Union connections are now part of this mixing valve’s design
Ideal for multiple-outlet, point-of-use applications, or with small hot-water heaters, the Model 220-USW thermostatic mixing valve (photo) is now being touted for its availability with union connections. The valve features a copper-encapsulated wax thermostat, a locked-temperature-adjustment capability, and integral check valves on the inlets, which provide temperature control at the source. The Model 220-USW also conforms to ASSE Standards 1016 (for ½-in., ¾-in. and 3/8-in. valve openings) and 1017 (for ½-in. and ¾-in. openings). — Leonard Valve Co., Cranston, R.I.
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Use pulse radar to give level measurement the silent treatment
ABM pulse radar units are designed for liquid-level measurement at distances of 33 ft, 50 ft and 100 ft from the target. This system works by analyzing the shapes of the received echoes — eliminating the ones coming from tanks’ walls, standpipes and other obstructions — and makes very little during operation. This quietness is achieved by automatic adjustment of the pulse amplitude and width to a target distance, the reflection properties of the target, and the sensitivity of the receiver to returned echoes. Typical applications include detection of a water-oil interface and measurement of the thickness of an oil layer. Product or material build-up on the rod or horn antennas will not deteriorate the performance of the radar, says the vendor. — ABM Sensor Technology, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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Cost-effective versatility makes this pump a plant essential
Moyno 300 Series progressive cavity pumps (photo) are a cost-effective solution for water sampling, slurry pumping, and drum transfer of clean or corrosive liquids. Available in motorized and non-motorized versions, they handle flowrates of up to 15 gal/min, with maximum pressures and temperatures of 150 psig and 210°F. In addition to being self-priming and easy to maintain, they feature an elastomeric stator that deforms slightly to accommodate solid particles in suspension. — Moyno, Inc., Springfield, Ohio
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Spiral-wound membrane excels in electrocoating applications
Sporting a disposable housing, the KPAK 10-in.-dia. ultrafiltration (UF) module (photo) consists of a self-contained, spiral-wound membrane element offering 462 ft2 (42.9 m2) of membrane area, which is double that of the 8-in.-dia. KPAK module that has been available for several years. Intended for, but not limited to, use in electrocoating applications, it provides a higher permeate output relative to paint feed than other spiral membranes. Yet, since KPAK uses the same materials of construction as conventional spirals, such as epoxy and other compounds, the KPAK modules can be installed as a direct replacement for almost every 8-in.-dia. spiral UF, with either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or stainless-steel housings, including systems with 1-in. or 2-in. diameters. Victaulic-type fittings are used to connect the KPAK element to the end caps, thereby making installation fast and easy. — Koch Membrane Systems, Wilmington, Mass.
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Efficiently mix miscible fluids in laminar or turbulent flow
Kenics KM Series static mixers (photo, p. 32D-1) feature a patented helical mixing element that produces complete radial mixing and division of flow for any combination of liquids, gases or solids. The smooth geometry of the mixing element efficiently mixes miscible fluids in laminar or turbulent flow, and disperses immiscible fluids or gases into liquids, while producing very low pressure drops. Fixed, removable, edge-sealed, and assembled — all styles of elements offer design pressures of 10,000 psi or greater and sizes of 1/8–48 in. A wide variety of construction materials are available, including all commercial metals and alloys, fiber-reinforced plastic, polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Custom fabrication options include a sanitary, 3A finish and food-grade ferrules. — Chemineer, Inc., North Andover, Mass.
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This online viscometer zooms in on small changes
The Hydramotion VS10 viscometer (photo) is reportedly being used to detect changes of 0.01 cP in fluids with viscosities less than 1 cP at temperatures up to 500°C. Factory-calibrated to the customer’s desired range, the VS10 is also ideal for use with volatile or highly mobile solvents, polymer slurries and fuel oils. The all-welded probe is constructed of Type 316 stainless steel; has no moving parts, seals or bearings; and terminates in a 3-mm-deep disc-shaped sensor. VS10 may be supplied with a variety of process fittings, including threaded, sanitary or flanged types. No onsite calibration is required; when the instrument is hooked up to an external thermometer, the measured viscosity is corrected to a reference temperature. Outputs include a 4-20-mA analog viscosity signal and a serial data link. — Hydramotion Ltd., York, U.K.
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Made-for-misting nozzles won’t drip or disappoint
Micro Whirl misting nozzles eliminate the dripping and fragility associated with impingement nozzles, offering improved performance in a wide range of applications, including turbine cooling, odor control, dust control, humidification, scrubbing and coating. The rugged, pinless design provides atomization with the spray characteristics of a mist at low pressure, and of a heavy fog at high pressure. Other features of the MicroWhirl include a 70-µm polypropylene filter, a Viton O-ring seal, a cone-shaped fog spray pattern, flowrates of 0.009–0.151 gal/min and Type 303 or Type 316 stainless-steel construction. — BETE Fog Nozzle, Inc., Greenfield, Mass.
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Extreme reaction conditions will no longer cause worry
Piggybacking the success of its predecessor, the H-Cube flow reactor, the X–Cube Series allows bench-scale, gas-liquid and liquid-liquid organic reactions to be conducted safely at temperatures and pressures of up to 200°C and 150 bar. Its fixed-bed reactor and catalyst-reagent cartridge system are ideal for forming in situ reagents and reacting them on the spot. The system can also perform catalyst screening, and combinatorial synthesis. —
ThalesNano Inc., Budapest, Hungary
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Longevity and durability run in this polymer’s product line
Used as a stand-alone material or in conjunction with other coatings, such as fluoropolymers, Vicote products impart scratch-, wear-, heat- and chemical resistance to a substrate without requiring thick layers or the use of a primer. Formulated with Victrex PEEK, a linear, aromatic, semi-crystalline polymer, it is said to extend the functional life of the application by 50–100% compared to the use of fluoropolymer coatings. — Victrex plc, Lancashire, U.K.
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Measure bubble size distributions more accurately
Generation II of the Acoustic Bubble Spectrometer (ABS) measures bubble size distributions and the void fraction of bubbles in liquids, based on acoustical measurements made at several frequencies. The system consists of two transducers or hydrophones connected to a computer, and a data-acquisition board that controls the hydrophones’ signal generation and reception. Software calculates the sound speed and attenuation as a function of frequency and determines the bubble population from these measurements using an algorithm. In this recent release, the data-sampling rate has been increased nearly five fold over that of the previous generation of ABS, which extends detection limits below a 10-µm-bubble radius. Turnkey systems comprising the ABS instrument, amplifiers, transducers (embedded in flow pipes or other fixtures, if needed) can be furnished upon request. — Dynaflow Solutions, Inc., Jessup, Md.
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These impellers maximize flow per unit power
Ideal for mixing liquids, the four-blade Hyflow 218 impeller is available in diameters from 3 to 210 in., with Type 316 stainless steel, titanium, Inconel, nickel and other alloy construction. It features tapered blades with a narrow, low-pitch section at the tip and a wider, higher-pitch section near the hub. Producing maximum flow per unit horsepower, this curved-blade design resists bending under the stresses of fluid forces and reduces drag. — Sharpe Mixers, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
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Flexible controllers enable weight by rate capabilities
Measuring only 3-in. deep, the HI 4050 general-purpose weight controller (photo) is available with rate-of-change monitoring, which allows the flowrate of a material to be monitored on a scale in either gain-in-weight or loss-in-weight applications. It also features Modbus TCP/IP network communications — a vendor-neutral and open communication protocol, suitable for supervision and control of automation equipment. Four independent analog outputs (two current and two voltages) can be configured to any of the measured parameters. The HI 4050 also includes: Wavesaver technology, which eliminates the effects of vibration; electronic calibration without the use of test weights; a digital-memory module card, for fast transfer of configuration data; and integral diagnostics and troubleshooting. — Hardy Instruments, Inc., San Diego, Calif.
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Nested sieves and gentle gyration provide better separations
The stainless steel Tru-Balance gravity flow sifter sports a box-less design with nested sieve frames that facilitate sieve removal and replacement (photo). It operates at atmospheric pressure, using a gentle gyratory sifting action that is less severe than what centrifugal sifters employ. This reduces the fracture of oversized impurities. The stacked-screen design creates multiple-screen frames that allow a single product stream to be separated into two to five particle sizes, and the screens can be mounted on the floor or be suspended. Conforming to sanitary standards, all product contact surfaces are constructed of Type 4B stainless steel and are welded to eliminate crevices, rivets, and nuts or bolts. The system is customizable to the user’s installation requirements and adaptable to a wide range of products, capacities, number of separations, and screen sizes. — Great Western Manufacturing, Inc., Leavenworth, Kan.
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Reliable vent facilitates explosive-dust capture
Gold Series dust collectors that require explosion protection — those that are used in applications involving the capture of explosive dusts — now come with the X-Vent as a standard feature. Constructed of sanitary food-grade stainless steel, the X-Vent is rated for operation at 350°F and delivers a static operating pressure rating of –80-in. H2O, for enhanced performance; it is designed to open up at 30 in. H2O. The Gold Series is equipped with the manufacturer’s “HemiPleat” filter and features a patented system that facilitates filter changeouts without the use of tools. It also sports a rugged 10-gauge construction and reversible, easy-to-open access doors. — Farr Air Pollution Control, Jonesboro, Ark.
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Farewell, fuel gas cylinders, and hello, high-volume gas generators
Balston hydrogen gas generators are available in four models upgraded to produce over 510 cm3/min of 99.9995% pure hydrogen (photo). These generators allow gas chromatographer users to supply, control and automate hydrogen gas supplies for as many as 20 instruments at a time. Its special features include an advanced proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) electrochemical cell protection system with microprocessor controls; a water hydration circulation system; USB capability, with software options for remote monitoring and control; and automatic water-fill options. Its data-logging performance controls and reporting tools support preventive maintenance in regulated environments. Other applications include production of fuel gases for total hydrocarbon analyzers, supply gases for hydrogenation reactors, and hydrogen for collision-reaction gases. Each generator includes a two-year warranty on the PEM component. — Parker Hannifin Corp., Filtration and Separation Div., Haverhill, Mass.
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Compact solution to the difficult problem of dry vacuum pumping
The IDP-3 dry scroll pump brings the proven benefits of dry scroll technology (that is, minimizing the possibility of seizing or sudden loss of vacuum) to applications where vacuum performance and environmental concerns are critical. The motor and bearings are located outside the vacuum space, allowing full isolation of all pumped gases. The benefits of this design include: lower noise and vibration levels, long-term reliability and simple maintenance requirements. The IDP-3 measures 14 x 7 x 6 in. dimensionally. But despite its small size, it delivers a pumping speed of up to 60 L/min, while maintaining a base pressure of less than 250 mTorr — almost four times lower than that of an equivalently sized membrane-diaphragm pump. In turbo-pump applications, lower base pressures reduce the power consumption and bearing temperatures, which results in improved reliability of the vacuum system performance. —Varian, Inc., Lexington, Mass.
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Catalyst vacuum’s repeatability is not reproducible by human hands
OutageMaster II is a computer-controlled multi-tubular vacuum-to-outage device that automatically removes the desired amount of catalyst from multiple catalyst-packed tubes, and is said to do so in half the time required by manual methods. This patent-pending system is so carefully controlled that the repeatability of its results cannot be reproduced by laborers using a hose. The technology works on any size tube for a critical task in the catalyst-loading process. In addition, because the fragile catalyst pellets removed are very expensive, OutageMaster II ensures that the catalyst is not damaged in the process. Pellets are reloaded into the remaining tubes with minimal breakage and waste, saving both time and money. — TubeMaster, Inc., Louisville, Ky.
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Split-body ball valves sport a corrosion-resistant look
Series LB ball valves fight corrosion with a high-purity perfluoroalkoxy lining and bodies of electropolished Type 304 stainless steel or epoxy-coated carbon steel. The liner, measuring at least 3 mm thick, is secured into the valve body, providing extremely low gas permeability and performance that surpasses PTFE in critical service, says the vendor. Available in 1/2–4-in.-dia. sizes, these full-port valves offer a two-piece ball-and-stem and a complete range of pneumatic double-acting, pneumatic-spring-return or electric actuators that can be assembled as part of the valve system prior to delivery. — A-T Controls, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
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Miniature rotary batch mixer is designed with variety in mind
Touting a drum capacity of 10 ft3 and a batch capacity of 5 ft3 and 500 lb (227 kg) the Miniature Rotary Batch Mixer blends ingredients in ratios as extreme as one part per million with 100% uniformity in less than 3 min, regardless of disparities in the bulk densities, particle sizes or flow characteristics of batch ingredients, and is to be equally effective in blending of batches that comprise 5–100% of rated capacity. Unlike stationary mixing vessels that leave a residual heal of material after discharge, the rotating vessel and internal flights lift and direct the entire batch through a plug gate valve for complete evacuation with no residual material, improving product quality while facilitating rapid, thorough cleaning. An optional swivel feed chute simplifies manual dumping of batch ingredients through an access door, and a discharge spout is available to help direct the product flow into customer containers. — Munson Machinery Co., Utica, N.Y.
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Dormat-sized pacs soak up to 10 gallons of liquid in minutes
Measuring only 18 in. x 18 in. x 3 in. deep, Andax Pacs (photo, p. 33D-7) can be stored in places where other spill kits won’t fit. But, despite their small size, they can be used to soak up 10-gal spills, or to block off a storm drain or prevent the liquid from entering a sewer. The vacuum-packed design is tamper-proof, and comes in standard, universal or oil-selective versions, or it can be customized (for example, to include protective suits, gloves, goggles and other items) upon request. The Pacs come with 2 in. x 4 in. color-coded labels that can be placed on machinery or equipment for which a specific spill control product is needed. For example, a Battery Acid Pac may be placed on the outside of a forklift’s battery compartment for immediate response in case of an acid leak. — Andax Industries, Inc., Saint Marys, Kan.
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Safety comes first with these closures
The Figure 500 and 500R quick-opening closures accommodate most pipeline and vessel applications, with versions for horizontal, vertical and angled installations. Both models are field-weldable. Figure 500 is available in sizes 2–14 in., while Figure 500R closures measure 16 in. and larger. Cap threads enhance safety by allowing trapped pressure to bleed off while maintaining 90% thread engagement. — Yale, Inc., Willis, Tex.
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With these wet-grind mills, any system can be 'nanosized'
The MicroSeries line of agitator bead mills are used for wet grinding of small batches (0.14–0.5 L) with resultant particles down to 10–20 nm. Designed for laboratory-scale batches, it comprises three mills, each with grinding chamber parts fabricated in different materials for specific applications. The general-purpose MicroFer has a stainless-steel body and a cooled chamber. For metal-free grinding and solvent-based applications, the MircoCer chamber parts come in zirconium oxide. The MicroPur uses polyurethane parts for grinding water-based products. The MicroSeries also features an improved centrifugal separation system with grinding media. from 0.05–0.8 mm in size, which the company says is the smallest in the industry. Each mill can be scaled to handle larger volumes. — Netzch Fine Particle Technology, LLC, Exton, Pa.
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Design-of-experiments software is simple, but powerful
Sophisticated, yet user-friendly, Design-Expert 7.1 (DX7.1) design-of-experiments (DOE) software is a boon for engineers, researchers, quality-control professionals and other experimenters who want to find the optimal formulation. Among the innovative capabilities of DX7.1 is an upfront power calculation for factorial designs, which provides the probability of seeing a desired difference (the signal) in one’s measured response given the amount of noise in the process. DX7.1 displays grid lines on 3D-graph back planes and is able to save graphs in many different formats. The fraction-of-design space (FDS) graph is helpful for comparing alternative designs. DX7.1 software is designed to handle up to 50 factors at a time, which enhances the functionality of screening and response-surface methods via minimum-run design matrices. — Stat-Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
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This organization has specified PROFIsafe for wireless networks
The new version of the PROFIsafe profile (Version 2.4) describes the conditions for the functionally safe transmission of data via WLAN and Bluetooth. The concept has been approved by the BGIA and TÜV. Version 2.4 specifies the security issues involved in the configuration of wireless components for secure cyclic data exchange. First applications with PROFIsafe for wireless are already proving their worth in practice, says the organization. — Profibus Nutzerorganization e.V., Karlsruhe Germany
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A new gas abatement solution for semiconductor processing
Helios 6 gas abatement solution is the latest addition to the Helios exhaust-gas abatement product line for high hydrogen flow processes, such as Si and SiGe epitaxy, LPCVD tungsten and compound semiconductor MOCVD. With six inlets for process gases (photo), plus an additional inlet for gas box purges or other ancillary operations, the Helios 6 is based on the firm’s inward-fired combustion technology. The system can reduce H2 concentrations below the lower explosive limit (LEL) in flows as high as 200 L/min. — BOC Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.
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Consider these linking components when corrosion is possible
Stainless-steel clevises (photo) are some of the most frequently used linking elements in industry. The parts are used when simple movements are required, such as linear pulling, pushing or axle offset compensation. The corrosion-free linking elements can be used in problematic production atmospheres, such as those containing dust, moisture and oxygen. In addition to standard clevises, the company manufactures corresponding mating pieces. — mbo Osswald GmbH & Co. KG, Kuelsheim-Steinbach, Germany
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Generate two pure media in this one system
With the Combitron (photo), it is possible to generate both pure steam and Water-for-Injection (WFI) from a single unit. By producing two ultrapure media from a single unit, the investment costs for the system and its periphery are reduced by up to 30%, says the firm. The media can be produced simultaneously or separately in all columns of the distillation unit, with an output of about 1,000 kg/h of pure steam and up to 4,000 L/h of WFI. The ratio of pure steam to WFI can be adjusted in the range of 2:1 to 1:4. — Christ Water Technology, Aesch, Switzerland
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A new sensor for accurate conductivity measurements
The Foxboro FT10 Electrodeless Conductivity sensor features patent-pending multi-toroid technology for highly accurate conductivity sensing and a flow-through design for reduced operational and maintenance costs. To facilitate high-purity applications, the FT10 is equipped with virgin PFA Teflon-wetted materials and leak-free weld connections, which eliminate internal threads, O-rings and gaskets. For low volume, small-line size liquid applications, the sensor is available with 1/2-, 3/4- or 1-in. tube sizes and can measure process fluids with temperatures up to 140°C and pressures up to 100 psig. The multi-toroid design enables the sensor to accurately measure conductivities from 0 to 2,000 mS/cm. — Invensys Plc., London, England
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This pressure controller has two channels
Modular construction allows the new CPC6000 pneumatic precision pressure controller (photo) to operate with either one or two control channels. Each channel has its own control unit with up to two reference pressure sensors. Measuring ranges from –1 to 100 bar are possible, as well as absolute and differential pressure, the latter using two measuring channels. The equipment is available as a tabletop instrument or as a 19-in. rack-mount system. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand GmbH & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
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This valve enables the controlled dosing of powders
A newly developed rotary valve can easily be disassembled without any tools for cleaning. Instead of a flat valve disk, the dosing valve has six separate compartments. By adjusting the cycle time, the compartments within the valve are moved with different velocity, which allows the amount of powder being discharged to be controlled. The dosing valve is suitable for all tasks where a continuous product flow is required, such as for feeding a tablet press. — Müller GmbH, Rheinfelden, Germany
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Reduce energy and consumables in water purification plants
The proprietary S3 System reduces the amount of energy and water consumed and the wastewater generated by pharmaceutical water-purification systems, says the manufacturer. The system does this by shutting down the make-up water system during periods of non-use. Systems that use the S3 technology also require fewer consumables, such as salt, pH-adjustment chemicals, dechlorination chemicals, filter cartridges and UV lamps. Pumps, membranes and continuous deionization modules are also said to last longer. — Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services, Erlangen, Germany
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Microscopic imaging now has more wavelengths available
A new multi-laser combiner (photo) has been introduced for this company’s FluoView FV1000 confocal laser-scanning microscope. The system supports up to six diode and gas lasers, making it possible to select a large number of wavelengths from the near ultraviolet (UV) to far infrared (IR). As a result, a diverse range of research applications is now possible. Integration of the combiner is further enhanced by the broadband capabilities of the advanced Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) technology and a new broadband fiber-optical laser-delivery system. These and other improvements are said to increase the flexibility and functionality of the FV1000 with SIM Scanner for a number of applications, including resonance energy transfer, fluorescence loss in photobleaching and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. — Olympus Life and Material Science Europa GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
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Keep data flowing from the palm of your hand
The handheld Mobile Computer MC9090ex (photo) provides mobile employees throughout the supply chain of chemistry and chemical engineering with flexible and uninterrupted data connection. The Series is equipped with the new Intel XScale PXA270 processor with 624 MHz, a persistent memory and several advanced data acquisition options. The version with integrated WLAN allows for realtime data exchange with the host system. The device is available in two different approval versions for the explosion-hazard area: ATEX zone 1 and UL Class I Div. 1. — Bartec GmbH, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
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Find others to share the cost of Reach compliance
This organization has launched a new, secure product database to help companies form consortia and achieve cost-effective Reach compliance. The formation of consortia allows several companies to pool test data and share costs. The database is available at www.refac.eu. Companies wishing to access, search or add to the product database must first register with this firm. Registration is free, and carries no further obligation to use the company’s services. — ReFaC, Crewe, U.K.
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A USB adapter for DeviceNet
The "is DNet USB" (photo, p. 32I-3) provides a communication link between a desktop computer or PC notebook, and a DeviceNet line. The interface does not require an external power supply and implements the current DeviceNet Standard Version 2.0. The available driver software supports the operating systems Windows 9x, ME, 2000 and XP. — ifak system GmbH, Magdeburg, Germany
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New software for improving unit-operation performance
ProcessApex provides realtime advice for process unit operations. Building on the success of the company’s PlantTriage system, ProcessApex delivers specific diagnostics, advice, and improvement suggestions, and allows direct benchmark comparisons between unit operations across an entire enterprise. Individual process objects include common operations, such as heat exchangers, dryers and distillation columns. Each “smart” unit operation provides real-time performance metrics appropriate to that unit. Performance metrics address throughput, quality, reliability and cost. A direct link with PlantTriage allows users to “drill down” into specific performance issues. — ExperTune Inc., Hartland, Wisc.
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Gas-tight filtration on a very-large scale
With a filtration area of 50.4 m2 (3-m wide and 16.8-m long), the Pannevis GT filter recently delivered (photo) for a solvent-based edible oil application is claimed to be the largest totally gas-tight, horizontal-belt filter ever built. The unit operates under a nitrogen atmosphere for total containment of solvent-based processes. The filter was equipped with 3X counter-current washing, which IS applied by banks of spray nozzles for maximum cake coverage. Washing the filter cloth sides prior to discharge also ensures that all possible solid-phase product is recovered. — Larox Corp., Lappeenranta, Finland
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New flowmeters for clean and hazardous locations
The Mass-Flow Select Series of digital mass flowmeters and controllers for gases are said to offer greater flexibility for user selection of both flow ranges and gas types. The new instruments cover the flow ranges from 0–1 mL/min up to 0–1,800 L/min and are available in two configurations. The EL-Flow Select series have a housing designed for laboratory and clean-processing conditions whereas the IN-Flow Select series are designed according to IP65 (dust and waterproof). The latter are also ATEX Category 3 approved for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas. In addition to standard analog I/O signals and the RS232 interface, there is also the possibility of integrating an interface board with DeviceNet, Profibus-DP, Modbus or FLOWBUS protocol. — Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V., Ruurlo, Netherlands
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Effective ESD testing of valves, without shutdown
This firm offers a range of electropneumatic positioners, including the Type 3730-3 (photo) which has been enhanced. The positioner incorporates an ESD (emergency shutdown) function to enable partial stroke tests to be carried out, without disrupting the process line. The partial stroke test is completely integrated into the positioner to detect a sticking valve, caused for example, by corrosion. The positioner enables the valve to be moved precisely to follow the set point within the valve’s working range. — Samson Controls (London) Ltd., Redhill, Surrey, U.K.
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This new seal is easy to install and maintain
The PSS III split seal (photo, p.32I-1) is designed for pumps and mixers, and is especially suitable for use in paper mills, wastewater-treatment facilities, soda ash processing and light chemical plants. Compared to competing split-seals, replacement of the PSS III is fast and easy in difficult-to-service equipment applications, says the manufacturer. All fasteners and gaskets are contained in four major components. The seal covers the pressure range from vacuum to 300 psig, and the allowable temperature range is 0 to 250°F. — Flowserve Flow Solutions, Dallas, Tex.
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An accurate tool for dynamic simulation of columns
The MiMiC Distillation Modeling Package is a powerful tool for control-strategy development and testing, initial and ongoing tuning of control loops and dynamic optimization of distillation systems. It provides dynamic and accurate models for distillation, providing time and costs savings to maximize new capital projects and operational excellence initiatives, says the firm. It provides tools for dynamic simulation of distillation and absorption columns, which contain two functional objects: Distillation Column and Stripper/Reboiler Absorber. The package has visualization tools (graphs and tables) that enable users to have a deep online insight into the object state (dynamics for the column pressure, flow, temperature and composition profiles). — Mynah Technologies, Chesterfield, Missouri
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Very hot applications are handled by this furnace
This high-temperature, bottom-loading furnace (photo) was designed for special heat-treatment applications. The system features ceramic-fiber insulation with inner linings made of corundum insulation bricks for operation under hydrogen atmospheres. The furnace has a usable volume of 27 L and is supplied with a glovebox for loading under a protective gas. The gastight furnace can operate continuously a 1,700°C and handles a maximum temperature of 1720°C. — Linn High Therm GmbH, Eschenfelden, Germany
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New release of mixing software also handles low viscous fluids
VisMix 2K7 Turbulent, the latest version of this company’s line of software specially designed for low viscosity processes, now enables users to: calculate shafts with end (submerged) bearings; calculate local values of shear rates and effective viscosity for non-Newtonian liquids; and assess the reduction of mixing power in gas-liquid systems. Users can also simulate mixing processes for low viscous liquids, determine mass transfer in solid-liquid, liquid-liquid, and gas-liquid solutions and the operation of batch and continuous-flow reactors. Heating and cooling of low viscous media can also be simulated. — VisiMix Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel
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Weight checkers can now be controlled inline and remotely
With ProControl@Inline and ProControl@Remote, this company now offers two new software packages that enable 100% control and monitoring of its weight checkers (checkweighers) in network operation. User-interfaces, data-storage and documentation features meet the requirements of packaging legislations. The Remote software enables access to all checkweight functions, which allows them to be controlled remotely. Access to checkweighers can be implemented over a company network (WAN or LAN), or the Internet via modem. The Inline software visualizes the mean-value curves of all networked checkweighers, and thus provides clearly recognizable warning symbols for batches that go below or exceed specified tolerance limits. — Sartorius, Göttingen, Germany
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A smart positioner that is easy to set up
Complementing the existing line of SVI II AP product range the Easy Smart SVI II AP-1 advanced performance digital positioner (photo) is said to be an extremely reliable instrument for easy commissioning and true system interoperability. The positioner can be mounted quickly; the “setup wizard” and the automated calibration and tuning functions help optimize equipment setup and operation in less time. The auto-tuning function provides accurate and precise positioning of the control valve and a non-contacting position sensor suffers no friction or wear. Upgradeable Flash ROM firmware enables the positioner to be adaptable and scalable to meet future process needs. — Masoneilan, Courbevoie Cedex, France
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Realistic simulation offerings expanded with this interface
A new SIMULIA direct coupling interface allows third-party physics codes developed by partners or customers, to communicate directly with its Abaqus FEA software for high-performance multiphysics simulation. The new interface is a key step in the delivery of the SIMULIA multiphysics platform to support the integration of diverse applications, data and users from multiple domains for product development and scientific research. Applications include airbag inflation, wave loading on offshore structures and cosmetics dispensing. — Dassault Systèmes, Providence, R.I.
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This controller is certified against cyber attack
The DeltaV controller and firewall have passed Achilles Level 1 Certification Testing designed to assess the overall security of automation controllers. DeltaV certification passed over 20-million tests to achieve Level 1 certification. The Achilles Certificatio Program was developed by Wurldtech Labs (Vancouver, B.C., Canada) and its partners to provide a benchmark for certification of secure industrial controllers. Level 1 certification focuses on layers 2 to 4, and the implementation of common protocols, such as Ethernet, ARP, IP, ICMP and UPD. Controllers with Level 1 certification have demonstrated the robustness to survive network cyber attacks. — Emerson Process Management, Bredbury, Stockport, U.K.
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