Latest Product Reviews

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced the new Thermo Scientific Model 60i, a full-extractive, multi-gas analyzer that features non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) optical filter technology to ensure accurate, precise measurement of up to six gases, including CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and SO2. The Model 60i also accommodates an optional O2 measurement capability using either an affordable electrochemical cell or, when high accuracy and reliability are required, paramagnetic technology. In addition, the unit is designed with built-in safeguards that protect the analyzer in the event of a sample conditioning system malfunction.

The high sensitivity of the Model 60i requires as little as one quarter the flow rate of other instruments, exposing the analyzer and sample conditioning system to less particulate and water for more dependable operation. The Model 60i also possesses a wider dynamic range than other multi-gas analyzers, requiring less configuration. 

Energy and fuel conservation has been one of the worlds most talked about topics for a number of years. Whether it be the need to conserve fuel and increase the MPG from your car, or simply turning off the lights and appliances when you go to bed to save energy, companies, organisations and governments the world over are all pushing efficiency initiatives and their green credentials. This drive has stimulated the growth of innovations for UK based manufacturer Midland-ACS.

Utilising research into the marketplace and assessments of client demands their new 70 series valve has been engineered to provide customers with higher flow rates, while at the same time consuming less power than both traditional solenoids and competitor valves alike. Using 316 stainless steel in the body construction to offer maximum internal and external protection from liquid and gases the 70 series is a direct-acting 3/2 hazardous area solenoid valve for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

For process manufacturing companies, the replacement, repair, servicing and maintenance of electrical equipment that is located within a potentially explosive atmosphere, is often time consuming and costly.Today, around 65% of all electrical maintenance carried out is corrective action and 35% is preventive. With preventive maintenance, more than 50% of all apparatus serviced is not actually broken.

Before any electrical apparatus

Fluke is offering a money saving Fluke 87V/i410 Combo Kit which combines a Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter (DMM) with a Fluke i410 Current Clamp in a soft carry case. Saving 29% over buying the items separately, the kit offers a CAT IV 600V safety-rated, true-rms DMM with unmatched high performance, accuracy and diagnostic functions especially for adjustable-speed motor drives and other electrically noisy equipment, together with a CAT III 600V clamp meter for readings up to 400A AC or DC.

The Fluke 87V DMM has the measurement functions, troubleshooting features, resolution and accuracy to solve many problems associated with motor drives, and plant automation, power distribution and electro-mechanical equipment. It is engineered to withstand voltage spikes of 8kV and to help protect users against the hazards of arc flash. It includes a plug-in Fluke 80BK temperature probe, which can be used to easily check whether overheating is involved in a system breakdown. The Fluke i410 Current Clamp can be used with the 87V to measure AC/DC current in conductors up to 30mm in diameter. 

PCB Piezotronics has released the industry exclusive Model 699A02, a portable, lightweight, battery powered industrial handheld shaker, designed to conveniently verify accelerometer and vibration system performance, as well as confirm operation of interconnecting cables, switching devices and monitoring systems.
 
The unit operates at 159.2 Hz and delivers a controlled, 1 g RMS or 1 g peak acceleration to test accelerometers and vibration sensors weighing up to 250 grams. Model 699A02 is ideal for field troubleshooting predictive maintenance and condition based monitoring systems, and can be used to verify sensor calibration and performance right at the machine, including permanently mounted accelerometers.

The new belt tension tester from Econobelt uses sound waves instead of force deflection to accurately measure tension. The portable, lightweight and easy-to-use meter produces repeatable results for any operator. It can be used in almost any environment and produce fast results, calculated in seconds. The unit, identified as the 507C runs on four AAA batteries.

The Model 507C comes with a cord sensor. Optionally available are an inductive sensor or a flexible sensor, and a cord sensor. At the new Econobelt eStore you can get immediate quotes, download a 3D model, and place online orders.

Oil level indication is a vital part of any system and requires a quick and simple checking procedure. Ideally a quick visual sight check during other regular maintenance

Telescopic cover stays from EMKA are used for support of horizontal or vertical covers on control panels, e.g. rooftop air-conditioning cabinets, for support, or simply as a wind stay. Now their new 1097 variants incorporates a facility for manual pushbutton/pull cord operation. Use of a pull cord greatly facilitates operation of widely spaced multiple stays on very wide covers of one metre plus. It also enables simple operation and enhanced safety.

Standard features of the 1097 series include automatic or manual release types in sizes up to the new 710mm (extended length) 1097-U6 version. Automatic release operates when the open cover is raised (to release the locked stay), then closed. Manual release ensures an added level of safety - requiring somebody to physically push the release button or pull the cord for release.

Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) announces a new line of 303 stainless steel solid precision ground shafting. Identified as the BBSHAF... Series, these shafts are stocked in 3 diameters, .1247", .1872", and .2497".

They are available in lengths ranging from 1" to 36". They feature 1/64" x 45o chamfer at both ends and straightness of .0004 per inch. Quotes plus online orders are available at our new QBC eStore.

QBC has in stock: miniature bearings, plastic bearings, rod end bearings, spherical bearings, pillow blocks, sintered bronze bushings, radial ball bearings, thrust bearings & washers, sleeve bearings, needle bearings, inner races, roller clutches, guide wheels & rail systems, linear ball bearings, inner and outer ring spacers and shafting. 

An ideal application for the optoNCDT 2200-LL is therefore in structured surfaces, where the distance and not the structure itself need to be measured. The distance measurement should not be influenced by the structure of the surface, but instead should provide a constant, reliable value of the distance from the target.

Erich Winkler, Product Manager at Micro-Epsilon comments: “The speckle effect that is often associated with rough surfaces is filtered out by the new sensor’s optics and software algorithms. A component with a rough surface, when illuminated with light from a laser, exhibits a speckled appearance. This effect makes it very difficult for laser sensors to measure distances to surfaces, especially if the surface defects are very small.”

According to Winkler, the optoNCDT 2200-LL is already being used in a number of applications, including measuring the distance of lift cylinders on printing machines and for measuring the thickness of shiny, oily steel surfaces on textile machinery. The sensor is also being used to measure structured surfaces on grinding wheels and on CNC turned parts, including shafts and tubes. “These parts are cut from metal and are left with small machining tracks on the surface, which together, act like a small mirror to a laser light. In this case, most of the light is reflected back to the sensor at different angles rather than in a diffuse manner and so the sensor struggles to take accurate measurements. The optoNCDT 2200-LL has been designed specifically to solve measurement problems such as these,” explains Winkler.

Seven different versions of the optoNCDT 2200-LL sensor are available, with measuring ranges between 2mm and 200mm. The sensor is based on the company’s very successful optoNCDT 2200 and therefore benefits from all the other advantages of this series, such as fast measurement rates and automatic real-time exposure regulation.

For more information on Micro-Epsilon’s optoNCDT 2200-LL and 2220 sensors, please call the sales department on 0151 260 9800 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.