Ricca Chemical Company has released a NEW 24 page catalogue of chemical solutions for environmental testing
Ricca Chemical Company has released a NEW 24 page catalogue of chemical solutions for environmental testing. Ricca Chemical products are certified traceable to standard reference materials of NIST where suitable materials exist. All products are manufactured to meet the highest standards of quality and consistency.

The ISO-9001 quality system is coupled with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

Hundreds of standards are listed in this catalogue including AA, ICP, ICP-MS, spectroscopy calibration and matrix blanks, plasma emission, graphite furnace AA and others.

Standards are available for specific EPA Methods as well as MISA (Canada) test methods.

Ricca Chemical is the largest independent producer of chemical testing solutions in North America.

Their product line includes solutions for environmental, food, petrochemical, pulp and paper, USP, and ACS testing procedures.

The new ATM is an important accessory for any analytical instrumentation for on-line process analysis: it removes bubbles and enhances the accuracy and precision of process measurements
The new ATM is an important accessory for any analytical instrumentation that optically and/or chemically analyse liquids on-line in a process. It removes bubbles and enhances the accuracy and precision of process measurements. ATM enhances and increases the accuracy and precision of automatic measurements of turbidity, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and conductivity.

It works by sampling the process stream and temporarily isolating the sample in a separate chamber.

One of the key features of ATM is the removal of bubbles in the isolated liquid sample, this is critical to many on-line measurement processes since many measuring techniques are not able to distinguish between bubbles and particles.

Fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques for example rely on the integrity of a light beam passing through the sample, however bubbles can significantly effect this and give false readings by scattering the radiation.

Instruments developed specifically for analysis of on-line turbidity, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and conductivity, are only generally capable of generating accurate data from samples that are bubble free and immobile.

In addition, when using these techniques in coloured, foaming liquids, the results have often been an unknown combination of fouling on the sensor, colour of the liquid, turbidity and the scattered radiation caused by bubbles.

The ATM completely overcomes these very severe limitations.

Other important features of the ATM are.

* Elimination of false turbidity, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and conductivity measurements by removing all bubbles in the liquid before measuring: The sample is then reintegrated back into the process.

* Capability to make up to 200 measurements per hour.

* Full automation.

* Extremely reproducible measuring process each and every time, no risk of human errors.

* Full documentation of all measurements.

* 'In process control', therefore automatic control of pumps ,valves etc.

* Dramatic improvement in analytical operational margins.

* Heating and cooling of the sample is also possible if required.

On June 20th 2006, air quality monitoring specialists Enviro Technology will be demonstrating the abilities of the Accuscan 4600 remote sensing device on vehicles passing by in the City of London
On June 20th 2006, Air Quality Monitoring specialists - Enviro Technology - will be demonstrating the abilities of the Accuscan 4600 remote sensing device on vehicles passing by London Wall, City of London. This will be the first time that environmental professionals from London borough councils will be able to actually see the device in action, while getting a real-time measure of the level of harmful exhaust emissions being pumped into the city's air by both large and small vehicles. The Accuscan 4600 can test up to 4,000 vehicles per hour and will be operational from 11.00am - 3.00pm on Tuesday 20th June.

Earlier this year Enviro Technology was appointed as the sole UK distributor for Tucson, USA, based Environmental Systems Products (ESP) the worlds premier vehicle inspection company and manufacturers of the Accuscan 4600.

Says Duncan Mounsor, Enviro Technology Operations Director: 'The Accuscan 4600 works by measuring tailpipe emissions as motor vehicles pass through ultraviolet and infrared beams stationed at either side of the road.

Remote sensing devices (RSDs) are the worlds quickest and most convenient form of motor vehicle emissions testing.

The Accuscan 4600 provides a simple diagnostic solution for the ever present vehicle emissions pollution problem affecting our major UK cities.

With its ability to monitor thousands of vehicles in a day and provide reliable information as to emissions, the Accuscan 4600 really is the only option for those cities looking to research and, if needed, implement low emissions zones'.

The Accuscan 4600 will measure vehicles for the emission of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), Hydrocarbons (HC) and the 'smoke factor' - a measurement technique specifically developed for assessing particulate emissions from diesel vehicles.

The system also records the speed and acceleration of the vehicle.

All the data is referenced to an image of the registration plate which has been captured by a high speed camera, thus allowing the identification of polluting vehicles.

'Several major UK cities are interested in setting up low emissions zones and this kind of technology simplifies the screening of clean and grossly polluting vehicles without having to stop the vehicles to conduct the test - or having to involve third parties such as the police,' adds Duncan.

Representatives from ESP and Enviro Technology will be on hand during the day to discuss how the Accuscan 4600 can help environmental professionals with regard to Air quality management areas.

The inventor of remote sensing vehicle emissions monitoring systems - Dr Donald Stedman - will also be present to explain the technology.

For further information on the Accuscan 4600 London Wall Demonstration please contact Jackie Yarnham at Enviro Technology Services.

The latest accessory for the Freeman Technology FT4 powder rheometer allows the flow properties of powders to be studied under vacuum
The latest accessory for the Freeman Technology FT4 powder rheometer allows the flow properties of powders to be studied under vacuum. Reducing the air pressure, and hence the entrained air in the powder, can lead to dramatic changes in flowability. Since a number of unit operations in powder processing may be carried out under vacuum (including drying, filtration, pneumatic transfer and dosing) it is important to understand the behaviour of powders under these conditions.

The FT4 is a fully automated, universal powder tester that can be used to characterise powder behaviour under aerated, conditioned, consolidated and now vacuum conditions.

In this new test mode, vacuum is applied to a powder sample through the standard system aeration base.

The FT4 allows the rapid and systematic investigation of dynamic behaviour as a function of applied vacuum and other variables, such as flow rate, moisture content and composition.

By characterising a powder in a range of complementary ways, the FT4 builds a complete picture.

This information can be linked to process performance and used to predict the likely behaviour of a powder in specific processing equipment.

Malvern Instruments has extended its provision of contract testing services for particle characterisation in France following the conclusion of an agreement with LGC, based in Toulouse
Malvern Instruments has extended its provision of contract testing services for particle characterisation in France following the conclusion of an agreement with the Laboratoire de Genie Chimique (LGC) based in Toulouse. The agreement covers services related to both wet and dry particle size analysis. Testing will be carried out by LGC scientists and technicians skilled in the application of advanced particle sizing techniques.

Enquiries about contract services and the initiation of projects will continue to be handled in the first instance by Malvern application specialists.

Full details can be found on the Malvern website, or by telephoning the company.

LGC is an academic research department linked to the French national research organisation CNRS and to two local Universities (Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse and Universite Paul Sabatier).

More than 230 researchers and students conduct projects covering most aspects of modern chemical engineering, including particle and interfacial engineering.

Commenting on the new relationship, Jane Bishop, Malvern Commercial Director, said: 'We are delighted to welcome LGC as a partner as Malvern expands its provision of contract services in France.

In addition to bringing extensive experience and expertise in particle characterisation, LGC university connections will help inform our future work to ensure that we offer comprehensive testing services appropriate to the needs of both commercial and academic organisations'.

Dr Joel Bertrand, head of the LGC department said: 'Our researchers and technicians have developed considerable expertise, over a long period, in the characterisation of dispersed media, mostly using Malvern equipment.

We believe that this agreement will help us to apply this expertise and extend it to new techniques.

In addition, we very much expect that via new contacts with the client companies, we will have new opportunities to develop our research in process engineering'.

Researchers at Valois Pharmaceuticals are using a Malvern Instruments Spraytec system to develop robust droplet size test methods for quality control and product development applications
Researchers at Valois Pharmaceutical Division, a leader in the design and manufacture of spray delivery systems, are using a Malvern Instruments Spraytec system to develop robust droplet size test methods for quality control and product development applications. The Spraytec provides a routine method of verifying the batch-to-batch product consistency of the different nasal pump delivery systems produced by Valois, in line with recently proposed FDA guidelines. The design of new delivery systems can also be optimised.

Spray droplet data has been especially useful in the development and performance testing of Equadel, a new nasal spray pump designed to generate user-independent performance.

Spray droplet data collected using automated actuation stations illustrate how droplet size, a key variable in defining drug bio-availability, can vary with actuation profile.

Normally significant changes in pump output are observed as the actuation profile is changed.

However, data generated using the Spraytec confirms that Equadel pump system is insensitive to the applied actuation profile, as was the design intent.

This new design will therefore be more consistent, in terms of delivery performance, from patient-to-patient.

Spray characterisation, such as spray droplet size measurement, has become routine in the testing of nasal spray products and devices.

For production quality control purposes FDA guidelines recommend that a certain number of devices from each batch are tested prior to despatch.

Spraytec, a laser diffraction system, specifically designed to meet industrial requirements for the efficient measurement of spray droplet size, is proving to be highly effective in this application.

Narrowspan achieves powders with uniform-sized particles, creating a largely dust free, easily wettable product with a high flowability, from a rotary atomiser wheel
Until now, powders with uniform-sized particles were achievable only in large nozzle towers. Narrowspan, however, achieves this uniformity, creating a largely dust free, easily wettable product with a high flowability, from a rotary atomiser wheel. This reduces costs and allows the use of smaller buildings to house the plant equipment.

The Narrowspan is suitable for new-build projects, or for retrofit to improve the efficiency of existing production plants.

The Narrowspan produces a low-dust product, which is important for explosion safety, personal health, and the environment.

The uniform particle size distribution means a controlled functionality of the final product.

A high bulk density can be achieved together with a free flowing product with large particle size.

The product does not break into fines, compared with agglomerates that are generally more brittle.

Narrowspan products are easier to disperse and wet in their respective solvents.

Large, uniform, free flowing particles allow easy handling and packing.

Variation in particle size from fine to coarse is possible while running the plant by controlling the rotation speed of the atomiser wheel.

Large particles can be produced in smaller diameter chambers.

Rebuilding of existing plants allows for the manufacture of added value products, with low building height and hence investment costs, compared to nozzle towers.

These features are all proven in tests and have been working in industrial applications for the last decade.

With its breakthrough modular design for monitoring combustible and toxic gases, the MC600 Multi-Channel Controller is now available for Class I, Division 2, applications in hazardous environments
With its breakthrough modular design for monitoring combustible and toxic gases, the MC600 Multi-Channel Controller from General Monitors is now available for Class I, Division 2, applications in hazardous environments. Featuring a microprocessor-based design, the modular MC600 Multi-Channel Controller offers reliability, flexibility and value-added economy in gas detection systems. The six-channel MC600 provides continuous gas monitoring when equipped with General Monitors gas sensors/transmitters and is designed to protect people, equipment and facilities in hazardous environments.

The MC600 Controller is designed with a rugged, corrosion and weather-resistant, NEMA Type 4X housing that is configured with mounting brackets.

An optional onboard 115/230 VAC power supply is also available and provides Class I, Division 2 classification.

Signal conditioning boards for H2S/hydrocarbon sensors and a 4-20mA interface for intelligent detectors are easily installed or removed from plug-in slots.

The MC600 is compatible with any General Monitors hydrocarbon and H2S sensors and intelligent transmitters, as well as their infrared detectors and TS-Series toxic gas detectors.

It is a scaleable solution that can be used as either a local gas detection system or networked to provide a large plant-wide distributed safety system.

Designed with dual redundant Modbus communications, the MC600 provides complete status and control capability.

Due to its modular design, the MC600 offers easy installation, a long life span, and an attractive return-on-investment.

Typical applications include chemical and petrochemical plants, compressor stations, gas processing, pulp and paper mills, refineries, steel, utilities and wastewater.

The MC600 comes pre-configured from the factory, saving installation time with minimum set-up required.

Removable terminal blocks allow for easy installation and wiring.

A front panel user interface includes six independent LCD channel displays and keypad for set-up, calibration and gas reading functions as well as ready, alarm and fault indicators.

Six user-configurable 8-amp relays with selectable zoning and voting are included.

The MC600 features six back-lit LCD display modules that each have two lines, with eight characters available per line.

Large multi-coloured LED Ready, Alarm, Warning and Fault indicators (that are easy to read in daylight) supplement the LCD digital displays, and keypad controls are provided for setup, calibration and gas reading functions, and self-test.

The MC600 six auxiliary 8-Amp relays are user-configurable to activate external devices such as horns or beacons on any of the six channels, whether for alarm or warning setpoints.

They feature independent user-configurable options for Zoning, Warn, Alarm Lo or Alarm Hi activation set points, energised/de-energised, latching/non-latching and timed delay.

After completion of a robust assessment process, Wolf Safety has won a major contract to supply 400 of its new LED rechargeable right angled R-50 safety torches to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service
After completion of a robust assessment process, competing with four other companies, Wolf Safety has won a major contract to supply 400 of its new LED rechargeable right angled R-50 safety torches to Grampian Fire and Rescue Service. Exhaustive testing was undertaken to simulate the extreme environmental conditions to which the torches could be exposed - heat, smoke, condensation and water. The evaluation panel concluded that the Wolf R50 was the best LED type rechargeable safety torch currently available for safe use by firefighters on operational duties.

Chief Fire Officer David Dalziel of Grampian Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the introduction of this modern and highly effective item of operational equipment for front line use.

'Crew safety and the innovative use of technology are areas we sought from the outset.

The award of this contract demonstrates the benefits of a robust evaluation processes.'

Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing a new range of mains powered infra-red gas sensors giving high accuracy measurement of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O gas concentrations
Edinburgh Instruments are now manufacturing a new range of mains powered infra-red gas sensors giving highly accurate measurement of CO2, CH4, CO and N2O gas concentrations. Designated the GuardCard range they incorporate volt free relay outputs and an integral pump so that they can be used for continuous sampling, monitoring and control. The GuardCard can be used for either a single area or integrated with sampling systems for sequential monitoring of multiple areas.

The main component of this unit is an innovative dual wavelength infra-red sensor, which provides reliability, accuracy and long term stability.

The operating temperature is 0 - 40C, with a measuring accuracy and stability of +/-2% of range, which includes allowance for the accuracy of the calibration gases used to calibrate the instruments.

As an OEM sensor the GuardCard is a versatile device capable of integration into many analytical systems for environmental measurements.

GuardCard is also finding new applications in the processing, engineering, laboratory, medical and manufacturing industries.

Extech Instruments, a major supplier of test and measurement equipment, announces an important new addition to its Hygro-Thermometer line, the 445815 Humidity Alert Meter
Extech Instruments, a major supplier of test and measurement equipment for the industrial marketplace, announces an important new addition to its Hygro-Thermometer line, the 445815 humidity Alert Meter. Ideal for monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity and dew point) in laboratories, storage areas, manufacturing assembly areas and other controlled environments, the Extech humidity alert meter features a user settable alarm and will warn users, both audibly and visually, when adverse conditions occur. High humidity can create a breeding ground for mould and low humidity can create static electricity and an environment which is unhealthy.

Unlike other humidity indicators the 445815 calculates and displays the Dew Point reading which is a calculation of temperature and humidity and used to determine when condensation will occur.

The Humidity Alert Meter features a remote probe that can either clip onto the meter or extend on an 18 inch cable, where the user can take measurements behind walls, in ducts, or other areas that are difficult to access.

The 445815 can be field calibrated with the optional calibration kit (Model 445580-C) and has a rear calibration adjustment pot with max/min and a reset function.

An optional NIST Traceable Certification satisfies ISO and other regulatory body requirements for product accuracy and traceability to nationally recognised reference standards.

The 445815 also features a large digit LCD screen, which allows for the simultaneous display of humidity, temperature and dew point.

The meter measures humidity from 10 to 99% RH and temperature from 14 to 140F (-10 to 60C) with an accuracy of +/-4% RH and +/-1.8F.

The meter comes complete with a built-in stand, mounting bracket, and two AAA batteries.

The 445815 is also available in kit form (445816) which includes the field calibration standards.

Another model, the 445814 is available with a built-in sensor and includes all of the same features as the 445815 except for the optional NIST Tracability.

The Extech 445815 Humidity Alert Meter helps users meet USEPA, CDC, Am Lung Assoc, AIHA, and other regulatory and association guidelines which recommend that indoor humidity be maintained between 40 and 50 percent.

GE Sensing has a solution: the GE Sensing DewPro moisture and humidity transmitter has had a face-lift, providing a rugged yet economical solution for moisture and humidity measurement
The GE Sensing DewPro moisture and humidity transmitter gets a face-lift. Updated to more closely respond to customers' needs, these updated flow-through and insertion transmitters now offer larger operational ranges, while providing a safe solution with certified packages rated for hazardous area requirements. Different versions of these compact, rugged, loop-powered transmitters can measure either dew point temperature from -90C to 10C with a proven planar aluminium oxide moisture sensor, suitable for tough industrial applications due to its calibration stability or relative humidity from 0 to 100% in process temperatures up to 150C.

The DewPro uses a polymer-based capacitive sensor that is immune to the condensation upsets common in high humidity applications.

DewPro transmitters are available with intrinsic safety or explosion-proof certifications to ensure the safety of all customers, especially those interested in installations in hazardous rated areas.

The loop-powered transmitter design itself allows for simple installation and easy 2-wire electrical connectivity, which leads to an economical solution on a per measurement point basis.

Typical process and industrial applications include the measurement of moisture in dry air systems, glove boxes, specialty gases, blast furnaces, grain, gas turbines, environmental chambers or any other drying process.

To ensure years of continued service life, GE Sensing offers options for either factory or field calibration service or can even offer the appropriate calibration system hardware to allow customers to perform their own on-site calibration.

As a result of such extensive end user contact and experience, combined with expertise in the industry, Michell Instruments have developed a new EExd certified process moisture analyser
As a result of such extensive end user contact and experience, combined with expertise in the industry, Michell Instruments have developed a new EExd certified process moisture analyser. Promet EExd meets all the requirements of the customer looking for a complete and total hazardous area installed solution. Promet EExd is the latest addition to the Michell comprehensive process instrumentation range which includes further analysers for hydrocarbon dew point in natural gas and process moisture measurement in petrochemical liquids.

Promet EExd is the world's first purpose designed EExd flameproof certified Process Moisture Analyser.

Based on the Michell Instruments experience in this critical and often arduous field of measurement, Promet EExd is a radical new concept where the highest priorities have been given to the demands of the customer in terms of simplicity of installation, total plant communications integration, moderate cost of ownership, and highest calibration integrity.

Promet EExd offers the customer a complete moisture measurement package for critical gas applications with features including EExd Flameproof ATEX and CSA certification, complete zone 1 or 2 installation and a remote interface option for mounting in a safe area location if required.

The new process moisture analyser also offers single- and dual-channel moisture content capability, with integrated electronic pressure measurement, within the same single field installed flameproof housing.

Promet EExd is the second introduction to the new Michell EExd Process Instrumentation Range all of which feature complete hazardous area installation in classified zones 1 or 2.

This latest addition follows on from the highly successful Condumax II Hydrocarbon Dew-Point Analyser for Natural Gas applications.

In addition to the simplicity of installation, Promet EExd offers the perfect solution for those large petrochemical process plants, such as refineries and LNG liquefaction plants, which state a strong preference that all instrumentation be certified flameproof.

The new Process Analyser is ATEX certified to: Group II, Category 2 G Code: EEx d IIB + H2 T4 Tamb -40 +60C IP66.

Promet EExd is also awaiting CSA certification to: Div 1, Class 1, Group B, C, D.

The Process Moisture Analyser also provides customers with the option of a Remote Interface, which acts as a dedicated host within a Control or Instrument Room, providing advanced graphical display of measurement and status information, data logging and access to programme configuration functions for up to 31 analysers.

Each analyser communicates with the Remote Interface through the Modbus RTU, so transferring all of the functionality of the main unit through into the comfort and convenience of an indoor safe area environment.

Global access to all functionality is provided through any web browser directly into the embedded website of the remote interface itself, so facilitating the needs of users with unmanned sites and enabling Michell to provide export support services without the need for a site engineer visit.

If you would like any further information on Promet EExd, or any of the products in Michell Instruments comprehensive Process Instrumentation Range, please contact us.

As specialists in dew point measurement for industrial, process and research applications, Michell Instruments has over 25 years of experience in satisfying the moisture measurement needs of the hydrocarbon and petrochemical industries.

Michell Instruments have developed a new EExd certified process moisture analyser, the world's first, as a result of extensive end user contact and experience
As specialists in dew point measurement for industrial, process and research applications, Michell Instruments has over 25 years of experience in satisfying the moisture measurement needs of the hydrocarbon and petrochemical industries. As a result of such extensive end user contact and experience, combined with expertise in the industry, Michell Instruments have developed a new EExd certified process moisture analyser. Promet EExd meets all the requirements of the customer looking for a complete and total hazardous area installed solution.

Promet EExd is the latest addition to the comprehensive Michell Process Instrumentation range which includes further analysers for hydrocarbon dew point in natural gas and process moisture measurement in petrochemical liquids.

Promet EExd is the world's first purpose designed EExd flameproof certified process moisture analyser.

Based on Michell Instruments experience in this critical and often arduous field of measurement, Promet EExd is a radical new concept where the highest priorities have been given to the demands of the customer in terms of simplicity of installation, total plant communications integration, moderate cost of ownership, and highest calibration integrity.

Promet EExd offers the customer a complete moisture measurement package for critical gas applications with features including EExd Flameproof ATEX and CSA certification, complete zone 1 or 2 installation and a remote interface option for mounting in a safe area location if required.

The new process moisture analyser also offers single and dual-channel moisture content capability, with integrated electronic pressure measurement, within the same single field installed flameproof housing.

Promet EExd is the second introduction to the new Michell EExd Process Instrumentation Range all of which feature complete hazardous area installation in classified zones 1 or 2.

This latest addition follows on from the highly successful Condumax II Hydrocarbon Dew-Point Analyser for Natural Gas applications.

In addition to the simplicity of installation, Promet EExd offers the perfect solution for those large petrochemical process plants, such as refineries and LNG liquefaction plants, which state a strong preference that all instrumentation be certified flameproof.

The new Process Analyser is ATEX certified to: Group II, Category 2 G Code: EEx d IIB + H2 T4 Tamb -40 +60C IP66.

Promet EExd is also awaiting CSA certification to Div 1, Class 1, Group B, C , D.

The Process Moisture Analyser also provides customers with the option of a remote interface, which acts as a dedicated host within a control or instrument room, providing advanced graphical display of measurement and status information, data logging and access to programme configuration functions for up to 31 analysers.

Each analyser communicates with the remote interface through the Modbus RTU, so transferring all of the functionality of the main unit through into the comfort and convenience of an indoor safe area environment.

Global access to all functionality is provided through any web browser directly into the embedded website of the remote interface itself, so facilitating the needs of users with unmanned sites and enabling Michell to provide export support services without the need for a site engineer visit.

Promet EExd utilises the advanced Michell Ceramic Moisture Sensor technology, of which 1,000 are in operation today in natural gas and petrochemical industries.

The Ceramic Sensor technology is manufactured from inert materials that are inherently resilient to aggressive chemicals, achieving class leading accuracy and long-term stability.

The robust sensor design withstands 300 barg without any risk of failure due to pressure shock, unlike traditional aluminium-oxide sensors that commonly suffer premature failure on rapid increase or decrease in pressure at start-up or shut-down.

Each individual sensor is calibrated traceable to NPL (UK) and NIST (USA) through the Michell world-class calibration facilities which are recognised through the UKAS accreditation.

Accuracy of measurement is +/-10 % of reading to single figure ppbV levels and +/-20 % of reading at lower moisture contents into the ppmV regions.

A unique service offered by Michell enables users to maintain such high precision for the Process Moisture Analyser in continuous, virtually uninterrupted operation through the Michell Calibration Exchange Service.

The Exchange Service provides a freshly certified sensor to the customer site for interchange with the existing sensor in operation.

This is a process that takes only minutes to perform without any requirements for programming or data entry.

Each individual sensor has its unique calibration characteristics programmed into on-board, non-volatile memory, which is instantly accessed on power-up of the Process Moisture Analyser.

The Michell Calibration Exchange also provides the user with highest level of calibration integrity for Promet EExd and at a cost that is often less than traditional return-to-manufacturer re-calibration service, but without any of the associated costs of analyser downtime and spares stock holding.

Promet EExd offers good sampling system design, applying best practice specific to the application and installation concerned.

Such attention to detail is critical to the performance of any on-line process analyser.

This is particularly true for moisture measurement whereby, in order to sense the change in concentration of moisture molecules, the active area of the sensor itself must be in direct contact with the gas to be measured.

The sensor is therefore potentially exposed to any sample borne contamination, so effective sample filtration is most critical, or aggressive chemicals present in the gas composition, whereby the attributes of the Michell Ceramic Sensor come to the fore.

The Michell Promet EExd Premium Sampling Systems are available in three installation configurations.

These comprise of an open panel version for indoor installation in a field analyser house, or a choice of GRP or 316 enclosures both offering IP66/NEMA 4 ingress protection for installation in the field adjacent to the pipeline or process plant to enable a fully hazardous area installation of the whole moisture analyser.

The Premium Sampling System range are available in two standard core designs to provide solutions to key applications: in answer to the needs of natural gas producers and distribution companies the Natural Gas Process and Pipeline Transmission Sampling System incorporates the latest micro-porous membrane filtration to provide 100 % protection against all liquid contaminants whilst an in-line adsorption cartridge removes even vapour phase glycol contamination.

For the petrochemical refinery, the Trace Moisture Measurement in Hydrocarbon Gas Sampling System takes a minimalist design approach to ensure that the Ceramic Sensor responds dynamically to the low trace moisture levels, often at sub-parts per million levels, that are essential to many refinery gas processes.

A key application for the Promet EExd with this sampling system is molecular sieve dehydration processing of natural gas prior to cryogenic liquefaction to produce LNG, at dewpoint levels in the region of -90Cdp.

This is evident where any significant moisture present, above a small faction of ppmV, would result in unacceptable ice formation within the process and potential plant blockage, with severe repercussions to productivity.

An extensive list of options is available for both of the core sampling system designs to accommodate needs for higher-pressure ratings up to 138barg/2,000 psig and enclosure heating/cooling options to suit even the most extreme climate.

A further option is trace heated/insulated sample tubing which has been made available for the first time as a convenient and cost effective factory fitted item for customers to specify at time of order.

The trace heated sample line avoids any potential for condensation in the sample gas due to cold temperature conditions, which would otherwise jeopardise the integrity of the measurement.

Where either of the two core sampling systems is not suitable, Michell Instruments provide custom designed sampling system solutions specific to user application/installation requirements.

The QualitySpec Pro NIR spectrophotometer scanning the spectral region 350-2500nm has been shown capable of providing an accurate measure of the moisture content in corn starch food products
The QualitySpec Pro NIR spectrophotometer scanning the spectral region 350-2500nm was the instrument used to demonstrate the feasibility of using NIR technology as an accurate means of predicting the moisture content in corn starch food products. It was coupled to a bi-furcated reflectance probe via a fibre optic cable and industry standard SMA 905 connectors. 70 different starch samples were obtained, and three spectral reflectance measurements were collected on each sample.

A spectrum averaging of 25 was used to optimise the signal to noise ratio: however, since the QualitySpec Pro has a 100 millisecond scan time, each spectral acquisition was completed in just 2.5 seconds.

For a background subtraction, a reference spectrum was collected using a Spectralon reflectance standard disc.

Once spectral data collection was completed for the samples, they were then analysed for moisture content via the oven drying and weighing method.

Primary oven dry results were then correlated to the relevant NIR spectra already measured on the QualitySpec Pro.

Grams/AI chemometric software package with PLS/PlusIQ was used for the multivariate analysis and calibration model construction.

The correlation coefficient (R2) was calculated at 0.958 and the standard error of cross validation (SECV) was calculated to be only 0.081% at 6 recommended factors or principal components.

Hence it was concluded that the technology employed by the QualitySpec Pro NIR analyser is ideal for making accurate predictions of the moisture content in corn starch.

Results are obtained in just seconds from instrumentation which can be placed at-line and/or used in a portable manner, thus providing answers when and where they are needed most.

The new Vaisala Humidity Calculator is a web based software tool that allows the user to calculate several humidity parameters from a known humidity value
The new Vaisala humidity Calculator is a web based software tool that allows the user to calculate several humidity parameters from a known humidity value. One can quickly convert between units, and see the effects of changing ambient conditions, like temperature and pressure. Relative humidity, dewpoint / frostpoint, absolute humidity, water content, mixing ratio, vapour pressure and parts per million can be calculated easily and quickly with the calculator.

The most commonly used units for each parameter have been included and can be changed during the calculation.

By changing the ambient conditions (temperature and pressure), their effect on each calculated parameter can be seen.

In addition to the online calculator, a downloadable version is also available from the website.

The Michell Instruments Optidew is a complete high performance solution for the monitoring and control of dew point and/or humidity within a climatic environmental test chamber
The Michell Instruments Optidew is a complete solution for the monitoring and control of dew point and/or humidity within a climatic environmental test chamber. The fundamental cooled mirror technology in a state-of-the-art format, not only provides the user with the highest performance and economy of ownership, but also offers unmatched and drift-free, long-term performance. These features allow the Optidew to be effectively deployed in any situation where precise and continuous measurement of the dew point or relative humidity of a process is required.

The climatic chambers may be used for a variety of product test applications, from aerospace and automotive to pharmaceutical and consumer goods testing.

Often the user will test at the extremes of the temperature and humidity envelope placing high demands on the choice of reference standard instruments.

This is where the proven fundamental optical dew-point measurement principle sets the Optidew above lower cost humidity probes that are not as accurate in this type of application.

The Optidew high performance optical dew-point transmitter offers a wide measurement range from the equivalent of from below 0.5 to 100 % RH at ambient temperatures from -40 to +90 C.

Optidew also provides two linear 4-20 mA outputs in addition to serial communications, allowing set-up and monitoring by a suitable computer or PLC system, or via specific Optidew logging software that is provided free of charge with the instrument.

An adjustable volt-free contact alarm means that Optidew can be used for direct process control.

An optional high definition alphanumeric display provides local indication of the measured humidity.

The rugged design means that the Optidew is capable of withstanding virtually all industrial conditions whilst retaining the performance and sensitivity of a high-level reference hygrometer.

The corrosion-resistant sensor in the Optidew provides the user with an instrument that can be used in the most demanding of environments.

Despite its industrial versatility, the transmitter is simple and easy to use and provides a very rapid response to the measured value from start-up.

The Optidew is supremely flexible and can be mounted in a variety of ways to suit the application.

The Optidew sensor can be used as a direct insertion probe in many applications, but it can also be flange mounted, tee mounted, or via an external sample line.

No other transmitter offers such performance and flexibility in a single package.

Class leading depression coupled with cable length capability of up to 250 metres and a pressure rating up to 2 MPa (optionally 25 MPa), makes almost any industrial application possible.