Gow-Mac Ireland changes name to AGC Instruments
After 40 years of gas analysis equipment manufacturing and sales as Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland), a new dawn is on the horizon following the successful MBO and change of name to AGC Instruments.
After 40 years of manufacturing and sales as Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland), a new dawn is on the horizon following a change of name to AGC Instruments, following the successful MBO (Management buy-out) by the present management team at the Irish operation. Marcus Creaven, Sales Director says ‘exciting times are ahead for AGC, as we can now focus and deal personally with the many industrial, electronic, specialty gas manufacturers, coupled with our petrochemical and pharmaceutical customers also around the globe. We are putting a strong emphasis into local ground support, particularly in Europe, Middle East and South East Asian markets, to provide the application and technical back-up that is so important to our customers’.
All current gas chromatographs, gas analysers, thermal conductivity, patented discharge ionisation and argon discharge detectors, hot wire filaments etc will continue to be produced by AGC.
With strong continued and renewed R and D investment planned, 2007 will see new products launched to increase the AGC turnkey capabilities, with particular emphasis on the Pacific Rim and Americas markets.
Creaven continues, ‘Through listening to our customers, we are aiming to provide new innovative instruments and solutions under the AGC banner, all under the one roof’.
4-part hydrocarbon gas analyses at ppb levels
Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared Spectroscopy (EP-IR), introduces a new application explaining the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser.
Aspectrics, the innovator of Encoded Photometric Infrared spectroscopy (EP-IR) analysers and winner of the 2006 R+D 100 award, introduces a new application for the analysis of various hydrocarbon gases using its MultiComponent analyser. This application note demonstrates how the EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser is able to conduct simultaneous quantitative analysis of several hydrocarbon gases (C1-C4) in a mixture at parts-per-billion (ppb) level concentrations. Designed to respond to scientists’ needs in petrochemical, chemical, environmental and process laboratories, this application note can be downloaded free-of-charge from the newly designed website.
One of the most striking features of the innovative Aspectrics analyser is the speed of data collection: a full spectrum every 10 milli-seconds.
Such scanning speed can translate into applications such as ultra-fast kinetics, parts-per-million (ppm) level quantitative analysis in less than 5 seconds, or, as demonstrated in this application note, measurement of parts-per-billion (ppb) levels of hydrocarbon compounds (methane [CH3], ethane [C2H6], propane [C3H8] and butane [C4H10]) and carbon monoxide [CO], with integration times of only 1-5 minutes.
Traditionally, infrared wavelength generation devices, such as the Non Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, are limited either in the simultaneous characterisation of more than one chemical compound, or by a lack of ruggedness, respectively.
In contrast, the Aspectrics MultiComponent EP-IR spectrometer is not only capable of resolving several chemical compounds even if they share a similar chemical composition (and subsequent spectroscopic features), but also is more cost-effective both in field implementation and ownership due to its NDIR-like ruggedness).
The EP-IR MultiComponent Analyser contains patented encoder disc technology that enables the encoding of full spectral information 100 times per second, resulting in 10 milli-second true refresh rate of the chemical information.
Moreover, dedicated on-board processors allow users to monitor processes in real time, even as often as 100 times per second.
Aspectrics quantitative analysis software enables real-time characterisation of multiple chemicals in process streams.
The software also communicates analytical results and instrument health information to central network locations, and facilitates full automation of calibration and calibration maintenance in production mode.
Multi-channel controller monitors gas detectors
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.
Gow Mac Instrument sells Irish operation
Gow-Mac, a leading manufacturer of high performance analytical instruments, announces that it has completed the sale of the assets of Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland) to a non-disclosed Irish interest.
Gow-Mac Instrument Co, a leading manufacturer of high performance analytical instruments, has announced that it has completed the sale of the assets of Gow-Mac Instrument Co (Ireland) to a non-disclosed Irish interest. The board of directors of each company has approved the transaction. Mr Jeffrey Lawson, President and CEO of Gow-Mac Instrument Co states this change will enable Gow-Mac to fulfill and be more responsive to the rapidly changing analytical technology demands of their customers.
Gow-Mac now becomes a more fully integrated company by conducting all its product development, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing from the corporate headquarters in the USA.
Gow-Mac has expanded its global support in the form of additional sales facilities, most notably the Gow-Mac Instrument Co Taiwan office.
Gow-Mac Instrument Co is a leading manufacturer of gas chromatographs, on-line gas analysers and fully integrated ‘Packaged Laboratories’ for PAT and process monitoring, research, and trace gas analysis fulfilling the requirements of standard test methodologies - ASTM, GPA etc.
FT-IR Spectrometer specification tool on-line
Thermo Electron has launched a new interactive web tool to allow online specification by prospective customers of FT-IR Spectrometers to their specific application requirements prior to purchasing.
Thermo Electron Corporation, world leader in analytical instrumentation, announces the availability of a new state-of-the-art interactive web tool that allows current and prospective customers to build an FT-IR spectrometer to their specific application requirements prior to purchasing. This web tool is the first of its kind in the industry. Designed for scientists working in pharmaceutical, chemical, QA/QC, forensics, research and academic laboratories, this build-your-own web tool will be unveiled at the Thermo Booth at the 232nd National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, on 10-14 September 2006 and is accessible via the website.
Responding to the increasing workloads of scientists, the Thermo versatile web tool saves time by allowing users to interchange a variety of parts quickly and easily, including internal spectrometer components and software options as well as accessories such as ATR, Raman and infrared microscopes.
Users are able to complete around 80% of the Nicolet 6700 FT-IR instrument specification on-line, with the option of e-mailing their selections to their local salesperson for further clarification and/or to request a quote.
For more information about the Thermo new interactive web tool, please visit Thermo at Booth 300-307 at the ACS National Meeting and Exposition.
For cleanrooms, you can count on Fluke
Even the minutest piece of contamination ignored in the manufacture of payloads destined for space can result in eventual degradation of performance or even circuit failures and the loss of a mission.
Even the very minutest piece of contamination ignored during the manufacture of payloads destined for space can result in eventual degradation of performance or even circuit failures and the possible loss of a mission. So EADS Astrium, part of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, chose the accurate monitoring and reporting capabilities of the latest handheld Fluke 983 Particle Counter for use in its revamped cleanroom at Portsmouth, where it designs, manufactures, assembles and tests the essential electronic payloads which make up the heart of satellites and space probes. The Fluke 983 stores up to 5000 sampling results, which can be downloaded later to a PC for analysis and reporting.
Chris Jeffery, Process Control Manager at EADS Astrium, explained, ‘The size and portability of the Fluke 983 means we can sample air quality at any location, for example, up high near air conditioning vents to check the filtration of the incoming air, at locations hidden behind equipment and benches, and within laminar flow cabinets.
It is intuitive to use: readings are displayed on the LCD screen.
The software provided enables the data to be downloaded to a PC back in my office, so I can easily import it into a spreadsheet for analysis and regular reporting to meet European Space Agency requirements.
And by storing the information on a database, it is easy to interrogate later for purposes of traceability and statistical process control’.
Jonathan Roe, Manufacturing Engineer at EADS Astrium, explained the decision to purchase Fluke 983 Particle Counters for the cleanrooms on the site.
‘Originally we used a single trolley-based particle counting system but it had many drawbacks,’ he said: ‘Its lack of mobility meant it was difficult to monitor exact locations and its output of data was all in printed form.
We had to read the data, then manually enter it into a PC for reporting purposes.
We realised the new handheld Fluke 983 could be the ideal solution.
In trials it proved just that’.
The Fluke 983 stores sampling results, based on time, a set number of counts, or with a programmable delay.
Each time, it records date, time, counts, relative humidity, temperature, sample volumes, any alarm signals, and a location label.
The measurements are classified in particle size distribution steps between 0.3micron and 10.microns in diameter.
Renewable benefits on landfills for Summerleaze
Summerleaze Re-Generation are successfully utilising instrumentation made by Gas Data to continuously monitor the gases produced by the Poplars landfill in Cannock.
Summerleaze Re-Generation, who produce over 40MW of valuable renewable energy from 20 landfill sites, are successfully utilising instrumentation made by Gas Data to continuously monitor gases at the Poplars landfill in Cannock. The monitoring by the powerful Gas Data analysers of parameters such as methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide and potentially engine-damaging hydrogen sulphide, ensure that Summerleaze Re-Generation comply with IPPC (EU Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) regulations. In addition, the monitoring of gas flow demonstrates to the Environment Agency that crucially, just the right amount of gas is being extracted.
Data can be viewed on site, on the road, at the office, or from anywhere in the world.
Mike Williams, Projects Manager for Summerleaze Re-Generation, commented: ‘By using the Gas Data monitoring system, we benefit from optimum planning and control.
We also benefit from the fact that the very time consuming slog of manually gathering and inputting data has been removed’.
Operating to comply with DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres) as well as ATEX requirements, (the directive for Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres) and offering more measuring parameters and more channels than other analysers, Gas Data instrumentation is designed with expansion in mind, enabling companies to prove in the long term that land is safe for future, post-landfill use.
Filtration Society Conference in October
One-day Filter Testing conferences are amongst the most popular events organised by the Filtration Society, and this year the topic is ‘ISO test methods’, presented by leading European experts.
One-day Filter Testing conferences are amongst the most popular events organised by the Filtration Society. They usually attract in excess of 100 delegates and around 25 exhibitors from all over Europe. This year’s event, which will be held on 3 October 2006 at the Coventry Transport museum (UK), may prove to be the most popular ever, as it revolves around ISO test methods.
The conference, organised by Dr Graham Rideal, chairman of the Society and MD of Whitehouse Scientific, will discuss all the major pore size measurement methods for wet and dry filtration.
The sessions will be presented by leading European experts.
As well as the seven principal lectures, a poster session comprising ten short presentations and a comprehensive exhibition will ensure delegates are made fully aware of all the latest filter testing technologies.
As a bonus, delegates will receive free entry to the museum where they can see vehicles ranging from the first cars ever produced to Thrust, a supersonic land speed record holder.
New Vaisala Spectracap oxygen transmitter
Vaisala introduces a new product for monitoring oxygen in industrial process gases, the Vaisala Spectracap Oxygen Transmitter, with an in-line sensor using tunable diode laser technology.
Vaisala introduces a new product for monitoring oxygen in industrial process gases, the Vaisala Spectracap Oxygen Transmitter OMT355. For the first time, the Vaisala Spectracap sensor offers tunable diode laser (TDL) technology in a compact probe suitable for field use. The Spectracap sensor measures oxygen concentration optically by measuring the absorption of light from a tunable diode laser.
For oxygen sensing the laser is tuned to a wavelength which is characteristic for the oxygen molecule.
The OMT355 can be flange-mounted directly into a process without sampling or sample conditioning equipment.
This provides the user real time measurement data without sampling or sample switching delays.
In addition, the stainless steel probe tolerates aggressive chemicals and excessive amounts of moisture.
For processes with high temperatures, elevated pressures or excessive solids content, an optional sampling cell is available for the transmitter.
As the sensor is very robust and has low sensitivity to gas flow and pressure variations, the associated sampling system is simple and can be installed near the sampling point.
The OMT355 is a low-maintenance instrument.
A stainless steel mesh filter protects the probe optics from dust and dirt.
An optional hydrophobic, porous PTFE filter is also available.
Typical applications for the OMT355 include gas generation, inert gas blanketing, fermentation and composting process monitoring.
Total Processing and (Food) Packing Show 2007
Witt Gas Techniques will be exhibiting gas distribution, mixing and analysis equipment for use on Modified Atmosphere Packaging lines at the Total Processing and Packing Exhibition.
Witt Gas Techniques, the Warrington based gas safety, control, mixing and analysis equipment supplier will be exhibiting on stand 5417 at the Total Processing and Packing Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham from 15-18 May 2007. The company will be exhibiting and demonstrating their range of gas distribution, mixing and analysis equipment for use on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) lines. This equipment will include a brand new fully automated Leak-Master Inline, part of a series of micro-leak detection systems for finding the smallest leaks in individual flexible and rigid food and pharmaceutical packaging based on CO2 detection technology.
This new leak detector is a flexible conveyor system able to check for leaks on single packs, multiple packs and boxed items using an adjustable testing chamber.
Other equipment on show will include the portable ‘Leak-Master’, a modified atmosphere food packaging (MAP) micro-leak detection system based on CO2 detection technology to find leaks in individual flexible and rigid food packaging.
It has a new touch screen interface and high memory capability, storing settings for up to 1,200 different products as well as names and passwords for 60 users.
A low cost, ‘Pack-Vac’ leak detection system able to detect leaks in individual packages without the need for any trace gases.
Pack-Vac uses only water and compressed air to detect any leaks and is designed for use with most flexible and rigid packaging found in modified atmosphere packaging as well as other industrial packaging.
Oxybaby V, a hand held gas measuring and analysing system plus a new Oxybaby M for those packaging companies, who still require mobility in their packaging inspection but do not have the need to record measured results and without the requirement to export logged data via an interface to a computer, a feature that is supplied as standard on the Oxybaby V version.
Oxybaby M can be used not only on packaging lines, but in laboratories and stores and is designed to measure the O2 and CO2 content of the smallest individual food packages, such as salami, cheese slices and snacks as well as other food packaging including poultry and salads.