September 2010 Editor's Picks: Products from Alfa Laval and Gems Sensors and Controls

Alfa Laval
Magnetic mixer enables high yields
Alfa Laval’s (Lund, Sweden) magnetic mixer is designed to provide high yields and reduce operating costs. Magnetic coupling between the impeller and the driving magnets causes the impeller to levitate. As a result, the impeller has no direct contact with axial bearing surfaces. The design allows the unit to continue mixing until a tank is empty, and it helps achieve a validated mix to a lower tank level than other mixers.

The absence of friction and the eight-winged impeller permit the mixer to achieve run rates higher than 750 rpm. These speeds are appropriate for applications that require heavy mixing and vortex. The mixer also is efficient at speeds as low as 5 rpm in applications that require gentle agitation for sensitive products.

Operators do not have to stop the mixer after a batch to begin clean- or steam-in-place cycles. Because cleaning fluid flows over all surfaces freely, operators do not need to submerge the mixer in cleaning solution.

Gems Sensors and Controls
Solenoid valves use little power
The E Series of pneumatic solenoid valves from Gems Sensors and Controls (Plainville, CT) were designed for air and dry-gas applications such as in printing machinery, sorting equipment, automated packaging equipment, and air-monitoring systems. The valves’ power consumption is 0.65 W. The products offer fast response times and high-pressure and high-flow capabilities.

Each unit features a compact, nickel-plated, cylindrical body and coil housing designed for durability and corrosion resistance. The solenoid valves are available in diameters smaller than 0.75 in. and lengths less than 2 in. The units’ seal and O ring options include nitrile, ethylene–propylene rubber, and silicone. They are available in various two- or three-way configurations, including normally open, normally closed, and multipurpose and directional-control three-way models. The E Series valves’ orifice sizes range from .032 to .078 in., and their port configurations include #10-32 straight thread, M5 x 0.8 threads, manifold mount, and bottom under-seat port.