On October 14 – 16, Houston’s Reliant Center again plays host to the annual expo of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA; Research Triangle Park, N.C.). Over 400 exhibitors will be featured at the ISA Expo 2008, North America’s largest automation and control exhibition, alongside instructor-led training sessions and other popular returning events: the ISA’s Certiï¬cation Quiz & Conquer, which allows ISA Certiï¬cation Automation Professionals (CAPs) and Certiï¬ed Control Systems Technicians (CCSTs) to showcase their knowledge competitively; YAPFEST 2008, an exhibition for young automation professionals; and seven individual technology exchanges covering, respectively, security, wireless and networking, process automation, safety, environmental and quality control, and enterprise integration.
Long a highlight of the ISA Expo, this year’s daily keynote addresses are particularly noteworthy. Drawing on his decade-long Smart Dust research, U.C. Berkeley’s Kris Peter (Berkeley, Calif.) kick starts the series with a speech on the evolution of wireless sensor networking. Initiated with the goal of demonstrating that a comprehensive sensor and communication unit could be fabricated to fit within a single cubic millimeter, the Smart Dust project promises to be a game-changing technology. Historical in perspective, Peter’s talk will begin with the pioneering Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) research he conducted for the U.S. military charting key milestones up to and including today’s first wave of industry-standard, wireless-sensor products. On Wednesday, David J. Nagel of George Washington University (Washington D.C.) will give a presentation on instrumentation for low energy nuclear reactions, discussing the need for multiple, sophisticated sensors and automated control for the recently vindicated science of cold fusion. On the final day of the Expo, John Lienhard — national public radio host and M.D. Anderson Professor Emeritus of mechanical engineering and history at the University of Houston (Houston, Tex.) — will present a deep history of feedback control or "How we learned to think negatively in 300 BC."
More information on ISA Expo 2008 is available at www.isa.org/expo. Below is a sampling of the products and services that will be on display.
A new series of modular panels designed for use with ultra-high purity instrumentation or process gas-control systems is now available. The Series 53 and Series 54 are designed to provide final pressure control in gas distribution systems. The panels can be configured with one to four regulators mounted on modular 308 stainless-steel panels. Users can select from five different delivery pressures for each regulator station, from 0 – 15 up to 0 – 500 psig. — Booth 2356 — Concoa, Virginia Beach, Va.
Two new flowmeters have been added to the G Series, the G004 and G015. The flowmeters operate at maximum florates of 4 and 15 L/min respectively, with an accuracy of ±0.3% of reading across a 200-to-1 flow range. The G Series include a newly developed version of the firm’s high-resolution, linearized transmitter, which uses RoHS compliant and CE-certified circuitry to deliver high accuracy over the meter’s wide range of flow. — Booth 1548 — Max Machinery Inc., Healdsburg, Calif.
Easidew TX I.S. Dew Point Transmitter features a two-wire, 4 – 20 mA loop power for dew point or PPMV (parts-per-million by volume) moisture content, programmable for Farenheit or Celcius, and up to 3,000 ppm. The device operates over a temperature range of – 150 to 70°C and pressures up to 5,800 psi. The accuracy of better than ±1.8°F is achieved against an NIST-traceable Michell chilled-mirror standard. — Booth 2624 — Michell Instruments Inc., STS Sensors, Danbury, Conn.
CVA actuators provide extremely precise control-valve operation with repeatability and resolution performance at less than 0.1% of full scale. In addition, they include, as a standard feature, wireless Bluetooth communication technology that can be used for quick and easy actuator setup and adjustment. All actuators incorporate a data logger, which provides an extensive record of such operational and maintenance-related data as valve torque profiles and relevant statistical information. The actuators are available in linear and quarter-turn actions. — Booth 1900 — Rotork Process Controls, Rochester, N.Y.
The C2V-200 fast micro GC (gas chromatograph) is a hand-held sized, simple-to-use gas analyzer. The unit operates with easily exchangeable column cartridges, has a low gas consumption and now features temperature programming with fast ramping. The chip-based micro GC uses an integrated micro thermal conductivity detector. Typical separations are completed within 20 s with a detection limit of 1 ppm. — Booth 2408 — Concept to Volume (C2V), Enschede, Netherlands
Available in full or standard port, the new 364 Series Diverter valve offers such features as "live-loaded" stem packing, ISO 5211 direct-mount actuation and a variety of seat options. Made to full ANSI class 600 dimensions, this Inline valve handles a wide range of service conditions, says the manufacturer. A number of options are available, such as a variety of end connections, jacketing for heating or cooling, and bottom porting. — Booth 2009 — Inline Industries, Baldwin Park, Calif.
The G450 Multi-gas Detector (photo) is said to offer exceptional confined space performance. The compact units incorporate one to four sensors, and have interchangeable battery packs for up to 25 hours continuous operation. The highly water-resistant housing has IP 67 protection, and the device operates in diffusion or sample-draw mode via a motorized pump. The monitors provide protection from combustible gases and vapors, oxygen hazards and toxic gases. — Booth 1855 — GfG Instrumentation, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich.
The 6000 Series Purge Pressurization System is the latest addition to the Bebco family of purge/pressurization systems. The system is user-configurable to satisfy particular applications, and can be used with enclosures up to 250 ft3 of volume. It is also certified to all applicable updated standards for both gas and dust hazardous atmospheres; is IECEx, cULus and ATEX-directive certified; and complies with IEC 61508 SIL-2 (safety integrity level). The 6000 is a complete purging system that contains the controller and pneumatic, electrical I/O and programming interface housed in a durable type 4X, IP66-rated enclosure. — Booth 2142 — Pepperl + Fuchs, Inc. Twinsburg, Ohio
The GasAlertMax XT is a multi-detector for H2S, CO, O2 and combustible gases. Remote sampling in confined spaces is simplified with the unit’s non-intrusive integrated sampling pump and SmartSample diaphragm pump technology. With one-button operation and flexible user options, the device provides ease of use with simple compliance to industry safety standards. — Booth 1742 — BW Technologies by Honeywell, Arlington, Tex.
The LaserSpeed 4000-3 non-contact length-and-speed measurement gauge uses laser Doppler velocimetry to accurately measure the length and speed of any moving product or surface to an accuracy of ±0.05%, or better. The new LS4000-3 adds Ethernet communication and configurable I/O, which makes it even easier to integrate LS4000-3 into any control or monitoring system. The LaserSpeed Series of measurement gauges were designed to be drop-in replacements for any type of mechanical tachometer. They have proven to provide a typical return on investment of less than two months. Savings are achieved through increased accuracy, reduced scrap, less product give-away and other benefits. — Booth 1770 — Beta LaserMike, Dayton, Ohio
This firm is launching XNX, a universal gas transmitter with multi-digital communications options, and compatibility with its full range of toxic and flammable gas-sensing technologies, including catalytic bead, electrochemical and infrared. The XNX combines a universal platform transmitter with standard 4 – 20-mA wiring and HART protocol plus optional Fieldbus or Modbus outputs or up to three relays. — Booth 1628 — Honeywell Analytics, Inc., Lincolnshire, Ill.
The Max300 IGZ Process Mass Spectrometer (MS; photo) has received ATEX approval for installations in Zone 1 areas, and will meet the requirements of European pharmaceutical and petrochemical producers. The system is also available in general-purpose, hazardous-area and CSA-certified versions. These seventh-generation high-performance inline quadrupole mass spectrometers provide realtime gas analysis. Typical applications include: pharmaceutical solvent drying; fermentation control; ethylene, ethylene oxide, ambient air monitoring; and ammonia process control. — Booth 1932 — Extrel CMS, Pittsburgh, Pa.
By accurately and instantly pinpointing the presence of moisture, HCl, H2S and other impurities, the tunable diode laser (TDL) based gas analyzer (photo) provides significant benefits, including: the prevention of foreshortened lifespan of costly catalysts; enhanced assurance of product quality; reduced turnaround recovery times; and avoidance of unscheduled shutdowns. For H2S analysis, the analyzer can be used, for example, for measuring sour gas headed for processing and sweetened gas coming. Because it is faster than conventional techniques, the TDL-based device can improve process control by letting operators know how much processing is needed. — Booth 2248 — SpectraSensors, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
The new ST50 Remote Mount flowmeter features a highly intelligent, no moving parts, thermal mass-flow sensor design, and measures air flow from 1 to 125 standard ft/s, N2 from 1 to 150 ft/s and compressed air from 4 to 400 ft/s. Accuracy is ±1% of reading, ±0.5% of full scale and repeatability of ±0.5% of reading. The transmitter can be mounted up to 50 ft from its sensor, making the device especially suitable for equipment-crowded or hazardous plant areas where explosive, flammable or toxic gases may be present near the transmitter’s electronics. — Booth 2601 — Fluid Components International (FCI), LLC, San Marcos, Calif.
Held at McCormick Place (Chicago, Ill.) October 18 – 22, the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference, WEFTEC 08, promises water quality education, training and access to cutting-edge technologies. With an attendence of over 20,000 leading water and wastewater professionals, the conference promises to be the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world and an "invaluable peer-to-peer networking" opportunity, according to this year’s organizers. This year, the event promises a full itinerary with over 10 scheduled facility tours, 30 workshops and 115 technical sessions, ranging from "Nitrogen Removal" (Tuesday, October 21) to "Water Reuse Case Studies II" (Wednesday, October 22).
For more information on WEFTEC 08, please visit the conference’s website (www.weftec.org). Below is a sampling of the products that vendors will be displaying at the exhibition hall.
Touting accuracy to ±2% of a set-point, with a 0.5-s response time and 1% repeatability, the NuTec FS2000H Flow Switch performs equally well in clean or dirty media and is unaffected by entrained particles or bubbles. With the standard inclusion of precision temperature-compensation, the switch also remains accurate regardless of changes in media temperature (anywhere from –40 to 250°F) or operating pressures (up to 500 psi). The FS2000H’s measuring range supports water-based applications up to 10 ft/s, hydrocarbon liquid up to 20 ft/s, ethylene glycol up to 15 ft/s, and air/gases up to 750 ft2/s. Suitable for use in pipe and duct sizes from 1.5 to 60 in, the device’s flat-face no-moving parts sensor is non-invasive and installed, insertion-style, flush to the inside of the pipe inner diameter. Its all-welded 316 stainless-steel, thermal mass-flow sensing element is capable of avoiding clogging, leaks and corrosion according to the firm. It can be configured with a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay or transistor output. — Booth 35147 — Fluid Components International LLC, San Marcos, Calif.
The Model 2552-3 Signet Metal Magmeter is a lightweight insertion flow sensor capable of measuring a flow range of 0.15 – 33 ft/s with repeatability of ±0.5% reading at 25°C, and a linearity of ±1% reading. It can be mounted onto pipe sizes from 2 – 102 in. The 2552-3 Magmeter has adjustable capabilities for hot-tap installation using a ball valve and a low friction threaded steel hub — both of which allow for quick and easy installation, or maintenance, without system shutdown. Built for accuracy in harsh environments, this model has no moving parts to wear or foul and high accuracy sensing without the excessive costs associated with full-bore magnetic flow units. The absence of moving parts makes the device well suited for measuring the flow of fluids containing a high content of particles, solids and fibers. The 2552-3 is available in three signal output options including frequency, digital, or a 4 – 20-mA output that is factory spanned and can be modified in the field using the PC-compatible accessory set-up tool, model 3-0250. Frequency output is bi-directional, while the 4 – 20-mA output can be set for single or bi-directional flow. Additional features include empty-pipe detection capabilities and the sensor’s short insertion depth minimizes pressure drop, which conserves energy for pump operation. For underwater applications, a submersible waterproof cable is available. — Booth 24710 — GF Piping Systems, Tustin, Calif.
The 1,500-m2 Puron module for membrane bioreactor (MBR) applications features an optimized permeate extraction manifold and air supply lines, thus reducing the number of piping connections during installation. Designed for large-scale MBR projects, the module promises optimal solids management and a high flowrate, while using up to 50% less energy than other MBR systems — an efficiency achieved by the use of a single header with hollow fibers that are fixed only at the bottom. This helps to prevent the buildup of materials like hair that can clog membrane fibers in MBR designs that employ both a top and bottom header. The device also comes with a 20% more efficient aeration system than the original design. It can be ordered in 500-, or 250-m2 membrane area configurations. — Booth 26084 — Koch Membrane Systems, Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
The VLT Series Variable Frequency Drives are now available with power through 1,350 hp in 460 and 690 V a.c. and several frame models: F1 frame models boast up to 1,050 hp in an 86.8- X 55.1- X 23.9-in. footprint; and F2 models offer up to 1,350 hp in an 86.8- X 71.0- X 23.9-in. footprint. All models have components that are accessible from the front of the unit for improved serviceability and maintenance. Every drive in the VLT Series comes with a high-power F-frame size and a cooling design that utilizes ducted back channels to pass cooling air over heat sinks, minimizing air flow across sensitive electronic components. According to the firm, this method exhausts 85% of the heat losses directly outside of the device’s enclosure, which reduces the internal temperature as well as potential contamination of the electronics. A number of power, monitoring, enclosure, filtering, control and convenience options and accessories are available to enhance performance and operation. — Booth 21015 — Danfoss Drives, Milwaukee, Wis.
Powtech, one of the largest exhibitions on powder processing will be held September 30 – October 2 in Nürnberg, Germany.
Launched last year, the Morphologi G3 high-sensitivity particle characterization system delivers information about both particle size and shape. Now, the addition of a statistical data-analysis tool will allow quicker and easier analysis of batch-to-batch variations of a powder feed or product. A new feature for the measurement of particles on filter paper will be launched at Powtech. This new feature enables foreign particle detection in, for example, pharmaceuticals, hydraulic fluids and for component cleanliness in the automotive and other sectors. — Hall 9, Booth 304 — Malvern Instruments, Malvern, U.K.
Traditional crossflow membrane filtration using tubular modules is a cheap, but inefficient, way to concentrate permeate flows. A new development of this technology is Dynamic Crossflow Filtration, whereby rotating membrane discs prevent the clogging of the product layers, and at the same time reduce energy consumption by up to 80%, says the manufacturer. Low energy consumption also implies that less heat is imparted to the product, thereby opening up new fields of application. Depending on the application, either ceramic or polymer membranes can be used. Trials for different applications can be performed and analyzed using the company’s mobile test unit. The system is suitable for the separation of solids at high concentrations, such as separations of biomass (enzymes or proteins) as well as in juice production. — Hall 9, Booth 235 — KMPT AG, Vierkirchen, Germany
For more than a decade, this firm’s electromechanical membrane pumps have been used for the gentle product transport of fluidizable powders at a very low energy cost. Suitable powders from silos, big bags, barrels and containers are conveyed efficiently and with self-priming operation. On display at Powtech is the EM-025Z0110-SG with Y-powder pipes and inserted air-feed valve for dry fluidizable powders with a pump flowrate of 5.0 m 3 /h and pressure of 0.4 MPa. — Hall 9, Booth 338 — Abel GmbH & Co. KG, Büchen, Germany
The High-Efficiency Motors for blowers lowers the overall energy costs, resulting in an amortization, in most cases, after 2 – 3 years, says the manufacturer. The motor also provides a number of advantages over alternative products, such as: lower thermal stress, resulting in longer product life of bearings and motors; less downtime and maintenance; reduced noise level; and lower installation costs. — Hall 7, Booth 408 — Elektror Airsystems GmbH, Esslingen, Germany
Because of higher costs for virgin resins, plastics processors use more and more valuable regrind. This firm has developed a new compact and economical system for recovering regrind with an extremely high cleaning efficiency. The heart of the system is the DeDuster, which removes resin dust, streamers, metal dust, dirt paper and other contaminants. The contaminants are then separated from the air in a high-efficiency cyclone and collected in a dust drum located under the cyclone. The cleaning air is passed through an inline filter before returning to the DeDuster. Regrinds with dust loads of 20% and more will be cleaned to dust loads below 1%. — Hall 7, Booth 317 — Pelletron Corp., Lancaster, Pa.
As a reaction to the increasing, worldwide requirements of good manufacturing practice (GMP), this firm is continually improving its pharmaceutical mill, the SCM (Super Clean Mill). The SCM is based on the principle of a conventional pin mill (impact type pulverizer), which suits the requirements of GMP in the pharmaceutical and the foodstuffs industry. The next generation mill, the new SCM, is characterized by disk-structured components, which are positioned on bars. By the release of handwheels, the complete assembly can easily be dismantled by one person. Other features of the mill include: low heat increase during milling; easy adjustment of the particle size by screen insets; and a simple structure for fast and easy cleaning and maintenance. — Hall 7, Booth 367 — NARA Machinery Co. Ltd., Frechen, Germany
The online measuring system Micro-Moist LB 456 is able to measure moisture in a non-contacting way both on conveyor belts and in pipelines. The system uses microwaves of different frequencies, which penetrate the entire width of the material and are detected on the opposite side of the conveyor, with the signal converted to a moisture value. The system can be used for various bulk materials. Besides fine particles, the system is particularly suitable for coarse-grained materials, such as lignite or wood chips. — Hall 5, Booth 350 — Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Wildbad, Germany
This firm has launched a 1.5-in. version of its Type 350/800 Power Pulse valves. Specifically designed for the dust collector market, the valves feature a patented piston design that enables significantly faster opening and closing times, quieter operation and lower operating costs. The design substantially reduces the stroke volume while enabling higher flowrates. The reduced stroke volume cuts the amount of air to be exhausted, resulting in faster operation and enabling savings to be made in compressed air production. — Hall 7, Stand 380 — ASCO Numatics (ASCO Joucomatic GmbH), Ölbronn-Dürrn, Germany
The 4B Watchdog Elite (photo) uses non-contacting, magnetic sensors to monitor belt speed and belt alignment at the head, boot or both. Additional sensors monitor bearing temperature, head pulley alignment and plugged spout conditions. The system incorporates dual microprocessor control, using the latest PIC microprocessors and non-volatile (EEPROM) memory chips. An LCD screen displays elevator status messages, and a super-bright LED screen displays belt speed. Voltage-free isolated relay contacts are provided for alarm, stop, under speed, misalignment and temperature. RS485 communication is also available for connection to plant computers and PLCs. — Hall 6, Booth 162 — 4B Deutschland, Ennepetal, Germany
The Premier Pneumatics 2410 powder and pellet vacuum receiver with a new Series 4 controller will be on display at this firm’s booth. The 2410 is designed to handle powder, pellet, regrind or granular materials in the chemical, food and plastics industries. The receiver is available in either aluminum or stainless-steel construction. Also being exhibited is the firm’s enhanced MT12 Micro Feeder, which is designed for processors requiring feedrates as low as 20 g/h. The recent enhancements incorporated in the latest design include: a new inverted negative-cone-hopper design to aid material flow; a redesigned bottom agitator to reduce residual material; a new sanitary scale design that includes complete internal cabling; and a more robust frame. — Hall 7, Booth 366 — K-Tron (Switzerland) Ltd., Niederlenz, Switzerland
This firm’s new thin-film evaporator HYVAP DZH serves the increasing demand for continuous concentration of heat-sensitive, viscous and fouling products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. This horizontal thin-film evaporator allows easy access and inspection of the interior, and controlled and reliable cleaning in place. The technology of the evaporator combines the advantages of the firm’s conventional horizontal thin-film evaporators (DKH) with the following features: cantilever rotor design; comfortable rotor extraction; absence of bearings in product space; electro-polished surfaces; sight glasses for inspection during operation; and quick connect flanges. The DZH meets current GMP requirements, and is available in sizes from 0.2 m2 (for laboratories) to 6 m2 for industrial applications. Heating can be performed with both low-pressure steam as well as hot water. — Hall 6, Booth 163 — Buss-SMS Canzler GmbH, Düren, Germany
This firm will exhibit a filling station equipped with Sartorius weighing technology, and a feeding installation with Systec weighing technology. Also, a combination with an endless-liner will be shown at the stand of Burgener (Hall 9, Booth 529). These installations demonstrate the large range dosing of small and big quantities without changing any mechanical parts, which are possible using the Kokeisl. — Hall 6, Booth 430 — Kokeisl – Legno AG, Aarau, Switzerland
Until now, the use of air-jet mills was mainly limited to high-grade products with a high added value due to the high-energy consumption. The new e-Jet System opens up completely new application areas for this type of dry fine grinding due to its higher efficiency, says the manufacturer. Energy savings of up to 30% are possible for certain materials, such as minerals or amorphous chemical products. Even products that could only be manufactured efficiently using mechanical mills can now also be produced efficiently with jet mills. The wear costs are said to be negligible due to the particular mode of operation of the fluidized bed jet mills. — Hall 7, Booth 519 — Netzsch-Condux Mahltechnik GmbH, Hanau, Germany
On display at this firm’s booth will be a hiconti pilot plant that will later be delivered to a customer from the pharmaceutical industry. The unit is designed for continuous and homogeneous drying of various extrudates in pilot scale, prepared for the existing production plant. The system operates at a continuous throughput of 22 to 44 kg/h of humid product, which is dried at low temperatures in a defined period. The conditioned inlet air is fed via a three-zone air distributor and evenly distributed into the drying chambers through a sieve bottom. Other features include: through-the-wall execution, an explosion-protection system, WIP-cleaning, qualification according to GAMP 5 and process validation. — Hall 5, Booth 411 — Heinen Drying GmbH, Varel, Germany
The LPP-M (photo) is the latest addition to the LPP pump family, and is especially suitable for accurate metering. LPP-M pumps have an exact flow per revolution irrespective of the pipeline pressure and have accurate metering throughout the entire flow range. They are ideal for pumping diverse slurries and metering a wide range of media. The LPP-M pumps are said to have the highest maximum working pressure on the market, and are equipped with a patented tube-failure-detection system, which is capable of detecting the presence of a large number of chemicals. Two types of tube material are available: Neoprene, for chemicals; and Tygothane, for oils and fats. — Hall 7, Booth 413 — Larox Flowsys Oy, Lappeenranta, Finland
Tungsten carbide wear-protection technology is said to increase the lifetime and capacity several times for a number of industries. The technology has been used in extruders, mixers, micronizer mills and pumps for industries such as chemical, ceramic, cement and pigment production. Based on more than 25 years of experience, this firm is able to coat nearly all components, including augers (photo), mixer impellers, scrapers, shovels liners, and extending their lifetime several times. — Hall 8, Booth 202 — Gerhard Warning Wear Protection Technology, Bielefeld, Germany
The patent-pending Batchmixer was developed to mix active substances in a self-contained system. This system allows contamination-free and product-friendly mixing — there are no rotating mechanical parts — in batch mode under inert conditions. This offers the possibility to mix hygroscopic, oxygen-sensitive or explosive powders. The powders can be mixed with large differences in mixing ratio (1 to 10,000) at low mixing times. — Hall 9, Booth 425 — Dietrich Engineering Consultants S.A., Ecublens, Switzerland
Since 1979, this firm has been Canada’s leading manufacturer of couplings, tube and pipe bends, fittings, diverter valves, slide gates, cyclones and custom-fabricated accessories for pneumatic conveying, vacuum and bulk-handling systems. The company now services the plastics, food, chemical and aggregate industries worldwide, and works closely with clients to identify their needs by acting as consultant, advisor and manufacturing specialist. — Hall 6, Booth 153 — Lorenz, Cobourg, Ont., Canada
This firm recently delivered a screw heat exchanger to a client in Belgium that cools down more than 2,000 kg/h of rhenium, which is coming out of an incinerator at 850°C, to 150°C. The cooling is required because the hot rhenium cannot be handled at the high temperature. The screw heat exchanger consists of a large double-axis screw conveyor with hollow blades, whereby each screw has a diameter of more than 800 mm. The length of each screw is more than 8 m, and both the blades, the screw axis and body are cooled by water at a temperature above 20°C. — Hall 9, Booth 534 — Celsius B.V., Drunen, Netherlands
Three new options have been developed for the Inline Particle Size sensor IPP 70, making it easier to use in the regulated pharmaceutical industry. Option 1, the Verification Kit, is for calibration and the regular control of the measurement accuracy. The second Option is polished contact surfaces of the measurement sensor and related components. Parsum View, the third Option, is a new completely independent man-machine interface for monitoring, controlling and handling data from the IPP 70. Software was specially developed to meet FDA requirements, such as 21 CFR Part 21. — Hall 7, Booth 241 — Parsum GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany
Besides quality control in the packaging process, protection against counterfeiting and traceability of pharmaceutical products becomes more and more important. This firm faces this challenge with the introduction of its "track & trace" (T&T) solution, which combines database management, coding systems, code-reading technology and material handling systems to provide a customized solution for existing packaging lines as well as for new equipment. These T&T solutions are said to entirely meet the legal regulations in, for example, Turkey, California and France. — Hall 1, Booth 239 — Seidenader Maschinenbau GmbH, Markt Schwaben, Germany
This firm will be exhibiting its complete line of applications-oriented laboratory instruments for sample preparation and particle sizing, along with the latest innovations. For example, the Planetary Mill premium line is said to be the first planetary ball mill with sunken grinding bowls. This allows the mill to reach unprecedented rotational speeds and achieve ultrafine grinding results down to the nanometer range. In addition, the company will display its particle sizing instruments, including the patented measurement technique of laser diffraction inside a convergent laser beam. This technique provides a simple continuous adjustment of the measuring area and measuring channels. — Hall 7, Booth 149 — Fritsch GmbH, Idar-Oberstein, Germany
A new antenna system of plastic makes it possible to offer the Vegapuls 67 radar sensor at a considerably lower price, says the manufacturer. The sensor is suitable for application areas where, for economical reasons, ultrasonic instruments or capacitance probes were used previously. The sensor is ideal for applications in medium-sized silos up to 15 m high, and covers the majority of standard applications in industries that process bulk solids — from food to plastics warehousing to building materials production and processing. — Hall 5, Booth 270 — VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach, Germany
The AVA Vertical dryer is a combination of a centrifuge with a helical dryer on a lifting column. The system requires lower ceiling heights than a fixed installation of the two components, and can be installed in existing production halls without opening the ceiling. The dryer is locked onto a peeling centrifuge and filled over several peeling cycles. For drying, the connection to the centrifuge is unlocked and the dryer is lowered and swiveled out of the centrifuge area. For its discharge, the dryer is lifted on the column to allow the placement and connection of drums or other containers. The use of split butterfly valves for charging and discharging permits the handling of Class 3 products without the need for worker’s protective clothing. — Hall 9, Booth 310 — AVA-Huep GmbH & Co. KG, Herrsching, Germany
The new generation of the Litronic-FMS II moisture-measurement system, consisting of a sensor, evaluation electronics and software, can be applied to a wide range of bulk goods, such as powders, sands granulates, cereals, seed material and foodstuffs, as well as petrochemical and pharmaceutical products. One of the latest members of the Litronic FMS sensor range is the P30, a smaller version that is especially suitable for fine-grain bulk goods and emulsions in situations such as: confined and restricted installations; smaller pipe diameters; and smaller material volumes. — Hall 9, Booth 503 — Liebherr Mischtechnik GmbH, Bad Schussenried, Germany
www.water-content-measurement.com
Material to be size reduced no longer needs to be gravity fed into the grinding chamber, but is evenly and horizontally fed into the rotor with the help of feeding screws. This way of feeding presents the following advantages over traditional gravity-fed configurations: higher throughput (30 – 50% more capacity with the same size cutting chamber); less power consumption (30 – 50% smaller motor); suitable for dry and wet operation; even loading of the rotor (results in fewer fines and dust in the regrind); and flyback is eliminated. — Hall 7, Booth 640 — Herbold Meckersheim GmbH, Meckersheim, Germany
This firm specializes in the fabrication of stainless-steel process equipment for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. For example, it has designed and built a 22-m3 reactor vessel with the following features: double-coated cooling, double mixer; distribution of nitrogen, diffuser for dosing air, measurement for pressure, level, pH, temperature; washing injectors; dosing pipes for sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and iron solutions; and a pressure rating to 1-bar maximum operating pressure, and 1.5-bar test pressure. — Hall 9, Stand 624 — INOKS d.o.o., Murska Sobota, Slovenia
The ATEX-certified EC28 Transmitter features an integrated, Ex-proof buzzer and bright alarm LEDs for the highest safety in hazardous areas. The device shows the current gas concentration onsite at the display of the transmitter and the GMA controller. Smart sensor technology allows a user to install the transmitter or to replace a sensor within a few seconds. Adjustments are done directly at the transmitter using touch keys or with remote control. The device monitors toxic gases, oxygen and hydrogen. — Hall 6, Booth 405 — GfG Gesellschaft für Gerätebau mbH, Dortmund, Germany
This firm’s latest feed system, PureFeed DP, is especially suitable for continuous, gravimetric feeding of tiny volumes of powder with manual refills. The technology used by the device allows for high-accuracy feeding of volumes between 20 g/h to 2 kg/h using a speed-controlled, ceramic feed disc, which rotates at the base of a cylinder hopper and acts as the discharge mechanism. This disc separates the material supply from the outlet opening, avoids uncontrolled outflow, and prevents the bulk material that is already in the container from compacting. — Hall 7, Booth 541 — Schenck Process GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
Knowledge of the moisture-induced changes of a material’s properties are needed to make proper decisions regarding processing, packaging and the storage and shelf life of a product. The Modular Humidity Generator (MHG) makes this possible; designed to fit inside analysis equipment, the MHG enables measurements to be performed in an atmosphere with controlled humidity. The MHG consists of a central control unit and an external humidifier and mixer unit. The patent-pending design enables fast and accurate humidity regulation from close to freezing up to the boiling point without condensation effects. Up to 20 humidity profiles can be stored, including ramps, plateaus and steps. — Hall 8, Booth 433 — Projekt Messtechnik, Ulm, Germany