What's New
Ceramic Packing is Corrosion Resistant and Energy Efficient
Designed for acid applications, Flexeramic structured packing provides a lower pressure drop than most other random packings and trays on the market. Composed of corrugated ceramic sheets that are vertically aligned in the packed column, the elements eliminate any horizontal surfaces that may create resistance to fluid flow. This geometric construction reduces the channeling of both liquid and vapor, and provides for more effective contact of sulfuric acid and sulfur trioxide gas. This increased efficiency offers improvements in moisture removal from incoming air, which minimizes the opportunity for SO3 slip along the absorber wall. Substituting this packing in standard packed or tray columns can achieve a pressure drop decrease of up to 60% and improve efficiency by 2%, resulting in lower energy costs for most distillation and absorption operations.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Koch Knight LLC
www.kochknight.com
Grow and Transport Cell Cultures in these Sterile Environments
The OptiCell cell-culture system provides scientists with a device that reduces the time and labor required for experimental steps, such as imaging, cell separation, antibody production, transfection, cloning, shipping of live cells, and short-term cryopreservation. Based on the concept of cell growth on a respiratory active membrane, OptiCell utilizes gas-permeable membranes that enable efficient exchange of O2 and CO2 for optimal cell growth. Less than 6-mm thick, the OptiCell system is comprised of two cell-culture-treated polystyrene film membranes sealed onto a microtiter plate-sized frame, forming a hermetically sealed, sterile growth chamber. Two self-sealing ports provide a sterile fluid path to the chamber interior for the transfer and exchange of cells and media. The system takes up a fraction of the space and half the media volume of 75-cm2 flasks. Cells grow on clear, non-fluorescent polystyrene membrane surfaces enabling observation of live and fixed cyto-staining in situ with any optical device or microscope.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
NUNC
www.nuncbrand.com
A Medium-Flow Fuel Filter is Made Modular
Introduced as a cost-effective, bolt-on replacement for medium-flow filters, this modular filter boasts a flexible design that meets a variety of cost needs and performance specifications. A single-base head assembly is mated with the modular components, including a water sensor, electrical heater, visual water bowl, manual priming pump and life indicator (electronic or visual). Additionally, the filter can be used with the company’s Twist & Drain valve, interchangeably between the clear plastic bowl and the spin-on, to reduce maintenance costs. The mix-and-match components of this product allow customers to easily build individualized filters. Modular fuel products are able to utilize different fuel-media technologies, depending on customer requirements. For example, the filter can use traditional silicone treated cellulose or synthetic media, featuring Synteq, one of the firm’s newest filter media technologies, which removes contaminants and emulsified water from the fuel stream.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Donaldson Co.
www.donaldson.com
Sanitary Steam Trap Features Higher Discharge Capacity
Developed specifically for clean steam equipment condensate drainage in the pharmaceutical, bioprocess, electronic, food, beverage and cosmetic industries, the CoMBo condensate measuring elbow thermostatic sanitary steam trap features the firm’s ultra-sensitive bellows that maintain less than 6 in. of condensate backup, instead of the traditional 18 in., for loads ranging from 1 to 27 lb/h for vessels sized up to 40,000 L. The steam trap meets ASME BPE code and has 30–50% higher discharge capacity than standard industry sanitary steam traps. It is available with a 3/4-in. horizontal or vertical inlet, with an optional thermowell for a resistance-temperature detector (RTD); 3/4-in. though 1-1/2-in. outlet, and is designed for pressures to 40 psig and temperatures to 292°F.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Nicholson Steam Trap
http://www.nicholsonsteamtrap.com
Use these Production Platforms to Convert Raw Materials into Commercial Products
ALCHEM Production Platforms are proprietary processes for the design, development, scaleup and optimization of specific chemical compounds. The ALCHEM Biocatalysis production platform uses special proteins called designer enzymes to transform low-value materials into high-value compounds, while the ALCHEM Biosynthesis production platform harnesses cells to convert simple raw materials into complex high-value molecules. The platforms enable the design, development and manufacture of more than 40,000 biological chemical compounds used in a variety of applications including: flavors and fragrances, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, agricultural, biopesticides, bio-energy, biomaterials and biopolymers.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Industrial Biotechnology Corp.
www.industrialbiotechnology.com
This Autosampler Takes the Drudgery Out of Sample Preparation
An integrated autosampling device and multi-stirrer, the Vortex autosampler is designed to increase efficiency, enhance precision and promote operator safety. The temperature-controlled, heated (up to 150°C) multi-stirrer assembly features a stainless steel tray that accommodates both 20-mL and 40-mL vials. Each vial position has its own magnetic-stirring mechanism, delivering consistent and reproducible stirring action from vial to vial and eliminating variability due to the dissolution process. When coupled with maker’s Triple Detector Array (TDA) or relative viscometer, the sampler provides a complete, automated system for macromolecular characterization and determination of solution viscosities. Employing the latest gel permeation/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC), the Vortex allows users to concentrate on testing and data analysis, rather than time-consuming and tedious sample preparation.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Viscotek
www.viscotek.com
These Sensors Accommodate High-Pressure Applications
The AST47HP Series meets the growing need for pressure sensors with ratings to 60,000 psig (4,000 bar) for applications such as high-pressure wells, hydraulics, injection molding equipment, water jets and downhole instrumentation. These sensors are also suitable for water-jetting applications used in food processing, concrete and tile cutting and metal fabrication. They incorporate a one-piece stainless-steel sensing element that is free of silicone oil, welds or O-rings. The absence of these characteristics eliminates the chance of contamination from outside media, particularly in food processing applications. The sensing element features a thick diaphragm that eliminates the long-term drift associated with high-pressure and high-cycle applications. Stainless steel housing is welded to the sensing element for optimum protection of the sensor’s electronics. Units are rated for over 100-million pressure cycles and operation over a temperature range of –40 to 85°C (–40 to 185°F).
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
American Sensor Technologies
www.astsensors.com
Use this System to Evaporate Samples Formulated in Different Solvents
The HT-24 ultrahigh-throughput centrifugal evaporator is designed for organic synthesis, HPLC and compound purification. Designed around two HT-12 Series II evaporators, the HT-24 enables users to simultaneously evaporate two samples made in different solvents. The high-throughput design of the HT-24 allows up to 96 shallow-well microplates to be dried down at the same time, while capacity for standard 16 ¥ 100-mm fraction collector tubes is 576 tubes/run.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Genevac Ltd.
www.genevac.com
Industrial Ethernet Switch Preconfigured for Ring Redundancy Offers Ease of Operation
The EOTec 2104 industrial Ethernet ring switch comes preconfigured for ring redundancy, offering virtual plug-and-play performance for quick and easy startup and commissioning. The switch uses self-healing ring topology, featuring the ease of operation of an unmanaged switch, while providing the benefits of a managed switch. In addition to offering fast recovery times (30 ms + 5 ms/hop), the switch allows for real-time data transfer with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet compliance. The EOTec 2104 also offers diagnostic outputs for use in critical process applications. Ruggedly engineered and certified for harsh environmental conditions, the switch can handle temperatures from –40°C to 85°C. Two local and one global relay alarm contacts are included, and expansion modules are available for additional copper/fiber ports.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Weed Instrument Fiber Optics Div.
www.weedinstrument.com
At a Glance, Check the Freshness of Perishable Goods
OnVu is a time-temperature indicator (TTI) system that monitors the freshness of perishable goods. OnVu TTIs are supplied as either printing inks or labels and can, in principle, be used for any product that is sensitive to temperature. Once activated by a suitable light source, the TTI first becomes dark and then grows progressively lighter as time passes, and if and when the ambient temperature rises. Exposure to higher temperatures than those prescribed accelerates the lightening process of the color. When the activated color attains the same shade as the reference, the product has reached the end of its shelf life. The indicators give a visual summary of a product’s accumulated chill-chain history, recording the effects of both time and temperature. Every indicator is tailored to the shelf life and optimum storage conditions of the product it is designed to monitor. While these TTIs are designed for meat, fish, dairy products and convenience foods with a shelf life of 5–6 days at 5°C, under development are TTIs for products with a shelf life of one week and more.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Ciba Specialty Chemicals and FreshPoint, Inc.
www.onvu.com
A Three-Wire Option Protects a Sensor and Seals Against Moisture and Wetness
For sensing and communication, standard C-Series sensors are equipped with a connector that attaches to a cable. While this connection works well under normal conditions, in a wet environment, such cables can wick water or other liquids down the inside of the cable jacket if a sealed cable is not used or if the opposite end of the cable jacket is exposed. By replacing the connector and cover with three discrete wires that seal against the wire insulation instead of the cable jacket, a simple grommet can be used to provide water-tight sealing. Designed as the smallest magnetostrictive linear position sensor, theC-Series is built on a base Core sensor to which application-specific moderations can be added. The three-wire option increases the functionality of the C-Series by enabling it to be used as an embedded, and therefore lower-cost alternative to sensors with connectors in liquid or vapor-laden environments.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
MTS Sensors Division
www.mtssensors.com
Multipin Connectors Fit the Bill for a Variety of Applications
VEAM CIR Series connectors can function as electrical, optical or pneumatic connectors, providing design engineers with the ability to simplify receptacle design processes and inventory. Coaxial CIR connectors accept most popular RG cables. Fiber styles are available with single- or multiple-fiber termini. Devices can include a range of insert-grommet materials to provide superior resistance to fuel oils, solvents and elevated temperatures. Alternatively, they can be supplied with glass-to-metal hermetic seals in lieu of elastomeric inserts. Other VEAM CIR connector configurations include: high-voltage; twin- or tri-axial with size 4 or 8 contacts; and RFI/EMI, in which grounding fingers on plug connectors provide 360-deg plug-to-receptacle shield integrity. Filtered devices that incorporate tubular or planar filter networks are available as well. CIR connectors have also been designed for pneumatic operation. Various insert arrangements with size 4, 8 or 12 cavities accept pneumatic contacts to pass liquid or air, at pressures to 110 psi.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
ITT
www.itt.com
Replace Phenolic-Based Wetting Agents with these Waterborne Surfactants
Carbowet 106 and 109 surfactants for waterborne architectural and industrial coatings are drop-in replacements for wetting agents that contain alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE) or nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), which are persistent in the environment and suspected of being endocrine disrupters. Biodegradable, these surfactants are multifunctional, low-foaming, solvent-free additives for pigment and substrate wetting. They are clear, low-odor, low-viscosity liquids that are 100% active and easy to use. Carbowet 106 and 109 surfactants differ in their degree of water solubility, and, because they are free of phenolics, they are environmentally preferable to APE and NPE
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
www.airproducts.com
Polyols Made from Castor Oil Make Good Coatings and Adhesives
Marketed as the first completely natural, renewable seed-based series of polyols for the urethane industry, Polycin GR polyols are intended for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (CASE) applications. Derived from the components of castor oil, these polyols range in hydroxyl number from 340 down to 35, with functionality from 2.9 to 2, resulting in polyurethane hardness. The new materials meet the growing demand for products based on green chemistry.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Vertellus Performance Materials, Inc.
www.vertellus.com
This Highly Fillable, Heat-Resistant Elastomer May Be a Good Alternative to Acrylic Elastomers
Traditionally used in the wire and cable industry, the Levapren line of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers is also gaining a reputation as a cost-effective alternative to acrylic elastomers (ACM) in many niche markets. Levapren is a highly fillable, heat-resistant elastomer. It is continuously heat-resistant up to air temperatures over 160°C and is also resistant up to 175°C for short periods of time. The elastomer is nonhalogenated, and the relatively high polarity provides substantial oil resistance. Because of these features, Levapren is a strong candidate for replacement of ACM in seals, gaskets and hose applications. It may also be a cost-effective alternative to ethylene-acrylic (AEM), epichlorohydrin (ECO/CO) and chlorinated/chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CM/CSM) in a variety of applications.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
LANXESS Corp.
www.levapren.com
Improved Joint Sealant is Stronger and More Reliable
Enhancements to the Gore joint sealant have increased its strength by 50%, making it more creep-resistant than before and, thereby, increasing seal reliability. The joint sealant is a versatile form-in-place gasketing material that can be used in most types of sealing applications. Made from GORE expanded PTFE, the material is impervious to virtually all chemicals, is suitable for use in temperatures ranging from –450°F to 600°F, and withstands pressures to 3,000 psig. According to the company, the stronger GORE joint sealant product also offers several cost advantages. Because it is designed to be customized onsite, the joint sealant enables the user to eliminate costly material scrap, lengthy lead times, and the excessive inventory burdens of stocking large or complex flange gaskets that must be pre-cut.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
W.L. Gore & Associates
www.gore.com
Coating Turns Hazardous Environments into Safe, Anti-Slip Areas
A high-performance anti-slip coating, Stop-Slip• HDV is ideal for chemical, printing, or food processing plants, as well as for marine operations. The coating exceeds the rigorous standards of the U.S. Navy to protect aircraft carrier flight decks not only because it is specially formulated to stand up to extreme wear, but also because it turns this hazardous environment into a safe anti-slip surface. Stop-Slip HDV shrugs off jet fuel, Skydrol, salt water and UV radiation. The aggressive “peak-and-valley” profile provides superior traction and prevents hydroplaning, even when wet. Low-odor Stop-Slip• HDV has virtually no VOCs, making it suitable for indoor applications. The coating applies easily with a trowel or roller, dries in 24–48 h to a durable, easy-to-clean surface. The coating is also available in a USDA-approved version.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Garon Products
www.garonproducts.com
Need T-Tubes for Biotechnology Processes? Get Them Custom-Made
The latest addition to this custom T-Tube fabricator’s product line is Zotek F HT for biotechnology processes. Typically used for pipe insulation, T-Tubes are hollow tubes of heat-durable resin for pipe insulation. Zotek F HT withstands temperatures from 37°F to 320°F, an increase of 122°F over the current Zotek range. They are ideal for pipes that transfer hot liquids and medications, particularly in manufacturing environments where personnel are constantly monitoring activity and are at risk of severe burns should they come in contact with an exposed pipe. All Zotek F fluoropolymer foams feature smoke, flame and toxicity properties, chemical and UV resistance, and insulation and moisture-resistance properties.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
UFP Technologies
www.ufptech.com
Make Safety a Show-and-Tell Issue in the Workplace
Safety is a top priority for any manager and supervisor in a factory, plant, stockroom or worksite. SafetyCross magnetic printed white-board kits make workplace safety an every day issue. Prominently displayed in the workplace, each employee team posts its own SafetyCross board with magnets, visually engaging them in safety awareness all day, showing each safe day, week or month with a green magnet. A red or yellow magnet denotes an accident. SafetyCross boards let workers and supervisors track a full year of safety one day, week or month at a time. They are available in two sizes — 2-ft2 boards that are readable at 10 ft and a 3-ft2 board is readable at 50 ft. Kits include die-cut magnets in three colors to mark accidents and accident-free periods.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Magnatag
www.magnatag.com
Bundle Up on Safety with these Chemical-Resistant Products
This firm’s new Chemical Resistance Bundle includes KleenGuard G80 purple nitrile chemical-resistant gloves, KleenGuard G80 neoprene/latex chemical-resistant gloves and the KleenGuard A70 chemical spray protection coveralls. For a superior fit, both new KleenGuard G80 glove products offer an exclusive glove shape that is optimized for fit based on more than 40 dimensions. They also offer a 13-in. length to protect the forearms as well as the hands, textured fingers for grip, and a cotton flock lining for added comfort. The KleenGuard A70 chemical spray protection coveralls provide excellent protection for hazardous waste remediation, environmental clean-up, petrochemical and oil refining, acid and caustic handling, biohazard clean-up, tank cleaning and pharmaceutical manufacturing. A patented Reflex design provides a seamless chest area, a primary splash zone, and an elastic waist for better fit.
Appeared In Issue: December 2006
Kimberly-Clark Professional
www.kc-safety.com