Do you use process simulation as a tool for operator training? Some experts believe that it doesn't need to end with training, and that using simulation technology can boost operator confidence and expertise, as well as plant productivity and profitability. Dynamic simulation can help predict operating scenarios and configure control systems, validate startup procedures, vet safety protocols, identify opportunities for process improvement, and even troubleshoot vexing equipment problems. Would you benefit from keeping your simulators up and running?

Help develop the educational session topic direction for GlobalSpec's February 10, 2010 Plant & Facilities Engineering event by participating in this brief survey.

Share with us the types of industry trend topics, new product applications introductions, and recent technology innovations you would be interested in learning more about from industry experts, thought leaders, and representatives from manufacturing organizations. Your input will help us develop the educational sessions that interest you most and best serve your work-related business needs. Complete the survey and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 American Experess Gift Card!

Then join us for our Plant & Facilities Engineering event right from the convenience of your desktop on February 10, 2010. Watch for registration details in future issues.

Larox's Ceramec filters offer top operational performance and low operating costs for the separation of solid and liquid substances. They are particularly appreciated in demanding mining applications, offering plenty of advantages: efficient dewatering and washing, competitive investment costs, low installation and operating costs, and high environmental and personnel safety protection.

How heat transfer fluid analysis can give early warnings of process and system problems. Topics include:

• The Fluid Analysis Kit, sampling temperature, taking the sample
• Sending the sample for analysis, observation and lab testing, results and interpretations. Paratherm Immersion Engineering Services will also analyze non-Paratherm brand fluids.

Tate Andale strainers still operate 40, 50, even 60 years after installation. Our customers count on our strainers' durability and this is why so many of the world's leading industrial companies choose Tate Andale. Since 1924, Tate products have been proudly made in the USA. You can count on them.

Micro Motion ELITE High Capacity Coriolis meters deliver exceptional measurement accuracy and performance for flow rates up to 94,000 lb/min (2,550 tons/h) in large line sizes (6-10"/150-250mm). Ideal for custody transfer and critical applications. Count on the world's best performing Coriolis meters to deliver the results you need.

Rather than purchase from a supplier, many printers also manufacture their own ink —and they manufacture a lot of it. One company found that it was missing a large volume of ink between production and consumption and discovered the problem was a low-volume flowmeter that couldn't manage the high volume of ink that the company produced and used. The solution was a volumetric linear piston meter that could handle a wide range of flow rates: from a gram per hour to 15 gallons per minute.

Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a calibration technique to improve the reliability and stability of their microhotplate, a device designed to create accurate, miniature gas sensors. The microhotplate is coated with metal oxides that can detect specific gases, identifying chemical and biological agents and industrial leaks. The researchers also believe the sensors can be used aboard space probes to sniff for extraterrestrial life.

A group of scientists at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil developed the Plasma Assisted Debinding and Sintering (PADS) system that can produce parts in half the time of conventional furnaces. A white paper from Industrial Heating discusses the commercial future for this new technique, as well as the experiments used to test its capabilities and the companies that are onboard to try it out.

Conditioning tools and other components — everything from tool-and-die sets to chipper knives to resistence welding electrodes to vacuum tubes — with cryogenic processing can quadruple their life and vastly improve their performance. Cryogenic processing involves soaking parts at temperatures of -300 F or less and is shown to squeeze the crystal lattices of the material, improving stability and wear resistance.

Designed for a host of fluid transfer applications from Pharmaceutical, Food and beverage to Pumping slurries and chemical transfer.

The 630 series peristaltic pump from Randolph Austin features a very compact foot print, and can be mounted in 90 degree increments allowing for flexibility at installation.

Flanged immersion heaters are constructed with formed tubular heating elements brazed or welded to a high-pressure flange for direct immersion into tanks and pressure vessels. These flanged immersion heaters are capable of achieving higher wattages that are required for industrial process equipment.

Macawber is experienced handling your difficult bulk material. We manufacture dense-phase pneumatic conveyors for many applications like ash, fuels, biomass, cement, minerals, sand, many chemicals, even foods; and is the original patent designer of the Dome Valve - an industrial strength valve made for harsh and abrasive environments. Please inquire.

The Model 5236 solar simulator uses a fast-responding T3 tungsten/ halogen lamp. Designed to prevent out gassing causing contamination of the test article and a gold reflector to focus and reflect the energy toward the target. Various lengths, watt densities, and controls available.

One company has integrated its bag dump station with a bag compactor, minimizing waste and spills. Operators can insert the bag directly into the compactor, which also features a dust collector. The dump station is all pneumatic, has easy to use push button controls, provides a 5000 pound compression force, and can compact up to 150 bags.

A cement company in Egypt implemented an automatic weighing system that allows drivers to load and unload raw materials using self-service kiosks. The system is composed of several functional areas, including entry and exit gates, parking and weighing stations, and controls and software to manage the data. The new system can handle over 100 vehicles per hour. A video animation shows how all the components fit and function together.

A multiphase biofilter uses both air and liquid phase technologies to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial adhesives, resins, tars, fiberglass, and other high VOC materials. The biofilter system uses permanent, synthetic ceramic biomedia that will not clog due to growth or accumulation of particles. The biomedia is also self-cleaning and never needs to be replaced.

Stricter environmental controls require industrial processors and facility managers to boost the efficiency of air filtration equipment, both inside and outside the plant. This article shows how membranes are making inroads into air filtration applications and discusses the types of membranes available and the chemical characteristics and physical properties that make them suitable for highly efficient operations.

Aberdeen research reports: Best-in-Class companies provide visibility into manufacturing operations while using real-time interoperability between manufacturing and business systems.

To achieve operation excellence, Process manufacturers must be able to maintain control over cost structures while meeting customer expectations, especially under current economy.

Read the report to: increase agility, minimize inventory, increase response times, and
decrease costs.

Cut Cost of Process Heating

• Continuous heating coil... Even temperature profile... Eliminate cold sections
• Hot tip or cool tip for localized heat
• Expands in the bore for better heat transfer
• Contracts when de-energized ... warranted removable from the bore... no bore seizure

Request info: Dalton Electric Heating Co.

Filter unwanted solids from your process water with minimal maintenance and little or no water loss. Extend life of pumps, prevent nozzle plugging, and keep dirt from accumulating in heat exchangers. No bags or cartridges to change. Keep all system components operating at maximum efficiency. LAKOS Separators and Filtration Systems.

Pneumadyne's experienced engineers welcome the opportunity to assist in the design and manufacture of custom products. Their knowledge and expertise in fluid handling and precision machining are an advantage when developing custom components. They take pride in their ability to partner with customers and develop successful solutions for their applications.

How do Americans perceive manufacturing? Is it still a career option for newly graduated engineers or is it a waning profession? The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is seeking funding to enhance public perception of manufacturing and improve education in the engineering principles that underpin it.

On a recent trip to Vermont, I met someone who claimed to have seen "Champ," the Loch Ness-like monster that is supposed to inhabit Lake Champlain. What makes some people see monsters — and in the case of this article from Live Science, mermaids — where others simply see waves or ripples in the water? Whether a product of an overactive imagination, a hoax, or a real cryptozoological mystery, the mermaid sightings in Israel began a few months ago and now the board of tourism is offering a $1 million reward for the first photograph.

Vetting the Volt?

Can GM's new Volt really get 230 miles to the gallon? What is this estimate based on and can it be replicated with real world usage?