A portable monitor for fast and effective
on-line measurements of chlorine in water

Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer Analytical Technology recently launched its new portable Q45H/62 Residual Chlorine Monitor. The innovative battery-powered monitor allows on-line control of chlorination systems without the use of reagents or mains power and enables installation directly into water and wastewater networks. The Q45H/62 monitor from Analytical Technology is available in two versions: a free chlorine monitor for drinking and cooling water systems and a combined chlorine monitor ideally suited for chloraminated drinking water. A free of charge datasheet is available at www.analyticaltechnology.com.

The new portable Q45H/62 monitor can be installed close to point of use, allowing precise measurement of chlorine levels. Unlike traditional colorimetric and most amperometric monitors, Analytical Technology's battery-powered Q45H/62 system utilises a membrane-covered polarographic sensor which does not require the addition of chemical reagents. The sensor contained in the new portable chlorine monitor has a response time of up to 10 times higher than that of conventional sensors, enabling the monitor to carry out reagent-free chlorine measurements for most pH values found in the UK water industry. For applications with variable pH values, the new portable monitor has an optional pH compensation feature to eliminate free chlorine error caused by process pH drift. When the correct sensor is used, there is an extended response to chlorine at high pH levels, allowing pH correction to be employed over a much wider range.

The long-life battery contained in the monitor enables implementation even where no external power is available, meaning that it is ideally suited for water survey measurements and network monitoring. Easy to install, the portable monitor requires no additional plumbing and is provided in a shock-proof, water-resistant casing. The monitor is complete with quick release push fittings and self sealing valves. This means that the monitor is easy to install and keeps the sensor wetted when not in use.

The new and innovative battery-powered portable Q45H/62 can be easily installed close to the point of use, allowing precise measurement of chlorine levels, utilising a new membrane covered polarographic sensor.

The monitor is available with two data logging options. The simplest option is a logger that downloads data to a laptop or PC via a cable. Analytical Technology also offers data logging via a GSM system which uploads data to a secure web site for download from anywhere with an internet connection.

For further information, e-mail: sales@atiuk.com or view website: www.analyticaltechnology.com.

Atlas Copco now offer a free Compressed Air System Health check to industry in order to maintain the systems efficiency

Atlas Copco is offering industry a free Compressed Air System Check as part of its commitment in keeping energy and production costs down to the minimum.

While it is obvious that a compressed system operating at peak efficiency saves money, not every operator is aware of just how healthy their installation is - and with upward spiralling energy costs there has never been a better time to find out.

The Health Check is a non-obtrusive service that does not interfere with production processes and examines the entire air supply system, highlighting every energy-consuming feature.

In detail, the Compressed Air System Health Check programme includes monitoring and inspecting the running of the compressors as well as capacity and fitness of the dryers and all the ancillary equipment such as receivers, filters, drains and oil/water separators. It also examines the state of the controls and monitoring system together with that of the pipework and general system.

After the assessment process, the Atlas Copco engineer will provide an on-the-spot written assessment that shows exactly where matters can be improved and savings can be made.

Experience shows that the highest levels of compressed air system efficiency are invariably obtained through a combination of factors, so the Health Check will immediately put operators in a position to make an assessment of their priorities to meet desirable levels of energy and cost efficiency.

Once checked, Atlas Copco will be able to assist with the implementation of any necessary improvements deemed to be of benefit to economic plant operation.

A free Compressed Air System Health Check can be booked by e-mail: gba.info@uk.atlascopco.com or view website: www.atlascopco.co.uk   Refer to page 72

A new approach to Micromachining

Laser Evolved Micromachining
The essence of Laser Evolved Micromachining is the ability to combine laser technology's ultra precision with the scale economies offered by other precision manufacturing processes, namely Advanced Electroforming and Photo Etching.

Precision Micro has developed two new process routes capable of creating true and precise micro components / component features, in prototype to high volume quantities, where increased complexity does not incur a cost penalty.

Picture shows: Laser Evolved Etching Process (LEEF) micro perforated slot mesh… with 20 micron wire equivalent and 90% open area.

The high definition and precision of these new process routes takes the Company's manufacturing capabilities, already in the ultra high precision range, firmly into the realms of true micro manufacturing.

Laser Evolved Etching Process (LEEP)
LEEP incorporates laser technology in the precision etching process. Laser Direct Imaging (LDI) gives the process the capability to create highly accurate micro components, with both fine features and high complexity, to exceptionally tight tolerances measured in microns.

The technology completely removes the need for traditional phototools and further streamlines the manufacturing operation. Feature alignment is exceptionally precise and the higher resolution exposure guarantees that edges are sharper and more precisely defined. It is now possible to create micro channels in the 25 microns range, features which were once only possible using more expensive micro laser or advanced electroforming techniques, with a four-fold improvement in pitch accuracy across an 800mm x 600mm sheet.

Laser Evolved Electroforming (LEEF)
Photo-electroforming is very effective when requirements call for extreme tolerances, complexity or light weight. Parts created in this way have superior edge definition and a near optical finish with fine feature limits being defined by the photographically produced pattern on the substrate.

By direct imaging the pattern on the substrate (using advanced LDI) far tighter tolerances can be maintained and features less than 15 microns can be achieved with high repeatability and excellent process control.

LEEF facilitates higher levels of complexity at tighter tolerances, with features finer than could ever have been achieved by conventional photo-electroforming, without the use of prohibitively expensive glass master tooling.

Miniaturisation can now take a further substantial step forward thanks to LEEP and LEEF. For information, e-mail: westonl@precisionmicro.com   Refer to page 90

New standards set for machine and system building
with its revolutionary modular X-frame system

X-frame Systems Ltd, a new company born out of the Cirris group of test companies has set new standards for machine and system building with its revolutionary modular X-frame system.

X-frame personnel have several decades of specialist machine building experience and this is apparent when the design and philosophy of X-frame is seen.

This versatile system has already been successfully used in the manufacture of special purpose machines involved with the production of medical devices, door furniture, garden tools and test cells for the automotive industry.

Conventional wisdom dictates the use of aluminium profiles to assemble a skeleton structure that holds and enables the machine with all of its functionality. Typically this "frame" has to be designed before any other development takes place and it consumes a number of days in design and further days to assemble. Using aluminium profiles to create a machine frame enables flexibility but it's not efficient. X-frame has flexibility but it's highly efficient and it's clever. Everything has been thought of! From operator panels to a vast range of door types and fittings making procurement just a few mouse clicks away.

X-frame components are precision made from steel and can rapidly, within hours, be assembled from a kit of parts. Design time is reduced to a simple choice of standard parts that create a professional look for the builder. A major advantage is that all the cabling, wiring and pneumatics are built in to the internal channels that run all around the X-frame. This means that the need for a vast array of clips and brackets that have to be used with profiles is eliminated. Even the control panel is a part of the X-frame structure.

As one of the directors of the UK Company, David Morris explains, "Your expertise is what you put inside the frame; your technology is the value that you provide.  It's not in the frame. X-frame provides that expertise, reducing time and cost whilst significantly improving the look of your finished product". Colour finishes and branding as well as customised functionality are all selectable by the user.

X-frame can be extended or reduced or indeed change shape or structure at any time. All the component parts are re-usable unlike aluminium profiles which are cut to a specific length. (To complete the X-frame range there is also a pro-X variant for use in heavy duty applications where the standard 800kg load can be significantly increased). For further information, e-mail: xframe@eng-solutions.co.uk or view website: www.xframe-systems.co.uk