New Products & Services
May 2016
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group
The new 530 peristaltic cased pump (photo) handles metering and transfer applications, such as surface coating, printing and lime addition. The cost-effective pump is said to offer easier operation and greater versatility coupled with high levels of accuracy. The new 530 models meet the demands of rugged and often remote environments, and are built to operate 24/7 without interruption. The versatile 530 range of process pumps offers four drive options and nine pumphead variants. The pumps deliver flowrates from 0.000026 to 0.92 gal/min. The pumps can be fitted with either continuous tubing pumpheads, or with LoadSure tube element pumpheads for pressures up to 101.5 psi. — Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group, Falmouth, U.K.
Wanner Engineering
Since March, the Hydra-Cell Metering Solutions pumps (photo) are available with Alfas diaphragms as well as brass manifolds. Aflas is a copolymer elastomer that is resistant to extreme heat, acids and alkalis. It is appropriate for use when pumping water or alcohol, and in various chemical environments. Brass provides a lower-cost alternative to stainless steel and Hastelloy when the higher discharge pressures of a metallic pump head are required, the company says. The Hydra-Cell Metering Solutions line includes six models with maximum flow capacities from 26.5 to 894.6 gal/h and maximum pressure ratings from 1,000 to 2,500 psi. — Wanner Engineering, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
Ametek Process Instruments
This company has demonstrated that tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) can provide the advantages of continuous process control of pharmaceutical drying to manufacturers using water as their primary solvent. Working with a pharmaceutical manufacturer, this company carried out a production trial using its Model 5100 HD analyzer (photo) to monitor the batch production of a widely prescribed medication whose synthesis involves the use of water as the final rinse agent. The trial demonstrated that TDLAS techniques can be used to continuously monitor and control the solvent drying process online, in realtime, without operator intervention or process interruption. The Model 5100 analyzer can provide online, realtime process control of moisture over a wide range of levels down to 4 parts per million (ppm), or 2%, of the reading, whichever is greater. — Ametek Process Instruments, Inc., Newark, Del.
Lewa
The Ecodos diaphragm metering pump (photo) is mechanically driven, rather than hydraulically driven. Due to its simple construction, it operates without hydraulic oil and can also be used for sensitive applications in the pharmaceutical field. Fluids that would react with hydraulic oil can be metered just as safely. In principle, it is suitable for virtually all metering and pumping tasks in the low-pressure range. The Ecodos, as a single-drive unit with a space-saving, vertically attached motor, delivers a flowrate of 0.4 to 1,500 L/h per pump head and a maximum discharge pressure of 20 bars. Its multiplex capability also enables additional areas of application, for which multiple drive units with identical or different output capacities are ideally suited, particularly for low-pulsation pumping, recipe metering and mixing tasks. — Lewa GmbH, Leonberg, Germany
Biral
For many manufacturing facilities, thunderstorms can play a significant role in disrupting operations from an increased risk of ignition due to static electricity, as well as lightning strikes to the plant and process equipment. Many manufacturing and storage-transfer processes have to be made safe or halted completely when a thunderstorm is in the vicinity as part of the risk mitigation and safety protocols onsite. Both cause loss of productivity and efficiency for the plant operators. The new BTD-300 thunderstorm detector (photo) can provide early warning of a nearby thunderstorm and so ensure the safety of operating personnel while minimizing downtime. While there are existing lightning systems available, these only alert after the strikes have begun, whereas the BTD-300 uses a quasi-electrostatic operating principle that gives early warnings of overhead lightning risk and detects strikes as far as 83 km away, says the company. In addition to lightning detection, the BTD-300 has the ability to detect the presence of electrically charged precipitation and strong electric fields. The Biral BTD-300 is virtually immune to all forms of human-made radio frequency interference so false alarms are minimized. — Biral, Bristol, U.K.
Flexicon
A new Tip-Tite Mobile Drum Dumper (photo) allows dust-free transfer of bulk materials from drums into process equipment and storage vessels. It is mounted on a mobile frame with quick-action floor jacks for stable operation anywhere in the plant. A hydraulic cylinder raises the drum carriage which seals the drum rim against a discharge cone, after which a second hydraulic cylinder tips the carriage-hood assembly and drum, stopping at a predetermined dump angle of either 45, 60 or 90 deg with a motion-dampening feature. As the assembly approaches its fully-tipped position, the outlet of the discharge cone mates with a gasketed receiving-ring inlet fitted to existing process equipment or to the lid of an optional hopper with integral pneumatic, tubular cable or flexible screw conveyor, creating a dust-tight seal. Once the discharge cone is seated against the gasket, a pneumatically-actuated slide gate valve opens, allowing material to enter the receiving vessel. The unit accommodates drums from 30 to 55 gal, weighing up to 750 lb. — Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa.
The SmartCut BKCR3520 (photo) is an ANSI Cut Level 3 glove, which is designed to combine medium-level cut protection with excellent abrasion and slip resistance, with a high level of dexterity. Its slip-resistant foam nitrile palm coat provides a secure grip, and its reinforced thumb crotch provides excellent abrasion resistance in the glove’s most critical wear area — between the thumb and forefinger. The BKCR3520 has a seamless shell made of 15-gauge, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composite yarn, delivering ANSI cut level 3 protection that is as flexible and 
versatile as a general-purpose work glove. A durable nitrile coating on the palm and fingers channels oil away from the surface, providing excellent slip resistance. — Brass Knuckle Safety Products, Alpharetta, Ga.
Endress+Hauser
The Micropilot NMR81 (photo) utilizes 79 GHz technology to generate a narrow beam angle of 3 or 4 deg. Measurements are substantially more reliable, even in narrow tanks, because the radar beam avoids obstacles, such as baffles on the tank walls. Furthermore, measurements right to the bottom in very tall tanks are easier because the beam does not hit the tank walls prematurely. The technology permits very long measuring ranges of up to 70 m. In custody transfer, the instrument measures up to 30 m with an accuracy of±0.5 mm, which surpasses the recommendations of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Micropilot NMR81 easily fulfills all API and OIML requirements. — Endress+Hauser, Inc., Greenwood, Ind.
Emerson Process Management
The Rosemount X-well Technology (photo) is a surface-sensing temperature-measurement solution that eliminates the need for thermowell process penetration when measuring process temperatures in pipe applications. This device provides an accurate and repeatable internal process temperature measurement, while eliminating possible leak points and simplifying specification, installation and maintenance. Rosemount X-well Technology is available in the Rosemount 648 Wireless Temperature Transmitter and Rosemount 0085 Pipe Clamp Sensor Assembly. These components work together to calculate process temperature via the transmitter’s thermal conductivity algorithm. — Emerson Process Management, Austin, Tex.
Kason
The Model CM540 Sanitary Cone Mill (photo) delivers gentle, low-energy size reduction while achieving even particle distribution with minimal fines. It is suitable for de-lumping of dried or hygroscopic materials that have agglomerated due to dampness or compaction, for intermediate sizing of “wet mass” product for improved drying and granulation prior to tableting, and for regrinding of out-of-spec tablets to be reintroduced to the tableting process. Its smooth, moderate action alleviates traditional milling problems of product build-up, dust and heat generation, enabling it to process fatty, heat-sensitive, sticky, moist or fragile products. Conical screens can be changed rapidly, and are offered with apertures from 150 micron for fine/dry de-agglomeration, up to 25 mm, including square and rectangular perforations for wet granulation. — Kason Corp., Millburn, N.J.
MTI Mischtechnik International
When surfaces of inorganic components have to be homogeneously and reproducibly coated with functional coatings in batch processes, high-performance universal mixers of the Uni tec series (photo) are said to offer significant advantages over conventional systems. The Uni tec mixers produce a 3-D mixing vortex without any dead spots in which the entire material to be mixed is fluidized. The result is maximum homogenization with minimum time and energy consumption. All Uni tec mixers are suitable for vacuum operation, which makes it possible to perform complex processes, such as vacuum drying after coating, in a single machine. An optional chopper avoids the formation of lumps. Options include spray systems for adding fluids, double-jackets for temperature control, electrically heated lids and surfaces, and more. — MTI Mischtechnik International GmbH, Detmold, Germany
Flottweg
The AC separator (photo) is said to reach far higher speeds than other centrifuges, such as the decanter centrifuge. The special design of the separator permits the centrifuge to achieve gravitational ( g) forces of up to 10,000 g. Moreover, disk inserts also provide a larger clarifying surface. The combination of an expanded clarifying surface and the high g forces make it possible to separate the finest of solid particles or liquid mixtures efficiently. A particular feature of the AC separator is the Soft Shot discharge mechanism. Unlike many discharge mechanisms in which the solids discharge is acoustically perceptible as a loud bang, the Soft Shot is silent. During discharge, part of the control water stays under the piston, which means that during ejection, the piston cannot strike the bottom of the bowl. The solid is ejected in a gentle, quiet manner. — Flottweg SE, Vilsbiburg, Germany
Fidas Frog (photo) is a new fine dust aerosol spectrometer that measures the fine-dust load in indoor areas, such as office workplaces, workshops or laboratories. It shows the PM fractions and optionally the particle-size distributions and more. Fidas Frog communicates via WiFi with its wireless operating panel (tablet). Its user interface can be used to evaluate all measuring ranges and compare them with one another. An integrated camera records the measurement set-up, allowing images to be assigned
to the data record and the measurement report. The sensor of Fidas Frog is based on the sensor of TÜV-Rheinland-tested Fidas 200, and uses the measurement algorithm from this well-known, EN-certified fine dust monitoring system. This ensures precise measurements for the particle size ranges PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10. — Palas GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
Tanks, silos and equipment are usually connected by pipelines through which, if an explosion occurs, fire and the pressure spread very rapidly. In addition, the intensity of the explosion in connected containers is increased by pressure piling and flame jet ignition. This sequence of events can be prevented by the Exkop isolation system, consisting of a control panel and one or more quenc
h valves. The integrated elastomer seal within the quench valve closes within a few milliseconds, triggered by a signal from the company’s Explosion Panel, Q-Rohr-3, Q-Box II, an infrared signal, or pressure or temperature sensors. The quench valve can be safely put back into operation again at the press of a button. The company recently introduced the new and improved Exkop isolation system, which expands to range of applications of its predecessors to include ST 2 dusts, reduced explosion pressures of up to 2 bars and larger diameters. — Rembe, Inc., Charlotte, N.C.
BinMaster
The Teflon-coated spike bob (photo) is an optional SmartBob probe specifically adapted for measuring powders and solids material that may adhere to the sensor probe. It is ideal for use in sticky materials such, as silica or “frack” sand, powdered chemicals or minerals, additives and ingredients, or any material that tends to build up on the sensor probe. The Teflon coating on the probe has U.S. Food and Drug Admin. (FDA) approval, which also enables it to be used in bins, tanks, or silos containing ingredients used in animal- and human-food-processing or pharmaceutical environments. — BinMaster, Lincoln, Neb.
Pope Scientific
This company’s pressure vessels and integrated mixing/processing systems (photo) are used in production, pilot plants and laboratories for processing, reacting or blending specialty chemicals, adhesives, coatings, biomaterials recycling and more. High-quality materials, welding and finishing assure integrity and validation in sanitary, ultra-high purity and hazardous applications. ASME stamping is standard; CE/PED and other certifications available. Options may include various mixer types, pumps, plumbing and valve manifolds, instrumentation, controls, filters, lifts, heating/cooling systems, skid mounting and other features. They are fabricated with 316L stainless steel; other alloys, such as Hastelloy, finishing levels and coatings are also available. Custom designed complete turnkey skid-mounted systems, from 1 to 1,000 L, are offered. — Pope Scientific, Inc., Saukville, Wis.
Heinkel Drying and Separation Group
The fully equipped laboratory dryer BS-miniDRY (photo) has a mobile and compact design. It is easy to install and enables “plug-and-play” operation. The BS-miniDRY can simulate complex processes and production steps, such as drying under vacuum. Because it is identically designed as a larger, production-scaled conical screw dryer, the BS-miniDRY is especially suitable for scaleup and processing of, for example, bulk solids and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is characterized by gentle product handling, reliable operation, and works with very small amounts of product. — Heinkel Drying and Separation Group, Besigheim, Germany
GEA Group
This company’s “next-generation” tableting technology will be showcased at Interphex (April 26–28; New York, N.Y.). Launched last year at Achema 2015, the Modul Q rotary tablet press (photo) features the company’s Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM). The new version of the ECM is even more convenient to use and offers a higher level of containment performance. With easier access for cleaning and set-up operations and improved functionality, the Modul Q also incorporates the Exchangeable Die Disc, which was only previously available on the Performa P press. Operationally, the Modul Q has a bigger pitch diameter and, in terms of size, will be positioned between the Modul P and Modul S. The use of A-type tooling is now possible, which allows 51 punch stations to be incorporated and an output of up to 367,200 tablets per hour to be achieved. — GEA Group AG, Düsseldorf, Germany
The Optimass 6400 is said to be the first Coriolis mass flowmeter in the world to feature advanced entrained gas management (EGM), with no loss of measurement with gas entrainment up to 100 vol.%. Unlike other mass flowmeters, where relative movement between gas and fluid dampens the amplitude of the measuring tube and interferes with the electronics’ capability to determine the actual resonant frequency, the Optimass 6400 with EGM can follow and correct for the varying amplitudes. EGM continues to present an actual measured reading, together with an indication or configurable alarm that improves processes by identifying transient gas entrainments. The flowmeter is equipped with a new signal converter that features advanced device and process diagnostics, compliant to Namur recommendation NE 107. It is available in a range of sizes from DN 08 to 250, and is offered in stainless steel 316L, Hastelloy C22 and Duplex steel UNS S31803. The Optimass 6400 operates in temperatures from –200 to 400°C, and handles pressures up to 200 bars. — Krohne, Inc., Peabody, Mass.
Balluff
The Advanced SmartLevel capacitive sensor (photo) combines standard capacitive sensing technology and the patented SmartLevel technology, enabling the ability to sense solids and highly conductive acids and bases with the utmost reliability. The Advanced SmartLevel is housed in 316 stainless steel, and the PEEK sensing nose provides protection against sticky and adhesive materials. This combination of housing materials gives the sensor an IP69 rating, and is suitable for use in autoclaves for one hour. When used with the proper mounting accessories, the sensor can be used in hygienic applications. Integration into control systems is fast and flexible with either discrete outputs or with IO-Link communication. — Balluff, Inc., Florence, Ky.