What's New
Multivariable Digital Technology Improves Coriolis Flowmeter Accuracy and Stability
Earlier versions of the Micro Motion ELITE flowmeter provide flow measurements with ±0.10% accuracy. In this latest rendition, accuracy is ±0.05% for mass and volumetric flow, and up to ±0.0002 g/cm3 for density — representing a two-fold improvement in density performance. The device is designed for chemical dosing, high-value custody transfer and other applications where precise measurement is critical. In addition, overall meter stability is boosted to a level that eliminates the need for field zeroing. Increased processing speeds and a new Coriolis sensor design combine to solve the problems associated with identifying and accurately measuring “two-phase flow” dilemmas, enabling precise measurement of streams containing entrained gas, such as bubble flow, slug flow, and empty-full-empty batch applications.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Micro Motion
www.micromotion.com
Insertion Magmeters Measure Clean-Water Flowrates in Large Lines
Making their U.S. debut, AquaProbe 1 and 2 insertion electromagnetic flowmeters are debuting as a cost-effective alternative to full-bore meters as well as a convenient way to perform surveys on existing lines and meters. Intended for permanent installations where power is available, AquaProbe 1 connects with the company’s MagMaster transmitter. It offers 4–20-mA analog output and HART communication options. AquaProbe 2, powered by a battery pack, primarily serves temporary installations, such as checking, verifying and certifying meters. These flowmeters are available in lengths of 12, 20, 25 and 40 in., for pipe diameters ranging from 8 in. to 320 in. Accuracy is better than ±2% of flowrate, and battery life is up to five years.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
ABB Instrumentation
www.abb.us/instrumentation
This Bar Graph Accommodates Multiple Units on the Plant Floor
The latest in a family of 10-loop powered instruments, the LPB bar graph can be configured for 1, 3 or 5 pointers or full bars. The LPB is 4–20-mA powered and only puts a 4.5-V burden in the loop, allowing for multiple units in the loop on the factory floor. The 51 segments of its light-emitting diode provide 2% resolution and accuracy indication of the loop’s value, and can be scaled within 30% of its factory setting of 0–100% via the front panel zero and span pots. Compatible with 1⁄4 DIN and switchboard cutouts, the device is available in four grades — industrial, nuclear, intrinsically safe and to specific Mil-specs.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Otek Corp.
www.otekcorp.com
A Single Device Measures Particles in Water and Non-Aqueous Solvents
The Sysmex FPIA-3000 automated particle shape and size analyzer now has the capability to measure particles suspended in nonaqueous solvents, as well as those in water-based materials. This is especially important in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, where there is often a requirement to measure the shape and size of particles that are soluble in water. The Sysmex FPIA-3000 can now accommodate all common solvents, including acetone, methylethylketone, ethyl acetone, xylene and toluene. This instrument can measure particles in the range of 0.8–300 µm and, using a CCD camera, produces images of each particle as well as a scattergram of shape index versus particle size in just 2.5 min. Samples pass through a sheath flowcell that transforms the particle suspension into a narrow or flat flow, ensuring that the largest area of the particle is oriented towards the camera, and that all particles are in focus. The CCD camera captures 60 images/s; these images are analyzed in realtime.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Malvern Instruments
www.malverninstruments.com
Monitor Oxygen Concentrations in Industrial Process Gases
The SPECTRACAP oxygen transmitter OMT355 measures oxygen concentration optically by analyzing the absorption of light (generated by a tunable diode laser (TDL)), and associating that data to the wavelength characteristic of the oxygen molecule. A compact probe suitable for field use, the OMT355 can be flange-mounted directly into a process without sampling or sample conditioning equipment, providing the user with realtime measurement data without sample-switching delays. Typical applications for the OMT355 include gas generation, inert-gas blanketing, fermentation and composting process monitoring. Made with a stainless steel probe, the transmitter tolerates aggressive chemicals and excessive amounts of moisture. For processes with high temperatures, elevated pressures, or excessive solids content, an optional sampling cell is available for the transmitter.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Vaisala
www.vaisala.com
Use This Kit to Measure pH in Foods and Beverages
The S20FB pH meter combines the manufacturer’s S20 SevenEasy pH meter, an InLab 425 pH electrode and ancillary cables, as well as buffer standards for running pH tests on samples of foods and beverages. It features built-in automatic temperature compensation, which allows the electrode signal to be corrected for temperature effects. An automatic endpoint improves the reproducibility of the measurement and safeguards the quality of the results. The InLab 425 electrode accurately measures sticky and viscous food samples, as well as samples of varying temperatures.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Mettler Toledo
www.mt.com
Use These Sensors to Measure Liquids at Low Flowrates
Offered as an electronic alternative to ball-and-tube rotameters, Models 104 and 107 Liquid Flo-Sensors precisely measure liquid flowrates as low as 13 mL/min. Stainless steel construction guarantees compatibility with virtually any chemical, including many solvents and organic compounds. An analog 0–5-VDC output and pulse output are both provided as standard features. Optional outputs include the 4–20 mA and an integrated display.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
McMillan Co.
www.mcmflow.com
Measure Electrostatic Voltages without Making Contact
The Model 325 electrostatic voltmeter measures electrostatic voltages from millivolts to ±40 V over a wide range of probe-to-surface distances. Applications include electrostatic monitoring of devices sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), and testing of the reliability and characteristics of dielectric materials and films in electronic applications. During the processing of paper, plastic, textile or other film products, the device monitors electrostatic charges where buildup can cause productivity or yield problems. Features include sensitivity of 1 mV, a response time of less than 3 ms, and accuracy better than ±0.05% of full scale.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Trek, Inc.
www.trekinc.com
Instead of Traditional Fiber Optics, Use This Sphere to Measure Powders
An addition to this vendor’s Smart Accessories, the novel near-infrared integrating sphere is designed for the analysis of diffuse reflection. Samples can be placed on top of the instrument, so that minimal sample preparation is required. The integrating sphere achieves highly accurate and fast diffuse-reflectance measurements of a wide range of powders and solids, including polymers, plastics, natural materials and incoming feed materials. These types of analyses are of primary interest to research and analytical services in the polymer industry as well as raw material manufacturers. When coupled with the company’s Nicolet FT-IR spectrometers, the integrating sphere leads to automatic optimization of the entire system, thereby eliminating errors and saving time through maintenance of appropriate experimental conditions. The system has been equipped with an optimized, dedicated InGaAs detector, enabling the scattered near-infrared energy to be collected with an efficiency of more than 95%.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Thermo Electron Corp.
www.thermo.com
Fast Turnaround Service Offered for Custom-Molded Parts
With the Kwik Mold service, processors can purchase up to 100 molded parts for shipment within two to three weeks. Molded parts can be designed to handle a range of industry fluids, temperatures, surface speeds and pressures in standard, metric or custom sizes. Materials of construction include synthetic and natural rubber, fluorosilicon, silicon, polyurethane, nitrile and fluoropolymers such as Viton.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
American High Performance Seals
www.ahpseals.com
Smart Hoses Eliminate the Hazards of Coupling Ejection
In the event of a hose failure, this manufacturer’s Smart-Hose Safety System automatically shuts off flow in both directions, minimizing the potential for harmful spills and leaks. The system connects a coated cable within the hose bore to the valve plungers, wedges or flappers at hose end points. When conditions are normal, this cable acts as a compression spring to hold valves open. Instant thrust, due to coupling ejection, hose stretching or hose separation, is eliminated, allowing both valves to seat themselves.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Smart-Hose technologies
www.smarthose.com
To Get That Condensate Down the Drain, Use a High-Pressure Steam Trap
A new addition to the Gestra product line, the UNA 38 steam trap is designed to drain high flowrates of high-pressure condensate from steam systems. The device features the ball-float and needle-closing mechanisms used on other Gestra traps and boasts a large condensate discharge capacity.works independently of backpressure, accommodating a wide range of applications, including. large differential pressures up to 80 bars.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Flowserve Corp.
www.flowserve.com
Coalescers Designed for a Variety of Separation Applications
These liquid/liquid coalescers can be used to capture valuable solvents, to accelerate separation processes and to assist in environmental cleanup applications. The separation media include monofilament knitted mesh in numerous metallic and plastic materials, as well as corrugated plate packs, for high-velocity flow regimes or for liquids with entrained solids.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
AMISTCO Separation Products
www.amistco.com
CPVC Pipe Makes its Debut in Large-Diameter Sizes
Claiming an industry first, this manufacturer of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe has expanded its product line to include pipe in three larger-size diameters —18 in., 20 in. and 24 in. Available in Schedule 40 and 80 dimensions, these pipes exhibit the same physical properties for mechanical, thermal, electrical, and fire performance as their conventional pipes, which are fabricated in sizes starting at 1⁄4 in. The CPVC construction is lightweight and configurations are available in plain end or belled one end for easy, cost-effective installations.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Harvel Plastics, Inc.
www.harvel.com
Quick-Connect Fittings Are Easy to Disconnect
Kwik-Klik plastic couplers feature a spring-loaded socket that clicks when secure and a thumb disconnect button that is easy to activate. Interchangeable with standard connectors, these fittings have an unimpeded flow path and include both a lubricated Buna-N seal and stainless steel spring. The plug can rotate to prevent kinking, and color coding is available for identification. The connectors are available sizes ranging from 1/16-in. to 2/16-in. I.D., and 10/32-in. to 1/8-in. NPT.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Industrial Specialties Mfg., Inc.
www.industrialspec.com
Enhanced PEF Reduce Energy Requirements for Liquid Purification
Incorporating an enhanced pulsed electric field process (PEF), the IPC Bio Pulse Disinfection Process is aimed at users who have found the conventional PEF purification process too energy demanding. For example, this system reduced energy requirements significantly using a flow-through system and treatment chamber with a 60-kV pulse at 100 pulses per second. The microbe load was reduced from 4.4 million to five, for a 5.94 log reduction. System prices start at $300,000.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Ion Physics Corp.
www.ionphysics.com
Create and Control Gas Mixtures with This Generator
The AutoBlend Complex Mixtures Generator is a multi-channel, computer-controlled blending system that uses permeation tubes to create trace concentration gas mixtures. Component concentrations can be independently varied, rendering the instrument ideal for sensor testing and methods validation. During operation, the permeation tubes that are installed in each channel emit a small, precisely known flow of each component compound. The computer system controls the proportionate combination of flow from the various channels with a precisely controlled carrier-gas dilution flow to form the mixture for each channel. Mixtures containing up to 48 compounds can be dry or humidified in nature, and delivered at pressures up to 20 psig. The concentration of each component in a mixture is traceable to NIST through physical standards.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
KIN-TEK Laboratories, Inc.
www.kin-tek.com
A 50-ft Conveyor Oven Has Two Heating Zones
The No. 972 belt conveyor oven operates at temperatures up to 250˚F (120˚C). Electric heat is delivered at 40 kW per zone through two Incoloy-sheathed tubular elements, while two 10-hp recirculating blower motors provide 25,000 ft3 of vertical downward airflow to the workload. The oven features 4-in. thick insulated walls throughout an aluminized steel exterior/Type 304, 2B-finish stainless-steel interior, with continuously back-welded seams and wall penetrations that are fitted with compression elements. The oven is split into two sections for shipment and reassembly at the customer’s location.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Grieve Corp.
www.grievecorp.com
These Electric Heaters Are More Reliable when Less Moisture Is Present
INFI-SEAL technology provides improved heater reliability and eliminates moisture-related startup problems by transforming the magnesium oxide in a tubular heater’s cold section from hygroscopic to hydrophobic (from readily absorbing water to repelling water). These treated heating elements exhibit infinite resistance to ground and do not absorb or retain moisture and are backed with a two-year limited warranty against moisture penetration.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Gaumer Process Heaters, Systems & Controls
www.gaumer.com
For Non-Contact Applications, Use This Conveyor
Designed for applications where non-contact between products is crucial, this conveyor achieves zero-pressure accumulation that stages from the discharge end around virtually any degree of curvature. The conveyor utilizes PosiGrip technology, which has roller-drive gear teeth formed directly into the rollers, and is powered by smooth, quiet synchronous belting in a positive drive. The latter provides superior drive force vs. line-shaft and O-ring styles of conveyors, while eliminating metal-to-metal contact.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
TKF, Inc.
www.tkf.com
Here’s a Pressure-Bottom Container for Electronic and Lab Chemicals
Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this 4-L, pressure-bottom container resists bulging, distortion and loss of container stability associated with chemicals that build internal pressures up to 35 psi. The containers are blow-molded using nitrogen as the blowing gas, and then capped to ensure cleanliness for particulate-sensitive chemicals and processes. In addition, the containers can be fluorinated inline using a mixture of fluorine and nitrogen as the blowing gases, thereby creating an inner barrier that resists permeation by non-polar solvents.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Novapak Corp.
www.pvcc.com
A Synthetic Lubricant Protects Against Chain Drag and Wear
Formulated to resist oxidation and thermal degradation, MolykoteL-1428 high-temperature chain maintains stable performance and lubricity over a wide temperature range and under heavy loads. The synthetic lubricant extends oil-drain intervals, and helps prevent process interruptions. The product has extremely low volatility, and will not form carbon deposits or smoke.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Dow Corning Corp.
www.dowcorning.com
Scrubber-Sweeper Simplifies Maintenance
The M20 Scrubber-Sweeper is the only industrial floor cleaning machine that combines a scrubber and a sweeper into a single system — dubbed FloorSmart technology (patent-pending) — that eliminates the complexity of traditional sweeper-scrubbers (two machines bolted together). In essence, the M20 features a high-capacity hopper with dry dust control, allowing users to dry sweep or wet scrub — or do both simultaneously — using the same two brushes. No tools are required to change the brush, squeegee, or washable dust filter, which filters at 99% overall efficiency. SmartRelease technology prevents damage to the squeegee frame and floor if the squeegee breaks away. The system offers a 40–56-in. cleaning path, a 125-gal solution/recovery usable tank capacity, a 3.9-ft3 usable hopper and patented foam-activated scrubbing technology that is certified by the National Floor Safety Institute to increase floor traction up to 21% —delivering just-scrubbed floors that are immediately clean, quickly dry, and ready for traffic.
Appeared In Issue: August 2006
Tennant Co.
www.tennant.com