What's New
Position Sensor Operates in Harsh Conditions
The Positek E111 is an intrinsically safe, rugged, linear position sensor for use in potentially explosive dust and gas/vapor atmospheres, including areas with continuous, long or frequent periods of exposure to hazardous gas and dust. With no wearing contacts, the E111 has virtually an infinite life, is highly linear and repeatable, and maintains output stability over a wide temperature range of –40°F to 176°F. The sensor’s body and target rod are made of stainless steel for long service life and corrosion resistance. Positek E111 sensors must be operated with Positek BX barriers that provide either a 0.5–9.5 V DC or a 4–20-mA analog output.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Everight Position Technologies Corp.
www.everightsensors.com
Versatile Transducer Takes Absolute Measurements
The waterMONITOR submersible datalogging level transducer takes measurements in an absolute reference pressure format. The sealed reference design simplifies maintenance, since no vent tube or associated desiccant filter is required to guard against moisture incursion. This transducer is capable of being modified into a baroMONITOR, which collects corresponding barometric pressure readings that can compensate for errors in absolute level measurements caused by changes in barometric pressure. The transducer is suitable for many groundwater and surface water applications, such as boreholes, tanks, rivers, lakes and streams. Capable of storing 600,000 measurements, the units have full-scale level ranges from 10 ft to 692 ft of water, with an accuracy of up to ±0.05% FS TEB (total error band) over the compensated temperature range of 14_F to 104_F. The baroMONITOR has a pressure range of 8 to 16 psia. Sampling modes include linear, linear averaging, event and logarithmic. Transducers feature programmable sampling rates of up to 15 readings/s; incorporate internal non-volatile memory of 2 MB or 4 MB; and upload data at 100 scans/s at a baud rate of 19,200, with a pressure and temperature time stamp.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Pressure Systems, Inc.,
www.pressuresystems.com/550.html
Water Filtration Sensor Detects Clogs
When installed within a water filtration system, the Model 5000 Wet/Wet Differential Pressure Sensor is designed to detect the difference between the upstream pressure driving water through the filter and the downstream pressure. After reading a significant drop in pressure, the sensor can notify the system that the filter is clogged or needs replacing. In addition to featuring highly accurate differential pressure output, the Model 5000 is constructed of type 316L stainless steel wetted materials that resist hydrogen embrittlement to ensure the highest reliability in a variety of media. This design provides excellent overrange and burst protection (five times the rated line pressure or 2,000 psi, whichever is less) for system safety in the most extreme conditions. The Model 5000 does not contain internal O-rings or fluid-filled cavities, eliminating the chance of outside media permeation or system contamination from silicone oil. Voltage and current outputs are available over a wide operating temperature range of –40°F to 185°F. Accuracy specifications are < 0.3% best fit straight line (bfsl), including non-linearity, hysteresis and non-repeatability.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
American Sensor Technologies
www.astsensors.com
Portable Analysis System is Water-Resistant
The Portable FlowCAM particle imaging and analysis system is a compact version of the Benchtop FlowCAM for laboratory operation. It travels conveniently like a laptop, yet has the same commanding range of patented particle imaging and analysis tools as its predecessor. The system automatically takes high-resolution digital images of individual particles and cells in a fluid, measures particle size, length, width, shape, fluorescence and dozens of other parameters in real time, and saves the images and data along with the time and date of collection for further analysis. Developed for process engineers, research scientists, water quality managers, environmental engineers, quality assurance personnel and other professionals, the Portable FlowCAM with its water-resistant case is ideal in the field for sampling monitoring wells, sludge lagoons, reservoirs and other sites, and on the processing line for sampling food, beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical and other products where the presence of particles and/or their characteristics impact product quality. It can be customized on-site to target specific cells or particles while omitting non-target cells or particles by adjusting the mode of operation, magnification, flowrate and other settings. The Portable FlowCAM excels in analyzing particles ranging from 0.5 µm to 3 mm in size.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.
www.fluidimaging.com
Meter Automates Sludge Level Detection
The Model 602 sludge depth meter automates sludge level detection and features analog, digital and relay outputs. Automatic desludging yields thicker sludge than processes using timers and/or manual methods, and reduces sludge disposal or processing costs. Plants that are not staffed 24 h/d, 7 d/wk rely on automatic desludging to maintain proper sludge-blanket levels. This 602 Series can be used as a stand-alone system to alarm or automatically control a pump, or it can function as an intelligent sensor for a programmable logic controller (PLC) or computer. The optional settled-sludge profile can be viewed on a computer screen, which is helpful during plant upsets and can assist in proper coagulant-dosage control. The meter is used in sewage treatment, industrial process water and wastewater clarification, metal hydroxide sludge-blanket level-control, drinking water purification, ore processing, or wherever solids are separated from liquids
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Markland Specialty Engineering Ltd.
www.sludgecontrols.com
Temperature System Calibrates Precise Concentrations
The Dynacalibrator Model 150 is a constant-temperature system designed to generate precise ppm or ppb concentrations of chemical compounds in a gas stream, using permeation devices as the trace gas source. It is used as a reference for the calibration of gas chromatography instruments and in other instruments that measure gas concentrations. This lightweight, compact unit is capable of delivering the precise concentrations required. A passivated inertium-coated stainless steel permeation chamber houses the permeation device(s), with measured inert carrier gas sweeping the calibration gas/vapor from the chamber. The digital temperature controller maintains the chamber temperature at a setpoint with an accuracy of ±0.01°C, traceable to NIST standards. The wide range of temperature settings (5°C above ambient to 110°C) means the end user can generate a wide range of volumetric concentrations for both low- and high-vapor-pressure chemical compounds, establishing or changing the desired volumetric concentration by varying the carrier flow. Reduced flow path volume permits low concentration generation of mercury, water and other difficult-to-work-with materials. Users have a choice of plumbing and flow configurations. This unit permits remote control via RS 232 cable.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
VICI Metronics, Inc.
www.vicimetronics.com
Compact Sensors Take Accurate Measurements
The 3100 Series Pressure Transducers deliver accuracy and long-term stability, with a full-scale accuracy of 0.25% and long-term drift of just 0.1%/yr over the full scale. This combination of performance and stability is achieved using sputtered thin-film sensing technology, yet is available at prices more common to lower-quality capacitance sensors. At less than 1-in. in diameter and just 32 g, these compact transducers are suitable for installation where space is at a premium. Built from stainless steel, they are well-suited to harsh environments. They have a pressure sensing range of 0 to 30,000 psi (2,200 bar), and will withstand 40-G peak-to-peak sinusoidal vibration. They are available in 3-wire voltage output, 2-wire current output, or ratiometric output versions, with a broad selection of electrical connectors.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Gems Sensors & Controls
www.gemssensors.com
Accurate Meters Operate in High Pressure Conditions
Micro Motion Elite Coriolis meters are now offered with a nickel-alloy C-22 construction option and a high-pressure option. Model CMF400 is suitable for 4-in. to 6-in. line sizes with a maximum flowrate to 20,000 lb/m. The high-pressure CMF400P version is now pressure-rated to 2,973 psi, making it suitable for ethylene, natural gas, refining and petrochemical applications where accurate and reliable measurements, taken under high-pressure conditions, are critical. The new nickel-alloy C-22 construction of the CMF400H version makes it suitable for applications where the process fluid is harsh and incompatible with stainless steel, such as sour crude handling, well-product and some corrosive refining applications. These devices deliver ±0.05% mass and volume flow accuracy over a 20:1 turndown, and up to ±0.0002 g/cc density accuracy.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Emerson Process Management
www.emersonprocess.com
Temperature Control System Eliminates Cleaning
This in-line viscosity and temperature-control system features an isolated temperature sensor and a proprietary cooling device (patent pending), which eliminates the need to clean the line and apparatus, saving both time and solvent. Capable of providing <±3°F temperature control between 70° and 110°F, the system can be configured for use with fluids from 1/2 to 3,000 cps. Preventing the ink or fluid from touching the cooling element, the system can improve the blending, mixing and color quality of virtually any fluid. Available with automatic or manual controllers, systems can range from one to ten stations. Applications include inks, coatings, adhesives, lacquers and varnishes.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Norcross Corp.
www.viscosity.com
Chemically Resistant Tubing is Flexible
The 65-CX is non-toxic, laboratory-grade, flexible PVC tubing that is chemically resistant to many common fluids, including bleach, sulfuric acid and nitric acid. The material is soft (65 durometer Shore A) and very flexible, allowing tight-curvature bends and easy placement over barbed fittings. With an operating temperature range of –49°F to 140°F and an elongation of 375%, this PVC tubing offers an alternative to Tygon tubing. All ingredients used in 65-CX are FDA-sanctioned for use in food contact applications. In addition, 65-CX is lead-free and meets various European Union standard directives.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Grayline, Inc.
www.graylineinc.com
ABS-like Material is Nearly Colorless
WaterShed XC 11122 is a nearly colorless version of the best-selling acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-like WaterShed 11120 material, and it produces parts that look more like true, clear engineered plastic. This improvement in aesthetics comes without penalty to its mechanical properties, as WaterShed XC has been formulated with the Oxetane AdvantageT, which is an advanced chemistry platform that produces parts with outstanding water resistance and high dimensional stability. The material is well-suited for parts such as lenses or clear covers for automotive, medical and consumer product applications.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
DSM Somos
www.dsmsomos.com
Fireclay Acid Brick Maximizes Service Life
The Knight-Ware PV33P fireclay acid brick is suitable for chemical processing industry vessels, such as chlorine drying towers and quench columns. Engineered to provide a low predictable swell in corrosive applications, it can withstand the thermal shock and spalling common in such equipment. The brick complies with ASTM C-279 Type 1 designation for chemical-resistant masonry, and is durable enough for the harshest corrosive and high-temperature environments. As part of an engineered lining system, the brick ensures maximum service life and reliability for pressure vessels. It is offered in a range of sizes and shapes, and is available for acid-resistant masonry construction for vessels and dished heads of various sizes.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Koch Knight LLC
www.kochknight.com
Halogen-Free Flame Retardants are Non-Toxic
Songflame YA 010 and YA 020 are halogen-free flame retardants based on phosphine oxides that are designed to be reactive with a resin’s backbone (principally epoxies) to give long-term stability. Their key advantages include being environmentally safe, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Songflame TP100 is a halogen-free flame retardant based on phenol/bi-phenol polyphosphate, and is suited to a wide range of thermoplastic resins, particularly polycarbonate, polycarbonate blends with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and a wide range of polyesters. The TP100’s new molecular structure has a higher glass-transition temperature, which boosts the thermal strength properties in the resin matrix.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.
www.songwonind.com
Steel Resists Corrosion in Seawater, Chloride
SSC-6MO (UNS N08367) is a superaustenitic stainless steel containing in excess of 6% molybdenum. This alloy was developed for corrosion-resistant applications where conventional stainless steels fail because of chloride pitting and crevice and stress-corrosion cracking. It can be used as a cost-effective substitute for nickel alloys, including Alloys G, 20, 825, 625 and C276. SSC-6MO is suitable for use in air pollution control, chemical and petrochemical, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, offshore oil and gas, power generation, pulp and paper and seawater desalination applications. This alloy is available in a range of sizes, from 3/16-in. to 2-in.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Sandmeyer Steel Co.
http://www.sandmeyersteel.com
Small Membrane Contactors Degas and Debubble
MicroModule membrane contactors improve many processes by removing bubbles and dissolved gasses from water used in laboratories and analytical/biotechnology equipment, or by removing bubbles that can be mistaken and measured as particles in particle counters. They are designed for in-line degassing and debubbling in applications with small liquid flowrates, and are ideal for laboratory and analytical markets that require oxygen-free liquids for pushing test samples into measurement and analytical devices. Their design packs a tremendous amount of membrane area into a small device, and this large membrane area translates into more-efficient degassing. Two sizes are available. The smaller module measures 0.5-in. by 1-in. and is capable of processing fluids up to 30 mL/min. Depending on the membrane option chosen, the device can debubble water used in laboratories and analytical systems or take bubbles out of low-surface-tension fluids, such as ink-jet printing inks, oils or other coatings. The larger unit measures 0.75-in. by 1-in. and is best suited to debubble water at flow rates up to 200 mL/min.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Membrana
www.membrana.com
Bulk Bag Discharger Dispenses Batches Accurately
The Spiroflow Type 3 bulk bag discharger accurately dispenses batches weighing from 22 lb to 3,300 lb. It uses electronic load cells directly below the top bag-holding frame, ensuring that the bag and load cells are safely off the floor and out of the way of facility hazards. An optional integral transfer conveyor, such as a flexible screw discharge conveyor, can also be suspended from the holding frame for a totally self-contained discharge and loss-in-weight dispensing system that is dust- and contamination-free. The discharger is capable of removing partially emptied bulk bags, each of which is loaded into the frame by hoist or forklift and sealed at the bottom spout within the dust cabinet of the discharge chute. Product flows from the chute into the integral flexible-screw discharge conveyor. A patented spout-closure device lets the operator untie the bag through an access door without releasing product from the bag; once the access door is closed, the spout closure device can be opened to allow product flow.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Spiroflow Systems
www.spiroflowsystems.com
Regenerative Turbine Pumps are Compact
Made of stainless steel, P31 Series regenerative turbine pumps feature capacities of up to 5 gal/m and heads to 250 ft and can operate at temperatures up to 250°F. When installed with an integrated relief valve, the pump’s flow can be rerouted from the outlet to the inlet through the relief valve chamber.The specified relief valve setting is an average and individual pumps will vary both above and below the specified setting. The relief valve actually cracks open and begins to bypass flow at approximately 50 psi below the relief valve setting. The standard relief valve is made of a special high-temperature plastic. All P31 pumps can fit onto ultra-compact 36 frame UL- and CE-approved motors. Optional motors with higher horsepowers, solid-state starting, TEFC enclosures, and 3-phase capabilities are also available.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
MTH Pumps
www.mthpumps.com
Chemical Metering Pump is Rugged
Motor-driven, mechanically actuated diaphragm metering pumps in the LKN series feature a maximum capacity of 114 gal/h, and a maximum pressure of 225 psi and both stroke and speed adjustment. Available in a wide range of materials, the pumps are rugged and capable of dry running and self-priming, and are suitable for almost any chemical injection or metering application. LKN series pumps can be mounted to a variety of NEMA motors and their small footprint permits installation in the tightest of areas. Though compact, they are equipped with a dual-cam design for increased reliability and a heavy-duty spring-back mechanism that promotes long life. They can move a variety of aggressive fluids, including alcohols, caustics, bleaches, peroxides and sulfuric acids, as well as tough slurries.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Iwaki America Corp.
www.iwakiamerica.com
Gas Controller Mixes Concentrations Accurately
The Oxystreamer O2 and CO2 gas controller has a closed-loop dynamic gas control system and maintains mixed gas concentration to within 0.2% of selected setpoint levels. Ranges covered include O2 concentrations from 0.1% to 99.9%, CO2 concentrations from 0.1% to 20.0% and N2 concentrations from 0% to 100%. The two output streams of this system are suitable for controlling dissolved O2 and CO2 levels in a media or perfusate. The Oxystreamer eliminates the inflexibility and high cost of premixed gas, and inaccuracies due to gas stratification in premixed cylinders.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Warner Instruments
www.warnerinstruments.com
Spectrometer Integrated into Lid of Mobile Blender
The LM 40 is a mobile laboratory-scale blender that has an NIR spectrometer integrated into the lid of the blending bin, specially adapted 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software. The NIR system is housed with the light source in a single stainless steel box that rotates with the bin. Continuous 24 V DC power through slip-ring technology eliminates batteries. Data are transferred using wire cables instead of radio signals to eliminate possible interference. The blender is integrated into a frame with lock casters. Its Plexiglas cover protects the blending containers, which are available in four standard sizes:5 L, 10 L, 20 L and 40 L.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
L. B. Bohle LLC
www.lbbohle.com
Versatile Dry Baths Shield Users from Harm
Designed to operate at temperatures up to 280°C, Atlas dry baths offer a safer and more efficient heating option for round-bottom flasks or vials without the risk and mess of oil baths. Compatible with leading brands of hotplates, the stacking dry bath is both compact and flexible. Its series of concentric cups accommodates flasks of varying volume, from 50 mL to 1 L. The triple dry bath is available for three flasks with capacities ranging from 50 mL to 250 mL. A protective safety shield enables the module to be quickly picked up and moved in the case of an emergency. The shield facilitates the rapid cooling of a reaction for work-up and purification via a natural convection airflow. The unique cup design prevents the cracking of glassware and a temperature probe hole for every cup facilitates intimate contact with reactors. The use of deep cups optimizes heat-transfer surface area and reduces heat-up time. The dry bath is part of the Atlas automated synthesis system, a low-cost, intelligent modular system that is simple to use and quick to set up. Using a fully modular approach, the Atlas base unit can be configured into a wide range of systems to control vials, round-bottom flasks and jacketed vessels. Atlas systems can carry out numerous functions, including heating, stirring, cooling, pH measurement and automated reagent addition.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
Syrris Inc.
www.syrris.com
Rugged Rotary Seal Reduces Wear
The Rotaflon rotary seal reduces shaft damage and power consumption, helping users to avoid downtime related to worn seal shafts. Its design accommodates surface speeds up to 5,900 ft/min and temperatures ranging from –58°F to +500°F. It works in many applications, including gearboxes, compressors, alternators, mixers and dryers, vacuum pumps, crank shafts, heavy-duty machines, spindles and hydraulic and electric motors. The Rotaflon rotary seal comes in two series. The RB-Series incorporates a bonded, low-friction surface on the elastomeric seal lip. The MC-Series incorporates a high-performance polymer sealing lip, and is available with a single or double lip and a spring energizer. The result with either lip is the same — less wear and tear on the shaft and a longer lasting seal.
Appeared In Issue: December 2007
American High Performance Seals
www.ahpseals.com