New Products & Services
December 2016
Phoenix Contact
This company has developed what is said to be the first pluggable surge-protective devices (photo) for use in standard rackmount housings. Based on the Valvetrab product range, these products feature a new mounting position in order to optimize surge protection for rackmount applications. With the new positioning at the front of the housing, users can check the status indicator without having to remove the cover or disconnect the power supply. The clear arrangement of the pluggable surge-protective devices makes maintenance and troubleshooting extremely easy, says the company. The performance of the surge-protective device is enhanced by the new wiring configuration, which saves space, thereby allowing for a high density of protective devices. The two base elements can also be installed in series or in parallel. — Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany
Siemens
The Sitrans TO500 multipoint temperature measuring system (photo) enables complex temperature measurements and detection of the precise position of critical hotspots in a variety of applications, including tubular and tube-bundle reactors. The fiber-optics-based device uses a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) for the measurements. The Sitrans TO500 can evaluate 48 FBGs in each of four channels (a total of 192 measuring points), thus enabling precise determination of temperature changes in the smallest spaces. It is said to be the first device to enable FBG-based measurements in industrial environments, such as harsh plant conditions and at high temperatures. The precise determination of the temperature profile enables users to detect critical operating states quickly and initiate countermeasures, thereby lengthening the service life of plants. — Siemens AG, Nuremberg, Germany
PANalytical
The Aeris is a new X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) benchtop instrument (photo). The device’s built-in touch screen features an intuitive interface and directly displays all results. Aeris only requires a single-phase power outlet and does not require either cooling water or compressed air. Data quality and speed of data acquisition are comparable to full-power systems. Additionally, Aeris is said to be the first benchtop XRD system that is fully automatable and can easily be incorporated in industrial production control. — PANalytical B.V., Almelo, the Netherlands
This company recently introduced the Industrial Lubricants Digital Knowledge Center, which includes an extensive catalog of equipment maintenance best-practice tips, as well as insights on the t
rends that are impacting a wide range of industrial sectors, such as general manufacturing, mining, oil-and-gas, power-generation and food-and-beverage. Available online on the company’s website, this new information hub contains nearly a hundred pieces of educational content, including techniques to improve energy efficiency and cost-savings calculation methods. — ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, Spring, Tex.
Zeppelin
This company is moving a step closer to plant-component digitalization for the plastics industry with its Smart Components app (photo), which greatly facilitates engineers’ daily work. The new app supports maintenance technicians by automatically identifying components and providing specific information to mobile devices. It provides precise information on specifications, spare-parts lists, commissioning instructions, operation, maintenance and service intervals. Furthermore, users can chat in realtime with an expert through this app, as well as transfer pictures and videos. — Zeppelin Plant Engineering, Friedrichshafen, Germany
Spirax Sarco
The FT62 range of ASME 600 float and thermostatic steam traps (photo) is suitable for industries that need fast and efficient condensate removal. The FT62 range is available in sizes ranging from½ to 1 in. with screwed, socket-welded and flanged connections, and with body materials of either stainless steel or carbon steel. With features such as an integral bi-metal air vent and strainer, the FT62 range has been designed specifically for maintainable drainage of small, high-pressure process applications. Typical applications include installations for stripper reboilers, steam-turbine inlet drains and separator drainage. — Spirax Sarco, Inc., Blythewood, S.C.
Maag
The new Cyclo Centrifugal Dryer (photo) provides efficient, reliable pellet drying in any application. It is compatible with the company’s underwater pelletizers, which handle a wide range of polymers and thermoplastics, including polyolefins, styrene polymers, polyacetals, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethanes, hot-melt adhesives, rubber and natural and synthetic resins. The Cyclo Centrifugal Dryer is available with drying capacities ranging from 3,000 to 8,500 kg/h. With the Cyclo, up to 95% of process water is removed by centrifugal force. Surface water that adheres to the pellets is largely removed through air flow or mechanical movement, and the residual heat of the pellets is mostly used to evaporate remaining surface moisture. Its compact design allows for a small footprint and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. — Maag, A Dover Corp. company, Oberglatt, Switzerland
Conval
Whisperjet reduction devices (photo) reduce liquid or gas pressure through a series of multi-pressure reduction stages. Designed for new or retrofit installations, these simple, long-lasting devices result in virtually no part erosion. With steam applications, noise is significantly reduced, because orifices on each stage are sized to keep the flow of steam below critical velocity. Whisperjet devices are available in conjunction with Clampseal globe valves or as standalone equipment, in ASME pressure classes up to 4500#, in sizes½ in. and up, with socket-weld, butt-weld or flanged connections. Depending on the application, standard materials are carbon steel A105, Chromalloy SA 182-F22, F91 and 316/316L stainless steel. Optional materials and end connections are also available. — Conval, Somers, Conn.
WIKA Alexander Wiegand
The new model FSD-3 electronic flow switch with digital display (photo) was developed for applications using liquid media. Switching and analog outputs for flow, temperature and diagnostics enable strong versatility, says the manufacturer. The model FSD-3 can support process control in a number of ways: as a flow monitor, via the switching function; as a trend indicator for media flow, via the analog signal; and with integrated temperature measurement (–20 to 85°C). The optional diagnostic function acts on sensor defect (switching function), and whenever the measuring ranges for flow and temperature are exceeded (display indication). The new flow switch is easy to parameterize via the onsite display and an intuitive menu navigation in accordance with the VDMA standard. The FSD-3 functions on the calorimetric measuring principle, where the heat dissipation from a heated sensor is directly related to the flowrate. This method of measurement has no moving parts, so the flow switch operates wear-free. — WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Klingenberg, Germany
Haver & Boecker OHG
The new Elementra EGF Big Bag filling system (photo) is especially suited for loose, bulk materials of every type, especially for the construction, chemicals and food industries. Its modular design offers a high degree of flexibility, and the following options can be added: filling spouts that can be swiveled; different dosing units; inflatable sleeves; hooks (rigid, rotatable or replaceable, instead of a carrying arm); movable filling head or conveyor unit; vibration base; and conveying system. The greatest technical innovation for improving safety and preventing machine stoppages is the double-belt drive, which replaces the maintenance-intensive chain drive. This new drive fulfills explosion-protection requirements, and because of its special plastic material, it is suited for use in the food industry and in dusty environments. The Elementra EGF Big Bag filling system can fill all large packages, independent of size, material or design. — Haver & Boecker OHG, Oelde, Germany
The Witte Co.
This company’s vibrating fluid-bed dryers (photo) are engineered with a series of proprietary design innovations that protect and maintain particle size and shape during processing to prevent costly product attrition. Featuring a narrow-slot, wedgewire conveying surface that provides uniform air distribution and maximum heat transfer, these dryers are said to provide several benefits versus drilled-hole deck designs, which create pockets of high- and low-velocity air, invite clogging and allow product to leak through the conveying surface. These systems also include the company’s signature vibrating action set at a low frequency and amplitude to minimize impact on the product and provide supplemental movement that ensures the product gently advances downstream in a first-in, first-out treatment and arrives at the discharge within planned drying specifications. — The Witte Co., Washington, N.J.
The new IPL Assurance software provides realtime predictive analytics on the health and availability of safety instrumented systems (SIS), alarm management systems and other independent protection layers (IPL). In addition to managing operational risk, IPL Assurance reduces compliance costs by automatically reporting on the SIS performance during a demand on the safety system. The software delivers information on instruments, alarms, control loops and operational boundaries to streamline compliance activities and expose operational risk, allowing plant personnel to mitigate abnormal situation before they create adverse impacts. The software provides a number of analytics and alerts, includi
ng: performance management for safety instrumented functions; testing and maintenance management; safety-system bypass management; demand on safety-system rate tracking; and status of safety-related alarms. — PAS, Inc., Houston
De Dietrich Process Systems
The Guedu vertical dryers (photo) offer benefits for drying powders in the chemical process industries, including cosmetics and food applications. The vertical dryers operate differently than hot-air and tray dryers. Powder is stirred under vacuum, which shortens the drying time by a factor 2 to 10 compared to tray dryers. Also, by reducing the necessary handling, a similar shortening of the total cycle time is achieved, says the manufacturer. The improved heat transfer during drying leads to a reduction in utilities costs. Mechanical mixing during drying leads to an improved product homogeneity, and the product emerges with residual moisture values below 0.1% where required, says the company. — De Dietrich Process Systems, Niederbronn Cedex, France
Check-All Valve Mfg.
The Epic series consists of spring-loaded, poppet-type inline check valves (photo) that are designed to be simple, rugged and efficient in any flow orientation. The valves are streamlined so that media flows through the valve over smooth, contoured surfaces with very little change in direction, minimizing the pressure drop across the valve. The patent-pending Epic series features a complete, drop-in, replaceable insert that is engineered for silent operation. The valve closes quickly and smoothly to avoid fluid hammer. A variety of connection options are available, including male, female and flared-tube. — Check-All Valve Mfg. Co., West Des Moines, Iowa
The Grieve Corp.
The No. 860 is a 500°F truck oven (photo) that is currently used for post-cure of rubber parts. Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 36-in. width, 36-in. depth and 60-in. height. The oven uses Nicrome-wire heating elements for a power of 34.8 KW to heat the workspace, while a 2,000- ft3/min., 2-h.p. recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow to the workload. This truck oven features 4-in. insulated walls, a top-mounted heat chamber, aluminized-steel interior and exterior, plus front and rear double doors. Other features include safety equipment for handling flammable solvents, including explosion-venting door hardware and 325 ft3/min powered exhauster. — The Grieve Corp., Round Lake, Ill.
PAC
The NSure analyzer (photo) offers users the ability to measure total sulfur, total nitrogen or both in a single analyzer. By utilizing the same technology that laboratories use to qualify products, NSure enables plants to ensure regulatory compliance while operating close to the upper limit to maximize profitability with continuous and precise measurements that correlate with the primary test methods. NSure’s innovative design can operate over a wide range and withstand process swings. Its complete combustion of the sample allows for fast response even in difficult process conditions. — PAC, Houston
TSI
This company’s line of condensing and chiller units are now available in explosion-proof designs (photo). The product line consists of a number of models, including air-cooled condensing units, remote air-cooled condensers, water-cooled chillers and evaporative condensing chillers for both indoor and outdoor use. With explosion-proof design, these units are suitable for use in petrochemical refineries, oil-and-gas applications, grain elevators, power plants, coal mines and chemical production plants. The explosion-proof products are built in accordance with National Electric Code (NEC) requirements for various hazardous environments where fire or explosion risks may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, ignitable fibers or flyings. — Technical Systems Inc. (TSI), A Division of RAE Corp., Pryor, Okla.
Clark-Reliance
The Jerguson LumaStar EPL-316 Illuminator (photo) provides high-contrast, white LED light for any transparent glass level gage, delivering superior gage visibility in either day or night. With its 316 stainless-steel construction, the LumaStar Illuminator is suitable for severe service environments. It is approved for use in Class I, Div. 1, Group B, C & D and Zone 1 & 2 environments. A single explosion-proof power supply with intrinsically safe lighting circuit can service illuminators up to 58 in. long. The illuminators are field-upgradeable to fit any glass gage, says the manufacturer. — Clark-Reliance Corp., Strongsville, Ohio
Powered by compressed air, the Material Mover is a portable, inline vacuum system that was developed to transport materials. Commonly used to clean combines and seeders, the Material Mover is ideal for wor
k in seed plants or mills where there is a critical need for clean equipment and a desire to avoid wasting product. Unlike traditional vacuums, the Material Mover does not damage the products it moves. Utilizing a patented supersonic nozzle, the Material Mover delivers superior performance by sucking up 1 to 2 ft3/min of dry material. The vacuum system features a 15-ft long, 2.5-in. dia. flexible vacuum hose and a 5-ft polycarbonate vacuum wand, so users can easily grab objects that are farther away. — Guardair Corp., Chicopee, Mass.
Emerson Automation Solutions
The handheld AMS Trex Device Communicator (photo) is built to withstand harsh industrial environments, and makes device and loop diagnostics simple to understand and field activities easier to complete. Protected against moisture and extreme temperatures, the Trex communicator boasts a rugged design that can withstand the bumps and drops that come from normal use in the plant. The large, full-color touchscreen display adjusts to lighting conditions and aids troubleshooting in areas where too much or too little light makes other devices difficult to read. Using the Trex communicator’s built-in Foundation Fieldbus and HART device diagnostic software, technicians can isolate and repair problems while the devices continue to run. Simple issues can be addressed on the spot, avoiding unnecessary production interruptions. Segment and loop diagnostic tools allow users to validate loop and fieldbus segment characteristics for streamlined troubleshooting. With the ValveLink Mobile app, technicians can analyze valve diagnostics results easily on the communicator’s larger screen. — Emerson Automation Solutions, St. Louis, Mo.
ecom instruments
The Ident-Ex 01 for Div. 1 / Zone 1 & 21 (photo) is a powerful, intrinsically safe all-in-one barcode scanner and RFID reader for use in hazardous areas. With its unique modular design, the ultra-rugged Bluetooth-capable Ident-Ex 01 can be specifically configured to a customer’s needs, and can be operated with just one hand. The changeable head modules — RFID, 1-D or 2-D barcode — allow users to read a wide range of RFID tags, as well as 1-D and 2-D barcode types from every angle and different distances from 15 cm and up to 15 m. In combination with GPS-enabled, connected devices, operating material and plant components can be quickly located. Workers can now assign assets more quickly and accurately. Especially in emergency situations, critical assets can be located more quickly, in order to swiftly and efficiently identify damage and prevent accidents. — ecom instruments GmbH, Assamstadt, Germany