Coalition Promotes Woody Biomass Use and Markets
Advocacy, education, information and outreach to public and private entities to promote research, development and funding for sustainable woody biomass (logging and mill residue that can be used for energy production) utilization and markets is being provided by the newly formed Woody Biomass Coalition.

The initial focus of the group is the development of strategies to ensure inclusion of woody biomass in the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill Provisions for Renewable Energy, such as eligibility for renewable energy tax incentives and inclusion in renewable energy research and deployment programs.

Authorization for farm program funding expires September 30 and the Administration’s 2007 Farm Bill proposal includes $1.6 billion in new funding for renewable energy programs. Among the new proposals are a $150 million wood-to-energy program and a plan to provide $100 million to cellulosic ethanol.

Eclipse Receives Award for Growth
The Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce of Illinois presented its 21st Century Manufacturer of the Year Award to Eclipse, a Rockford, Ill.-based thermal solutions provider. The award is presented annually to recognize a company that has used technology to remain competitive and grow in the 21st century.

The judging process includes a panel of business people who evaluate each entrant on the criteria of growth, innovation and productivity accomplishments.

Eclipse also was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for outstanding service to the community by Donald A. Manzullo, Member of Congress, Illinois, 16th District.

Jacket Temperature Control
Compact brazed heat exchangers helped a manufacturer of pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates achieve tight temperature control of its reactors.

Understanding RTDs
To use an RTD, a small voltage is passed through the element and then measured. The resistance of the RTD element reduces the voltage, and this voltage drop can be converted into a temperature measurement.

The ABCs of Hot Oil Heaters
When correctly maintained and operated, thermal fluid systems can provide many years of safe, reliable and efficient process heating where moderate to high temperatures are required.

The Carburetor Example
If the auto industry has embraced electronic engine management, why can’t the industrial heating industry advance to intelligent burner controls?

Power Controllers For Short-Wave Infrared
Two case histories describing typical situations on a paper production line illustrate how communicating SCRs can manage the power control in these types of applications effectively.

Pre-Bake Lab Oven
Model LAC2-18 has a combination of forced convection and horizontal airflow to provide exceptional temperature uniformity and the shortest possible processing time. The pre-bake oven can be equipped with a clean, dry air package and forced exhaust to significantly reduce drying time. The oven can be used to remove absorbed moisture from a substrate to reduce outgassing and possible de-lamination during subsequent processes.

Despatch Industries
(952) 469-8140

Valves and Fittings
For critical liquid or gas process applications to 10,000 psi, line of valve and fitting systems provide reliable “leakproof” operation. The O-ring, flat-faced, positive-sealing system is provides trouble-free operation from -65 to 400°F (-54 to
204°C). The slip-in, slip-out design eases line maintenance and valve changeouts. Mark VIII shutoff and regulating valves have the company’s soft-seated design for positive low torque shutoffs in applications up to 3,000 psi. The valves’ wetted surfaces are of 316 stainless steel and can be specified in globe or angle body configurations in sizes from 0.125 to 0.625" OD.

CPV Manufacturing
(888) 278-8339

Low Profile Conveyor Oven
Low profile conveyor ovens are intended for manufacturing facilities where the appearance of the oven is as important as its function. The continuous oven pictured is designed for a curing application at 300°F (149°C), with vertical down airflow in the chamber. The blowers and heaters are tucked underneath, and the controls are recess mounted on the side of the unit to keep a streamlined appearance. Side-mounted doors provide full-height access to the oven chamber interior. It has an exit length after the heated chamber to allow the parts to cool before being collected in a bin at the end of the belt.

Engineered Production Systems
(714) 532-2742

Miniature Infrared Thermometer
Rayomatic 4 is suitable for replacing Type J and K thermocouples while providing noncontact temperature measurement. Features of the infrared thermometer include compact physical dimensions of 0.7 by 5"; accuracy of up to ±2 percent of reading; temperature measurement up to 932°F
(500°C); and a response time of 350 ms. It has a 4:1 distance-to-spot ratio and NIST-traceable calibration report.

E Instruments Group LLC
(215) 750-1212

Infrared Calibrators
Dual-zone, black body calibrators are designed to simplify infrared calibration. Portability allows technicians to accurately calibrate general-purpose infrared thermometers in the field. The cold side ranges from 4 to 275°F (-20 to 135°C) and the hot from 68 to 1,202°F (20 to 650°C). The calibration surface is 2.5" in diameter with 0.98 emissivity. RTD reference sensors and RS232 interface are included for monitoring and storing data. The unit has a Thermo Electric module with no moving parts, Freon or liquids.

Electronic Development Labs Inc.
(800) 342-5335

Test Lamp
Model TL105 allows routine maintenance to be performed safely in hazardous areas. The test lamp for ultraviolet, ultraviolet/infrared and infrared flame detectors is designed for Class I, Division 1 and 2, Groups C and D hazardous areas where field technicians routinely verify flame detector operational capability. The unit has ATEX, CSA and CE marking approvals. Features include an explosionproof design, intelligent built-in microcontroller and rechargeable batteries that provide 45 min of testing on a single charge.

General Monitors
(949) 581-4464