MechChem Africa April 2017

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36 ¦ MechChem Africa • April 2017
⎪ Products and industry news ⎪
Leading condition monitoring specialists,
WearCheck, recently invested inexcess of
R1.7-million in new high-tech equipment
in both the transformer and fuel sections
of their Johannesburg-based speciality oil
and fuel sample laboratory.
The Kruss K11 tensiometer, an ADU 5
distillation unit, a SVM3001 Stabinger
viscometer as well as the PMA 5 Pensky-
Martens closed-cup flash point tester
are among the new pieces. These highly
accurate, sophisticated instruments have
not only boosted the lab’s productivity
by offering new tests and saving time on
existing ones, but have also reduced the
turnaround time to generate customers’
sample results.
The ADU 5, a fully-automated distilla-
tionunit that is operatedby a touch screen
interface, performs distillation tests ac-
cording to ASTM D86. This is recognised
as one of the most reliable methods of
determining theboiling range characteris-
tics of petroleumproducts, and is a critical
measurement of the overall performance
and safety of fuels.
Electromagnetic inductive flowmeter
KOBOLD, represented locally by Instrotech,
has on offer a newly developed electromag-
netic inductive flowmeter for conductive
fluids – themodel DMH–witha standardac-
curacyof ±0.3%. It is used specifi-
cally for the measurement and
monitoring of the volume flow
rate of acid or alkaline fluids,
potable (drinking) water, waste
water, pulps, pastes and
other electrically conduc-
tive materials, without
loss of pressure.
When an electrically
conductivemediumpass-
es through a directional
magnetic field, a voltage
is induced in accordance with Faraday’s
Law of Induction. The size of this measured
voltage is proportional to the mean rate of
flow and consequently also to the volume
flow rate.
A flowmeter consists of a sensor that
picks up the measuring signal generated
from the induced voltage, and a transducer
that converts this signal into a standardised
output signal (4-20mA or pulses). The mea-
surement transducer can be affixed to the
sensor or mounted separately. Pressure,
temperature, density andviscositydonot af-
fect thevolumemeasurement although solid
fractions and gas bubbles shouldbe avoided.
The microprocessor-controlled UMF2
converter guarantees the highest of accura-
cies and with its alpha-numeric backlit LCD
terminal, six keys, plain text response and
plausibility check for entries, the system is
easy to operate.
Empty-pipe detection, coil current mon-
itoring, and plain text error messages
guarantee full control over the sensor and
measuring points at any time. Pulse, status,
and current outputs as well as HART® com-
municationare standard features, all of them
electrically isolated. Liningmaterials such as
hard rubber, soft rubber, PTFE or PFA are
also available.
A wide range of standard and special
electrode materials is on offer, including
Hastelloy, platinum, and tantalum. TheDMH
is available for nominal width of DN10 to
DN1200 and for flowvelocities up to10m/s.
New instruments for faster results
The SVM3001 is a Stabinger visco­
meter, which is capable of multiple
parameter measurements in a single
analysis, eliminating the need for many
separate tests.
The instrument can simultaneously
measure kinematic viscosity according to
ASTM D7042, dynamic viscosity, as well
as the density according to ASTMD4052
in lubricating oils, base oils, additives and
fuel oils. The automatic PMA 5 Pensky-
Martens closed-cup tester measures the
flash point at the lowest temperature
at which the application of an ignition
source causes the vapours of a sample
to ignite. This instrument is suitable for
flammability applications on fuels such
as diesel, heating oil, kerosene as well as
bothbiodiesel andbiodiesel blended fuels.
The ADU 5, SVM3001 and PMA 5 are
upgrades to existing equipment oper-
ated by WearCheck, which have led to
improved service delivery and reductions
in turnaround times.
Using the Kruss K11 tensiometer, the
analysis of the decomposition product
content of transformer oil is done in
accordance with ASTM D971. This fully-
automated instrument conducts precise
measurement of surface tension and
interfacial tension (IFT). This data is key
in the maintenance of transformers and
in making informed decisions on whether
to extend the life of the oil – a useful way
to save customers money.
WearCheck’s new ADU5 distillation unit is operated by
senior lab technician Lizzy Chabangu.
Fluke, represented locallybyComtest, has
just launched its new rugged Fluke laser
levels. Designed and tested to survive
a one-metre drop, users have come to
rely on Fluke’s professional-grade tools
that provide precision and accuracy. The
3-point laser level delivers accuracy to
6.0mmat 30mand the continuous line la-
sers levels are accurate to 3.0mmat 10m.
The fast settling, self-levellinggimbal gives
users accurate reference points and lines
almost instantly, making long and tedious
layouts a thing of past.
Fluke-3PRandFluke-3PG instruments
are self-levelling 3-point laser levels that
allow for fast, accurate layout of refer-
ence points over longer distanced (60 m).
These include floor-stands for fast, easy
overhang and centreline measurements
Rugged precision laser level
and the green laser line is up to three
times brighter for improved visibility for
long-range applications (Fluke-3PGonly).
The Fluke-180LR and Fluke-180LG
are self-levelling, horizontal- and vertical-
cross line lasers that are accurate to
3.0 mm at 10 m and also feature brighter
green lasers.
The Fluke-180LG from Comtest.