January 2014Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Wear metals analysis, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometers (ICP-OES), has been an important component of predictive maintenance programmes for many years. Oil-based materials, such as engine oils, transmission oils and engine coolants, are regularly monitored for the presence of particles deposited from the components that they are designed to protect. These particles gradually build up in the oil due to normal wear of the component. For this reason, the analysis of used oils and coolants is often referred to as wear metals analysis or fluids analysis. This technique can be used to identify and predict component failure based on the composition of the metals and the speed at which they accumulate overtime. By analysing the various metals in the fluids and applying trend analysis, expensive breakdowns can be prevented and service life increased.
Fluid analysis can also be used to maximise the usable life of oils by monitoring the health of any additive packages to determine the depletion of particular elements. Among the most widely used additive types are those used for anti-wear, these typically contain high concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, and are used to reduce premature wear of vehicle engines. The additives in the oil bond to metal surfaces in the engine and help reduce friction between the moving parts. These additives are particularly important for oil used in racing vehicles as the engines are operated at extremely high temperatures and pressures.
Teledyne Leeman Lab’s Prodigy7
The analysis of wear metals in lubricating fluids is a challenging but common application in ICP spectrometry. Generally, laboratories analysing samples of this type require accurate, high throughput analysis, to provide quick turn-around time for their customers. The Teledyne Leeman Lab’s Prodigy7 provides a high rate of sample throughput with optimum accuracy and precision under standard operating conditions.
The Prodigy7 is able to provide this level of performance by paying proper attention to the needs of wear metals analysis labs and then reflecting those needs into the ultimate workhorse instrument. The design features that make this possible include:
* A high energy optical system and detectors ideal for making precise measurements with short integration times.
* High sensitivity sample introduction system designed for rapid equilibration and washout.
* Easy-to-use software that simplifies operation and training.
* A robust RF power supply able to handle the demands of organic samples.
Prodigy7 is designed to be successful in the most demanding wear metals analysis applications.
Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...Vibration test system supports international space industry TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...Sensor technology for brewing Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...Loesche gets dirty Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...Water systems with energy savings and sustainability Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...Technology for water sustainability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...Reducing water consumption in the cement industry Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on earth. LOESCHE’s vision is to enable its customers to produce high-quality cement, without any water consumption.
Read more...Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
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