January 2003
Departments

New equipment

Vol. 224 No. 1  Universal load cell Offering a rugged and economic choice in precision load cell is the low profile, “pancake-style” Model 46. It is suitable for tension or compression applications, and it provides

 
New Equipment
Vol. 224 No. 1 


Universal load cell

Offering a rugged and economic choice in precision load cell is the low profile, “pancake-style” Model 46. It is suitable for tension or compression applications, and it provides an output sensitivity of 4 mV/V and an accuracy of ±0.05 % FS over the ranges of 0-250 lb through 0-200,000 lb. The all-welded stainless steel construction ensures reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. Various electrical connectors and cables are available to suit application requirements, including fully submersible oceanographic plugs and integral cables. Optional metric ranges and threads are also offered. (Sensotec, Inc.)


Pressure switch

Fig 1The solid state One Series 2-Wire pressure switch detects blockage of sensor port due to process debris, slurries or crustation buildup. Powered from PLC/DCS discrete input, diagnostic capabilities include detection, signal and display of the plugged or isolated sensor condition. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for a mechanical switch in existing applications without additional wiring or modification. The One Series Plugged Port Detection eliminates faulty “live zero” signals that may result when transmitter sensor ports are blocked. Housed in a rugged Type 4X/P56 enclosure, the switch comes in welded 316 SS sensors that cover ranges from 0 psi to 4,500 psi. (United Electric Controls)


High-capacity cyclone

Eliminating the need of several small diameter cyclones, the fully re-engineered Gmax Super Cyclone produces finer, sharper particle separations at a fraction of the cost. The tool has a more durable life. It minimizes turbulence and enhances productivity. The FSI 5000 eLIMINATOR is a linear mud cleaner that features three gMAX Super Cyclones. This four-panel unit, with 34 sq ft of screening area, can de-silt and de-sand at 1,500 gpm. (Fluid Systems, Inc.)


Positive displacement pumps

Fig 2Using gear and lobe principles, Viking’s pumps offer an alternative to centrifugal pumps in applications where system pressure or fluid viscosity fluctuates. The pumps provide a near-constant flow with minimal efficiency change, regardless of changes in system pressure or viscosity. They can handle fluids from 28 to 2,000,000 SSU viscosity. They feature low shear, reversible direction of flow, low pulsation and high mechanical efficiency. (Viking Pump)


Control valve

Fig 3The stainless steel 22000 series is designed to further enhance a valve’s robustness and service life. A ported exhaust feature allows the same valve to be used in hydraulic and pneumatic applications (gases or hydraulic fluids). The O-ring spool eliminates the possibility of incorrect assembly. The unit’s maximum operating pressure of 10 bar satisfies all anticipated applications. Its pilot piston has been designated with a smaller surface area, which provides a 50% reduction in force to manually shift the valve. Typical applications include wellhead, compressor, pump and safety control systems. (AMOT Controls)


Portable multi-gas monitor

Fig 4Portable multi-gas monitor Triple Plus+ from Crowcon combines user-selected sensors for specific gas hazards with a durable infrared (IR) sensor for flammable hydrocarbons. The IR unit is unaffected by exposure to poisoning compounds such as silicones, or to extreme hydrocarbon levels. It’s detection feature does not require oxygen, making it suitable for purge monitoring. Purge monitoring occurs when tanks and lines, which have held combustible liquids, are purged with nitrogen. The monitor is then able to monitor falling hydrocarbon levels from inside and indicates when it is safe to open the vessel to air. (Crowcon)


Patented manufacturing method

Hunting has been issued a patent for its Seal-Lock Semi-Flush connection manufacturing process. This proprietary manufacturing method uses available wall thickness of pipe joints to increase their compressive and torsional resistance. Its relief grooves prevent hydraulic pressure buildup that can force box separation in conventional systems. The connection’s ability to resist compressive and torsional forces as well as tension and pressure make it suited to highly deviated or horizontal well bores. (Hunting Energy Services)


Data acquisition software

CyberResearch® introduces the DAQLab software package to collect, analyze and display engineering data. This software monitors events in the system, typically retrieves data within 2 to 3 minutes of the triggering event or scheduled time, and stores it to a disk. If commanded, it can distribute data over a local network or over the Internet. It minimizes the effects of random system events on data retrieval schedules. (CyberResearch)


Pumps

The Anchor pump is a positive-displacement piston jack pump with a top head drive motor designed to make pump inspection and maintenance clean, healthy and safe. The pump’s surface-mounted drive motor ensures that an operator has minimum contact with any liquid being pumped and that the pump discharge air is free of contaminants. The pump can be set for a low flow range of 5 gpm or less and can produce 400 psi. The pump uses an active recovery process that draws product from a specified depth and rate, on demand, at a consistent flowrate, independent of liquid level in tank or well. (Blackhawk Environmental Co.)


Explosion-proof lights

The Series SLEX-100 and REX-100 provide lighting and viewing through a single port. Both models use high-intensity halogen lamps to provide bright, glare-free illumination of the interior of vessels, tanks and hoppers, silos, mixers and other normally closed containers in hazardous locations. The illumination port used in conjunction with a standard sightglass offers users many options, including video or TV camera (Papailias Inc.)


Pinch valve

The Hawse pipe pinch valve seals mooring lines on offshore drilling rigs, reducing seawater leakage and increasing deck buoyancy. The valve is an adaptation of the original air-operated pinch valve with a split-body design for easy installation. The flexible elastomer sleeve closes tightly around anchor chains and cables and isolates the valve body to maximize service life. Each pipe valve is custom-built. (Red Valve)


Redox process

IFP Group Technologies, Gaz de France, and LGI have launched a new redox process, the Sulfint HP. This process enables selective removal of H25 from natural gas streams and direct conversion into solid elemental sulfur at ambient temperature. This product can reduce desulfurization costs by 30 to 50 percent for natural gases containing 10 and 1,000 ppm of H25, the companies claim. (IFP Group Technologies)


Onboard security system

C-Vigil Ltd Security Systems’ Clarion is a defense mechanism based on an acoustic barrier that generates a composite square-wave low frequency harmonic at 112dB. In most cases this low frequency component induces an acute feeling of discomfort, nausea and pain within 30 seconds of exposure. This acoustic barrier is triggered by wireless PIR motion sensors that form an invisible detection perimeter around the boat landing platform. This device can be remotely armed / disarmed by the attending maintenance crew from 50 meters. It is a stand-alone system that requires battery replacement during routine maintenance intervals. (C-Vigil Ltd Security System)


Valve networking technology

Metso Automation integrated StoneL networking technology with its automated on-off valve line. Networking by StoneL allows users to select valve products appropriately configured for reliable connection to bus network platforms. The company claims this valve communication terminal will slash installation and maintenance costs. (Metso Automation)


Interior illumination

Fig 5Designed to provide illumination for interiors of tanks, vessels, mixers, pipelines and visual flow indicators, the USL-08 Ex luminaire from L.J. Star combines safety and versatility with UL 844 T3B and T4A rating. Units are equipped with lamps rated 35 or 50 W, spot or flood, or 100 W flood. They are approved for wet conditions per UL 1571 and are readily applied to bolt-on circular flanges, circular weld-pads, visual flow indicators in both full-view and view-thru configurations and circular threaded assemblies larger than 4-inches. (L.J. Star) 


Online training for data cabling systems

Nexans developed a new training approach for data cabling systems to supplement it’s courses. The online service enables Nexans to increase support for its partners and to reply quickly to training requests worldwide. The service allows subscribers to receive immediate updates on issues such as standard changes, new products and safety practices while users follow guided training modules on their own time, having access to a 24-hour, 7-day support resource. The e-learning program is powered by an interactive server, which allows trainers to guide trainees closely, although the trainer may be located internationally.

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