PARTICLE SIZE MEASUREMENT

Providing particle size measurement in dry mode, Dry Jet Dispersion (DJD) technology analyzes sticky powders at low pressure to avoid particle destruction. Control of several parameters enables the system to analyze any kind of powder, including those in the submicron range, with reproducibility better than 0.5%. ISO 13320-compliant, DJD methodology incorporates calibration that takes into account the optical bench and the dispersion system. Owing to ISO calibration, the particle-size analyzers ensure traceability of measures to international standards (NIST). In addition, the measurement requires only five seconds to complete. CILAS, www.cilas.com
Circle 231 on Reader Service Card

HIGH-VOLUME RECOVERY VACUUM

Product developers note that the Model 1020 Continuous Duty Industrial Vacuum features a powerful displacement pump designed for high-volume recovery (up to six tons per hour). Available in either 10 or 15 hp, the unit includes a continuous-duty vacuum producer reportedly equal to any task. For portability and single-operator maneuverability, it has large rubber tires and a unidirectional castor wheel. Noise levels are below OSHA standard. The Model 1020 comes standard with a secondary cartridge filter, vacuum relief valve, and a 40-gal. container. Vac-U-Max, (+1) 866-239-8449
Circle 232 on Reader Service Card

MACHINE DIAGNOSTICS

Vibxpert is a lightweight, two-channel, FFT data collector/vibration analyzer for monitoring and diagnosis of machine conditions. As a data collector, the unit records all forms of machine vibration, bearing conditions, process data and visual-inspection information. Collected machinery data is stored on an expandable Compact Flash Card (up to 1 gigabyte) and transferred to Omnitrend maintenance software for further evaluation, report generation, and archiving. With a user-friendly, icon-driven platform, Vibxpert provides comprehensive analysis for the diagnosis of complex vibration problems. Capabilities include order spectrum, phase, cepstrum, cross-channel phase, orbits, run-up and coast-down measurements. Tools for evaluation of each spectrum include various cursor types, machine-specific frequency markers, signal post processing, and extensive bearing databases. An F_max of 40 KHz, up to 102, 400 lines of resolution, and a large ½ VGA screen further facilitate analysis of machinery problems. Alarm notifications based on ISO 10816 or user-defined standards are identified with the aid of colored LEDs. If any of the spectrum's broadband or narrow-band limits are exceeded, the LEDs are also activated. Robust, dust-proof and water-resistant housing, weighing only two pounds, has an ingress protection rating of IP65. The basic Vibxpert platform is a one-channel device, which can be upgraded to two individually configured channels without changes to the hardware. All sensor types are acceptable for analog measurements. Several communications interfaces are supplied, including a trigger input, Ethernet, USB and serial connection (RS232). Ludeca, Inc., (+1) 305-591-8935
Circle 233 on Reader Service Card

CEMENT TRUCK DEBRIS SHIELD

A Conroe, Texas, inventor holds the patent on a device to retain rocks in a concrete mixer truck's chute while the vehicle is in motion. In addition to safeguarding those standing near the truck, the “Wind Shield Saver” would prevent cracked windshields and other vehicle damage. It would eliminate the need for contractors to settle damage or injury claims; roadway messes would also be avoided. Reportedly designed for easy installation on new or existing trucks, the debris shield would move into place automatically when the chute is lowered without hampering pouring operations. The Wind Shield Saver would consist of a semicircular metal plate measuring approximately 14 in. long, 18 in. tall, and ⅜ in. thick. The rounded bottom of the plate would fit down into the chute, while the flat end would attach pivotally to the upper outside part of the chute. While the truck is on the road, the chute would be in the raised, closed position. The normal opening of the cement chute would automatically pivot the device into the open position. A prototype of the cement truck debris shield is available for review. Invention Submission Corp., (+1) 800-851-6030
Circle 234 on Reader Service Card

AIR SYSTEM MONITORING

A six-page, full-color brochure outlines the AirMetrix program, a systems approach that examines individual components of an air system and their interaction. Detailed are seven program features, including system controls, products, air audits, system monitoring, downstream products, and CustomerCare, as well as AirTility — the company's compressed air outsourcing service provided to 200-plus facilities worldwide. The literature also describes benefits of the systems approach: lower energy consumption, smoother operations, and reduced maintenance and utility costs. A review of both supply and demand sides of the air system is shown to facilitate constant, steady pressure and uninterrupted service. Sullair Corp., (+1) 219-861-5089
Circle 235 on Reader Service Card

POINT LEVEL SENSOR

The second-generation TrueCap Model MK-2 RF capacitance point-level sensor uses digital microcontroller technology and surface-mount electronics to provide high performance and reliability for dry/wet solids, liquids, viscous liquids and slurries. The MK-2 point level sensor includes such features as a universal power supply compatible with 48-240 VAC/24-48 VDC; external LED for local status indication; automatic compensation for changes in product capacitance with varying temperature; push-button calibration; build-up immunity with sticky solids, liquids, and slurries; and, a remote electronics option for high-temperature/vibration applications. The system provides adjustable sensitivity: it can be set up to detect differences in capacitance as small as 0.5 picofarads; and, for vessels containing multiple products, its sensor can be calibrated for the material with the lowest dielectric constant. TrueCap MK-2 point level sensors are offered with an assortment of probe types and options, accommodating over 100 product configurations for general purpose and hazardous locations. A “plug-in-place” instrument, the MK-2 is reportedly easy to install and operate, requiring no special tools or training. A push-button, self-test feature allows easy verification of sensor operation and calibration. Monitor Technologies LLC, (+1) 630-365-9403
Circle 236 on Reader Service Card