What's New
Particle Analyzer Automates Sieving
The Haver Tyler CPA 2-1 photo-optical particle size and shape analyzer measures dry, free-flowing and nonagglomerating particles in the laboratory. In 3–5 min, it performs an analysis that would take 15–20 min to do with a test sieve and shaker. The latter method measures particles indirectly by calculating the percentage of a selected standard size in a representative sample, whereas the CPA 2-1 accurately counts and measures each individual particle in real-time. It has user-friendly software that correlates the raw particle-count data to the sieving distribution curve for comparison.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
W.S. Tyler
www.wstyler.com
Thermocouple Cables Withstand Harsh Environments
AerOpak mineral-insulated thermocouple cables are available with various sheath materials, including stainless steel, Hastelloy, and Inconel, that are suitable for use in harsh, corrosive, and other hazardous environments at temperatures to 2,600°F. The cables are comprised of thermocouple or conductor wires that are insulated with compacted ceramic powder and then drawn and encased in a seamless metallic sheath. They come in sizes ranging from 0.020 in. to 0.750 in. o.d. and can be supplied in lengths of 1,000 ft or more. Thermocouple cables in Types K, E, J, T, N, R, S, and B are stocked with calibration tolerances that meet all applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. The cables can be welded, brazed or soldered in the field. Custom wire configurations, other sheath materials and assorted insulation materials are available on request.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
ARi Industries, Inc.
www.ariindustries.com
Gap Gages Ensure Proper Tightening of Fittings
Gap Gages ensure that instrumentation tube fittings are sufficiently tightened. They are particularly useful for fittings in hard-to-reach locations and in systems where inadequate tightening could result in dangerous or expensive consequences. Once the instrumentation tube fitting has been installed, but prior to system pressurization, the Gap Gage is inserted between the fitting nut and the body hex. If the gage will not fit in at any point of the gap, the connection has been properly made up and no additional tightening is necessary. If the gage can be placed between the fitting nut and body hex, the assembly procedure must be repeated.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Brennan Industries, Inc.
www.brennaninc.com
Wide-Range Thermometer is Easy to Read
The Traceable wide-range thermometer is suitable for measuring temperatures from –328°F to 2,498°F (–200°C to 1,370°C). Its stainless steel Type K thermocouple probe can be used with liquids, gases, or semisolids. Its backlit 0.5-in.-high liquid crystal display (LCD) is easy to read, even in poor lighting conditions. It features an instant recall of minimum and maximum readings. Data collected by the thermometer may be output to a computer or data logger for capturing and storing readings.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Control Co.
www.control3.com
Low-Density Resin can Replace More-Expensive Options
Lumicene M3382MZ low-density polypropylene (PP) resin is made by combining Total’s proprietary metallocene technology with Milliken’s high-performance NX8000 clarifying agent. The resulting material has superior clarity and gloss and is a cost-effective substitute for other clear plastics, such as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It has an ultra-low extractables content and improved taste and odor characteristics, and it complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding food contact, making it suitable for use in the production of deli containers, drinking cups, lids, domes, and food service trays. Other performance benefits include increased material strength and rigidity, and improved heat and chemical resistance. Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc. www.total.com; Milliken Chemical www.milliken.com
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Total Petrochemicals USA, Inc.
www.total.com
Milliken Chemical
www.milliken.com
Alumina-Bonded Silicon Carbide Outlasts Nitride-Bonded SiC
ALTRON alumina-bonded silicon carbide (SiC) can be precision-cut into shapes that outlast nitride-bonded SiC brick and wear-resistant alloys. Field tests have demonstrated a service life improvement of 200%. Objects made of this material have refractory-like densities, which allows them to undergo repeated thermal cycling without experiencing thermal-shock damage. At the same time, the material maintains the type of very tight porosity that is normally found only in dense, advanced ceramics. It can be used in the processing and transport of slurry, ore, ash, coal, coke, and catalysts. Typical forms include pipe linings, elbows, burners, valves, cones, nozzles, micronizers and pump components.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Blasch Precision Ceramics
www.blaschceramics.com
These Polymers are Chemical-, Corrosion-, and Moisture Resistant
Corrtec materials are available in many types of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Type I and Type II, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) formulations, among others. These materials are suitable for chemical handling, air processing, industrial tank construction, pharmaceutical, and wastewater management applications. They are supplied as very large (up to 130 in. wide) sheets.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Vycom
www.vycomplastics.com
Pump Resists Chemical Corrosion
Made from chemically resistant polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and glass, the Asia syringe pump is rated to 20 bar (300 psi). This compact (23-cm wide) module offers two independent continuous-flow channels, each with an integrated pressure sensor and a flowrate range of 1.0 µL to 10 mL/min. Replacement of component valves, syringes or pressure sensors is quick and easy, requiring no tools. Flowrate and volume can be controlled using the intuitive front panel, or by means of the Asia PC software. The PTFE pressure sensor ensures safe operation by automatically stopping the pump when overpressure conditions are detected.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Syrris
www.syrris.com
Metal Detector Increases Purity and Protects Equipment
The E-Z Tec DSP narrow-profile metal detector catches ferrous, nonferrous and stainless metal contaminants in viscous liquids such as slurries, syrups, and pastes. By removing metal contamination, it enhances product purity, and it protects downstream equipment from damage, reducing machinery downtime and maintenance costs. When metal is detected in the product flow, a signal is sent to one of the available output relays, which can activate a ball valve, trigger an alarm, stop product flow, or send a signal to a programmable logic controller. Complete systems are available in pipe sizes ranging from 1.0 in. to 4.0 in. in diameter.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Eriez
www.eriez.com
Filter Plate Maximizes Sample Recovery
The AcroPrep Advance 96-well filter plate provides consistency and reproducibility in multiplexing applications. Its improved design ensures uniform filtration rates, lower hold-up volumes, and consistent sample recovery. The optimized outlet-tip design minimizes weeping and the formation of post-filtration hanging drops. The plate’s biologically inert housing minimizes nonspecific binding of target analytes, which maximizes sample recovery.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Pall Corp.
www.pall.com
Pipette Design Reduces Opportunities for Error
A tapered cone design allows these variable-volume pipettes to use tips from many different manufacturers. The pipettes are available in six sizes: 0.5–10 µL, 2–20 µL, 10–100 µL, 20–200 µL, 100–1,000 µL and 1–5 mL. Volume is adjusted by turning a button. A large display window makes it easy for the user to select the correct volume, and reduces the risk of accidental volume changes during pipetting. An ergonomic design that requires low plunger force offers protection against repetitive stress injuries. The pipettes can be sterilized in an autoclave to prevent cross-contamination.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Hoefer, Inc.
www.hoeferinc.com
Venturi Vacuum Pumps Improve Energy Efficiency
Air-Miser MSP-AM Series multi-stage venturi vacuum pumps use low air pressure yet provide performance comparable to that of a higher-pressure system. Because of their internal design, they require only 45 psi (3.1 bar) of air pressure, which is about half of what is needed in conventional venturi-style vacuum pumps. They are made from anodized aluminum with brass nozzles, and models are available to handle process flowrates of 0.06–0.64 standard ft3/min. They measure 3.78 in. long by 1.26 in. wide by 0.98 in. high, and include a 2.76-in. tall by 1.0-wide muffler.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Anver Corp.
www.anver.com
Fume Hood Design Minimizes Turbulence
Purair vertical-flow cabinets guide a laminar flow of air directly toward the work surface. An ultra-low-penetration air (ULPA) filter is mounted above the work surface, and perforations in the rear wall remove a small amount of air to minimize turbulence. The cabinets are available in 36-in., 48-in. and 72-in. widths. All three models provide a nominal filter face velocity of 0–45 m/s (90 ft/min), which ensures a sufficient number of air changes for maintaining cleanliness within the work zone.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
Air Science USA
www.air-science.com
Natural Material Wipes up Oil Spill Residue
Cleaning crews can use Fibertect, a nonwoven cotton absorbent wipe with an activated carbon core, to remove the toxic paste washing up on shore following an oil spill. It absorbs liquids easily and can take in up to 15 times its weight, and it has an excellent capacity for holding in vapors. Most materials typically used to clean up oil spills, such as containment booms, are made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. Fibertect’s top and bottom layers are made from environmentally friendly raw cotton, which absorbs the oil, and its center layer holds in volatile compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other toxic chemicals.
Appeared In Issue: July 2010
First Line Technology
www.firstlinetech.com