WEB TENSION TRANSDUCERS AND TRANSMITTERS
Support Efforts of Canadian Forest Sector Research Institute

Vishay Intertechnology has successfully installed two web tension systems at the pilot papermaking machine operated by Paprican -- the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada - which is part of FPInnovations, one of the world's largest forest sector research institutes. Each of the two web tension systems includes two Vishay Systems model HTU transducers and one model LCt-104 signal conditioner/transmitter. The pilot papermaking machine, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, is used to test and develop new papermaking processes. Vishay Systems, which includes the Vishay BHL and Vishay Nobel brands, is a leading manufacturer of equipment and systems for force measurement, process weighing, and on-board weighing.

Vishay Systems installed the equipment as part of an agreement with Paprican. Although the agreement covers an initial three-year period, the equipment could remain in place for 25 to 30 years, depending on ongoing performance of the equipment and of the papermaking machine.

Each of the model HTU web tension transducers has a dual-axis design that measures horizontal and vertical forces, which enables the measurement of resultant force in any direction. It handles capacities from 9kN to 89kN, is functional to 121°C, is sealed to meet IP67 requirements, and has a low profile that enables direct load cell replacement.

Each of the model LCt-104 multi-zone web tension transmitters can handle inputs from two HTUs, or one tension zone, to ensure maximum operating speeds without felt breakage. Each zone is measured with 750,000-count resolution and produces a corresponding high-resolution output of 4 mA to 20 mA. The model LCt-104 web tension transmitter features 100% digital calibration with no dead-weight loading and no strapping required. Interface options include Allen-Bradley Remote I/O, Modbus, DeviceNet, and Profibus.

The equipment installed by Vishay Systems measures and controls the tension in the forming section of the Paprican papermaking machine. The forming section is where paper pulp is jetted onto a continuous fabric belt. The papermaking machine has multiple belts that are pressed together to extract water from the pulp. The Paprican machine is used to test and develop new papermaking processes. Good measurement and control is critical in the forming section.

The environment is harsh, so many sensor technologies will not survive. The Vishay Systems will allow Paprican to control web tension and ultimately optimize the papermaking process.

Paprican, the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, is a leading not-for-profit research and technology institute that provides valuable technology transfer and cost-competitive research addressing both the short-term and strategic needs of its members. It has been in business for more than 80 years. Its research programs are driven by the high-priority technical issues of the industry such as product quality and value, cost competitiveness, environment and sustainability. It also offers results-oriented services to members and partners, as well as customers from various industries. Internationally recognized for excellence, Paprican operates laboratories in Quebec and British Columbia, and is well positioned to offer services to the global pulp and paper industry.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

ROTRON® "CP" regenerative blowers offer extremely high resistance to corrosion and chemicals encountered in the most demanding chemical processing applications. Their proprietary surface finish combined with performance technology deliver key advantages for vent header off-gassing, spot source, bio-gas and/or landfill gas, and scrubber applications, among others. The blowers feature the unique Chem-Tough™ finishing process, which converts their aluminum casting to a highly advanced plastic/ceramic surface creating resistance to corrosion and chemicals, abrasion resistance equivalent to steel, increased hardness and permanent dry lubricity.

AMETEK Technical & Industrial Products

A new family of 6mm-wide, DIN rail mount, signal conditioning and relay modules are available. Designated the 857 series, aka JUMPFLEX, the new modules offer a system approach to signal switching and conditioning. The 857 series signal conditioners consist of 12 different modules, both configurable and dedicated modules are available. Signal types supported include current, voltage, Hart protocol, RTDs and thermocouples. Configurations include splitter, single and multi-channel, repeater, as well as loop-powered modules.

WAGO Corporation

The R2 FieldConnex® Segment Protectors feature unique Trunk In/Trunk Out Wiring T-Connector which allows the segment protector to be disconnected while leaving truck communications uninterrupted, and inherently prevent over-termination that can cause start-up and commission problems. They are also designed to eliminate errors that can occur while connecting test leads for system diagnostics work. R2 Segment Protectors provide IP20 protection with DIN rail mountings, in 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 spur configurations. They feature removable terminals with retaining screws, as well as bright LEDs for power, communication and short circuit status indication.

Pepperl+Fuchs

Sunnen's PG-Series Bore Gauges are ideal for fast and simple process control in a lead manufacturing environment, combining lab-precise accuracy with a shop-hardened, all-mechanical design. PG-Series gauges bring reliable ID gauging to the manufacturing floor with no need for electrical or air connections, making them immune to fluctuations in line voltage or air pressure. Compact and easily portable, the gauges can be mounted right at machining stations. They offer fast, precise in-line ID measurement for honing, grinding, boring, reaming and drilling operations or incoming part inspections.

Sunnen

Rittal offers a stainless steel enclosure solution comprising Premium Panel enclosure, together with a 17" TFT display that meet the strict hygiene requirements of the food and beverage process industry. Available in 304 grade stainless steel, the enclosure offers the protection category of IP69K, making it ideally suited to the high temperature, high pressure wash down environment of the food and beverage industry. The enclosure can be mounted top or bottom onto support arm systems such as the stainless steel CP-S system. The standard 17" TFT, with resistive touch screen and brightness of 250cd/m2 provides the optimal interface for harsh wash down conditions.

Rittal Systems Limited

The SITRANS LR 250 Radar Level transmitter with new 'Process Intelligence', advanced signal processing. This plug-and-play, compact, 25 GHz 2-wire device is easy to install and quick to configure. The level transmitter can be used to measure a variety of liquid and slurry level applications accurately and reliably in minutes. Designed for measurements up to 66 feet, the new transmitter is well suited for chemical, pharmaceutical and hydrocarbon processing applications in corrosive atmospheres. The transmitter can be programmed either locally with the intrinsically-safe, infrared handheld programmer or remotely using Simatic PDM (Process Device Manager) software. With PDM, there is no need to open the transmitter housing.

Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.

Parker/Page high temperature food processing hoses for the food and beverage industry are available in several types and sizes. All of these hoses offer a seamless tube that resists the collection of bacteria, preserve taste and are very easy to clean. Each hose has added reinforcement that withstands internal pressures, a helical wire for full vacuum capabilities and a high-grade weather and abrasion resistant cover for longevity. For lower temperature and added abrasion resistance applications, the FTHB (Butyl) and FTHN (Nitrile) hoses offer reliable solutions for sanitary transfer and for higher working pressures, RCTW hoses (rubber covered fluoropolymer with an EPDM rubber cover) are available.

Parker/Page International Hose

TRIAC Series LB Ball Valves with anti-corrosion design for chemical processing come "locked and loaded" for battle with full PFA lining and electropolished 304 stainless steel or epoxy-coated WCB carbon steel bodies. High-purity PFA lines body and seamless ball at 3mm and greater thickness. The liner is secured into the valve body with the "KPF" interlock system tested at 20,000 VDC and vacuum rated at 1 MBAR. The PFA provides extremely low gas permeability and delivers superior performance in critical services. Available in 1/2" to 4" sizes, the #150 flanged split-body valves feature self-adjusting "V" ring packaging.

A-T Controls, Inc.

VICI's Microvolume Diaphragm Valves are designed for trouble-free use in applications requiring minimal maintenance and maximum-lifetime in the process industry. Three configurations are available: a 4 port internal loop sample injector; a 6 port external loop sampling/switching valve; and the 10 port multifunctional diaphragm valve. Lifetime for the DV22 can exceed 1,000,000 cycles at ambient temperature/300 psi or 500,000 cycles at 200°C/300 psi. The specially-formed diaphragm also permits sampling at sub-ambient pressures.

Valco Instruments Co., Inc.

The danger posed by static electricity when filling or discharging material from Type C Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) is controlled by a system expressly designed for these applications. The Earth-Rite FIBC grounding system constantly monitors Type C containers ensuring that the containers' anti-static features are, in fact, within the correct specifications and achieving a positive ground connection. The Earth-Rite FIBC system provides verification that the bag's anti-static construction is functional and that it is, in fact, correctly grounded. The interlock design will allow product transfer only when the resistance through the container is less than 1x108 Ohms. The system can also be used to monitor similar static dissipative materials such as drum linings, kegs, hoses, etc.

Newson Gale Inc.

The T2550 PAC control unit offers automatic dual redundancy options to guarantee process efficiencies and protect against controller or communications failures. The unit also provides secure data recording with dual redundancy at point of measurement. The redundant logging feature records data to the internal flash memory of the T2550 processor. The data can then be pushed, as secure tamper resistant historical data files, to a remote file server-using FTP -- up to three servers are supported for additional security of data. Alternatively, data can be pulled from the product using Eurotherm Review software. Eurotherm Review is then used to quickly and easily create a graphical representation of the process data. Data can be recorded at one-second intervals and pushed to a server as and when required, depending on the archiving strategy adopted.

Eurotherm

KRYPTOKNIGHT™ inert ceramic balls for catalyst beds in chemical processing, ethanol refining and oil, gas and petrochemical refining are engineered for maximum durability. The inert chemical balls are reliable support media for applications including ammonia plant shift converters, methanol production, and desiccant dryer and refinery applications. The ceramic balls are designed to provide chemical stability and mechanical strength, ensuring that the catalytic process is not disrupted. Equally effective in vapour or liquid, high or low temperatures, they resist thermal shock and spalling.

Koch Knight LLC

Chemineer QED Plus™ mixers are designed for a broad range of fluid mixing applications in the specialty chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and general fluid processing industries. The mixers can handle blending, solids suspension and high viscosity applications, include an exclusive leak-proof drywell design and a minimum 30,000 hour L10 bearing life for service under demanding conditions. A tapered shaft engagement system ensures easy disassembly, yet provides a secure, true-running connection between the shaft and drive. Designed for agitator service, the gear drive is supplied with a high quality, synthetic oil for operating efficiency.

Chemineer, Inc.

The RoboKnife™ RT-200 offers flexibility in plastic trimming processes and reduces scrap and workplace injuries. The RT-200's process repeatability enables it to continuously produce quality parts, which results in reduced scrap. The system's compact size allows for more room on the production floor, while its single-base construction allows it to be moved easily between moulding machines. It is easy to install and maintain. The system can also be equipped with an ultrasonic knife or small routing spindle for even greater trimming flexibility.

KMT Robotic Solutions

Donaldson offers a variety of industrial process water chillers to provide a cooling in a controlled closed circuit thereby ensuring the water used for production processes is reliable, constant and defined. The Donaldson CH Series industrial process water chillers are ideal for a variety of industrial applications, including: food process -- for use with stainless steel evaporators and pumps in steam cleaning systems; injection and blow molding for quick cooling of the molder increasing production speed and quality of the product; high speed rollers -- to accurately control coolant temperature increasing the speed and dependability of paper converting, laminating, printing and waxing machines; and, welders -- to increase tip life while reducing water consumption by recirculating a clean coolant at optimum temperatures.The CH Series increases the stability and productivity of all water-cooled machinery, compressors and instruments by re-circulating clean coolant at a constant temperature and pressure.

Donaldson Company

The Kenics® HV static mixer can handle any turbulent flow-mixing process regardless of size or shape. Mixing is accomplished by controlled vortex structures generated by the patented low-profile tab geometry, providing uniform blending while limiting mixer length to less than 1 1/2 pipe diameters. Typical applications for the HEV static mixer include all low-viscosity liquid-liquid blending processes and gas-gas mixing. The HEV can be easily configured for non-circular cross sections, providing efficient additive blending in places not suitable for traditional static mixers. It is especially suitable for gas phase processes where pressure loss and length are critical.

Chemineer, Inc.

Canadian Industrial Equipment News April 2008

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