The Powtech Technopharm exhibition (Sept. 23–25; Nuremberg, Germany) highlights all types of technologies for processing powders, solids and liquids. This year’s event boasts an exhibit hall and technical forums, all supporting interdisciplinary dialogues and hands-on technology demonstrations. The following are some highlights from this year’s exhibitors.
Safely monitor CO concentration and humidity in drying processes
This company’s CO.Pilot (photo) is a device for monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) concentration and humidity in drying plants. With the CO.Pilot’s tunable-laser-absorption spectroscopy mechanism, Maillard reactions, smoldering embers and fires within the processes and systems are detected at an early stage in order to eliminate them as an ignition source for a fire or explosion. In addition to monitoring the CO concentration, the system also provides information about the moisture content of the process air so that processes can always be optimally controlled. Absolute measured values can be displayed in real time, and limiting values can be adjusted depending on specific process parameters. The measurement range for CO concentration is 0 to 1,000 parts per million (ppm). Hall 9, Booth 9-503 — Rembe GmbH Safety+Control, Brilon, Germany
Robust radar sensors for reliable solids level measurement
The Micropilot FMR10B, FMR20B and FMR30B radar sensors (photo) provide reliable, non-contact level measurement using powerful 80-GHz radar technology. These compact devices are tailored for level measurement in solids applications, where dust, temperature fluctuations and hard-to-access installations present daily challenges for measurement technologies. The sensors’ small footprint and user-friendly operation support stable measurement with reduced effort. The sensors can be flexibly adapted to various installation conditions using a matching range of accessories. These include mounting brackets, a weather-protection cover, an external display and a high-performance 80-mm antenna with a narrow 4-deg beam angle. This enables measurement in deep silos up to 30 m tall. Versions approved for use in hazardous areas are available for the FMR20B and FMR30B. Hall 9, Booth 9-233 — Endress+Hauser AG, Reinach, Switzerland
Prescriptive process solutions for conveyed media
The QualiMaster VC1 (photo) is an intelligent system for continuous product monitoring of bulk materials directly on the conveyor. Equipped with a special camera, the VC1 continuously captures image data of the material, which is then analyzed in real time. This enables contactless inline measurement of real values, such as particle-size distribution, sphericity or surface structure. Such precise, autonomous analysis creates the basis for optimized, stable and reproducible product quality. Hall 11.0, Booth 11-213 — Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich GmbH & Co KG (Eirich), Hardheim, Germany
Advanced particle analysis with many measurement options
The Litesizer DLS (photo) is a compact dynamic light-scattering instrument that can analyze particle size, zeta potential, particle concentration and molecular weight precisely. Thanks to a dust-free, double-sealed optical bench, the device is optimally protected from external influences. This ensures consistently high measurement quality. For maximum flexibility, the Litesizer DLS 501 and 701 models offer three measurement angles — back, side and forward scattering — supplemented by polarization and fluorescence filters at all angles. The DLS 701 features multi-angle particle sizing (MAPS) technology, which combines all angles to achieve the highest resolution, especially with polydisperse samples. Litesizer devices can handle particle sizes ranging from 0.3 nm to 15µm with a minimal sample volume of just 1.5µL. Hall 12.0, Booth 12-361 — Anton Paar GmbH, Graz, Austria
Mary Page Bailey