January 2015
Long- and close-coupled thermoplastic pumps
Michael Smith Engineers
ARBO thermoplastic, mechanically sealed centrifugal pumps are available in polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and polytetrafluoroethylene, making them resistant to the effects of aggressive chemicals, which can cause corrosion in metallic pumps. All wetted parts are manufactured out of solid block, without the need for injection molding, which eliminates the potential for stress-cracking. ARBO pumps can handle solid particles up to 3 mm, ensuring extended pump operation in the event of process upset. The pumps are available with either close-coupled or long-coupled design. In the close-coupled configuration, ARBO pumps can be specified in either horizontal or vertical mounting options. The long-coupled, horizontal version incorporates separate frame-mounted bearing support for the motor shaft. The complete long-coupled pump unit is assembled on a rigid glass-fiber-reinforced polyester baseplate. —
Michael Smith Engineers Ltd., Surrey, U.K.
www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk
Remotely control and monitor inaccessible actuators
Rotork
Designed for use with this company’s IQ3 actuators, the Remote Hand Station enables local monitoring and control for equipment in inaccessible locations. At distances up to 100 m from the valve, the Remote Hand Station provides the user with an exact duplicate of the actuator’s own monitoring and control interface, which retains all of the actuator’s functionality, including diagnostic data, such as valve torque and usage profiles, as well as service logs. Designed for wall- or pole-mounted installation, the Remote Hand Station is explosion-proof, and can be outfitted with a cover to prevent unauthorized interference. —
Rotork plc, Bath, U.K.
www.rotork.com
Comprehensive motor and drive protection with this dV/dt filter
The new dV Sentry motor-protection dV/dt filter offers comprehensive protection of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and motors. The dV Sentry is intended for use in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), water and wastewater and irrigation applications. The patented Triple Defense Core technology allows the dV Sentry to protect a
gainst power distortion created over long-lead voltage power distortion, voltage spikes and common-mode voltage. The device has been shown to reduce common-mode voltage by over 50%, says the company, decreasing the risk of damage to motor bearings and insulation, as well as providing less erratic VFD behavior. The dV Sentry operates from –40 to 60ºC, and creates little noise (less than 65 db) during operation. —
MTE Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis.
www.mtecorp.com
A HART loop converter with autodetect function
pepperl fuchs
The HART loop converter (HLC) records up to four digital signals and converts them into analog 4–20-mA current signals. The new improved version automatically detects whether a different master is working in the same mode when querying the dynamic variables. The HLC enables direct access to all data from intelligent HART field devices without the need for additional field wiring. It captures up to four digital HART variables, three of which are converted into various analog 4–20-mA current signals and made available to various systems via signal splitting. —
Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
www.pepperl-fuchs.com
This separator has advantages for beer production
Flottweg
To make the brewing process more cost-effective while still taking the quality requirements for beer products into consideration, this company continues to improve its workhorse AC separator line. The AC 2500 offers gentle processing of beer and efficient clarification before filtration. The advantages include the following: cost reduction through process optimization; reduction in beer losses; avoidance of fluctuations; maximum yield with consistent beer quality; and reduced cleaning and wastewater costs. —
Flottweg SE, Vilsbiburg, Germany
www.flottweg.com
Monitor sensor condition with these mobile meters
M4 Instruments
HandyLab 7 portable meters are used for sensor calibration, diagnostics, predictive maintenance and data logging. Using Memosens digital sensing, the meter records and tracks performance over a secure digital connection, providing a visual indication of sensor health. HandyLab meters interface with both Memosens digital and traditional analog sensors in many sensing applications, including pH, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), conductivity and oxygen monitoring. Various models are available, with different data-storage and connection options. An explosion-proof version is also available. —
M4 Instruments, Milford, Ohio
www.m4instruments.com
An all-in-one vapor delivery solution
Bronkhorst High-Tech
The Vapor Delivery Modules (VDM) are compact sub-systems incorporating a liquid flow controller (thermal or Coriolis), one or two mass-flow controllers for carrier gas and a temperature-controlled mixing and evaporation device. The modules are equipped with a 1.8-in. thin-film transistor (TFT) display and push-buttons for local readout and control. The systems can also be operated via digital communication (RS232 or FLOW-BUS). Optionally, the units can be supplied with an additional mass-flow controller for dilution and with local or remote trace-heating temperature control. VDM-Series vaporizers are suitable for vapor deposition and coating processes for the production of semiconductor chips, displays and solar cells. —
Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V., Ruurlo, the Netherlands
A valve for processing abrasive or corrosive substances
The new SKW (slurry knife wafer) valve was developed for applications where abrasive or corrosive slurries, powders or coarse substances are processed. The compan
y has engineered its SKW valve at full-bore with no flow restrictions, allowing processes with abrasive or corrosive fluids — such as lime slurry or mineral slurries — to move without compromising performance. The main benefit to a full-bore design is that the SKW valve itself becomes an integral part of the pipe, and allows it to handle the same fluids in the harshest of conditions. —
Flowrox, Inc., Linthicum, Md.
www.flowrox.us
This system optimizes firetubes for reduced consumption
Engineered Concepts
The Automatic Secondary Air Control (ASAC) system reduces fuel consumption and emissions in a wide range of natural-gas-fired processing equipment. The patent-pending ASAC design optimizes firetube operation by monitoring and controlling the secondary air in the combustion chamber. Applicable to larger process-heating applications found in heaters, treaters and dehydrators, the ASAC system is now available for processes with pneumatic or electrical power, and can be installed prior to commissioning new equipment, or be retrofit onto existing equipment in the field. —
Engineered Concepts, LLC, Houston
www.engineeredconcepts.com
A biocide designed for protecting industrial cooling-water systems
Spectrus TD1100E is a new biocide for industrial cooling-water systems that is designed to reduce microbiologically influenced corrosion, as well as the potential risk for Leg
ionella bacteria. It is a non-oxidizing, liposome-enhanced microbiological control agent used to kill or control the growth of microbial populations in open evaporative-cooling systems. In addition to protection against corrosion and dangerous bacteria, this biocide can also provide improved heat-transfer rates, increased efficiency and diminished adsorbable organic halogens and biomass in effluent water. —
GE Power & Water, Schenectady, N.Y.
Simultaneous horizontal and vertical shaft alignment
Ludeca
The RS5 sensor is used for shaft alignment, with a measurement range that covers spans of up to 10 m. Its five-axis technology offers simultaneous tracking in both planes for machine corrections, allowing live monitoring of horizontal and vertical machine corrections at the same time, with the sensor at any rotational shaft position. Hundreds of measurement readings are automatically taken during shaft rotation, ensuring highly repeatable results, even in harsh conditions with vibration, and under unfavorable mechanical constraints, such as coupling backlash. The integrated ambient-light compensation ensures accurate measurements even in strong, direct sunlight. New battery technology enables longer sustained operation in the field. The RS5 laser and sensor are fully waterproof, shockproof and dustproof. —
Ludeca, Inc., Doral, Fla.
www.ludeca.com
This magnetic level instrument provides realtime indication
1100 Series Magnetic Level Indicator (MLI) provides visual indication of liquid level within a larger, primary process vessel. Once the MLI is mounted to the vessel, the process liquid will flow freely up and down within the MLI chamber. Located inside the chamber is a specially designed float, which contains a powerful magnet that interacts with the non-invasive indicator assembly located on the outside of the chamber. The magnetic coupling between the float and the indicator allows the process level to be shown via the use of rotating flags housed inside the assembly. As the level rises and falls, these flags will change color and provide realtime indication of the liquid level. —
SOR Inc., Lenexa, Kan.
www.sorinc.com
Expanded Scada software for recipe-based production
Siemens
This company has added the WinCC/SES (sequence execution system) option to its Simatic WinCC Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) system for the sequential control of recipe-based and sequence-based operations in production plants. Such an addition is ideally suited to plants for which dosing, mixing and material transport are important process steps, such as in the food and beverage industry. Thanks to the flexible sequential control, plant operators are able to define their production steps clearly and freely combine them into individual process sequences. Both step sequences and parameters can be adapted online at any time to meet ongoing production requirements. This means that production sequences can be re-adjusted quickly and simply in the event that the quality of natural raw materials fluctuates, or if another sequence of production steps is necessary to enable flexible routing through the production system. —
Siemens AG, Nuremberg, Germany
www.siemens.com/wincc
Larger capacity now available for these double-wall tanks
Assmann
The introduction of the new IMT 8850 model expands this company’s line of double-wall storage tanks, providing capacity of up to 8,850 gal of liquid, which can accommodate two truckloads of most chemicals. Featuring a standard 24-in. hinged manway, the double-walled nature of these tanks eliminates the risk of spills without the expense of lined concrete containment. The IMT 8850’s secure secondary-containment capacity encompasses over 110% of the primary tank’s volume. A heavier-top sidewall and dome prevent dome collapse, while a primary inner tank and a secondary outer tank prevent chemical spills. —
Assmann Corp. of America, Garrett, Ind.
www.assmann-usa.com
Leak testing for gas and water lines
union instruments
The ESS3 (electronic memory writer) system is used to measure gas and water pressure in supply networks and to collect, save and document the measurement data. This technology is used for fault analysis, leak tests, and function monitoring in gas and water supply networks and sewers. The battery-operated devices are permitted for use in hazardous areas (Zones 1 and 2) and are designed in protection classes up to IP68. The accuracy of the pressure sensors has been increased to 0.05% at full scale, and they are extremely stable against temperature fluctuations, says the company. As a result, a single device can be used for tests in the water supply and in the gas supply. —
Union Instruments GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
www.union-instruments.com
This adaptor allows wired devices to run wirelessly
Yokogawa
The newly developed multi-func- tion wireless adaptor enables wired devices that transmit or receive digital ON/OFF signals, or receive 4–20-mA analog signals, to function as ISA100 Wireless field devices. This increases the variety of devices that can be used with field-wireless systems, and is expected to lead to a wider use of such systems in plant operations. The adapter can be used with switches, solenoid valves, and other device types that utilize digital ON/ OFF signals, and transmitters that utilize 4–20-mA analog input signals. An all-weather model that is waterproof and dustproof, and an explosion-proof model that can be used in inflammable-gas environments are expected to be released by the end of 2015. —
Yokogawa Corp. of America, Newnan, Ga.
www.yokogawa.com/us
This series of monitors sends machinery-health data sitewide
Rockwell Automation
Allen-Bradley Dynamix 1444 condition-monitoring devices are primarily used as machinery-protection systems for rotating and reciprocating equipment. To protect equipment, the Dynamix 1444 device measures and monitors a machine’s critical dynamic and position parameters, and assures appropriate actions are performed. Information can be sent to plantwide and enterprise-wide databases for storage and trending. Dynamix 1444 Series monitors are rated for temperatures from –25 to 70ºC and voltages of 18–32 V. The devices are also designed for use in hazardous environments and rated to marine standards for shock and vibration. —
Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wis.
www.rockwellautomation.com
New simulation software version with App builder
comsol
This company’s newly released Multiphysics software version 5.0 features extensive product updates, three new add-on products, and the new Application Builder. The Application Builder empowers the design process by allowing engineers to make available an easy-to-use application based on their Multiphysics model. Included with the Windows operating-system version of Multiphysics 5.0, the Application Builder provides all the tools needed to build and run simulation apps. Any Multiphysics model can be turned into an application with its own interface using the tools provided with the Application Builder desktop environment. Using the Form Editor, the user interface layout can be designed, while the Methods Editor is used for implementing customized commands. —
Comsol, Inc. Burlington, Mass.
www.comsol.com
Surface-mount accelerometers for vibration measurement
Silicon Designs
The Model 5150 Series of surface-mount, variable-capacitive accelerometers offers general-purpose vibration measurements for a variety of aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial manufacturing, oil-and-gas, and testing and measurement applications. Design of the Model 5150 Series incorporates a micromachined variable-capacitive sensing element and custom integrated circuit. The accelerometer produces two analog voltages, which vary proportionally according to measured acceleration levels. The devices are both nitrogen-damped and hermetically sealed. —
Silicon Designs, Inc., Kirkland, Wash.
www.silicondesigns.com