Spectrophotometer
The VS450 spectrophotometer controls the quality of color by measuring a wide range of samples without touching test surfaces. It also offers the following: the ability to measure samples at a distance without contact, permitting technicians to easily measure cosmetics, wet paint, soil samples, and other wet or powdered substrates; Line of Sight visibility enabling technicians to quickly and easily position the sample for measurement; and Active Visual Targeting that projects a prominent illuminated target ring onto the sample for precise and accurate measurements.
X-Rite, Grand Rapids, MI 800-248-9748 www.xrite.com

Spectrometer
The NIRQuest spectrometer is a fiber optic near-infrared spectrometer that is easily adaptable for cost-effective on-line process control measurements from 900-2500 nm. A diverse range of applications includes moisture detection, bacterial detection, and chemical analysis of pharmaceuticals. The unit represents the next generation of optical sensing technologies that is moving from the lab to the process line. The modular approach of systems such as NIRQuest makes multiple-point sampling and redundant sensing easily accessible for on-line applications.
Ocean Optics Inc., Dunedin, FL 727-733-2447 www.oceanoptics.com

Weight Indicator
The 225 Navigator weight indicator features transflective technology that allows the display to be viewed under any lighting conditions from direct sunlight to total darkness. 1-in.-high weight characters make viewing easy. The user can view up to three scales with total weight simultaneously with the optional dual scale input board. No special software is needed.
Cardinal Scale Mfg. Co., Webb City, MO 800-441-4237 www.cardinalscale.com

Dust Emission Monitor
The FT4100 dust emission monitor allows simple, no calibration, continuous monitoring of filter leakage in a dust collector or baghouse. Alarm outputs can be set for increasing normal operating emissions or for peak emission levels when those occur during the filter cleaning cycle. The peak emission level is captured on the display for easy operator viewing. In addition to complying with EPA filter leak regulations, this unit can monitor filter performance without prior baseline data, and prevent costly product loss and clean-up expenses. The sensing probe is made of ½-in.-diam. solid Type 316 stainless steel with an explosionproof housing. Controls are housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure that can be located up to 400 ft from the sensing probe.
Babbitt International Inc., Houston, TX 713-467-4438 www.babbitt.us

Online Moisture Analyzer
Online moisture measurement results in tighter control of bulk density powder and consequently more consistent product in terms of final dimension. It also enables achievement of optimum moisture level, minimizing waste, all while saving energy through not over drying. The MCT360 should be located perpendicular to and approximately 8 in. above a conveyor transporting the powder. Ideally, the sensor should be viewing freshly turned product, so an ideal location is immediately after a conveyor change.
Process Sensors Corp., Milford, MA 508-473-9901 www.processsensors.com

Washdown Indicators
The Intell-Weigh and Intell-Check stainless-steel washdown indicators offer an easy-to-configure and calibrate solution for basic weighing applications where dust or moisture is present. Ideal for checkweighing applications, the Intell-Check has a full 0-9 keyboard for easy product data entry and pre-set tares. It also has a multicolor graphic sweep display for easy reading by operators. The Intell-Weigh backlit indicator includes pushbutton tare, net/gross weight, a checkweighing function with HI-OK-LO display, bidirectional RS232 connectivity, parts counting, peak hold function, and eight available weighing units. The indicators are manufactured from corrosionproof stainless steel and meet NEMA 4X/IP 67 classification.
Intelligent Weighing Technology Inc., Ventura, CA 866-920-3000 www.intelligentwt.com

Bin Level Indicator
The SafePoint rotary paddle point level sensor is a self-validating device that detects material presence plus continuously monitors its own ability to function. Should the self evaluation detect an internal fault, an output will react accordingly. This includes fault due to power loss. When a high level sensor fails, it can be costly to find out about it when the bin or silo overfills. The cost of an overfilled silo can add up from material loss, cleanup, lost production, and even regulatory costs. Other features of the unit include rugged construction, motor shutoff when paddle becomes impeded by material to increase motor life, and local status indicating light (on most models).
Monitor Technologies LLC, Elburn, IL 800-766-6486 www.monitortech.com

Multiscale Weight Controller 
The HI 3030 multiscale weight controller can act as a front end to a PLC, PC, or DCS for level, batching, filling and dispensing, and checkweighing applications, or as a stand-alone for simple control or weight monitoring. As a bridge to a PLC, its four scales can share one network connection, whether it’s DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP, Remote I/O, or Profibus. Additional HI 3030s can be linked with multiple scales and share the same network connection. The HI 3030 features Waversaver to eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration, C2 electronic calibration without test weights, and Integrated Technician for system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Hardy Instruments, San Diego, CA 858-292-2710 www.hardyinst.com

Laser Particle Size Analyzer
The 1090 laser particle size analyzer is a two-laser system, guaranteeing the highest accuracy and precision from 0.04 to 500 µm. ExpertShape Image Analysis Software combined with the 1090 provides particle size and shape analysis for complete particle characterization. Shape parameters such as aspect ratio, perimeter, area, and shape factor can be measured with the imaging system. The system is designed for automated analysis and can generate user customizable reports.
Cilas Particle Size, Madison, WI 608-274-7719 www.particle-size.com

Process Control Systems
BEST technologically advanced, fully integrated industrial process control systems for bulk-process-handling applications are designed and built in Metso’s 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.
Metso Minerals Industries Inc., Brunswick, OH 330-273-1277 www.bestvibes.com

Plant Process Control Systems and Batching Automation
Prater-Sterling offers control systems that include integrating personal computers, programmable logic controllers, and equipment for weighing, batching, and process control systems. Using Windows-based hand prompt batching controls, these systems provide accurate minor ingredient weighing. An operator interface panel is used in conjunction with a scale to sequence operator through preprogrammed formula, one ingredient at a time. Customized controls are designed around the application requirements, bin volumes, feed type, size, and scale capacity. The batching controls provide formulation storage and inventory of raw materials and finished batches along with real-time batching status, weighments, batching status, and material in suspension correction.
Prater-Sterling, Sterling, IL 815-625-0852 www.prater-sterling.com

Microwave Beam Blockage Detector
This unit uses microwave energy to detect blockage of the path between a sender and receiver. The system is ideal for high reliability blocked chute detection in bulk material conveying and transfer systems, solving the costly problems of false tripping and failure to respond that can occur with traditional tilt switch types. Other major areas of application are boom collision detection, nucleonic switch replacement, and point level switching for most solid materials, including wet, dry, and bulk material. The complete system includes two functions, a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits rapid bursts of microwave energy. The matching receiver is positioned in line with the sender. If the beam path is blocked by any object or material, the receiver will not be able to detect the signal. The presence or absence of the signal at the receiver is used to switch a relay for indication or control purposes. The receiver may be mounted up to 328 ft from the sender. The sensitivity of the detector is adjustable, allowing the system to tolerate buildup or changes in material properties.
Hawk Measurement, Middleton, MA 888-429-5538 www.hawkmeasure.com

Dust Emissions Monitor
TRIBO.dsp U3600 is an advanced, all digital, self-checking, particulate monitor for dust collector compliance and maintenance applications. It is used for monitoring fabric filter baghouses, dust collectors, cyclones, and process particulate flow monitoring. The monitor utilizes TRIBO.dsp, the company’s proprietary core technology that unifies dc impaction (triboelectric electrostatic) and ac induction electrostatic signals for accuracy, reliability, and repeatability.
Auburn Systems LLC, Danvers, MA 800-255-5008 www.auburnsys.com