Zero loss desiccant air dryers with maximum energy efficiency

The latest smart versions of the ZL-HBP (zero loss-heater blower programme) desiccant air dryers manufactured by Hi-Line Industries Ltd are claimed to offer the lowest cost of ownership currently available for adsorption dryers. Their unique control system monitors and modifies operating parameters to ensure the compressed air inlet conditions are matched to the dewpoint required.

These products achieve dewpoints of -70° PDP without loss of expensive compressed air and feature fully insulated vessels, as well as heater and heat-exchanger for good thermal efficiency. This is complemented with a generous vessels and an automatic energy management system (AEMS) which achieves regeneration of the desiccant using low-tariff electricity. Waste heat utilisation from steam, oil or compression can be optionally used where available, with a fan motor also optimised for minimum power consumption resulting in a total 'climate change levy' beating package.

Dryer units are available with flow rates from 10 up to 10,000 scfm. Stainless steel pipework is fitted as standard with independent fail-safe switching valves and full-flow check valves (low pressure drop) incorporated. Pressure equalisation and heater protection systems are also provided, eliminating pressure fluctuations and maintaining safety standards.

Equipment is manufactured on site in the UK to the highest specifications. Pressure vessels conform to British/European standards EN286, BS5500 and ASME VIII, with 316 stainless steel pipework and valves being Argon purge tig welded.

Products comply with EEC machinery directive, are CE marked and PED compliant, with electrical wiring conforming to 17^th edition IEE regulations. Nationwide service support is also available. Dryers are designed to occupy the smallest footprint, so not wasting valuable production space, with bespoke dryers also supplied to suit specific customer requirements. Installation and commissioning is included in the selling price, with a one-year warranty covering parts and labour. A five year warranty can also be provided with a service contract.

The ZL-HBP desiccant air dryer.

The control panel providing AEMS control is state-of-the-art, constantly analysing parameters and making adjustments to maintain the lowest possible running costs. It provides a user interface with indicator panel where digital dewpoint, pressure, heater and electrical displays, together with the cycle stepping time are shown on screen. Regeneration temperatures are controlled from the PLC (Rockwell, Mitsubishi, Siemans, Fanuc, Allen Bradley etc plus software to customer choice) with cycle times matched to demand and triggered by the dewpoint control setting. The control unit, incorporating AEMS, can also be offered as a retro-fit item to optimise the energy performance and provide improved efficiency and operation for any existing dryers.

For further information, e-mail: enquiries@hilineindustries.com  or view website: web-site: www.hilineindustries.com   Refer to page 85

Dolomite, world leader in microfluidic design
and manufacture continues to expand its capabilities

Dolomite, a world leader in the design and manufacture of microfluidic devices, has expanded its capabilities in glass to include plastic (polymer) microfluidic devices and chips. By using plastic as an alternative to other materials such as glass, Dolomite is able to offer high volume, disposable microfluidic devices which are ideally suited to markets such as healthcare, where low-cost, single-use devices are essential.

With unparalleled expertise in early stage prototyping and production scale-up of customised microfluidic systems, Dolomite can provide microfluidic solutions for many different applications. Working with companies to produce devices that are tailored to individual requirements, Dolomite has already brought down the cost of bespoke microfluidic system development by introducing a range of standard or 'off-the-shelf' products. These include, chips, connectors/interconnect, pumps and other microfluidic devices.

"The key to Dolomite's success in microfluidics, is primarily down to our vast experience of solving microfluidic problems.  This, coupled with the understanding of a customers needs, allows us to produce tailor made microfluidic systems", said Mike Hawes, Dolomite's Head of Sales and Marketing. "Traditionally this has been applied using glass, and by using injection-moulded plastics we can drive down the cost per device so that they can become disposable. This means they can be used in an increased range of applications and industries, for example it opens up the development of a new generation of clinical diagnostic, screening or analytical tests - true, disposable labs on chips."

Dolomite's polymer technologies include thermal bonding of polymer layers for chip fabrication, deposition of metal layers on polymer surfaces and the use of tapes to seal polymer devices. The company offers its prototyping and production services through offices in the UK, US and Japan, and a global distributor network.

The Dolomite Centre Limited in profile
Dolomite is a global leader in the design and manufacture of microfluidics devices. With offices in the UK, US and Japan and distributors throughout the rest of the world, its clients range from universities developing leading-edge analytical equipment, to manufacturers of chemical, life sciences and clinical diagnostics systems.

Excellent microfabrication facilities that include cleanrooms, precision glass processing facilities and applications laboratories were established with £2m in funding from the UK Department of Trade and Industry's Micro and Nano Technology (MNT) Manufacturing Initiative. Dolomite's expertise includes top quality engineering and scientific staff with strong backgrounds across the broad range of disciplines required for success in bringing microfluidics applications to the market, including chemistry, biotechnology, control system development, electronics, physics and instrument design and supply.

For further information, e-mail: mike.hawes@syrris.com   Refer to page 115

New series of Neo-Flex couplings feature torsional vibration isolation 

A new series of metric Neo-Flex couplings from Advanced Antivibration Components (AAC) feature excellent torsional vibration isolation plus shaft-to-shaft insulation. The center of these couplings, identified as the V50FSR-... (inch) and V50FSRM... (metric) for the Short Series, and V5DFLR-...(inch) and V5DFLRM (metric) for the Long Series, are made from 73 durometer molded neoprene along with 303 stainless steel hubs. They are featured at the AAC eStore where you can order online, request a quote, download CAD models, check stock plus view catalog and technical pages.

They are stocked in two hub styles; conventional pin type hubs which use a set screw for fastening, and a Fairloc® version. Fairloc® is a patented integral hub fastener which eliminates marred shafts. The choice of Fairloc® hubs permits frequent phase adjustment, timing and position adjustment while adding positive metal-to-metal fastening strength along both hub sections. The Fairloc® integral hub fastener consists of two slots that are machined into the hub, one radially the other angularly, to create a transverse wedge which remains attached to the solid portion of the hub on one side. The resultant cantilevered clamping section has a tapped hole to accept a cap screw which passes through a clearance hole in the solid portion of the hub, and into a threaded hole in the transverse wedge section. As the screw is tightened, the cantilevered section clamps the shaft securely. The screw can be tightened and released repeatedly without marring the shaft or affecting its torque-transmitting abilities.

They are stocked with both ribbed and smooth style center sections. The ribbed style features an angular misalignment of 5° or 15° (long style) and a parallel offset of 0.25 mm (.010")(short style) or 0.38 mm (.015")(long style). The smooth style features an angular misalignment of 1° (short style) or 8° (long style) and a parallel offset of 0.13 mm (.005")(short style) or 0.25mm (.010")(long style). They are designed to fit 3 to 6 mm metric shafts or .1200, 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 inch shafts.

AAC stocks a wide range of antivibration and shock isolation products which include: stud & nut type mounts, base plate fastened mounts, wheels, leveling & foot mounts, suspension mounts, spring, steel mesh & cable mounts, bumpers, shock absorbers & channel mounts, bushings & grommets, pads & tapes, and couplings. These products are stocked in different materials including: rubber, neoprene, urethane, sorbothane, stainless steel mesh and springs.  Many are suitable for use in extreme environmental conditions. Of special interest is a complete selection of Silicone Gel floor mounts, pads, sheets, plus paste-type thermal gel.
 
Additional technical specifications are contained in Catalogue V100, available free upon request from Advanced Antivibration Components (AAC), 2101 Jericho Turnpike, Box 5416, New Hyde Park, New York, USA 11042-5416. Tel: 516-328-3662.

For further information view website: http://www.vibrationmounts.com/NewProducts/NeoFlexCouplings.htm   Refer to page 99

Flexitallic to the rescue with FRG

Set to revolutionise offshore asset maintenance, Flexitallic has launched the first-ever solution to sealing damaged flanges without the need for replacement or machining - the Flange Rescue Gasket (FRG).

The FRG is a unique invention developed in response to customer demand for a sealing solution to reduce the lengthy and costly process of flange maintenance in corrosive offshore environments.  Flexitallic went further by creating the FRG which actually negates the requirement for flange replacement or machining, potentially reducing every flange inspection by 24 hours.

Utilising Flexitallic's revolutionary sealing technology, highly compressible Sigma© ensures the FRG conforms to damaged flange surfaces to seal and prevent further deterioration.  Restructured Sigma© PTFE bonded to the high integrity serrated metal ring provides a leak-free seal and blow out resistance.  The bright, easily identifiable FRG has a PTFE coated body which is corrosion resistant and features integral bolt holes for ease of installation and ensures correct location.  Superior mechanical integrity allows the use of the full range of torque reducing the risk of operator error to meet stringent HSE standards.

Previously, sealing issues with corroded flanges have discouraged frequent inspection.  Now, flanges can easily be inspected and sealed effectively enabling fast, accurate assessment of internal corrosion.

The FRG is the ultimate corrosion management tool which is proactive in helping inspection and reactive in enabling repair.  By reducing leaks and slowing corrosion, the possibility of shut-downs with associated HSE visits are dramatically reduced, as is the huge loss of revenue associated with a stop in production.

From corrosion management to health and safety, through environmental impact to incident avoidance, the FRG is poised to dramatically change flange inspection and maintenance forever.

The Flexitallic FRG was initially developed for Fairfield Energy Ltd and FRGs are already in use by AMEC in the Dunlin seawater system.  Case-study information is available. Also available - FRG data sheet and installation guide. For further information, e-mail: anthea.malik@aspectdesign.co.uk