This firm’s latest strain-measurement system, laserXtens (photo), has been successfully used for applications in chambers where materials are typically exposed to temperatures from – 70 to 250°C whilst being subjected to tensile or compression loads. The system measures biaxial strain without any specimen contact and without the need to attach any marks to the specimen. The sample surface is illuminated via laser-speckle interferometry, then as the load is applied, the speckle pattern is tracked by two digital cameras. Realtime software algorithms convert the data directly into strain. This measurement technology has been shown to be immune to the effects of frost formation on the sample. — Zwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany
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Atlas Dry Bath is the latest addition to the Atlas family of modular synthesis products. Designed as a new method for heating round-bottomed flasks and vials, the Dry Baths avoid issues commonly associated with oil baths and stay safe-to-the-touch during operation. They are also compatible with leading brands of hotplates. Stacking Dry Bath (photo) has a series of concentric cups that accommodates flasks of varying volumes (from 50 mL to 1 L), and provide "excellent" thermal transfer for fast heating times. — Syrris Ltd., Royston, U.K.
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This new range of miniature, ultra-low flow, positive-displacement, micro-annular gear pumps are capable of dispensing a wide range of liquids with precise, smooth, pulse-free flows. The ultra-compact HNP Series (photo) deliver liquids with a precision of Cv less than 1% across a flowrate range from 0.25 µL/min up to 1,152 mL/min, making them suitable for OEM, analytical, biotechnological and related applications. The pumps handle differential pressures up to 150 bar, and offer long service life, thanks to the use of wear-resistant tungsten carbide and ceramics. — Michael Smith Engineers, Woking, Surry, U.K.
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As the U.K. distributor for Badger Valves, this firm can supply control valves to meet the demands of challenging applications. For a reverse osmosis application, for example, consider the RC250 barstock valve (photo) in Duplex stainless steel and an MC60 electrical actuator with three speed settings, which closes the valve over a 20-s time span to allow the pressure to drop at a steady rate. The RC250 barstock control valve is available in sizes of 1/4-, 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-in. sizes with a globe barstock body and handle pressures up to 340 bar. — Pump Engineering Ltd., Littlehampton, U.K.
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This Fluoropolymer FEP and PFA tubing (photo) can be formed and welded into heat-exchanger transport lines that offer a nonstick, bacteria-free transport of deionized water and other corrosive media. Unlike steel, which is susceptible to corrosion and bacteria buildup, fluoropolymer tubing, with its more than 0.01% moisture absorption, withstands almost any harsh chemicals except those with fluorine and alkali metals, says the manufacturer. The tubing operates in temperatures up to 260°C and is said to have the lowest coefficient of friction of any tubing available. — Parker/TexLoc, Parker Hannifin Corp., Ft. Worth, Tex.
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The demand for valves with large dimensions is increasing, and this firm has extended its unit-construction system to manufacture valves with DN 600 (photo), which are now also available in cast design. The valves can be used as anti-surge control valves for large turbo compressors and for starting and stopping the compressor in a controlled manner to protect it in the case of breakdown. This valve size is available in pressure classes DIN/EN DN600 PN16, 25 and 40, as well as DN 24 in. ANSI 150 and 300, in standard casings GP240GH/A216-WCB-216 or 1.4581/A351-CF8M, or in special materials. DN 600 valves are suitable for water recycling plants, steelworks, petroleum refineries and huge chemical plants. — ARCA-Regler GmbH, Tönisvorst, Germany
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The Pharma Twin-screw Granulator (TSG; photo) is this firm’s first TSG specifically designed for pharmaceutical applications. The Pharma TSG eliminates batch variations and decreases ingredient and equipment costs through a continuous mixing process, enabling operators to use smaller, more-precise amounts of expensive ingredients. Key features include: removable components (barrel liners and screws); high free volume; reduced scale up risks, and reduced in-process inventory. — Thermo Scientific Inc., Karlsruhe, Germany
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This new range of level-control devices offers a new approach to level measurement. The Canty range of light, sight and camera devices (photo, p. 24I-4) has been developed to provide users with a realtime view of conditions inside process vessels, and therefore has advantages and benefits over traditional liquid-level-measurement technologies, says the firm. A patented-design of fiber optic cable is used to transmit a beam of light up to a 90 deg. angle, which illuminates the inside of the vessel. A hermetically fused metal-to-glass window provides a 3-in. dia. viewing width, while being able to withstand temperatures up to 1,000°C and pressures over 600 bar. An Ethernet or analog camera mounted to the viewing window provides a realtime look inside the vessel. — Allison Engineering, Basildon, Essex, U.K.
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Making its Pittcon debut next month (New Orleans, La.; March 2 – 7) is the Morphologi G3 automated particle-characterization system (photo, p. 24I-4). The system provides microscopic quality images and delivers statistically significant particle size and shape information through the rapid analysis of hundreds of thousands of particles, with little or no user intervention. A major development in the Morphologi G3 is its novel, fully-integrated dry-powder dispersion system. Precise software control of all dispersion parameters ensures highly reproducible dispersions with consistent and controlled particle orientation. The sample is completely enclosed, and the system allows easy dispensing from bulk materials and the preparation of multiple aliquots. — Malvern Instruments, Malvern, U.K.
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The latest release of the engineering tool for plant design — Cadison R8 (photo, p. 24I-6) — is now available for making the work of users more efficient and faster. For example, a new material designer Isomat (for piping class) can be generated in about 4 h, compared to 3 – 4 d needed by conventional methods, says the firm. About 40 new functions have been added and 190 functions have been revised. With the help of Internet browsers and the new module, Engineer2Web, each entitled user can access the current planning conditions, regardless of the location or time. Special access procedures were developed to ensure that only authorized personnel can change object information, or for entering new objects. — ITandFactory GmbH, Bad Soden, Germany
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Together with Mettler Toledo (MT; Greifensee, Switzerland), this firm has introduced an integrated solution that is expected to improve the workflow and the transfer of information in laboratories for many disciplines, including life science, chemistry, food and petrochemical industries. The two firms have collaborated to provide researchers the means to exchange data between precision instruments, including balances and titration instruments, and laboratory information-management systems (LIMS). The unique solution seamlessly integrates the firm’s SQL*LIMS with MT’s LabX Data Management Software. The combination creates the ability to manage data more efficiently, while saving researchers time and costs in day-to-day laboratory processes, when compared to using instruments that are controlled by their own software and that operate independently of any information system. — Applied Biosystems, an Applera Corp. business, Warrington, U.K.
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This firm’s Intillegent Services remote instrument monitoring and diagnostics capability is now available for the 6890/7890 Series gas chromatograph (GC) systems and 5973/5975 Series GC-Mass Spectrometer systems. The Intelligent Services feature uses proven, secure IT technology to link instruments to the firm’s customer-support centers, where experts provide proactive technical support designed to address problems before they affect laboratory productivity. The Push-for-Help feature enables single-button requests for assistance, and the firm’s service engineers can remotely determine the status of the system before responding. Realtime Collaboration allows engineers to open an ultra-secure remote desktop sharing session to provide advanced diagnostics to facilitate immediate, remote problem resolution. — Agilent Technololgies Europe, Waldbronn, Germany
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To help smooth the process of specifying and ordering a.c. drives and related ancillaries, this firm has introduced a configured-drives service that has been designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of industrial applications. The "starter" package includes a basic configured drive, input fusing, RFI filter and enclosure. The options are then designed to add functionality or features in line with the demands of the end application. These options can include power features, such as circuit breakers, isolators, I/O and bypass contactors and line reactors. Control and communications options include: control interfaces (analog and digital) and serial communications, such as DeviceNet, ControlNet and so on. Operator interfaces include HMIs, door-mounted devices and meters. Motor-interface options include encoders, resolvers, thermistors, RTDs, cooling blowers and space heaters. All configured drives are assembled and tested in accordance with ISO9001 and comply with EEC directives 73/23, 89/336 and EN 61800-3. — Rockwell Automation Ltd., Milton Keynes, U.K.
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Release 2.0 of exSILentia offers users several expanded and new functionality providing more efficient development of their safety-instrumented-system (SIS) life-cycle activities. Among the new functions are new plug-in capabilities; plug-in modules add functionality to exSILentia and can be licensed in combination with the exSILentia license. R2.0 now offers the following plug-in modules: PAH Import, which allows users to import data from third-party software; Custom Proprietary Equipment Database, which allows the use of a proprietary equipment reliability database; and System SRS Creation with Cause & Effect Matrix, which allows users to add a cause and effect matrix for each safety integrated function (SIF) when creating a Safety Requirements Specification. — exida, LLC, Sellersville, Pa.
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The DryCap Dewpoint and Temperature Transmitter Series DMT340 is designed for industrial low-humidity applications, such as compressed-air drying and metal treatment. The DryCap sensor is immune to particulate-matter contamination, water condensation, oil vapor and most chemicals. Since the sensor withstands condensation, its performance is "unmatched" for low-dewpoint applications that experience water spikes in the process, says the manufacturer. The device’s stability is due to the patented auto-calibration function, which calibrates and adjusts the transmitter while the measured process is running. Dewpoints from – 60 to 80°C are measured with an accuracy of ±2°C. — Vaisala Oyj, Helsinki, Finland
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The Atlas and TPU families of combustion exhaust-management systems are now available with an "idle-mode" feature. Idle mode allows the abatement system to go into a standby mode with reduced fuel and water consumption when exhaust is not flowing from attached process equipment. When idle, the system only consumes fuel to maintain the pilot flame, and water to refresh the recirculation system once an hour. On Atlas, these levels represent a reduction of 89% for fuel and nearly 100% for water. Idle mode can also be provides as an upgrade to existing TPU systems where even higher percentages of fuel reduction can be made, says the firm. The system monitors signals from process equipment to determine active and idle status. It enters idle mode automatically and can return to full operation status within 10 s. — Edwards, Wilmington, Mass.
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Together with Pliant Corp. (Schaumburg, Ill.), this firm has successfully demonstrated a solution for tamper-proofing pallets with RFID-enabled stretch film (shrink wrap). Pliant’s electrically conductive stretch film, combined with this firm’s PowerG labels for tracking freight and high-value pallets, provides a viable solution by overcoming the limitations of barcode technologies, the limited performance of standard passive RFID, and the high cost of active RFID readers, claims the manufacturer. Electrically connected to the film wrapped around the pallet, the PowerG label is readable by RFID readers when the film is intact and the electrical circuit is closed. However, when the stretch film is tampered with, the circuit is broken, rendering the label unreadable and thereby alerting a supply-chain manager to possible tampering. — PowerID Ltd., Petah Tikva, Israel
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The Mini8 controller makes it possible to perform PID loops outside the PLC without compromising the benefits of an integrated solution, says the manufacturer. The Mini8 has four plugin I/O slots, and can cater for a variety of signals, such as thermocouple and RTD inputs and relay, logic and analog output. Up to eight discrete control loops can be connected to major fieldbuses, such as Profibus, DeviceNet and CANopen, thus taking the responsibility of the loops outside the PLC. Thus, in the event of of the PLC going down, equipment pressure and temperature can still be maintained and expensive failures avoided. Mini8 also offers the Modbus protocol both on RS 485 or Ethernet. — Eurotherm, London, U.K
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CLC Bioinformatics Database enables research organizations to maximize their potential through increased productivity. The database was developed to eliminate classic obstacles, such as different operating systems, limited support for database formats, or limited access to a central storage facility, says the firm. The security and maintenance of the new database can potentially help organizations stop misuse or loss of data, as well as help protect their intellectual property. The database is cross-platform, running on OS X, Windows and Linux. — CLC bio, Aarhus, Denmark
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In collaboration with SKF, this firm has introduced OneWireless Equipment Health Monitoring (EHM), the latest addition to its portfolio of industrial wireless solutions. OneWireless EHM will wirelessly transmit complete spectral information — including vibration amplitude and operating-parameter information — from the field to the plant control room, helping reduce equipment failures and improve business performance through lower maintenance costs, says the firm. OneWireless is a compact, eight-channel (4 X vibration, 4 X 4 – 20 mA) monitoring device that communicates over the firm’s OneWireless industrial mesh network. It collects acceleration, velocity, temperature and bearing-condition data and delivers it to process operators and maintenance personnel to alert them of any equipment problems. — Honeywell Process Solutions, Phoenix, Ariz.
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The C2V-200 micro gas chromatograph (GC) is claimed to be the world’s fastest and smallest GC, providing the highest quality separation. The device performs an analysis in 10 to 30 s, has an easily exchangeable GC channel cartridge, operates at temperatures up to 180°C and provides a sensitivity of parts per million (with TCD detector). The tiny unit requires a minimal carrier/reference gas (1 mL/min operational) and achieves separations of N = 10,000 – 25,000. — C2V, Enschede, Netherlands
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SAS ISO is a new generation of SAS samplers for the microbiological testing of air. The system is based on the impact of micro-organisms onto an agar surface of a contact plate or standard Petri dish. SAS ISO uses a single, certified aspirating head made of stainless steel or aluminum, or Dispo-Head, a certified, sterile disposable plastic head. The system offers traceability functions, such as date, operator name, sampling location and volume of aspirated air, which can be transferred to a printer or PC. — International Pbi S.p.A., Milan, Italy
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This firm has introduced a PI system, historian-database comparison tool for use with process simulators. PI-Compare is an easy-to-use tool that identifies the simulator initial condition that closely matches a PI system recorded plant state just before a disturbance. Instructors and engineers can then quickly identify and use the simulation that matches that plant state and use the simulator to investigate or train operators on the characteristics of the disturbance and on mitigating its effects. — Hyperion Systems Engineering, Athens, Greece
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VegaWell 51 is a new generation of suspension pressure transmitters suitable for water and wastewater applications, including hydrostatic-level measurement in vessels, and gauge measurement in deep wells. Mounting is accomplished by means of a stress clamp or a threaded fitting (G1 A). The sensor itself is a small, Certec measuring cell, with a ceramic diaphragm and shielded measuring-cell seal. The selectable measuring range is between 0.1 and 10 bar, and the standard output is 4 – 20 mA. A HART signal can also be supplied on request. — VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach, Germany
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The new generation of the Orion pharmaceutical water package has an enhanced reverse osmosis module, which gives improved recovery of up to 90% for single-pass systems and 75% for twin-pass. This means lower operating costs and a reduced carbon footprint, says the firm. Like its predecessors, the new Orion is fully hot-water sanitizable. The Orion range has been extended to up to 10,000 L/h, and can meet water-quality standards of USP 30 and Ph Eur Purified Water and Ph Eur Highly Purified Water, and is fully compliant with FDA, cGMP and GAMP requirements. The control PLC interfaces with most SCADA systems, and a 21 CFR part II compliant option is also available. — Veolia Water Solutions & Technology, Marlow, U.K.
A split-ring version (photo) of the Aegis SGR Bearing Protection Ring comes in halves for easy installation. For variable frequency drive controlled a.c. and d.c. motors, the SGR split ring protects bearings from electrical damage caused by circulating or shaft currents. This maintenance-free ring lasts for the life of the motor, independent of speed. Its conductive microfibers work with virtually no friction or wear and are unaffected by dirt, grease and other contaminants. It is available with mounting hardware in sizes to accommodate motor shafts with diameters up to 6-in. By shunting shaft currents to ground, the SGR prevents "bearing least resistance" and reduces noise, vibration, bearing failure and motor failure. — Electro Static Technology, Mechanic Falls, Maine
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This standard line of rotary encoder collars (photo) can be mounted on virtually any shaft to provide speed-sensing capability from their outer diameter or face using a variable reluctance sensor. Made of anodized aluminum, these fully-split, two-piece designs come in 11 standard sizes from ½-in. I.D. by 2-in. O.D. or 3-in. I.D. by 4.5-in. O.D., and either 12, 20 or 24 steel targets. Unaffected by oils and coolants, these encoder collars are suitable for a wide range of new and retrofit applications. Special bore configurations, target locations and custom sizes are also offered. — Stafford Manufacturing Corp., North Reading, Mass.
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For finishing surfaces, the PTX Eco Smart finishing machine (photo) has balanced straight-line handling, high torque and electronic speed control. It produces matte, satin and other fine surfaces up to a mirror finish on steel, stainless steel and nonferrous metals. The PTX is also suitable for coarse grinding jobs such as removing welds, deep scratches, oxidation, rust and paint, as well as for polishing inside corners. It has an abrasive mounting system that eliminates vibration, and the grinding and polishing wheels can be changed in seconds. The finned-shaft design of this finisher makes it vibration-free during operation and ensures 100% concentricity. — CS Unitec, Norwalk, Conn.
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The AST4900 (photo) measures pressure in gases and liquids in high-purity applications. Krystal Bond Technology eliminates the need for oil-fill, welds and internal O-rings to avoid contamination, and the sensing element is made of electropolished 316L stainless steel. Available in ¼-in. NPT male and ¼-in. VCR male fittings, the AST4900 can be scaled with pressure ranges of 0 – 25 psi to 0 – 10,000 psi. In addition to high-level voltage, current and frequency output signals, the unit can be packaged with cable, DIN 43650 and Bendix electrical connections. Able to withstand over 100 million pressure cycles, the AST4900 is suitable for test stands, semiconductor-processing equipment, gas-pipeline instrumentation, data loggers, panels and manifolds. — American Sensor Technologies, Inc., Mount Olive, N.J.
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This fluoropolymer FEP and PFA tubing (photo, p.24D-1) can be formed and welded into heat exchanger transport lines that offer a non-stick, bacteria-free transport of deionized water and other corrosive media. With less than 0.01% moisture absorption, this tubing can withstand most harsh chemicals. The FEP and PFA tubing can operate in temperatures up to 260°C and has the lowest coefficient of friction of any tube available, according to the manufacturer. Product sizes range from 1/8- to 4-in. inner diameter. — Parker Hannifin Corp., Forth Worth, Tex.
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The CompactBlock Guard I/O on EtherNet/IP (photo) is said to be the industry’s first safety I/O module to feature EtherNet/IP connectivity. The CompactBlock Guard allows the use of the industry standard EtherNet/IP protocol in conjunction with safety PLCs that incorporate the CIP safety protocol over EtherNet/IP. It detects failures at the I/O and field-device level, while enhancing operator protection in many applications, including robotic, point-of-operation, guard-monitoring and remote-control applications. — Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wis.
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With continuous cooling capacities of 2500 W, this recirculating chiller is ideal for diverse applications, including semiconductor, packaging, analytical instrumentation, laser, laboratory, medical and research applications. The Neslab ThermoFlex 2500 unit (photo) incorporates a recirulation system with an integrated funnel, full flow filtration and visual fluid-level indication. For easy maintenance, the air and fluid filters on ThermoFlex units can be changed while the equipment is running to eliminate downtime. According to the manufacturer, efficiencies achieved with the new platform design provide up to 20% more cooling than units of similar size and power. The chillers can maintain temperatures from 5º to 40ºC. — Thermo Fisher Scientific, Newington, N.H.
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This company offers a full line of cotton fiber mounted points for removing slag and splatter from welds on stainless steel and aluminum fabrications. With a blend of aluminum oxide abrasives, the MS Plus line (photo) are suitable for light grinding, finishing and blending stainless steel up to a finish of 32 RMS. The units come in coarse, medium and fine grits, and in sizes of 3/8- to 2-in. dia. and 3/8- to 2-in. length. In addition to basic finishing, the MS Plus line is effective for removing scratches caused by carbide burrs, deburring holes, blending corner welds, and breaking edges without removing the base metal. — Rex-Cut Products, Fall River, Mass.
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The Datastick VSA-1225 Vibration Spectrum Analyzer enables facilities to use vibration analysis in predictive maintenance, allowing for the early diagnosis of potential machine failures. Based on the Windows Mobile/Pocket PC platform, this vibration analyzer and data collector includes the new Version 1.8 of the Datastick Spectrum software suite. The software records and displays vibration FFT spectra in acceleration, velocity and displacement displays, and now in a new vibration decibel display. The VSA-1225 hardware module attaches firmly to a HP iPAQ hx2400-series or hx2700-series handheld, combining computer power and 128 MB of data storage with sensor power, Datastick electronics, and interface. — Datastick Systems, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.
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The Megatex XD is the newest addition to this company’s line of dry separation equipment, specifically designed to meet the screening requirements of high-volume applications. The unit features a high capacity per square foot of screen cloth, a screen deck slope of six degrees, and an external drive cartridge. A quick opening discharge door provides access to each individual screen deck for inspection and quick change-out. The stacked multiple-deck track-access design allows access to these individual screens without requiring all decks to be removed at once. With the ability to handle separations from ¼ to 100 mesh, the Megatex XD houses a single reaction cartridge with two spherical roller bearings designed for 200 h of service, a support shaft suspension system with industrial U-joint bearings, and low torsion center springs. — Rotex Global, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio
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The Speedy system (photo) can fully automate solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) processes on one platform. Speedy provides state-of-the-art hardware tools for SPE, such as digitally controlled elution rates using positive or negative pressure, flowrate measurement and the ability to handle all types of SPE hardware. LLE with various solvents is also available on Speedy using either a single tube vortexer for large volume extractions, or a multiposition vortexer for smaller volumes. It can also prepare the chromatography vials required for the analysis of extracted analytes, while delivering any dilution required, sealing the vials and providing the option to load samples directly from the workbench through an injection port. — Zinsser Analytic GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
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VeriPRO technology allows safety managers to ensure employees are getting the most out of their hearing protection devices by measuring real-world attenuation of unmodified earplugs. Consisting of software and an optimized headset, VeriPRO determines the effectiveness of an earplug fit over a range of frequencies. The result, known as the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR), identifies the actual protection an employee receives from his or her earplug in each ear. The device offers two test protocols. The Complete Check runs testers through five frequencies to determine PAR. The Quick Check is a simplified test of earplug fit at one frequency, used as an easy pass/fail check for more frequent use. VeriPRO includes short training videos on proper fitting of earplugs. — Spherian Hearing Protection, LLC, San Diego, Calif.
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The HAS-1/1-S combination attritor with vertical shaft adjustment (photo) combines the features of two of this company’s attritors. The vertical shaft adjustment feature is designed to accommodate different sizes of grinding media. The drive system allows the user to switch easily between the high speed HAS system (1,700 rpm) with a side discharge and the conventional 1-S system (350 rpm) with a bottom discharge. The variable frequency controller includes an LCD operator interface module and is programmed to display agitator rpm, and motor current and power for the close monitoring of processing conditions. — Union Process, Akron, Ohio
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The latest version of Proficy Batch Execution, Version 5.1 (photo, p. 24D-5), introduces a variety of features to simplify and improve the design, maintenance and operation of batch processes. Included in the release are the Tabular Recipe Editor, ActiveX Controls, integration with the Proficy Process Systems, performance enhancements and ease-of-use features. The new ActiveX Control simplifies batch operation by allowing users to view the active phases of the recipes being executed, along with the key parameters that are being collected for each phase. — GE Fanuc, Charlottesville, Va.
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For the analysis of moisture, the Aquacounter AQL-2320 Automated Oil Evaporator Karl Fischer Titration System (photo) is designed to accurately take measurements in difficult samples like oil, grease, peanut butter, pain, resins, bonding agents and more. Using an azeotropic distillation solvent such as toluene or xylene, moisture is evaporated at a lower temperature to save money on Karl Fischer reagents. Samples are heated to 200ºC, and solvent is automatically added. Up to 20 samples can be held in the sample tray at once. — JM Science, Inc., Grand Island, N.Y.
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In conjunction with Clemex (Longueuil, Canada), this firm has created an improved PSA300 image-analysis system for particle characterization. It features a unique algorithm to improve accuracy when defining the length and shape of fibers. With this algorithm, it separates crossing fibers as individual particles and assigns each one accurate size and shape parameters. The PSA300 also has a new automated sample disperser for dry, free-flowing powder by breaking up agglomerates and providing a homogeneous spread of sample across the slide. The disperser utilizes a vacuum, ensuring that individual particles are not damaged and that samples are not contaminated. — Horiba, Irvine, Calif.
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The HEC-2000 PLC is the newest addition to the HEC family of Harsh Environment Controllers. It allows for programmable intelligence under less-than-ideal conditions, thanks to a sealed, watertight enclosure with pluggable connectors, and is submersible to three feet. The HEC-2000 is programmed using this company’s EQ Ladder software, which supports ladder diagram with function block programming. Eight to 32 Vd.c. input power is standard, and I/O includes eight 8 – 32 Vd.c. inputs, two 40 kHz high-speed counters and eight digital/pulse-width modulation outputs rated to 3 A with automatic over-current safety and programmable-status monitoring for each. Network communication is accomplished via a standard CAN port or an optional second serial communication port. — Divelbiss Corp., Fredericktown, Ohio
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The Fortegra Epoxy Tougheners are low viscosity materials for use in amine, DICY, anhydride and phenolic-cured epoxy systems. They are suitable for any applications where properties of epoxies, such as adhesion, corrosion and chemical resistance are needed, but greater performance is required. Based on a specially-designed self-assembling block co-polymer that creates the particles needed for toughening the cured epoxy, Fortegra will not result in big changes to other properties, including viscosity, cure speed or chemical resistance. The material is offered in four forms, based on a blend of one of two epoxy resins and the toughening material. — Dow Epoxy, Hong Kong, China
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The R2 RieldConnex Segment Protectors (photo) can be disconnected while leaving trunk communications uninterrupted. Moreover, these modules inherently prevent over-termination that can cause start-up and commissioning problems. Providing IP20 protection with DIN rail mounting, offered in 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-spur configurations, the R2 Segment Protectors feature removable terminals with retaining screws, as well as bright LEDs for power, communication and short circuit status indication. Built-in test lead connections for the company’s Mobile Advanced Diagnostics Module on each spur and trunk connector eliminate the risk of shorting as a result of incorrect wiring. — Pepperl+Fuchs, Twinsburg, Ohio
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A single-component metal repair and patching compound is now available from this company. Lab-Metal Repair (photo) requires no mixing and applies easily. This compound repairs dents and voids, smooths weld beads, and hides cracks and other surface blemishes to make cosmetic repairs prior to metal finishing. After hardening, it can be milled, drilled, tapped, machined, sanded, coated and baked. Lab-Metal Repair is offered in 6-, 12-, 24- and 48-oz. cans, 1- and 5-gal pails, and caulking tubes. — Dampney Company, Inc., Everett, Mass.
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The Trace Source Permeation Tubes are small Teflon tubes filled with pure component compound that emit a small, stable flow of pure component for making low-concentration (parts-per-million to parts-per-billion) gas mixtures. Flow is measured in nanograms or nanoliters per minute and is varied by changing the temperature of the tube. Permeation tubes are available for over 400 chemical compounds. Multiple forms of Trace Source are offered, including disposable permeation tubs, refillable permeation tubes, refillable gas-fed tubes, and extended life permeation tubes. — KIN-TEK Laboratories, Inc., La Marque, Tex.
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MotionMatch software (photo, p. 24D-7) has recently been released for this company’s servo drives and motors. The combination of MotionMatch motor-sizing software and MotionView drive-configuration software is a powerful solution to motion-control management. MotionMatch simplifies the process of pairing a servo drive and a motor, allowing the user to configure the drive easily. — Lenze-AC Tech, Uxbridge, Mass.
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The low-friction Waveseal shaft-sealing solutions (photo) feature a specially molded lip to form a sinusoidal pattern around the shaft surface. This enables lubricant to be pumped back to the bearing for optimized lubricant retention while pushing dirt away from the lip/shaft surface. According to the manufacturer, the lip generates 25 – 35% less heat at the contact point, minimizing premature seal failure due to heat checking, blistering, hardening or lubricant breakdown. The Waveseal Series is offered in nitrile- or fluoro-rubber to fit shaft diameters from 12 to 280 mm. A non-hardening polyacrylate coating on the outside diameter of the seal compensates for small imperfections in housing bores. — SKF USA, Inc., Kulpsville, Pa.
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The Proditec Visitab 2 automatic vision inspection/sorting system (photo) provides fast and accurate checking for visual defects on pharmaceutical tablets. It inspects for irregularities on all faces using a six-camera system to provide a 360-deg. view of each tablet, sorting at over 200,000 tablets per hour. Also available is the Proditec Inspectab 100, a smaller, more cost-effective model that is ideal for small to medium batches, processing 100 tablets per hour. Both units feature a versatile feeding and line-up system that adapts to all shapes and sizes of tablets without special tooling. — L. B. Bohle LLC, Warminster, Pa.