrane. The purpose of a calibration gas is to establish a reference point for the verification of an analysis. If permeation-rate data is not available for a certain compound, the Permeation-Tube rate can be found simply by measuring the gravimetric weight loss of the capsule of a measured period of time at a known temperature. — VICI Metronics, Inc., Poulsbo, Wash.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-335
Featuring broad infrared temperature measurement functionality, the Fluke 568 Thermometer (photo) offers both contact and non-contact temperature measurement. It offers a broad temperature range of –40 to 800°C with measurement accuracy within 1%. This handheld device has a user interface that allows for adjustable emissivity, alarms and data logging. Allowing users to take measurements of small objects from far away, the Fluke 568 features a distance-to-spot ratio of 50:1. Measurements can be viewed in realtime to troubleshoot via hands-free monitoring. For easy analysis, this unit can store up to 99 points of data to view on the thermometer itself or on a PC after downloading. — Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-336
The PT-500 submersible liquid level/pressure transmitters feature a vented, watertight cable and can be submerged up to 450 ft below the surface. The unit has a removable stainless steel cage that allows users to replace either the cage or sensor individually. Using a high-precision, 4 – 20-mA signal, the PT-500 transmitters deliver accuracy within 0.5%. They are IP68 protected and are temperature compensated to ensure long-term stability under extreme temperature variations. The unit is designed to mount to a surface, eliminating damage from shock and vibration, making it ideal for use in sewage lift stations, tank liquid-level measurement, water and wastewater, well depth measurement and environmental water depth measurement. — Automation Products Group, Inc., Logan, Utah
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-338
This firm offers an updated suite of add-ons for Mathematica 6, extending its functionality to specialized tasks. These packages allow users to take full advantage of Mathematica’s power without having to develop code of their own. Several applications are compatible with Mathematica, including multi-language, multi-environment numerical code generation (ACEGen), optimized C++ code conversion from Mathematica programs (MathCode C++), a model-based design for multiengineering systems (MathModelica System Designer Professional), a Mathematica link for Excel, and more. — Wolfram Research, Champaign, Ill.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-337
The KUBE low profile evaporative coolers (photo), a series of industrial/commercial cooling and heating products, are just 48-in. in height. The FreshWater slinger-wheel technology distributes evaporative atomized water evenly across the air inlets for efficient cooling. KUBE coolers work from 3,000 to 30,000 ft3/min. with variable speed control. Heating is provided through an indirect heat exchanger at up to 400,000 Btu per unit. The units are network capable, and touch-screen controls allow up to 15 units to be controlled remotely. The units use a four-stage filtering process, including a final food-grade filter. Highly energy-efficient, the KUBE products consume up to 90% less electricity than conventional air conditioning. — Bessamaire, Cleveland, Ohio
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-339
The Westlock XR linear-rotary control monitor is the first stand-alone field device to create a dynamic baseline signature for pressure conditions of valve assemblies, according to this firm. It is designed to provide process managers with critical information quickly and in a wide range of formats, and is used in conjunction with the associated software package, the XRa. Features of the XR include an intelligent alarm-management system, a non-contact position sensor, a fully-encapsulated electronics module and integrated pressure sensors. — Tyco International, Cleveland, Ohio
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-340
This company has recently released Version 8.1 of its Engineering Fluid Dynamics (EFD) software. The "Joule heating" functionality is a model that automatically determines the heat sources in conducting objects. To represent thermal characteristics of IC packages, the "compact" models use a two-resistor approach to provide realistic results. Other models and capabilities include fans, thermoelectric coolers, thermal interface materials, perforated plates and material properties for most solid materials used in electronic systems. EFD has the ability to detect fluid regions within a CAD solid model and mesh automatically, but with the updated Version 8.1, this improved capability also detects and closes any external gaps or openings in the solid model automatically. — Flomerics, Marlborough, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-341
This company offers the WaterClear Ultra, a colorless stereolithography (SL) resin that is claimed to be the clearest resin on the market. The clearness test (photo) was performed using a colorimeter, an instrument that measures the amount of color and light able to pass through plastic. Compared to various plastic samples, including a competitive polycarbonate-like ASL resin as well as polycarbonate and acrylic, the WaterClear Ultra closely mirrored the behavior of the acrylic while proving to have a higher clarity than the commercial-grade polycarbonate sheet. Products that demand very clear material, like prototype lenses and packaging materials, would benefit from the WaterClear Ultra. — DSM Somos, Elgin, Ill.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-342
The long distance model HSI3003 (photo) is the newest addition to the Heat Spy thermal imaging cameras. Its narrow angle 9.1 deg. by 6.8 deg. field-of-view optics enables detection and temperature measurement of small objects over a long distance. Intended for hand-held use, the HSI3003 is lightweight and compact, but also features a tripod mount for remote use. The imager features a 160- by 120-pixel array, providing temperature measurements of every pixel in a high-resolution realtime thermal image on a 3.5-in. color display. Sensing temperatures from 0 to 250°C, it has a Class II laser that identifies hot areas. Another useful feature is a system of two measurement cursors that provide temperature readings at each cursor location as well as realtime differential temperature measurements. — Palmer Wahl Instrumentation Group, Asheville, N.C.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-343
First introduced as a prototype at Achema 2006 ( CE, June 2006, p. 13) the ART Plate Reactor (photo) is now commercially available. The reactor allows manufacturers to switch from batch to continuous processing, and is particularly suitable for the fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. ART is a continuous reactor with major benefits in economy, production safety and environmental impact. Compared to stirred-tank reactors (STRs), ART reactors allow faster scale up and improved yield, and provides better control of reactions. For example, reactions that require 6 to 8 h in a STR for 80 – 90% yield are performed in less than minute in the ART reactor with better than 99% conversion, says the firm. The reactor can operate over the temperature range of –40 to 200°C, handles pressures up to 20 bar, and is available in two sizes for flowrates of 0.25 to 250 L/h. One to ten plates can be stacked into a single unit. The plates are available in a variety of materials, including 316L stainless steel, PEEK and Hastelloy C22. — Alfa Laval AB, Lund, Sweden
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-390
The TFZ Foundation-Fieldbus (FF) Temperature Transmitter (photo) can be installed on the same segment with all standard FF devices. The TFZ converts a temperature sensor input to a FF H1, two-way digital communication protocol that is ready for interface to a DCS, computer-based SCADA system or asset-management software. The TFZ saves wire and installation costs, says the firm, by allowing up to 32 field devices (126 with repeaters) to be networked onto one, low-cost FF H1 segment. It requires only 10.5 mA for normal operation. The bus-powered, two-wire device sets up from the control room over segment wiring using a standard FF configuration tool, to handle 14 RTD types, nine thermocouple types as well as direct millivolt and resistance/potentiometric inputs. — Moore Industries-International, Inc., North Hills, Calif.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-396
Composed of 100% Fluoro Liquid Silicone Rubber (F-LSR), the Silastic elastomer is designed to meet stringent automotive engine requirements regarding temperature, fuel and oil specifications. F-LSR combines the ease of processing of liquid silicone rubber with the temperature and fuel resistance of fluorosilicone rubber. Silastic withstands harsh fuel, lubricant and oil environments with temperature resistance within the range of –60 to 220°C. This material, well suited for co-molding on thin, high precision and intricate parts, improves manufacturing efficiency and part performance. — Dow Corning, Midland, Mich.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-344
The new version of the Mobrey MSP900 ultrasonic level transmitter has been optimized for use in open-channel flow measurements. The MSP900FH (photo), which features a pre-wired remote temperature sensor, is ideal for helping water and industrial processing sites to comply with MCERTS legislation. Used in the open air, conventional U.S. level transmitters are prone to suffer from inaccuracies caused by "solar gain" whenthe sun shines directly on them. The MSP900FH has been designed to overcome this problem by using a remote temperature sensor wired directly into the transmitter. The sensor is hardwired into the transmitter with a two-meter cable, so there is no additional cabling or setup required, and only a single connection to the controller. Both analog 4 – 20 mA communication and digital HART options are built in. — Emerson Process Management, St. Louis, Mo.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-345
This company claims to be the first in the world to integrate three single RFID antennas in one, monolithic component several years ago. Since the device was patented in 2001, the firm has introduced a new RFID antenna (photo) that is said to offer the maximum sensitivity in the smallest space. It is recommended for RKES and RFID access systems that integrate 3D identification. The antenna is suitable for SMD mounting, offering a flat surface for "pick and place." Antennas are available for 20 and 125-kHz applications. — Premo Corp. S.L., Campanillas, Malaga, Spain
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-346
In collaboration with SKF, this firm has introduced OneWireless Equipment Health Monitoring (EHM), the latest addition to its portfolio of industrial wireless solutions. OneWireless EHM will wirelessly transmit complete spectral information — including vibration amplitude and operating-parameter information — from the field to the plant control room, helping reduce equipment failures and improve business performance through lower maintenance costs, says the firm. OneWireless is a compact, eight-channel (4 X vibration, 4 X 420 mA) monitoring device that communicates over the firm’s OneWireless industrial mesh network. It collects acceleration, velocity, temperature and bearing-condition data and delivers it to process operators and maintenance personnel to alert them of any equipment problems. — Honeywell Process Solutions, Phoenix, Ariz.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-347
Together with Pliant Corp. (Schaumburg, Ill), this firm has successfully demonstrated a solution for tamper-proofing pallets with RFID-enabled stretch film (shrink wrap). Pliant’s electrically conductive stretch film combined with this firm’s PowerG labels for tracking freight and high-value pallets provides a viable solution by overcoming the limitations of barcode technologies, the limited performance of standard passive RFID, and the high cost of active RFID readers, claims the manufacturer. Electrically connected to the film wrapped around the pallet, the PowerG label is readable by RFID readers when the film is intact and the electrical circuit is closed. However, when the stretch film is tampered with, the circuit is broken, rendering the label unreadable and thereby alerting a supply-chain manager to possible tampering. — PowerID Ltd., Petah Tikva, Israel
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-348
The new iXA Series of magnetic-bearing turbomolecular vacuum pumps exhaust process gases from physical and vapor deposition, etching, or ion-implant equipment in semiconductor, flat-panel display, solar energy and industrial-glass-coating applications. The pumps feature power-supply and control modules that can be mounted in various configurations directly on the pump, or remotely, thereby eliminating cables and accessory racks. The first pump in the iXA family is rated at 2,200 L/s — larger sizes are planned for future development. The pump’s five-axis magnetic-bearing system and new motor and drive system ensure long life and low operating cost with maintenance intervals as long as five years, says the firm. All pumps include RS 232/485 (Profibus) serial-communication interfaces. — Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-394
Kate Torzewski
First introduced as a prototype at Achema 2006 ( CE, June 2006, p. 13) the ART Plate Reactor (photo) is now commercially available. The reactor allows manufacturers to switch from batch to continuous processing, and is particularly suitable for the fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries. ART is a continuous reactor with major benefits in economy, production safety and environmental impact. Compared to stirred-tank reactors (STRs), ART reactors allow faster scale up and improved yield, and provides better control of reactions. For example, reactions that require 6 to 8 h in a STR for 80 – 90% yield are performed in less than minute in the ART reactor with better than 99% conversion, says the firm. The reactor can operate over the temperature range of –40 to 200°C, handles pressures up to 20 bar, and is available in two sizes for flowrates of 0.25 to 250 L/h. One to ten plates can be stacked into a single unit. The plates are available in a variety of materials, including 316L stainless steel, PEEK and Hastelloy C22. — Alfa Laval AB, Lund, Sweden
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-390
The Simatic CPU S7-412-3H (photo) is a new controller for high availability, safe and fault-tolerant applications in the process industries. It complements the range of products of the Simatic-S7-400H family of controllers in the low-performance range. The new device is suitable for applications involving high-availability functions for monitoring and closed-loop control of temperatures, liquid levels and emergency power generators, as well as safe, fault-tolerant solutions with maximum safety integrity levels up to SIL 3, for example, for burners. — Siemens Automation and Drives, Nuremberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-391
With a refined user-friendly design, the new Insite Voyager (photo) is particularly adapted for mobile particle-size analysis within the process environment. Smaller and lighter than the original version, the unit can now be operated at- or online, thereby providing realtime analysis where and when required. The laser-diffraction-based analyzer can be used on dry streams with a particle-size range of 1 to 1,000 microns. The mobility of the system makes it particularly suitable for facilities with multiple lines and for commissioning, optimization and troubleshooting applications. — Malvern Instruments, Malvern, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-392
Gas-emitting media in metering applications can often reduce pump output or even prevent the pumped media from being delivered. To avoid this situation, the pumps normally have to be bled manually in such applications. This procedure can be performed simply and safely with the delta Diaphragm Metering pump with venting module (photo). The module detects the formation of gas bubbles in the pump head and eliminates them, preventing adverse performance or service disruption in metering lines. The venting function is executed periodically or after airlock detection. — ProMinentDosiertechnik GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-393
This company claims to be the first in the world to integrate three single RFID antennas in one, monolithic component several years ago. Since the device was patented in 2001, the firm has introduced a new RFID antenna (photo) that is said to offer the maximum sensitivity in the smallest space. It is recommended for RKES and RFID access systems that integrate 3D identification. The antenna is suitable for SMD mounting, offering a flat surface for "pick and place." Antennas are available for 20- and 125-kHz applications. — Premo Corp. S.L., Campanillas, Malaga, Spain
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-397
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has only one to six hundredth of the volume of gaseous natural gas, thus is more suited for economical transportation of large quantities; for distances over 3,000 km, vessel transportation of LNG is said to be more profitable than via pipeline. Cryogenic valves designed for use down to –196°C, and this firm’s bypass valves for two parallel nitrogen compressors have recently been delivered for use on LNG vessels. The N 2 compressor is an expander that is switched afterwards for cooling the plant. To regulate the temperature of this expander, the firm delivered the temperature-control valves designed for –196°C. — ARCA-Regler GmbH, Tönisvorst, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-398
The TFZ Foundation-Fieldbus (FF) Temperature Transmitter (photo) can be installed on the same segment with all standard FF devices. The TFZ converts a temperature sensor input to a FF H1, two-way digital communication protocol that is ready for interface to a DCS, computer-based SCADA system or asset-management software. The TFZ saves wire and installation costs, says the firm, by allowing up to 32 field devices (126 with repeaters) to be networked onto one, low-cost FF H1 segment. It requires only 10.5 mA for normal operation. The bus-powered, two-wire device sets up from the control room over segment wiring using a standard FF configuration tool, to handle 14 RTD types, nine thermocouple types as well as direct millivolt and resistance/potentiometric inputs. — Moore Industries-International, Inc., North Hills, Calif.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-396
The new version of the Mobrey MSP900 ultrasonic level transmitter has been optimized for use in open-channel flow measurements. The MSP900FH, which features a pre-wired remote temperature sensor, is ideal for helping water and industrial processing sites to comply with MCERTS legislation. Used in the open air, conventional U.S. level transmitters are prone to suffer from inaccuracies caused by "solar gain" when the sun shines directly on them. The MSP900FH has been designed to overcome this problem by using a remote temperature sensor wired directly into the transmitter. The sensor is hardwired into the transmitter with a two-meter cable, so there is no additional cabling or setup required, and only a single connection to the controller. Both analog 4 – 20 mA communication and digital HART options are built in. — Emerson Process Management, Slough, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-401
The new iXA Series of magnetic-bearing turbomolecular vacuum pumps (photo) exhaust process gases from physical and vapor deposition, etching, or ion-implant equipment in semiconductor, flat-panel display, solar energy and industrial-glass-coating applications. The pumps feature power-supply and control modules that can be mounted in various configurations directly on the pump, or remotely, thereby eliminating cables and accessory racks. The first pump in the iXA family is rated at 2,200 L/s — larger sizes are planned for future development. The pump’s five-axis magnetic-bearing system and new motor and drive system ensure long life and low operating cost with maintenance intervals as long as five years, says the firm. All pumps include RS 232/485 (Profibus) serial-communication interfaces. — Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-394
This firm has enhanced its range of zwicki-Line universal testing machines. They are now available in four load capacities (0.5-, 1.0-, 2.5- and a new 5-kN model), and three different height combinations to suit most applications and laboratory requirements for testing materials and components. These new products are fitted with the manufacturer’s latest testControl system, and are designed to meet the needs of both R&D laboratories and quality-assurance environments. Test and crosshead-positioning speeds of up to 3,000 mm/min enable high-speed tests or short cycle times, which is useful for the testing of elastomers and springs. — Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-399
The T 406 machine (photo) can be used at several places in the processing line of plants that recycle mixed plastics waste. It can serve as a friction washer after the size-reduction step to unravel paper ands separate dirty water from the product stream. It can also be used as a mechanical drying centrifuge at the end of the washing process; with hot washing systems for separating glues, the T 406 can do the job of an alkali separator. The unit can be supplied with drives up to 30 kW, and will achieve a throughput of up to 2 m.t./h. — Herbold Meckesheim GmbH, Meckesheim, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-411
This firm has developed a range of control valves (photo) that can be tailored to the individual requirements of an application, and therefore meet the challenges faced in most hydrocarbon-processing applications. The valves are available in globe, angle and three-way body styles, in all common pressure ratings and in all common materials of construction. The 240 and 250 Series are designed to conform with ANSI, DIN and JIS standards and can be combined with various flange styles and butt-weld ends. Pneumatic actuators with a rolling diaphragm and springs evenly arranged in the actuator case are made to precisely fit on valves over robust yokes to ensure a compact and integral control-valve package. — Samson AG, Frankfurt, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-405
This firm has developed an "intelligent" production line for making its A-10 pressure transmitters (photo). Hardly any solder joints are needed, and faults are avoided from the beginning by automatic monitoring of each production step. Only five components and nine production steps are required to manufacture this new transmitter. Extensive field tests have proven the A-10’s capabilities under real operating conditions, says the firm. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-406
The Advanced Dispense System (ADS) Coupler (photo) connects to the plastic CDS valve on AdBlue and IBCs and allows the quick transfer of the contents in a leak-proof and closed system. The ADS is made of stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304), has a 1-in. BSP male connection, has a self-venting capability and provides a minimum flowrate of 30 L/min. The unit has a dry disconnect volume of less than 0.5 mL and is fully compatible with plastic valve connection (CDS). Designed for use with the AdBlue dispense kit, the ADS can also be used for other types of chemicals in drums and IBCs equipped with the CDS plastic valve. — IPI Global Ltd., Chinnor, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-412
Gerald Ondrey
The latest release of the engineering tool for plant design — Cadison R8 (photo) — is now available for making the work of users more efficient and faster. For example, a new material designer Isomat (for piping class) can be generated in about 4 h, compared to 3 – 4 d needed by conventional methods, says the firm. About 40 new functions have been added and 190 functions have been revised. With the help of Internet browsers and the new module, Engineer2Web, each entitled user can access the current planning conditions, regardless of the location or time. Special access procedures were developed to ensure that only authorized personnel can change object information, or for entering new objects. — ITandFactory GmbH, Bad Soden, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-402
Together with Pliant Corp. (Schaumburg, Ill), this firm has successfully demonstrated a solution for tamper-proofing pallets with RFID-enabled stretch film (shrink wrap). Pliant’s electrically conductive stretch film combined with this firm’s PowerG labels for tracking freight and high-value pallets provides a viable solution by overcoming the limitations of barcode technologies, the limited performance of standard passive RFID, and the high cost of active RFID readers, claims the manufacturer. Electrically connected to the film wrapped around the pallet, the PowerG label is readable by RFID readers when the film is intact and the electrical circuit is closed. However, when the stretch film is tampered with, the circuit is broken, rendering the label unreadable and thereby alerting a supply-chain manager to possible tampering. — PowerID Ltd., Petah Tikva, Israel
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-395
This new range of miniature, ultralow-flow, positive-displacement, micro-annular gear pumps are capable of dispensing a wide range of liquids with precise, smooth, pulse-free flows. The ultra-compact HNP Series deliver liquids with a precision of C v less than 1% across a flowrate range from 0.25 µL/min. up to 1,152 mL/min., making them suitable for OEM, analytical, biotechnological and related applications. The pumps handle differential pressures up to 150 bar, and offer long service life, thanks to the use of wear-resistant tungsten carbide and ceramics. — Michael Smith Engineers, Woking, Surry, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-400
The Mini8 controller makes it possible to perform PID loops outside the PLC without compromising the benefits of an integrated solution, says the manufacturer. The Mini8 has four plugin I/O slots, and can cater for a variety of signals, such as thermocouple and RTD inputs and relay, logic and analog output. Up to eight discrete control loops can be connected to major fieldbuses, such as Profibus, DeviceNet, and CANopen, thus taking the responsibility of the loops outside the PLC. So in the event of of the PLC going down, equipment pressure and temperature can still be maintained and expensive failures avoided. Mini8 also offers the Modbus protocol both on RS 485 or Ethernet. — Eurotherm, London, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-403
CLC Bioinformatics Database enables research organizations to maximize their potential through increased productivity. The database was developed to eliminate classic obstacels, such as different operating systems, limited support for database formats, or limited access to a central storage facility, says the firm. The security and maintenance of the new database can potentially help organizations stop misuse or loss of data, as well as help protect their intellectual property. The database is cross-platform, running on OS X, Windows and Linux. — CLC bio, Aarhus, Denmark
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-404
In collaboration with SKF, this firm has introduced OneWireless Equipment Health Monitoring (EHM), the latest addition to its portfolio of industrial wireless solutions. OneWireless EHM will wirelessly transmit complete spectral information — including vibration amplitude and operating-parameter information — from the field to the plant control room, helping reduce equipment failures and improve business performance through lower maintenance costs, says the firm. OneWireless is a compact, eight-channel (4 X vibration, 4 X 420 mA) monitoring device that communicates over the firm’s OneWireless industrial mesh network. It collects acceleration, velocity, temperature and bearing-condition data and delivers it to process operators and maintenance personnel to alert them of any equipment problems. — Honeywell Process Solutions, Phoenix, Ariz.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-407
This new range of level-control devices offers a new approach to level measurement. The Canty range of light, sight and camera devices (photo) has been developed to provide users with a realtime view of conditions inside process vessels, and therefore a advantages and benefits over traditional liquid-level-measurement technologies, says the firm. A patented-design of fiber optic cable is used to transmit a beam of light up to a 90 deg. angle, which illuminates the inside of the vessel. A hermetically fused metal-to-glass window provides a 3-in. dia. viewing width, while being able to withstand temperatures up to 1,000°C and pressures to over 600 bar. An Ethernet or analog camera mounted to the viewing window provides a realtime look inside the vessel. — Allison Engineering, Basildon, Essex, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-408
The C2V-200 micro gas chromatograph (GC) is claimed to be the world’s fastest and smallest GC, providing the highest quality separation. The device performs an analysis in 10 to 30 s, has an easily exchangeable GC channel cartridge, operates at temperatures up to 180°C and provides a sensitivity of parts per million (with TCD detector). The tiny unit requires a minimal carrier/reference gas (1 mL/min operational) and achieves separations of N = 10,000 – 25,000. — C2V, Enschede, Netherlands
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-409
SAS ISO is a new generation of SAS samplers for the microbiological testing of air. The system is based on the impact of micro-organisms onto an agar surface of a contact plate or standard Petri dish. SAS ISO uses a single, certified aspirating head made of stainless steel or aluminum, or Dispo-Head, a certified, sterile disposable plastic head. The system offers traceability functions, such as date, operator name, sampling location and volume of aspirated air, which can be transferred to a printer or PC. — International Pbi S.p.A., Milan, Italy
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-410
The demand for valves with large dimensions is increasing, and this firm has extended its unit-construction system to manufacture valves with DN 600 (photo2), which are now also available in cast design. The valves can be used as anti-surge control valves for large turbo compressors and for starting/stopping the compressor in a controlled manner to protect it in the case of breakdown. This valve size is available in pressure classes DIN/EN DN600 PN16, 25 and 40, as well as DN 24 in. ANSI 150 and 300, in standard casings GP240GH/A216-WCB-216 or 1.4581/A351-CF8M, or in special materials. DN 600 valves are suitable for water recycling plants, steelworks, petroleum refineries and huge chemical plants. — ARCA-Regler GmbH, Tönisvorst, Germany
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-413
This firm has introduced a PI system, historian-database comparison tool for use with process simulators. PI-Compare is an easy-to-use tool used to identify the simulator initial condition that closely matches a PI system recorded plant state just before a disturbance. Instructors and engineers can then quickly identify and use the simulation that matches that plant state and use the simulator to investigate or train operators in the characteristics of the disturbance and in mitigating its effects. — Hyperion Systems Engineering, Athens, Greece
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-414
Atlas Dry Bath (photo) is the latest addition to the Atlas family of modular synthesis products. Designed as a new method for heating round-bottomed flasks and vials, the Dry Baths avoid issues commonly associated with oil baths and stay safe-to-the touch during operation. They are also compatible with leading brands of hotplates. Stacking Dry Bath (photo) has a series of concentric cups that accommodates flasks of varying volumes (from 50 mL to 1 L), and provide "excellent" thermal transfer for fast heating times. — Syrris Ltd., Royston, U.K.
edlinks.chemengonline.com/7368-415
VegaWell 51 (photo) is a new generation of suspension pressure transmitters suitable for water and wastewater applications, including hydrostatic-level measurement in vessels, and gauge measurement in deep wells. Mounting is accomplished by means of a stress clamp or a threaded fitting (G1 A). The sensor itself is a small, Certec measuring cell, with a ceramic diaphragm and shielded measuring-cell seal. The selectable measuring range is between 0.1 and 10 bar, and the standard output is 420 mA. A HART signal can also be supplied on request. — VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach, Germany
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The Pharma Twin-screw Granulator (TSG; photo) is this firm’s first TSG specifically designed for pharmaceutical applications. The Pharma TSG eliminates batch variations and decreases ingredient and equipment costs through a continuous mixing process, enabling operators to use smaller, more-precise amounts of expensive ingredients. Key features include: removable components (barrel liners and screws); high free volume; reduced scale up risks, and reduced in-process inventory. — Thermo Scientific Inc., Karlsruhe, Germany
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Gerald Ondrey