New Products & Services
December 2019
Micromeritics Instrument
The new in situ catalyst-characterization system (ICCS; photo) delivers high-performance test capabilities for the reliable and industrially representative investigation of catalyst behavior. By integrating with the PID Microactivity Effi catalyst-screening system, the ICCS allows researchers to efficiently quantify the impact of reactions on defining catalyst parameters, such as number of active sites. The resulting data directly support the development of more effective heterogeneous catalysts. The ICCS incorporates mass-flow controllers for fully automated gas control and a cold trap for the removal of condensable vapors. A precision thermal-conductivity detector monitors changes in the concentration of gases flowing into and out of the sample reactor. The ICCS can be connected to any microreactor testing system, even custom-made units, to deliver important information on the catalyst under test, in situ. When connected directly to the Microactivity Effi system, the ICCS allows in-situ chemisorption measurements by pulsing a probe gas using a loop valve. Analyses can be carried out on catalysts, catalyst supports and other materials without any risk of exposure to the external environment, since there is no requirement to discharge the sample from the reactor. This eliminates the possibility of contamination from atmospheric gases and moisture, which may damage an active catalyst and compromise data. — Micromeritics Instrument Corp., Norcross, Ga.
Porvair Filtration Group
Introduced at Filtech (Cologne, Germany; October 22–24), Sinterflo FMC (photo) is a new metal-fiber mesh composite for filter elements. The FMC structure features integrated Bekaert Bekipor technology and is composed of random fiber webs and woven mesh structures that are sintered to form a homogenous, yet multiple-layered structure designed to deliver strength and practicality in cleaning. Alongside this range of metallic Sinterflo filter elements, the company is able to provide a full range of polymeric disposable and last-chance filters, as well as a wide range of complementary filter housings. — Porvair Filtration Group, Inc., Ashland, Va.
Phoenix Contact
The new, two-piece M8 circular connectors for data transmission (photo) are well suited for compact devices, such as SCADA operator interfaces or camera systems. The four-position socket contacts feature D-coding and enable data transmission at up to 100 Mbps (CAT5 in accordance with IEEE 802.3) in Ethernet and Profinet environments. For mounting in the device wall, thread or press-in housings are available for a mechanically stable port-screw connection. When connected, the device connectors fulfill the IP67 degree of protection. Specially shielded versions are available for stringent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. The M8 device connectors are standardized in accordance with IEC standard 61076-2-114 and are suitable for currents up to 4 A, as well as voltages up to 60 V. — Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Bromberg, Germany
IBM
The Maximo Asset Monitor (photo) is a new remote-monitoring platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to help maintenance and operations leaders better understand and improve the performance of their high-value physical assets. This new platform can unlock essential insights with AI-powered anomaly detection and provide enterprise-wide visibility into critical equipment performance, resulting in faster problem identification that can inform better decisions and reduce downtime. The Maximo Asset Monitor also enables users to integrate asset information and history and unify asset-management processes. With multiple deployment models, users can maintain all asset types no matter where they reside, set up new assets quickly and upgrade enterprise asset-management (EAM) software automatically without interrupting uptime. — IBM, Armonk, N.Y.
WAGO Kontakttechnik
The Pro 2 line of power-supply units (PSU; photo), with units ranging from 120 to 960 W, can connect to various gateways via a snap-on communication module (currently, IO-Link; Ethernet-based protocols such as Modbus TCP, Ethernet IP, ProfiNet in the future). This selection of standardized protocols ensures convenient and reliable integration into the respective infrastructure. Data from the Pro 2 PSU can be saved and analyzed for energy optimization; the central PLC can switch off distributed PSUs in parts of the system via a hardware signal or bus command in order to activate standby mode to save energy — and with the unit’s monitoring functions, provide information about current power supply or connected load data, and signal errors for seamless application monitoring. This status information, which can be retrieved by the controller at any time, eliminates the need to check the output voltage manually and allows on-time maintenance of the power supply and all connected loads. — WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Minden, Germany
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems
The modular Online Analysis System for measuring water quality is now also available as a compact field unit (photo). Users can set parameters and evaluate measured data via digital interfaces. The field unit can be equipped with up to six sensor cubes, which it supplies with power, and guarantees full communication with the process control system. Required parameters, such as pH, chlorine/chlorine dioxide, conductivity, redox potential (ORP) and turbidity, can be recorded at various points in the process. Using the EDIP (Efficient Device Integration Platform) and graphical programming, all the parameters of the various sensor cubes can be adapted and individual warning messages generated. Customized systems can also be set up. — Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, Ingelfingen, Germany
Krohne
PipePatrol (photo) is a comprehensive suite of software modules for long- or short-distance single and multiproduct pipelines for oil, gas, water or chemicals, offering monitoring and protection of pipelines in all operating conditions. PipePatrol can be supplied in various configurations: eight modules cover leak detection, theft detection, stress monitoring, line-break detection, tightness monitoring, batch tracking, pump monitoring and predictive modeling. To match the application, the modules can be used standalone or individually combined, and optionally complemented by a wide range of instrumentation, cybersecurity and field-data-acquisition systems. The leak detection module uses the PipePatrol E-RTTM (extended realtime transient model) for leak detection and localization for liquids and gases. The predictive modeling module forecasts pipeline operation (for example, looking at the next 24 hours) and identifies possible threats, such as shortage in supply or pressure violations. Its offline simulation then can be used to find corrective measures, as well as for planning of optimized operation in the future. — Krohne, Inc., Peabody, Mass.
Vaisala
The MGP261 is a new Ex-certified inline multigas measurement instrument that enables biogas plant operators to optimize the production of biogas in real time, and thereby derive greater value from biowaste. The MGP261 multigas probe is said to be the world’s first in-situ biogas instrument measuring multiple gases in demanding processing conditions. The instrument combines methane, carbon dioxide and humidity measurements with the company’s patented infrared Carbocap sensors in a single-gas sample cell directly inside the biogas pipeline. The MGP261 is certified for use in Ex Zone 0 and 1. This offers significant advantages over extractive gas analyzers, which require auxiliary gas-sampling pumps and gas-drying equipment. — Vaisala Oyj, Vantaa, Finland
Best Process Solutions
The Model TSF twin-screw feeder (photo) is designed for precise batching and weighing applications, including: batching to weigh hoppers; low loss-in-weight, scale-monitored flow; low loss-of-weight batch applications with scales; drum and pail packout lines; and recipe-type batching by multiple computer-controlled units. The feeder’s dual-helix design combines fast, high-volume filling with accurate dribble flow at the end of the cycle. Its compact design is ideal when limited space prohibits multiple individual screw units. Two helixes — 1.5 and 4 in. in diameter — are mounted on a hopper. They are rated at 17 and 283 ft 3 /h, respectively, at maximum RPM with 100% efficient conveyable product and no slippage. — Best Process Solutions, Inc. (BPS), Brunswick, Ohio
The new VMF-90D volumetric screw feeder (photo) is an automatic metering screw-feed system for mixing and dispensing dry materials into a secondary process. Among the standard features are a concentric material-conditioning overwind auger, an SCR controller that may be remotely mounted, a 4–20-mA integrated cycle timer, an alarm sensor and a vibratory agitator. Made of rugged, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, the feeder accurately dispenses most chemicals found in the water and wastewater industries at feedrates of 0.77 to 7.73 ft 3/h and with accuracy to within 1% of volume. — Scaletron Industries, Ltd., Plumsteadville, Pa.
Mann+Hummel International
This company offers a solution for precise monitoring of the filter status of heavy-duty machinery. This type of proactive monitoring offers many advantages over common reactive measures. In the system (photo), various sensors monitor the load status of air and cabin air filters, oil, hydraulic oil and transmission oil filters, as well as fuel pre-filters and main filters. Furthermore, the status of the engine oil, hydraulic oil and fuel can be observed. The measured data are transferred from the respective machine to the OEM cloud, where it is anonymized and then passed on to this company’s cloud. Algorithms analyze the data of the individual sensors and determine precise key figures for the predictive maintenance. This information is prepared and returned digitally to the OEM, which makes the information available to fleet operators and end users in the telematics system or via an application (app). — Mann+Hummel International GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwigsburg, Germany
ecom instruments
The new Smart-Ex Watch 01 (photo, p. 31) is said to be the first smartwatch for use in Ex Zones 2/22 and Div. 2. Based on the Samsung Galaxy Watch, it offers a new way of hands-free communication and enables higher employee protection. The Smart-Ex Watch 01 can be combined with this company’s Smart-Ex 02 and Ex-Handy 10 smart handheld devices to support the mobile worker with a wide range of tasks in hazardous areas. The Smart-Ex Watch 01 offers the mobile worker full freedom of movement and communication. Hands-free navigation via advanced voice control or wrist gestures simplifies operation. A rotating bezel allows for intuitive scrolling through apps and instructions, even when wearing gloves. Thanks to integrated GPS and motion sensors, the Smart-Ex Watch 01 protects its wearer from the ubiquitous dangers of an industrial environment. Additionally, the sensors can be used to monitor vital signs for critical conditions. — ecom instruments GmbH, a Pepperl+Fuchs brand, Assamstadt, Germany
Brüel & Kjær Vibro
The DT-12x Series of transmitters (photo) are loop-powered displacement transmitters that monitor displacement and vibration for a wide range of industrial machines. Devices in the DT-12x Series are fully integrated transmitters, which means the driver (oscillator) and signal-conditioning electronics (vibration monitor) are built directly into the sensor. This greatly simplifies installation by eliminating the need and space requirements for a driver, vibration monitor and eventually a protective housing. Due to this design, the transmitter can be directly connected to a DCS or PLC using its standardized 4–20-mA output. The transmitter is loop-powered, so its 4–20-mA signal is not affected by long wiring distances, voltage drops or noise. This greatly simplifies installation even more when connecting to a DCS or PLC, since only two wires have to be connected in the current loop. — Brüel & Kjær Vibro GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
Adam Equipment
The AGB and AGF range of bench and floor scales (photo, p. 32) feature an integrated indicator with a durable stainless-steel housing, offering protection against dust and water. Along with an audible alarm, the color-changing display shifts during checkweighing mode for at-a-glance notification if weights are over, under or within a pre-set limit. All of these features make the AGB and AGF scales well suited for heavy-duty logistical applications in warehouses. Capacities for the AGB range from 16 to 260 lb, while the AGF’s capacities range from 175 to 1,320 lb. Weighing units for the pair include grams, kilograms, Newtons, pounds, ounces and more. In addition to conventional weighing, the scales offer parts counting with preset sample sizes, percentage weighing, checkweighing and check counting. A hold function freezes the displayed weight, allowing time to elapse without losing the result. The scales also feature a zero-tracking function to ensure the display returns to a zero reading. — Adam Equipment, Milton Keynes, U.K.