Large diameter vacuum cups suited for heavy lifting
Large vacuum cups in sizes to 15 in. in diameter are designed to lift and manipulate large, bulky, or cumbersome materials.
Round, rectangular, or oval cups are available from stock for a variety of lift manufacturers. Sizes and types are available to fit virtually any type of vacuum equipment used for lifting, manipulating, or "pick and place" applications. Materials are available to suit most any application including high-temperature materials, antistatic for handling electronic components, and nonmarking materials for sensitive products.
An on line catalog—searchable by cup attributes such as diameter, height, and width—can be viewed at www.vi-cas.com.
Source: Vi-Cas Mfg. Co., 8407 Monroe Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45236.
Free refinery pocket guide
Here's the free Systems & Solutions Enclosures pocket guide.
It provides a helpful overview of enclosure solutions for refining, biodiesel production, chemical, and petrochemical manufacturing applications. Each enclosure solution also indicates relevant location classifications including Class I Div. 1, Class I Div. 2, Class I Div. 1 and 2, Class I and II Div. 1 and Ex II 2GD (GOST-ready). Call 330-425-3555 to request a free copy.
Source: Pepperl+Fuchs Inc., 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087.
New process optimization software
Newly released aspenONE V8 software delivers a new version of Aspen HYSYS; solids modeling functionality (acquired from SolidSim earlier last year) integrated within Aspen Plus; the new Aspen PIMS Platinum; a new version of Aspen Collaborative Demand Manager; and other advanced process control, energy and economic analysis. Highlights include:
• A new Aspen HYSYS. The process simulator redefines simulation usability with a redesigned interface, streamlined work flow, and interactive analysis. It helps make it faster and easier to generate optimized process simulations—from upstream to refining.
• Solids modeling integrated within the simulation environment. The integration of recently acquired SolidSim technology into Aspen Plus eliminates silos between previously disparate solids and liquids modeling processes. This makes it possible to optimize all chemical processes together.
• The new "Activate" feature in Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS. This allows process engineers to find energy and capital cost savings faster. Through activated energy, process engineers can quickly identify ways to change designs to reduce energy, saving design time and future operating cost. Employing activated economics, process engineers can apply science rather than intuition to help ensure the best use of capital.
• New "Adaptive Process Control" in aspenONE APC. This featurey automates many of the tasks that traditionally required control engineering resources. With Adaptive Process Control, process manufacturers can sustain advanced process control performance by making maintenance a continuous process.
• The introduction of Aspen PIMS Platinum. The latest addition to the aspenONE Petroleum Supply Chain product line enables planners to collaborate more easily to deliver optimal plans faster. They can visualize and evaluate multiple scenarios along with plant data to make better, more profitable decisions.
• A new Aspen Collaborative Demand Manager. A user experience provides the information granularity customers need to manage different forecasting requirements. Process manufacturers can improve demand forecast accuracy to increase customer service levels, reduce excess inventory, and provide better input to purchasing decisions.
Source: Aspen Technology Inc., 200 Wheeler Rd., Burlington, MA 01803.
Underwater cement-returns detection system
The OceanSENSE seafloor cement-returns leak detection system has, at last report, completed 70 jobs with 100% detection success rate since its first deployment in second-quarter 2010, the company says.
Employing advanced optical technology, OceanSENSE is around 50 times as sensitive as the human eye and can detect trace dye in the water down to a few parts per billion at a typical range of 5-7 m. OceanSENSE is a ‘bright light system' that enables the remotely operated vehicle to complete operations with lights on at all times as opposed to traditional ‘black light' systems that require ROV lights to be turned off during detection operations.
Source: Ocean Tools Ltd., Ocean Tools House, Claymore Drive, Aberdeen AB23 8GD, UK.
