New Products
06/01/2004
Silicone hose
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For applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, food and beverage, chemical, cosmetic and other high-purity industries, Double-Braided Silicone Hose is offered as an alternative to costlier wrapped hose. Compared to wrapped silicone hose, the manufacturer claims its silicone hose offers greater flexibility. It is available in continuous lengths to 50 feet. The product consists of an inner core of pure, smooth, platinum-cured silicone rubber followed by a layer of strong, durable polyester braid material. These layers are repeated, and an outer covering of white-colored silicone completes the product. AdvantaPure Southampton, PA www.advantapure.com
Quarter-bloc valve
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The NSF-61 approved Quarter-Bloc PVC True-Union ball valve features all-thermoplastic construction and claims to offer excellent flow characteristics due to the full orifice opening (equivalent to the inside diameter of the corresponding piping). The product is intended for water and light chemical applications, and features a safe blocking design that enables downstream pipe removal, a stem equipped with a double O-ring sealing arrangement, and a handle that doubles as a built-in spanner wrench for maintenance. Asahi/America Inc. Malden, MA www.asahi-america.com
Data download software
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In-Transit FlashLink software version 7.0, which is used to download data from the company's In-Transit FlashLink temperature and temperature/humidity data loggers, has major enhancements and can be downloaded free from the company's Web site. Loggers can be downloaded with a 25-pin PC data cable into a parallel port, or by using a customized serial port adapter. Additional new features include an embedded independent e-mail engine to simplify file sharing and automatic archiving of e-mailed data. DeltaTrak Inc. Pleasanton, CA www.deltatrak.com
Quadrapole-emitter ionizer
A compact ionizer with independent air delivery built in, the QuadBar with Air Assist Model 4632 is intended for the tight confines of process equipment where system air is inadequate or missing. The quadrapole emitter configuration is designed to ensure effective ionization and fast discharge times as close as three inches from the target. A cross-channel air cartridge built around the emitter points is said to keep points cleaner longer. Ion Systems Berkeley, CA www.ion.com
Manifold filtration system
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A disposable manifold capsule filter system increases security because it is used once and then discarded, eliminating the risk of cross contamination. The units can be used out-of-the-box without assembly, and cleaning is not required. Disposable filter capsules can be pre-bundled as a fully integrated single-use filtration system with pre-sterilization. Applications include single-process use, such as a virus filtration step, or for a series of filtration steps. Pall Corporation East Hills, NY www.pall.com
Vial traying system
At the heart of each Filamatic vial traying system is a microprocessor that controls a star-wheel infeed indexer with a star-wheel disc for each vial diameter. A two-axis pusher bar mechanism with front and back container stabilizers eliminates vial tipping and spillage. Two tray stations mounted on a reciprocating tray support deck facilitate monitoring and removing the vials during a production run. According to the company, the system is designed to be highly sanitary and suitable for all pharmaceutical installations. National Instrument Company Inc. Baltimore, MD www.filamatic.com
Single-wafer cleaning tool
The Goldfinger Mach2HP is an advanced single-wafer cleaning process. A complement to the company's batch immersion cleaning technology, this product couples a small footprint with the flexibility needed to handle a variety of front- and back-end-of-line surface preparation applications, including post-metal ash/etch cleaning for both aluminum and copper processes. The four-chamber system uses the Goldfinger proprietary GF megasonics cleaning process to remove particle residue without etching or damaging gate stacks, bit lines or vulnerable thin films. Akrion Allentown, PA www.akrion.com
PFA lining option
The Richter KNA full port ball valve is available with the option of a lining made with PFA fluoropolymer. The valve is manufactured with a 316 stainless steel body that is lined with PFA, providing a universal external and internal corrosion resistance. It is effective for installations where permeation is a concern. The one-piece ball and stem also allows for higher pressure and temperature service capabilities from the valve. Typical installations include conditions of ultra-pure water, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen peroxide and cleanroom-mandated restrictions on contamination and impurities. ITT Industries Inc. Lancaster, PA www.itt.com
Sanitary filter housings
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The multi-cartridge Advanta stainless-steel filter housings for biopharmaceutical applications meet ASME standards for a fully drainable design. Each housing is provided with complete documentation to support rapid process validation. The housings are developed for large-scale liquid filtration where multiple numbers of cartridges are used. There are no removable tube sheets, and the housings can be fitted with a variety of cartridge filters, including Preflow pre-filters and Supor, Fluorodyne II and Ultipor N66 membrane filters for sterilizing liquid applications. Pall Corporation East Hills, NY www.pall.com
Optical table
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Vibration-damping optical tables are available in many sizes and configurations, with various options and accessories. According to the company, the tables consistently provide flat, stiff, highly damped surfaces with high natural frequencies. Sizes range up to 6 feet by 20 feet, and standard thicknesses range from 8 inches to 36 inches. All tables offer broadband damping and are ISO Class 5 cleanroom-compatible. ISO Class 4 is available as an option. The top performer, according to the company, is the 5300 Series, which features quad-tuned plus broadband damping, rigidity and stability. Other models include the 5200 for critical optical research, the 5100T for precision laboratory applications, and the 5100H for typical laboratory procedures. Kinetic Systems Inc. Boston, MA www.kineticsystems.com
Medical electronics air filters
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Flame-resistant coatings for Quadrafoam filter media are used to construct the WrapAround air filters for medical electronics. Anti-microbial additives have a fungus growth rating of zero. The product's "frame n' pane" design enables filter media to be configured with extended surface area for minimal airflow resistance. This design integrates an aluminum or stainless steel frame and a series of crossing, reinforcing intermediates that provide media support. Universal Air Filter Co. Sauget, IL www.uaf.com
Static control gun
By adding ions to compressed air, the Ionizing Air Gun (IAG) neutralizes static charges, thereby enhancing the capability of the compressed air to remove dust and debris. The IAG connects directly to any existing compressed air system that provides clean, dry air, and it plugs into a standard 110VAC outlet. Kinetronics Corporation Sarasota, FL www.kinetronics.com
Gas pressure regulator
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Designed for 1-1/8 inch C-ring integrated gas systems, the HFE series gas pressure regulator allows for close spacing of system components and process lines, and supports flow rates to 160 std L/min and maximum inlet pressures to 150 psig. A tied poppet provides a positive shut-off and metal-to-metal seal to atmosphere for ultrahigh-purity applications. The regulator is assembled, double-bagged and vacuum-sealed in an ISO Class 4 cleanroom and features a 316L VIM-VAR stainless steel body internally electropolished and finished to 5 microinches. Swagelok Company Santa Clara, CA www.swagelok.com
Filter integrity test system
The Palltronic Flowstar MUX consists of a Palltronic Flowstar XC integrity test instrument and a multiplex unit that enables eight filters to be connected to the integrity test instrument. Any combination of filter size and test type can be tested. Filters are tested sequentially and can be disconnected from the tester immediately after each test. The integrity test instrument can be used either in the laboratory or in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment in full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11. Pall Corporation East Hills, NY www.pall.com
Digital differential manometer
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Used to measure positive, negative or differential pressures from –60 in w.c. to +60 in w.c., the Model 478-0 digital differential manometer features selectable engineering units and a min/max function. Press the hold key to freeze the current pressure measurement on the display. The unit includes a zeroing button to null out any minor pressure differences. It can be used to verify filter condition, monitor cleanrooms, troubleshoot HVAC systems or perform field calibrations. Dwyer Instruments Inc. Michigan City, IN www.dwyer-inst.com
Single-phase AC motor control
The VariPhase series of single-phase AC induction motor controls combines intelligent speed control with industry-standard MODBUS networking, providing access/control of groups of fans and other AC motor-driven systems. The series is available in 115V, 230V and 277V, providing up to 4 A output current ratings. Applications include fan filter unit controls for small to medium size cleanrooms. AirCare Automation Inc. Los Angeles, CA www.aircareautomation.com
TOC analyzer
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The three-model Sievers 900 Series TOC analyzers includes the 900 Laboratory, 900 On-Line and 900 Portable. Key enhancements over the Sievers 800 Series include improved precision and accuracy across an extended 0.03 to 50,000 parts per billion dynamic range; four-minute analysis time; automated calibration, verification and reagent adjustment routines; a smaller instrument casing; touch screen display; and a USB port for data transfer. Ionics Instrument Business Group Boulder, CO ionicsinstruments.com
Manometer
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Used for measuring positive and negative pressure from –20 in w.c. to +20 in w.c. with +/-1.5 percent full scale accuracy, the Model 476-0 digital manometer features electronic zeroing to null out any minor pressure differences. Auto power off after five minutes conserves battery life. The instrument is applicable in the field or laboratory to set gas supply pressures, adjust regulators, verify pressure switch operation, and check pneumatic systems. Dwyer Instruments Inc. Michigan City, IN www.dwyer-inst.com
Fermentation and bioreactor systems
The all stainless-steel fermentation and reactor systems for the biopharmaceutical industry are custom-made for pilot- to full-scale manufacturing applications and are available in sizes up to 25,000 liters. According to the company, they are suitable for highly aerobic applications requiring high oxygen transfer, anaerobic applications requiring specialized gas addition or shear-sensitive applications requiring unique impeller or gas delivery systems. Each system can be cleaned in-place with port connections configured to ensure effective cleaning. Alfa Laval BioKinetics Inc. Philadelphia, PA www.alphalaval.us
Nitrile glove has low-particle design
The VTGNCRB12 cleanroom nitrile glove, according to the manufacturer, is designed to have <750 particles (>0.5 micron), while actual test results show an average of 350 particles or less. Other specifications can be found at the company's Web site. Value-Tek Phoenix, AZ www.value-tek.com
Non-dewetting filter membranes
To help address the challenge of contamination during advanced wafer processess, the UltiKleen Excellar family of PTFE non-dewetting (stays wet) filter membranes are designed to provide a comprehensive suite of filtration solutions for removal of contaminants in critical wafer-cleaning baths. The 0.1 filter membrane is designed for current-generation wafer-cleaning baths, while the 0.05 and 0.03 micron membranes are for finer filtration in next-generation baths. This family of filters was specfically designed for aqueous-based, gas-generating chemicals used in wafer cleaning. The UltiKleen proprietary Excellar process, says the manufacturer, prevents dry spots from forming. Pall Microelectronics East Hills, NY www.pall.com/semiconductor
In-line mass flow meter
The CE-approved Series 730 Accu-Mass flow meter offers a small footprint and fast response (200 ms). The flow meter measures flow rates of non-corrosive gases, including methane, in ranges from .5 to 50 SCFM, and delivers a linear output signal proportional to total gas mass flow rate. According to the manufacturer, this method eliminates the need for seperate temperatures and pressure inputs, improves measurement accuracy, and helps reduce system cost. The instrument comes in a water-resistant NEMA 2 enclosure. Sierra Instruments Monterey, CA www.sierrainstruments.com