Instrumentation
Frequency-to-Analog Converter Allows Programming from Smartphones
The FAC-R frequency-to-analog converter changes incoming sensor frequency to both current and analog voltage output. It interfaces with frequency output sensors and instrumentation, including flow-meters, tachometers, pumps, motors, and linear/rotational encoders. The device is an economical alternative to a high-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) counter card, and is suited for use in process monitoring, data acquisition, and other applications that involve an analog input signal to a PLC or other control system. A Bluetooth communication interface supports basic scaling and advanced functions using a tablet or smartphone. The Bluetooth application on the smartphone acts as a wireless flow monitor. Operators can use Bluetooth capability on mobile devices for remote setup, troubleshooting, and reconfiguration. The converter features an input range of 0.25–5 KHz, with five selectable outputs, and temperature stability between –40°F and 185°F.
AW-Lake
High-Capacity Micro PLC Handles Large Programs with Complex Control Requirements
The MicroSmart FC6A Plus programmable logic controller (PLC) with expanded input/output (I/O) capacity can control and monitor large machines or small-scale manufacturing facilities. Two 24-VDC models are available: a 16-I/O model with eight inputs and eight relay or transistor outputs, and a 32-I/O model that has 16 inputs and 16 transistor outputs. Up to 63 I/O expansion modules can be added, which gives the PLC a maximum capacity of 2,060 digital I/O and 511 analog I/O. To ensure high performance of the expanded I/O count, the PLC executes basic instructions in 21 nanoseconds and has a program memory of 800 kilobytes. Additional features include optional Bluetooth communication, remote monitoring and control, and internet of things (IoT) capability.
IDEC
Radar Level Detector Handles Complex Tank Geometries
The Micropilot FMR6x 80-GHz radar level detector measures levels in tanks and silos with complex geometries, obstacles, baffles, and nozzles. A small beam angle of 3 deg. measures levels at distances up to 410 ft accurate to ±1 mm. Benefits include fewer tank wall effects, less interference from obstacles, and the ability to measure lower dielectric media. A process connection as small as 0.75 in. allows installation in tanks with small process connections, in tall nozzles, and through ball valves. The antenna resists sticky buildup and condensation, and built-in mapping performs false-echo suppression. Developed in accordance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 standard for industrial process measurement safety, and with international explosionproof approvals, the device is suitable for use in safety integrity level (SIL)-2 and SIL-3 hazardous locations. It is capable of on-demand verification without process interruption.
Endress+Hauser
Gas Detector Option Detects Methane and Butane Quickly
A fast-response option enables the PointWatch Eclipse PIRECL infrared gas detector to sense methane and butane in as little as 1.5 sec (in actual use in the field). The fast-response time for the safety integrity level (SIL)-2 capable device has been certified by FM Approvals, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), International Electro-technical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx), and Atmosphere Explosible (ATEX).
Det-Tronics
X-Ray Inspection System Can be Tailored to Various Food and Pharmaceutical Applications
The Safeline X36 Series single-beam X-ray inspection system can be customized to provide sensitivity suitable for a variety of food and pharmaceutical packaged products. The system detects and removes contaminants while performing product integrity checks without compromising throughput rate or process efficiency. It can inspect 1,000 or more products per minute, depending on the product dimensions. The system is available with a choice of 0.8-mm or 0.4-mm detector diodes and 20-W, 100-W, 300-W, and 420-W generator sizes, as well as various dimensions. Ingress protection rating of IP65 is standard; a rating of IP69 is optional. The system incorporates reject mechanisms (including bins) to automatically capture contaminated or substandard products.
Mettler-Toledo
Ultracompact Power Analyzers Can Be Easily Installed on Sensitive Equipment
Two models added to the PQube 3 line of power analyzers have a small form factor that allows them to easily be embedded on sensitive equipment to provide fast and accurate diagnosis of power flow and quality as well as environmental data. The PQube 3e model provides multi-load consumption monitoring for 14 single-phase loads or four three-phase loads measured simultaneously, which significantly lowers the per-circuit cost of monitoring. The PQube 3v model voltage analyzer is suited to price-sensitive applications where compliance is required but load monitoring is not necessary. Both devices detect and record high-frequency impulses at 4 MHz and measure emissions with frequencies of 2–150 kHz. The models support probes that record environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, and acceleration parameters such as mechanical shock, seismic motion, and tilt.
Power Standards Lab
Smart Sensor Monitors Electrode Condition and Predicts Potential Probe Failure
The Signet 2751 DryLoc pH/ORP sensor increases accuracy of pH/oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) monitoring and control by alerting users to probe health indicators, including maintenance needs, glass impedance, and broken glass detection. The sensor enables remote calibration, allowing the user to unplug a dirty electrode and replace it with a clean, precalibrated electrode from the lab. This permits electrode inspection, cleaning, and conditioning to take place in a controlled environment and minimizes electrode exposure at the point of installation. The unit features a pH measurement range of –1 to 15 and ORP range of –1,999 to +1,999 mV. It is available in submersible inline mount versions. Applications include water and wastewater recycling, neutralization systems, scrubbers, and effluent monitoring.
GF Piping Systems
Inspection Systems Ensure Product Integrity
Three detection systems designed for pharmaceutical, food, and personal care applications help ensure hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) compliance. The XR75 side-view X-ray for food inspection examines rigid packaging such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, stand-up pouches, and tall containers. It is mounted above existing production lines and uses a 150-W X-ray to detect contaminants, packaging defects, and fill level. The XR74e is an economical system with a 55-in.2 footprint that uses a 100-W X-ray to detect metal, wire, stones, bone, rubber, and glass fragments in food products. The M6 combination unit integrates the company’s SSV Checkweigher and the M6 dual-wave metal detector to perform weighing and metal detection in a single system.
Anritsu
Scalable Controller Enables the IIoT
Oil and gas, petrochemical, and discrete manufacturing operations have relied on complex, nonintegrated programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that offer limited operational capabilities. The DeltaV PK controller makes distributed control system (DCS) technology available to the process industries. It can be implemented as a standalone automation control similar to a PLC, but with the features of a full-scale DCS, including batch production, recipe management, execution, and history tracking capabilities. It bridges small and large control applications to eliminate operational complexity and improve overall performance, safety, and efficiency. A built-in open platform communications (OPC) universal architecture (UA) server, six Ethernet ports, protocols to communicate with Ethernet devices, and the ability to operate with any type of DeltaV input/output (I/O) make it easier to use cloud-based tools and analytics through the industrial internet of things (IIoT).
Emerson
Integrated Mass Flow Controller Regulates Gas-Delivery Modules
The MCE mass flow controller has been integrated into MDC Vacuum Products’ XpressStick MFC gas-delivery module. The module links pressurized gas inputs to vacuum chambers. The controller precisely regulates up to 20 L/min and provides an onboard display for programming functionality. It provides real-time mass flow, volumetric flow, absolute pressure, and temperature data, and the flowrates are fully compensated for temperature and pressure. The gas-delivery module is programmed directly through the mass flow controller display, which allows onboard gas calibrations when the gas type is changed. The standard gas calibration list includes 98 gases; the stainless-steel model of the gas-delivery module has an additional 32 corrosive gases. Gas mixing software on the mass flow controller can be used to customize up to 20 additional blends of gases on the standard gas list.
Alicat Scientific
Bioprocessing
Silicone Tubing Withstands High Pressures for Bioprocessing and Pharmaceutical Applications
AdvantaSil unreinforced high-pressure tubing helps to enable higher flowrates and reduce processing times. Extruded of U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Class VI platinumcured silicone, it is designed for single use but is not limited to disposable applications. It is suited for tangential-flow filtration (TFF), virus filtration, inline integrity testing of filtration assemblies, and high-volume fluid transfer. It handles short-run peristaltic pump applications requiring up to 30 psi backpressure and operates at temperatures of 65–400°F. Available in five sizes from 0.25-in. through 1-in. inside diameter, the tubing meets USP, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and European Pharmacopoeia standards. It contains no animal-derived ingredients and can be sterilized by gamma irradiation or autoclaving.
NewAge Industries
Continuous and Single-Use Technologies Optimize Scalable Bioprocessing
Four single-use chromatography and continuous bioprocessing products enable scalable process integration while reducing resource usage, process time, and user risk. The Allegro single-use chromatography system is a complete automated platform of scalable single-use solutions for use in applications ranging from research and development to process scale. Its flexible design enables installation of two different sized manifolds with a flow range of 10–900 L/hr. The Cadence BioSMB Process 80 modular process-scale continuous multicolumn chromatography system supports small-scale process development; it has a processing capacity of 80 L/hr and includes perfusion bioreactor-based compatibility. The Cadence BioSMB Process 350 modular process-scale continuous multiscale chromatography system has a processing capacity of 350 L/hr and is designed for fed-batch applications up to 2,000 L; it allows scalable process flexibility while minimizing its footprint and resource consumption. The automated Cadence low-pH virus inactivation system complements the SMB Process 80 and 350 systems, and can be integrated into batch, semicontinuous, or fully continuous processes.
Pall
In Situ Solid-Phase Extraction Plates Expedite Sample Hydrolysis Processing
Evolute Hydro solid-phase extraction (SPE) plates have an integral hydrolysis capability that enables users to perform sample hydrolysis within the wells of the extraction plate. This eliminates the need to perform the hydrolysis step offline and then transfer the sample, which saves time and reduces the risk of sample losses. The plate uses Hydro frit technology that maintains the sample and the enzyme at elevated temperatures during incubation, which reduces clogging during the subsequent cleanup steps. Sample cleanup is performed on the same plate. Samples can be processed using 96-well-compatible positive-pressure manifolds, vacuum manifolds, and automated liquid handling systems.
Biotage
Dashboard Provides Easy Access to Performance Data
The Active Dashboard 2 for biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, and related manufacturing industries delivers insights into process performance across a manufacturing network. The software provides real-time process information from multivariate soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) online data analysis systems and OSIsoft’s plant information (PI) system to equip users with evidence to enable proactive actions in a timely manner. The software delivers visualization options, such as visual analytics with cross-filtering, that reduce the involvement of data analytics experts, display relevant information, and increase connectivity to other data sources. Interactive maps allow users to look at a specific site and to compare different sites, regions, or products produced at different sites.
Sartorius Stedim
Microfluidics-Based Single-Cell Printer Improves Documentation in Cell Line Development
The CloneSelect single-cell printer uses microfluidics technology and real-time image analysis to isolate single cells and provide visual documentation of monoclonality for use in cell line development. The unit overcomes limitations of traditional methods of single cell sorting, including low sorting efficiencies, low cell viabilities, and limited evidence of monoclonality. It screens for single cells and cell morphology immediately before gently depositing the sample in the well, which ensures high cell viability. Sterilized disposable cartridges prevent cross-contamination and eliminate the need for in situ sterilization. Images of single cells during deposition provide confirmation that the cell lines are monoclonal. Automated isolation of single cells into standard 96-well and 384-well plates for a wide variety of cell types accelerates antibody discovery.
Molecular Devices
Materials and Chemicals
Coating Technology Enhances Corrosion Protection of Galvanized Steel
InterCoat ChemGuard coating is covalently bonded and improves the corrosion protection of galvanized steel. The coating is applied over a light layer of zinc, reacting with it to form a bond that cannot be washed off or worn away. It offers significant cost savings because it reduces the need for heavy zinc coatings in many applications. It eliminates the need for temporary corrosion protection coatings such as hexavalent chrome, a known carcinogen. It allows bending, stamping, painting, shearing, and welding, and has a low coefficient of friction that enhances these processes. It is compliant with the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) directive of the European Union.
Chemcoaters
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