Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts

Learn How a pH Sensor Works

pH Sensor
pH Sensor (Mettler)
The video below will provide you with a basic visual understanding of the design of pH sensors and the principles behind pH probe operation. Before viewing the video, here are some pH basics:

What is pH measurement?

pH (potential of hydrogen) is a figure used to express the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a logarithmic scale. On this scale 7 is neutral; lower values are more acidic and higher values are more alkaline, with a maximum measurement of 14. In process applications, pH is generally measured with an inline pH probe, the most common being the glass combination electrode. Additionally, an inline pH probe generally requires a process adaption, cable and transmitter.

How does a pH probe work?

A typical combination pH probe is made up of two separate electrodes built into one, a pH sensing electrode, and a reference electrode. In the simplest terms, a pH sensing electrode uses a special pH sensing glass membrane. H+ ions permeate the membrane creating a charge. The potential between the two electrodes is the measurement of hydrogen ions in the solution, giving the measure of pH. For more details, download the free pH Theory Guide.

What is the difference between a pH probe, a pH sensor and a pH electrode?

Absolutely nothing! The three terms are used interchangeably in the industry. They can be used for probes that are used in-process or in laboratory measurement. You may also hear the term "pH meter". This can be used for a piece of laboratory equipment, or the term pH meter can also be used to mean the combination of an inline pH probe, cable and transmitter.

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Magnetostrictive Level Transmitter

magnetostrictive level transmitter
Magnetostrictive level transmitter
Image courtesy Jogler, LLC
Physical properties of certain materials can be applied using ingenuity and creativity to create useful appliances. Magnetostriction, a physical property of ferromagnetic materials, produces a change in shape or dimension in the subject material when it is magnetized. This basic principle is integrated into a liquid level transmitter by extending a sensing wire along the interior length of a tube immersed in a process tank or other vessel containing the liquid to be measured. The transmitter pulses the sensing wire with an electrical current, creating an electromagnetic field. A magnetic float, travelling along the outside of the sensing tube, rises and falls as the liquid level in the tank changes. As the float moves along the length of the sensing tube, it creates a torsional stress in the sensing wire, starting at the position of the float, which matches the level of liquid in the tank. A sensing element converts the torsional stress in the wire to an electrical pulse. The transmitter measures the time differential between the initial pulse it sent down the sensor wire and the pulse resulting from the torsional stress and then calculates the position of the float and the liquid level.

These devices are very accurate and operate on a standard 2-wire loop. There are numerous options and variants that allow configuration for each application.

More information is included in the data sheet below. Your best source for current product and application information is a product specialist. Combining your process knowledge with their application expertise will produce the best outcomes.


Comparison of Digital and Analog pH Sensors



The video, produced by Mettler Toledo, provides a comparison of digital and analog pH sensors, particularly focused on operational and calibration procedures used for each. The digital version provides some real time saving advantages. Share you process measurement and analytical challenges with a process analytics specialist. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the best solutions for your operation.

Turbidity Measurement Tailored for Water Treatment Applications



Learn about the HF Scientific MTOL+ turbidimeter from this short video. Turbidity measurement is a common task in water treatment and water quality monitoring. Instruments designed for accuracy and easy of use, such as the MTOL+, can save time while producing reliable results. Notable features of the redesigned online instrument include:
  • Primary calibration can be completed in less than 5 minutes.
  • Low volume sample chamber enables quick response time.
  • Field replaceable long lasting light source.
  • Simple modular design with low maintenance burden
  • No external controller needed.
  • Bubble rejection system eliminates bubbles without delaying response time.
  • Data logging and storage of 1 year’s measurement and calibration data
  • Variable user-selectable logging interval from 1 to 60 minutes
  • Download data via USB
  • Software updates via USB
  • Isolated 4-20mA output standard
  • 4-20mA and RS-485 Modbus outputs simultaneously
  • Ultrasonic cleaning standard
Watch the video, and share your water quality measurement requirements and challenges with process measurement specialists. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Quickly Solve a Range of Freeze Protection Challenges With Pre-Assembled Self-Regulating Heating Cable

preassembled self regulating heat cable freeze protection
Pre-assembled self-regulating heat cable sets can speed
installation of freeze protection for piping systems.
Image courtesy BriskHeat Corp.
Heat tracing a pipe, from start to finish can be time consuming. Selecting the various components, starting with the heating cable itself, extends through termination kits, controllers, mounting hardware and other electrical hardware needed to put the heating system in operation. BriskHeat has a product that, for many applications, offers a very simple and quick solution.

Pre-assembled self regulating heat cable is available in two voltage ranges, two watt densities, and prefabricated lengths up to 150 feet. Each cable is terminated at each end, saving the installer time. The cable is flexible enough for a spiral installation or to wrap around valves in the piping system. The self regulating aspect of the cable negates the need for a controller and power switching devices. Assemblies targeted for 120 volt applications are provided with a factory installed plug. The 208-277 volt cables will arrive with bare wire leads for installation of a customer provided connector. The cable can be easily installed using fiberglass or aluminum tape. Suitable insulation applied over the finished work will improve the performance of the heating system.

Share your heat trace and freeze protection challenges with industrial heating specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.


Know About ILS Automation

Sterile processing facility
Bringing ideas to fruition can sometimes require knowledge, skills, or a manpower commitment that is not readily available in an organization. There can be times when leveraging internal resources with outside expertise and assistance is the smart move, empowering your organization to attain its goals faster.

For bioprocess control and automation, ILS Automation can be that outsourced expertise and effort that gets the project done. The company combines bioprocess expertise, control software, and hardware into a turnkey package.

Cell Culture, Fermentation, Biofuel - Technology and engineering for accurate control of animal, insect, and plant cell cultivation. Systems from lab to pilot scale. Custom and semi-custom systems, fully integrated to meet process requirements to test optimize and translate lab and pilot scale activities into full scale production.

Bioreactors and control systems, including process control and analytical software, combine with full scale integrator services at ILS Automation. Find out more about how they can support and improve your bioprocess development by contacting a product and service specialist. Leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their expertise will lead to an effective solution.

New Silicone Heating Tapes For Industrial Heating Applications

flexible silicone rubber heat tape
Ultra-flexible silicone rubber heat tape easily wraps
smaller diameter pipes.
Image courtesy BriskHeat Corp.
There are many places throughout industrial and commercial installations where freeze protection or another reason for pipe heating exist. It is valuable to have a solution that can be applied quickly and easily to allow resources to remain focused on the larger mission of the organization.

BriskHeat has introduced their XtremeFLEX® line of silicone sheathed heat tape that combines plug and play installation ease with maximum flexibility and a built-in preset thermostat. The product can be installed with a bend radius of 1/4", allowing its use on small process lines of many types. The manufacturer provides a listing of some possible uses.
  • Viscosity and temperature control
  • Freeze protection
  • Integrally heated tools
  • Gas tubing
  • Valves
  • Laboratory heating
  • Plastic bending heat tape
  • External heating of dies and tools
  • Temporary heat
  • Hopper throat heater
  • Heat Tape for Pipes
More product information is provided in the brochure included below. Share your potential applications and heating challenges with an industrial heating specialist. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.


Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

total organic carbon TOC analyzer for water and purified water
Mettler Toledo Thornton Model 500TOCi
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer
Image courtesy Mettler Toledo Thornton
Total Organic Carbon, or TOC, is one of several common water purity measurements. Purified water use in power generation, semiconductor manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production all depend upon minimum standards of quality to avoid adverse impact on process output or operation. Elevated levels of carbon compounds in purified process water indicates that water treatment equipment is not performing properly and needs attention.

TOC measurement involves oxidation of carbon compounds in the presence of UV light and a measurement of sample conductivity. Processing of the raw measurement yields a value for total organic carbon. Analytical instruments  that lessen the need for human involvement and deliver rapid and accurate results are preferred. Mettler Toledo provides an advanced solution for TOC measurement with it 5000TOCi analyzer.

  • Fast continuous measurement
  • Reagent and chemical free
  • Reliable operation
  • ISM Intelligent Sensor Management

More detail is provided in the document below. Share your process analytic challenges with fluid process specialists. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.


Some Recent Literature Updates for Electron Machine Corporation

industrial refractometer inline process measurement
MPR E-Scan is a rugged, industrialized
in-line process refractometer.
Image courtesy Electron Machine Corp.
Electron Machine Corporation, manufacturer of industrial process refractometers, recently updated some of their product, application and support literature. The new documents are described and linked below. Share your process measurement challenges, and any questions you may have about the Electron Machine process refractometers, with a product specialist. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Operating and Service Manual for MPR E-Scan
Service manual for the MPR E-Scan, a hybrid-digital critical angle in-line process refractometer. It is used to measure the refractive index of process fluids.

MDS (Monitor Divert System) Color Manual
Service manual for the Monitor Divert System, a BLRBAC (Black Liquor Recovery Boiler Advisory Committee) compliant Black Liquor solids monitoring system designed specifically for Black Liquor recovery boilers.

Refractometers for Food Industry
Brochure for refractometers used to detect sugar levels and properties of jams juices, beverages, dairy products and much more.

Refractometers for Chemical Industry
Brochure for the MPR E-Scan used for measuring the strength of a chemical when diluted with water or with another chemical.

MPR E-Scan Sales Brochure
The MPR E-Scan is a rugged, industrialized, in-line process refractometer. It directly measures the refractive index of process fluids and then displays the reading in any number of customer-desired units (Brix, Percent Solids, Dissolved Solids, SGU, R.I., etc.).

Continuous Microbial Monitoring For Process Water

production facility for sterile products pharmaceuticals
Real time microbial monitoring for process water builds
quality and production levels.
Monitoring process water microbial counts in the pharmaceutical industry has traditionally been a time consuming, hands-on operation. Sample preparation, plate counting, stains, reagents, and the time required to get results has kept microbial monitoring a cumbersome task that provides only snapshots of the process water quality at the time of sampling.

The Thornton Model 7000RMS from Mettler Toledo, a continuous on-line microbial monitoring system for purified water and water for injection, uses advanced laser based technology to provide immediate detection and quantification of microorganisms. Particles as small as .52 microns can be detected, and the monitor uses recent advancements in spectroscopic technology to differentiate between microbial and inert particles.

The 7000RMS puts on-line analytics for microbial contamination on the same timeline as TOC and conductivity, with all three critical aspects now subject to real time measurement.

The offers a white paper with a more detailed view of the system functions and the technology behind it. Additional product and application information is available. Share your water analysis and process analytic challenges with application experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.


Steady Product Improvement for Jogler Level Gauges

magnetic liquid level gauge
Magnetic liquid level gauges provide high visibility indication
of liquid level.
Image courtesy Jogler, LLC
Great performing products do not always arise from wholly new designs. More often, they are the culmination of a string of small improvements incorporated into an existing design. You keep what works and add improvements in response to customer feedback, and newly available material and manufacturing resources.

Jogler, LLC is a high quality level gauge manufacturer, located in Baton Rouge, LA (USA). The company pursues excellence in the manufacture and performance of all its level and flow measurement and indication products. Several improvements were included in their magnetic liquid level gauges. Not all are visually apparent, so we share them here.

  • Chambers are designed to ANSI B31.1 and B31.3 specifications. Extruded outlets are used to weld chamber branch connections, ensuring smooth and reliable float travel.
  • Indicators utilize a proprietary technology to seal the bargraph indicator tubes that eliminates the use of special glass blowing techniques that can weaken the instrument and make it susceptible to damage due to shipping or vibration.
  • The bargraph assembly utilizes an extruded aluminum rail system that remains dimensionally stable, will not twist of deform at temperature extremes. Flags are captive in the rail system and cannot bind or fall out.
  • Floats are constructed with a single weld, reducing leak potential and weld induced metal weakening. 
The product line general overview is provided below. More detail on specific product features and how they can provide top flight performance in real process measurement and control applications is available from product application specialists. Share your liquid level measurement and indication challenges. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.



User-Friendly Handheld pH Meter for Process Measurement

portable handheld pH redox meter instrument
The Pro2Go handheld pH meter delivers high levels
of accuracy and functionality for process measurement.
Image courtesy Mettler-Toledo Process Analytics
A wide range of user-friendly features for accurate measurement of pH and redox are integrated into a versatile rugged handheld instrument from Mettler Toledo. The Pro2Go is designed and well suited for single-handed operation, with its light weight, slim case and intuitive operation. The device features compatibility with a range of analog and Mettler Toledo's ISM sensors. The Pro2Go provides superior service for many industrial process operations. Extending its applicability are intuitively linked menus, a graphic LCD display and operation in 10 languages.

A data sheet, included below, provides more detail on the robust pH and redox measurement system. Measurement data can be accumulated in the field, with up to 2000 readings stored in the unit available for simple transfer via USB connection.

For more detailed information, contact the process measurement specialists at Alliance Technical Sales. Share your process measurement challenges of all types with application specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the most effective solutions.


Best Practice Guide For Pharmaceutical Water Systems

sterile production facility with stainless steel vessels
Producing water for pharmaceutical production is a
critical process.
Pharmaceutical production operations utlizing water are common. The process and regulatory requirements for the water and the procedures employed for production and quality assurance are extensive and complex.

Mettler Toledo, through its Thornton brand, has a long history of involvement in pure water quality measurement. The company's sensors, analyzers and transmitters are found throughout many industrial settings where precision pure water quality measurements are the essential part of the operation.

Thornton recently published a helpful guide for best practices in pure water measurement. It is entitled "Compliance by Design in Pharmaceutical Water Systems". The document provides a summary of water sources and contaminants, then continues with an outline of industry requirements for bulk waters. The production of pure water is dicussed, and recommendations for pharmaceutical water system instrumentation are provided.

A copy of the document is provided below. Share your process analytical challenges with the application experts, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.


Alliance Technical Sales Wraps Up a Good Year

automated process control room
Alliance Technical Sales, like every other business, is finishing out 2017. Everyone at ATS is thankful for the support and opportunity provided by our customers and suppliers.

The company made some changes to its product lineup during the past year, expanding the range of application solutions available.


We also continued our program of product training and education to maintain top flight competence in recommending solutions to our customers' process measurement and control challenges.

Thank you, again. We look forward to the upcoming year and providing service to our customers at all levels.


Sight Flow Indicators

armored direct read flow indicator
Armored flow indicator provides direct visual reading
of process media flow.
Image courtesy Jogler, LLC
In the operation of an industrial process, there may be instances where a visual confirmation or assessment of fluid flow is useful or necessary. In those cases, a direct reading sight flow indicator is just the thing needed to fill the requirement.

The sight flow indicator is essentially a clear tube with an encasement and appropriate connections that facilitate the indicator's installation into a process piping system. It is installed in a manner that provides an operator visual access to the inside of the piping at that location. Further details about construction materials, armoring, and more will round out the product selection that best accommodates the industrial environment, the media, and the visual inspection needs.

Jogler manufactures a range of flow, level and analytical instruments for industrial use. Their sight flow indicators, with line sizes from 1/2 to 4 inches and lengths up to 60 inches, enable a process operator to get that all important look at the liquid media as is passes through the flow indicator. The presence, color and character of the media can be assessed visually through the flow indicator, delivering visual confirmation of some targeted aspect of the process.

Share your process flow and level measurement challenges with instrumentation specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.


Host Device Transmitters for Interchangeable Sensors

process measurement transmitter with wireless network connection to smart phone
Indigo 200 Series Transmitters accommodate an array of
smart sensors.
Image courtesy Vaisala
Our previous post was about Vaisala's new interchangeable humidity sensors in their Indigo line. The Indigo sensors, and other smart probes, are designed to work with the Indigo series transmitters to provide top flight performance in process measurement and control applications.

Transmitters enable plug-and-play setup with the smart sensors. Output options include analog, relay and Modbus. The browser based wireless interface allows configuration and viewing access to the transmitter. The LCD color display enables easy viewing on location.

Share your process measurement challenges with process instrumentation experts, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the best solution.


Interchangeable Humidity Probes Open Up Application Possibilities

humidity measurement instrumentation
The Vaisala Indigo series of humidity measurement probes
encompasses variants for a wide range of applications.
Image courtesy Vaisala
The Indigo family of smart sensors and transmitters, from Vaisala, has been expanded with some newly released humidity probes. The five new probes can be used with an Indigo host device or another using Modbus protocol. Previously available sensors measured concentrations of gaseous carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. The new offering expands the Indigo functionality into humidity measurement, a mainstay of Vaisala for many years. Humidity can now be measured in:

  • Pressurized or high pressure environments, up to 100 bars, with two probe offerings covering differing pressure ranges
  • High temperature ovens and similar applications
  • High humidity applications where probe heating is required
There is also a new version available for temperature measurement. 

The Indigo family of sensors and host devices are interchangeable, and all can interface with Vaisala's Insight PC software. More information is available from the process measurement specialists at Alliance Technical Sales. Share your process measurement challenges with experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the best solutions.

Laser Level Transmitter Technology

Lidar llaser level transmitter for industrial process automation measurement or control
LLT-1000 Laser Level Transmitter is rugged,
accurate, and easy to use.
Image courtesy Jogler LLC
Jogler, manufacturer of level measurement instruments, provides a laser level transmitter for industrial process measurement and control applications. The rugged instrument provides continuous non-contact level measurement for process automation and inventory management across an array of industrial applications.

A laser level transmitter can provide reliable measurement of solids or opaque liquids with little interference from granular or foaming surfaces. The technology provides for very long measuring distance, enabling a large standoff from a hazardous location or measuring within a very large vessel. The narrow beam emitted by the transmitter can be easily located to avoid false readings from mixers or other purposeful obstructions within a vessel. The long measuring range, narrow beam, easy installation and high accuracy make the laser based level measurement technology suitable for application in silos, tanks, hoppers, chutes, and bunkers. In addition to being a non-contact measuring method, a laser level transmitter can function effectively through a transparent sight glass installed on a vessel. The complete isolation of the instrument from the process media can be beneficial in many applications.

The data sheet below provides more detail on the LLT-1000 Laser Level Transmitter. Share your level and process measurement requirements and challenges with a product application specialist. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.


New Portable pH and ORP Measurement Instrument

portable handheld pH ORP meter
The Pro2Go portable pH meter provides top flight
measurement capability in a handheld portable package.
Image courtesy Mettler Toledo
Mettler Toledo has combined a broad range of user-friendly features in an industrially rugged, versatile, accurate instrument for pH and redox measurements. The Pro2Go is light weight and designed for single-handed operation. With compatibility among analog and Mettler Toledo's ISM sensors, along with a graphic LCD display and intuitive menu operation in 10 languages, the unit will provide superior service throughout many industrial process operations.

A data sheet, included below, provides more detail on the robust pH and redox measurement system. Measurement data can be accumulated in the field, with up to 2000 readings stored in the unit available for simple transfer via USB connection.

For more detailed information, contact the process measurement specialists at Alliance Technical Sales. Share your process measurement challenges of all types with application specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop the most effective solutions.


Rugged Benchtop Refractometer

benchtop or portable process refractometer
The DSA E-Scan is a benchtop refractometer
rugged enough for portable field use.
Image courtesy Electron Machine Corp.
Refractometry is a widely employed analytical technique used to indirectly measure dissolved solids content of subject liquids. The process employs a refractometer, a device or instrument, to determine the refractive index for a test sample. The measurement is employed throughout science and industry to assess a material's composition or purity.

The refractive index of a substance is dependent, in part, upon temperature and the wavelength of light used in the measurement. Common applications include Brix testing for sucrose level, along with others in the beverage, pulp and paper, chemical, flavor, and fragrance industries. Refractometry is used as a quality control measurement, to assure uniformity among product batches.

Manual refractometers have been available for many years and require human observation and interpretation of a scale reading to obtain a refractive index. Automatic, as well as in-line units are available today that provide uniform accuracy and faster sample processing.

The DSA E-Scan, manufactured by Electron Machine, is an automatic, bench-top critical angle refractometer with a digital readout and temperature-controlled sample chamber. Its compact size and rugged design permit operation in the field and in areas with limited space. The unit provides fast and accurate refractive index measurements of sample liquids.

Share your process analytical measurement challenges with liquid process analytics experts, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their application expertise to develop effective solutions.