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New Products & Services

June 2008

June: New Products (North America)

Device Modulates Capacity in R-410A Refrigerant AC Systems

The APR-410 Control (photo) provides full-capacity modulation for direct-expansion air-conditioning systems that use R-410A, a non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant.

The APR-410 Control continuously and automatically matches air conditioning system capacity and output to changing load conditions. As a result, it provides improved humidity control without overcooling the space. It also eliminates many common maintenance problems associated with excess system capacity, such as coil icing, liquid slugging, and excessive compressor cycling. It smoothly modulates the air conditioning system’s capacity by varying refrigerant flow according to suction pressure, which changes with the temperature of air crossing the evaporator coil. — Rawal Devices, Inc., Woburn, Mass.

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This Mill Grinds Media to Sizes as Small as 0.3 Mm

This firm has produced a new production-sized, small-media mill for the ink, coatings, and paint markets. The DMQ-10 (photo) combines the best features of a traditional horizontal, small-media mill with the added benefits of circulation grinding. The result is a versatile mill capable of providing a cost-effective, size-reduction solution for grinding large quantities of material. Although the DMQ Series is able to operate in either circulation or continuous mode, the mill can also be used for circulation grinding. The mill features a large, heavy-duty media separator located at the end of the mill for easy servicing. A rail system simplifies maintenance and tank removal. Indexed discs provide uniform media distribution. Adjustable product-discharge openings in the screen maximize versatility and throughput by accommodating grinding media from 2 mm to as small as 0.3 mm. — Union Process Inc., Akron, Ohio

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Take Advantage of Intelligent Sensor Management Technology

With the new iSense software suite (photo), this firm introduces a revolutionary tool for the maintenance, documentation and the management of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors. Based on ISM (Intelligent Sensor Management) technology, measurement loops for field operation allow users of process analytical equipment to run their processes using intelligent sensors that are able to provide sensor-specific, realtime status information. When an ISM sensor is connected via USB port to a Windows PC, various intuitive analysis, calibration and documentation applications can be accessed. iSense enables users of the ISM technology to apply new plant-wide maintenance concepts with pre-calibrated sensors. While at the measurement point, sensors previously calibrated in the laboratory are simply exchanged in minutes, with no need for a calibration on-site. — Mettler Toledo Ingold, Bedford, Mass.

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High-Performance Rugged Photoelectric Sensors

The PX Series photoelectric sensor heads (photo) carry an IP-69K environmental rating, which allows them to be subjected to high-pressure (1,400 psi) washdown applications, even at temperatures as high as 176°F. Stainless-steel casing prevents damage due to vibration and shock from tools or colliding with other objects. The sensor heads are backfilled with epoxy under vacuum conditions, filling every void in the sensor head cavity to prevent all-liquid substances and material from damaging the internal electronics. Tough, scratch-resistant lenses provide an excellent complement to the sensor when subjected to harsh environments. — Keyence Corp., Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

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Up To Six Jars can Run Simultaneously on This Lab Mill

This laboratory mill (photo) utilizes large grinding jars that are designed for low-cost, small production capabilities. Up to six jars can run simultaneously, and are made from all-polyurethane or solvent-resistant material with leak-tight covers. Slurry capacities are also increased to 0.45 and 1.32 L in this design. This jar mill provides the same advantages as the firm’s toroidal bowl mills, including low contamination, narrow particle distribution and safe product containment. — Sweco, Florence, Ky.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-335

Analyze the Type and Thickness of Metal Coatings

The handheld FTIR system Exoscan (photo) has the performance capability to provide accurate measurement of anodization thickness and type on large parts, without the need to dissemble or otherwise modify the part for testing. It is ideal for non-destructive analysis of samples that are too large to bring to the laboratory or too valuable to allow a small portion to be removed for analysis. Weighing less than seven pounds, the Exoscan allows even large complex parts to be directly measured in any orientation, thereby eliminating the need for sample disassembling or destruction. Results demonstrate that, by using the high performance external reflectance sampling interface, Exoscan can identify and quantify even the thinnest anodized coatings as well as paint and primer coatings on metal surfaces. — A2 Technologies, Cheshire, U.K.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-336

This System Confirms Grounding and Ensures that it Stays Intact

A new intrinsically-safe static-grounding system, the Earth-Rite Tellus monitor (photo, p. 32D-1), constantly monitors chemical processing operations involving the handling, transporting or mixing of flammable or explosive products, whether powders or liquids. Operating in real time, the monitor confirms that a positive connection to the ground exists and, most importantly, that it remains intact. As long as the resistance of the connection to a designated ground exists and remains below 5 ohms, a bright green LED display inside the hazardous area indicates that no static electricity build-up can occur. An optional interlock mode provides an extra margin of safety by sounding an audio alarm or initiating an automatic safe shut-down procedure should the ground connection be lost. A Tellus system enables compliance with the best practice guidelines of NFPA 77 and Cenelec 50404 for controlling static electricity. — Newson Gale, Inc., Lakewood, N.J.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-337

This Water-Treatment Equipment Meets High-Purity Water Demands

The Vantage Quick Systems line of water treatment equipment (photo) is a comprehensive water-treatment system offering to meet the demands for Make-Up high-purity water requirements up to 10 gal/min. The Make-Up Series consists of a softener and optional carbon pretreatment units, and a reverse osmosis (RO) system, all fully assembled on a steel skid. The Make-Up Series also comes with many additional features, making it cost-effective to install and operate. Systems are fully designed, configured and engineered for fast assembly and delivery. — Siemens Water Technologies, Warrendale, Pa.

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‘Hear’ Problems before They Become Breakdowns

The Marksman ultrasonic diagnostic tool is a highly accurate instrument that converts and amplifies inaudible ultrasonic sound into audible sound. This allows service technicians to easily hear sounds that signify problems, such as compressed air leaks, electrical discharge, as well as vacuum, natural gas, propane, refrigerant, seal and gasket leaks. The Marksman uses a two-tiered process to ensure accurate diagnosis. A 10-bar LED display indicates the intensity of incoming signals. The MDE-1000 Marksman Master Kit comes with a receiver, full-sized headphones, two probes, and an ultrasonic emitter that allows technicians to test for faulty seals, gaskets and weather stripping in doors, windows, ductwork and other unpressurized enclosures. — Spectronics Corp., Westbury, N.Y.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-339

Handheld Corrosion Data-Collection System for Hazardous Areas

The Checkmate DL, a new portable handheld instrument, allows users to quickly and safely read corrosion data from a data logger or remote data collectors (RDCs) and then transfer the data directly to a computer for graphing and corrosion analysis. Initially, the corrosion is detected at source from the probe and then data is sent by a transmitter to a corrosion-data logger or RDC. The Checkmate DL then captures this corrosion data and easily transfers it to analysis software. Since the transmitter and data logger are explosion proof and intrinsically safe, the entire corrosion-monitoring system is deemed safe through each step in the process, and corrosion data can be easily collected without having to move the data logger to a safe area. — Rohrback Cosasco Systems, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

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This Control Platform Tool Creates a Unified Plant Environment

The HCS 8000 rugged control platform is tightly integrated with the object-oriented E3 software. The system’s comprehensive process-management tools provide a unified environment for visualization, including plant history, batch management, device communications and instrument maintenance. The HCS 8000 Controller is a field-mountable control platform intended for those process applications that might previously have used programmable logic controllers (PLCs) because of their ability to scale smaller applications. The controller provides process customers with an effective alternative to PLC solutions. When combined with MTL 8000 Process I/O components, it offers cost-savings over control-room mounted systems as well as flexible system design and high system availability. — MTL Open System Technologies, Hampton, N.H.

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Software for Particle Flows in Industrial Unit Operations

Barracuda Version 12.1 has new features that broaden its use for engineering applications to particle flow behavior in diverse industrial unit operations. The software accurately treats discrete particulate solids of any size-distribution flowing with dilute-to-dense loadings in a gas or liquid system. Version 12.1 includes numerous enhancements: treatment of wall-particle interactions including attrition, LES turbulence and wall shear, the ability to dynamically re-read flow boundary conditions, and implicit treatment of liquid-solid flows. Users requested special graphics to help understand their complex, three-dimension flows containing millions of particles; the graphical output now includes time-averaged particles and fluid massflux. — CPFD Software, LLC, Albuquerque, N.M.

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This Mixer is Offered in a Portable Configuration

High performance portable DT mixers are fitted with industry standard NEMA motors and gear motors from ¼ to 5 h.p., as well as commercially available seals for economic maintenance and reduced downtime. The portable DT mixers offer a breadth of impellers, shaft lengths and diameters with flanged or chuck shaft couplings. DT Portable Mixers feature rugged cast aluminum housing with a high-strength, low-weight design. The integral handle is designed for ease of positioning, while the multi-directional clamp allows for horizontal and vertical adjustment. Shaft attachment is available with chuck or flanged couplings. All stainless housings and motors are available for superior cleanliness and corrosion protection. — Chemineer, Inc., Dayton, Ohio

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Identify and Manage Substances in Accordance with REACH

REACHtracker, is now available for managing supply chain communication and substance inventory for pre-registration and registration obligations under Europe’s new REACH legislation. REACHtracker enables companies to build email campaigns that direct suppliers to enter substance information and declare their REACH registration intentions via a secure online questionnaire that links directly into a substance information management database. The progress of each supplier can be tracked, and follow-up e-mail campaigns can be conducted for non-responsive suppliers. REACHtracker also provides a dashboard to manage supplier contact information, as well as sophisticated parametric reporting tools that enable data to be rolled up into an unlimited number of custom reports. Once all substance information is collected, REACHtracker automatically generates and uploads pre-registration XML files. — Actio, Boston, Mass.

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This Dryer Delivers Contaminant-Free Compressed Air

The SFD dryer system (photo) is uniquely engineered for industrial applications to deliver compressed air free of oil, contaminants and water. In conjunction with large air compressors and systems, this compact unit dries compressed air for pneumatic applications directly from the tank, eliminating a need for after-coolers and additional external filters. The SFD dryer incorporates a three-in-one system to remove oil, contaminants, and moisture with standard units operating up to 175 – 200 psi. A compact design enables easy and flexible installation on a wall or directly on a compressor’s top plate. Units can be supplied for 12, 24 and 120 Va.c., or fully pneumatic requiring no electrical connection. Basic flowrates up to 40 ft 3 /min can be achieved (and higher by combining units for large CFM applications). — SKF USA, Inc., Kulpsville, Pa.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-345

A New Family of Self-Lubricating Bushings

Offered in assorted styles, with straight or mini-flanged versions available, these new bushings (photo) are a low-maintenance solution for various applications in industry. The performance of these bushings centers on the design of its MX lubrication unit. An integral fiber pad delivers the lubricant to the shaft surface through capillary action, thus maintaining a constant lubricating film between ball bearing and shaft. These bushings are also pre-loaded with a lithium soap-based grease, in addition to the MX lubrication unit. Offered in single- or double-bushing lengths with either flangeless, round, square or compact mini-flanged styles, these bushings are made of high-quality 52100 bearing steel with Duracone M90 or equivalent resin pad cases and retainers, plus Nitrile rubber seals. The products are rated for operation at – 20 to 80ºC and are RoHS compliant. — Misumi USA, Inc., Schaumberg, Ill.

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Monitor Environmental Parameters Simultaneously with this Data Logger

The OM-CP-RHTEMP 2000 (photo) is a wall-mountable data logger with the ability to simultaneously display remote readings of environmental parameters, including temperature and humidity. The eight-button, lock-capable keypad and the large backlit LCD provide easy access to current data and recorder setup as well as memory and battery levels, sampling and recording status, and external power status. The available on-screen data includes: statistics (minimum, maximum, average) for both channels; recording status (start, stop and recording rate); display options (channels shown, units, text size), and calibration information (date calibrated, date for recalibration). This product has one of the largest memory capacities of any similar data logger on the market and will retain recorded data even when a.c. and battery power are lost. It is suitable for applications where monitoring temperature and relative humidity in any controlled environment are being performed. — Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, Conn.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-347

This Fine Grinder Produces Identical Results

The Mikro-Bantam Mill, Model NGB (photo) was designed to provide an economical alternative for laboratory-scale fine grinding. An assortment of rotor options are available, such as pin, rigid and stirrup. This machine provides controlled particle sizes while grinding, blending and dispersing dissimilar ingredients. Once the mill is set, it will continuously produce exactly the same results without adjustments. This mill is ideal for dry and wet milling. It can operate at speeds of up to 17,000 rpm and will pulverize materials up to ½ in. using a feed screw. — Hosokawa, Summit, N.J.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-348

These Gangways Do Not Require Welding, but Do Not Sacrifice Strength and Quality

The redesigned G4 Gangway uses metal-stamping technology to create a stronger gangway that is both lighter and smoother to operate. G4 Gangways are constructed using parts — most often aluminum — that are stamped out in a tool-and-die process and then formed by bending the metal into the required shape, eliminating the need to weld the pieces together. All SafeRack gangways have 90 shared parts that fold or unfold as the gangway is used. The use of the new metal-stamping technology allows the gangways to be more easily reproduced, as well. This reproducibility also yields accurate replacement parts that can be bolted into the original gangway. Even in the use of lighter materials that don’t require welds are used on the G4, the same tolerance is offered on each of the 21 pivot points, as found on SafeRack’s other gangways. — SafeRack, LLC, Sumter, S.C.

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Benchmark Process Operations in Real Time

ProcessApex software now benchmarks the business results of fired heaters, heat exchangers and dryers. The results can be used to make decisions that directly impact efficiency, throughput, operating targets, and bottom line of operations. For fired heaters, ProcessApex tracks efficiency, excess oxygen, and potential fuel savings. For heat exchangers, ProcessApex identifies bottlenecks tracks heat duty, heat transfer coefficients and approach temperatures. On dryers, ProcessApex tracks dryer efficiency, percentage of excess capacity and energy usage per ton. Diagnostics include recommendations of targets, identification of limitations and methods for improvement to drive each dryer toward the best proven performance levels. — ExperTune Inc., Hartland, Wis.

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Kate Torzewski

June: New Products International

A Quick-Connect Dip Tube for Steel Containers

This firm has added an ISO G2 x 11.5 (2-in. NPS) thread option to its popular DrumQuik PRO (photo), a quick connect, dip-tube closure for "jerry" cans, drums and IBCs. The new option is a response to demand from chemical packagers and their customers who have been using the DrumQuik PRO with plastic drums and desired the same benefits for steel-drum users. The system minimizes chemical exposure and facilitates the delivery of liquids from bulk transfer containers to end-use applications. The coupler is reusable and the dip tube closure is suited to cost-sensitive, single-use container applications. — Colder Products Co., St. Paul, Minn.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-390

Use Thermal Pictures to Keep Machines Running

The RayCAm C.A 1884 thermographic camera (photo) is suitable for preventive and predictive maintenance. It can be used for all the measurements required to draw up a comprehensive maintenance reports, and is also suitable for R&D and production applications. The pistol-shaped makes it easy to handle and direct access to the functions means it can be operated with one hand. Inspection areas can be quickly and precisely targeted with a laser sight. The device can record up to 1,000 radiometric images, and can measure from as close as 10 cm away. The unit’s microbolometer detector provides a thermal accuracy of 0.1°C and a spatial resolution of 2.2 microrad. — Chauvin Arnoux, Paris, France

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-391

A 12-Channel Junction Box for FF and Profibus-PA

This firm has added a 12-channel junction box (photo) to its JRBS Series that previously consisted of 4-, 6- and 8-channel versions. The IP20 junction boxes that can be fitted vertically and horizontally on the top-hat rail are also available with removable screw terminals instead of the usual cage-clamp terminals. The boxes can be used in Zone 2 and Zone 1 for the connection of Foundation Fieldbus (FF) and Profibus-PA field devices. A coded rotary switch allows users to set the short-circuit current as required. — Hans Turck GmbH & Co. KG, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-392

For Measuring Low Flowrates, Consider this Device

The mini CORI-Flow Series (photo) is a compact and cost-effective Coriolis mass flowmeter and controller for accurate measurement and control of very low flowrates from 100 mg/h up to 30 kg/h. The Coriolis sensor is said to feature superior response time and high accuracy, regardless of changing operating conditions (pressure, temperature, density, conductivity and viscosity). Suitable for both liquid- and gas-flow applications and capable of bi-directional measurement, the devices are equipped with IP 65 weatherproof housing and are available with approvals for use in hazardous areas (ATEX Cat. 3, Zone 2). — Bronkhorst Cori-Tech B.V., Ruurlo, The Netherlands

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-393

Slash Energy Consumption with this New Vacuum Pump

The PentaLine rotary vane vacuum pumps (photo) have been developed for applications in the low- to medium-vacuum range of down to 10 – 3 mbar. The new pumps cover pumping speeds of up to 35 m 3 /h, and handle analytical and R&D applications as well as critical industrial and coating processes. The optimized drive system in these pumps leads to a reduction in power consumption of approximately 50% compared to conventional rotary vane pumps, says the manufacturer. The pumps are hermetically sealed, so no oil leaks can occur. — Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH, Asslar, Germany

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-394

This Hybrid Pressure Gauge is Smart

The INTELLigauge range of pressure-measuring devices (photo) closes the gap between mechanical and electronic sensors. The combination of a pressure gauge and electrical output signal is said to be a solution that is cost effective and reliable. No external power supply is required, so operators will know the process value even in the event of a power failure. Information is transmitted, via an electrical signal from a transmitter or pressure switch, and can be displayed on a control panel or processed through a PLC. Hybrid instruments are available with all established electrical signals, and the non-contact sensors are wear-free and without backlash. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-395

Advanced Laser-Based Gas Analyzer Can Improve Process Control

By accurately and instantly pinpointing the presence of moisture, HCl, H 2 S and other impurities, the tunable diode laser (TDL) based gas analyzer (photo) is able to provide significant benefits, including the prevention of foreshortened lifespan of costly catalysts, enhanced assurance or product quality, reduced turnaround recovery times and avoidance of unscheduled shutdowns. TDLs emit in the near infrared at wavelengths that can be absorbed by the gas being measured. For H 2 S analysis, for example, the TDL-based analyzer measures sour gas headed for processing and sweetened gas coming out. Because it is faster than conventional techniques, process control is improved by instantly letting operators know how much processing is needed. Each unit is preset at the factory, so it is truly "plug and play" and requires little training, says the firm. — SpectraSensors, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-396

Metallic Objects Do Not Hinder this RFID Tag

RFID Components Harsh-Tag-80 (photo) provides a reliable solution in UHF band radio-frequency identification fields. Its design allows high reading performance, even over metallic objects. Typical applications include reusable plastic containers, wood or metal cages, pallets and unit-loading devices, vehicles and trailers. The plastic enclosure complies with IP68 (Polyamid PA6) and is UL94 V-0 flame resistant. The tag inside is fully EPC Gen 2 compatible, with 96 bits of free memory for user data. — Premo Corp. S.L., Campanillas, Malaga, Spain

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-397

A New Version of this Technical-Plotting Software is Available

PSI-Plot Version 8.8 for Windows adds 30 new features to the previous Version. These new features include: new simplex and Powell methods for nonlinear fitting, dose-response analysis, Weibull analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, over 100 new predefined fitting models, and many others. A new plot wizard will create user-desired graphs in a more convenient and intuitive way, and several new plot types and axis scales have also been added. — Poly Software International, Pearl River, N.Y.

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-398

A Sound Way to Mix, Even At Industrial Scale

This firm has recently launched the RAM 5 (photo), a production-scale mixer based on the proprietary ResonantAcoustic Mixing (RAM) technology ( CE, December 2007, p. 13). RAM technology uses low-frequency, high-intensity acoustic energy to produce a consistent shear field throughout the mixing vessel, causing rapid fluidization and dispersion of material. The RAM 5 mixes without impellers, and is capable of mixing from 1 to 80 lb of material, including gases, liquids, solids, powders, viscous liquids and pastes. The unit is said to be the only non-invasive mixer capable of processing materials with viscosities greater than 100 million cP. — Resodyn Acoustic Mixers, Inc., Butte, Mont.

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Secure Asset Management Now Available For Tofino Security Users

This firm has released a new loadable security module (LSM) for its Tofino Industrial Security Solution that discovers and identifies what devices are on the network and creates the firewall rules to control the traffic flowing between them — all without risk to the industrial process. This latest LSM, known as the Tofino Secure Asset Management module, locates devices and generates rules simply by analyzing the traffic on the network. Designed specifically for industrial control operations in critical industries, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities and power generation, the Tofino never probes the control devices. Instead, it quietly listens for traffic and then uses special characterization techniques to determine the types of control devices on the network. — MTL Instruments, a Div. of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, Luton, U.K.

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Alarm Management Simplified with this Annunciator

This firm has received cUL Certification for its 90A Annunciator (photo), making it possible for the device to be used in applications that require compliance to the Canadian safety requirements. The 90A performs many new functions, consolidating the amount of control-room equipment previously required. In addition to standard visual alarm display functions, the 90A Annunciator timestamps alarms to determine the sequence of events, identifying the order in which alarms occur to establish the cause of a failure. The device reduces installation costs by connecting alarms to other equipment with the Modbus and DNP communications using either serial or Ethernet interfaces. The 90A is easily configured through a software tool that places access to all features and functions a mouse click away. — Ametek Power Instruments, Rochester, N.Y.

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Control Laboratory Reactions with this Remote Unit

The Atlas Remote Mount module (photo) adds functionality to the Atlas family of modular synthesis products. Designed for chemists performing reactions in jacketed reactors, the Remote Mount offers a fast and easy-to-use vessel-clamping system with quick "click" action. A vessel assembly can be located away from the Atlas Base, while an umbilical connection provides communication for remote control, allowing the system to retain all the benefits and functionality of the Atlas system. Working volumes are maximized to 5 L. — Syrris Ltd., Royston, U.K.

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Coded Labeling Improves Product Safety, Combats Counterfeiting

Labeling and especially wrong labeling has become a major reason for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) complaints and recalls. One way to approach this challenge is to put a code onto each and every container, and to verify the codes between different steps of the value chain. Together with Frewitt Printing, this firm offers a unique laser-coding and code-verification system. A DataMatrix code is engraved directly on the barrel of a pre-filled glass syringe with a low-energy laser. Then, this code is verified by a high-performance vision system. The company sees this as another step to improve product safety and combat counterfeiting. — Seidenader Vision GmbH, Markt Schwaben, Germany

edlinks.chemengonline.com/7373-403

Save Energy with this Hybrid Compressed-Air Dryer

Up to now, the combination of energy-saving functionality of refrigeration dryers with the exceptional low-pressure dew points of desiccant dryers has only been cost effective for applications requiring large to very large volumes of treated compressed air. The new Hybritec compressed air dryer range (photo) is now available for free-air deliveries from 20 m3 /min. A refrigeration dryer at the input side ensures a consistent pressure dewpoint of 3°C with minimal energy consumption. After passing through the refrigeration dryer, the air flows into a desiccant dryer. Less energy is required for this second treatment stage in order to dry the compressed air to a pressure dew point of below – 40°C. — Kaeser Kompressoren GmbH, Coburg, Germany

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Automated Condensate Sampler Eliminates Personnel Hazards

In order to monitor pure steam quality in sterile plants in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries, samples are regularly taken from the steam ring mains and analyzed for contamination in the laboratory. This firm has developed a completely new automatic system for sterile sampling of pure-steam condensate (photo, p. 32I-8), which totally isolates the samples and reduces operator involvement and the potential for injury. The complete system consists of a sampling multiport valve with pneumatic actuators, a stainless steel sampling bottle and a compact control unit, which is either mounted ready-to-connect on a movable stand, or as a static version. Only power (230 V, 50/60 Hz) and compressed air (10 bar maximum) are required to supply the system. — GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelfingen-Criesbach, Germany

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An Upgraded Valve Boasts Improved Safety

This firm has upgraded its Valtek rotary eccentric-plug control valve design to provide increased safety. The upgraded Valtek MaxFlo 3 provides robust shaft blow-out protection in compliance with ASME standards developed to prevent the stem from being removed or ejected while the valve is under pressure. This feature, stipulated by ASME B16.34 section 6.5.1, comes standard with this valve. The valve is available in both a standard length (ISA-75.08.02) and globe valve length face-to-face body (ISA-75.08.01 or DIN 3202 F1). The new valve length option makes it easier for customers to transition from globe-style valves to eccentric rotary plug design when conditions permit. — Flowserve Corp., Dallas, Tex.

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An Updated Interface Improves Productivity

Service Pack 4 (SP4) for InduSoft Web Studio promises to improve productivity, increase flexibility and enhance the operator-machine interface. SP4 enables a "vastly superior" interface for connecting to SQL databases and ERP systems, claims the firm. Operators and engineers can now execute any SQL statement from a Windows CE Client or an InduSoft Web Thin Client. Users can now create tables, insert records and commit data using the standard InduSoft Web Studio interface within the limits of the applied security configuration. This latest update also inclidews an enhanced interface for producing alarms, trends and reports in PDF-file format. — InduSoft, Austin, Tex.

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Gerald Ondrey