Orbitor Eco fast-cycle impingement cleaners (photo) are an alternative to spray balls for cleaning tanks and storage vessels. Rather than being geared for maximum power, Orbitor Eco devices are instead configured for maximum speed and water efficiency. These new machines can complete a cleaning cycle in under two minutes with flowrates as low as 45 L/min. When compared with spray balls, Orbitor Eco products operate at a similar pressure (2–3 bars), while offering a larger cleaning range (up to 10-m diameter), as much as 95% reduction in water consumption per cycle and a shorter cleaning-cycle time. With the availability of universal fittings, connectors, a range of threads and where required, adaptors, it is likely that in many cases, existing tanks, pumps and pipework will not need to be changed significantly for cleaning with Orbitor Eco devices. — Bete Ltd., Lewes, U.K.
The BW Clip4 (photo) is a new four-gas, portable monitor that can operate continuously for two years without the need to change sensors or charge batteries. BW Clip4 monitors significantly reduce maintenance costs associated with fleets of portable gas detectors by eliminating repair work and the need to stock additional sensors and spare units. Because it is always on, the BW Clip4 helps drive safety compliance by assuring that workers wearing the device are protected. Using non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, the BW Clip4 reportedly consumes 1,000 times less battery power than a catalytic bead (pellistor) sensor, the traditional technology used to detect flammable gases in a portable device. Other features include the following: simultaneous monitoring of H2S, CO, O2 and combustibles; realtime display for instant gas readings, even in non-alarm conditions; and internal test functions that alert users when the unit should be replaced. — Honeywell Analytics, Inc., Lincolnshire, Ill.
This company has introduced two high-performance submersible pressure sensors with a slimline design (photo). The model LW-1 is suitable for level monitoring of water and wastewater. The model LF-1 features long-lasting resistance within all common oils and fuels. Both submersible pressure sensors are, with their slimline case (22-mm dia.), suitable for use within pipes. Thanks to a newly developed sealing concept, special cable and further options, such as Ex and overvoltage protection during lightning strikes, the instruments work reliably even under harsh conditions. The new sensors are available with a variety of output signals. The LF-1 features optional temperature output for density compensation and temperature monitoring. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
The Rotalign touch (photo) is a cloud-based shaft-alignment system that combines precision measurement with mobile connectivity. The latest free firmware release for the system — version 1.2 — now adds shaft-application capabilities. Cardan shaft alignment with specially designed brackets and a patented measuring method allows Cardan shafts to be aligned without removing the shaft, which significantly reduces the alignment time, effort and cost, says the company. Vertical machine measurement with Rotalign touch is now as easy as horizontal alignment, thanks to vertiSweep, the new continuous vertical-measurement mode: just rotate the shaft to measure flange-mounted vertical machines. Soft-foot diagnostics assist the user in identifying the possible causes of machine soft foot. The new Move Simulator capability enables the shim values to be predefined in advance of the physical movement of the machine. — Prüftechnik Dieter Busch AG, Ismaning, Germany
The new Submerged Membrane Module, dubbed H2L (photo), is this company’s second-generation submerged membrane module for filtration applications in water and wastewater-treatment applications. H2L combines the advantages of two existing submerged module concepts, such as back-washability and high-packing density (hollow fibers), easy pre-treatment and good hydraulic behavior (flat-sheet). In addition, the multi-layer design of the membrane pockets, called Safe Guard Technology, ensures a safe rejection of bacteria and solids, even if the membrane layer suffers damage. The product is especially suitable for limited tank height and areas. The design concept of H2L is modularly built from the so-called USBs (Ultrafiltration Single Blocks), which are available in different sizes. Based on this concept, H2L is available in 64 different standard sizes ranging from 20 to 500 m2 of membrane surface area. — WTA Vogtland GmbH, Plauen, Germany
Sentinel dust suppressant (photo) is a proprietary chemical that is designed to adhere the finest silica particles to larger particles to prevent the fines from becoming airborne. The chemical is sprayed onto sand grains and adheres to the small dust particles, effectively trapping them. Silica dust inhalation can be hazardous to the health of workers, and recent OSHA ruling has limited the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable silica dust in order to have a safer work environment. This liquid dust-control agent is effective on sands of all mesh size, including 100-mesh sand. The mobility of the application system allows it to be applied at any site without impacting normal operations, and the robustness of the chemical helps it maintain its performance after multiple transfer points, says the manufacturer. — Hexion Inc., Columbus, Ohio
With the universal M12 distributor boxes (photo), actuator connectors (such as those for solenoid valves) can be connected quickly and easily. Thanks to the full wiring of the M12 slots, both the switching wires, as well as the PE connection of valve connectors, are safely and easily connected to controllers and relays in the central control cabinet. The wire cross-sections of the permanently connected master cables (1.0 mm² for the supply wires and 0.5 mm² for the signal wires) are sufficiently large and have low cable resistances. If even larger wire cross-sections are required, these can be flexibly connected to sensor/actuator boxes with plug-in screw connections or spring-cage connections. LED status indicators, as well as the M12 Speedcon fast-locking technology (which reduces installation time by up to 90%) can also be added to the products. — Phoenix Contact, Blomberg, Germany
K-TEK LMT Series magnetostrictive level transmitters have been launched in the North American market. By adopting a two-wire common transmitter design combined with advanced signal processing, the LMT Series delivers reliable measurements with an integrated setup menu, advanced diagnostics with waveform display and signal conditioning. The first phase of the LMT Series comes with 4–20-mA HART output, and will be available with Foundation Fieldbus and Profibus PA later in 2017. LMT devices are available as an insertion-style “wetted” transmitter (LMT100) with probe lengths up to 22.86 m (75 ft) in length, or as an externally mounted, non-intrusive design (LMT200) for use with the KM26 magnetic level gage or with any other float and level chamber. LMT200 transmitters can be easily changed from top to bottom mount or from left-of-chamber orientation to right with no modification of equipment required. — ABB Measurement & Analytics, Zurich, Switzerland
The NCR-80 non-contact radar level sensor (photo) for powders and bulk solids features an 80-GHz frequency focused in a narrow 4-deg beam angle, enabling precise aiming to avoid the flow stream, internal structure or sidewall buildup. This ensures reliable performance at measurement ranges up to 393 ft and accuracy within 0.2 in. The NCR-80 is resistant to interference, and its firmware constantly tracks echoes and automatically eliminates false echoes for reliable performance. The NCR-80 is suitable for continuous, single-point level measurement in tall and narrow vessels where there is excessive noise or dust. Mounting the instrument is simple, due to the availability of 0- and 30-deg mounting plates for slanted roofs and 10- and 8-deg swiveling holders with directional aiming. A variety of flange sizes and adapter flanges are available. — BinMaster, Lincoln, Neb.
Rosemount 2140 (photo) is said to be the world’s first wired HART vibrating-fork level detector. The Rosemount 2140 detects level in applications with high temperatures and harsh conditions that are unsuitable for other level-monitoring devices. It is easy to install and maintain, as there are no moving parts. The device is virtually unaffected by flow, bubbles, turbulence, foam, vibration, sediments content, coating, liquid properties and product variations, according to the manufacturer. It can be used to monitor not only liquids, but also liquid-to-sand interfaces, which enables the detection of buildup of sand or sludge deposits in a tank. For safety-critical applications, a dedicated version of the Rosemount 2140 certified to IEC61508 is available. For installations within safety instrumented systems (SIS), a fully integrated remote proof-testing capability eliminates the need to access the top of the vessel for extracting the device from the process. This saves time and increases process availability, worker safety and efficiency. — Emerson Automation Solutions, St. Louis, Mo.
The near-infrared borescope NIR-B 3XR (photo) delivers continuous, high-accuracy reformer-tube-wall temperature (TWT) measurement, furnace optimization and monitoring, giving operators the ability to measure temperature point data and to store this data for future analysis. Operating with a wide-angle field of view (90 deg) and a high-resolution image, the NIR-B 3XR allows multiple reformer tubes to be imaged and measured simultaneously. That capability is critical to extending asset life and maximizing efficiency, as a –10°C measurement error over time can result in either 1% lost productivity, while a +10°C error can result in a 25% reduction in tube life. The NIR-B 3XR’s advanced digital-communications capabilities mean that both image and data can be viewed in realtime from the safety of the control room. During startup, burners that are not operating correctly can be quickly identified and the effect of impinging flames can be seen, helping to optimize performance and reduce downtime. — Ametek Land, Dronfield, U.K.
The Dry-Pro line of dry vacuum pumps (photo) feature contact-free operation that requires no lubrication in the pumping chamber, minimizing process contamination and pollution caused by the pump operation. The Dry-Pro line offers dry-screw vacuum-pump designs with fixed- or variable-pitch screw rotors. The pumps achieve an ultimate vacuum of.0015 in. Hg, and can operate at any pressure between end vacuum and atmospheric pressure. The pumps’ design offers high vapor and liquid tolerances and can handle corrosives, organics, inorganics and solvents because of its oil-free, non-contacting screw design. In this design, the shafts and screws are one solid piece, which eliminates corrosion between the screw rotor and shaft that can occur in other pump designs, says the company. A low rotational speed avoids noise and vibration. — Gardner Denver Nash, Bentleyville, Pa.
With cross-flow microfiltration, suspended particles can be removed from pickling acid effectively. Due to their high resistance against acids, caustics and abrasive metal particles, the T-CUT tubular modules (photo) are particularly suitable for this application. The symmetric tubular membranes are constructed from polypropylene (PP), offering resistance against abrasion, as well as mechanical and chemical stability. Microfiltration of pickling acids enables the contaminated liquid to be concentrated to a factor of up to five, which means a reduction of waste volume by the same amount. The remaining concentrate contains up to 35–40% solids. T-CUT PP modules ensure a stable permeate flux of about 80 L/(m2. h). The filtration performance is maintained by backflushing the symmetric membranes for a few seconds every 30 min. — CUT Membrane Technology GmbH, Erkrathm Germany
As a replacement for conventional submersible pumps, this company supplied two eight-stage, sealless canned-motor pumps of the TCAM 30/4+4 Series to a Swiss fine-chemicals company as an alternative to conventionally sealed pumps. The supplied submersible pumps (photo) are the longest pumps this company has ever produced, with an immersion depth of more than 15 m, and a pump shaft of only 1 m. The submersible pumps, in tandem design, convey the medium (ammonia) at a temperature of –33°C. The delivery head is 260 m at a flowrate of 12 m³/h. The pump units are designed for a nominal pressure of 40 bars and are suitable for operation with frequency converters (30–60 Hz). — Hermetic-Pumpen GmbH, Gundelfingen, Germany
This company has added four new sizes to its existing series of universal-seal pumps (photo), bringing the offering to a total of 16 different sizes, with available flows up to 364 m3/h. This includes the addition of a smaller-sized pump for flows of less than 2 m3/h. These heavy-duty, foot-mounted pumps are designed for a broad range of applications that require continuous operation at pressures up to 200 psi. As a whole, the models in this series can be applied to both viscous and non-viscous liquids, and are capable of operating under suction lift conditions. Seal options include packing, single component seals, cartridge lip seals and cartridge single- and double-mechanical seals. Various seal flush plans are also available. Different models are constructed of various materials, including cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel or stainless steel with optional coatings and treatments to satisfy specific application needs. — Viking Pump Inc., Cedar Falls, Iowa
This company has updated its LiveLink for SolidWorks products. As an add-on to the company’s Multiphysics software, LiveLink for SolidWorks allows a computer-aided design (CAD) model to be synchronized between the two software packages. The latest version of LiveLink for SolidWorks allows easy access for launching and running simulation apps that can be used in synchronicity with SolidWorks software. Simulation specialists and analysts can now build apps with the Application Builder to enable users, such as design engineers, to analyze and modify a geometry from SolidWorks software right from the tailor made interface of the app. — Comsol, Inc., Burlington, Mass.
The EBP Series of explosion burst plugs (photo) are used to protect plastic extrusion equipment from overpressurization. The EBP Series’ welded design provides a flush attachment, preventing potential product buildup. Stronger welded joints make EBP devices more resistant to increased temperatures, eliminating spurious bursts and product contamination. Joint failure is avoided during increased temperatures and pressure cycling. The welded design also removes material creep ensuring burst repeatability. The burst tolerance is±10%, and all units are leak-tested and thread-verified using an optical comparator, and are ultrasonically cleaned prior to shipment. — ZOOK USA, Chagrin Falls, Ohio