News Archive
Latest 50 news articles
Biofuels 'most promising' renewable energy source
Biofuels show potential in the renewable resources sector, one expert has claimed. Chief executive officer of Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser told the Wall Street Journal his company is concentrating on this form of energy as it is the most promising. "We are focusing a lot on biofuels at this stage," he remarked. "We just announced a few weeks ago a big joint venture in Brazil."As part of the project, Shell is using its first and second-generation Biofuels technologies toge...
Azerbaijan oil investment given go-ahead
Development of the Azeri, Chirag and deepwater portion of the Gunashli (ACG) fields has been approved by a steering committee. The move will see $6 billion (£4 billion) invested in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea, with a consortium entitled the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) heading the operation. BP is one of the firms involved and its Azerbaijan president Rashid Javanshir said it is an "extremely important project" for the progression of oil extrac...
New GC System is a Real ‘Plus’ to the Lab
Shimadzu (Germany) presents its new GC-2010 Plus. The previous model GC-2010 already set new standards with respect to speed, efficiency, precision, sensitivity and ease of operation. As the successor to this successful model, the GC-2010 Plus now features new aspects in High-End-Technology. The external appearance has remained the same, the intrinsic values are different. Featuring the specially designed AFT (Advanced Flow Technology), the GC-2010 Plus combines highest separation efficiency...
Safety concerns at BP oil refinery
BP could be hit with fines of more than $3 million (£2 million) as a result of safety concerns at an oil refinery in the US.The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began an inspection of the site near Toledo, Ohio in September of last year.And it has proposed the penalties after identifying 42 alleged wilful violations and 20 alleged serious violations - with inadequate pressure relief for process units among the hazards to which workers are said to...
Lightweight, Handheld FTIR for Dedicated Field Applications
A2 Technologies (USA) has announced the availability of its newest portable FTIR system, Flexscan. Flexscan is a superior performing, mid IR spectrometer that fits in the palm of one’s hand. A2 Technologies now offers two hand-held FTIR systems, Flexscan, for dedicated field analyses, and Exoscan, for lab and field use. Flexscan is ideal for dedicated applications that require the use of FTIR spectroscopy in out-of-lab settings. Since Flexscan’s hand-held optics weigh approx...
Biofuel refinery to be built in Grimsby
Plans are in place for a new biofuel processing plant to be built in the UK.Grimsby is the intended site for a refinery designed to turn wheat into petrol, the Sunday Times reports, with Hollywood financier Tim Levy behind the proposal.Mr Levy, who has raised money to fund films such as Iron Man 2 and The Bourne Ultimatum, is hoping to generate £220 million from investors.He explained that construction is intended to begin this summer, with 530,000 tonnes of wheat needed to run the refin...
New “How-To Calibrate” Videos Will Keep Your Instruments on Target!
Brookfield Engineering (USA) introduces a new series of free online training videos detailing how to verify calibration of Viscometers and Rheometers. Available to registered customers at www.brookfieldengineering.com under “Support/Video Clips,” customers can view them whenever they have a question about the calibration check procedure. These videos demonstrate Brookfield’s recommended method for performing a comprehensive calibration check on Viscometers and Rheometers i...
Poor safety 'to blame' for Connecticut pipeline gas explosion
Poor oversight and a lack of adequate safety regulations might be the root cause of a pipeline gas explosion at a power plant in Connecticut, it has been claimed. The catastrophe, which killed six people and injured 26 others on February 7th, occurred at the Kleen Energy Systems facility in Middletown, the Hartford Courant reports.According to the news provider, members of a panel looking into the incident "appeared stunned" when a team of experts were unable to answer what state ag...
Gas Detection Sensors Offer Flexibility in Communication
Detcon’s (USA) state-of-the-art Model 700 gas detection sensors now include wireless technology as an integration option. All 700 sensors are equipped with standard 4-20mA analog and Modbus RS-485 outputs. The Model RXT-300, Detcon wireless gas detection system, is designed to work with 700 sensors and other Field devices with an RS-485 Modbus serial output. The RXT-300 is a wireless Modbus replacement and links one master to one or more slaves. Additional communication solutions for th...
Antek’s Sulfur Express
Perform quick, accurate sulfur detection inside or outside the laboratory with Antek’s Sulfur Express. Detect a wide range of sulfur levels – from high to low – consistently, with results in less than 6 minutes. No compressed gases are required; samples are easily loaded into an automatic sample injector, and results are displayed in real time on the unit itself or remotely via its handy USB interface. Antek’s Sulfur Express is capable of testing a wide variety of fuel...
Economic Automated Pensky Martens Flash Point Analyzer
Herzog’s economical HFP 339 provides automated determinat-ion of flash point with low cost of ownership, providing faster, simple determinations with unprecedented ease of use. The HFP 339 boosts test productivity for products with higher flash points because it can start with an accelerated heating rate, and then automatically switch to the standard heating rate at the appropriate temperature. Once detected, results are corrected for barometric pressure and displayed on an easy-to-rea...
New Penetrometer Offers Ease of Use and the Latest Technology
Penetration value of samples is mainly dedicated to semi-solid and solid bituminous materials, greases, petroleum waxes and has many applications in other industries (food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical…) to determine the consistency of the products. Normalab (France) has launched its 3rd generation of automatic penetrometer with improved technology. NPN Tech has been designed for a maximum ease of use and control from the operator’s point of view. Based on proven mechanical technol...
Highly Advanced Ultrasonic Gas Flow Meter
Able’s (UK) range of WideBeam Ultrasonic Clamp-on Flowmeters, originally developed for liquid applications, offer the most advanced, accurate, and reliable ultrasonic metering technology for natural and process gas flow applications. Rugged and submersible; this range is designed for use in harsh industrial environments. Available in both portable or fixed installation versions, Able’s flow meters simplify gas flow measurement using high accuracy transducers which clamp-on to the...
Liquid Level Transmitter Supports Foundation Fieldbus
MTS (Germany) has developed a new output for its line of magnetostrictive Level Plus® liquid level sensors. Foundation Fieldbus will be the third protocol offered by the MG digital level transmitter, which also includes current production of Modbus and the ASCII based proprietary DDA protocols. The Model MG satisfies the demand for a digital communication interface in the liquid-level marketplace for vessels from 508 mm to 22,000mm. It offers maintenance free liquid level measurement for...
The New Age in Flashpoint Testing
Using a unique patented flashpoint method, the Miniflash flashpoint tester from Grabner Instruments (Austria) offers best repeatability and unmatched versatility for petrochemical flashpoint testing. By using only 1-2 ml sample volume and by testing the flashpoint in a completely sealed metal cup, the MINIFLASH guarantees highest safety and eliminates the risk of open fires commonly associated when testing flashpoint in refinery laboratories. Operating a classical Pensky Martens flashpoint t...
GE Hosts ACCESS Oil & Gas: Integrity Forum on March 30, 2010
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is hosting the ACCESS Oil & Gas: Integrity Forum, a virtual event that goes live on March 30, 2010 and will remain as an accessible environment until June 30 2010. The Forum provides an opportunity for oil & gas professionals to chat live with peers, to listen to industry leaders and learn about industry trends and new product offerings without leaving their computers, eliminating both travel time and travel costs. As a global business leader...
MicroDist Offers Supreme Features with Proven Success
ISL’s new distillation analyser, the MicroDist gives results in less than 10 minutes. This revolutionary analyser does not require manual cleaning, which provides lower cost and maintenance to your company. The MicroDist is in direct correlation with ASTM D86, as well as ATEX safety requirements with flameproof explosion protection. PAC’s MicroDist offers supreme features with proven success and repeatability within MicroDistillation technology. PAC.
Turbine and Diesel Portable Process Analyser
PetroSpec’s TD PPA provides the most complete, global analysis of turbine diesel and jet fuel blends. Using unique infrared analysis the TDPPA combines both near- and mid-infrared information to evaluate for multiple analytes and physical properties simultaneously and is rugged enough for lab or field use. Monitor product quality, optimise fuel and additive blending, ensure government compliance, verify chain of custody, and minimise trans-mix and contamination problems. Proven performa...
Remote Level Sensing for Any Application
HWM’s (France) SonicSens is a versatile ultrasonic level sensor with a 5 year battery life, designed for easy installation and ready to output results either locally or via a range of telemetry options. The SonicSens combines precise ultrasonic measurement with a connected MultiLog data logger to store, interpret and transmit results, making it suitable for a wide variety of level-sensing and flow monitoring situations. The option of cellular wireless telemetry and the long battery life...
Heated Lines for use in Hazardous Areas
For use in hazardous areas Winkler (Germany) provides a new range of heated lines for various applications in environmental and process technology. These lines and hoses are approved as complete systems and come with EC type examination certificates. They can be used in zones 1/2 (gas) and 21/22 (dust) and due to their design they can be adapted to a wide range of custom applications. High quality, tested and approved materials are used in constructing these lines and allow for ambient tem...
Brand New Calorimeter/Wobbe Index Meter
The WIM Compas® series is the latest addition to the Hobré Instruments (Netherlands) portfolio of process analysers for Wobbe Index, Heating Value/BTU and Combustion Air Requirement Index. It succeeds the very successful WIM 9900 and COSA9600® calorimeters. Offering unmatched reliability, speed of response, accuracy and supported by profound application knowledge, the WIM Compas® is a great choice for measuring gas combustion parameters. Response time of the analyser is le...
New Multi Head Beam Detector For Wide-Area Fire Protection
Fire Fighting Enterprises (UK) has developed the technology to allow multiple Fireray 5000 optical beam smoke detector heads to operate from one single control unit. The Fireray 5000 Multi Head has up to 4 beam transceivers connected to, and managed by, one low-level system controller. This offers savings in the costs on time, power, installation, wiring, and maintenance. Multiple detector heads mean that one system can detect smoke over an even larger area, and the heads can be positioned fo...
Alcor’s Micro Carbon Residue Tester
Alcor’s MCRT-160 provides safe, simple measurement of a petroleum product’s tendency to thermally degrade and form coke under high temperature pyrolyzing conditions. The operator only has to weigh the initial and final samples and start the test, which allows the lab personnel to perform other tasks during the testing cycle. The MCRT-160 automatically executes the factory programmed ASTM D 4530 test program. Plus, for added convenience and versatility, it can even be programmed to...
Fast, Automated Cloud and Pour Point
Designed to provide highly accurate cloud and pour point temperatures of petroleum products during cooling, ISL’s automated Mini Cloud & Pour Point Analyzer is compact, portable and delivers fast results (30°C in less than 30 minutes, and quick pour point correlation with no flow @ 0.1°C determination). Easy button operation involves placing a tube filled with test specimen on the sample changer and pressing the OK key. MPP 5Gs’ powerful built-in cooling system with se...
New Generation of Wireless Gas Detection
A new generation of gas detection, the GenII product line is a complete set of instruments for detecting an array of gases. Backwardscompatible with the first generation of Otis Instruments’ (USA), GenII will boost existing applications, as well as ad numerous features to new setups. With several radio options for WireFree applications—and various compatible sensors for both WireFree and Wired (4-20mA input) applications—GenII offers unparalleled gas detection options for d...
ATEX-Rated, Electrically Actuated Ball Valves Provide Safe Shut Off for Fuel Oils in Overfill Alarm Systems
Burkert’s (Germany) 8804 ATEX- rated electrically actuated ball valves are providing the safe shut off of heating oil and diesel fuels at multiple depots operated by one of the UK’s largest fuel distributors. The valves are employed by flow and level measuring specialists, Severn Instruments, as part of the company’s tank overfill protection alarm system (TOPAS). The TOPAS system is critical to safe and efficient operation at fuel depots, as fuel spillages are potentially ha...
PetroilQuant™ Analytical Package for XRF
As quality and environmental demands on the petroleum industry become stricter, key elemental contaminants require ever-lower levels of quantification, for example, tighter regulations on sulfur (S) in light fuels and reducing FCC catalyst poisons nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) and catalyst fines aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si) in heavy fuels. The proven ability of Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis techniques to produce highly reliable and repeatable results is increasi...
Specialist in Petroleum Test Equipment Has Settled Down in Halsteren, The Netherlands
In March 2009 Zematra BV, well-known for their expertise in Petroleum Test Equipment, moved to their new larger premises in Halsteren. For 17 years we served the European (petro)chemical industry from our offices in Hoogvliet. Due to the addition of new lines and new services we needed a better equipped building to accommodate our personnel, warehouse, production and service activities. The building is conveniently located alongside the A4 motorway between Rotterdam and Antwerp. The last par...
The MultiTek™ Delivers Precise Results
Antek’s MultiTek™ is the only instrument on the market that combines testing for sulfur, nitrogen, and halides all in one. Compact, powerful, automated, and multi-configurable, it’s the perfect solution to today’s increasing demand worldwide for fast, accurate detection and analysis of unwanted chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, and corrosive elements. Because MultiTek™ delivers precise results with high sensitivity and unmatched versatility, it’s a valu...
Acquisition Strengthens Established Line of Process Analysers
Modcon Systems (Israel) announced it has acquired Petrometrix Ltd (Israel) along with its affiliates Petrometrix Inc based in Houston, USA. Founded in 1992, Petrometrix Ltd. develops manufactures and markets a new generation of process analysers based on Near Infrared (NIR) technology for the petroleum and petrochemical industries. The new Beacon 3000 represents a breakthrough in NIR process analyser design. This technology enables the facility to connect of up to 8 process stream sensors (f...
Sustainable Calibrations...Green Talk or Wishful Thinking?
Not at European Lab Services! In Spring 2009 Photovoltaic panels were installed on the ELS main office in Steendorp, Belgium. This was the latest step on their sustainable business ladder. From the start there has been a strong focus on quality and service at ELS. The main beneficiaries from this are, of course, the customers. ELS think beyond just today’s business; they also take care of the future. ELS do not only want to built up long term relationships with their customers, they a...
C, N, S, Cl in One Single Analysis Cycle
With the EA® 5000 from Analytik Jena (Germany) The sulphur, nitrogen and carbon analysis is performed simultaneously and highly sensitively; after which, the chlorine content is automatically measured. This is the first time that all four elements can be automatically identified in one single analysis cycle; however the instrument does not have to be converted for this purpose. The multi EA® 5000 has a unique modular principle, which means that the system can be constructed individu...
PetroSpec’s QuickSpec®
PetroSpec’s portable QuickSpec® ethanol purity analyzer delivers simple, fast, accurate analysis of gasoline-grade ethanol in the field. It’s a low-cost solution to quickly determine water and denaturant content of ethanol anywhere throughout the ethanoldistribution system. Terminal operators and others need to know at all times that they are receiving fuel ethanol that meets the ASTM D 4806 standard. The rugged, user-friendly QuickSpec® lets producers know precisely the p...
Randy F. Jennings Elected to ASTM International Board of Directors
Randy F. Jennings, executive assistant in the Regulatory Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Nashville, Tenn., will serve a term on the ASTM International board of directors from 2010-2012. Currently the second vice chair of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and vice chair of the D02 executive subcommittee, Jennings is active in several D02 subcommittees, including D02.A0 on Gasoline and Oxygenated Fuels; D02.E0 on Burner, Diesel, Non-Aviation...
Fieldbus Foundation Praises Expanded Collaboration on Field Device Integration
The Fieldbus Foundation recently praised an expanded automation industry collaborative effort intended to accelerate deployment of Field Device Integration (FDI) technology. Key automation suppliers have agreed to enlarge the scope of the Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) Cooperation Team into the FDI Cooperation, which is supporting a uniform device integration solution for process industries across all host systems, devices and protocols as required by end users. The FDI Cooper...
New Microwave Barrier Switch
The microwave barrier Vega ‘MIP’ (Microwave Impulse Point-level) from Vega (Germany) is especially designed for the special needs of the bulk solids industry. As this is a non-contact measurement, VegaMIP 61 has no direct contact with the medium. This provides reliability for abrasive, aggressive or high temperature applications. In such cases VEGAMIP can measure from the outside through a microwave permeable window, e.g. in ceramic, glass or plastic material. It can also be appli...
New Sulphur, Nitrogen and Halide Analyser
US manufacturers Antek (a PAC company) new MultiTek™ is the only instrument on the market that combines testing for sulphur, nitrogen, and halides all in one. Compact, powerful, automa-ted, and multi-configurable, it’s the perfect solution to today’s increasing demand worldwide for fast, accurate detection and analysis of unwanted chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, and corrosive elements. MultiTek™ is a valuable process optimisation tool that will deliver faster ROI...
Product Expansion for Leading BeNeLux Analytical Specialists
Optimus Instruments (Belgium) will market, distribute and service the Antek product line in the BeNeLux. Antek is a known in the petrochemical industry for its reliable elemental analysers like the Model 9000 for nitrogen and sulphur from low ppb to percentage level. Optimus Instruments is a market leader in the BeNeLux with reputated brands like Walter Herzog, ISL, Alcor, Lawler… Its strength is the powerful after sales service and unique IS17025 accreditation for performance testin...
Web-based Selector Tool for ICP Instrumentation
Teledyne Leeman Labs (USA) announces a webbased selector tool for ICP instrumentation. Are you puzzled by which ICP is right for your application? No need to be. Teledyne Leeman Labs helps you find the best instrument configuration for your sample type. Visit their website to use the New ICP Selector at: http://www.leemanlabs.com/ICP_Selector/icp.aspx. Just answer a few questions and find out which ICP configuration (e.g., axial, radial, dual view, array detector, or PMT) is the perfect fit.
Easy, Reliable TAN Measurement
GR Scientific’s (UK) Aquamax TAN (total acid number) titrator has been designed to offer maximum specifications and features whilst being priced at a very competitive level. This user-friendly titrator conforms to ASTM D664 for determination of acidic constituents in petroleum products, lubricants and transformer insulating oils. The Aquamax TAN, which comes with a 5 year warranty, offers specific titration programs depending on the expected TAN of the sample. This instrument includes...
Gas Injection for GC Made Easy
Joint Analytical Systems GmbH (Germany) has recently introduced a new unique and user-friendly easy and exact reproducible Gas Injection for GC Applications; GICU. With GICU it is possible to fill the GC sample loop with well-defined pressures. It is also very easy to calibrate and to run gas samples under the same or similar conditions. GICU can handle different gas samples with different pressures. Arguably its most important benefit is that it is possible to adjust the sample loop pressure...
Infrared Analysers For On-Site Oil/Grease Measurements in Water and Soil Featured in New Brochure
The InfraCal TOG/TPH Analysers for oil/grease concentration levels are highlighted in a new brochure published by Wilks Enterprise, Inc (USA). These analysers are specifically designed for easy, on-site infrared measurement of total oil and grease (TOG), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), and fat, oil and grease (FOG) concentration levels in water and soil samples. The InfraCal TOG/TPH Analysers are used worldwide for analysing produced water on off-shore platforms or wastewater in refineries...
Versatile Power Supply for the Field Technician
Setting up a Fieldbus infrastructure often involves installation work at remote locations with no power supply in sight. At the same time, the DCS and its associated infrastructure is far from being ready to perform remote fieldbus physical layer testing. For the field technician, this would usually mean the lack of on-site device diagnostics in order to get the system up and running within the limited time available. The new mobile Fieldbus Battery BP-FBPS-1.30.1 from Pepperl+Fuchs is the i...
Combustible Gas Detection System Web Video Features Detector Calibration Demonstration
General Monitors (USA) is proud to announce the debut of its new IR4000 Multi-Point Combustible Gas Detection System Calibration Demo, which is now available online. This new 3-D web demo takes you inside a gas compressor facility, shows the appropriate placement of the system’s multiple IR400 Gas Detectors and explains how to gas check, zero and calibrate the systems multiple detectors utilizing the IR4000M Monitor. Just under 5 minutes in length, the demo provides step-by-step instr...
AlertAlarm Protected for all Environments
E2S (UK) has upgraded the IP ratings of its AlertAlarm general signalling sounder range. All sizes in the family, the A105N (112dB), A112N (119dB) and A121 (126dB) sounders are now supplied sealed to IP66 as standard, enabling them to be installed with confidence even in the most demanding dusty or wet environments. All units have 45 selectable tones and have at least two switchable alarm stages as standard; there is also the option of a fully programmable four-stage switching version, in wh...
New Portable Detector for Flammable Gases
The μGazex developed by Gazomat™ (France) provides users with personal protection in potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX group 1 and group 2 approved, this multifunction explosivity meter device complies with all the European safety standards. The μGazex is available in four versions for use across a wide range of applications; Explosivity meter – 1 measurement scale : 0-100% LEL, Explosivity meter -catharometer – 2 measurement scales: 0-100% LEL et 0-100% Vol. Ga...
New Lightweight, Battery Operated Corrosion Monitor
Ion Science (UK) announces the introduction of the Hydrosteel 7000 Transportable Light (TL), a newly developed lightweight corrosion monitor for the non-intrusive measurement of hydrogen flux. The Hydrosteel 7000 TL is a complete stand-alone battery operated kit weighing just 8 kg, 15 lb. The lightweight instrument has been designed for easy installation at the top of tall refinery towers and columns. A major benefit of Hydrosteel 7000 TL is its ability to continuously monitor active corros...
New Generation of Field-proven On-line Viscometer
Hydramotion Ltd (UK) is pleased to announce a new generation of its field-proven XL7 on-line process viscometer. The latest model stores all instrument-specific data on the transducer, giving complete flexibility of installation. The accompanying VP550 readout unit has a clear, easy-toread display showing measured viscosity and viscosity corrected to a user-defined reference temperature. Viscosity control is essential in many oilfield applications. For example, when blending fracturing fluid...
EX-5155 Sensor/Transmitter for Hydrocarbons and Organic Solvents
Enmet Corporation’s (USA) EX-5155, 24 VDC, Sensor/Transmitter features a solid-state MOS sensor, which can be calibrated for ppm level detection of a wide range of hydrocarbon gases and organic solvents, such as acetone, xylene, MEK, methyl alcohol, etc. The MOS sensor can also be used for detecting certain common toxic gases, including NH3, CO, H2S, etc. The EX-5155 is approved for Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C and D. It features a liquid crystal display, 4-20 mA output and non-intr...
Open Path Gas Detector Technology
Senscient (USA) introduce its ELDS open path gas detection technology and ELDS™ (Enhanced Laser Diode Spectroscopy) Series detectors. ELDS gas detection technology is cited as the first and only system capable of detecting both combustible and toxic gases selectively with discreet communications outputs from one line-of-sight gas detection system for up to 60% reduction in capital expenditure. Current configurations are available for Methane + Hydrogen Sulfide in Sour Gas and Low Level...