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New Products & Services

June 2007

Focus on Packaging

 

 

A stopper for hot, hygienic applications

This firm now offers injection-molded silicone bottle stoppers (photo) for containers such as carboys, flexible-storage systems, laboratory equipment and bottles, and sampling and storage vessels. Manufactured in a clean-room environment, the stoppers meet Class VI and FDA standards, which makes them suitable for pharmaceutical, biotech, biomedical and laboratory applications. The stoppers handle temperatures from –100 to 400°F and can be sterilized by autoclaving and gamma radiation. — AdvantaPure, Inc., Southampton, Pa.

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Move cold gases and liquids with this cylinder

The portable cryogenic cylinder Model 240-HP (photo) features integral swivel castors that offer greater ease of use for industrial gas or liquid withdrawal. The cylinder can also be cart mounted for increased mobility. As with all of the company’s high-pressure cylinders, the 240-HP is hydrostatically and ultrasonically tested in the firm’s U.S. Dept.-of-Transportation registered test station. — Cyl-Tec, Inc., Aurora, Ill.

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Customized labels serve just about any application

ILS Custom Labels (photo. p. 73) are made from stock materials and matched to specific applications with regard to heat-, cryogenic-, chemical- and tamper-resistance. Supplied finished or ready for on-demand printing, they can be furnished with label-printing and data-collection systems that operate seamlessly with any process. A variety of substrates (polyester, metallized polyester, paper and polyimide), adhesive systems and release liners are available for covering temperatures from cryogenic to 600°F. The labels can be printed with bright inks and finished with thermal-transfer printed barcodes, serial numbers, self-laminating designs and other requirements. — Industrial Labeling Systems Corp., Chelmsford, Mass.

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This labeler is fast, and quick to changeover

Featuring fewer change parts and more automation, the Langguth 200 Series of inline cold-glue labelers (photo. p. 73) increases productivity and ease of operation, especially in high-changeover environments, says the firm. With the redesign, the fastest model of the 200 Series, the E224, can now achieve speeds of up to 400 cpm. Container and label-size changeovers take only five minutes with no tools required. — Priority One Packaging Ltd., Waterloo, Ont., Canada

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Blister packs without paperboard are more tamper proof

IntegraShield films offer high-performance fusion-seal lidding technology that is compatible with PET materials for high-end thermoformed blister packaging (photo). The films are said to be ideal for replacing paperboard in blister packs for high-value household, office and personal-care products because of their excellent appearance and tamper-proof resistance. They are heat-sealable on existing equipment in both inline FFS and premade blister-pack operations. — Curewood, Inc., Oshkosh, Wisc.

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This filling and closing machine saves time, money and product

An investment in the Filamatic Mini-Monobloc Automatic Filling/Closing System far outweighs the long-term cost of manual, multi-operator production processes, says the firm. The packaging system is said to be ideal for new biotech companies that are trying to make a mark in an industry noted for costly development cycles. The benefits of the mini-Monobloc System include: elimination of thousands of product, container and closure manipulations, each requiring aseptic processing to avoid contamination; elimination of over- and under-filled vials via a carefully controlled and monitored filling process; and elimination of loose or missing caps through a consistent, reliable, servomotor-controlled capping process. — National Instrument LLC, Baltimore, Md.

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Motion control for up to sixteen axes

The Rexroth IndraMotion MLC (photo) is a high-value controller-based motion control system specifically designed for packaging machines with centralized or distributed architectures and a maximum of 16 axes per controller. Up to 64 controllers can be networked together via cross-communication to provide precise synchronization of an entire line or process. The system’s controller base module offers standardized interfaces, including Ethernet, Profibus, RS232 and Sercos. — Bosch Rexroth Corp., Hoffman Estates, Ill.

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Use a belt to apply the right cap torque

Beltorque (photo) is a high-speed machine that reapplies cap torque after induction sealing. Unlike conventional retorquers that use discs or spindles to retighten caps, the patent-pending beltorque uses belts to do the job. This approach is said to improve product quality by eliminating cap damage and achieving more consistent torque values. The system handles round, oval, square and rectangular containers (2–12-in. high, 0.5–7-in. dia) with cap diameters of up to 5 in., and runs at speeds of up to 300 cpm. — NJM/CLI, Inc., Lebanon, N.H.

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A packaging line passes the test for explosion protection

This company has demonstrated its expertise in explosion protection in packaging technology, having recently completed the final acceptance of the EC-type examination (photo) according to the Directive 94/9/EC and the certification of the Quality Assurance for the production of the Haver-Integra product lines. The extent of EC-type examinations is said to represent a new standard in packaging technology; future testing, which thus far had to be conducted by a notified body for each unit, will no longer be necessary, says the manufacturer. — Haver & Boecker, Oelde, Germany

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Discharge bags, even when headspace is limited

The new Split-Frame Uploader allows discharging of bulk bags and rigid totes from mezzanines and other low-headroom areas. The upper frame can be forklifted onto the plant floor, loaded with a bulk bag, and then forklifted onto the subframe within several inches of the ceiling. A Power-Cincher flow-control valve allows leak-free retying of partially empty bags. Rigid totes are forklifted onto receiving cups of the subframe, which is equipped with a removable plate containing a gasketted inlet port that seats against the discharge port of the container. The system is available with load cells and controls for automated weigh-batching applications. — Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa.

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Fill up to 2,000 aseptic bags per hour with this machine

For aseptic packaging of infusions, parental drugs and other pharmaceutical and biotech fluids, this firm recently introduced the Type 529 Semi-Automatic IV Bag Filling and Closing Machine. The unit handles IV bags from 100 mL to 10 L made of EVA, PVC, PP and other materials, producing up to 2,000 aseptic bags per hour. — Alphacos S.A., Courroux, Switzerland

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A quick way to put codes onto cartons

Available with either thermal-transfer or hot-foil printing technology, the BDSV Family of Carton Coders (photo) feature a vacuum transport system that maximizes equipment flexibility by reliably handling cartons, sleeves, blister packs and leaflets. A product change can be made in only two minutes, without tools, thanks to the system’s adjustable feeder and position indicators. The unit operates at speeds of up to 295 ft/min, handling up to 160 cartons per minute. — Norwood Marking Systems, Downers Grove, Ill.

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June New Products (domestic edition)    

 

 

Expanded range of sizes now offers supersized rupture disks

This latest addition to the FAS family of rupture disks (photo) extends the size range from 1 in. to the new 24-in. configuration. Its non-fragmenting design prevents contamination of piping systems in the event of rupture, and because the scored portion of the disk is placed away from the process, it can be used in sanitary services. The disk withstands full vacuum, operates at up to 90% of the stamped rating without compromise, performs well in static and high-cycling services, and is activated at or below the rated burst pressure, even if it is damaged or installed incorrectly. Materials of construction include Hastelloy, Type 316 stainless steel, nickel, Inconel and Monel; and other materials. — OSECO, Inc., Broken Arrow, Okla.

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Measure length, diameter and depth with these calipers

Available in acid-resistant, hardened stainless steel (SS) or composite carbon fiber (CF), these digital display calipers (photo) are used to determine the outside diameter, inside diameter or depth of laboratory equipment (some respective examples include stoppers, tubing and vials). The calipers measure up to 200 mm (±0.01 mm) for SS versions and 150 mm (±0.1 mm) for CF, with corresponding accuracies of ±0.03 and ±0.2 mm. At the touch of a button, the units switch from inches to millimeters and can be set to zero when the jaws are at any position. The instrument also features a fine-adjustment thumb roller, a position-holding lock screw, a 1/3-in.-high digital display and is certified for traceability to calibration standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). — Control Co., Friendswood, Tex.

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Small oxygen sensors with long service life and high accuracy

This firm has extended its gas-sensor product range to include a family of miniature devices (photo) that detect oxygen. Based on zirconium dioxide technology, they enable highly stable and accurate measurements from 0 to 100 vol.% oxygen concentration. These sensors do not consume oxygen during operation and feature a virtually unlimited lifetime, resulting in a low total cost of ownership. Calibration and functional testing in ambient air is achieved without the need for a reference gas. The sensors also do not show cross sensitivity to most other gases. Typical applications include oxygen concentrators and conservers, gas-detection systems and many other applications, for which the devices can be customized. — Sensortechnics, Inc, Walpole, Mass.

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Customized vessels cater to pharmaceutical applications

Vacuum, pressure, heating, cooling, cleaning-in-place and sterile-addition capabilities, as well as unique agitator and vessel configurations are just a few of the options available with these pharmaceutical vessels (photo). They are specifically built to handle challenging process applications, including highly viscous solutions, difficult-to-control temperature conditions, corrosive media, stringent sterilization requirements, and more. A holistic, life-cycle approach is part of the design solution. — Lee Industries, Inc., Philipsburg, Penn.

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Sensors effectively measure temperatures up to 1,700°C

These thermocouple sensors (photo, p.28D-2) are manufactured from platinum wire and are available in R, S and B calibrations. Their construction includes high-purity, alumina bead spacers instead of mullite, which can contaminate the platinum at temperatures above 650°C. An alumina tube, available with various process connections, protects the device, while a silicon carbide counterpart (such as Hexalloy and Sialon) provides physical strength and abrasion resistance. Typical applications include vacuum furnaces and kilns, primary metal processors, such as steel mills and aluminum foundries, glass manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing and chemical plants. — Applied Sensor Technologies, a div. of United Electric Controls,

Watertown, Mass.

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This sifter can be disassembled without tools for rapid sanitizing

The low-profile, Flo-Thru sifter (photo) features a gap-free screen frame with quick-disconnect clamps and a crevice-free interior finished to cGMP 3–A, USDA and FDA standards. The configuration employs two unbalanced-weight gyratory motors that are mounted on opposing exterior sidewalls of the unit, instead of one motor positioned beneath the screening chamber. On-size particles pass rapidly through the screen in a vertical discharge path at higher rates than with circular screeners having centrally mounted gyratory motors and horizontal discharge paths. Oversize material can be removed manually or with a vacuum. — Kason Corp., Millburn, N.J.

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Ultrasonic leak detector is sensitive, efficient and long-lasting

The Model 9061 ultrasonic leak detector (ULD; photo) is a hand-held instrument that can locate costly leaks in a compressed-air system. Testing of unions, pipes, valves and fittings of a complete installation can be done quickly and effectively at distances up to 20 ft away. High-pressure air expanding to the atmosphere creates turbulence that the ULD converts into an audible tone heard through the supplied headphones. Background plant noise is filtered out using the X1, X10 and X100 sensitivity settings. As the ULD moves closer to a leak, additional light-emitting diodes are activated to confirm the source of the leak. The ULD comes with a parabola attachment to pinpoint leaks and a tubular extension to mask out intense background noise. — Exair, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio

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Safely investigate pressurized chemical reactions in the lab

The HPR-Series of high-pressure chemical reactors (photo) are ideal for laboratory applications where repetitive use makes convenience a necessity. They range in size from 50 mL to 8 L. Two standard pressure-vessel types are available. Bolted closures may be operated up to 2,350 psi and 350°C. Hand-tight closures may be operated up to 10,000 psi and 200°C. The reactors are equipped with magnetically coupled impellers for optimal mixing and are supplied as ready-to-use instruments requiring only utility connections prior to operation. The reactors fit in a fume hood and allow process variables, including closed-loop temperature and speed, pressure, over-temperature limits and mixer speed, using a full-color touch screen. Data are exported via RS232 communications to an external computer. Options for the HPR Series include vessel windows, additional ports, cooling coils, sample loops, baffles, and reagent-addition modules. — Supercritical Fluid Technologies, Inc., Newark, Del.

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This mini-rotary viscometer has been redesigned for originality

Occupying a footprint roughly the size of a laptop computer, the CMRV-5000 (photo) is said to be the first stand-alone, thermoelectrically cooled instrument of its kind. Designed to meet several ASTM test methods for new and used oils and drive-line fluids, it facilitates viscosity and yield-stress testing at temperatures down to –40°C, and has five removable test cells to ease sample loading and cleaning. Method-specific and user-configurable time- and temperature-controlled profiles are supplied to simulate and measure fluid performance under a variety of conditions. Data archiving and reporting is provided for Windows software. Up to four instruments can be operated from a single computer. — Cannon Instrument Co., State College, Pa.

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Ergonomically designed washers offer fatigue-free cleaning

This company has introduced a new line of full-sized, electric-powered, diesel-heated hot water pressure washers (photo). The eight models deliver cleaning power of up to 3,000 psi of pressure. All models come with a commercial-grade, axial pump integrated with a four-pole, water-cooled motor. Heat from the motor is transferred to the water stream before it passes through the heating coil, thus minimizing the fuel needed to heat the water. Safety and equipment-protection features include anti-scale system, low-fuel shutoff, low-water shutoff and high-temperature protection. — Kärcher, Camas, Wash.

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Grind and de-lump wet or dry solids with an impact mill

This sanitary, stainless-steel centrifugal impact mill provides coarse to fine grinding (325 mesh) of friable materials into controlled particle sizes, as well as lump breaking and conditioning of fibrous materials. Also called a “pin mill,” the Model CIM-24-SS unit (photo) has variable rotor speeds between several hundred rpm and 5,400 rpm, which provides the flexibility for coarse grinding and de-agglomerating as well as for fine grinding. High-speed rotation of the inner disc creates centrifugal force that accelerates bulk material entering the central inlet of the opposing stationary disc. As material travels from the center to the periphery of the discs, it passes through five intermeshing rows of rotating and stationary pins. The desired particle-size distribution is obtained by controlling the rotor speed. — Munson Machinery Co., Utica, N.Y.

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Manage systems economically with this controller

The ModCon 75 controller (photo) is a pre-programmed PLC that is designed to work with the Ultima X gas monitor. This self-configuring and compact device controls and displays up to 25 gas monitors. This controller offers ModBus RTU output and an optional Ethernet interface. The ModCon 75 is the only unit on the market that provides ModBus communication: 75 sensors per trunk and 10 dry-contact relays, says the manufacturer. — MSA, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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This double planetary mixer presents an improved design

Extremely viscous materials — up to 8,000,000 cps — can be mixed with the specially designed “HV” high viscosity mixing blades. This double planetary mixer (photo, p. 28D-7) includes stainless-steel construction, full-vacuum operation, a jacketed vessel for heating and cooling, a dual-post air/oil hydraulic lift and caster wheels for mobility. Design capacities are available from 1 pint through 750 gal. Options include control packages, discharge systems and sanitary designs. — Charles Ross and Son Co., Hauppauge, N.Y.

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Reduce pump maintenance with this flow switch

The FlexSwitch FLT Pump Protection Flow Switch (photo) improves process control by adding an extra margin of safety to keep pumps running longer with less frequent maintenance over an expanded lifetime. The flow-level-temperature (FLT) switch monitors the flow and temperature of liquids, gases, slurries, syrups, lubricants, coolants and more. It is ideal for wet/dry detection in protecting pumps where sudden, unexpected reductions in media flowrates may leave pumps vulnerable to overheating. With no moving parts, the FLT Flow Switch offers dual-alarm capability and can be specified in either insertion or inline styles for pipe or tube installations. — Fluid Components International, San Marcos, Calif.

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Media allows self-cleaning baghouse efficiencies to soar

Featuring nanofiber media technology for bag-style dust collectors, the Ultra-Web SB pleated filter bags are designed to optimize performance in self-cleaning (pulse-jet) baghouses used in applications where agglomerative dust is problematic. The medium consists of a layer of nanofibers (most of which are only 0.3 µm in diameter) fitted over a spunbond polyester substrate. The nanofibers keep the dust on the filter surface, not inbetween the fibers, so it is easily pulsed off during the cleaning cycle. Accessories such as tubesheet-hole plugs may be used to seal off the unused holes in the baghouse tubesheet, reducing cost and labor on future replacement cycles. — Donaldson Torit, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.

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June New Products (international edition)

 

 

Measure conducting fluids with this flowmeter

This firm has extended the range of its flow sensor family with a magnetic-inductive model, the FCMI (photo). With its measuring principle, the flow sensor is suited for the detection of electrically conductive liquids. The device has a dynamic performance between 0 and 40 L/min and an accuracy of 2%. Because no mechanical parts are within the flow volume, the sensor is resistant to all types of contaminants in the medium. In contrast to other procedures, the pipe diameter does not have to be reduced, so pressure drop is minimized. — Hans Turck GmbH & Co, KG, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany

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A laboratory powder analyzer that's accurate and safe

The 200 LS-N analysis air-jet sieve (photo) is designed to measure the fineness of powders down to 10 µm. To rule out operator errors, the unit works with defined parameters, which leads to particle-size distributions based on real mass proportions that are reproducible and precise. As a result, the unit is accredited for the exact determination of powder fineness. In order to prevent the product in the air jet sieve from becoming electrostatically charged, the unit is equipped with an acrylic glass cover in antistatic design, with a surface resistance of < 106 Ohm. This model also features an active high-voltage deionizer. — Hosokawa Alpine AG, Pharma & Food Div., Augsburg, Germany

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Wedged sealing makes this gate valve different

The new Basement Gate Valve (BGV; photo) is designed to enable the company’s dry vacuum pumps operating in harsh processes to be kept running during foreline maintenance, thereby maximizing reliability and uptime. The valve has been designed with a unique wedge-sealing system that eliminates the complex mechanism of traditional gate valves. The benefit is that no oil, grease, or moving parts are within the vacuum, which reduces the risk of the mechanism being damaged by contamination of the lubricant in dusty processes. Both manual and pneumatic BGV valves are available. — BOC Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.

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These small check valves handle big pressure differentials

A new range of “Chek” Valves (photo) has been launched for use in purge-air, water-injection and liquid-fuel applications. Especially suitable for industrial gas turbines, the design of the valves makes them quick to assemble and disassemble, thus enabling servicing to be performed in the field using a rebuild kit. The valves are available with or without a removable, washable Hi-Bar safety screen, which is capable of handling differential pressures up to 7,500 psid (518 bar). These power generation check valves can operate at temperatures up to 230°C. — Lee Products Ltd., Gerrards Cross, U.K.

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Reduce drying costs with this membrane-based system

The new point-of-use Balston IT-Series Membrane Air Dryers are now available from this firm. The dryers offer lower operating costs and better performance than both non-cycling and cycling refrigerant air dryers and eliminate downtime and costly repairs resulting from dirty, wet, compressed-air supplies. The drying system produces a dewpoint of 35°F and removes all other compresser-air contaminants down to 0.01 micron in size. Flowrates from 1 to 50 scfm are possible. The system requires no electricity and has no moving parts. — Parker Hannifin Corp., Haverhill, Mass.

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A wide-range of pumps is now available here

The latest addition to this firm’s offerings is the extensive range of positive-displacement pumps (photo, p. 28I-2) from Viking Pump. They transfer fluids with smooth, low-pulse output and handle capacities up to 345 m3/h. This product line includes a broad selection of pumping technologies and designs, including internal and external gear pumps, lobe pumps and vane pumps. Key features include a wide choice of wetted materials, constant capacity (regardless of discharge pressure), flow that is proportional to speed, and the ability to reverse flow direction. Other benefits include the capability to self-prime with suction lift, an array of seal options, low shear rates, and, on most designs, integral relief-valve protection. — Michael Smith Engineers Ltd., Woking, U.K.

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If you're looking for a patent, its probably in this database

At the end of April, this firm launched the world’s largest online patent database. Containing more than 63 million patents and utility models from 80 patent organizations, INPADOCDB the can be accessed by the company’s online service STN International. STN International’s search engine allows for very targeted queries and employs efficient software to analyze the results. The dates covered for the most important industrialized countries reaches back to the 19th century. Most documents contain abstracts in English. — FIZ Karlsruhe, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

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Nozzles that make mist or fog, without dripping

MicroWhirl Misting Nozzles eliminate dripping- and fragility-of-impingment problems suffered by other nozzles, says the firm. The pinless design atomizes fluids into either a mist (at low pressures) or a fog (at high pressures), and is suitable for applications such as turbine cooling, odor and dust control, humidification, scrubbing and coating. Flowrates of 0.009–0.0151 gal/min are possible. The nozzles are available in either 303 or 316 stainless steel. BETE Fog Nozzles, Inc., Greenfield, Mass.

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Accurately measure humidity over a range of conditions

The Probe Connection (PC) Series (photo) is the latest range of relative-humidity (RH) and temperature transmitters developed by this firm’s associate company, Rense. The sensors of the PC Series provide a RH measurement accuracy of ±2% over the RH range from 5 to 95%. Both digital and analog output signals are offered, and the probe is available in two diameters. Long-term stability of ±1% RH over 12 months is typical. — Michell Instruments, Cambridge, England

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Digital technology enables the monitoring of many gas sensors

The Ultima X Series of gas monitors (photo) now feature X3 technology, which provides digital communication capabilities and enables up to three sensors to be connected to each monitor. Combinations of electrochemical-, catalytic- and infrared-type sensor are possible. A maximum of 31 monitors can be connected to the same data-communication line, via ModBUS RTU, or connection to a PC or DSC. Since each Ultima X3 unit can be equipped with up to 3 sensors, 93 sensors can share a single data line. The modular design also allows the use of remote sensors up to 30 m apart, with each sensor up to 15 m from the monitor. — MSA Europe, Berlin, Germany

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Transmit data and diagnostics from remote locations, wirelessly

With PlicsRadio (photo. p. 28I-3), this company has introduced a solution for transmiting measured data from areas not readily accessible. Any 4–20-mA HART signal as well as switching state can be wirelessly transmitted with the sending and receiving unit. In the maximum setup, two HART sensors, an additional 4–20-mA signal and two digital input signals (such as from level detectors) can be connected.The field strength of the radio link is shown via diagnostic information on the unit. Adjustment of the device is carried out either with standard indicating-and-adjustment module PlicsCom) or with the firm's PACTware. — VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach, Germany

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New software measures wetting properties

MobileDrop (photo) is a contact-angle measuring device for determining the wetting properties of solid samples. Measurements can be performed in the field automatically and nondestructively. The new software features Autostart mode, which meets the reguirements for rapid and flexible inline measurements. An image-analysis functionality registers the entry of the depositing needle on the screen, and the measurement is triggered automatically as soon as the needle leaves the screen. Measured values are then collected drop-by-drop without any keyboard commands. The surface free energy is displayed automatically. Using a predefined range of tolerance, the program either gives a “green light” or shows the results in a red warning window. — Krüss GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

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Turbulent flows do not disturb the accuracy of this flowmeter

The Altosonic V12 flowmeter (photo, p. 28I-4) has 12 measurement chords of which two are reserved for diagnostic functions. Once in operation, the V12 continuously monitors its own operating status. The layout of the chords on each of the five parallel compensates for any turbulence and therefore guarantees reliable measurements, even with turbulent-flow profiles. The diagnostic functions detect any deposits, dirt or changes in surface roughness, thereby minimizing maintenance. The flowmeter is available in standard widths from DN100 to DN600. — Krohne Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Duisberg, Germany

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Contained filtration in its simplest form

The “PSL simplefilter” (photo) is an economic and versatile contained-filtration solution suitable for many applications in the pharmaceutical and fine-chemical industries, including API production, carbon filtration, hydrogenation and catalyst recovery, and for prefiltering in microfiltration. The PSL simplefilter is a plate pressure filter with effective containment via a nitrogen-purged GloveBag. Standard units have heated vessel walls, while optional extras include a heated base, a sterile-design base, and various methods of contained discharge. Products can be recovered directly into liners via a continuous liner system, or via a ChargePoint split-butterfly valve to a ChargeBag, which allows for contained handling in further process steps. — Powder Systems Ltd., Liverpool, England

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This power conditioner reduces redundancy requirements

The TrunkSafe TS Series power conditioner has been approved by the Fieldbus Foundation; this makes it the only fault-tolerant fieldbus system of its type in the world, claims the manufacturer. Previously, to obtain a fault-tolerant, redundant Foundation system, users had to duplicate everything in the segment, including H1 cards, power supplies, device couplers and all the field instruments, such as flow and level transmitters. If a critical process unit goes down because of a failed fieldbus segment, the cost can be enormous, says the firm. Trunksafe achieves a real measure of fault tolerance without having to duplicate or triplicate every component and installed special software at the DCS. It can be deployed on both critical and non-critical processes, on both Foundation and Profibus segments. — Moore Industries-International, Inc., North Hills, Calif.

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