In response to demand, the organisers had to increase the floor space of the Exhibition. However, the majority of the booths were small and informative rather than promotional. Nevertheless, there were over 120 international laboratory and process monitoring equipment suppliers and analytical service providers on show, representing more than 220 organisations worldwide. As part of the PEFTEC Technical Programme, there were also 40 poster presentations – all of which were located within the exhibition hall. PEFTEC therefore represented a truly unique opportunity to see the entire market sector under one roof at the same time. Dr Oliver Sauer from Grabner Instruments agreed: “The show was a great place for networking with other suppliers in the market, with partners and customers – a sort of family reunion.”
All of the key analytical and monitoring technologies were on display, in addition to a large number of new technologies and products, many of which were unveiled for the first time at PEFTEC 2015.
JULABO introduced a new generation of cooling and heating circulators - the new CORIO™ circulators simplify routine tasks in laboratories. JULABO also launched the new PRESTO systems for precise temperature control and rapid temperature changes – ideal for reactor vessels, material stress tests, or temperature simulations. Zematra also launched new products including the Tanaka AD7 distillation tester which automatically performs distillation tests on petroleum products as well as narrow boiling range samples.
Visitors looking to increase efficiency in fuel production were interested in Anton Paar’s ‘140 solutions for petroleum testing,’ and Omnitek introduced a new member of the U-VIsc instrumentation line, which is dedicated to very high viscosity applications, such as bitumen, asphaltines, waxes etc.
AlyTech launched the GasMix version: Zephyr, a two channel dilution system for the accurate calibration of analytical instruments.
Earlier this year Biolin Scientific launched the Attension High Pressure Chamber that enables surface analysis under experimental conditions mimicking oil reservoirs, and this featured on the Biolin stand. Paragon Scientific recently attained ISO 17043 accreditation under UKAS for its Proficiency Testing scheme, specifically for petroleum materials, and this was promoted on their booth.
Several of the exhibitors supply reference standards. These included Chem-lab, LGC Standards, Paragon Scientific, Linde Gas, Greyhound Chromatography, Chemplex and others. Reagecon introduced a new range of PIANO (Parafins, Isoparafins, Aromatics, Napthenes, Olefins) analytical standards typically used to determine retention times of complex hydrocarbon mixes, and they also unveiled an expanded offering for TAN & TBN (Total Acid Number & Total base Number).
Grabner Instruments has expanded its product offering with the addition of near infrared analysis from Light Technology Industries whose products include both in-line process and benchtop analysers.
PEFTEC visitors were able to view an enormous range of the latest monitoring technologies, including a long list of new products. For example, Galvanic launched the new ‘AccuColor’ a state-of-the-art process colorimeter for liquid analysis. Modular, and with a narrow footprint and Class 1, Div. 2 certification, the AccuColor has been designed for simplified installation and maintenance. Galvanic’s staff at PEFTEC said the AccuColor has been designed for customers that need more accurate results from a more user-friendly instrument that is sufficiently robust to handle tough applications.
Thermo Scientific launched the new Nicolet iG50 FT-IR Spectrometer, which has been designed for a broad range of applications such as VOC analysis, continuous emission monitoring and other process gas applications. The Mercury Freedom System was also on display, offering users verification of regulatory compliance with unattended, continuous measurement of elemental, ionic and total mercury in exhaust stacks. To ensure product quality, refinery visitors were able to view and discuss applications for the SOLA II online sulphur analyser.
The Thermo Scientific stand also featured the Sentinel PRO mass spectrometer which helps protect workforces with fast, sensitive, multi-point detection of toxic and carcinogenic VOCs in ambient air.
Recent regulatory initiatives to lower exposure to VOCs such as Benzene, a known carcinogen, have resulted in the launch of new products and services designed to meet the new monitoring requirements. Markes International for example, has launched a new oil refinery fenceline monitoring solution for benzene and other VOCs. Markes said that their new package (passive sorbent tubes and desorption units) will enable refineries to comply with the forthcoming US EPA Method 325. Gradko Environmental also offers VOC tubes for boundary monitoring.
Following a similar theme, Hatech gas detection and Ion Science launched what they claim is the world’s first continuous benzene specific monitor. Incorporating MiniPID technology, the ‘Titan’ is capable of detecting benzene levels from 0.1ppm up to 20ppm. Lumex Analytics also demonstrated new instruments for benzene monitoring in air.
Block Engineering displayed 2 new products: the LaserSense ML for continuous monitoring of Mud Logging gases, C1-C5 including isomers, and the LaserWarn Open Path Fence line Monitor, offering PPT detection limits and user programmable limits for reporting, alarms or notification.
In common with several of the Conference presentations, remote monitoring was the main theme for FLIR Systems, which demonstrated its latest optical gas imaging cameras including the FLIR GF320 OGI thermal camera for detecting leaks in piping, flanges and connections in petrochemical operations. Also on display was the FLIR GF343 OGI thermal camera for visualising CO2 leaks quickly, easily, and from a safe distance.
The new RAE Systems Wireless Safety System enables remote access to real-time gas, radiation and biometric data to enhance first responder safety and reduce incident response times. RAE said this remote access to real-time gas, radiation, and biometric data enhances first responder safety and reduces incident response times.
Visitors to the PS Analytical booth were able to discuss the content of the company’s seminar presentations addressing Mercury Mass Balance Studies on Ethylene Plants, the Determination of Arsenic in Wastewater, and the Determination of Mercury in Unstabilised Hydrocarbon Liquid Streams.
Designed for all types of water application, SERES Environnement launched a new TOC analyser. The claimed advantages for this instrument are the level of oxidation, a quick response time and low maintenance and operating costs.
Aavos presented several new products including a very sensitive RAMAN-spectrometer process monitor - the HyperFlux P.R.O. Plus, a new TDL, and an innovative gas and oil density/viscosity meter using the latest MEMS-technology.
The Analytical Flow Products stand featured the new MMPD (Multi Mode Plasma Detector) referred to in Yves Gamache’s Conference presentation. This detector is capable of measuring a wide range of chemical compounds including hydrocarbons, greenhouse gases, electronic gases, BTEX, VOCs and many others.
