Instrumentation

Upgraded Particle Size Analyzer
The second-generation Partica LA-950 laser diffraction particle size analyzer features usability and sampling-system upgrades. A redesign of a number of components has strengthened the unit’s capabilities in speed, dynamic range, accuracy, and precision. Several customer requests have been incorporated into the system design to make the sampling system change even faster, improve sampling-system accessibility, and broaden the range of accessories available. It offers a wide measurement range (0.01–3000 µm), fast analysis time (1 minute from sample to sample), and a powerful sample-dispersion system. The optical system design combined with improved components and a highly refined algorithm provide high accuracy, precision, and resolution.
Horiba Instruments Inc., Irvine, CA 949-250-4811 www.horibalab.com

Particle Counter and Sizer
The Multisizer 4 Coulter counter delivers an increased dynamic range, while unique digital pulse processing provides size-analysis results in real time. The unit features new sample-management technology that ensures consistent reproducibility. New software wizards, tools, and automated functions improve ease of use and increase productivity. Software functions include an automated time stamp for real-time sample tracking and electronic blockage detection designed for improved throughput. Digital pulse processing scans and stores data for additional analyses and reporting.
Beckman Coulter Inc., Fullerton, CA 800-742-2345 www.beckmancoulter.com

Self-Validating Bin Level Indicator
Patented Hall-effect sensors are an integral component of the SafePoint bin level indicator to ensure reliability of the self-validating techniques. The unit’s self-validating and patented technology continuously monitors its internal functionality and indicates its safe state to the device user. If the sensor is unable to operate properly because of damage, electrical failure, or component malfunction, an output is immediately initiated to indicate the condition to the user. This safe functioning complements the standard output function, which indicates the presence or absence of material in the vessel at the desired monitoring point. The SafePoint protects the user from overfilling and surprise outages that can occur when a bin level sensor fails to operate properly.
Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, IL 800-766-6486 www.monitortech.com

Long-Range Transducer
The dB 40 transducer integrates the latest in high-frequency acoustic technology with a noise-free digital signal. It has a measuring range of 132 ft with an effective beam angle of 3°. Combined with the company’s Ultra units, the transducer is part of a multifunctional system for almost any application. Applications include rock, grain, pellets, powders, and wood chips.
Pulsar Inc., Shalimar, FL 850-609-1777 www.pulsar-us.com

RF Capacitance Switch
The ShieldPoint 300 RF capacitance switch is built for point level detection in a variety of challenging applications, from sticky slurries to low-dielectric bulk solids. The single-point level switch features three-element shielded probes and a 10-A DPDT relay. Its rugged probe design means there are no moving parts to wear out. Features include LED operation and calibration lights, which are visible through a standard window cover and have an out-of-calibration indication. The modular electronics are built around patented Ashield technology, which provides immunity to material build-up and ensures reliable and repeatable operation.
ASI Instruments, Houston, TX 800-245-7056 www.asiinstruments.com

Weight Controller
Only 3 in. deep, the HI 4050 general-purpose weight controller is easily configured to meet specific application needs. Available with ac or dc power and in panel, remote, or blind DIN-rail mounting, the unit installs quickly with no special holes to cut. The controller comes standard with EtherNet and optional EtherNet/IP or DeviceNet. It includes Waversaver, which eliminates the effects of surrounding vibration for fast, stable weight display; C2 electronic calibration without test weights; a Secure Digital–based secure memory module card for fast transfer of configuration data; and Integrated Technician for system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Hardy Instruments, San Diego, CA 800-821-5831 www.hardyinstruments.com

Point Level Switch
The Captrol 500 RF capacitance integral or remote point level switch features one-touch calibration, built-in self-diagnostics, and a rugged sensing element that utilizes a driven guard that is designed to eliminate the effects of material buildup or coatings that may cause false signals. The primary areas of application for the Captrol 500 are grains, metals, mining products, foods and beverages, and wood products.
L&J Technologies, Hillside, IL 708-236-6000 www.ljtechnologies.com

Moisture Analyzers
Whether online or off-line measurements are required, near-infrared analyzers provide tight control of powder bulk density, ensuring consistent product. The MCT 300 and MCT 600 also guarantee the optimum moisture level, minimizing waste and saving money by avoiding overdrying. The MCT 300 can be installed directly over any conveyor or with a fluidized bed spray dryer. The use of a sight window or an insertion probe to view the product enables continuous monitoring and provides a practical solution for controlling moisture content during granulation and drying cycles. Benefits include consistent particle size distribution and bulk density from batch to batch, increased efficiency resulting from shorter drying cycles and minimum delay between production batches, improved product yields, and increased automation through closed-loop control of feed pump and dryer temperature.
Process Sensors Corp., Milford, MA 508-473-9901 www.processsensors.com

Bin Level Indicator
A rugged bin level indicator can be used as a high-level switch, a demand switch, or a low-level switch. When bulk material reaches the paddle, the rotation motion is blocked. A switch shuts off the motor and indicates high level via a relay contact. When the bulk material frees the paddle, the switch is released and the paddle begins to rotate again. The unit is explosion proof for combustible environments, since the shaft with protective tube, paddle, and electronics housing meet explosion-protection regulations Class II, Division 1, Groups E,F,G, Class III.
Sick Maihak Inc., Minneapolis, MN 952-829-4868 www.sickmaihak.com

Radar Level Transmitter
Featuring 24-GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave technology and process intelligence echo processing, the Sitrans LR 460 radar level transmitter has been introduced for measurements in difficult solids-level applications. Built on the Sitrans LR 400 platform, it is suitable for solids applications containing extreme dust, high temperatures, and long ranges to 328 ft. Virtually any solid medium can be measured, including cement powder, fly-ash, coal, gypsum, flour, grain, aggregates, and plastics. With new process intelligence advanced echo-processing software and completely redesigned high-frequency and high-gain circuitry, the unit measures these difficult applications without ever touching the material.
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., Alpharetta, GA 800-964-4114 www.sea.siemens.com