Instrumentation & Process Control Spotlight - August 08

Guided-Wave-Radar Level Measurement
The TDR-1000 provides continuous, nonmechanical level measurement by means of low-power radar pulses that are guided along a stainless-steel cable. The unit is suited for measuring the level of solids, granules, and powders. It delivers accurate level measurement over a wide range of process conditions and is unaffected by dust, temperature, pressure, humidity, or filling conditions. Suitable for a variety of tank sizes and geometries, the device can be installed easily in new or existing vessels.
Bindicator, Spartanburg, SC 800-778-9242 www.bindicator.com

Remote Display
The Model RD2 high-visibility remote display for industrial applications features a bright-red LED display that includes six 2.5-in.-high characters for easy weight viewing over long distances. With 10 brightness settings, visibility can be adjusted for specific indoor or outdoor requirements. Whether the application necessitates monitoring the weight of tanks, bins, vehicle scales, or process control systems, the RD2 includes an RS-232 interface that is configurable to meet the communications requirements of all weight instrumentation. The stainless-steel enclosure is rated NEMA4/IP66 for added protection from the water and dust that are inherent in industrial environments.
Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.cardinalscale.com

Microwave Moisture Sensor System
This robust sensing system is used to measure moisture to a penetration depth of 12 in. in powders and bulk solids. It provides 0.2% accuracy where a measurement volume of 15 L is desired. The sensor can be flange or gantry mounted, with other configurations available for transmission measurements for on-line volume applications. Many configurations are available for different applications with a process control system for up to 31 sensors. The sensor operates in a temperature range of 32°–158°F.
ConverTec Corp., Newtown, PA, 215-860-8998 www.coronabeam.com

Feeder Control
K-Vision is a feeder operator interface used in applications that require the control of up to 16 feeders in a single process line. It uses a 10.4-in. color LCD display together with a touch screen as the primary operator input mechanism. It offers a quad screen display mode for viewing multiple pages on one feeder or a single page on multiple feeders. This operator interface also offers support for multiple languages, including Chinese and Japanese. The K-Vision is fast and easy to start up and simple to operate. It offers graphic visualization of process information, utilizing flexible, easy-to-use trend graphs. It offers event logging and supports all feeding control types for both continuous and batch operations.
K-Tron, Pitman, NJ 856-589-0500 www.ktron.com

Control Systems
Best fully integrated industrial process control systems for bulk-process-handling applications are used in a variety of applications to streamline production operations. Production monitoring and management features are programmed for the user’s choice of automation platforms. Production and maintenance schedules can be configured on a single server that logs and reports real-time and historical production data, downtime data, production trends, and maintenance activities. Reports can be detailed as required.
Metso Minerals Industries Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com

Moisture Sensors
This manufacturer of process and laboratory NIR moisture transmitters offers the 3000 series, which is designed to measure powders, granules, and filter cake. Installed on spray dryers, rotary dryers, vacuum dryers, and conveyors, the sensors can be measured to within an accuracy of ±0.1% on most products. They allow users to optimize on-line processes and improve product quality. They can be calibrated for all types of applications and can also measure coatings, oils, and seasonings. The sensors can be used in stand-alone or multisensor configurations. Communication with the sensor head is established via a laptop computer, a PC-based touch screen operator interface, a plantwide network using RS-232/422/485, and Ethernet TCP/IP.
MoistTech, Moorpark, CA 805-378-1160 www.moisttech.com

Flow Meter
The C-Lever II Direct uses centripetal force for friction-free measurement of bulk materials and solids. This friction-free measuring principle works without mechanical moving parts, so that the meter requires virtually no maintenance. The dust-tight housing guarantees flow even if the system is switched off. Like industrial platform belt scales, this technique achieves high accuracy of ±0.2% of the volumetric range for nearly all flowing bulk solids within the measuring range of 10 to 100%. Users can record measurement results inline or online according to Newton’s rules of centripetal force without the adverse effects that result from fluctuating material characteristics. By connecting centripetal force with friction compensation, bulk solids measurement depends exclusively on mass.
Rembe GmbH, Brilon, Germany +49 2961 74050 www.rembe.de

Process Control Technology
SpectrInLine processware utilizes patented multivariate optical computing to perform spectroscopy at the speed of light, providing real-time, in-line process control and final product testing to a variety of industrial sectors, including the pharmaceutical, chemical, agriculture, food and beverage, pet nutrition, environmental, plastics, oil and gas, and cleantech industries. The SpectrInLine process control suite allows manufacturers to measure, monitor, and control their manufacturing process 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the world. This Web-based interface gives users access to critical manufacturing information from any computer, PDA, or smart phone with Internet access.
Ometric Corp., Columbia, SC 803-233-4683 www.ometric.com

Ultrasonic Level Transmitter
The IMP+ is a noncontact transmitter for monitoring level in bins, small silos, chemical tanks, etc. It comes standard as a two-wire loop-powered and three-wire (two-relay) transmitter, depending on how it is connected. Three ranges are available: 3, 6, and 10 m. The ATEX-approved Intrinsically Safe feature is available as an option. Programming is simple using an integral four-button keypad and LCD. Optional IMP PC software allows easy PC remote programming and echo analysis. The unit has both 1½- and 2-in. NPT threads, depending on the version.
Pulsar Inc., Shalimar, FL 850-609-1777 www.pulsar-us.com

Capacitance Point Level Sensors
TrueCap RF capacitance point-level sensors are used for cement, fly ash, plastics, food, and many other applications. In contrast with rotary-paddle bin indicators and other mechanical-type level switches, they have no moving parts. They are sensitive enough for virtually any application involving powder or granular materials and can be used on slurries. The TrueCap family includes a variety of probe types to meet virtually every application. The Model MK2 uses a universal power supply, push-button calibration, and a built-in temperature sensor for automatic calibration compensation. The Model MK2e uses standard analog electronic technology with simple two-step calibration and has a cost-effective design.
Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, IL 800-766-6486 www.monitortech.com

Online Sample Preparation
The Calli QC robotic workbench links sample preparation to analytical measurement. Samples are placed on the instrument when they arrive from production and can be introduced continuously. On the platform, the samples are prepared for analytical measurement according to user requirements. Samples are weighed, diluted, heated, vortexed, filtered, etc. before they are transferred to the analyzer (gas or high-performance liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, etc.). A range of modules is available for the sample preparation process—e.g., for handling powders and viscous media or for adjusting pH. Bar code control ensures the tracking of individual samples throughout the process.
Zinsser NA, Northridge, CA 818-341-2906 www.zinsserna.com