The Smart Wireless field starter kit uses standard WirelessHART technology to enhance user flexibility, delivering better than 99% communications reliability in the steel and concrete environment of most plants because the network self-organizes around obstacles, whether permanent (e.g., steel girders) or mobile (e.g., moving rail cars, vehicles). Its latest release includes discrete switches and vibration and pH transmitters, as well as all the features of earlier versions.

The AST4520 is a media-isolated, submersible pressure sensor with an all-stainless-steel construction that is approved to Underwriters Laboratories / Canadian Underwriters Laboratory (UL/cUL) 913 Class 1, Division 1 IS, Groups C and D, when used with an approved barrier. It is a cost-effective solution for monitoring the level of viscous media in turbulent tanks. Its flush-diaphram steel-cage design allows for proper media flow while keeping the sensor at the bottom of the tank or well.

These gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) standards for natural and synthetic polymer applications provide pre-weighed, accurate portions, and are traceable to standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Triple Detection Standards (TDS) consist of six sets of two standards each, one narrow and one broad. They calibrate detectors that are used in triple detection, such as light-scattering, viscometers, and refractometers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has opened a new facility in Reinach, Switzerland, near Basel, to support the large pharmaceutical and chemical industry cluster in Switzerland near the French and German borders. It houses the company’s analytical instrument operations and commercial operations, and consolidates the Flux Instruments and Spectronex product lines that were acquired from SwissAnalytic Group. The 12,000-ft2 facility features a 3,200-ft2 demonstration laboratory containing new mass spectrometers and other laboratory instruments and consumables.

The Titan-OL (On-Line) system provides real-time extractive-gas-phase analysis for online and continuous multi-point analysis. It includes a rugged, industrial Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, gas cell(s), sample manifold, valve-control electronics, and software. The hardware is encased in a NEMA-rated enclosure or in a standard industrial rack-mount cabinet. The manufacturer’s exclusive fiber-optic distribution electronics provide a single hub for temperature, pressure, mass flow, external alarm, and optical switching signals.

LP 750 Series linear position sensors are constructed entirely of stainless steel and are hermetically sealed against hostile environments in accordance with IEC standard IP-68. The units measure 0.75 in. in diameter and are available in standard ranges of 4 in. to 25 in. They can be imple-mented for “in-cylinder” use within hydraulic rams of construction equipment, and other corrosive environments that require sensors with a significant stroke-to-length advantage (0.75% to 0.9%). The sensors feature high resolution, excellent repeatability and low hysteresis.

Valvcon ADC low-temperature actuators are suitable for remote solar-powered installations and for on/off duty and proportional applications where extreme cold temperatures exist. These rugged, compact, quarter-turn electric actuators have an operating temperature range down to –40ºF without requiring an internal heater. The battery can be automatically recharged at temperatures as low as –20ºF and has an operating life of up to 5 yr. The actuators can handle torque requirements up to 3,000 in.-lb, yet they weigh only 31 lb.

The MXBOC tank-mounted viscosity sensor is designed for both water- and solvent-based applications, such as printing inks, glues and adhesives. Suitable for tasks requiring frequent color or coating changes, it operates at atmospheric pressure in tanks that are 7 in. to 26 in. deep. It features a one-bolt mounting mechanism and stainless steel wetted parts that can be removed for cleaning and sterilization without disrupting air or electrical connections.

These corrosion-resistant stainless steel D-subminiature shells, which are used as connectors for computer hardware, meet the stringent requirements for corrosion resistance under the MIL-Spec “P” grade standard of stainless steel. The shells available include 9–50 contact patterns in standard sizes and 15–78 contact patterns in high-density sizes. The maximum current per contact is 40 A.

Using twenty-four 10/100 connections and two copper gigabit ports, the standalone, unmanaged EZSwitch SMCFS26 simplifies and extends networks, providing high-speed, high-bandwidth connections. Typically placed at the center of a small network or at the edge of a larger one, the SCFS26 makes clear connections at distances to 100 m, and delivers a complete, efficient small network with fast 1G server links. It also features auto-MDIX to reduce the complexity of installation while eliminating the need for straight-through and cross-over cabling for connecting PCs or other networking devices.