Wireless Sensors For Humidity, Temperature & CO2

Latest from E+E Elektronik is the EE240 range of wireless sensors. They are ideal solutions for high-quality wireless measurement of humidity, temperature or CO2, says the company.

Up to three intelligent probes can be connected to each transmitter. Each probe operates independently and can be hot swapped. Remote probes allow the sensing head to be placed at a distance of up to 10m away from the transmitter. These features make the wireless sensors especially suitable for industrial applications that require sensors to be routinely recalibrated without affecting network operation. The measured values can be read directly off the display on the transmitter or read remotely using your web browser from any PC in the company network.

The base station features a digital Ethernet interface for effective connection to the network and data analysis. The integrated web server allows you to easily and individually configure the wireless sensor network from any PC without installing any software. The base station comes with four analog outputs for connection to your system controller.

A mobile measuring system with up to 500 transmitter stations can be built without having to install any wiring. In addition to this high degree of flexibility, coded bidirectional communication ensures completely secure data transmission.

The wireless sensors conform to protection class IP65, making them suitable for use under demanding operating conditions as well as in outdoor applications. Wireless routers are also available to expand the network and range or to bypass obstacles, says the company.

www.epluse.com

New USB DAQ Devices From NI Useful For Multiple Applications

National Instruments announced NI X Series multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices for USB. USB X Series devices integrate high-performance analog measurement and control channels, digital I/O and counter/timers onto a single plug-and-play device, which engineers and scientists can use for a wide variety of portable test, measurement and data-logging applications. USB X Series DAQ devices include up to 32 analog inputs, four analog outputs, 48 digital I/O lines and four counters. The eight new devices range from 500 kS/s multiplexed AI to 2 MS/s/channel simultaneous sampling AI.

NI LabVIEW graphical programming makes it easy for engineers and scientists to develop completely custom test and measurement applications for USB X Series using intuitive graphical icons and wires that resemble a flowchart. LabVIEW 2010 simplifies data logging and analysis with a new technical data management streaming option within the NI DAQ Assistant and the ability to export data from a waveform graph to Microsoft Excel or NI DIAdem for post processing. USB X Series devices use the same multithreaded NI-DAQmx driver software as other National Instruments DAQ devices, making it easy to port LabVIEW or text-based code from previous applications for use with X Series.

USB X Series devices include two key technologies that make them as powerful as they are easy to use: NI-STC3 technology for advanced timing and triggering and NI Signal Streaming for high-speed, bi-directional data streaming.

At the core of all USB, PCI Express and PXI Express X Series devices is NI-STC3 timing and synchronization technology, which coordinates the timing and triggering of the analog, digital and counter subsystems. NI-STC3 technology provides X Series devices with independent timing engines for the onboard analog and digital I/O subsystems, making it possible for analog and digital I/O to execute independently at different rates or together with synchronization. X Series devices include four enhanced 32-bit counters for frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and encoder operations, as well as a new 100 MHz timebase that can generate analog and digital sampling rates with five times better resolution than previous devices.

USB X Series devices include NI Signal Streaming, a patented technology that uses message-based transfers and device-side intelligence to deliver high-speed, bidirectional data transfer over USB, making it possible to perform analog, digital and counter operations concurrently. With this technology, simultaneous sampling now is available on two new devices, which can sample at 1.25 MS/s and 2 MS/s on each of their eight analog inputs. These devices are available with 32 or 64 MS onboard memory to guarantee finite acquisitions even with heavy USB traffic. The high sampling rates on all channels make these devices well suited for portable ultrasonic test and transient recording applications.

Each USB X Series device features a redesigned, extruded aluminum enclosure. The new enclosure offers an easy-access lid to keep signal wiring secure and shielded, and device-specific pinout labels on the lid make it possible to quickly determine the corresponding screw terminals for a given channel. The enclosure also includes a lockable USB port to prevent accidental removal during operation.

New Ethernet Data Acquisition Platform From NI

National Instruments announced the new Ethernet-based NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition system, which combines the ease of use and low cost of a data logger with the performance and flexibility of modular instrumentation. The new NI cDAQ-9188 chassis is designed to hold eight I/O modules for measuring up to 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical or acoustic signals in a small (25 by 9 by 9 cm), rugged form factor. With more than 50 different I/O modules to choose from, engineers and scientists can build remote or distributed, high-speed measurement systems using standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure. In addition, NI CompactDAQ simplifies initial setup with zero configuration networking technology and a built-in, Web-based configuration and monitoring utility.

The flexibility of Ethernet allows users to more easily standardize their test systems by eliminating many of the physical constraints required by more traditional PC interfaces.

NI CompactDAQ uses patented NI Signal Streaming technology to deliver high-bandwidth data over Ethernet to a host computer. NI Signal Streaming provides the ability to maintain bidirectional analog and digital waveforms continuously over a TCP/IP connection. With NI-STC3 timing and synchronization technology, each chassis also can manage up to seven separate hardware-timed I/O tasks at different sample rates, including analog I/O, digital I/O and counter/timer operations. The chassis operate in a temperature range of -20 to 55 degrees Celsius and can withstand up to 30 g shock and 3 g vibration, making NI CompactDAQ ideal for demanding test applications on the benchtop, in the field or on the production line.

In addition to the Ethernet chassis, the NI CompactDAQ platform includes a four- and an eight-slot USB chassis and NI C Series I/O modules. NI offers more than 50 C Series modules to use interchangeably in NI CompactDAQ systems, each of which is hot-swappable and auto-detectable for simplified setup. C Series modules offer integrated signal conditioning and multiple connectivity options to create custom, mixed-measurement systems specific to the needs of an application. A single analog input module, for example, can acquire up to four channels of simultaneous 1 MS/s voltage inputs for measuring high-speed signals such as ballistic pressure or ultrasonic transducers.

NI-DAQmx driver software, which is included with NI CompactDAQ, goes beyond a basic device driver to deliver increased productivity and performance. With NI-DAQmx, engineers and scientists can log data for simple experiments or develop a complete test system in NI LabVIEW, NI LabWindows™/CVI, ANSI C/C++ or Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. Furthermore, a consistent API means that an application developed for an NI CompactDAQ USB chassis will work with an NI CompactDAQ Ethernet chassis without any changes to software.

Programming NI CompactDAQ with LabVIEW delivers the most performance for the least effort. LabVIEW graphical programming makes it possible for engineers and scientists to develop sophisticated measurement, test and control systems using intuitive graphical icons and wires that resemble a flowchart. The multiple timing engines featured on NI CompactDAQ chassis complement the multicore optimizations in LabVIEW to make programming multiple measurement tasks in parallel easy. LabVIEW also offers integration with thousands of other hardware devices and provides hundreds of built-in libraries for advanced analysis and data visualization.

www.ni.com

Meter Measures Moisture In Wide Variety Of Materials

Model HM100 Pin Moisture Meter is capable of measuring moisture levels in softwood (birch, beech, spruce, walnut, cherry tree, larch), hardwood (oak, pine, ash, maple), as well as concrete, plaster, and bricks. Easy to use meter shows minimum and maximum values on large blue LCD display and comes with protection cap and extra set of pins. Applications include indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC, home inspections, and commercial building inspections.

www.e-inst.com

Levels of Precision: A Field Guide to Dimensional Gages

Find the right dimensional gage for the process at hand

Conceptually, the dimensional measurement process is quite simple. You get a drawing for a part—an electronic computer-aided design (CAD) file, blueprint, napkin doodle or whatever—which indicates certain critical part dimensions and tolerances: a particular diameter, for instance, must be 2.2370 inches ±0.0002 inch. All the manufacturer needs to do is to machine the parts to that dimension, then measure them to document that they are within the specified tolerance. What could be easier than that?

Probably a lot. Not only does the tolerance of the part need to be considered but also the number of parts to be measured, the time needed for measuring, the skill of the operator, the environment of the measurement and how much money is to be spent. All these questions go into finding the right dimensional gage for the process.

The subject is complex and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, even for the same dimension on the same type of part, measured under similar conditions but in different shops. There are, however, some broad distinctions that can be made in terms of levels of precision, speed and throughput required that can help make the gage selection and measurement process easier.

Measuring vs. Gaging

While we often use the terms “measuring” and “gaging” interchangeably, there are times when measuring is appropriate, and other times when gaging is the way to go. What’s the difference?

Measuring is a direct-reading process in which the inspection instrument consists of or incorporates a scale—a continuous series of linear measurement units (such as inches or millimeters), usually from zero up to the maximum capacity of the instrument. The workpiece is compared directly against the scale, and the operator counts complete units up from zero, then fractions of units. The result generated by measuring is the actual dimension of the workpiece feature. Examples of measuring instruments include steel rules or scales, vernier calipers, micrometers and height stands. Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) might also be placed in this category.

Measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers are used by machine shops everywhere since they offer the flexibility to measure a number of different features relatively quickly and easily. With these types of hand tools, it is fairly easy to measure a wide range of parts having tolerances in the order of ±0.001 inch.

Gages, in contrast, are indirect-reading instruments. The measurement units live not on a scale, but off-site (in a calibration lab somewhere), and a master or other standard object acts as their substitute. The gage thus evaluates not the dimension itself, but the difference between the mastered dimension— such as the specification—and the workpiece dimension.

Gages bring a whole new level of measuring capability to the operator of the gage. What might have been a difficult ±0.001 inch tolerance for a caliper to measure is now a piece of cake with a comparative gage. Depending on the configuration, tolerances of ±0.0005 inch or better are easy for the dedicated gage.

Also, gaging tends to be faster, both because it is less general purpose in nature, and because the operator need observe only the last digit or two on a display, rather than count all of the units and decimals up to the measured dimension.

For anything resembling a production run, gaging is almost always required. But where single part features must be inspected, measuring devices still tend to make more sense. In practice, most shops will find they need some of both types of devices.

Ten-to-One vs. MSA

Years ago, when tolerances tightened and the importance of proper inspection was realized, gage users needed a way to ensure the tool was appropriate for the process. Since most tighter tolerance parts were driven by military applications, many military standards were developed. Derived from one of these was the “ten-to-one” rule which recommended that the measuring instrument resolve to approximately ¹⁄10 of the tolerance being measured.

In today’s world of tightening tolerances this may not always be achievable, but it is a good goal. For example, if the total tolerance spread is ±0.0005 inch, the smallest increment displayed on the gage should be 0.000050 inch or better. But rules of thumb do not always cut it. Today the entire measurement process needs to be studied. These evaluations can assign errors not only to the gage but to the operator, the environment and other areas associated with the process.

A measuring system analysis is a very structured way of evaluating the process to determine if a gage is capable of meeting the needs of the measurement application. The ten-to-one rule is like the buggy whip in the metrology world, but it is still often used as a guide for narrowing the process for selecting the right gage for the application.

Selecting a Gage

Process considerations aside, ultimately, one has to decide how to verify the dimensions of the part. A good approach is to think in terms of levels of increased performance. Below are classified levels of performance of shop floor handheld gaging used by an operator to qualify parts.

Level 1: Basic shop tools. Versatile, low precision and low cost.

The caliper is a versatile and useful tool for making a wide range of distance measurements, both outside and inside diameters (OD/ID). The caliper can span from zero inches to four feet, depending on the length of the scale. External measurements are made by closing the jaws over the piece to be measured, while internal measurements are made by opening up the inside diameter contacts.

While the caliper is a versatile tool, it is not one of the most precise. Skill is required for positioning the tool and interpreting the measurement result. As the operator develops a “feel” for the tool, his measurement results will become more consistent. While the digital caliper may take some of the guesswork out of reading the measured value, it still requires skill on the part of the operator to apply the tool properly to the dimension being measured. The humble caliper is a versatile tool for a wide range of general purpose distance measurements.

A small step up in accuracy and performance—but with a shorter measuring range—is the micrometer. The basic micrometer is probably the second most popular and versatile precision handheld measuring tool on the shop floor. While the most common type is the outside diameter style, the same measuring principle also can be used for inside diameters, depths and grooves. With so many options for holding the spindle, and alternate contact points available, micrometers can satisfy an endless number of measurement applications.

The biggest problem with micrometers—as with calipers—is that measurements are subject to variation from one operator to another due to “feel” or inconsistent gaging force, and other subjective factors.

The micrometer is a contact instrument, and sufficient torque must be applied to the micrometer barrel to make good positive contact between the part and the instrument. In order to eliminate the feel part of the measurement, the designers of micrometers have incorporated a ratchet or friction thimble mechanism. This is an attempt to ensure more consistent contact pressure and eliminate operator influence.

The process of aligning the micrometer, adjusting it to the size of the part and then closing the contacts to make the measurement takes time and skill. And the resulting measurement may not be accurate enough for the tolerance that is to be measured.

Thus, there are some constants with both calipers and micrometers. On one hand, they are versatile and can measure a wide range of different parts. On the other, they are at the mercy of the operator using them.

Level 2: Comparative Gages. Increased performance and throughput.

After tolerances reach the 0.0005-inch level, one begins to enter the region where a comparative gage such as a bench stand, snap gage or ID/OD gage is required.

Let’s look at one specific example. Say operators are checking a shaft diameter on the computer numerical control (CNC) lathe after the manufacturing process is complete. Micrometers might be the instrument of choice, and maybe could resolve to 0.00005 inch or so. But let’s say there is a need to check the diameter at multiple locations to ensure there is no taper in the part. Just picture the operator bringing the micrometer over, getting it to nearly the right size, adjusting the torque to the correct gaging pressure, removing the micrometer to read the size, then moving on to the next location: this process wastes time and money, not to mention incorporating the influence of the operator. A better choice would be an adjustable snap gage.

Insert a snap gage onto a workpiece and one will quickly understand how these effective, fairly simple OD gages got their name. Once overcoming the “locking” spring tension, the part suddenly slips in against the backstop, contacting it with a good, healthy “snap.”

Snap gages can be hand held to measure workpiece ODs while still on the machine or can be mounted on stands for use with small parts. The heart of the tool is a simple C-frame casting, and measurements rely on a direct in-line 1:1 transfer of motion. These factors make snap gages simple, reliable and fairly inexpensive.

With a standard dial indicator installed, the measuring range of an adjustable snap gage is typically 0.020 inch. When combined with a digital indicator, a high precision snap gage can resolve and accurately measure to 50 micrometers. This provides the performance needed to reliably measure those ±0.0005 inch tolerances.

Aside from the higher performance of the snap gage, other key features are the speed of the measurement and the lack of operator influence. There is no need to adjust the gage to the right size, or to ensure the gage is square to the part, or to apply the right force on the part. It is all built into the gage. Thus, snap gages improve performance through speed and accuracy.

Level 3: Dedicated Comparative Gages. Highest performance and speed.

The comparative gages mentioned offer some adjustability, allowing them to be set for comparative measurements on a number of particular sizes. For example, a mechanical snap gage may have an inch of range adjustment but its actual measuring range around the master setting would be ±0.020 inch. This combination of adjustability to size and short measuring range provides a good balance of versatility and performance.

But as is the case with most dimensional measurement, the shorter the measuring range, the higher the performance. This is the case with fixed plug gaging. This type of gage is made specifically to measure a certain size. Examples include air gages and mechanical plug gages. (Air gages, by the way, were the first high precision gages brought to the shop floor, back in the 1940s.)

These gages are made to simulate the dimension being measured to within 0.020 inch or so. The sensing unit is set to a master and the operator compares the measured part to the standard. Very high resolutions can be obtained with this type of gaging, down to 5 micrometers with good accuracy. In addition to excellent performance, this type of gaging also is the easiest and fastest method for an operator to use. Because the gage fits so closely to the part, the operator has to simply put the gage on the part and the gage will set itself. So there is virtually no operator influence, and thus, very high throughout.

In terms of utility, air gaging or fixed plug gaging is quite capable of measuring a shaft tolerance to ±0.0002 inch, on the machine and in a machine shop environment.

Level 4: Linear length gages. Highest performance, lowest throughput.

As noted, the focus of this piece is shop floor dimensional gaging. But there is one more level of gaging that is the ultimate in precision and offers good versatility, but may not be the fastest method. However, if the goal is to get the best performance, then a shop-oriented linear length machine may be the solution.

A linear length gage can be thought of as a bench-mounted digital comparator but designed for rigidity, stability and accuracy. These bench gages are capable of measuring parts and critical levels off masters as long the environment can support the measurement. Just as the comparator offers versatility, the linear gage does the same. But in certain cases, such as reference pins, valve stem and the like, this type of gage offers a good balance of performance and versatility.

But once into the microinch resolutions these gages can offer, then you must also have the proper conditions to support the measurement. That means controlling other sources of error, such as the operator, masters and the environment. That is a subject—enhancing measurement precision—for another time.

Tech Tips

• Measuring is a direct-reading process in which the inspection instrument consists of or incorporates a scale—a continuous series of linear measurement units.

• Gages are indirect-reading instruments. The gage evaluates not the dimension itself, but the difference between the mastered dimension and the workpiece dimension.

• The ten-to-one rule recommends that the measuring instrument resolve to approximately ¹⁄₁₀ of the tolerance being measured.

Hand-Held DSO/DMM with built-in USB port and Data Logger

An upgraded, advanced version of the Protek’s Hand-held, 60MHz DSO/DMM now includes a standard 2.0 USB host port, a 3.8” color LCD display and real-time data logging. This along with such features as: Wavelink™ Software for remote control via PC, 125KB record length, each channel and up to 200Ms/S sampling rates are also included.

Advantageously user priced at $1,449 and complete with an AC/DC adaptor, USB Cable and rechargeable battery pack, the dual channel Model 860FC has a 60MHz analog bandwidth; high resolution 3.8” LCD color display; auto set-up and horizontal zoom; 2.5Gs/S equivalent sampling rate; dual channel waveform Math and FFT; plus horizontal zoom function with auto set-up. In addition, it provides 22 automatic waveform measurements. The USB host port connects with a Flash memory drive enabling mass storage of waveforms and data logger CSV files. All future Firmware updates may be installed via the USB port.

The 6000 count DMM includes a data logger that records and plots the measurement values versus time on the LCD for up to 20 days using an innovative compressible time axis. The data logged values may be stored in a Flash RAM which attaches to the USB host port.

In adherence to CATIII 600V standards, the new DSO/DMM is delivered with a holster, two scope probes and operator’s manual. It includes the USB host port, USB Cable and rechargeable battery pack which are extra cost options from other suppliers. 20MHz and 40MHz models with upgraded features will be available as part of the firm’s Series 800 Hand-held DSO/DMM group.

Protek

Positive Displacement Meters: Pros, Cons and Selection

Charles Wemyss sets out to differentiate between some of the most popular types of positive displacement meters and provide some guidance to selection.

Positive displacement flowmeters, sometimes known as PD meters, have been around for more than 100 years. They are commonly used in a wide range of applications from domestic water measurement to measuring ultra flow rates of chemical at high pressures subsea.

First off – what is a ‘positive displacement’ meter? Well, as the name suggests it involves the positive displacement of a volume of fluid – this is usually a liquid but there are some units suitable for gas. There is a chamber and inside the chamber, obstructing the flow, is a rotor.

The shape of the rotor and chamber vary greatly with each meter type but they all provide an output for each rotation. Most meter designs therefore lend themselves to being totalisers. Most can have the flow rate calculated from this primary data.

Advantages

An accurate PD meter will have minimal ‘leakage’ across the rotor seal. This is generally minimised with the use of more viscous liquids and accuracies of +/-0.1per cent are sometimes quoted.

On the other hand rotary piston flowmeters are used by the water industry in the UK for measurement of water over a normal flow range to accuracies of +/-2 per cent.

Because they measure a volume precisely it does not matter if the flow is pulsing. They will follow the increase and decrease of flow found in reciprocating pumps of all types.

With higher viscosities the turndown ratio can be high. Even with water 100:1 is not uncommon and 3000:1 is possible at 250cSt.

Few applications require this but it does enable measurement of ultra low flow rates without miniature parts or normal flow measurement at minimal pressure drop.

Most meters are simple to maintain as they have only one or two moving parts and are coupled with simple readouts that are easily understood in the field.

There is no requirement for straight pipe lengths like that might be needed for electromagnetic or turbine devices. They can be connected directly to elbows or valves and in most cases in a variety of orientations.

Designs are relatively easy to adapt for high pressure applications eg over 100 bar.

Disadvantages

All PD meters require clean fluid so a filtration level of 100µm is usual. Some meters can actually block the flow if a larger particle is trapped in the wrong place.

Many meters are not made in high specification materials and therefore corrosion can be a concern. An all plastic or all 316SS meter is the exception rather than the rule.

As the application flow rate increases the size of the PD meter seems to increase by a square law! It is rare to find meters over 12-in in size although they exist at these elevated sizes for the prime reason of accuracy – frequently being utilised for custody transfer reasons.

In the author’s opinion, the most common PD meters are as follows:

- Rotary Piston: As mentioned above these form the basis of domestic water measurement but the design of the rotary piston that oscillates in a circular chamber with a fixed web has been modified and extended to ultra low flows and high flows, as well as high pressures and for food applications. A good all-rounder.

- Spur gear: The fluid rotates two gears and is forced around the outside of the gears and the inside of the chamber. Depending on the location of the sensor these can yield very high pulses per litre values useful in batching and fast acting processes.

- Diaphragm (or bellows meter): These are common in many people’s home as their domestic gas meters. When the gas flows through it alternately fills and empties bellows causing levers to crank a shaft providing an output. Very useful for wide-ranging gas totalisation.

- Oval Gear: Quite similar to the spur gear where two oval gears mesh together and sweep the chamber. The volume displaced is much larger than the round gear. Fairly low cost and some designs available in plastic.

- Nutating Disc: This meter is the hardest to understand but is effective. The rotor is a circular disc attached to a ball. The shaft on the ball is inclined. As the disc rotates in a spherically sided chamber the disc and therefore the shaft wobble creating an output.

- Helical Screw: Possibly the most accurate PD: meter two intersecting cylindrical bores are fitted with 2 interlocking helical screws. As the fluid passes through they rotate. On standard applications the author has observed differences of just +/-0.37 per cent of reading over 50:1 turndown over annual recalibrations over 10 years – quite an achievement. Also common nowadays fitted on petrol pumps.

- Slide Vane: Historically the most accurate of PD meters with the rotating element having a number of moving blades that rotate about a fixed cam. Linearities have been claimed of +/-0.02 per cent.

- Others: If we go back to Felix Wankel’s seminal work on rotary machines we see that there are as many designs for PD meters as there are pumps. He explored in a rational way the various shapes of rotor and chamber. While the majority don’t see the light of day in the marketplace this brief essay illustrates the variety in general use, and this is without discussing the Roots meter, wet gas meter and multi rotor designs.

Two decades ago the PD meter was considered to be old technology and likely to be overtaken by more modern electromagnetic and ultrasonic devices. Nowadays the PD meter still represents good value and can provide excellent measurement in a wide variety of duties.

Charles Wemyss is Engineering Director, Litre Meter Ltd, North Marston, Buckingham, UK. www.litremaster.com

www.engineerlive.com

Video Measuring Has Computed Numerically Controlled Option

Vision Engineering will be showcasing their new and exciting products at MACH 2010, including the new Falcon video measuring solution with computed numerically controlled (CNC) option; and the Mantis Elite-Cam – an award winning stereo inspection system with ‘eyepieceless’ viewing head, now with a built-in camera for digital image capture, and onscreen measurement software.

The new Falcon video measuring solution with CNC is a powerful yet compact machine, ideal for a wide range of measuring applications including 3-axis measurement of precision machined component parts, with its CAD import and export facility, and advanced data analysis including PC software integration. With touchscreen technology, the Falcon can be programmed easily and quickly to enable accurate, repeatable and reproducible measurements in microns; and the CNC capability allows users to benefit from an automated measurement facility. Also benefitting from calibrated stages, quadrant LED illumination, and progressive motorised z-axis, the Falcon 5000 with CNC is a valuable and capable machine to have in any quality control department. New in Vision Engineering’s latest range of stereo inspection systems, the Mantis Elite-Cam with onscreen measurement has just been introduced, and is proving to be a popular solution for engineers requiring accurate, instantaneous results. With superior optics and high resolution viewing head, components can be inspected, reworked, digitally captured, and now measured on screen within minutes.

www.visioneng.com

Optical PV Cell Testing System Provides Non-Destructive Analysis

CRAIC Technologies released the 20/20(TM) UV-visible-NIR microspectrophotometer.  20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer is designed to non-destructively analyze many types of microscopic samples from the deep ultraviolet to the near infrared. Analysis of samples can be done by absorbance, reflectance, luminescence and fluorescence with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The system can also be configured to image microscopic samples in the UV and NIR regions in addition to color imaging.

Applications are numerous and include forensic analysis of trace evidence, vitrinite reflectance of coal and spectral analysis of minerals, measurement of protein crystals, contamination analysis and thin film measurement of semiconductors, hard disks and flat panel displays.

The 20/20(TM) microspectrophotometer integrates an advanced spectrophotometer with a sophisticated UV-visible-NIR range microscope and powerful, easy-to-use software. This flexible instrument is designed to acquire data from microscopic samples by absorbance, reflectance or even luminescence spectroscopy. By including high-resolution digital imaging, the user is also able to use the instrument as a ultraviolet or infrared microscope. Touch screen controls, sophisticated software, calibrated variable apertures and other innovations all point to a new level of sophistication for microanalysis.

www.microspectra.com

NAVY Uses New Salt Detection Kits For Its Ships’ Surfaces

CHLOR*RID International, Inc. have teamed up with NAVFAC, United Coatings Corporation, and American Stripping.  United Coating Corporation, and American Stripping are said to use CHLOR*RID salt removal and CHLOR*TEST salt detection kits for surface preparation to apply coatings to U.S. Navy ships (including SPECWAR counter-terrorism ships), the U.S. Coast Guard, and NAVFAC fuel tanks, towers, water tanks, and pipelines.

NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Command) is the division responsible for the Navy’s land-based assets, including fuel tanks, towers, water tanks, and pipelines, etc; they use CHLOR*RID also.  It has incorporated the use of CHLOR*RID and CHLOR*TEST into their specifications since in the mid 1990’s.  According to Daniel Zarate, NAVFAC Paintings & Coatings, SME, “Prior to 1995, it is estimated that at least 3 out of 4 contractors suffered major failures during projects or shortly thereafter.  Most coatings did not survive more than 5 to 7 years.  Now with changes, including CHLOR*RID, we have an approximately 70 to 90% reduction in lifecycle costs, have reduced premature coating failures and increased service life.”

No Need for Repeated Surface Blasting – Follows NAVSEA Specifications for Chloride Cleanliness

American Stripping also uses CHLOR*RID to remove salts from Navy ships and vessels.  Previously, to comply with NAVSEA “Standard Items” FY-00 Specification for chloride cleanliness, American Stripping had to repeatedly wash and blast steel surfaces.  Now by using CHLOR*RID, they conform to standards without the need to constantly wash and blast, and have completed hundreds of military projects with less cost.  CHLOR*RID has been successfully used for salt removal on surfaces of U.S. Navy ships and vessels, including the USS Roosevelt, USS Washington, USS Stennis, USS Reagan, USS Tempest, USS Grasp and the USS Philippine Sea.  “NAVSEA has a winner in CHLOR*RID. The United States taxpayer is benefiting from our use of CHLOR*RID’s great products,” said Todd Randall, President American Stripping (ASCO).

CHLOR *RID Reduces Salts Causing Corrosion and Improves Adhesion

ONR funded research at Carderock, MD by Bowles and Schifler and at CTC, Johnston, PA, by Schultze and  Pang concluded that:
• CHLOR *RID is a very effective salt mitigator using a cold wash at 65 degrees F, and 2000 psi pressure washing and in comparison with other surface cleaning methods tested.
• Washing with CHLOR*RID results in a 20 to 25% increase in coating adhesion strength relative to DI water washing.
• CHLOR*RID is effective in the removal of surface oils (test surfaces had been brushed with 10W oil during the screening of various processes for surface preparation).

Other Applications for CHLOR*RID and CHLOR*TEST to Remove Salts from Surfaces:

• Bridge Structures
• Mining Facilities
• Storage Tanks
• Public Utilities
• Electronics
• Offshore Drilling Rigs
• Process Equipment
• Pulp and Paper Mills
• Power Generation Plants
• Natural Gas Facilities
• Water treatment
• Petrochemical Installations
• Pipelines
• Cooling Towers
• Railcars
• Aircraft

www.chlor-rid.com

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