Electricity + Control October 2015

ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION

ROUND UP

USB interface takes multi-functional counter to next level

Micronutrient analysis The ability to conduct at-linemicronutrient anal- ysis using ED-XRF spectroscopy at the point of production is detailed in a new application brief from SPECTRO Analytical Instruments , available to download at http://xrf.spectro.com/ micronutrient. The brief, At-Line Micronutrient Analysis Using ED-XRF Spectroscopy at the Point of Production, details the significant advantages of At-line elemental analysis for product quality control and consistency in micronutrient analysis — while maximising production throughput. Both the recent use of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and alternate colorimet- ric methods for manufacturing quality control purposes present drawbacks for producers, according to the paper.These include the need to transport samples from the production line to a laboratory for analysis, and the lengthy time that is required for extensive sample preparation. In contrast, the advantages of At-line el- emental analysis are many. The foremost benefit, according to the brief, is that with a new-generation portable ED-XRF spectrometer, elemental analysis can performed directly on a sample and usually with little preparation — at the production line or anywhere in the plant. In addition, the use of a new, carefully-selected ED- XRF instrument in performing at-line elemental analysis can deliver the level of accuracy previ- ously found only in the laboratory. Moreover, the paper notes, employing At-line elemental analysis can help boost production throughput, reduce costs, and provide the manufacturing process with far more flexibility than ever be- fore. As a guide, the brief also provides a series of critical factors for readers to consider when specifying and comparing various at-line ED- XRF spectrometers for micronutrient analysis. Enquiries: Email spectro.info@ametek.com

Ease of use has been taken to another level with Hengstler multifunctional counters which are now available with a USB interface. This allows the user to program the versatile counter via PC or tablet using the company’s free downloadable programing assistant. It not only provides a clear, user friendly display but will also recognise and alert the user should conflicting entries be attempted. The program settings can be printed or saved as a file for record keeping purposes and programing is done via a USB interface cable or USB flash drive connection. The USB interface on the Hengstler Tico 773 allows both the import and export of numerous values and settings including count value, presets, subtotals, totaliser and batch counter. It also facilitates output monitoring with a notification of any changes in the outputs. The HengstlerTico 773 offers reliable and accurate operation in a wide range of applica- tions including position indication, rotation speed controlling, time controlling and batch

counting.The easy to read display with large digits (9,3 mm x 7,2 mm) make it simple to use, while the installation of the device is easy due to plug and play style terminals. Countapulse Controls is the official southern Africa distributor of the full range of Hengstler counters and the company offers a technical advisory and support service to assist users with both the appropriate purchasing deci- sion as well as troubleshooting should this be necessary.

Enquiries: Gerry Bryant. Tel. 011 615 7556 or email bryant@countapulse.co.za

Electromagnetic flow meter The Promag 400 electromagnetic flowmeter meets absolute accuracy, approvals, remote operation and data security. Whether potable water, industrial water or wastewater, whether in urban or rural areas, water has become a scarce resource due to worldwide population growth and the associated urbanisation. As South Africa is a semi-arid country we must have a sustainable water manage- ment system which includes increasing the population’s access to potable water and sanitation. Due to the high cost of purification and distribution of this limited resource, losses should be minimised and every drop accounted for. Currently South Africa’s non- revenue water is at 36,8%. At the heart of this is leaks, un-billed (not measured), water theft as well as the agreed free water quota. Without accurate and reliable water flow measurement, this figure cannot be improved on. The new Promag 400 and Promag 800 from Endress+Hauser offers excellent advantages precisely in such applications ensuring cost and time sav- ing operation. The Promag 400 electromagnetic flow meter is based on over 35 years of industry experience. Important requirements for the water management industry such as ac- curacy, approvals, remote operation and data security are met by Promag without any compromise.The fields of application are: • Volumetric flow measurement of drinking water, industrial water, irrigation water or wastewater • Applications in small plant engineering or in large-scale projects • Measurement in distribution networks, pump systems or in pits • Monitoring, regulation, billing and leak detection Enquiries: Hennie Pretorius.Tel. 011 262 8068 or email hennie.pretorius@za.endress.com

Electricity+Control October ‘15

10