January 2014, Vol. 241 No. 1

What's New

January 2014 New Products

New products from DeFelsko Corporation, Red Lion Controls, ORBIT, Blackstone Technology Group, CRC-Evans Pipeline International, Inc., Tigercat, Portadam, Xpress Natural Gas, Hess Energy Marketing, Direct Energy Business, McElroy and more.

DeFelsko Corporation
DeFelsko’s PosiTector RTR Replica Tape Reader is a new digital spring micrometer that measures peak-to-valley surface profile height using Testex Press-O-Film Replica Tape. The replica tape method of measuring surface profile is widely used and accepted. It is simple, rugged and has good repeatability with relatively low start-up cost. However, conventional micrometer measurements of tape are least accurate at the outer ends of each tape’s range, so two tape grade measurements are often averaged. The new product adjusts for tape non-linearity and retains a digital record. It conforms to all major international standards, including ASTM D4417, SSPC-PA 17, NACE RP0287 and ISO 8503-5. (800) 448-3835, www.defelsko.com.

Red Lion Controls

Red Lion Controls has announced Watchdog Relay, a rugged, hardware-based solution to reliably monitor and provide fail-safe shutdown of processes controlled by RTUs, PLCs and other automation devices. It works by monitoring the pulsing output heartbeat of a connected device. If the heartbeat stops (for reasons that may include power surges, extreme weather or device malfunctions), the product’s built-in Form C relay will immediately energize and provide a signal that can be used to safely shut down the process. The device supports extreme conditions and carries Class I, Div II and ATEX hazardous locations certifications, and has been marine and offshore tested and/or verified to meet standards such as ABS, DNV No. 2.4 and Lloyds. www.redlion.net/Watchdog.

ORBIT

ORBIT Communication Systems has launched the Gaia series, a high-performance ground station solution for tracking low earth orbit satellites in earth observation and remote sensing applications. Supporting a range of antenna sizes, these ground stations offer an ideal combination of high performance in a compact footprint. Ground stations can be located on the roof of a building, on a rig platform or in an open field. The series comprises three different sized antennas: 7.9 feet, 12.1 feet and 14.7 feet. Each antenna supports X-band or S-Band (both transmit and receive) feeds, as well as a dual-band feed. www.ORBIT-CS.com.

Blackstone Technology Group
Trellis is a hosted software-as-a-service natural gas transaction management platform to allow utilities, LDCs, storage, hub, gathering, and pipeline companies to manage the full spectrum of their complex business and ensure regulatory compliance. Features include counterparty, contracts, customer choice, nominations, scheduling, measurement, allocation, trading, billing and credit and risk management business functions. It is web-based and configurable. www.bstonetech.com/trellis.

CRC-Evans Pipeline International, Inc.
CRC-Evans Pipeline International, Inc. has introduced its new M-400 Welding System, a lightweight, multi-process, multi-power-source, onboard wire feed, single-torch welding system that provides the same range and functionality of previous systems while reducing overall weight by 25%. It includes a new offset oscillator, offering its operator an unprecedented view of the arc and the ability to deposit automated fillet welds. Software tracking is built into the welding parameters, allowing operators to recall exactly what versions of software were used for each weld. www.crc-evans.com.

Tigercat

Tigercat has added a new model to its expanding line of mulcher carriers. The 470 mulcher is equipped with a Tigercat FPT C87 Tier 4i 245 kW (328 hp) engine. It is narrow and agile with low ground pressure, rated at 3 psi. The mulcher is best suited to tough terrain and sensitive site ROW, pipeline maintenance and oil and gas exploration projects. www.tigercat.com.

Portadam

The Aqua-Barrier from Portadam, used when a project worksite needs dewatering, is constructed from industrial grade vinyl-coated polyester laminated with a base of woven poly between two layers of flexible polyvinyl chloride. This allows the barrier to be easily repaired, reused, and stored in compact areas, and offers ease of handling. A patented internal baffle system locks into place when the barrier is exposed to uneven water pressure. Installed by the company, the product is inflated with whatever water source is available. When the project reaches completion, the barriers are drained for immediate removal, making for an environmentally friendly product. www.portadam.com.

Xpress Natural Gas, Hess Energy Marketing, Direct Energy Business
Xpress Natural Gas will partner with Hess Energy Marketing, recently acquired by Direct Energy Business, to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) to off-pipeline industrial and commercial businesses and institutions in New York state. The companies are working together to develop a CNG production facility and distribution terminal in eastern upstate New York. The facility is undergoing a permit process, and is anticipated to have completed construction and be fully operational by September. www.directenergy.com, www.xng.com.

McElroy

McElroy’s DataLogger 5 includes a new software called the DataLogger Vault to provide users the most up-to-date tools to ensure pipe fusion quality. The software provides joint-data analysis and storage and is compatible on the DataLogger 3, 4 and 5. The free online application allows users to view and analyze their joint data from almost any device, from almost any location. New features on the updated product include a camera for attaching photos to joint records, a barcode scanner and full support for Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Built-in GPS allows operators to record the actual fusion and the final location of the fusion joint. www.mcelroy.com.

AboveGroundMarker.Com LLC
The DM3 Above Ground Marker detects and records the passage of a pipeline pig, then sends the data to the LEO-Link remote satellite linked pig tracking unit, which in turn uplinks it to a low Earth orbit satellite. The satellite downlinks to a worldwide net of ground stations and then to a server, where the data report is added to an email or SMS text sent to a list of recipients. Messages include a full graphic report showing the actual analog data signature of the trigger event with precise time, location, and other data to allow for greater confidence in interpreting the event. Timing data is referenced to GPS precision time and can be used as a marker point in ILI tools data. A user may view the actual signal as seen by the marker on location. www.abovegroundmarker.com.

WellAware
Founded on the premise that well, pipeline, and safety data is often unreliable and difficult to obtain, WellAware is an oil field communications and software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that provides a complete monitoring and production management solution. By strategically deploying the most advanced machine-to-machine network in the world over U.S. shale plays and creating a mobile production software to manage it, the company says it can offer dependability across broad geographic reach and terrain at a fraction of the cost for satellite and with 5- year battery life. www.wellaware.us.

Terra Novo
Terra Novo’s EarthGuard Fiber Matrix helps areas develop vegetation at a low cost after a pipeline project with one-step erosion and sediment control. The product combines a spray-on emulsion that reduces erosion and sediment runoff with wood/cellulose fiber. It is chemically engineered to be effective at low rates while absorbing the impact of raindrops and providing immediate dust control, erosion control and soil stabilization until permanent vegetation is established or construction has resumed. www.terranovo.com.

Hobart Institute Of Welding Technology
The completely revised 31st edition of the Pocket Welding Guide has been released by Hobart Institute. Now in full color and a format that fits in a toolbox, the newly revised edition features overviews of common arc welding processes, examples of good and bad weld beads, causes and cures of common welding problems, welding symbols, guidelines for the identification of metals and calculating filler metal consumption, oven storage and reconditioning of filler metals, shielding gases and their uses, AWS filler metal classifications and comparative indices, welding parameters and a newly revised section of filler metals, including the latest metal cored wires, with operating ranges, filler metal selector guide for welding ASTM steels, troubleshooting guides for semiautomatic wire and equipment, welding terms and definitions and metric conversion tables. 800-332-9448, www.welding.org.

Emerson Industrial Automation
Developed to protect gas-turbine-powered generator drives during electrical faults, the Kop-Flex high-speed shear spacer coupling uses a patented double-tube design, precision machining and bearings, and special metal treatments to provide predictable shear during torque overloads on turbo-drivetrains, allowing safe coast down of systems turning at up to 20,000 rpm. The shear spacer is also ideal for drives on compressors, pumps, fans and trains subject to shock torques. The double-bearing design, precision grooving, shot peening and a corrosion resistant coating combine to increase fatigue resistance and promote reliable operation over the life of the coupling. The product is available in all catalog coupling sizes capable of handling speeds up to 20,000 rpm and millions of inch-pounds of torque. www.emersonindustrial.com/en-US/powertransmissionsolutions.

Esri
Esri has released ArcGIS for Gas, a ready-to-use map and app set designed for utilities and freely available to Esri customers. The set includes damage assessment apps and an exposed pipe collector app. It assists users getting started with ArcGIS Online where they can create and share interactive maps and apps and access ready-to-use content, apps, and templates available for the web, smartphones, and tablets. www.esri.com/ag4g.

ABB

Russellstoll Interconnection Systems by Thomas & Betts (T&B) has combined its product line with the ABB Industrial Plugs and Sockets product line to provide an industrial connector selection including explosion-proof, heavy and light industrial and moisture- and corrosion-resistant plugs, sockets, connectors and receptacles ranging from 20-600 amps. Most parts ship from stock, with a one- to two-week lead time. A cross reference of competitors’ part numbers to ABB Industrial IEC part numbers will be available on T&B’s website. www.tnb.com.

Direct Surety
DirectServ is a complete risk analysis system for contractors looking to improve surety credit limits and obtain better pricing. This system arms contractors with analytical tools and best practices to maximize both profit-making ability and bonding limits. With a better understanding of operational strengths and weaknesses, contractors can take corrective steps to reduce risk. The system offers key performance indicators and industry benchmarking. The risk analysis data, recommendations and strategic improvement options generated by the system underwriters are confidential. 877-989-9150, info@directsurety.com.

Tesla NanoCoatings
Teslan is a paint-like corrosion control coating for structural steel utilizing carbon nanotubes, which self-assemble into rope structures, making them highly conductive, tough and flexible. The two-coat system consists of a primer and a topcoat. The primer is a two-part (resin + catalyst) solvent-based primer containing fullerene carbon nanotechnology. The primer is available in military specification compliant formulation and low volatile organic compound formulation. Both types of primer are available with either zinc or aluminum anodic material. Topcoat, which is applied on top of the primer, is available in three different formulations: epoxy topcoat, polyurethane topcoat or the polyaspartic topcoat. All materials are packaged in premeasured kits for easy handling and mixing. www.teslanano.com.

K-Sun

PipeMarker V8 is a new software program for Microsoft Windows 8, 7 and XP and bundled with the K-Sun PEARLabel 400iXL, a 300-dpi, wide-format thermal transfer printer. The new 1- to 4-inch capacity printer and software make it easy for safety and facility professionals to design and print custom ANSI and ASME A13.1 compliant pipe markers, tags and labels on all-weather adhesive supplies quickly and inexpensively, in-house and on-demand. The software contains hundreds of pipe marker templates and allows users to create custom pipe markers; add QR, DataMatrix and bar codes for maintenance record access; and add text, sequence numbers, company logo, or symbols to help enhance communication on any pipe marker, tag or label. 800-622-6312, ext. 214, info@ksun.com, www.ksun.com.

Kepware
KEPServerEX version 5.13 features client- or user-driven on-demand communications with new Device Demand Poll functionality. This added flexibility enables users to meet the client-driven polling requirements of their application. Also included in this release, the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix Unsolicited Driver is now compliant with Open Device Network Association (ODVA) standards, ensuring interoperability with other Ethernet/IP-based products. (207) 775-1660 or sales@kepware.com.

Chemical Engineering Magazine, American Gas Association

The Gas Engineers Handbook CD ROM, sponsored by the American Gas Association and written by a staff of 150 specialists, answers any general or specific engineering information requirement in regard to natural, liquefied petroleum, and manufactured gases. It presents data on fuel gases needed by engineers, industry and government personnel in one volume, including engineering methods and operating data of the entire gas industry, from source to burner. Tables, graphs, charts, equations, and illustrations clarify and illuminate the text. http://store.che.com/product/book/231.html.

WFMS Inc.

WFMS Inc. Texas has announced its patented SCS Prover is available in portable form, with the same features as the stationary device. It is accurate and easy to service, with tipped launchers to facilitate removing or replacing the sphere. The tipped launchers also make the sphere easy to launch during water draws and low flows. The 180-degree bends at either end of the calibrated section are easy to remove, allowing easy access to the calibrated section for inspection. sales@wfmsinc.com.