The NeoGear is a new product for power distribution suitable for the chemical process industries. Key benefits according to the supplier include: Offers safe solution for operators with no exposure to live parts; Reduces switchgear footprint by up to 25 %; Increases cooling efficiency, reducing losses by up to 20 %; and Reduces operational costs by up to 30 %, due to more efficient condition monitoring. — ABB, Inc., Zurich, Switzerland
With the new Version 2.0 of this company’s ProcessApp for bulk-materials processing equipment, users have a digital twin of their machine virtually in their pocket. Operators can request spare parts directly from their machine or contact the manufacturer. ProcessApp can also be used to measure motion curves on the TSM/tsi tumbler screening machine. In addition to the tumbler screening machine, the app is now available for other machine types, such as the VRS vibration screening machine and the MSizer compact. Each new machine is equipped with its own QR code. The machine can be uniquely identified immediately by scanning the code. An embedded digital twin of the machine and an interactive drawing guide ProcessApp users to appropriate spare-parts selection. — Allgaier Group, Uhingen, Germany
The K-ML-BSP-150-S Bulk Solids Pump (BSP) feeder (photo) provides gentle feeding of free-flowing granular materials without using screws, augers, belts or vibratory trays to convey the material. Instead, it utilizes positive-displacement action to feed free-flowing materials, offering uniform discharge, consistent volume and gentle handling. The BSP feeder has vertical rotating discs that create feeding ducts. Material moves smoothly from the storage hopper to discharge outlet through a “product lockup zone,” achieving linear mass flow. With no pockets or screws and only one moving part, the feeder is cleaned quickly, making it ideal for applications with frequent material changes. The BSP-150-S feeds at rates from 1.2 to 237 ft3 /h using five feeding discs to create four feeding ducts. It features a stainless-steel feeder body and uses a stepper motor. Two additional models are available for smaller feed rates. — Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
The Kromschröder BCU 4 Series control platform (photo) for multi-burner applications is designed for directly ignited or pilot/main burners of unlimited capacity in intermittent or continuous operation, and for modulated or step-controlled gas burners. The series consists of three new models. The BCU 460 controls, ignites and monitors modulating or stage-controlled gas burners for intermittent or continuous operation, making it suitable for frequent cycling operations. The BCU 465 incorporates airflow monitoring and pre- and post-ventilation for use with recuperative burners. The BCU 480 can monitor pilot and main burners independently. The BCU 4 Series comes equipped with an ignition transformer, burner control and an embedded human-machine interface (HMI), all arranged within a compact housing. The four-digit display shows vital information, such as program status, unit parameters and flame signals. All models possess a manual mode to adjust the burner and its diagnostics. — Honeywell Process Solutions, Houston
The new PCU Series of controllers (photo) connect to thermal mass flowmeters to provide a local display of flow output. Serving as a single- or multi-channel mass-flow controller with up to four channels, the PCU controller supports multiple-unit networked operations. A large, high-contrast backlit display offers easy-to-read views of process variables and programmed setpoints for each connected device on one screen. The PCU Series offers process-control functionalities for batching, setpoint control, resettable dual totalizer and valve-override control. Gas-factor scaling allows users to set units to any fluid. Units are programmable to provide alarm status for high and low rates both visually and audibly. — AW-Lake Co., Oak Creek, Wis.
The FLT93 switch (photo) is a ruggedized, liquid-level and flow sensor that helps processors comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 30 safety requirements, which aim to reduce hazards associated with the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids. One of the most common safety-switch applications is filling storage tanks. FLT93 switches detect tank overfilling conditions, issue warning alarms and provide control for liquid shutoff or diversion. The switches also provide alert warnings any time there is a change in a tank’s dry-to-wet condition, including the entry of water into the tank. In fluid-dispensing areas, airflow switches monitor ventilation air systems for airflow to ensure their operation and warn of any system failure. — Fluid Components International LLC (FCI), San Marcos, Calif.
TCT Series centrifugal pumps (photo) feature an open and rear-mounted impeller, internal anti-abrasive coating and low rotational speed (rpm), making them suitable for applications where pumps may be exposed to high levels of abrasion, such as ceramics manufacturing or distilleries. Additionally, TCT pumps feature a vortex impeller design that, compared to the traditional closed impeller, reduces the energy of the solid particles impacting the internal surfaces. — Pompetravaini S.p.a., Castano Primo, Italy
This company has introduced a new low-temperature sealing option for its RHPS Series of pressure regulators (photo). Composed of low-temperature-resistant nitrile material, these new seals are designed to maintain a strong seal in cold climates and applications where significant cooling occurs due to high pressure drop, even in environments with extensive presence of hydrocarbons, where climate control may not be an option. The new sealing options have minimum temperature ratings of: –49°F (–45°C) for configurations rated up to 70.0 bars; –40°F (–40°C) for configurations rated up to 400 bars; and –4°F (–20°C) for configurations rated above 400 bars. — Swagelok Co., Solon, Ohio
Baoli-3 dry-cut pelletizers are designed for processing both hard and soft materials. As with previous Baoli generations, the automated cutting chamber-locking system enables fast handling while supporting operator safety. The company also offers the Pearlo underwater pelletizing system for the production of spherical pellets with throughputs of up to 36,000 kg/h. Compact and modularly structured, it requires only a very small footprint in production. Electronically controlled EAC technology guarantees precise feed of the pelletizing knives during operation, thereby enabling long runtimes free of interruptions with consistent pellet quality. — Maag, Oberglatt, Switzerland
The Qdos series of chemical-metering pumps (photo) now includes a model for mobile and remote applications — with no practical access to grid electricity — that can be powered by a 12–24 V d.c. power supply. Suitable for both remote static and mobile battery-powered applications, typical uses of the new Qdos model include remote water treatment and sampling, potable water refining and on-truck pumping operations. For very remote applications, the pump is able to run from batteries that can be recharged via solar cells, other renewable energy sources or split charge relays, says the manufacturer. The product is self-contained and does not require any additional components. — Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG), Cornwall, U.K.
In collaboration with ecom, this company has launched the Onsight Cube-Ex wearable camera (photo) for asset analysis and safety inspections in hazardous areas. By pairing the Cube-Ex with ecom’s intrinsically safe 4G/LTE Smart-Ex smartphone or Tab-Ex tablet, users can remotely control the camera, view high-definition video and thermal imaging, or capture and annotate pictures or recordings from a safe distance. The versatile design of the Cube-Ex provides flexibility for workers to wear securely on a hardhat for hands-free inspections, attach to a monopod for hard-to-reach locations, or mount to equipment to view from afar. Built-in illumination provides high-quality visuals in low-light environments. Also offered are optional cloud storage and remote expert collaboration and digital work instruction through the Onsight augmented-reality platform. — Librestream Technologies Inc., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The AM CEMA shaft seal (photo) has been designed specifically for Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) screw conveyors. The AM CEMA shaft seal utilizes a positive air- or inert-gas- purge to create a barrier between the shaft and seal, eliminating product leakage and process contamination. Due to its non-contacting design, the AM CEMA shaft seal has no wearing parts, requiring minimal maintenance or need for rebuild kits. To accommodate shaft movement, the AM CEMA shaft seal fully articulates to allow for radial run-out and angular misalignment simultaneously. — Inpro/Seal, Rock Island, Ill.
The new Vibration Bottom system (photo) enables safe discharge of powdery, crystalline, fatty and granular bulk materials from hoppers. The lateral, imbalance vibrator sets the vibration bottom in horizontal, circular vibration. Vibrations are transmitted to the materials column via the simultaneously vibrating relieving cone inside the vibration bottom. This sets the bulk materials in motion and the level drops evenly without resulting in funnel flow or bridging. Bulk materials reach the outlet safely through the annular gap. Hoppers are discharged completely without leaving residue. Funnel formation and bridging in the hopper are prevented. The system can be used for virtually all bulk materials, even those that typically flow poorly. — Azo GmbH & Co. KG, Osterburken, Germany
A new release of this company’s Mimic Simulation Software (photo) makes it easier for plants to develop a more accurate digital twin. New modeling capabilities, usability enhancements and tuning options will help engineers more easily create, modify and integrate dynamic simulations for process improvements across the plant lifecycle. New online stream-flow views in the latest release of Mimic significantly speed engineering changes. Users can quickly see all process elements in a single table with changeable parameters, making it possible to view and tune entire processes from front to back – all while keeping the simulated processes online. — Emerson, St. Louis, Mo.
The T6500 stainless-steel, solid-front pressure gage (photo) is now available with the new XRA overpressure option. This feature adds an overpressure mechanism that restricts the motion of the Bourdon tube after the specified full-scale value is reached. As a result, the gage can withstand up to 400% overpressure without damage, often eliminating the need for an external pressure-limiting valve. It is said to be especially useful in applications where pressure spikes and waterhammer are a threat. T6500 pressure gages are also available with additonal performance options to dampen vibration, shock and pulsation effects; or provide liquid-fill performance in a dry gage. The pressure range of these devices is vacuum to 20,000 psi. — Ashcroft Inc., Stratford, Conn.
The Delta Screw compressor now has a new model — the VM 100 compressor package (photo) increases the E-Compressor series to seven models, which cover a volumetric flow range of 330 to 7,620 m3/h, and drive capacities from 30 to 630 kW. The VM 100 is designed for a volume flow range from 1,500 to 7,620 m3/h and covers a maximum differential pressure of 3.5 bars. Features of the new model include an integrated acoustic-hood fan and a space-saving horizontal discharge silencer. The VM 100 has an acoustic hood with internal supply and exhaust air louvers, which favors a compact design. Flow-optimized intake channels minimize pressure loss, says the manufacturer. A significant improvement in performance can be achieved by supplying cool ambient air directly into the intake filter. Delta Screw E-Compressors are controlled by the AERtronic software. The integrated panel monitors the intake, discharge and oil pressure, as well as the discharge and oil temperature. — Aerzener Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Aerzen, Germany
Designed for reliable performance in harsh environments, especially outdoor applications in Zone 1/21, the VisuNet IXD (photo) is one of the lightest human-machine interface (HMI) workstations in the industry at 23 kg. One essential advantage of this HMI system is its modular design. The display, power supply, and computer/thin client allow the operator to put together the components as required and replace individual sections in case of a fault. This facilitates on-site maintenance and reduces costs associated with downtime. Several mounting options are available. The portfolio is rounded off by the VisuNet Control Center, a software package for the seamless, centralized management of thin clients — from Zone 1 to the control room. The RM Shell 5 firmware is available for all VisuNet devices. This allows a complete thin client solution for the process industry — from BTCs in the control room to remote monitors such as the VisuNet IXD in Zone 1/21. — Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Mannheim, Germany
This company’s auger and vacuum samplers (photo) provide a reliable way to accurately take powder samples safely and hygienically while ensuring that the powder is not contaminated or damaged in the process. The auger sampler uses technology that delivers accurately controlled powder samples. The auger sampler is recommended for applications where the sampling point is near the sample destination. By contrast, the vacuum sampler is best used when the sample point is further away from the testing location. The model complies with the latest relevant global requirements and provides either a two-pot or six-pot diverting head for maximum flexibility. — GEA Group AG, Düsseldorf, Germany
This company’s family of high-performance seals (photo) are designed specifically for applications in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical instrumentation and hygienic fluid handling sectors. The seals are manufactured with chemical-resistant materials to meet or exceed quality requirements, including United States Pharmacopeia (USP), FDA and ISO product standards. With low leachable profiles, these specialty compounds maintain their inert nature in highly demanding conditions. The company’s Metal Spring Energized (MSE) line of seals creates a leak-free seal without excessive friction and wear by applying calculated spring force directly over sealing lips. MSE seals operate from cryogenic temperatures up to 625°F (329°C) and are available in custom sizes. — Greene, Tweed & Co., Kulpsville, Pa.