New Products & Services
October 2009
ChemShow 2009 will be held November 17-19 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. “Processing Solutions for a Changing Marketplace,” the show will showcase over 300 exhibitors and anticipates more than 10,000 professional attendees.
ChemShow 2009 will feature a technology conference and symposium on nanoscale materials and “green” technology. Organizers say the focal point of the symposium will be bridging the gap between science, technology and commercialization. Created for the ChemShow by Innovative Research and Products (iRAP; Stamford, Conn.), the “Nano and Green Conference & Symposium” will explore the impact of nanotechnology on environmentally friendly processing. The conference will focus on colloids and surface modifications that benefit nanotechnology applications, nanoparticle synthesis and nano-bio convergence and their emerging technologies and markets.
Aside from the product exhibition and symposium, the show features a host of educational sessions. Chemical Engineering will present a two-day educational program (see pp. 30-31).The Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA; Washington, D.C.) will present sessions on the use of valves and actuators in the chemical process industries (CPI). A number of sessions are offered as part of AIChE Day (American Institute of Chemical Engineers; New York) at the Chem Show. Among the offerings is a tutorial session on the fundamentals of powder flow technology, which will seek to provide insight into common flow problems of solids. Other AIChE sessions include mixing basics, troubleshooting pneumatic conveying systems, sustainability practices, process safety and others. Additional information about the show can be found at http://www.chemshow.com.
During the show, look for Chemical Engineering’s exclusive coverage of the ChemShow in its daily newspaper. Those attending the show are also encouraged to visit Chemical Engineering at Booth 703. Among the ChemShow exhibitors are the following:
A Box 4 U
This storage unit can survive
a 5 psi blast without damage
In testing, this blast-resistant storage unit (photo) remained structurally undamaged following a 5-psi, 500-ms-duration blast generated by a high-explosive, ammonium-nitrate fuel-oil charge at a standoff distance of 110 ft. The module is designed for worker safety in the petrochemical, chemical processing and construction industries. Booth 827 — A Box 4 U, Wichita, Kan.
Karasek
Increase process capacity
with this thin-film evaporator
Powerfilm rotor technology can be fabricated into thin-film evaporators (photo, p. 32D-2) with inside diameters of 2,000 mm or more. The design and large size of the evaporator rotors can help increase profit margins by raising process capacity and by improving product purity. Booth 835 — GIG Karasek GmbH; Stuppach-Gloggnitz, Austria
Goodway Technologies
This vacuum filter
is certified to 0.12 microns
The VAC-CRV Dry Clean Room Vacuum with ultra-low-particulate air (ULPA) filtration (photo, p. 32D-2) is certified 99.999% efficient for particle sizes down to 0.12 microns. The vacuum, designed for clean-room surface cleaning, has a stainless-steel tank for easy cleaning, a small footprint and multistage filtration system. VAC-CRV features include a 5-gal paper filter collection bag, a change indicator light, and a large-sized ULPA filter. Booth 741 — Goodway Technologies, Stamford, Conn.
Sweco
Clean-up and maintenance
for this round separator is easy
The MX Separator (photo, p. 32D-2) has an open-base construction to allow cleaning underneath the unit, and eliminates external crevices that can trap product. The separator is also designed to increase safety, with an enclosed weight guard to prevent “reach-in” injuries. Booth 527 — Sweco, Florence, Ky.
Mettler Toledo
These balances offer
redesigned user interface
The redesigned user interface of the NewClassic balances (photo, p. 32D-2) allows for more intuitive operation, with “SmartKeys” that directly access preferred applications, and a high-contrast display for easier reading. NewClassic balances also feature a new metal housing designed to resist chemicals and protect the weighing cell from environmental influences and impacts. The new line of balances retains technology from its predecessor line, including the MonoBloc weighing cell and fully automatic calibration technology. Booth 358 — Mettler Toledo, Columbus, Ohio
BHS-Filtration
Get a large filter area
with this belt filter
This belt filter (photo) is 3.5 m wide, and offers 73.5 m2 of filter area for washing and drying of high-value products in alkaline slurry. The belt filter is coupled to a candle filter, which maximizes product recovery by collecting fine particles and recombining them into the process. The belt filter features a continuous-indexing design that eliminates the need for rubber carrier belts and vacuum-pressure-rated hoses. The candle filters provide for thin-cake pressure filtration, cake washing, drying reslurry and automatic discharge. Booth 315 — BHS-Filtration Inc., Charlotte, N.C.
Microdyn
Technologies
Filter viscous media
with this ultrafiltration cassette
Technologies
The Flow-Cel cassette (photo) has a membrane of 10 m2 and is designed to filter protein-containing liquids with high solids content. The cassette has the ability to be cleaned by backwashing from the permeate side of the filter, a feature that increases cleaning effectiveness and saves resources. Its molecular weight cut-off is 10 kDa (kilodaltons). Flow-Cel is suitable for food processes, as well as other protein-concentration applications with high solids levels, such as biotech fermentation processes. The modular design of the filter allows the system to be modified according to the needs of the operator. Booth 317 — Microdyn Technologies Inc., Wiesbaden, Germany
Optek
Increased process control offered
with this absorption sensor
The AF26 (photo, p. 32D-4) measures color and concentration at light wavelengths from 380 to 1100 nm. It is designed to automate manual processes and increase control for improved product quality and reduced product loss. The AF26 is constructed of stainless steel 316Ti, and can withstand high temperatures (up to 464ºF), high pressures (up to 325 bar) and sanitary clean-in-place applications. It can also be used in applications such as monitoring chemical concentrations in water, water disinfection, trace hydrocarbons in water and turbidity measurements among others. Booth 229 — Optek Inc.; Carrollton, Tex.
Chemglass Life Sciences
Design of this gas scrubber
allows visual monitoring
This new gas scrubber (photo) features a compact design that allows for visual monitoring of the scrubbing process. The scrubber is designed for use in an array of air and exhaust cleanup tasks, and is available with an optional stationary or mobile support stand. The compact design will fit into any laboratory hood, or can be used in walk-in hoods when assembled on the firm’s mobile, bench-top-reactor stands. The maximum air flow is 8 L/min. Booth 932 — Chemglass Life Sciences Inc., Vineland, N.J.
Robatel
This centrifuge combines
filtration and solids drying
This laboratory or pilot scale centrifuge (photo, p. 32 D-6) offers centrifugal filtration and solids drying in a single machine. It is equipped with interchangeable rotors to allow its use as a horizontal basket centrifuge, and as a tumble dryer as a “two-for-one” approach to centrifugation and drying. The machine is equipped with interchangeable rotors and casings that allow it to operate as a horizontal peeler centrifuge with automatic cake discharge, or as a basket centrifuge and tumble dryer. This interchangeability allows its use for a wide variety of separation problems. Booth 928 — Robatel Inc., Annonay, France
A blanket gas regulator
for lower-volume processes
The Model 3011/3041 blanket-gas-regulator product line now includes a ½-in. connection for lower volume processes that require smaller flow capacities. The new ½-in. size connection is available with an optional sanitary fitting or quick-disconnect linkages. The regulator is constructed of stainless steel or additional materials by request. Booth 706 — Groth Corporation, Stafford, Texas
This modular system
is ANSI manifold compliant
Modular platform components from this company offer a variety of options for a systems approach to process analysis and control. The system, compliant with the Modular Sample and Conditioning System standard (ANSI/ISA 76.00.02), can include substrate and manifold layers with a variety of surface-mounted valves, gages and manifold flow components. The modular platform component (MPC) system features a 38.2-mm (1.5-in.) size and is easy to configure, assemble, and maintain for use within process analyzer, sample-handling and fluid distribution systems. Booth 403 — Swagelok Co., Solon, Ohio
VTA
This glass film evaporator
allows visual image of process
A new film evaporator is constructed in glass (photo) to allow the operator the ability to see the process. With a 70-mm I.D., the evaporator can be configured with a rigid evaporator rotor or a drying rotor. It can be used with small samples, making it ideal for development. Booth 334 — VTA GmbH, Rock Hill, S.C.
Precisive
These process monitors
measure multiple gases to sub-ppm range
The OXS Series Optical Gas Monitors (photo) use tunable filter spectroscopy to measure gas flow components in the ppm to percent range (3100 Series) as well as sub-ppm concentrations (4100 Series). The process monitors are automated, and provide realtime scanning of multiple compounds in gas flows. They are factory calibrated and have the capability to be networked. The optical scanners can monitor trace impurities, such as CO, CO2, H2O and hydrocarbons. Booth 335 — Precisive LLC, Stoneham, Mass.
http://www.precisive-instruments.com
This filter housing is compatible
with any filter cartridge
FlexFlo filter housings accept filter cartidges from any manufacturer and feature an interchangeable filter basket. Adaptable to inside-out or outside-in flows, the standard filter housings have diameters ranging from 4 to 36 in. The housings allow process engineers and purchasing managers the potential to reduce downtime for lines during filter changes. Booth 737 — MorFab Inc., Moravia, N.Y.
Get 20 kW of cooling capacity
with this cooler
The FL Series recirculating coolers offer 20 kW of cooling capacity with a pump supplying 80 L/min at pressures up to 87 psi. The temperature control instruments feature intuitive operation, wide operating temperature range, rapid cool-down times and a small footprint. The FL Series is capable of interfacing with both digital and analog equipment, and comes with a two-year warranty. Booth 547 — Julabo Labortechnik GmbH, Black Forest, Germany
Handle highly corrosive chemicals
with this surface alloy
A recently introduced technology for manufacturing tantalum surface alloys offers an affordable solution for processes involving hot acids and other highly corrosive materials. The corrosion-resistant alloy can be applied to valves, fittings, instrumentation and other custom products. The process of making the alloy involves heating and reacting pure tantalum metal to produce a gaseous atmosphere of the element. The tantalum vapor creates an alloy bond with the instrument’s surface that gives corrosion-resistant properties of tantalum while maintaining the original part’s size and shape. Booth 759 — Tantaline Inc., Waltham, Mass.
http://www.tantaline.com â–
Scott Jenkins
Scrub more H2S
with this new adsorbent
This firm’s Environmental Systems Div. (ESD) has launched its newest dry-scrubbing media, Odorcarb Ultra, which is said to be the first activated alumina media with the ability to remove 0.3 g of hydrogen sulfide per cubic centimeter of media. Odorcarb Ultra replaces Odorcarb II as the primary component of ESD’s odor-control applications. Similar to its predecessor, the improved media also contains the patent-pending Media Life Indicating Pellets. These blue pellets (photo) appear white after chemisorption to distinguish new media from spent media. — Purafil Inc., Doraville, Ga.
www.purafil.comHazmat suits that
are certified for safety
The ONESuit Pro hazmat suit (photo) has earned the highest level of certification recognized within the EU and Asia. The British Standards Institute has deemed the suit compliant with the recognized benchmark in fire and hazmat safety for 30 different member countries, EN 943-2 Type 1a standard. Along with EU certification, ONESuit Pro is said to be the only ensemble certified in the U.S. to both NFPA 1991 and 1994 standards. European certification requires testing not only of the fabric, but the entire ensemble — seam type, glove, boot, respirator interfaces and closure systems — to ensure it is an effective barrier against hazardous materials. — Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Merrimack, N.H.
www.onesuittec.comImprove vessel cleaning
with this new range of spray balls
This new range of rotary spray balls (RSB; photo) is ideal for replacing static spray balls to ensure more efficient cleaning. Available in two sizes (RSB45 and RSB65), they ensure a maximum cleaning radius (depending on pressure and flowrate) from 1.5 to 2.43 m, which makes them suitable for smaller to medium sized tanks with 1.5- to 5-m dia. They can be supplied with 360 deg., 300 deg. up, and 180 deg. down spray patterns, and have a working pressure of 1–3 bar and a maximum working temperature of 95°C. A number of connections are available for easy retrofitting to existing systems. — BETE Ltd., Lewes, East Sussex, U.K.
www.beteuk.com
Connect and disconnect fluid lines safely
with this coupler
The clean-break, low-pressure couplings of the CT Series (photo) are designed for multipurpose use in chemical and fluid technology, hydraulics, machine and systems engineering, and process engineering. Manufactured from stainless steel, the CT Series is suited for aggressive and toxic substances, in the pressure range from vacuum to 64 bar. The clean-break technology enables the user to connect and disconnect the non-drip, non-squirting coupling safely and quickly. Nominal sizes of this Series (5, 7, 9, 12 and 19 mm) complement the manufacturer’s range of couplers with larger sizes (25 to 100 mm). — Walther Couplings, Tring, U.K.
www.walther-couplings.comA wireless modem
for gathering data remotely
The AutoLog WSN radio modem series (photo) is suitable for stand-alone wireless data applications or for integration into OEM products. A discrete component RF stage is used to give better performance than would be possible using the simpler “single chip” solutions found in other low-cost designs, says the manufacturer. VHF (138–225 MHz), UHF (406–512 MHz) and 869MHz (863–870 MHz) versions of the AutoLog WSN are available for simplex or half-duplex operation. The device has been optimized, through the use of advanced digital-signal processing (DSP) technology, for reliability and low current consumption, making it especially suitable for operation on remote sites without main power. — FF-Automation Py, Vantaa, Finland
www.ff-automation.comFor high throughputs,
consider this dry vacuum pump
The iXL 500 (photo) is the first member of the new iXL line of dry vacuum pumps. The iXL 500 is designed primarily for load-lock applications in solar-cell and flat-panel-display manufacturing where high gas throughputs and fast pump-down times are crucial. Compared to its predecessor, the iXL 500 offers up to 60% improvement in cost of ownership, says the manufacturer. The unit has a pumping speed of 1,600 m3/h while consuming only 7 kW of power. Its low-inertia booster shortens load-lock evacuation times with faster, more efficient pumping at higher inlet pressures. — Edwards, Crawley, U.K.
www.edwardsvacuum.comThis standardized canned-motor pump
has built-in protection
The newly developed HCN/HCNF range of canned motor pumps was designed for the most demanding areas of application. The HCN range is designed for aggressive, inflammable, toxic and highly volatile liquids, solvents or other substances. The HCNF range is used for liquid gases, such as ammonia, Freon, propane and carbon dioxide. The most recent development is a single-stage standardized chemical canned motor pump (photo, p. 32I-4) in accordance with EN 22858/ISO 2858. The area of application for liquids covers a temperature range from –120 to 120°C. The pump performance lies between 6 and 41 kW, with a maximum flowrate of 230 m3/h and a maximum head of 140 m. One special design feature is an integrated monitoring system for the rotation direction, which is firmly molded in the terminal box. A thermistor secured in the winding guarantees efficient protection of the motor. — Hermetic-Pumpen GmbH, Grundelfingen, Germany
www.lederle-hermetic.comA better way to make pellets
of PS and POM
The WRG range of water-ring pelletizers (photo) for making pellets of polystyrene (PS) and polyoxymethylene (POM) has the advantage that the cooling and conveying medium (water) does not come into direct contact with the die plate. The rotating knives cut the extruded strands of melts into pellets. Centrifugal action of the knives sends the still-hot pellets into the rotating water ring, which cools them and conveys them out of the pelletizer hoods. Favorable operating costs result from: the low energy requirement for the die plate and the rotor drive; the negligible wear on the knives and the die plate; and the simple and rapid startup process. A WRG 320 has been delivering 5,000 kg/h PS pellets for two years, and a 9,000 kg/h unit has recently been delivered. — Coperion GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany
www.coperion.comThese transmitters
track rotating equipment
The DN8033 thrust and rod drop transmitter (photo) is designed to measure shaft axial or rod position of a range of rotating equipment. The 4–20-mA loop-powered module provides easy integration with either the local machine PLC or a plant-wide DCS since it is powered through the measurement loop. The unit operates in conjunction with the company’s Senturian range of 8-mm-dia. proximity probes, offering a maximum measurement range of ±1 mm. The DIN rail-mountable unit provides two miniature multi-turn potentiometers for the setting of the gain and zero point parameters. — Sensonics Ltd., Berkhamsted, U.K.
www.sensonics.co.ukA control valve
with faster action
The Fisher Control-Disk valve (photo) offers excellent throttling performance and is ideal for applications that involve fast processes and varying pressure drops. The valve’s wide control range is twice that of traditional butterfly valves for better adherence to set point, which allows control closer to the target set point, regardless of process disturbances. When paired with a Fisher spring-and-diaphragm actuator and Fieldvue digital valve controller, the assembly can capture and deliver data to AMS ValveLink software, which provides an accurate picture of the valve, actuator and digital-valve-controller performance. The valve body meets PN 10 through PN 40, CL 150, and CL 300 ratings. Face-to-face and raised-face dimensions meet EN 593, API 609 and MSS-SP68 standards. — Emerson Process Management, Baar, Switzerland
www.emersonprocess.euCharge more than reactors
with this powder-transfer system
Although especially designed for safe reactor charging, the PTS powder-transfer system (photo) has proven itself in many applications of a much wider spectrum than traditional reactor charging. The PTS-System is exempt from ATEX 95, and therefore does not need an ATEX certification or confirmation. The system does not create its own ignition source and therefore is intrinsically safe. By means of active powder transfer, by a combination of vacuum and pressure, the PTS is able to replace risky open manual handling. Powders can be transferred from almost any receptacle, such as sacks, big bags, drums or storage vessels, and be discharged into any type of receiver. The system can be mounted directly on a vessel or is available as a mobile unit. The PTS is fully CIP (cleanable in place) and guarantees hygiene and complete containment. — Dietrich Engineering Consultants S.A., Ecublens, Switzerland
www.dec-sa.comA peristaltic pump
with a variety of hose materials available
A compact, double-head hose pump that provides higher flows yet requires less space, is the latest addition to the range of Ponndorf peristaltic pumps. Available from this firm, the PK 40 high-pressure twin unit (photo, p. 32I-7) is capable of providing flowrates of up to 15,000 L/h at pressures up to 15 bar. These self-priming pumps offer advantages of peristaltic pumping that are especially relevant to the food processing and water treatment industries. For example, shear sensitive, delicate liquids, or those containing solids remain unaffected by the pumping process. The pump is fully reversible and is supplied with a wide selection of hose materials, including natural rubber, neoprene, hypalon, food-grade NBR and EPDM. — Pump Engineering Ltd., Littlehampton, U.K.
www.pumpeng.co.ukA stronger magnet delivers
improved separation efficiency
The redesigned High Gradient Separator (photo, p. 32I-7) has been developed for the recycling industry and is particularly suitable for operation in a difficult and dirty environment. The magnetic strength of the coils has been increased to 10,000 Gauss, which allows the magnetically weak iron and slightly magnetized particles to be removed from waste and residual streams. The complete system consists of a frame, a vibrating chute, a control unit, the separator and an easily adjustable splitter unit. — Goudsmitt Magnetic Systems B.V., Waalre, Netherlands
www.goudsmit-magnetics.nl
Supersonic nozzles
keep this spray-dryer filter clean
SaniCIP is a system of CIP bag filters for spray dryers that use reverse-jet pulsing technology to make sure that powder is removed from every part of the bag. Now, the SaniCIP filters have been improved to achieve even higher performance and longer life. Among the new features are the following: the diameter of the cylinders has been enlarged to reduce the wear rate in use due to sand blasting and rubbing; the air inlet has been redesigned tangentially to reduce risk of powder deposits forming; supersonic nozzles are used for reverse-jet pulsing instead of reverse-jet nozzles, which reduces compressed air and maintenance requirements; the clean-air plenum above the nozzles has been redesigned to be easier to clean in place; top covers now weigh less for easier removal; and the system now includes new sanitary explosion vent panels. — GEA Process Engineering, Søborg, Denmark
www.niro.comIntegrated software
delivers a host of advantages
The LDRA tool suite has been integrated with the IBM Rational Rose RealTime model-driven development environment. This integration introduces LDRA’s powerful code quality analysis and code coverage techniques into the domain of model-driven development using Unified Modeling Language (UML). The LDRA tool suite supports the analysis, instrumentation and testing of both auto-generated and user-created source code both within the Rose RealTime user interface or the LDRA development environment. — LDRA Software Technology, Wirral, U.K.
www.ldra.comThis continuous gas analyzer
can also monitor CO2 emissions
Upgrades for the Advance Optima AO2000 Series Continuous Gas Analyzers are now available for expanding the monitoring capability to include carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions measurements to address expected U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental compliance requirements. The regulations will impact reporting requirements for cement kilns, nitric-acid plants, power generation, incinerators, petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. A full range of upgrade options is available to meet site- and application-specific requirements. Installation and commissioning services for all upgrades can be implemented onsite by this firm’s factory-certified service engineers. — ABB Analytics Services, Houston, Tex.
www.us.abb.comAccurate mass flowrates,
even for fluctuating velocity profiles
The new Multi-Trak Model 670S is an advanced, state-of-the-art instrument for measuring mass flowrates in very large ducts or stacks that have non-uniform velocity profiles, high turndown requirements, dirty gas streams, wide temperature ranges and fast velocity and temperature changes. The unit dynamically compensates for changes in the flow profile by using up to four independent mass-flow sensing points to measure the instantaneous, average gas-mass-flow velocity. The device has an accuracy of ±1% of reading and 0.5% of full scale, a one-second response to changes in flowrate, and patented Dry-Sense Technology that eliminates sensor drift. The sensors are FM, CSA and ATEX certified for hazardous areas, and are also CE Approved. — Sierra Instruments, Inc., Monterey, Calif.
www.sierrainstruments.comA pressure transducer
for low-pressure applications
The 3300 Series pressure transducer is designed for low-pressure applications that demand small size and low cost along with high accuracy and stability. These transducers are especially suitable for chemical sterilizers, autoclaves, pneumatics, HVAC, pumps and compressors. The devices are available over the pressure range from 1 to 16 bar, and can operate at temperatures from –40 to 125°C, and have voltage, current and ratiometric outputs. — Gems Sensors & Controls, Plainville, Conn.
www.gemssensors.comUltrasonic flowmeters
for drop-by-drop dosing
The PFA SonicLine ultrasonic flowmeters (photo) are now available in a new, low-flow version for quantities from 0.03–6 L/min in DN 3/8 in. Flowrates from 0.5–1 mL/s are achieved, which corresponds to almost one drop at a time and opens up new areas of application in fine dosing of chemicals, says the manufacturer. The SonicLine is suitable for accurate (1%) and fast batch and dosing processes with high reproducibility (0.5% of measured value). All medium-wetted parts are made of corrosion-resistant, high-purity fluoropolymer PFA-HP. — GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelfingen-Criesbach, Germany
www.gemue.deMove lubrication fluids
with this smooth-starting pump
The Allfuel Series of screw pumps is designed to move oils and other lubricating liquids with a maximum discharge pressure of 40 bar. Available in six different construction types, the pumps have many new features, including heating elements for the mechanical seal and filter chamber (which provides for smooth starting) and a filter design that simplifies maintenance. The design of the pump casing allows the filter to be changed without having to drain, dispose and refill the oil. — Allweiler AG, Radolfzell, Germany
www.allweiler.deMass flowmeters for controlling
high-purity gas flows
These metal-sealed mass flowmeters/controllers (photo) are designed to meet the requirements of the semiconductor market and other high-purity gas applications. The devices feature high surface quality and are of modular construction with metal-to-metal seals for long-term tightness. Now, as an alternative to traditional face-seal fittings, optional downport connections (c-seal and w-seal) are offered to reduce mounting space and facilitate installation and maintenance. Metal-sealed units are supplied in ranges from 0.1–5 cm3/min up to 0.6–100 L/min (or higher on request). — Bronkhorst High-Tech, Ruurlo, Netherlands
www.bronkhorst.com.These sensors do more
than measure control variables
The ARC concept (photo) is a new family of sensors for process control, which includes pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity measurements. More than just sensors, the devices are complete solutions that include sensors, and direct standard interface to the process-control system. In addition to the analog analytical signal, the units also deliver the power of digital sensor management. ARC Sensors are available with both standard 4–20 mA and digital ModBus interfaces built in and supported directly from the sensor itself. — Hamilton AG, Bonaduz, Switzerland
www.hamiltoncompany.comGerald Ondrey