Instrumentation Spotlight - February 2010
February 12, 2010
Online and Lab NIR Moisture Sensors
The IR-3000 online moisture sensor was developed for instant, noncontact analysis of powder and granular materials for the harshest environments. Insensitive to material variations such as particle size and material height, the instrument provides continuous, accurate readings, allowing operating personnel the ability to make immediate process adjustments based on real-time measurements. The net result is improved quality and reduced production costs by saving in energy and waste. The IRMA-858 is an at-line, lab moisture analyzer that uses a patented optical technique and touchscreen PC. The broad-beam instrument is designed to measure sealed samples in 1 second with no constituent losses due to volatilization, thereby receiving a true moisture reading and accuracies within 0.01%. MoistTech, Moorpark, CA 805-378-1160 www.moisttech.com
Moisture Analysis Balance
The MOC moisture analysis balance offers six alternate drying modes, including a predictive measuring mode, an RS 232 interface and WindowsDirect function for easy data transfer to Windows-based programs, and a mid-wave infrared quarts heater for effective drying and long life. Features include a bright backlit LCD display, large 130-mm sample pan for the best drying conditions, and an easy-to-use keyboard. UniBloc technology gives precision weighing for exacting results, while protecting against damage. Intelligent Weighing Technology Inc., Ventura, CA 805-642-3034 www.intelligentwt.com
Acoustic Wave Level Transmitters
The Sultan 234 can be powered using loop power (2-wire), 3-, or 4-wire sources. These powerful and effective instruments emit an acoustic wave pulse that is then reflected from the surface of the material being measured. The reflected signal is processed using specially developed software to enhance the correct signal and reject false or spurious echoes. The measured signal is temperature compensated to provide maximum accuracy to the outputs and display. There is no direct contact with the media, which can extend up to 393 ft from the sensor. Hawk Measurement, Middleton, MA 888-429-5538 www.hawkmeasure.com
Flexible, Extendable Capacitance Probe
The Procap capacitance probe has a flexible, extendable cable designed for high-, mid-, or low-level detection when the capacitance probe must be mounted on the top of the bin. The probe is ideal for applications where a probe is used as a high-level alarm or needs to be extended more than 4 ft. This flexible unit is ideal for use with any lump material that might bend, damage, or break a rigid probe. It is configured so the first 10 in. are rigid and the rest of the probe is flexible. The flexible ¼-in.-diam cable can be any length up to a 35-ft maximum extension, which is sensitive to the end of cable when uncovered. For convenience and ease of installation, the cable can be cut to the desired length in the field. A stainless-steel flexible cable option is available for food and other sanitary applications. BinMaster, Lincoln, NE 800-278-4241 www.binmaster.com
Weight Indicator
The 825 Spectrum features a full spectrum of rich colors and graphics on its brilliant 640 × 480 pixel interactive touchscreen backlit LCD. Complete on-screen ticket configurability, unlimited truck storage IDs, fast digital fill control management, color-coded checkweighing operations, and up to 10 scales monitored on-screen simultaneously are some features. Others include: two ColdFire processors and 64 Mb user memory; color-coded QWERTY keyboard for easy data entry; and navigation keys combine with intuitive menus. Connectivity features include: 8 digital I/O (4 input/4 output); 10 option slots available; Ethernet connection (TCP/IP or EIP); USB connection (2 USB-A/1 USB-B); DeviceNet/iCan; three serial ports; optional scale input cards; and optional 8 programmable I/Os with counter. Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 417-673-4631 www.825spectrum.com
Pharmaceutical Interface for In-Line Particle Sizing Probe
The new Pharma option 3 Parsum View user interface for the Parsum IPP 70 in-line particle size measurement probe, simplifies the system’s use as a PAT (Process Analytical Technology) tool for continuous monitoring of granulation, spray drying, and fluidized bed operations. Parsum View is designed specifically to fulfill GMP requirements for pharmaceutical production. It can be supplied alone or in combination with pharma option 1–verification kit for checking measurement accuracy, and 2–material traceability, a unit with highly polished contact surfaces supplied with material traceability documentation. Together with options 1 and 2, it simplifies regulatory compliance, streamlining adoption and ongoing use of the IPP 70 within the pharmaceutical sector. It works either in a network (Ethernet) or on a standalone basis to provide the data security and complete audit trail necessary to meet the industry’s need for exemplary record keeping. Key features of the new release include detailed user access control with flexible user levels, user and password management, and safe storage for measurement values and settings in an SQL-database. Malvern Instruments Inc., Westborough, MA 508-768-6400 www.malvern.com
Bin Level Indicator
The Solido 500 bin level indicator provides all of the features expected of rotary paddle switches at a fraction of the cost. It features standard CE, ATEX, and FM hazardous approvals, deactivating motor for extended life, insertable paddle, dual conduit entries, field adjustable sensitivities, screw-on cover, and multiple voltages including 24VDC and 115/230 VAC. It is offered with an industry standard 1¼-in. NPT or straight threaded connection and a stainless-steel shaft and paddle. A two-year warranty is included. UWT Level Controls, Memphis, TN 877-898-5385 www.uwtlevel.com
Bin Level Indicator with LED
This rotary paddle bin level indicator incorporates a local high-intensity LED indication as a standard feature. The Model RH is available for ordinary electrical locations and the Model RHX for hazardous areas (agency approval pending). Rotary paddle technology is the most resilient technology used to detect the presence and absence of a wide variety of powders and bulk solids. BlueLevel Technologies, Peru, IL 888-262-2662 www.blueleveltechnologies.com
Near Infrared Transmitter
Powders and bulk solids undergo a combination of refining, washing, mixing, and drying operations during processing. The efficiency of these procedures impacts not only utility costs, but also the rate and volume of output. With skyrocketing energy costs, processors require tighter control. Near infrared technology is well-suited for powder and bulk solid applications. It is noncontact, nondestructive, and designed to measure continuously. The MCT 360 can be installed over conveyors, incline chutes, and fluid bed dryers, using a viewing window, probe, or a powder sampling device to ensure good product presentation. Process Sensors Corp., Milford, MA 508-473-9901 www.processsensors.com
Process Control Systems
BEST technologically advanced, fully integrated industrial process control systems for bulk-process-handling applications are designed and built in an in-house UL-listed panel shop. These systems are used in a wide 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 one server that logs and reports real-time and historical production data, downtime data, production trends, and maintenance. Reports can be detailed as required. Metso Minerals Industries Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com
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