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New Products & Services

September 2006

 September New Products (international edition)  

 

Personal gas detection guaranteed for two years

 

 

The new Altair single-gas detector provides 1,080 alarm minutes or two years of service life under warranty. Three sensor options are available: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen. The CO and H2S versions feature the manufacturer’s patented Button sensors. No calibration, sensor change or battery replacement is required. A simple “bump test” with a checkmark that stays displayed for 24 h increases user confidence. A triple alarm system with LEDs, sound and vibration ensures that the wearer will always be alert to any hazardous condition. — MAS Europe, Berlin, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-390

 

 

 

Plug two cables into one with this connector

 

 

The miniCLIX plug connector system now features a Y adaptor (photo) that enables the quick routing of two cables to a plug or socket. The adaptor Type 8592 has spring-type clamp terminals that accept data or supply cables with currents up to 9A. The cables can measure up to 7.5 or 11 mm in diameter. The 8592 features pluggable connectors on all three ends instead of using internal clamps. Field devices can be installed, maintained or exchanged, even in Ex Zone 1 using miniCLIX, without having to disconnect the device or obtain a special permit. — R. Stahl Schaltgeräte GmbH, Waldenburg, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-391

 

Consider ultrasound for accurate flow measurements

 

 

The UFM 3030 ultrasonic flowmeter (photo) takes over where electromagnetic flowmeters reach their operating limits. The device uses the three-beam principle to ensure reliable measurements. Accurate measurements are achieved independent of conductivity, viscosity, temperature, density or pressure.The one-piece sensor has smooth inner and outer surfaces and has no moving wear parts. The device is available for nominal diameters from DN 25 to 3000 and flowrates from 1 to 40,000 m3/h. Uncertainy is tested to values below 0.03% of the measured value. — Krohne Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Duisburg, Gemany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-392

 

Perform shaft alignment faster with this new ‘tool’

 

 

 

Fixturlaser XA consists of a handheld computer and two sensor heads, which combine to allow operators to check the alignment of a machine as quickly as possible. The sensors use a laser formed into a line, making setup and rough alignment easier. The receiver units are made of charged-coupled-device (CCD) elements, which are much smaller and lighter than previous detectors while providing a larger detection area. The CCDs have also been designed to be insensitive to ambient light. The handheld computer has a 6.4-in color touch screen that uses animated graphics to show operators what to do and in what order. The XA is also available in a wireless version. — LaserFixture, Mölndal, Sweden

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-393

 

A new detector improves XRD resolution

 

 

A new second-generation, solid-state detetector has been launched for x-ray diffraction (XRD) applications. The PIXcel detector, a photon-counting device, provides “superior” resolution, a wide dynamic range and high count-rate linearity, says the firm. The improved resolution is the result of the detector’s more than 65,000 pixels, each 55 x 55 µm in size. Every pixel has individual readout circuitry giving a dynamic range of more than 25 million counts per second per pixel row. As a result, beam attenuators are no longer necessary. — PANalytical, Almelo, Netherlands

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-394

 

Control laboratory reactors with this module

 

 

The “atlas” (photo) is a new multipurpose synthesis tool for research and development chemists. The device offers a modular automated solution for a range of functions, including heating, stirring, cooling and automated reagent addition. The unit can be used as a stand-alone simple or programmable reaction stirrer, or as a sophisticated controlled-laboratory reactor when connected to a computer. Multiple units can be connected together and automatically operated in a master-slave fashion, or with a PC for advanced control. — Syrris Ltd., Royston, U.K.

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-395

 

 

Transfer lots of data when a fixed line is unavailable

 

 

GPRS communication platforms facilitate service, maintenance and monitoring of systems where a fixed line connection does not exist or would be too expensive to install. As a permanently available connection, with a high transfer rate (up to 85 kbps) and at affordable volume rates, the GPRS data communication device is especially suitable for regular retrieval of system data, including the transfer of large amounts of data. Two versions are available: the GPRS 5.0 comes equipped with a DIN rail housing, and the I-module GPRS 3.0 is a plug-in integration module for OEM designs. — INSYS Microelectronics GmbH, Regensburg, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-404

 

 

Expand your network with these hubs

 

 

The new 16TX-ZF FL hub (photo) completes the hub family in the Factory Line range. Each features 8 or 16 ports enabling the demand-oriented, fast and configuration-free network expansion of infrastructure components up to the field level. The Fast Ethernet Hub is equipped with 16 RJ45 ports to connect further network segments or end devices. The hub supports transfer rates of 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, which make it possible to couple network devices with the same data-transfer rates. — Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-405

 

Electronic camera improves resolution of particle analyzer

 

 

The latest developments in camera and light-source technology have been integrated into the Camsizer particle analyzer. New optics with 100% higher resolution and extreme depth of sharpness allow for better size and shape analysis, even for very fine particle-size range. The CCD (charged-coupled device) cameras measure more than 45 megapixels per second, and the intensity of the new LED stroboscopic light source is 20 times higher than its predecessor, enabling extremely short exposure times for sharper images. The system has a particle-size measuring range from 30 µm to 30 mm. — Retsch Technology GmbH, Haan, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-406

 

 

Measure very low flowrates with this sensor

 

 

A third generation of MEMS-based liquid flow sensors is now available for microfluidic systems. The inexpensive OEM component is designed for integrating into analytical instruments, medical devices and life-science equipment. A single integrated circuit contains the sensor element with digital intelligence for linearization and temperature compensation. The largest version is designed for flowrates of up to 3 mL/min.; liquid media can be detected with very low flowrates (down to nL/min.) and short response times (in the millisecond range). — Sensirion AG, Zurich, Switzerland

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-407

 

A more effective and less toxic corrosion inhibitor

 

 

Korantin PP is a new corrosion inhibitor that offers two advantages over other established inhibitors, such as butynediol or propargyl alcohol; Korantin PP is more effective, which means its consumption can be reduced by 50%, and its toxicological properties are more favorable than the alternatives, says the producer. The new inhibitor is suitable for metal processing industries for acidic pickling, acidic cleaning or for pickling of welded steel components. It can also be used for special applications, such as crude-oil production when hydrochloric acid is injected into bore holes to make rock formations porous prior to extraction operations. The inhibitor has demonstrated its ability to protect steel drill rods under extremely high pressures and temperatures exceeding 100°C, says the firm. — BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany

 

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-408

 

 

A smart controller for actuators

 

 

The PMR 3 microprocessor controller (photo) can be used for easy and accurate positioning of the manufacturer’s actuators. Activation is triggered through external setpoints. The controller features very short response times and high temperature resistance, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Optional accessories include fault indicator and double-spaced plain text display. For additional bus connection, a new CAN bus board is available. Soon an RS 232/USB interface will also be available. — ARIS Antriebe und Steuerungen GmbH, Hennef, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-409

 

 

Monitor more air, faster, with this sampling head

 

 

The Duo-SAS-360 system for environmental monitoring of biological aerosols features two aspirating heads, which enable a large volume of air to be sampled resulting in more statistically reliable measurements of total bacteria and fungi counts. The high flowrate (360 L/min.) is especially suitable for low-contamination environments. The unit has a sampling rate of 3,000 liters of air in less than 3 minutes, and up to 18 m3/h of air can be monitored in different cycles. — International Pbi S.p.A., Milan, Italy

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-410

 

A turbo pump for semiconductor processing

 

 

The STP-XA4503C turbomolecular pump covers the pressure range from high vacuum to a process flow of 2,000 cm3/min. The pump is based on a new platform design offering features to improve thermal management, which enhances performance on harsh processes, increases the maximum flow capability and reduces the effects of corrosion and deposition. The pump can be used for semiconductor processes, such as etching, implantation, lithography and LDC processes. — BOC Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-411

 

 

This positioner is certified for hazardous duty

 

 

This company’s Logix 3200IQ (photo) has received two new IEC Ex certifications of conformity, which enables the digital valve positioner to be used in hazardous areas. The positioner has also received acceptance by the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Administration, so customers in Australia and Asia Pacific regions can use the 3200IQ.The positioner offers quick setup and calibration of either diaphragm- or piston-operating valves without the need for additional handheld devices, softeware or other tools. As a “smart” HART positioner, the 3200IQ can provide wide-ranging data to a facility’s control system or to its maintenance database software. — Flowserve Corp., Dallas, Tex.

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-413

 

 

These amplifiers comply with SIL 2

 

 

Two new modules have been added to this firm’s range of safety-related applications: the PI-EX-NAM/RNO-NE and the PI-EX-NAMTO-P isolating amplifiers with SIL 2 compliance. Both modules are part of the user-friendly and pluggable Process-Interface electronic modules used in potentially dangerous areas and provide Exi explosion protection. Combined with base terminals allows direct installation at the switching level of the control cabinent as well as pre-wiring of the modules, which are only 12.4 mm thick. — Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany

 

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-412

 

 

Solvents will not destroy these labels

 

 

The acetone-resistant 76604 label material brings lasting label legibility even under repeated contact with acetone, methylethylketone or other solvents. When printed with the new Ricoh B110CU ink ribbon, labels made from 76604 material resist attack from aggressive chemicals, to ensure long-life legibility of information and barcodes on any type of product likely to come in contact with solvents. The material is a matt, white self-adhesive polyester with a special print-receptive coating to give durable thermal-transfer images. — 3M Europe, Diegem, Belgium

 

edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-414

The race to commercialize OLED displays

Last month, Air Products (Lehigh Valley, Pa.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-542) signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Connecticut (Storrs) enabling Air Products to develop and market materials covered by the university’s recently patented polymeric materials for producing longer lasting, polymer-based light-emitting diodes (P-OLEDs). Building on the fundamental invention of poly (thieno [3,4-b] thiophene) by UC professor Gregory Sotzing, and Air Product’s dopant polymer technology, the two partners have developed hole-injection-layer (HIL) materials for P-OLEDs, which is said to “dramatically” increase the display lifetime compared to conventional HIL material.

UC’s patent (U.S. 7 071 289) makes possible a two-layer architecture that eliminates the need for a protective inner layer; this will allow display makers to reduce process steps, achieve higher device yields and cut capital requirements for additional deposition tools, says Air Products.

In a related development, Plextronics, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6516-543) has signed a licensing agreement with Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.) to integrate the thin-film and molecular innovations of chemistry professor Tobin Marks into Plextronics’ Plexcore technology platform. Plexcore HIL is a polymer-based hole-injection layer that “dramatically” improves device efficiency and lifetime of OLED devices. Researchers at Northwestern have developed cross-linkable hole-transporting and electron-blocking materials as effective components for OLED HILs. The joint effort aims to make further improvements in device efficiency and lifetime, the two critical barriers to the commercialization of OLED devices, says the company.