Thursday, May 3, 2007
Catastrophic leak detector is ATEX approved
Quantitech has announced that the ShurShot HF Catastrophic Leak Detector from PMS has received ATEX approval for monitoring HF in potentially explosive environments
Related stories
Gas analyser is portable and wide ranging
The Gasmet Dx-4030 from Quantitech is an analyser providing both field-usability and high levels of analytical performance employing FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy) analysis
Environmental emission monitoring equipment
Quantitech reports brisk business across it's whole range of environmental emission monitoring equipment and will use MCERTS 2007 to explain the advantages of the latest technologies
Quantitech Managing Director Keith Golding says 'ShurShot is a highly reliable and cost effective monitor designed to immediately detect and alert for catastrophic HF leaks in refineries, petrochemical plants, or other applications where HF leaks are considered a risk. This device is suited for leak monitoring of flanges, pumps, seals, and other components that are at risk of releasing HF.' ShurShot produces no false alarms.
Detection is based on very specific reaction of HF with a glass-like coating on the sensor chip.
This coating, in the form of a blue surface on a shiny substrate, is etched away during the reaction.
The surface of the chip is continuously monitored by shining light from a red LED through an optical fibre onto the sensor chip.
The light reflected is picked up by another optical fibre and transmitted back to a photo sensor, where it is converted to an analogue 4-20 mA signal.
As the HF reacts with and removes the coating, the amount of light reflected back increases until all the coating is gone, and then the signal reaches maximum value.
This increase of light intensity, monitored in the form of a current level change, provides a positive indication of detection.36
Related stories
Gas analyser is portable and wide ranging
The Gasmet Dx-4030 from Quantitech is an analyser providing both field-usability and high levels of analytical performance employing FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy) analysis
Environmental emission monitoring equipment
Quantitech reports brisk business across it's whole range of environmental emission monitoring equipment and will use MCERTS 2007 to explain the advantages of the latest technologies
Quantitech Managing Director Keith Golding says 'ShurShot is a highly reliable and cost effective monitor designed to immediately detect and alert for catastrophic HF leaks in refineries, petrochemical plants, or other applications where HF leaks are considered a risk. This device is suited for leak monitoring of flanges, pumps, seals, and other components that are at risk of releasing HF.' ShurShot produces no false alarms.
Detection is based on very specific reaction of HF with a glass-like coating on the sensor chip.
This coating, in the form of a blue surface on a shiny substrate, is etched away during the reaction.
The surface of the chip is continuously monitored by shining light from a red LED through an optical fibre onto the sensor chip.
The light reflected is picked up by another optical fibre and transmitted back to a photo sensor, where it is converted to an analogue 4-20 mA signal.
As the HF reacts with and removes the coating, the amount of light reflected back increases until all the coating is gone, and then the signal reaches maximum value.
This increase of light intensity, monitored in the form of a current level change, provides a positive indication of detection.36
Intrinsically safe viscometer for inline testing
An intrinsically safe viscometer from Hydramotion has provided valuable insight into a polymer production process for Champion Technologies of Houston, Texas USA
Related stories
Viscosity measurement with easy to use viscometer
Hydramotion has introduced a small-sample version of its Viscolite VL700HP laboratory viscometer, capable of measuring fluid volumes down to just 10 ml
Portable viscometer for real-time monitoring
A mains-powered bench-top version of its Viscolite portable viscometer for real-time continuous viscosity monitoring in laboratory-scale equipment has been launched by Hydramotion
An intrinsically safe viscometer from Hydramotion has not only 'exceeded expectations' of in-line viscosity measurement but also provided valuable insight into a polymer production process for Champion Technologies of Houston, Texas USA. Champion Technologies, a Permian Mud Service company, is the largest privately-owned oilfield chemical company in the US, with a significant presence in the major oilfields of the world and sales and administrative offices in over 30 countries.
It supplies the global oil and gas industry with a complete line of proprietary specialty chemicals, including foamers, hydrate inhibitors, scale control agents and emulsion breakers (demulsifiers), liquid polymers that are used in the 'dewatering' of crude oil.
Viscosity is important for quality control during emulsion breaker production, because the product cannot be applied in the field if it is too viscous.
The production process involves an oxyalkylation polymerisation reaction at 320degF (160C) in 3000-gallon (11,000-litre) tanks.
Further reading
Process viscometers certified for combustible dust
Hydramotion's Intrinsically Safe XL7-15x series process viscometers are now available certified to ATEX Ex II 1GD for use in hazardous atmospheres
On-line viscometer for growing polymer chains
An on-line viscometer from Hydramotion is an essential tool in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyetheylene naphthalate (PEN) at a large polymer plant in Scotland
Engineers can follow the progress of the reaction by monitoring the viscosity of the mix, which builds from less than 1cP to over 500cP as the reaction proceeds.
Needing a robust and reliable in-line viscometer suitable for use in a Class 1 Div 1 Group D Hazardous Area, Champion Technologies came to Hydramotion.
'We chose Hydramotion because they could offer us an intrinsically safe instrument that's easy to use and low maintenance,' said Jason Laws, Senior Process Engineer at Champion Technologies.
Mr Laws added: 'Another important point was that the Hydramotion viscometer was very competitive pricewise against other machines.' Hydramotion supplied an intrinsically safe XL7 high-temperature in-line viscometer tailored specifically to Champion Technologies' requirements.
As the reaction mixture is highly corrosive (pH <3), the monolithic sensor was constructed from Hastelloy C.
Using the instrument in the monomer and polymer stages, Champion Technologies was immediately able to get the narrow target viscosity it wanted: 'It exceeded engineers' expectations when regarding in-line viscosity.' In addition, obtaining continuous viscosity data at line temperature gave the engineers an insight into the process that had not been possible with earlier off-line measurements.
'The XL7 viscometer has helped us determine reaction issues that needed to be overcome.
We can see far more in the reaction than we expected,' said Jason Laws.
Related stories
Viscosity measurement with easy to use viscometer
Hydramotion has introduced a small-sample version of its Viscolite VL700HP laboratory viscometer, capable of measuring fluid volumes down to just 10 ml
Portable viscometer for real-time monitoring
A mains-powered bench-top version of its Viscolite portable viscometer for real-time continuous viscosity monitoring in laboratory-scale equipment has been launched by Hydramotion
An intrinsically safe viscometer from Hydramotion has not only 'exceeded expectations' of in-line viscosity measurement but also provided valuable insight into a polymer production process for Champion Technologies of Houston, Texas USA. Champion Technologies, a Permian Mud Service company, is the largest privately-owned oilfield chemical company in the US, with a significant presence in the major oilfields of the world and sales and administrative offices in over 30 countries.
It supplies the global oil and gas industry with a complete line of proprietary specialty chemicals, including foamers, hydrate inhibitors, scale control agents and emulsion breakers (demulsifiers), liquid polymers that are used in the 'dewatering' of crude oil.
Viscosity is important for quality control during emulsion breaker production, because the product cannot be applied in the field if it is too viscous.
The production process involves an oxyalkylation polymerisation reaction at 320degF (160C) in 3000-gallon (11,000-litre) tanks.
Further reading
Process viscometers certified for combustible dust
Hydramotion's Intrinsically Safe XL7-15x series process viscometers are now available certified to ATEX Ex II 1GD for use in hazardous atmospheres
On-line viscometer for growing polymer chains
An on-line viscometer from Hydramotion is an essential tool in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyetheylene naphthalate (PEN) at a large polymer plant in Scotland
Engineers can follow the progress of the reaction by monitoring the viscosity of the mix, which builds from less than 1cP to over 500cP as the reaction proceeds.
Needing a robust and reliable in-line viscometer suitable for use in a Class 1 Div 1 Group D Hazardous Area, Champion Technologies came to Hydramotion.
'We chose Hydramotion because they could offer us an intrinsically safe instrument that's easy to use and low maintenance,' said Jason Laws, Senior Process Engineer at Champion Technologies.
Mr Laws added: 'Another important point was that the Hydramotion viscometer was very competitive pricewise against other machines.' Hydramotion supplied an intrinsically safe XL7 high-temperature in-line viscometer tailored specifically to Champion Technologies' requirements.
As the reaction mixture is highly corrosive (pH <3), the monolithic sensor was constructed from Hastelloy C.
Using the instrument in the monomer and polymer stages, Champion Technologies was immediately able to get the narrow target viscosity it wanted: 'It exceeded engineers' expectations when regarding in-line viscosity.' In addition, obtaining continuous viscosity data at line temperature gave the engineers an insight into the process that had not been possible with earlier off-line measurements.
'The XL7 viscometer has helped us determine reaction issues that needed to be overcome.
We can see far more in the reaction than we expected,' said Jason Laws.
Gas and liquid flow measurement buyout
The management and staff at Flotech Solutions, the major UK distributors for gas and liquid flow measurement systems, have bought the whole company operation from the previous owner
Related stories
Reliability from meters for custody transfer
At the road tanker loading terminal of Total, at Killingholme, Brodie's BiRotor Plus meters, from Flotech have been made the standard for custody transfer
Flotech Solutions have expand in Stockport
Flotech Solutions have expanded their Stockport operation - and reorganised sales support teams - to support the growing sales of Brooks Instrument products in the UK
Established for over 10 years, Flotech Solutions was originally formed as the separated UK sales team for Brooks Instruments, manufacturers of glass and metal tube variable area flowmeters, positive displacement flowmeters for chemical industry applications, and the thermal mass flow controllers used in semiconductor manufacturing and gas doping systems.
This UK team developed the business further, and have added several new product lines, such as the Brodie BiRotor positive displacement flowmeters for oil and petrochemical use and Eldridge thermal mass flowmeters for larger flow rates and very low pressures.
Managing Director Bob Wrigley has led the buy-out, with support from Chris Hartley, the Sales Manager, Rob Broomhead and other members of the Flotech team: 'This is not a family enterprise,' said Bob Wrigley, 'Although in many ways the team here has grown into a family, and I am delighted that so many of my colleagues have been willing to join in the buyout and support the future of the company'.
Already new product lines have been added to the range, to create some opportunities for further growth.
Further reading
Demonstrations to show flowmeters' capabilities
A fully working demonstration of the Brooks thermal mass flow meters and controllers will show the electronic performance alongside visual indication
Very low flow measurements made remotely
A development in remote electronic transmission of very low flow measurements has resulted from a magnetic sensor, using AGC techniques to monitor the position of the float inside the flow tube
The Flotech team has the enthusiasm to provide the best service possible to the current customer base, and new products to complete the range available, whether the customer is a University laboratory, an offshore instrument engineer, or a high purity doping machine manufacturer.
Flotech will continue to operate from their stocking, repair and calibration centre in Stockport, and will offer the service you would expect from a locally owned and 'family' business.
Related stories
Reliability from meters for custody transfer
At the road tanker loading terminal of Total, at Killingholme, Brodie's BiRotor Plus meters, from Flotech have been made the standard for custody transfer
Flotech Solutions have expand in Stockport
Flotech Solutions have expanded their Stockport operation - and reorganised sales support teams - to support the growing sales of Brooks Instrument products in the UK
Established for over 10 years, Flotech Solutions was originally formed as the separated UK sales team for Brooks Instruments, manufacturers of glass and metal tube variable area flowmeters, positive displacement flowmeters for chemical industry applications, and the thermal mass flow controllers used in semiconductor manufacturing and gas doping systems.
This UK team developed the business further, and have added several new product lines, such as the Brodie BiRotor positive displacement flowmeters for oil and petrochemical use and Eldridge thermal mass flowmeters for larger flow rates and very low pressures.
Managing Director Bob Wrigley has led the buy-out, with support from Chris Hartley, the Sales Manager, Rob Broomhead and other members of the Flotech team: 'This is not a family enterprise,' said Bob Wrigley, 'Although in many ways the team here has grown into a family, and I am delighted that so many of my colleagues have been willing to join in the buyout and support the future of the company'.
Already new product lines have been added to the range, to create some opportunities for further growth.
Further reading
Demonstrations to show flowmeters' capabilities
A fully working demonstration of the Brooks thermal mass flow meters and controllers will show the electronic performance alongside visual indication
Very low flow measurements made remotely
A development in remote electronic transmission of very low flow measurements has resulted from a magnetic sensor, using AGC techniques to monitor the position of the float inside the flow tube
The Flotech team has the enthusiasm to provide the best service possible to the current customer base, and new products to complete the range available, whether the customer is a University laboratory, an offshore instrument engineer, or a high purity doping machine manufacturer.
Flotech will continue to operate from their stocking, repair and calibration centre in Stockport, and will offer the service you would expect from a locally owned and 'family' business.
Budget handheld infrared thermometer
The new Convir ST8839 handheld infrared thermometer from Calex Electronics offers a great blend of high performance and outstanding value
Related stories
Reflected energy compensation IR's secret weapon
Calex Electronics has introduced the VL700 infrared temperature sensor, capable of accurate measurement even when the target being measured is at a very different ambient temperature to the sensor
Fibre-optic temperature measurement systems
Fotemp's fibre-optic temperature measurement systems have been undergoing rigorous testing to push performance, measuring the temperature of liquid Helium down to -269C
providing an ideal solution for users that need cutting edge technology on a budget. The ST8839 provides a huge temperature range of -50 deg C to 1000 deg C, and offers adjustable emissivity, a feature often absent on infrared thermometers in this price range. These features combine to give the ST8839 great flexibility and allow it to tackle the vast majority of temperature measurement applications.
This new model also boasts an impressive array of features, including maximum, minimum, differential and average readings.
High and low alarms are available to provide quick and easy hot and cold spot detection.
Other useful features include laser sighting, automatic data hold, over range indication, a trigger lock and backlit LCD display.
The high performance is not limited to the electronics with this new model, a very tight 50:1 field of view allows the ST8839 to measure even small or very distant targets.
Each unit is supplied with a hard carrying case for increased protection when in transit and when not in use.
These instruments are powered by a standard PP3 9V battery, and have an automatic power off function to help conserve power.
The ST8839 has a list price of just £135.00, making it almost unbelievably good value and a very attractive proposition for anyone looking for a handheld infrared thermometer.
Related stories
Reflected energy compensation IR's secret weapon
Calex Electronics has introduced the VL700 infrared temperature sensor, capable of accurate measurement even when the target being measured is at a very different ambient temperature to the sensor
Fibre-optic temperature measurement systems
Fotemp's fibre-optic temperature measurement systems have been undergoing rigorous testing to push performance, measuring the temperature of liquid Helium down to -269C
providing an ideal solution for users that need cutting edge technology on a budget. The ST8839 provides a huge temperature range of -50 deg C to 1000 deg C, and offers adjustable emissivity, a feature often absent on infrared thermometers in this price range. These features combine to give the ST8839 great flexibility and allow it to tackle the vast majority of temperature measurement applications.
This new model also boasts an impressive array of features, including maximum, minimum, differential and average readings.
High and low alarms are available to provide quick and easy hot and cold spot detection.
Other useful features include laser sighting, automatic data hold, over range indication, a trigger lock and backlit LCD display.
The high performance is not limited to the electronics with this new model, a very tight 50:1 field of view allows the ST8839 to measure even small or very distant targets.
Each unit is supplied with a hard carrying case for increased protection when in transit and when not in use.
These instruments are powered by a standard PP3 9V battery, and have an automatic power off function to help conserve power.
The ST8839 has a list price of just £135.00, making it almost unbelievably good value and a very attractive proposition for anyone looking for a handheld infrared thermometer.
Fibre optic sensors feature in brochure
Banner Engineering has released a new 28-page full-color product brochure featuring its D10 series fibre optic sensors
Related stories
Chemical-resistant photoelectric sensors
Banner Engineering has announced the miniature World-Beam Q12 series of photoelectric sensors with liquid-tight PFA jackets for use in wet and corrosive industrial environments
Measuring light screens deliver accuracy
Banner Engineering has introduced the A-Gage Ez-Array two-piece measuring light screens for high accuracy monitoring and inspection in tough applications
The D10 Series consists of three high-performance models that service a range of application demands. Models include the D10 Expert with Numeric Display, D10 Expert with Bargraph Display and D10 Discrete Output. The D10 Expert models also feature intuitive push-button TEACH that allows static, dynamic or single-point programming.
The D10 Series brochure includes detailed model selection charts, dimension drawings, specifications, useful application examples and a variety of accessories.
The brochure also includes 13 pages of plastic fiber optics with detailed dimension drawings and range information for each sensor.
Related stories
Chemical-resistant photoelectric sensors
Banner Engineering has announced the miniature World-Beam Q12 series of photoelectric sensors with liquid-tight PFA jackets for use in wet and corrosive industrial environments
Measuring light screens deliver accuracy
Banner Engineering has introduced the A-Gage Ez-Array two-piece measuring light screens for high accuracy monitoring and inspection in tough applications
The D10 Series consists of three high-performance models that service a range of application demands. Models include the D10 Expert with Numeric Display, D10 Expert with Bargraph Display and D10 Discrete Output. The D10 Expert models also feature intuitive push-button TEACH that allows static, dynamic or single-point programming.
The D10 Series brochure includes detailed model selection charts, dimension drawings, specifications, useful application examples and a variety of accessories.
The brochure also includes 13 pages of plastic fiber optics with detailed dimension drawings and range information for each sensor.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Sensors for rising stem valve positions
Quarter-turn or rising stem valve positions can all be monitored with sensors from market leader ifm electronic, all designed to be simple to fit and give long service life
Related stories
FDT for pressure, temperature and flow sensors
FDT (Field Device Tool) technology offered by IFM electronic offers this technology for pressure, temperature and flow sensors
Temperature sensor acts fast
Reaction times as quick as one second, Ideal for use in oil or hydraulic lines on stationary applications, can be experienced with the TA3 range of temperature sensors from ifm electronic
Sensors for quarter-turn actuators and linear valves can easily be located using the product selector on the ifm-electronic web pages. The latest versions of the IND valve feedback sensors from ifm electronic have been released just in time for the ATEX implementation date of July this year, by which time all existing hazardous areas must have been re-assessed to ensure compliance.
Designed for 3G gas hazards, the newest version of ifm's feedback sensor, IN506A, is equivalent to two standard PNP sensors built into one housing, suitable for Zone 2.
The adavantage of this solution is a single housing which fits neatly to actuators and valves needing just one cable.
Valve feedback solutions come in many other forms and use either conventional wiring or AS-interface cabling reduction.
Further reading
Solid-state flow sensors in stainless steel
The latest in a line of solid-state flow sensors, the SI5000 is made from stainless steel and operates with no wear
Plug and Play photoelectric sensors
Simple applications require simple solutions: to save time and cost these photocells from ifm electronic are supplied factory-set to a fixed range, so they can be used immediately
IND valve sensors for AS-i have a through connection for direct solenoid connection.
Rising stem valves also get the ifm treatment, with numerous sensors on offer for the different valves on the market.
ifm's experience and expertise in sensors for wet areas have been applied to innovative and reliable devices where mechanical switches are out of their depth.
ifm supplies one of the widest ranges of sensors for position and process control, complemented by a huge selection of connection possibilities, from simple connecting cable to complete AS-interface systems.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.37
Related stories
FDT for pressure, temperature and flow sensors
FDT (Field Device Tool) technology offered by IFM electronic offers this technology for pressure, temperature and flow sensors
Temperature sensor acts fast
Reaction times as quick as one second, Ideal for use in oil or hydraulic lines on stationary applications, can be experienced with the TA3 range of temperature sensors from ifm electronic
Sensors for quarter-turn actuators and linear valves can easily be located using the product selector on the ifm-electronic web pages. The latest versions of the IND valve feedback sensors from ifm electronic have been released just in time for the ATEX implementation date of July this year, by which time all existing hazardous areas must have been re-assessed to ensure compliance.
Designed for 3G gas hazards, the newest version of ifm's feedback sensor, IN506A, is equivalent to two standard PNP sensors built into one housing, suitable for Zone 2.
The adavantage of this solution is a single housing which fits neatly to actuators and valves needing just one cable.
Valve feedback solutions come in many other forms and use either conventional wiring or AS-interface cabling reduction.
Further reading
Solid-state flow sensors in stainless steel
The latest in a line of solid-state flow sensors, the SI5000 is made from stainless steel and operates with no wear
Plug and Play photoelectric sensors
Simple applications require simple solutions: to save time and cost these photocells from ifm electronic are supplied factory-set to a fixed range, so they can be used immediately
IND valve sensors for AS-i have a through connection for direct solenoid connection.
Rising stem valves also get the ifm treatment, with numerous sensors on offer for the different valves on the market.
ifm's experience and expertise in sensors for wet areas have been applied to innovative and reliable devices where mechanical switches are out of their depth.
ifm supplies one of the widest ranges of sensors for position and process control, complemented by a huge selection of connection possibilities, from simple connecting cable to complete AS-interface systems.
ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.37
Widest range of infrared cameras
Thanks to continual product development and investment in R and D that last year topped $51.5m FLIR Systems now has the widest choice of cameras available on the market
Related stories
Infrared camera offers wide temperature range
Infrared Imaging Solutions (IIS) choose the FLIR Systems ThermaCAM P640 infrared camera not only for its superb image detail, but crucially for the wide temperature operating range
Inspection reports from thermal cameras
ThermaCAM Reporter 8.1 Professional is a quick and easy method for creating professional inspection reports that clearly communicate the critical details needed to make cost effective decisions
Thanks to continual product development and investment in R and D that last year topped $51.5m Flir Systems now has the widest choice of cameras available on the market. Its camera output is now 'per month' what it was 'per year' in the '90s. More than any other manufacturer, Flir Systems says it has made infrared accessible and affordable to the wider engineering community and the success of this formula is certainly borne out in increased sales.
In the UK booming demand for Flir Systems' ThermoVision and ThermaCAM infrared cameras has resulted in a redefinition of sales territories to incorporate a new Area Sales Manager.
Filling that role is Steve Beynon who is now responsible for the East of England, an area that is bordered in the north by Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and in the south by the northern Home Counties.
Related stories
Infrared camera offers wide temperature range
Infrared Imaging Solutions (IIS) choose the FLIR Systems ThermaCAM P640 infrared camera not only for its superb image detail, but crucially for the wide temperature operating range
Inspection reports from thermal cameras
ThermaCAM Reporter 8.1 Professional is a quick and easy method for creating professional inspection reports that clearly communicate the critical details needed to make cost effective decisions
Thanks to continual product development and investment in R and D that last year topped $51.5m Flir Systems now has the widest choice of cameras available on the market. Its camera output is now 'per month' what it was 'per year' in the '90s. More than any other manufacturer, Flir Systems says it has made infrared accessible and affordable to the wider engineering community and the success of this formula is certainly borne out in increased sales.
In the UK booming demand for Flir Systems' ThermoVision and ThermaCAM infrared cameras has resulted in a redefinition of sales territories to incorporate a new Area Sales Manager.
Filling that role is Steve Beynon who is now responsible for the East of England, an area that is bordered in the north by Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and in the south by the northern Home Counties.
