Zero loss dryers now even smarter and more efficient

The range of successful smart adsorption air dryers launched by Hi-line Industries Ltd have been even further enhanced by the addition of touch-screen technology incorporated into their automatic energy management system (AEMS). This cutting edge facility enables remote dial-in control via mobile phone or laptop, while even lower running costs are achieved by using a blower/fan, rather than the more expensively produced compressed air, for desiccant regeneration.

The AEMS controller features a zero loss heater blower programme and undertakes constant monitoring and analysis of the dryer load parameters, while making necessary adjustments to the dryer cycle to ensure continuous maximum efficiency. This maintains the lowest possible running costs coupled with regeneration at the lowest energy tariff which also ensuring that the compressed air inlet conditions are matched to the dewpoint required.

Touch-screen technology has been incorporated into Hi-Line's (AEMS).

This advanced controller comes as a factory-fitted attachment with the new range of Hi-line HBP-TS series dryers, but can also be supplied for retro-fitting to any make of existing dumb dryer, to upgrade such units to the level of the latest smart dryers.

These products achieve dewpoints of -70° PDP without loss of expensive compressed air and are available with flow rates from 10 up to 10,000 scfm. They feature thermally efficient, generous, fully insulated vessels, with heaters and heat-exchangers. Waste heat utilisation from steam, oil or compression can be optionally used where available, with a fan motor also optimised for maximum use with minimum power consumption. Stainless steel pipework is fitted as standard with independent fail-safe switching valves and full-flow LPD check valves incorporated. Pressure equalisation and heater protection systems are also provided, eliminating pressure fluctuations and maintaining safety standards.

The state-of-the-art control panel with AEMS provides a touch-screen user interface with indicator panel where digital dewpoint, pressure, heater and electrical displays, together with the cycle stepping time are shown on screen. Regeneration temperatures are controlled from the PLC with cycle times matched to demand and triggered by the dewpoint control setting.

The equipment is manufactured on site in the UK to the highest British/European standards covering pressure vessels and pipework welding, together with EEC machinery directive and current wiring regulations.

Dryers are designed to occupy the smallest footprint, so not wasting valuable production space, with bespoke dryers also supplied to suit specific customer requirements. Installation and commissioning is included in the selling price, with a one-year warranty covering parts and labour. Nationwide service support is available with a five year warranty and a service contract is also available.

For further information, e-mail: enquiries@hilineindustries.com  or view website: www.hilineindustries.com  Refer to page 163

Viton® Extreme™ seals offer high pH resistance

Dichtomatik Ltd, the sealing specialists, can now offer Viton® fluoroelastomer sealing products that have been subject to DuPont™ proprietary Advanced Polymer Architecture (APA) technology. These products, called Viton® Extreme™, feature base-resistant polymers to ensure improved long term performance in the presence of high pH chemicals.

Chemical solutions that have been introduced over the past few years incorporate bases which inhibit metal corrosion caused by the long term effects of acid build up. Chemicals used to clean or purge industrial and food processing equipment can also have strong bases which are similarly detrimental to the performance and life expectancy of fluoroelastomer sealing products. However, the DuPont™ high performance elastomers utilised for Viton® Extreme™ production are capable of meeting the highest challenges by providing: 1) Overall fluids resistance. 2) Exceptional base resistance. 3) Significant processing advantages compared to existing TFE/Propylene polymers.

Dichtomatik , offer Viton® fluoroelastomer sealing productst that have been subject to DuPont™ proprietary (APA) technology.

Dichtomatik is an authorised DuPont™ licensee and approved UK source for all Viton®, Vamac®, Kalrez® and Zalak® O-rings, seals and finished products. As a customer focused supplier, they are able to offer full technical support, service and supply for specific applications in the aerospace, chemical processing, oil & gas, energy, utilities, automotive and heavy duty/offroad markets, together with the food and pharmaceutical Industries. Performance enhanced variations of Viton® Extreme™ products are also available to cover specific applications, while maintaining the superior processing attributes of the Viton® Extreme™ range.

Viton® Extreme™ TBR-S
A totally base-resistant Viton® polymer that utilises APA technology and a revolutionary bisphenol cure site for an improved TFE/Propylene copolymer. This provides: 1) Inherent resistance to caustics/amines. 2) Good resistance to hydrocarbon oils, acids and steam. 3) Superior compression set resistance and lower volume swell for longer seal life and wear resistance. 4) Superior processing versus other TFE/Propylene polymers.

Viton® Extreme™ TBR-605CS
This elastomer can be used in oil and gas, chemical processing, utilities, automotive and heavy duty/off highway applications. Due to its chemical structure, like all other TFT/Propylene products, it is not recommended for automotive or aircraft fuel sealing.

Viton® Extreme™ ETP-S
This is an upgrade to ETP-900 that significantly improves processing and end-use performance, while retaining the excellent fluid resistance of its predecessor. It provides: 1) Excellent resistance to acid, hydrocarbon and low molecular weight esters, ketones and aldehydes. 2) Inherent resistance to base attack and volume changes in highly caustic solutions, amines and hot water. 3) Low-temperature flexibility (Tg -10°C). 4) Improved compression set and physical properties for superior seal performance. 5) Better mould flow, faster cure rates, and improved mould release and fouling for efficient manufacturing.

Viton® Extreme™ ETP-600S
While officially classified as an FEPM by ASTM D1418, the performance characteristics of Viton® Extreme™ ETP-600S combine the best characteristics of an FEPM and a specialty type Viton®. In complicated environments and chemically aggressive applications where standard FKMs or FEPMs are not an option, ETP-600S is the fluoroelastomer of choice. ETP-600S truly is the best of both worlds, with very low swell in hydrocarbons, it provides exceptional service for automotive oil seals and oil field applications, as well as automotive and aircraft fuels.

Dichtomatik is a leading worldwide supplier of sealing solutions to many diverse industries and is able to offer outstanding customer service and support. Working closely with DuPont™ Performance Polymers European technical centre in Geneva, the leading global supplier of speciality elastomers and supporting technologies, they are able to provide innovative solutions to help customers stay ahead of the competition.

For further technical information and service on the Viton® Extreme™ range, view website: www.viton-extreme.co.uk

OMS offers unique video and laser scanning of underground flood prevention pipes on motorways

Pipe measurement specialist Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd is providing video and laser-based measurement services to several UK-based building, construction and utility management companies. These services include the inspection and measurement of underground pipes, including gas, water and rainwater drainage pipes on UK motorway networks. These services include measuring the geometrical features of pipes such as the ovality.

Many of the UK's motorway networks have holding pods installed underneath the road surface, which are designed to control the drainage of water from the road surface in order to prevent flooding. These pods are typically positioned 5m underground, either on the hard shoulder or on the grass verge at the side of the motorway. The pods comprise tightly-packed sheets of plastic, around 3 metres square, with a 500mm diameter plastic pipe running through the pod. The pipes, which are typically between 3m and 36m in length, have small slits along their length, which allow water to slowly soak through to the pod.

Typically, a motorway will require multiple pods at critical flood prevention areas. After installing these pods, it is sometimes necessary for the installer to determine the exact shape of the pipes in order to demonstrate that they meet their own specification requirements.

Using its unique video and laser-based measurement tools, OMS engineers are able to measure these pipes in situ, in order to verify their roundness and to look for signs of damage or blockage inside the pipe.

Kevin Darnell, Project Manager at OMS Ltd commented: "Typically, the customer will ask us to measure the inside diameter of installed pipes, which we do by laser measuring at several points along the pipe's length using our Pipe CheckerÔ tool. At a later point in time, we would then return to those pipes in order to measure the same parameters again. From our measurement results, we can then see whether a pipe has changed shape over that period. The same tool used for laser-based measurements is also equipped with advanced video inspection capability, including the latest pan  and  tilt camera technology and auto-focus zoom lenses, tractor systems and motorised cable reels. By moving the tool through the entire length of a pipe, we can visually identify whether there are any areas of concern within the pipes."

OMS' Pipe CheckerÔ tool is ideal for inspecting the inside of pipelines and other structures such as manifolds. With both video and laser-based measurement capabilities in a single tool, only two OMS engineers are required on site to inspect each pipe. OMS engineers are trained to work in confined spaces.

The Pipe CheckerÔ tool is capable of measuring pipe diameters from 300mm up to 1,000mm. Larger wheels can be fitted to the tool's motorised tractor unit if the tool needs to move through sludge inside the pipes.

As Kevin Darnell states: "The measurement data we collect from the PipeChecker tool provides customers with a traceable method of identifying whether a pipe is blocked, changing shape over time, incorrectly installed, or whether it is out of its manufacturing specification."

For further information, email: denise@optical-metrology-services.com  Refer to page 179