What's New
CO2 Sensor Monitors Changes in Concentration
This sensor measures gaseous carbon dioxide in two ranges: 0–10,000 ppm and 0–100,000 ppm. It connects directly to the manufacturer’s LabNavigator instrument for continuous monitoring, time-based experiments, and routine facility monitoring. The sensor monitors changes in CO2 levels in surrounding ambient air, respiration of organisms, and/or reactions in a chamber. It is easily calibrated using a single button, and operates in a humidity range of 5–95% (non-condensing). The instrument has a response time of 95% of full-scale reading in 120 s, and provides accuracy to ±100 ppm with resolution of 3 ppm (low range) or 30 ppm (high range). The sensor can be used alone or with up to four other sensors, including GPS for mapping data points. Data may be exported to MS Excel using the NavPilot software that is provided with a LabNavigator instrument.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Forston Labs
www.forstonlabs.com
Sensor System Reduces Costs
The ARC sensor system measures pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Each sensor has a built-in microprocessor that communicates with both analog (4–20-mA) and digital ModBus interfaces. Direct connectivity eliminates the need to send information through costly transmitters. Its signals are more robust and reliable than the low currents or voltages produced in classical measurement systems. The sensors can be precalibrated and configured in the lab, reducing costs and downtime associated with installation. Online and offline sensor management extends sensor life and increases process accuracy in challenging production environments. Digital technology allows the creation of wired or wireless sensor networks. The ARC View Handheld has a display configured with ARC Wi wireless communication, which enables users to move around the facility to monitor data from multiple sensors. Sensors are suitable for cleaning in place (CIP), and can be sterilized with autoclaving or sterilization in place (SIP).
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Hamilton Co.
www.hamiltoncompany.com
Vortex Flowmeter Enhances Safety
The Rosemount 8800D vortex flowmeter enhances online vortex sensor maintainability while increasing safety for critical applications. Traditional vortex flowmeters need to be shut down to verify performance of the vortex sensor. The vortex sensor in the 8800D flowmeter is isolated from the process, so it can be maintained without shutting down the process. The flowmeter verifies the health of the transmitter by simulating the vortex flow signal.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Emerson Process Management
www.emersonprocess.com
Flap Flowmeter Comes in a Wide Range of Construction Materials
The DK10 process flap flowmeter is available in a large selection of wetted construction materials, including aluminum, bronze, cast iron, stainless steel, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its shafts can be made of titanium, Hastelloy or plastic for processing aggressive liquids. The flowmeter is available with a choice of one or two alarm level outputs, as well as an analog 4–20-mA output. The flow in the line causes a spring-loaded flap mounted inside the unit’s hemispherical chamber to deflect by an amount that is directly proportional to the flowrate. This movement is transmitted, via a shaft that is isolated from the process, to a mechanical pointer, and the flowrate is displayed on a scale. Each flowmeter is calibrated for the specific liquid being monitored based on customer specifications. The units are available with G or NPT threads for 0.25–2.0-in. pipes and as a wafer for mounting between two DIN or ANSI flanges on DN80 (3 in.) to DN200 (8 in.) pipes,
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
PKP Process Instruments, Inc.
www.pkp.eu
Compact Load Cells Measure Force with Precision
SS4000M Series ultra-miniature universal load cells combine a transducer element with transducer-quality strain gages. They provide precision force measurements in tension and compression applications, such as materials testing, laboratory analysis, and R&D, with high accuracy and very low deflection under load. These compact cells are offered in a variety of tension/compression ranges, from 10 N up to 500 N, with 2 mV/V output. Depending on range requirements, they are manufactured from either high-strength alloy or stainless steel.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com
Monitor Verifies Flows in Liquid/Gas Process Analyzer Sampling Systems
The FS10A Flow Switch/Monitor continuously verifies flows within liquid or gas process analyzer sampling systems. Depending on the selected configuration, its flow range is 0.1–20 std. ft3/h (50–10,000 cm3/min) in air or 0.001–0.03 gal/min (4–100 cm3/min) in water. Its design features no moving parts, which eliminates the risk of fouling or clogging and reduces maintenance requirements. Unlike capillary bypass flowmeters and controllers, this device has no cavities, orificies or dead-legs that trap fluids and contaminate samples. Its corrosion-resistant wetted parts are made from Type 316L stainless steel with Hastelloy-C sensor tips. It is suitable for use in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, optical spectrometry, and photometry systems.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Fluid Components International
www.fluidcomponents.com
Density Meter Provides Online Measurements
By providing online measurements, the Liquiphant M density meter eliminates the need for extensive and expensive offline procedures and laboratory measurements. Online measurements allow control systems to react more quickly than when offline systems are used. The meter’s built-in density calculator can be customized by inputting complex tables and mathematical relationships. Its mechanically oscillating, two-tined fork is excited by a piezoelectric drive to resonant frequency, which changes whenever the fork is immersed in liquid. The sensor reports whenever the vibration falls below a predetermined frequency. In a lower-density medium, such as liquefied gas, the resonant frequency is higher than in higher-density materials, such as water. This meter is suitable for use in the food industry to determine the sugar content in fruit juices and beverages, as well as in oil production to measure the salt concentration in tanks.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Endress+Hauser Inc.
www.us.endress.com
Gas Transmitter Boosts Safety
Having recently received a Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) rating, the XNX universal gas transmitter provides increased plant productivity and safety. In addition, it has been approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and ATEX for Class 1 and Class 2 use in intrinsically safe, explosionproof areas. It is designed for applications in the oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, wastewater treatment, and manufacturing industries. This modular transmitter features an easy-to-use interface that reduces costs for installation, operation and maintenance. It is customizable, with more than 200 unique configurations available to meet specific requirements. XNX is compatible with all major industrial communications protocols (e.g., HART, Modbus, and Foundation Fieldbus) as well as all toxic and flammable gas-sensing technologies and instruments.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Honeywell Analytics
www.honeywellanalytics.com
Rugged Process Gages have a Long Lifecycle
The XSE process gage series is suitable for pressure applications in refining, petrochemical and chemical plants. These rugged gages are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, Monel, and copper alloy. Their Bourdon tube design reduces stress, allowing a gage to undergo 10 million or more pressure cycles during its service life. Their excellent resistance to vibration and pulsation reduces downtime.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
WIKA Instrument Corp.
www.wika.com
Additive Provides Toughness and Transparency
The high-efficiency, clear Biostrength 280 impact modifier imparts toughness to polyactic acid (PLA) biopolymers while maintaining polymer clarity. This is achieved by incorporating a small amount of the modifier into PLA during extrusion, transforming the sheet from brittle to ductile.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Arkema, Inc.
www.arkema-inc.com
Bio-Based Plasticizers Contain No Phthalates
DOW ECOLIBRIUM bio-based plasticizers are designed to be incorporated into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds used to make wire insulation and jacketing. They are made of 100% renewable feedstocks and can help cable manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% when used as a replacement for traditional PVC plasticizers. Wires jacketed with PVC containing this plasticizer achieve an excellent balance of flame-retardance, flexibility and heat performance in electronic devices and appliances, and because they are phthalate- and lead-free, they are safe for wiring in buildings and for data communication.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
The Dow Chemical Co.
www.dow.com
Polycarbonate Film Resists Fire
Lexan EFR polycarbonate (PC) film technology provides non-brominated, non-chlorinated flame retardance in thinner sheets than flame-retardant polypropylene (FRPP). This film reduces material costs for OEMs and allows them to create, for example, flatter, lighter-weight notebook computers. It meets the requirements of the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE 2006) directives.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
SABIC Innovative Plastics
www.sabic-ip.com
Elastomers Offer Flexibility and Strength
Silplus MP multipurpose silicone elastomers can be compounded and blended to achieve desired properties, and are versatile for use in a wide variety of applications and processing equipment. Silplus EX silicone elastomers are stronger than the MP models, offering excellent extrusion performance. Silplus HS silicone elastomers have an even higher strength for use in very demanding applications.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Momentive Performance Materials
www.momentive.com
Copper Bearings Withstand Heavy Loading in Extreme Temperatures
Metcar 1515 mechanical-grade copper bearings operate without lubrication in dry and dust-prone environments at temperatures up to 750°F. The bearings are non-galling and dimensionally stable, and they have high compressive strength and excellent chemical resistance and conductivity. They can be used in the construction of bearing and thrust washers for use in kilns, kiln cars, oven dryers, dust and fume collectors, ventilating dampers, furnaces and conveyors.
Appeared In Issue: June 2010
Metallized Carbon Corp.
www.metcar.com