Equipment/Software/Literature

Oct. 27, 2003
New level transmitters perform continuous, remote liquid measurement that is based on magnetostrictive float technology.

New magnetostrictive level transmitters

New level transmitters perform continuous, remote liquid measurement that is based on magnetostrictive float technology.

Click here to enlarge image

This new Type FFG-T transmitter uses current impulses from a magnetized float to offer accurate measurements of liquid levels. Foaming, conductivity, pressure, temperature, dielectric constant, or other factors do not affect the signals, the company says.

In addition to handling signal transmission over long distances, the new transmitters install easily and don't require any calibration beyond initial adjustment. Transmitter housing is stainless steel and units are also available in a range of corrosion-resistant materials.

Temperature rated from –328° F. to +392° F. and pressure-rated from vacuum to 1,450 psi, these transmitters are suited for oil and gas field uses as well as petrochemical and chemical operations.

Source: KSR Kuebler Level Control Products of America Inc., 8349 Arrowridge Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273.

New web-based system monitors unattended equipment

A new web-native human machine interface (HMI) graphics system handles remote monitoring of unattended equipment.

The wwHMI server offers dynamically generated image files for integration into any web site. Graphics available immediately include full and quarter gauges with control limits, thermometer with control limits, on-off indicator, and a set of graphical LEDs for visual monitoring of multiple control registers.

The HMI graphics server provides dynamically generated graphics in the portable network graphics format. The server enables fast, useful, and attractive web pages that display status reports from unattented machines and equipment. Web developers and system integrators can link to the dynamic graphics at no cost from any web development environment, the firm says.

Users can view the graphics with any current web browser. Intended applications for the graphics include internet and intranet web sites for maintenance of remote equipment sites, web monitoring of programmable logic controllers, and graphical display of data from legacy PC-based systems, embedded web servers, and databases into web pages.

The wwHMI graphics require no browser plug-ins and are compatible with all common web development tools including Microsoft Frontpage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Cold Fusion, PHP, Netscape Composer, and text editors. A description of the available widgets and instructions for integration into web pages can be found at the WWMachines.com web portal. The standard widgets are currently available at no charge.

Source: World Wide Machines, 2424 E. Walnut, Pasadena, CA 91107.

New fixed-point gas monitor

Here's the new iTrans line of gas detection transmitters.

Click here to enlarge image

These fixed-point gas monitors use an intelligent electronics foundation to provide one or two points of detection from a single head. The microprocessor-controlled monitors are capable of independent operation or multipoint system configurations and can transmit a 4-20 ma signal or modbus RTU digital output to any control device.

The flexible platform allows for any combination of gas sensors to be mounted on board or remotely, as far as 200 m. Available sensors include CO, H2S, O2, LEL, NH3, NO, NO2, SO2, HCN, Cl2, ClO2, PH3, and HCl for any specific environment.

The modbus RTU interface allows systems integrators to connect iTrans monitors or nondisplay sensor heads to existing or new SCADA, HMI, and PLC systems. Using standard three or four wire connections, the system is capable of accommodating more than 200 transmitters in RS485 bus configuration.

With optional on-board relays, the monitor has the added ability of stand-alone operation, activating alarms, horns, or fans. The unit also offers a relay deactivation feature to prevent accidental alarm activation during calibrations. All transmitters carry safety features including automatic sensor recognition, access code security, zero, and calibration fault protection.

Monitors also feature nonintrusive calibration, smart sensing technology, a large visual LED display, programmable alarms, and on-board indicators of sensor life. The units are simply programmed from a setup menu controlled by four keys.

Units are housed in an explosionproof enclosure suited for Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, and D environments and will carry the NRTL/c, CSA, Cenelec (ATEX), and Australian certification approvals. The monitor also carries Chinese approval GB3836.1 with Ex d IIC T4 rating.

Source: Industrial Scientific Corp., 1001 Oakdale Rd., Oakdale, PA 15071.

Upgraded program aids liquids pipeline operators

An upgrade to the Overland Spread (OLS) Model for liquids pipeline operators is on the market.

New Version 3.5 is designed to improve upon analysis used to define and assess potential high consequence area (HCA) impacts of liquids pipelines.

The OLS Model features an improved data set for modeling stream velocity, the potential rate of product transport, and whether a release could impact an HCA. This upgrade will make use of discharge rates based on peak stream discharge using 90th percentile statistics.This further enhances the ability to assess risk based on worst-case scenarios for any given potential HCA impact, the firm notes.

Source: GeoFields Inc., Atlantic Center Plaza, 1180 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309.