Latest

Gas hydrates, a form of natural gas that forms when methane from the decomposition of organic material comes into contact with water at low temperatures and high pressures, could play a role — even if a small one — in future fuel supplies, researchers attending a March meeting organized by the American Chemical Society suggested.

Emerson Process Management launched a new extreme temperature version of its Rosemount 2130 vibrating fork liquid level switch that is designed for use in extreme temperatures — from – 94F to 500F (–70C to 260C). The new version includes a low-density option suitable for liquids with specific gravity down to 0.5 (500 kg/m ³). In addition to built-in fault-monitoring/self-checking diagnostics to detect corrosion of the forks or any internal or external damage or breaks in the internal electrical wiring, it features a "heartbeat" LED, which provides instant visual indication that the unit is operational. The unit requires no onsite calibration and is available in 316L stainless steel, corrosion-resistant alloy C wet side, or a range of other stainless steel and aluminum options. (www2.emersonprocess.com)

Sweden’s SKF Reliability Systems introduced the SKF Microlog Analyzer AX, an advanced vibration-monitoring technology. With simultaneous triaxial or four-channel vibration measurement capability, the unit speeds up data collection and saves time in monitoring rounds. The 806 MHz Xscale processor also means faster real-time rate and display updates. An available range of application modules allows users to create a custom device to perform several advanced tasks, such as impact tests, digital recording, modal analysis, transient phenomena analysis, and quality inspections.

Schaffner’s filter series now includes ECOsine active harmonics filters — compact, digital units that continuously measure and analyze disturbances in the power network and provide an exactly opposite compensation current. In doing so, the filters actively adapt to changing network topologies and respond in less than half a millisecond, before damage from the disturbances can occur. The improved power quality of the new filters minimizes the risk of downtime and process interruptions.

DW Global Group’s recently announced dry bulk hopper mini-silo system — comprising one or more reusable, translucent containers — is designed for companies wanting to replace fiber drums, cardboard boxes, wood pallets, and super sacks. The rugged plastic containers — lids included — multitask as shipping, storage, and dispensing systems. Each hopper has a valve at the bottom for easy flow of material from hoppers to the manufacturing machine. The system allows for stacking of up to three units with a total weight of as much as 2,400 pounds. According to DW Global, the investment for a multi-purpose dry bulk hopper system can be "as little as $5,000 to $10,000, with a return-on-investment in less than a year." (www.dwglobalgroup.com)

The "TCS Cheetah" air-powered hoist from Harrington Hoists Inc. is now available in two new capacities: the ¼-ton TCS250C/P and the 1-ton TCS1000C/P-2. Built for speed, the units are adjustable to fit all lifting requirements, particularly fast-paced or repetitive lifting applications. Additional features include a compact, lightweight aluminum body with good headroom, a disc brake for reliable load support, a vane monitor for very fine feathering control, and an unlimited duty cycle for continuous operation. (www.harringtonhoists.com)

The estimated $30 billion that electric utilities have paid since 1982 to the Nuclear Waste Trust Fund for the construction and operation of the federal nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain could be returned to them if a Senate bill introduced on Thursday passes.

The U.S. may never need new nuclear or coal-fired power plants because renewable energy and improved efficiency can meet future power demand, Jon Wellinghoff, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chair, last week reportedly said.

The UK will not permit new coal-fired power plants without equipment to capture and store at least 25% of carbon emissions from day one and 100% by 2025, when carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is expected to be technically and commercially proven, the country’s climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, said last week.

Changes to a state bill that would have allowed AmerenUE to charge customers during the construction of a second nuclear plant at Callaway in Missouri last week prompted the company to pull the plug on the $6 billion project.