New miniature transmitters
The new Model T280 Series of miniature thermal-head mounted transmitters is designed for thermocouple, Pt-100 RTD, or millivolt input. Units are rated for 1,000 v dc or peak ac isolation. Transmitters have a low profile enclosure design, measuring 1.75 in. in diameter with a maximum height of 0.76 in.
There are three model series in the family. The T280-1000 series supports Pt-100, two or three-wire RTDs. The T280-2000 series handles thermocouple inputs, supporting B, E, J, K, L, N, R, S, or T thermocouples. Millivolt inputs of up to l00 mv are supported by the T280-3000 series. All of the T280 models output 4-20 ma. Adjustability of plus or minus15% for zero and span is provided. The T280 also has a stability of 0.02% of span/ degreesC., and linearity is better than plus or minus0.1% of span.
The T280 can be powered from a 10-40 v dc supply.
Source: Action Instruments, 8601 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123.
Position sensor for offshore rig use
An expanded Micropulse line of magnetostrictive linear position sensors for offshore rig operations offers a self-contained, explosionproof transducer. FM and CENELEC-approved, the explosionproof Micropulse has an IP68-rated stainless steel housing and provides benefits of noncontact magnetostrictive positioning technology with ruggedness, the firm notes.
The explosionproof unit is available with floats specially designed for liquid level applications in hazardous areas. It has received FM approval for Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D; and Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, and G.
Inherently accurate, the explosion-proof Micropulse features resolution to <0.2µ, linearity of plus or minus0.02%, and hysteresis of 0.0001 in., along with submillisecond analog update times.
The new transducer is CE-approved, shock-resistant, and sealed to IP68 requirements-immune to contamination from dust, chips, dirt, and oil, as well as outdoor environments. Noncontact, wear-free design helps ensure accuracy over the entire life of the unit, while absolute position sensing eliminates the need to rehome after a power outage.
Stroke lengths to 142 in. are available. Sensors operate on 24 v dc, protected against reverse polarity, with plus or minus15 v dc operation available as an option. All standard analog and digital outputs are available.
Exclusive, patented autotuning electronics help reduce maintenance and repair costs. Autotuning also compensates for any performance changes caused by temperature fluctuations, allowing the Micropulse to provide consistent, stable accuracy over a temperature range of -40 to +185 degrees F. Higher temperature ratings are available.
Source: Balluff Inc., 8125 Holton Drive, Florence, KY 41042.
New laser-controlled pipe-layer
A new and patented laser-controlled process lays pipe in a trench up to 5 ft wide and a maximum of 17 ft deep.
The system synchronizes the mechanical processes, utilizing a chain trencher carrying the pipe-laying equipment in place of an excavator. The enclosed unit consists of a pipe box and a gravel box and incorporates its own trench-shoring system. The unit can lay pipe to a depth of 11 ft at a rate of 6 fpm, the company says.
Steering and slope criteria are controlled by a specially designed laser system. This helps ensure precision and accuracy in the positioning of the pipe. All aspects are monitored on display instruments in the control cabin of the trencher.
The company also offers the latest version of its 70/45 rock trencher for operations up to 13 ft deep and 2.5-5.25 ft wide. It has a Caterpillar Type 3412TTA 750 hp engine. It incorporates a heavy-duty double cutting chain (equivalent size D7) with bolt-on plates capable of using cutting tools. The trencher can operate at cutting speeds that allow stepless adjustments of 0-8 fps.
The cutting boom is of a segmented type, of heavy duty construction with replaceable wear plates. Chain tension is remote hydraulic with mechanical lock, and the cutting chain drive is hydrostatic, by variable displacement pumps and two direct coupled low-speed high-torque motors. The 70/45s can be equipped with a laser steering system, a range of pipe boxes, and with the company's other patented, laser-controlled, automatic pipe-laying and trench-shoring systems. Units have two infinitely variable track speeds, one for working, the other for traveling and can be operated at ambient temperatures up to 54 degrees Celcius.
Source: Mastenbroek Ltd., Swineshead Rd., Wyberton Fen, Boston, Lincs. PE21 7JG, UK.
Differential pressure meter
Producers may find this firm's V-Cone differential pressure meter a handy tool for wellhead injection and allocation metering in onshore, topside, and subsea operations. Specifically, the interest in coalbed methane production in the US has resulted in greater interest in the V-Cone, the company says.
The firm says its patented flowmeter provides a differential pressure flow technology that offers outstanding performance with an accuracy of up to plus or minus0.5%, plus or minus0.1% repeatability, and flow range of 10:1 or greater.
Source: McCrometer, 3255 W. Stetson Ave., Hemet, CA 92545.
