New Products & Services
June 2017
Yokogawa
This company has released an updated version of the Stardom network-based control system (photo). With the addition of Windows 10 support and other new features, this release includes functionality for the onsite management of data that reduces the amount of communications traffic between central monitoring rooms and facilities distributed over a wide area. The Stardom high-speed central processing unit module comes with a new function that enables Java applications to run on a Stardom controller. Thanks to this function, the controller can be used to manage files and transmit data. This simplifies the overall system configuration by eliminating the need for a PC. In addition, an oil flowrate calculation function based on American Petroleum Institute (API) guidelines has been added. — Yokogawa Corp. of America, Sugar Land, Tex.
This patented volume and filter booster range in 316L stainless steel provides up to 500% higher flow than the market equivalents, says the manufacturer. By removing all elements from the main flow line, including regulators and filters, the
effective Cv of the booster is multiplied, resulting in significantly reduced tubing sizes. Where safety is critical, the range of boosters is SIL 3 third-party certified to IEC 61508 Parts 1 & 2. In applications where a fast response time on modulating service, in combination with a fast shutdown time, is required, the device also eliminates the need for an additional poppet or quick exhaust valve to achieve the required closing speeds. This results in reduced material and labor costs and simplifies positioned setup and control. The range functions with a working pressure range of 2 to 10 barg, with maximum inlet pressure of 20 barg, and operates at a working temperature of –55 to 180°C. — Bifold Fluidpower Ltd., Manchester, U.K.
Kaeser Kompressoren
The new DSD series of rotary screw compressors (photo) is now available for flowrates from 14 to 25 m³/min. Featuring new airends with high-efficiency Sigma Profile rotors and IE4 motors, they deliver improved specific power of up to 9%, as well as up to 6% higher flowrates than previous models, says the company. These improvements, together with other enhancements, result in significantly reduced energy costs. For example, the new IE4 motor is said to be the most efficient currently available, which enables peripheral losses in compressed-air production to be reduced even further. Moreover, the Electronic Thermo Management (ETM) system regulates oil temperature to ensure a safe and consistent differential from the dewpoint temperature. This strategy also prevents unnecessarily high airend discharge temperatures and provides additional energy savings. — Kaeser Kompressoren SE, Coburg, Germany
Phoenix Contact
The Mini Analog Pro signal conditioners (photo), featuring bus and network connection, combine the benefits of safe electrical isolation with those of digital communication. Up to eight field signals can be transmitted to industrial networks without error on less than 50-mm overall width. Signal-specific input cards are no longer required. The highly compact modules (6.2-mm width) provide all conventional signal-transmission functions: analog, temperature, frequency or switch signals are processed safely and transmitted to output signals. The new plug-in gateways digitize this output data and send it directly from the interface level to the control system or PLC via a serial communication protocol, such as Modbus or Profibus. — Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany
Monitor Technologies
RadarRight is a non-contact continuous level sensor (photo) that provides realtime level measurement of powders, bulk solids and liquids, even in dusty conditions. The instrument uses proven microwave-pulse technology and has a small beam angle to concentrate energy for high accuracy and reliability. The sensor has no moving parts to wear, which leads to longer operational life and lower maintenance requirements. Analog or RS-485/Modbus versions are offered. RadarRight devices are suitable for various metal or nonmetal storage vessels. — Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, Ill.
Sensorex
The UVT-LED-H handheld ultraviolet (UV) transmittance monitor (photo) delivers UV transmittance readings in applications employing UV disinfection, and its compact size makes it also well-suited for field measurements, laboratory use and calibration verification of online analyzers. The UVT-LED-H is said to be the only handheld, portable UV-transmittance monitor that is currently available. The device verifies UV dosing and efficient operation of UV disinfection systems in municipal drinking water, wastewater and other industrial water-quality applications, such as food-and-beverage process water, as well as in quality-testing laboratories associated with those applications. The instrument’s highly efficient UV-C LED lamps are more stable, improving accuracy when compared to instruments with traditional mercury light sources, says the manufacturer. Furthermore, the mercury-free light source also significantly lowers operating expenses related to UV transmittance monitoring by eliminating field-serviceable parts and disposal of lamps containing mercury. — Sensorex, Garden Grove, Calif.
Emerson Automation Solutions
Last month, this company introduced a new platform for its Rosemount X-well Technology surface-sensing temperature measurement solution (photo). The new offering extends this non-intrusive temperature sensing technology to users in conventional wired I/O environments for potential applications in facilities where wired networks are already installed, or where WirelessHART has not yet been deployed. Other users have found X-well to be a useful replacement for difficult thermowell installations, which often have a wired connection already available and can be reused with the wired version of X-well, says the manufacturer. X-well Technology works by measuring the pipe surface temperature and ambient temperature, and combining this information with the thermal conductivity properties of the installation and process piping to produce a process temperature measurement. This measurement technique requires no intrusions or penetrations into the process, allowing for simpler installation and maintenance. Users do not have to design, size or maintain thermowells. Wake frequency calculations are eliminated, as well as time spent determining material compatibility, the right insertion length and the necessary profile. — Emerson Automation Solutions, St. Louis, Mo.
Volkmann
The Additive Manufacturing Material Handling System (photo) is designed specifically to enhance additive manufacturing (3-D printing) technology when handling metal powders or toxic materials. The system consists of three elements to recover any unused material, screen it and finally return the material to the machine or a container for future use. It is available as a mobile unit or a fixed floor-mounted assembly. Developed with the company’s pneumatic vacuum technology, it offers contained transfer of material from pick-up locations to the manufacturing unit, and then through the capture, integrated screening and return-to-use stations. It has been used in operations with a variety of materials, including tungsten, cobalt, silver powder, iron, stainless steel, alumina, nickel chrome, copper and carbide dust, with bulk densities ranging from 93 to 341 lb/ft3. The unit works in both a normal air environment and under an inert gas. — Volkmann, Inc., Bristol, Pa.
American Control Electronics (ACE)
The MGC Series (photo) is a new microprocessor-based, fully regenerative SCR (silicon-controlled rectifier) control. An onboard microprocessor allows the MCG to be preconfigured for a user’s specific application. Furthermore, users can select various modes of operation out of the box, including torque, linear torque, independent speed/torque, cycling via limit switches, cycling via feedback, and positioning. The MGC eliminates the need for additional items, such as relays, switches and PLCs, thereby reducing setup and installation time. A new current-limiting algorithm prevents overshoot, extending brush life and reducing demagnetization, which extends motor life. The controller is rated for a maximum current of 11 A and a maximum temperature of 50°C. — American Control Electronics (ACE), South Beloit, Ill.
AGC Chemicals Americas
Fluon perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) resins can be used over a wide range of temperatures (–200 to 260°C) and exhibit resistance to heat, chemicals, weather and aging. With an oxygen index of 95% or better, the noncombustible resins’ dielectric properties and nonstick characteristics make them suitable for numerous applications, including: valves, fittings and housings (photo); tubing and pipes; film and sheets; wire and cable; and blow-molded bottles. Fluon PFA is a melt-processible copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a perfluorinated vinyl ether. Fluon PFA has chemical, electrical and thermal properties almost identical to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). However, Fluon PFA can be processed by conventional extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding and rotolining or molding techniques, says the manufacturer. — AGC Chemicals Americas Inc., Exton, Pa.
WIKA Alexander Wiegand
The CPG1500 precision digital pressure gage (photo) can measure pressures up to 10,000 bars. Furthermore, a new smartphone app is available for the CPG1500. The high-pressure version of the digital pressure gage works with an accuracy of 0.5% full scale. The measured value registration has been adapted in a rupture-proof way for this version — the thin-film cell is not welded, but rather it is inserted solidly into a conical pressure channel. Versions of the new app (iOS and Android operating systems) can be downloaded for free. The app enables a mobile parameterization of the instrument and also the reading and evaluation of the information from the data logger, which can record up to 50 measured values per second. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
Hemco
The Acid Storage Cabinet (photo) is specifically designed for the storage of corrosive chemicals, and is available in widths of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 in. The standard size is 35-in. high and 22-in. deep. The molded one-piece fiberglass liner inserts directly into the cabinet and is sealed on all edges for ease of cleaning. The interior features a containment lip, on the front bottom edge to hold spills. The front access doors have air inlet vents, are lined and the edges are sealed. No metal is exposed to corrosive vapors. The shelf is removable for smaller container storage. —Hemco Corp., Independence, Mo.
Siemens Process Indsutries and Drives
The new Sitrans FS230 clamp-on ultrasonic flow system (photo) is a combination of the Sitrans FST030 transmitter and Sitrans FSS200 clamp-on sensors. The Sitrans FST030 transmitter includes a digital sensor link that digitizes the signal at the earliest stage of measurement, resulting in an optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Due to its 100-Hz data update rate and integrated PerformancePlus algorithm, the transmitter detects even the smallest changes in flow for consistently high accuracy of 0.5 to 1% of flowrate and a very stable zero point, says the company. Its patented pipe configuration menu allows the user to select various upstream pipe anomalies and automatically adjusts for flow-profile disorders stemming from unfavorable upstream conditions. The Sitrans FST030 also offers comprehensive diagnostics that detect changes in aeration, signal quality, sonic speed, temperature and fluid type, providing a valuable window into the process and facilitating preventative maintenance. Common architecture between digital platforms reduces training and spare part requirements. — Siemens Process Industries and Drives, Spring House, Pa.
A relatively small shift in the cut point (the threshold temperature for good product) for any petroleum-refinery product can cost refiners millions of dollars in profits. In the absence of fast, accurate and reproducible boiling point data, refinery product 
yields are not optimized and profits are lost. The PGC5009 “Fast” process gas chromatograph, which was launched last month, provides process analytics for simulated distillation analysis using fast temperature-programmed process chromatography. With a patented resistively heated column design and rapid cooling system, the PGC5009 provides the retention times and weight percentage measurements required for boiling-point curves, enabling optimized process controls, says the company. — ABB Measurement & Analytics, Lewisburg, W.V.
Hoyer
This logistics company has begun fitting a new telematic system to its tank container fleet (photo), enabling seamless monitoring of goods transported in tank containers at any defined point in time. This includes monitoring not only position, as in the general cargo sector, but also the status of the transported goods with regard to their pressure, temperature, filling level and density parameters. A non-invasive filling-level measuring system solves a large number of technical challenges. Full ATEX certification for all the components completes the range of services offered. Users have access to these data, together with the transport order data, on a web platform that includes automatic monitoring and an alert if there are any discrepancies. Of the 37,000 tank containers in the company’s fleet, 5,000 have already been upgraded, and around 8,000 tank containers per year will follow in each of the next few years. — Hoyer GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
Scaletron Industries
The new VMF-28/CP feeder with carbon package (photo) is a precision loss-in-weight measurement system designed specifically to provide accuracy in adding activated carbon (AC) in water-treatment operations. The new unit features an integrated scale for accurate feeding plus a bag-loading box that simplifies the addition of carbon to the system, and also enhances employee safety by containing carbon dust. Designed to accept 50-lb carbon bags, a bag-loading box is positioned above the VMF-28/CP hopper. To add AC, or other materials, the operator places the bag in the loading box and closes the door, which is equipped with a scratch-resistant plexiglass window with static control. Below the window are through-door glove ports. With the door closed, using the gloves, the operator opens the bag using the built-in bag break in the loading box. This releases the carbon material into the system and all dust is contained inside the machine. Hopper capacity is to 5.0 ft3. The VMF-28/CP Feeder uses a heavy-duty, gear-driven auger to continually feed material into the built-in, stainless-steel hopper at rates from 0.2 to 35.4 ft3/h. — Scaletron Industries Ltd., Plumsteadville, Pa.
Flexicon
This company’s new flexible screw conveyor comes with a trough hopper (photo), and can receive material from multiple outlets of feeders, grinders, blenders and other process equipment. The hopper features an extended-length charging adapter that exposes 45 in. of the flexible screw rotating within an inclined U-shaped trough to charge material entering the hopper at any point. The rugged inner screw is the only moving part that contacts material, and is offered in numerous designs to handle both free- and non-free-flowing media. As it rotates, the flexible screw self-centers within the tube, providing ample clearance between the screw and tube wall to eliminate or minimize degradation. Material exits the conveyor below the drive point, precluding contact with bearings or seals. The hopper is equipped with a stainless-steel grate for worker safety, and to prevent oversized particles from entering the conveyor. — Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa.
The VisuNet XT operator workstation features a high-bright LED-backlit LCD panel display with an optically bonded, glove-friendly and sunlight-readable 15- or 19-in. touchscreen for clear resolution in all lighting conditions. The workstation can oper
ate in harsh environments in temperatures ranging from –40 to 65°C. VisuNet XT features North American Class I, Division 2, Class I, Zone 2, ATEX and IEC-Ex Zone 2 certifications from third-party agencies, with additional certifications and approvals underway, says the company. With a polyester-powder-coated, lightweight, cast aluminum housing, the IP66-rated VisuNet XT features a front panel with user-configurable function keys, brightness control down to zero illumination, monitor-off button and a touchscreen-disable button to enable the touchscreen to be cleaned without unintentionally activating random control functions. Users will also benefit from flexible networking options that include redundant LAN ports, a multi-mode fiber-optic LAN connection and wireless Ethernet. — Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
SW Safety Solutions
Powerform S8+ single-use nitrile workplace gloves (photo) feature the patent-pending TracTek high density-grip pattern for 200% more tactile grip on wet and oily surfaces to significantly reduce slippage-related damage and injury, according to the manufacturer. The product offers improved safety and chemical protection due to its longer cuff and an irritant-free manufacturing process. TracTek grip technology is the result of extensive research into how a gloved hand interacts with slippery surfaces, resulting in a CAD-engineered traction pattern that prioritizes fluid evacuation while sustaining the largest surface-to-surface contact area via an embossed micro-pyramid grip pattern. This maximizes points of contact and maintains multidirectional flow channels to expel liquid in wet and oily conditions. The Powerform S8+ is designed with two layers of polymer in contrasting exterior and interior colors, boosting glove durability to ANSI Level 2 puncture resistance and making potential glove damage and breaches immediately visually detectable.— SW Safety Solutions, Inc., Union City, Calif.
New developments to this company’s Optimized Dutch Weave (ODW) meshes allow for improved throughput rate, better retention rate and longer filter-media life in water or wastewater filtration facilities. The flow-optimized ODW meshes combine reliable
filtration rates in the microfiltration range with almost three-times higher throughput rates than other recently available products, says the manufacturer. Other performance factors include high permeability, low pressure-loss coefficient, low clogging tendency and simplified cleaning. The special weave of the ODW mesh creates a slot-shaped pore geometry on the mesh surface, where the openings are smaller than the pores inside the mesh. With this design, particles above the specified separation limit are retained on the mesh surface. — GKD-USA, Inc., Cambridge, Md.
Iwaki America
The TC-X800 Series air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump (photo) features a heavy-duty body design and can operate at variable air pressures. The pumps can also handle high head pressures and long discharge lines. With a maximum flowrate of 800 L/min and a maximum discharge head of 280 ft (85 m), the 3-in. AODD pumps are suitable for the safe transfer of a broad variety of liquids, including corrosive chemicals, liquid slurries, abrasive particle slurries, viscous liquids, fuel, oils, glues, inks and flammable liquids. TC-X800 pumps are available in stainless steel, aluminum, polypropylene and cast iron. — Iwaki America Inc., Holliston, Mass.
Wanner Engineering
The new medium-pressure Q155 Series Quintuplex sealless pumps (photo) are designed for a variety of applications, including reverse osmosis in water and wastewater treatment, mine dewatering, saltwater disposal or injection, bulk transfer, hydraulic lift and steam generation. The Q155 medium-pressure product line includes two models: Q155K, which has a maximum flowrate of 295 L/min and a maximum discharge pressure of 3,000 psi; and Q155M, which has a maximum flowrate of 246 L/min and a maximum discharge pressure of 3,500 psi. The patented sealless pumps employ hydraulically balanced diaphragms that enable the pump to handle high pressures with low stress and pump hot, abrasive fluids. The sealless design eliminates the environmental concerns of packed plunger pumps, and the multiple-diaphragm design provides virtually pulse-free, linear flow, says the company. — Wanner Engineering, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
Gala Industries
This company has engineered a centrifugal dryer with the highest known capacity for drying polyolefin pellets. High-capacity resin producers, engineering companies and equipment manufacturers require a single dryer for virgin resins. This company has successfully increased the drying capacity of its Model 100 dryer (photo) to 150 ton/h, processing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with lentoid pellet geometry and melt flow index of 0.35, with moisture below 500 parts per million (ppm). Future plans include a number of new concepts that will be evolving over the next 12 months, says the company. — Gala Industries, a Maag company, Eagle Rock, Va.