Instrumentation 133

Fixed Thermal-Imaging System
A fixed thermal-imaging (FTi) system offers continuous thermal mapping of processing operations and plant surveillance. The system can be used under the harshest plant-operating conditions for measuring temperatures from –4º to 2912ºF with ±1% measurement accuracy. It replaces portable solutions that provide only periodic monitoring. At the heart of the system is a high-resolution FTi thermal imager housed in a rugged NEMA 4 and radio-frequency-shielded enclosure that provides high-quality (320 × 240 pixels) live thermal images. The imager incorporates the latest focal plane array detector technology that is engineered to produce class-leading temperature measurements. Using state-of-the-art digital processing, it provides accurate and highly repeatable industrial radiometric imaging and temperature measurements that are more than twice as accurate as those provided by the leading competitor.
Ametek Land, Pittsburgh, PA 412-826-4444 www.landinstruments.net

Microwave Point Level Switch
The new ProGap is a microwave-based point level switch for solids that detects when material breaks the microwave beam during filling. When material is detected, an alarm is sounded. The unit has a sensitivity adjustment to ignore falling dust and a user-selectable time delay. Using the process adapter, the switch is noncontacting and easily removable without disruption to the process. It can handle extreme temperatures and pressures.
GTS Inc., Shalimar, FL 850-651-3388 www.onthelevel.com

Motion Sensor
The Milltronics Millpulse 600 motion sensor has received CE approval, indicating conformity to the legal requirements of the European Union directive on safety, health, environment, and consumer protection. Built to operate in the harshest conditions, the heavy-duty two-wire motion sensor provides solid-state switch output to programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Noncontacting motion sensors detect changes in motion and the speed of conveying, reciprocating, and rotating machinery. Typical applications include tail pulley shafts, driven pulleys, motor-shaft sensing, and screw conveyor flights. The sensor offers underspeed, overspeed, differential speed, and speed indication functions by a PLC. With an all aluminum body, it operates from –40° to 140°F. It has a probe/target separation of up to 4 in. between the sensor and targets.
Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., Alpharetta, GA 215-646-7400 www.sea.siemens.com

Process Control Systems
Fully integrated industrial process control systems are built in an in-house UL-listed panel shop. These technologically advanced systems are used in a wide variety of bulk process handling applications to streamline production operations. The systems are programmed for the user’s choice of automation platforms and include production-monitoring and management features that keep operators and management fully informed with real-time and historical data. Production managers benefit from the configuration of production and maintenance schedules on one server that logs and reports production data, downtime data, production trends, and maintenance. Readily available data can help identify trouble spots and avert future downtime.
Metso BEST Inc., Brunswick, OH 800-827-9237 www.bestvibes.com

Mass Flow Meter
The CentriFlow meter replaces weigh belts, impact meters, loss-in-weight meters, and static-weigh scales, where accuracy, low maintenance, and zero drift are critical. The unit is utilized for mixing and blending applications in the petrochemical, food, agricultural, and aggre­gate industries. Providing typical accuracies of ±0.25% using the principle of centripetal force, the instrument can accurately measure a variety of products, including powders and traditionally difficult materials.
Eastern Instruments, Wilmington, NC 910-392-2490 www.easterninstruments.com

Tuning Fork Level Switch
The Series TFLS tuning fork level switch incorporates a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates the fork at its natural frequency. The switch changes state when the vibration is dampened by sensed material and provides user-selectable fail-safe operation of the contacts and LED indication of switch status. It is not affected by vibration from conveying systems, motors, or the movement of material. It can be mounted in any position and is available with factory-built extensions for mounting on top of the storage vessel. The switch is easy to use, does not require calibration, has no mechanical moving parts, and does not need routine maintenance.
Dwyer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN 800-872-9141 www.dwyer-inst.com

Programmable Weight Indicator
The 788 programmable weight indicator with a full alphanumeric keypad features large 320 × 240-pixel resolution and a backlit LCD graphics display. The indicator can be used indoors or out. Whether operating one or 64 bins, the controller features single-speed, two-speed, or chatter gate controls; single- or multidrop discharge; and static or dynamic trim to ensure accurate delivery. If the application involves mixing, multiple ingredients, formula storage, and material layering ensure an accurate mix. Whether the user deals with feed, food, or concrete, the unit provides dependable control over batching. With up to eight analog or 32 digital scales, it verifies truck axles and total weight or can monitor an entire tank farm.
Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.CardinalScale.com