Understanding the Software Options

W
process gases at very high levels. The
FTIR analyzes aggressive gases and
delivers realtime results in applications
previously considered intractable.
Using cells that can be heated to 250°C,
the FTIR can be used to measure stack
gases, carbon sequestration processes,
perfluoro/perchloro carbons and highly
reactive streams such as sulfur and
ammonia or hot wet HCl. The systems
can be housed in intrinsically safe enclosures
for robust performance in hazardous
environments. “While the cost of
our equipment can be much more than
a GC, the overall cost is much less due
COST-EFFECTIVE SENSORS
hile analyzers may have grabbed the headline, let’s not forget that they
wouldn’t work without sensors. And there have been several advances in sen-
sor technology that are allowing analyzers to go places where they haven’t
gone before and, into more of those places, due to engineering that is designed to
reduce the cost of ownership.
For instance, Sensorex’s (Garden Grove, Calif.) S8000 Modular pH/ORP system
with self cleaning sensors combines a next-generation flat-surface self-cleaning pH/
ORP sensor along with modular mounting hardware and optional electronics to deliver
precise measurement with reduced maintenance and low cost of ownership. The
platform is a fully configurable system that allows users to purchase only the components
they need, while still allowing the expansion of measurement capability to meet
changing plant requirements.
The company’s TCS3020 Toroidal sensor, when combined with the company’s toroidal
transmitters, offers a highly accurate and low-maintenance conductivity sensing
solution. Designed for optimal performance, it provides a non-contacting, inductive
type conductivity measurement. As an inductive sensor, it is resistant to the corrosion,
coating and fouling common to contacting conductivity sensors. It is designed
for longterm deployment with no maintenance and has a wide solvent tolerance and
temperature stability.
Banner Engineering (Minneapolis, Minn.) also is looking to make sensors more cost
effective, as is evidenced in their VSM Series of micro sensors for inspection solutions.
The sensors, for hygienic applications, are miniature photoelectric sensors that deliver
high-performance in a compact package. They offer the ability to function in washdown
environments that use a variety of liquids and chemicals and provide an alternative to
proximity sensors and optical fibers in high flex environments.
And, Micronor’s (Newbury Park, Calif.) fiber-optic, absolute-position sensor is an alloptical
design immune to any electro-magnetic interference, such as lightening, radiation,
magnetic fields and other harsh environmental conditions. The fiber optic aspect
of the sensor also makes it suitable for long-distance position sensing over hundreds of
meters, without being affected by ground loop problems. ❏
Mettler Toledo AutoChem
FIGURE 3. The FBRM D600R uses focused beam
re�ectance measurement to provide realtime quantitative
measurement, tracking the rate and degree of
change to particles, particle structures and droplets
as they actually exist in process
to the lack of consumables and main
tenance,” says Auth. “And because it
provides instant results and helps eek
a better performance from the reac
tors and the plant, it generally pays
for itself in three to five months.”
Thermo Fisher Scientific recently
introduced its Prima Pro process
mass spectrometer (Figure 1) for
online gas analysis. Designed using
advanced physical-property model
ing software, the analyzer also offers
complete, precise and fast gas-com
position analysis, along with lower
maintenance than GC systems. In
addition, the new Sentinel Pro is designed
to monitor the environment
around a process and alert technicians
if a toxic emission or leak is
detected. A single system is said to,
on average, do the job of ten GCs,
which lowers total cost of ownership
and maintenance expenses. Both analyzers
require an annual four-hour
maintenance session that can be performed
without any special training.
Process analysis
In addition to gas analysis, other
Protection from
the Inside Out
When you face intense processing
conditions, look to centrifuges
from GEA Westfalia Separator.
That’s because they are built to
operate safely even under the
most extreme temperatures and
pressures. Here are just a few
features offered:
Operating temperature up
to 250°C
Pressure-resistant up to 10 bar
Wide range of corrosion
resistant material
Pressure controlled design
Special direct drive
High performance
washing system
To learn more about putting
our centrifuges to work in your
operation, contact Sean Eicher
at 201-784-4318 or email him at
sean.eicher@geagroup.com.
Liquids to Value
GEA Mechanical Equipment US, Inc.
GEA Westfalia Separator Division
100 Fairway Court · Northvale, NJ 07647
Phone: 201-767-3900 · Fax: 201-767-3901
Toll-Free: 800-722-6622
24-Hour Technical Help: 800-509-9299
www.wsus.com
Circle 11 on p. 54 or go to adlinks.che.com/35068-11
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