The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is establishing a compliance assistance center to help colleges and universities understand and comply with environmental laws. Harnessing the power of the Internet, this center will provide tools and information for improving environmental management on campuses. It will also offer a virtual campus tour online that will enable users to quickly and easily target priority issues.

 When law firms and corporations have to conduct environmental research for due diligence in the acquisition of new assets, new construction projects, environmental audits, background research for litigation and, increasingly, for compliance purposes and environmental financial reporting, these firms would manually search relevant local databases, which has traditionally been a time-intensive, inexact and costly process.

“Off-Gas Treatment Technologies for Soil Vapor Extraction Systems (SVE): State of the Practice” provides information on: processes for treating SVE off-gas; standard practices, such as carbon adsorption and thermal oxidation; less-frequently used technologies, such as biofiltration; and emerging alternatives, including photocatalytic and non-thermal plasma treatment. The report covers applicability, limitations, performance, engineering considerations, residuals management, cost and economics, and developmental status.

The Flx-Thane static dissipative (SD) hose prevents static build-up and is suitable for dry material transfer applications where dust could pose a safety hazard, such as clean rooms, powder and bulk transfer, dust collection, fume extraction, and the processing of food, chemicals and plastics. Designed for efficient material flow, the hose has a smooth interior and a surface resistance of 108–1010 ohm. Its bronze-coated spring-steel wire helix dissipates charges to ground. The hose has a 0.030-in. wall thickness and is available in inner diameter sizes ranging from 2 in.

The Mobile EDU is a self-contained mobile ductless fume hood that is suitable for industrial training and classroom demonstrations. Its ductless design allows easy installation and the base is mounted on large heavy-duty wheels for easy transport. With a height of 77.5 in., it fits through standard-sized doors. Its multi-layered EDU filter has been independently tested to have 99.9% filtration efficiency for chemicals typically found in chemistry curricula. The units exceed safety standards set by the U.S.

The Flo-Tel+ burst detection system is an upgrade to the Flo-Tel, adding a thermistor to monitor temperature changes that can affect the burst pressure of a rupture disc and other key process parameters. This noninvasive, magnetic system is installed on the vent side of the rupture disc to minimize downtime. Unlike traditional membrane-type detectors, the Flo-Tel+ is fail-safe and only operates when a disc has ruptured, eliminating the possibility of a false alarm.

Part of the Gold Series of dust collectors, the X-vent is a new explosion vent for applications involving the capture of explosive dusts. Manufactured in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards, the X-vent carries CE and ATEX certifications. The multi-ribbed vent delivers a very high negative static operating pressure of –80-in. w.c., and is designed to open at +1 psi (30 in. w.c.). Rated for temperatures to 350ºF, the X-vent is standard on all new Gold Series dust collectors that require explosion protection, and is also suitable for retrofit use.

Often triggered when a worker opens a door to access controls, an arc flash explosion can occur when an electrical fault occurs within the confined space of an enclosure — and can cause devastating personal injury and extensive equipment damage. The Arc Flash Safety System isolates workers from energized equipment within the encloure. The Intersafe data-interface ports —programming ports designed to provide data access without opening enclosure doors — are at the heart of the system.

The GBK Containment System, an all-in-one contained glove-bag housing, reduces the risk of cross-contamination and shields employees from exposure to harmful chemicals. The operator can easily access replacement filters from zippered feed-in sleeves and then remove spent filter cartridges through a feed-out sleeve using nitrile gloves. Trained personnel can perform a complete filter cartridge change-out in less than two minutes, on average. GBK glove bags are made of antistatic polyurethane with a built-in HEPA filter to prevent condensation.

A lightweight personal monitor, the X-am 2000 tests for up to four gases and vapors, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and a combustible gas. The catalytic EX sensor, calibrated to methane, responds quickly to explosive gases and offers a high level of sensitivity to combustible organic vapors. It provides three types of warnings: an audible multi-tone alarm, a visual 180-degree alarm, and a vibrating alarm. Gas inlets on two surfaces allow for measurements even when it is accidently worn improperly.