News items November 2005

Dr Ren Xu, Malvern Instruments’ Applications and Technical Support Manager in the Asian Region, has been appointed concurrent professor at the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai. This is one of China’s leading universities and has a renowned particle technology center. The appointment ceremony took place on Thursday 20th October 2005 and was attended by more than 200 people, including the vice president and senior officials from the university. As part of the ceremony Prof. Xu gave a seminar on ‘Nanoparticle property and characterization, current status and future’. Lectures were also given by Prof. Ben Chu of SUNY (Stony Brook, USA), a leading authority in materials science and light scattering techniques, and Prof. Norio Tsubokawa whose department at Niigata University in Japan specializes in the functionalization of nano-materials and preparation of smart nano-composites. Ren Xu, joined Malvern Instruments in 2004 and is a widely

Using an in-line Parsum probe from Malvern Instruments, Merck has successfully tackled the notoriously difficult issue of fluidized bed monitoring and control. Recent on-site trials confirmed that a Parsum probe installed in a fluidized bed granulator can reliably generate particle size data that allows the evolution of a pharmaceutical granulate to be monitored in real time. The process insight and knowledge gained will be used by Merck to develop more effective control strategies for the batch granulator and improve process efficiency. Merck selected the Parsum IPP 50-SE for the demanding in situ application having used it elsewhere, in various gravity chutes, to monitor product size. The trial demonstrated the ability of the Parsum to operate effectively in a turbulent flow regime, with high fine particle loadings, under damp conditions. Particle size parameters, including x(10), x(50) and x(90), which all impact directly on product performance, were produced throughout

New development by Döscher & Döscher Döscher & Döscher is specialised for moisture and density measurement based on a microwave-system for lab and process Döscher & Döscher with a new development – the explosion proof online moisture measurement system – MoistureScan EX The MoistureScan Ex is a special version of the MoistureScan including all the benefits, such as fast and precise measurement. The MoistureScan Ex is suitable for flush-mounting inside explosion zone 20 (dusty atmosphere). The product-lateral sensor surface may be established within zone 20 for highly combustible environments. The remaining components of the measuring instrument are suitable for zone 22. Another version is completely suitable for zone 20. Use of product - The process parameter moisture will measured in explosion zones - Your product quality will be achieved faster and rejection will be minimized - Your production is continuously informed in a timely manner

Bulk Solids Handling Made Easy Production plants have to be adapted to changing and increasing demands at ever shorter cycles. Constant change in the raw materials used is now the norm: Extruders are charged, for instance, with bulk solids ranging from granules to highly adhesive powders - with feeding accuracy having top priority. Adaptation to a new product is „learnt“ by the system through procedures prepared during the first start-up. Thus, the bulk solids can be switched smoothly, meaning a saving in costly working time. Control and coordination of the weighfeeders are taken on by the DISOCONT® MASTER TOUCH. Besides portioning of the various raw materials and the total throughput, the parameter sets of the subordinate feeding control are selected from here. For internal monitoring or evidence for the end-user the Schenck feeding control supports the operator in an optimal way. As proof the process data are recorded and made available for analysis

One of the largest ever series of round robin tests, where a number of different laboratories analyse the same materials, has now been performed on Whitehouse Scientific`s polydisperse particle size standards. Under the auspices of the Laser Diffraction Proficiency Testing Scheme (LDPTS) more than 60 laboratories analysed four glass microsphere particle size standards covering the size range from 1 - 350 microns. While a number of testing laboratories produced results that were in excellent agreement with the certified standards, some showed significant deviations. This work highlights the need for reference standards in combination with prescriptive methods of analysis. It also explains why there has been a significant surge in the use of such materials in laboratories performing precision particle size analysis. www.whitehousescientific.com

from RETSCH The robust floor models SR 200, SR 300 and SK 100 from RETSCH are suitable for the coarse and fine grinding of soft, fibrous and also hard materials. A final fineness of down to 40 µm (depending on the material) can often be achieved in the first working step. The Rotor Beater Mills are available in two speed versions; the efficient comfort model SR 300 allows for a significantly higher throughput with a larger fraction of fine material. The mills are suitable for crushing construction materials, chemicals, coal, feed pellets, pharmaceuticals and many other materials. For the size reduction of samples with a high oil or fat content, a special distance rotor was developed. The larger grinding gap ensures a reduction in frictional heat, thus allowing for excellent grinding results. The Cross Beater Mill SK 100 comfort offers high throughput performance with a final fineness down to 80 µm (depending on the material). It is suitable for crushing hard and brittle

for sieve diameters of 200 mm to 450 mm HAVER EML 450 digital plus is the first test sieve shaker in the world with a three dimensional sieving action and self-adjusting amplitude to be fitted with test sieve diameters up to 450 mm. Only three years after the introduction of the HAVER EML 300 to the market this new development completes the Haver & Boecker premium product range “digital plus”. The EML 450 digital plus can be used with all current sieve diameters of 200 to 450 mm. This offers the opportunity to use one machine for varying product quantities and different sieve diameters. As with all test sieve shakers from the Haver & Boecker series “digital plus”, the EML 450 is controlled by micro processor. The self-adjusting amplitude compensates via permanent acceleration control of the total sieve column the vibrations of the sieve shaker and its stand. This guarantees equal amplitudes even if different material quantities are analysed at different stands – a guarantee for analyses

Photo-Optical Particle Analysis HAVER & BOECKER Germany and W.S. Tyler USA, two companies which significantly shaped the developments in the field of test sieves and test sieve shakers during the past decades and which play an important part in the international standardization of test sieves, are also working intensively on the development of appliances for dynamic image analysis for particle analysis for several years. As the latest innovation in this sector a new photo optical real time particle analyzer combined with a fully automatic scale will be presented. HAVER & BOECKER added the scale with a gross weighing range from 1g to 15000g to the photo optical particle analyzer HAVER CPA. The result is an inline particle analyzer which, apart from the different characteristic particle diameters, measures the corresponding weight, size and shape distribution, too. Every single particle from 100 µm to 200 mm and from 1g to 15000g is registered by this device. The scale needs less

Test Sieve Shakers, Test Sieves and Photo Optical Particle Analysers For particle size analysis the HAVER & BOECKER product range offers a great variety of test sieve shakers, test sieves, photo optical particle analysers and laboratory equipment. Haver Test Sieve Shakers with electromagnetic drive produce a three-dimensional sieving action. The all electronic control and self-readjusting amplitude (G-Control) assure constant and comparable analyses. Haver Test Sieve Shakers have no rotating parts, are extremely durable, maintenance free, very adaptable and have a low noise level. Due to the use of a special spring system and cast iron part, the construction is heavy and sturdy. Executions: - HAVER EML 200 digital plus for test sieve diameters 76 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 203 mm; - HAVER EML 300 digital plus for test sieve diameters 200 mm, 203 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 305 mm; - HAVER EML 450 digital plus for test sieve diameters 200 mm, 203 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 305 mm, 315 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 450 mm. Haver Test Sieves

Your partner for purchase of casting - and forge items! THE HANDELSKONTOR GLOBAL TRADING Ltd is Your partner for the acquisition of cast iron and forging parts, mainly from China and other southeast asian countries. We undertake for you the whole acquisition process, from the choice of the supplier, research, technical clarification, quality control, packing, shipment to timely delivery to your door. The products we deliver are made according to customer´s specifications and drawings. A special advantage is, that we can offer the parts either completely processed or else assembled. To ensure the Quality of the production our experts visit there several times per year. In addition we have local representatives and quality engineers which constantly monitor the production. Apart from the investment casting we supply for heavier parts traditional sand casting in all common iron materials. Compared with investment casting the exemplar costs are lower and the lead-time shorter. All common molding methods are employed: Hand

New `Compact` blower HB 950 C With the new HB 950 C model Kaeser’s range of rotary blowers called `Compact` featuring high-efficiency ‘Omega Profile’ rotors is complete. The series is ideal for delivery volumes ranging from 1.5 to 93 m³/min and pressures down to 500 mbar (vacuum) or up to 1000 mbar (g). Meticulous design and logical component layout make maintenance work simple, as these space-saving units are accessed from the front and all pipe connections and ventilation openings are located at the rear. This not only significantly reduces maintenance costs, but also means that several units can be placed right next to each other to save even more space. Each model is fitted with an energy-saving ‚EU-eff1’ motor as standard and features omega profile rotors and a specially designed housing to ensure low energy consumption, outstanding performance and minimal sound levels.

High degree of satisfaction among exhibitors and visitors The three-day exhibition duo POWTECH / TechnoPharm ended in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg with a distinct growth in the number of exhibitors to 946* (2004: 872) and a steady 13,259* visitors (2004: 13,357). “In our talks with exhibitors during the exhibition, they emphasized their high degree of satisfaction with the quality of the visitors or generally with the products on display, the service and the organization of the combined event,” says Claudia Schreglmann, Senior Project Consultant for POWTECH / TechnoPharm at NürnbergMesse. “The positive course of the exhibition reflects the definite upturn in the industry.” Over 50 % of both POWTECH and TechnoPharm exhibitors rate the present economic situation in the industry as tending to improve. The exhibitors at the exhibition duo particularly stressed the quality and professional competence of the visitors. The mood among the exhibitors and visitors was very good. Especially encouraging was the great interest

Kaeser Kompressoren recently introduced its new generation of high efficiency rotary blowers. In combination with an efficient aftercooler, the DB 166 C and the DB 236 C not only provide significant energy savings, but also help to reduce overall costs. In view of continuously soaring prices for industrial energy in recent years, the issue of how to save energy has become a key focus for discussion. An important factor to consider therefore is that the efficiency of a machine, or system, is dictated by its total service life costs rather than just by how much energy it consumes. It was with this knowledge in mind that Kaeser set about developing its latest generation of rotary blowers. The resulting ”DB 166 C” and ”DB 236 C” models are consequently based on inherently intelligent design. System operators not only benefit from the significant energy and operational cost savings that these innovative rotary blower systems have to offer, but are also able to

One of the largest ever series of round robin tests, where a number of different laboratories analyse the same materials, has now been performed on Whitehouse Scientific`s polydisperse particle size standards. Under the auspices of the Laser Diffraction Proficiency Testing Scheme (LDPTS) more than 60 laboratories analysed four glass microsphere particle size standards covering the size range from 1 - 350 microns. While a number of testing laboratories produced results that were in excellent agreement with the certified standards, some showed significant deviations. This work highlights the need for reference standards in combination with prescriptive methods of analysis. It also explains why there has been a significant surge in the use of such materials in laboratories performing precision particle size analysis.

Romaco FrymaKoruma designs and manufactures process plant Romaco FrymaKoruma designed and manufactured a ketchup production plant with a capacity of 8 tons/hour for a well-known food company.The completely automated plant consists of 4 vacuum processing units type MaxxD 1300, several feed hoppers, buffer tanks and 2 scraped surface heat exchangers Frytherm SWT/C-60. Each MaxxD is equipped with a feed hopper for liquids installation load cells. These feed hoppers are directly connected with a buffer tank for tomato puree from which the tomato puree is fed into the plant. The processing units also have a feed hopper for dry components including vibrator. Small quantities such as flavours are fed with a hopper. All ingredients for the ketchup are directly fed from the hoppers into the mixing chamber of the homogenizer under vacuum. Water and vinegar are also fed into the mixing chamber through pipelines and controlled with a flow meter. In order to be able to produce mayonnaise, each processing unit is equipped with