What's New
Modular Stirred Reactors Adapt to Suit Application Needs
HPR Series reactors enable laboratory researchers to perform pressurized chemical reactions, including high-pressure chemical synthesis and process development. The reactors range in size from 50 mL to 8 L, and can be operated at pressures up to 10,000 psi and temperatures up to 350°C. All high-pressure components are American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)-rated and protected by a rupture disc for safe operation. They provide optimal mixing by using a magnetically coupled impeller. Their modular design allows the units to fit easily under a fume hood, and makes altering their configuration to adapt to new or evolving application needs a simple and inexpensive undertaking. These laboratory bench-top models are suitable for repetitive applications where convenience is important, such as studies of catalysis, polymerization, hydrogenation, oxidation, isomerization, and dehydration. An integrated processor with a full-color touchscreen controls the reactors’ functions, including: closed-loop temperature control, closed-loop speed control, pressure indication, over-temperature limit control, and ramp/soak programming of temperature and mixer speed.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Supercritical Fluid Technologies
www.supercriticalfluids.com
Resin-Bonded Filter Cartridges Maximize Particle Retention
Resflex Series resin-bonded filter cartridges use a two-stage design to provide reliable, effective filtration. Their outer spiral prefilter wrap efficiently removes large particles and agglomerates, provides increased surface area, and intensifies cartridge strength, while eliminating residual debris common with conventional, machined resin-bonded cartridges. The filters’ inner layers provide superior smaller-particle removal. Units handle flowrates of 10 gal/min for each 10 in. of cartridge length. Inner layers are available in sizes from 2 to 150 µm, and cartridges are available in sizes up to 40 in. They can withstand pressure surges of up to 150 psid, depending on fluid temperature, and can operate at temperatures up to 250°F. They can remove contaminants from even viscous fluids, such as adhesives, chemical coatings, petroleum products, and paint and printing ink.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Pentair Industrial
www.pentairindustrial.com
Multi-Pump Dispenser Handles Food Safely
The GT multi-pump dispensing system performs spill-free, environmentally safe transfer of virtually any chemical or liquid. It is designed to expand existing process capabilities and streamline operations involving multiple liquids. The dispensing system permits simultaneous multiple liquid-transfer stations using GoatThroat pumps to operate from a single shop line with only 2–4 psi. Because they pose no sparking hazard, the air-operated pumps are suitable for environments where electric pumps cannot be used. This cost-effective alternative to standard drum pumps meets the food safety requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Westcott Distribution Inc.
www.goatthroat.com
Side-Entering Agitators Reduce Maintenance Costs
Prochem PB and MD side-entering agitators provide high-quality performance in a variety of demanding applications, including pulp and paper, fluegas desulfurization, petroleum blending, and storage. These belt-driven agitators come in easy-to-maintain configurations that minimize downtime and maintenance costs. The unique PB Series pillow-block design reduces bearing maintenance. The MD Series has a user-friendly modular design that incorporates an easily accessible shaft-bearing cartridge for convenient maintenance. The shafts of both agitators are designed to handle up to 10 times the normal operating load at full torque.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Chemineer, Inc
www.chemineer.com
Explosionproof Compressed Air Dryers Use No Electricity
Balston 76 Series explosionproof air dryers can operate in hazardous environments without costly National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-rated enclosures. They achieve a consistent –40°F dewpoint and can handle flowrates up to 40 std. ft3/min. The dryers use industrial-grade membrane technology to remove all humidity from compressed air without the need for electrical components, such as relays and contacts that pose a risk of fire or explosion. Their high-efficiency coalescing prefilters remove both liquid and solid contaminants down to 0.01 µm to provide instrument-quality air to critical downstream applications.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Parker Hannifin Corp.
www.parker.com
Vibratory Feeders Minimize Maintenance and Installation Costs
Heavy-duty electromagnetic vibratory feeders are easily installed and operated, requiring only wiring into existing alternating current (AC) lines without the use of a rectifier. They are equipped with the manufacturer’s Hi-Vi electro-permanent magnetic drives, which consume minimal power and have no need for routine maintenance. Feeder speed is regulated by varying the applied voltage in the compact variable solid-state controls. Control is stepless from 0 to 100% of capacity, with excellent linearity, and can be configured for automatic operation. The coil and magnet in the drive unit are encapsulated in epoxy, which eliminates coil movement and extends trouble-free coil life. Standard units operate at temperatures up to 135°F; high-temperature units can withstand up to 300°F.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Eriez
www.eriez.com
Pulse-Jet Dust Collector Can Filter Explosive Resin
The Tubejet CTR collector uses a pulse-jet dust collector to capture explosive aromatic-hydrocarbon resin. It has an air-to-cloth ratio of 3.9:1, and can process 4,000 ft3/min. Explosion relief vents, grounded filter bags, and an explosion suppression and isolation system located on the inlet ductwork help the collector meet current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 68 and 69 codes. Its all-welded construction permits standard vacuum/pressure operation ranging from ±20 in. w.g. to ±17 in. Hg., with designs available from full vacuum to ASME-coded vessels up to 50 psig. The collector’s cylindrical design makes interior cleaning easy and minimizes cold spots in high-temperature applications.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Sly, Inc.
www.slyinc.com
Electrical System Sterilizes Safely Without Flame
The SteriMax system for sterilizing loops, needles and instruments is suitable for use in laboratories and safety cabinets where gases and open flames are not permitted or are unavailable. The tube into which the items to be sterilized are inserted is made of wear-resistant quartz glass, and reaches its optimal temperature of 1,650°F after only a few minutes. Sterilization requires only insertion into the quartz tube and the passage of 5–7 s. The system’s 100% stainless steel design allows it to withstand extreme laboratory conditions.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
WLD-TEC
www.wld-tec.com
Fitted Respirator Boosts Employee Safety Compliance Rates
PeakFit is a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 air-purifying respirator that has been specifically engineered for personal comfort. Its contoured design and ample size allow easy breathing, which helps reduce worker fatigue — and ultimately improves compliance rates and reduces safety expenses. The respirator’s molded nose bridge fits most faces without requiring the user to pinch a metal nose piece to achieve a better fit. The internal nose cushion is made from soft, closed-cell foam. The integrated, one-piece cloth head strap with buckle is fully adjustable to fit any head size and is more durable than conventional stapled models. The strap is latex-free, so it is safe for users with latex allergies.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Gateway Safety, Inc.
www.gatewaysafety.com
Portable Monitor Uses Reliable FTIR Analysis
The Dx4030 portable, multi-component monitoring system detects and quantifies gas and vapor leaks at accident sites and at process locations within the chemical manufacturing industry. It provides readings in about 5 s, using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. This battery-powered and easy-to-use instrument can be controlled and operated through a field-rugged personal digital assistant (PDA). Available units are shipped precalibrated to monitor 25 volatile organic compounds and inorganic gases.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Gasmet Technologies
www.gasmet.com
Wet Test Analyzer Measures Fines and Dust
The FineAlyzer measures and analyzes dust particles in accordance with ASTM procedures to avoid vigorous movement or friction of pellets during the fines separation process. The technology is based on the principle that unwanted dust and fines will typically adhere to larger pellets and will be removed by rinsing the test sample with a liquid (preferably demineralized water). This process washes away dust and fines into a beaker. Particles are then poured into the filter collection unit, which separates the fines from the water. The parts-per-million concentration is determined by comparing the weight of the filter paper before and after the process. The wet analysis quantifies the amounts of dust having particle sizes from 1.6 to 500 µm.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Pelletron Corp.
www.pelletroncorp.com
Plastic Barbed Fittings Offer Many Benefits
Thermobarb plastic barbed fittings are available in nylon, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polypropylene, and are suitable for multi-use and single-use/disposable applications. They are used in original equipment manufacturer (OEM), chemical, food and beverage, appliance, packaging, laboratory, and many other applications and settings. They are lightweight and compact, and their design uses multiple barbs to provide a secure connection. They offer excellent chemical resistance, durability, and high impact strength. Available styles include adapters, straight connectors, Y’s, tees, elbows, reducers, hose nipples, and more. Features vary depending on the choice of plastic: nylon resists physical stress and abrasion; polyethylene performs best at relatively low temperatures; PVDF is better at handling higher temperatures and pressures; polypropylene is resistant to chemicals and solvents. The single-use style is suitable for disposable tubing assemblies for pharmaceutical and medical applications. It is made from FDA-approved polypropylene and meets U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Class VI and RoHS standards, and can be sterilized by autoclave or gamma radiation. All fittings work with soft-walled tubing, such as polyvinyl chloride, silicone, polyurethane, and thermal plastic rubber, and are in stock for same-day or just-in-time shipment. Most styles come in sizes ranging from 0.25 in. through 1.0-in. inner dia.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
New Age Industries, Inc.
www.newageindustries.com
Starch-Based Material Absorbs up to 500 Times its Weight
Reon is a superabsorbent material capable of retaining as much as 500 times its weight in water. It is designed to manage water and fluids in a range of industrial products and applications. This starch-based product is sustainable and performs better than older synthetic polymers. It can be used in dust abatement, image printing, bandages, batteries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, diapers, construction products, fire suppression systems, fuel filters, and more. It can be made in many granule sizes and powders, and can be formulated with either potassium or sodium. Color and pH can be modified to meet an application’s needs and standards.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Absorbent Technologies Inc.
www.reon.com
Filled-PTFE Shapes Have Tailored Wear Properties
Stock polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) shapes are available with specific properties for machining bearings, bushings, gaskets, seals, piston rings, and other wear components. JLON PTFE stock shapes are offered in five standard series that feature different fillers, including carbon, glass, polymer, bronze, mineral, graphite, and proprietary materials to achieve desired wear properties. They are supplied as molded or extruded rod with an outer dia. range of 0.125 in. to 8.0 -in., in tube form with an outer dia. range of 0.375 in. to 36.0 in., as a sheet up to 4 ft2, and skived and etched film. JLON 2000 is a high-strength material, JLON 4000 is designed to be used on hard surfaces, JLON 5000 is for high-speed dynamic components, JLON 7000 is for FDA-approved parts, and JLON 8000 is designed for use in wet applications.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Jade Engineered Plastics, Inc.
www.jadeplastics.com
Adhesive Keeps Devices from Slipping
Mobigrip consists of an adhesive disc with an elastic finger loop that easily attaches to portable electronic devices to keep them from slipping from users’ hands. This accessory can be personalized with a custom-designed disc. Its use can save money by preventing costs associated with replacing or repairing broken devices.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Mobigrip
www.mobigrips.com
Laser Treatment Extends Product Life
LaserHeat Pinpoint Treating is a high-powered process that provides surface hardening to a localized area without altering the chemistry of the entire part. This allows users to focus on a specific critical-wear section and dramatically enhance the metallurgical properties in that area. Typical flame- and induction-hardening methods require the entire part to be treated, which calls for a high thermal input, creates distortion, impedes part-processing speeds, and hinders accuracy. In contrast, this pinpoint treatment service can be applied to many high-wear components, such as spindles, transmission shafts, pump shafts, engine cylinders, hydraulic cylinder rams, mixing paddles, and other offshore and onshore components that are continually exposed to volatile or stressful environments.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
Laser Cladding Services, Inc.
www.lasercladding.com
Combining TPE and Substrate Streamlines Appearance and Function
Overmolding soft, pliable thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) onto rigid, plastic substrates yields many design options. The process creates a chemical bond between the substrate and the TPE, helping to prevent separation. Applied TPEs offer a wide variety of unique properties, including clarity, a gripping feel, soft touch, comfort resilience, cushioning, ergonomics, and safety, as well as pleasing aesthetics. Overmolding consolidates parts, which streamlines appearance and function while making manufacturing less complicated by eliminating the need for assembly and secondary operations.
Appeared In Issue: February 2009
PolyOne Corp.
www.polyone.com