Next-generation quartz crystal microbalance moisture analyzer
AMETEK Process Instruments has introduced its next-generation quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) moisture analyzer, the 3050-OLV (FIG. 1), a modern update to a product with > 25 yr of trusted reliability and performance. This enhanced analyzer builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing advanced technology and design improvements for precise moisture measurement in critical industrial applications. Engineered for use in refining, natural gas processing and other demanding environments, the 3050-OLV upholds a tradition of highly consistent and repeatable performance and is certified for use in ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 hazardous areas.
Improving upon the strong legacy of its predecessor, the next-generation 3050-OLV incorporates an optical keypad and integrated display that allows operators to easily monitor data, alarms and settings without requiring a hot-work permit, enhancing both safety and convenience. Its National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable self-verification feature uniquely offers validation at two distinct concentrations, allowing operators to perform scheduled or on-demand checks with confidence.
For more information, visit www.ametekpi.com.
Comprehensive tank base corrosion protection system
Tank base corrosion presents a significant challenge for above-ground storage tanks, threatening structural integrity, risking environmental contamination and incurring costly repairs or replacements. Recognizing the critical need for robust protection, Denso Inc., a leader in corrosion prevention technologies, offers the Viscotaq tank base corrosion protection system—a cutting-edge solution designed to mitigate these risks effectively.
This innovative system provides a durable, moisture-resistant barrier at the tank chime area, safeguarding against water intrusion and contaminant infiltration. By utilizing Viscotaq’s flexible, self-adhering materials, operators can extend tank lifespans while reducing maintenance costs and minimizing safety and environmental risks.
Key features of the Viscotaq system include a simplified, four-part application process following proper surface preparation:
Viscotaq adhesion promoter: A quick-drying primer ensures maximum adhesion to the tank chime and concrete base, setting the foundation for optimal system performance.
ViscoMastic or ViscoMastic XHT: A non-toxic, conformable mastic that seals gaps and cracks between the tank base and ring wall. ViscoMastic boasts self-healing characteristics, flexibility and fire-retardant properties, while the XHT variant is designed for high-temperature environments up to 257°F (125°C).
Viscotaq EZ-Wrap: A visco-elastic coating with a paintable backing that ensures complete coverage with a weatherboard overlap for maximum moisture protection.
Archco topcoats: Complementing the Viscotaq system, Archco topcoats provide flexible, durable finishes for various temperature ranges. Options include Archco 15, a UV-resistant acrylic topcoat for applications up to 150°F (65°C), and Archco 65, a polyurethane topcoat offering superior chemical resistance and protection at temperatures up to 200°F (93°C).
The Viscotaq system’s ability to resist mechanical damage, corrosion and harsh environmental conditions makes it an ideal solution across industries. Its modular design allows operators to address a range of challenges, from high-temperature applications to chemical exposure, all while enhancing the aesthetic appearance of protected tanks.
For more information, visit https://www.densona.com/.
Enhanced IT/OT integration with new collaborative information server
Yokogawa Electric Corp. has released the latest version of its OpreX™ collaborative information server (CI server), a product in the OpreX Control and Safety System family, with enhancements that streamline application assembly and improve external connectivity.
The OpreX collaborative information server brings together large volumes of data from various plant equipment and systems to enable the optimized management of production activities across an entire enterprise, and provide the environment needed to remotely monitor and manage operations from any location and make swift decisions.
Plants incorporate a wide range of equipment and devices, and it is essential to have the capability to swiftly detect and address any abnormalities in normal operations and utilize the data held by other systems and devices to increase maintenance efficiency. As such, systems must have connectivity with other systems and devices, as well as functionality that enables them to leverage the information they collect.
Main features include:
The addition of the CI Gateway component—At renewable energy facilities and the like, gateways are deployed at various locations for the collection of data required for integrated monitoring and operations. In all kinds of industries, the use of gateways for the relay of plant data to assemble higher-level applications is a common practice. In this release, a new component, CI Gateway (FIG. 2), has been added. Compared to the previous version, this allows for simpler and more flexible implementation, making it easier to deploy the OpreX CI server as a dedicated gateway.
Support of RESTful API—The RESTful API is a standard web application interface that is widely used in IT applications. With this release, it is now possible to access OpreX CI server data via the RESTful API. This facilitates access to operational technology (OT) data and leads to closer convergence between information technology (IT) and OT systems, thereby realizing seamless integration and the efficient use of data. For example, it is now possible to construct a general-purpose web browser-based key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard that aggregates and displays data from various systems.
Enhanced IEC 61850 communication driver—IEC61850 is an international protocol for communication networks/systems that is essential throughout industry. The enhanced support for this standard enables users to select safer interactive operations in place of certain operations that previously were executed automatically. For greater flexibility in operations, it is also now possible to utilize device report data as OpreX CI server data.
Major target markets include oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, renewable energy, power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, mining, iron and steel, water distribution and wastewater treatment. Key applications include plant monitoring and control; data collection, provision and storage; etc.
For more information, visit: https://www.yokogawa.com/solutions/products-and-services/control/control-and-safety-system/collaborative-information-server/ciserver/.
Software release adds PLC simulator, performance improvements to advanced capabilities
Emerson has released PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, the integrated development environment software used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems programmable logic controllers (PLCs), QuickPanel human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and more.
This update is the latest and most advanced version, elevating the user experience with a significant leap forward in capabilities (FIG. 3), including simulation, data monitoring enhancements, optimized connectivity and programming efficiency.
The PACSystems Simulator is a newly incorporated component, empowering users to easily write, test, and troubleshoot control logic on a PLC emulator. This can be done before purchasing new control hardware to speed development and ensure the correct selections are made. The Simulator is seamlessly integrated within PME and is easy to set up, and fast to enable with just one button. Users benefit from the ability to continuously test code throughout development, minimizing risks and accelerating project implementation.
An all-new data monitor component empowers developers to quickly diagnose and resolve logic issues using plotted data, whether the data is sourced from a physical PLC or the simulator. With advanced configuration options for visualizing and analyzing data in a modernized display, and the ability to save and retrieve monitor configurations, users can gain insights into system dynamics, detect root causes of anomalies rapidly and uncover trending conditions.
A new high-performance OPC-UA PAC Server accelerates PLC communication performance for visualization and other client applications, with double the tag count capacity, faster startup speeds and improved processing efficiency. Similarly, PROFINET enhancements provide more efficient configuration and operation—with additional diagnostics—for communication with intelligent field devices, such as I/O, sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and more.
PME 10.6 also incorporates significant improvements for data handling. Enhanced user-defined types (UDTs) now propagate data element descriptions across all application instances, ensuring consistency while saving configuration time.
End users, systems integrators (SIs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can easily upgrade to PME 10.6 to access the PACSystems Simulator, enhanced data monitoring, optimized connectivity and more. These features benefit automation system designers with shortened development time, increased visibility, better consistency and improved performance.
For more information, visit https://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/control-and-safety-systems/programmable-automation-control-systems/control-software.
Expanded electrical operator line with new solenoid for hazardous locations
VERSA Products Co. Inc., a global leader in engineering and manufacturing solenoid, pilot and manual actuated directional control valves and related components, has launched its XC8 Solenoid, the latest addition to its industry-leading line of electrical operators. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of hazardous locations, the XC8 Solenoid is certified for Class I, Division 1, Groups A & B, ensuring safe and reliable performance in volatile environments.
Engineered for extreme conditions, the XC8 Solenoid operates in a temperature range of –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C), making it ideal for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing and power generation. Its compact design features a durable engineered polymer housing, 36-in. wire leads and a Class H continuous duty rating, providing long-lasting reliability in mission-critical applications.
With a standard IP67 ingress protection rating, the XC8 Solenoid is built to withstand harsh environments, ensuring optimal performance even in the most demanding industrial settings. The solenoid is compatible with VERSA’s C-Aluminum, B-316, C-316, E5SM, V&T and V-316 Series valves, expanding its versatility across a wide range of system configurations.
For more information, visit www.versa-valves.com.
New methane flare burner to reduce methane emissions
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and the University of Michigan (U-M) have published a new study showing an advanced new methane flare burner, created with additive manufacturing and machine-learning, that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner was designed by U-M engineering researchers and tested at SwRI.
Oil producers can generate methane during oil production and typically use flare stacks to burn off this gas. However, wind blowing across conventional open flame burners reduces their effectiveness, releasing 40% or more of methane into the atmosphere. Over 100 yr, methane has 28 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2) and is 84 times more potent on a 20-yr timescale. Flaring reduces overall global warming potential, but ineffective flaring dampens this strategy.
SwRI collaborated with U-M engineers to leverage machine-learning, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and additive manufacturing to create and test a burner with high methane destruction efficiency and combustion stability at the challenging conditions present in the field.
The burner was tested at an indoor facility at SwRI, where the crosswind and measure burner efficiency could be controlled under different conditions. Even the slightest amount of crosswind significantly reduced the effectiveness of most burners. It was determined that the structure and motions of the fins inside the burner were essential for maintaining efficiency. The U-M team engineered it to significantly improve performance.
The burner has a complex nozzle base that splits the flow of methane in three different directions. The impeller design guides the gas toward the flame. This novel design allows for the even mixing of oxygen and methane and provides time for the combustion to occur before crosswinds can affect it. This design is key to the burner’s efficiency.
A good ratio of oxygen to methane is key to combustion, according to SwRI. The surrounding air must be captured and incorporated to mix with the methane; however, too much can dilute it. U-M researchers conducted a lot of CFD work to find a design with an optimal air-methane balance, even when subjected to high-crosswind conditions.
SwRI and U-M teams are continuing to collaborate on creating and testing new burner designs, aiming to create an even more efficient and cost-effective prototype in 2025.
The project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA—E) Reducing Emissions of Methane Every Day of the Year (REMEDY) program. It is one of several projects funded to support the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, announced at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). The plan seeks to reduce methane emissions and promote American innovation, developing new technologies to achieve climate goals.
For more information, visit https://www.swri.org/markets/energy-environment/oil-gas/flow-measurement-services/metering-research-facility or https://www.swri.org/industries/fire-testing. HP