Successful Plant Trials with Malvern Insitec Encourage Switch to On-Line Analysis

Malvern Instruments’ recently introduced consultancy service for in-process particle size analysis has led to more than 85 percent of clients subsequently switching to on-line analysis. During the five-day consultancy period a Malvern specialist uses the Insitec Voyager, a mobile particle size analyzer, to conduct a plant trial. The resulting real-time data stream allows the client to properly quantify the benefits of on-line measurement, for their specific process.

Insitec Voyager is suitable for dry processes with particles in the size range 1 to 1,000 microns. It is normally installed on the process line in just a few hours, requiring only the provision of the required tappings, instrument air and a suitable electrical supply. Real-time particle size data are generated for the bulk of the trial, allowing the client to thoroughly explore the potential for improved control. Quantifying this potential provides a sound basis for investment decisions.

“The switch to on-line analysis involves capital investment and accurately estimating return is a key part of the decision-making process,” said David Pugh, marketing manager for Malvern process systems. “‘In general, customers report payback times of around six months, but this approach delivers process-specific information. A trial also gives the user confidence that the technology will deliver the projected benefits.”

Updated Rheodyne Valves Offer Wider Flow Ranges and USB Connection

The stand-alone MX Series II multi-position valves for automated fluid switching and sample injection in the laboratory are now available. In response to laboratory-user feedback, the MX Series II valves offer new multi-position liquid-end options with a wider range of pressure options and simpler PC connectivity for general laboratory, HPLC, and fast chromatography applications.

Designated MXX, MXP and MXT, the new Series II valves offer a choice of three pressure-range platforms.

MXX is for low pressure, up to 125 psi (9 bar)

MXP is for high pressure, to 6,000 psi (400 bar)

MXT is for fast chromatography, to 15,000 psi (1000 bar)

To reduce downtime in the lab or analytical process, both the MXP and MXT valves feature the Rapid Replacement Pod liquid-end design for easy maintenance. Factory-assembled as a complete unit, the Rapid Replacement Pod virtually eliminates downtime. The low-pressure MXX valve enables quick connection changes with the patented fitting-less tubing connection system.

Maintaining the small footprint of the original design, the MX Valves can be used in stand-alone configurations by individual users or in combination with analytical instrument systems. For fast and flexible PC connection, the new valve design incorporates Universal Serial Bus (USB), contact closure, serial and Binary Code Decimal (BCD) connection options.

The MX Series II Valves come with TitanMX software and are compatible with standard chromatography software to enable PC command and control capability.

Warner Instruments has introduced the NEW Model 782 1 to 2 Channel Oxygen Meter 

This versatile oxygen meter acts both as a stand-alone oxygen meter or as an interface to respirometry/monitoring software running on a PC.

The Model 782 Oxygen Meter accepts inputs from either one or two Clark type 1302 microcathode oxygen electrodes and displays values in units of PO2 or concentration on a large liquid crystal display.

With the supplied software, the system (Model 782 / 1302) can be used for either closed cell or flow respirometry.

Alternatively, the software can be used to monitor dissolved oxygen, as in isolated organ preparations.

Astro-Med Introduces a Hand-Held, Two-Channel Data Recorder System with Integral Printer

Astro-Med's Test & Measurement Product Group has introduced the Dash 2EZ+, a new two channel, hand-held data acquisition system with integral chart recorder. Developed as a portable, hand-held troubleshooting and maintenance tool, the Dash 2EZ+ is capable of recording two channels of analog voltage channels along with one TTL event input to CompactFlash media at sample rates up to 40 kHz per channel. The unit also contains an integrated 3.1-inch strip chart recorder for hard copy printout.

Weighing 4.5 pounds, the Dash 2EZ+ is suited for applications in the automotive, electric utility, pulp and paper, metals manufacturing, chemical plants, steel mills and other industries where portability is required.

The Dash 2EZ+ features a 5.7-inch color touch-screen display for viewing waveforms in real-time. This high-resolution display provides remarkable clarity and is fully customizable, allowing channels to be viewed side-by-side or overlapped for measuring phase relationships. A meter function provides a numeric readout of data simultaneously with waveform data. Built-in digital signal processing for each channel allows users to program low pass, high pass, band stop and RMS filters.

The review function of the Dash 2EZ+ allows analysis of captured data on the screen, giving users immediate access to critical information. On-screen cursors provide quick and accurate information, eliminating the need to approximate measurements. Data capture review also allows expansion or compression of captured data for customized viewing.

The unit offers two types of factory installed isolated signal modules that provide signal frequency response up to 8 kHz per channel. The HV-EZ+ isolated high voltage module accepts inputs up to 250 Vrms, which is well suited for power monitoring applications. The BR-EZ+ isolated DC bridge input module is ideal for connecting to most sensors, strain gages and transducers. Factory installed modules are available in the following configurations: two HV-EZ+, two BR-EZ+ or one of each.

The Dash 2EZ+ saves data directly to 128 MB, 2 GB CompactFlash memory cards at sample rates of up to 40 kHz per channel. It comes standard with a 128 MB CompactFlash memory card for a complete, out-of-the-box solution. Also supplied standard is AstroVIEW X software for your computer. This PC based analysis software allows you to view captured data on your screen, and includes cursor measurements, a binary format conversion tool and filtering capability. AstroVIEW X easily uploads your data to your PC via Ethernet or USB 2.0.

Reserve a Presentation Spot at Instrument Design & Technology Summit 2008

The Instrument Design & Technology Summit 2008 conference committee is currently accepting abstracts for a limited number of presentation time slots. Being held Sept. 25 in Austin, Texas, the premiere event will explore the latest advancements in technology for product design, system development and process management. Abstracts are due April 4, 2008.

The summit provides an excellent forum to discuss new developments in technology, market conditions and end-user requirements that are driving innovation and new product features.

Attendees will include top instrument OEM executives, design engineers and system engineers.

Some of the topics we are looking for include worldwide market trends that focus on industry issues with revenues/profitability of instrument manufacturers, worldwide technology trends, technology affecting instrument design as well as manufacturing and distribution issues.

Full-conference registration fees will be waived for all confirmed speakers. More information on submitting an abstract can be found on our Web site at www.instrumentdesignandtechnology.com/inst08_papers.php, or contact program
manager Joanna Larez at 800 803 9488, ext. 126 or joannal@infowebcom.com.

For information on exhibiting or sponsoring, contact Joan Nelson, Advertising
Sales Manager, at 800 803 9488, ext. 113 or joann@infowebcom.com

Register Early & Save! www.instrumentdesignandtechnology.com/inst08_reg.php.

Save even more with Team Discounts! Visit the Web site for more information.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, a company focused on digital imaging, specialty lighting and optical detection technologies, has entered into a license agreement with OSRAM GmbH that enables PerkinElmer to access OSRAM white light emitting diode (LED) patents for the manufacture of LED components. OSRAM, a lighting manufacturer, offering its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications.

Under the terms of the license, PerkinElmer gains non-exclusive, royalty bearing rights to OSRAM patents for the manufacture of white LED components for use in a variety of lighting solutions. White LEDs offer an attractive alternative to existing lamp technologies such as Halogen MR16 lamps and Cold Cathode Fluorescent lamps (CCFL) due to their higher efficiencies and longer lifetimes at attractive costs.

“Securing this important license allows PerkinElmer to add white LEDs to its range of current and future LED offerings,” said Dr. Michael Kramer, Managing Director LED Solutions. “We look forward to innovating with these ‘green,’ environmentally-efficient white LED technologies in our continued efforts to provide the most advanced lighting solutions to the medical lighting industry, as well as other markets including architectural lighting, decorative and mood lighting.”

PerkinElmer plans to incorporate white LEDs into its successful ACULED platform based on chip-on-board technology. This will result in an expanded LED portfolio which includes high power, high efficiency standard white LED products under the brand name ACULED VHLTM (Very High Lumen) as well as custom combinations that include white chips under the ACULED DYOTM (design-your-own) brand name.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces LIMS Installation at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the lead federal department responsible for Canada's fisheries resource, oceans and inland waters, will install Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.’s, purpose-built Thermo Scientific Nautilus laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

After a five-year phased roll-out, more than 150 users operating out of 12 different laboratories located in seven facilities across Canada will take advantage of the Thermo Scientific Nautilus LIMS. The volume of data managed by the LIMS will vary from program to program, but will initially reach more than 100,000 discrete samples yearly, and this is expected to increase at a rate of approximately 25,000 samples per year.

DFO will use the Thermo Scientific Nautilus LIMS to facilitate its ongoing commitment to the research, development and understanding of Canada's three oceans, freshwaters and coastlines. Specifically, DFO will provide diagnostic services, test method development, regulatory research and expert scientific advice in collaboration with the Canadian Food inspection Agency. DFO will implement the LIMS for use in Science Sector laboratories across Canada, focusing initially on the National Aquatic Animal Health Program (NAAHP).

The Qwest Scientific team of experienced problem solvers works closely with industrial and laboratory users to supply them with reliable and cost-effective instrumentation as well as complementary product lines, including data systems such as LIMS, gas generators and other laboratory and process instrumentation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Qwest Scientific will utilize its thorough customer interaction expertise spanning across face-to-face, telephone and e-mail sales and customer seminars on-site and via the internet to best promote Aspectrics’ complete range of biodiesel analyzers.

Qwest Scientific will be responsible for the distribution of Aspectrics’ complete range of biodiesel analyzers, comprising the Biodiesel Quality Analyzer 1000 (BQA 1000) and the Aspectrics 2750 Biodiesel Analyzer. Designed to provide fast and accurate results, the BQA 1000 is a rugged, at-line analyzer that has been pre-calibrated for a number of harsh biodiesel production applications to expedite set up and on-going analyses. In addition, new calibrations can be added to the analyzer to meet future testing requirements. Users can analyze incoming raw materials as well as finished products for contaminates such as water percentage, methanol concentration, total glycerine, free glycerine and free fatty acids (FFA). The analyzer is easy to clean, service and operate and requires no sample preparation.

The other Aspectrics biodiesel analyzer to be distributed by Qwest Scientific is the Aspectrics 2750 Biodiesel Analyzer, which is performs quality assurance measurements of methanol, water and total glycerin in biodiesel. Also designed to measure water content in ethanol, biodiesel blend determination and analyzing ethanol/gasoline blends, the analyzer is a highly flexible platform able to provide pass/fail information on multiple biodiesel contaminants before samples are sent out for ASTM certification. A single analyzer is capable of processing multiple biodiesel samples providing real-time results.

May 14, 2008 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) - Beverages and Course Materials Provided

The workshop will start with an overview of the various types of intellectual property, including patents, trademark, copyrights, trade secrets, non-competes and publishing. It will feature a detailed discussion of patents, including type of patents, what is patentable, patent laws and rules, the patenting process and patent strategy. Also covered will be the integration of the patenting process with the new product development process and discussion of critical patent strategy issues. It will conclude with a practical training session for writing technical disclosures for patenting purposes.

For more details about what attendees can expect to learn from this workshop visit http://www.magneticsmagazine.com/mag_conf08_workshops.htm#akc.

• Register before March 14, 2008 - $395

• Register after March 14, 2008 - $495

Register Now!

Visit http://www.magneticsmagazine.com/mag_conf08_workshop_reg.php/.

Instrument Design & Technology Summit 2008
September 25, 2008
Austin, Texas

This new event will feature presentations on new market trends and opportunities for instrument manufacturers and technologies in instrument designs, advancements in components and market and financial trends. The conference is designed for instrument OEM executives, instrument design engineers and component manufacturers.

If you are involved in instrument design, technology and business, this is a must attend event!

For mor information, go to: www.instrumentdesignandtechnology.com/inst08_index.php

SALES SUPPORT AND APPLICATIONS ENGINEER North America 

Vector Fields produce world-class electromagnetic design software, which is used in a wide range of applications, such as accelerators, motors and generators, RF and microwave components. The company has an enviable reputation for the quality and reliability of its products, the support it gives to customers, and the caliber of its employees.

Following rapid expansion we are now looking to recruit a Sales and Application Engineer who will be responsible for providing pre- and post-sales technical support within North America. The roll will provide opportunities to be directly involved with selling software and to represent Vector Fields at engineering conferences and exhibitions within North America. In addition the successful candidate will be required to carry out related engineering consultancy work as required.

The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in electrical engineering or physics.

We are specifically seeking candidates with a background in the design of electrical machines, although experience in other engineering applications that use electromagnetic design software will also be considered. Familiarity with engineering design software for use in any of the following applications would be an advantage: electrical machines, magnets, charged particle devices, RF and microwave components.

We offer a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package.

Please forward your resume to recruiting@vectorfields.com.  Ref:  VF004

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