Processingtalk news headlines: Sunday 11 May to Saturday 17 May 2008

Sealing plugs for efficient circumferential welds

Major international welding equipment manufacturers are demonstrating their welding power sources using specialist British built welding accessories from HFT

News from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (16 May 2008)

Gear pump handles a range of viscosities

The characteristics of the internal gear pump make it ideal for handling difficult liquids over a wide range of viscosities

News from Pump Company (16 May 2008)

A new world first: Thermal Imaging in your pocket!

Flir Systems introduces another world first, the smallest, lightest and most affordable infrared camera, that can fit in your pocket, at an affordable price level Brochure Available

News from Flir Systems (16 May 2008)

Weighing technology increases process efficiency

User Application Article Weighing specialist Mettler Toledo has helped oil and gas services contractor RBG to reduce the amount of oil contamination in solids recovered from offshore production operations in the North Sea Brochure Available

News from Mettler Toledo (16 May 2008)

Sparkling performance of AxFlow WCB Universal pump

The new Waukesha-Cherry Burrell composite diamond coated (CDC) Universal I and Universal II pump series have been developed to give greater levels of resistance to abrasion

News from AxFlow (16 May 2008)

Cameron Measurement Systems acquires Jiskoot

Cameron Measurement Systems has acquired Jiskoot, a world leader in the design, manufacture and commissioning of sampling, blending and multiphase systems for the global oil and gas industry

News from Cameron Measurement Systems (16 May 2008)

Robson training saves delays with baggage

Basic training from Robson minimises passenger delays, when baggage conveyor loading staff have the system alarms and resets explained properly

News from Robson Handling Technology (16 May 2008)

More customer support from Beko

BEKO Technologies, one of the leading manufacturers of compressed air equipment, has appointed Sean Bullock responsible for stock management and customer service for customers in the UK and Ireland Brochure Available

News from Beko Technologies (16 May 2008)

Elga keeps the Sunday newspaper presses rolling

User Application Article The Elga Process Water Aquamove mobile plant was able to ensure that the Sunday papers could be delivered after a failure in the Aylesford Newsprint papermill water treatment plant

News from Elga Process Water (16 May 2008)

Down-hole strain gauge technology gets smaller

Patented strain gauge technology enables space saving and well protected force measurement transducers to be directly embedded into custom designed structural components

News from Ixthus Instrumentation (16 May 2008)

Simplicity the key to pump efficiency

Alfa Laval has introduced Optilobe, a new rotary lobe pump for sanitary duties that elevates simplicity of installation, operation and maintenance to new levels

News from Alfa Laval (16 May 2008)

The new hygienic Promass S Coriolis flowmeter

At the forefront in hygienic design, the new Endress+Hauser Promass S Coriolis mass flowmeter meets all possible hygienic requirements for use in the food and beverage industry Brochure Available

News from Endress + Hauser (16 May 2008)

Miniature check valve for harsh duty applications

A Lo-Lohm check valve which is specifically designed to provide optimal performance in harsh duty service in oil tool applications, is a new addition to the range of Lee Products miniature components Brochure Available

News from Lee Products (16 May 2008)

Improved wet hydrogen sulphide monitoring

Analytical Technology has introduced its innovative Q45S H2S Gas Monitor, a continuous and reliable approach to on-line hydrogen sulphide (H2S) monitoring in wet conditions Brochure Available

News from Analytical Technology (15 May 2008)

Aero-Mechanical Conveyor delivers the spices!

User Application Article A 'Spiroflow' Aero-Mechanical Conveyor was the natural choice for Patak's Foods for the upgrade and expansion of their ingredients handling systems, at their Leigh, Lancashire factory

News from Spiroflow (15 May 2008)

US subsidiary to provide enhanced customer support

The setting up of a US subsidiary is a land mark event for air movement specialist, Air Control Industries Brochure Available

News from Air Control Industries (15 May 2008)

New enhanced range of smart pressure transducers

Inertial Aerosystems have introduced an enhanced range of low cost smart pressure transducers, designed for tough environments Brochure Available

News from Inertial Aerosystems UK (15 May 2008)

Litre Meter offers Ritter drum-type gas meters

Litre Meter is partnering with German instrument manufacturer Ritter, and can supply a new software package to improve data presentation from the Ritter volumetric gas meters

News from Litre Meter (15 May 2008)

New bulk materials heat exchanger for fertiliser

User Application Article Developed by Coperion Waeschle of Weingarten, the Bulk-X-Change bulk materials heat exchanger is now being used for the very first time by a fertiliser manufacturer for an inorganic product

News from Coperion Waeschle (15 May 2008)

Valve actuation contract for RWE npower stations

User Application Article Rotork Site Services is to supply Rotork valve actuators and actuation maintenance services throughout all of the RWE npower fossil-fuelled and cogen power stations in the UK

News from Rotork Exeeco (15 May 2008)

New SY035 compact panel-mount weight indicator

The new SY035 Compact Weight Indicator combines legendary accuracy and reliability, with ease of use in a design half the size of the nearest competitor

News from Synectic Design (15 May 2008)

New business manager for Ulma Packaging

Ulma Packaging - global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance packaging solutions - has announced the appointment of Paul McMahon as Business Manager for machine sales

News from Ulma Packaging (15 May 2008)

Continuous flow synthesis now gets hotter!

Raising the reaction temperature achievable with the FlowSyn Continuous Flow Reactor has considerably widened the scope of reactions that can be performed, say manufacturers Uniqsis of Cambridge

News from Uniqsis (15 May 2008)

Aberdeen exhibition on 3/4 September

Trident Exhibitions are pleased to announce that their biennial Instrumentation Scotland and Offshore Systems exhibition will return to the Aberdeen AECC on 3rd and 4th September 2008

News from Instrumentation Scotland and Offshore Systems 2008 (15 May 2008)

6000 TIG welders can't be wrong!

A recent trip by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques to visit the HFT distributor in Dubai has opened up opportunities for sale of many specialist products

News from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (15 May 2008)

New wet dust separator from Flextraction

The new HNW1500 high performance Wet Dust Separator has been launched by Flextraction, from Teka, the German manufacturer of localised extraction arms and portable and fixed filter systems

News from Flextraction (15 May 2008)

New global website for telemetry specialist Jekyll

Jekyll Electronic Technology, a UK designer and manufacturer of modems for a host of M2M industrial applications is pleased to announce the launch of its new website

News from Jekyll Electronic Technology (15 May 2008)

Beko establishes new manufacturing plant in India

In February, the new manufacturing plant of the Beko Group, which also acts as the headquarters of the Indian branch office, was inaugurated in Hyderbad Brochure Available

News from Beko Technologies (15 May 2008)

ShockWatch smart labels for Watt Solutions

User Application Article Watt Solutions has seen transit damage eliminated thanks to the use of the ShockWatch smart packaging labels from Lamerholm: "They worked spectacularly" said the Sales and Marketing Director Brochure Available

News from Lamerholm Electronics (15 May 2008)

Spraytec in vaccine delivery development programme

User Application Article Researchers at Aerovax, working at MIT, are using the Spraytec particle size analyser in the development of an innovative platform for vaccine delivery, intended for use in developing countries Brochure Available

News from Malvern Instruments (15 May 2008)

Successful Sizewell pond safety project

Astec Services, the Cheshire-based engineering consultancy, has been praised by Magnox for providing highly qualified SQEP people to lead and execute the safety project on a vital pond at Sizewell A

News from ASTEC Services (14 May 2008)

Chemical engineers offer guidance on food waste

Technical Background Article IChemE has published its guide to reducing household waste, after published figures revealed that families typically throw away around GBP610 worth of food every year*

News from IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) (14 May 2008)

Conglomerates + Corporate style: Halma + Spectris

Two major UK groups, Halma plc and Spectris plc, have adopted a "hands-off" approach over the public image of their subsidiaries: these groups own some most interesting process industry suppliers

News from SPECIAL REPORT by the Editor (14 May 2008)

Ambitious growth targets for Vacon

AC drive manufacturer Vacon has set ambitious targets for growth by 2012: sales of EUR500million and operating profit of more than 14% of revenues

News from Vacon (14 May 2008)

Oilfield Engineering with Polymers conference

The sixth MERL 2-day international conference on Oilfield Engineering with Polymers conference will be held in London on 7 - 8th October 2008

News from Applied Market Information (14 May 2008)

More protection for your alarm annunciator display

The Omni16 alarm annunciator can now be fitted with an Omni-16 IP 65 rated front cover Brochure Available

News from Omniflex (UK) (14 May 2008)

Bowl materials for vibratory parts feeders

Technical Background Article The factors to consider when choosing the material for a vibratory feeder bowl are outlined, including lining material considerations

News from Elscint Automation (14 May 2008)

Seafood processor plant in Hull for auction

The entire contents of the Compass Seafood Processor / Aquarius Seafoods plants in Hull are to be offered at Auction on 19th June 2008

News from Pro Auction (14 May 2008)

Supplying custom designed seals fast!

User Application Article When Triumph Motorcycles required a new seal within a three month lead time they turned to Pioneer Weston International, a division of Eriks UK, to develop and supply the seal Brochure Available

News from Eriks UK (14 May 2008)

Precision moulder slashes energy costs with Boge

User Application Article LH Plastics has enjoyed compressed air energy cost savings of 67% per annum after installing a Boge SLF40 frequency controlled screw compressor Brochure Available

News from Boge Compressors (14 May 2008)

Energy-efficient centrifuges for water plant

User Application Article When the Falkenberg treatment plant in southern Sweden invested in new Noxon decanter centrifuges for sludge dewatering, they specified Emotron variable speed drives

News from Emotron (14 May 2008)

HWM is managing water delivery better

In the fight against unnecessary and costly water leakage, modern evolving technology is almost certainly the most effective weapon at our disposal

News from Halma Water Management (14 May 2008)

New UK processing guide for minerals from Netzsch

Increasing demands on the bulk material market are requiring the specifications for minerals processing to change Brochure Available

News from Orthos (Engineering) (14 May 2008)

New generation of electronic dosing pumps

Milton Roy Europe has launched the Roytronic, a new generation of diaphragm operated electronic dosing pump, with full electronic control, and many variations of motor and liquid ends Brochure Available

News from Milton Roy Europe (14 May 2008)

Notice from WirelessHART sensor suppliers

As leading suppliers of HART based process automation products, we are frequently asked about our position on the WirelessHART standard, which was released as part of the HART 7 specification

News from Editorial: letters to the Processingtalk Editor (14 May 2008)

Two low-cost PXI embedded controllers

NI announces two low-cost PXI embedded controllers for test, measurement and control applications, that deliver optimal value and up to 40 percent increased performance Brochure Available

News from National Instruments (13 May 2008)

Digby Jones to open September PPMA show

Sir Digby Jones, now Lord Digby Jones of Birmingham, will officially open the PPMA Show on 30th September

News from PPMA Show (13 May 2008)

UNSW adopts Ansys simulation software for students

User Application Article The University of New South Wales has teamed with Ansys to develop an industry-ready work force that is trained in the use of engineering simulation software

News from Ansys (13 May 2008)

Titration of surfactants without any chloroform

Metrohm are pleased to offer an automated titration without the disadvantages of standard two-phase procedures when analysing anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactants using the Metrohm Titrando Brochure Available

News from Metrohm UK (13 May 2008)

MII offer prizes to the oldest working units found

In honour of their 40th Anniversary, Moore Industries is seeking examples of their older products still in service, and offers USD500 worth of product as a prize to the oldest three products located

News from Moore Industries International (13 May 2008)

Significant energy/space saving with new OEM motor

A new high-performance motor for the OEM market introduced by Lafert offers significant savings on running costs, with space requirements that can be engineered to match customer applications

News from Lafert Electric Motors (13 May 2008)

Trends in mobile hydraulics at a glance

Environmental impact, energy, function and cost: the four hottest topics in the lift truck market are the main focus of the Rexroth trade fair exhibition at CeMAT this year

News from Bosch Rexroth (13 May 2008)

New fluid control catalogue for most applications

The new Burkert fluid control systems catalogue provides the widest range of innovative control and sensing solutions across water treatment, gas handling, hygienic processing, cooling and steam Brochure Available

News from Burkert Fluid Control Systems (13 May 2008)

Improvements in low cost factory cooling

There are two widely available options for factory cooling, namely, refrigerant air conditioning and evaporative cooling

News from Mechon (13 May 2008)

Pump suited for abrasive cement slurries

User Application Article The Larox rolling design of pump was chosen over the competition by an Aalborg-Portland Cement plant in Denmark for difficult Kiesash slurry pumping applications, where it proved very reliable Brochure Available

News from Larox Flowsys (13 May 2008)

Alarms monitored over Site Trunk Radio using MAP27

Omniflex recently completed a project interfacing their Maxiflex I/O System to a site trunk radio, which is a system that is used to maximise the available capacity in a two-way radio link Brochure Available

News from Omniflex (UK) (13 May 2008)

On-line viscometer favoured in pizza sauce trial

User Application Article The XL7 on-line process viscometer from specialist supplier Hydramotion came out best in a comparative study of pizza sauce viscosity measurement methods, carried out at University College, Dublin Brochure Available

News from Hydramotion (13 May 2008)

Fulton steam boilers cut seafood cooking time

User Application Article Lyons Seafoods specialises in supplying the leading UK supermarkets and food service groups with raw, freshly cooked, chilled, and frozen prawns and other speciality seafoods

News from Fulton Boiler Works (13 May 2008)

How to pick the right LNG concept

Technical Background Article DNV analyses of worldwide LNG developments reveal that only a handful of significant parameters influence the choice of LNG concept

News from DNV CC Technologies (13 May 2008)

Bulkflow changes name to Solex Thermal Science

Bulkflow Technologies has changed its corporate name to Solex Thermal Science to more accurately reflect the strengths and value the company offers to customers

News from Solex Thermal Science (13 May 2008)

Keeping magnets cool to see microscopic structures

Meeting the challenge of controlling very high flow rates, using very high accuracy control of DP, were among the key factors in a recent successful 'cooling' application for Samson Control Valves

News from Samson Controls (13 May 2008)

Profibus and Profinet User Conference prizes

The Profibus Competence Centre at MMU has kindly donated some training course prizes to be won at the Gala Dinner at the Profibus and Profinet User Conference dinner on the evening of 24 June 2008

News from Profibus Group (13 May 2008)

Split cylindrical and spherical roller bearings

By replacing standard solid bearings with split cylindrical or spherical roller bearings, process manufacturers can reduce repair and overhaul costs on complex drive units for heavy machinery Brochure Available

News from Schaeffler (UK) (13 May 2008)

New SmartCAM alpha/beta particulate in air monitor

SmartCAM is the next generation Continuous Air Monitor (CAM), delivering unparalleled performance in terms of detectable limit, sensitivity and speed to alarm

News from Laboratory Impex Systems (13 May 2008)

HIMax establishes new benchmark for safety systems

The new flexible HIMA Paul Hildebrandt + Co safety system is designed to increase plant profitability: Hima is launching a safety system on the market which sets new standards in the process industry Brochure Available

News from Hima Paul Hildebrandt (13 May 2008)

New analyser for Gow-Mac gas chromatograph

The new Series 200DID Gas Chromatograph from Gow-Mac Instrument is a process analyser optimised explicitly for ppb analysis of non-corrosive and corrosive gases

News from Gow-Mac Instrument (12 May 2008)

Alarm management a hot topic in process industry

The recent alarm management seminar held in Aberdeen by Matrikon Europe proved to be a huge success, with papers provided by Shell and EEMUA, plus ABB and Matrikon Brochure Available

News from MatrikonOPC (12 May 2008)

'RED' lights the way for safe unmanned supplies

Merlin Gerin has launched a new reclosable residual current circuit breaker (RED), which brings higher levels of security and more convenience for resetting circuit protection

News from Schneider Electric (12 May 2008)

TPS-Fronius has a major success at MACH 2008

The MACH 2008 Exhibition, held at the NEC Birmingham from 21st - 25th April 2008, was a major event in the TPS-Fronius promotion calendar, and produced a lot of customer interest

News from TPS-Fronius (12 May 2008)

Free behavioural safety posters, with a 'twist'

A refreshing range of safety posters, with a behavioural 'twist', have been made available for free download from Safety Bonus

News from Safety Bonus (12 May 2008)

Hydro buys US wastewater industry supplier Eutek

Hydro International, a provider of environmentally sustainable solutions that control and treat stormwater, wastewater and combined sewer overflows, announces the purchase of Eutek Systems

News from Hydro International (12 May 2008)

Compact PICA-100F tacho and frequency meter

The new PICA100-F tacho meter and frequency meter is now available from sensing and instrumentation specialists Vydas International Marketing Brochure Available

News from Vydas International Marketing (12 May 2008)

Industrial Ethernet for the plant floor

ISA has published "Industrial Ethernet for the Plant Floor: A Planning and Installation Guide" by Robert Lounsbury

News from ISA:Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society (12 May 2008)

On-line particle size analysis cuts toner costs

User Application Article A major Japanese toner manufacturer is finding the Insitec LPS on-line particle size analyser from Malvern Instruments 'indispensable' for production process control Brochure Available

News from Malvern Instruments (12 May 2008)

New multi-language software for powder rheometer

Translation of the latest software and data analysis package for the FT4 Powder Rheometer from Freeman Technology has been completed, with French, German and Spanish versions now available

News from Freeman Technology (12 May 2008)

Riko sensors from PVL detect water in fuel and oil

New Riko sensors from PVL prevent costly engine or gearbox damage in vehicles, tractors, standby generators, mechanical handling equipment, ships, boats - anywhere there's an engine and/or gearbox Brochure Available

News from PVL (12 May 2008)

More than 1,500 organisations win safety honours

A record 1,500 businesses and organisations will be honoured at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Occupational Health and Safety Awards this month

News from Editorial Articles: Miscellaneous submissions (12 May 2008)

Instant sound insulation feedback from B+K

Immediate on-screen analysis of sound insulation, using the Bruel and Kjaer new building acoustics software, means that problem partitions can now be quickly identified on site

News from Bruel and Kjaer UK (12 May 2008)

ESS Safeforce has Portable Gas Monitors for hire

ESS Safeforce, one of the leading UK suppliers of hire safety equipment, has recently added over 250 Crowcon gas detectors to its existing hire fleet Brochure Available

News from Crowcon Detection Instruments (12 May 2008)

Time saving of 90% in tablet sample preparation

RTS Life Science, a worldwide supplier of automated sample management and drug delivery testing systems, has launched the SolidPrep, a groundbreaking new line of tablet sample preparation solutions Brochure Available

News from RTS Flexible Systems (12 May 2008)

New service offer helps evaluate mixing techniques

Millipore have introduced a new service designed as a flexible toolbox, saving time and worry by helping customers find the most efficient solution for their specific mixing applications Brochure Available

News from Millipore (12 May 2008)

iglidur bearings in any colour are always green

iglidur plain bearings are tribologically optimised to ensure that no lubrication is ever required: these bearings run without any oil or grease, so no contaminants escape into the environment Brochure Available

News from Igus UK (12 May 2008)

Clever level sensor does more than check levels

The recent success of the LK and LI series level probes has led to the introduction of some clever new sensors that provide more information than just liquid level Brochure Available

News from IFM Electronic (12 May 2008)

Edwards launches new product catalogue

Leading manufacturer of vacuum equipment, Edwards, has launched a free 400-page product catalogue for 2008/9, available in hard copy and on CD

News from Edwards (12 May 2008)

Rockwell Automation celebrates 20 Years in China

Rockwell Automation marked the achievement of 20 years of successful business in China with a series of events held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing Brochure Available

News from Rockwell Automation (12 May 2008)

FBDI commentary on REACH legislation

Technical Background Article FBDI in Germany is committed to the protection of the environment and to the necessity for a chemicals regulation, but questions the legal and administrative bureaucracy associated with REACH