-New equipmen

High sensitivity MagLabVSM from Oxford Instruments with 12 T superconducting magnet

package. This provides automated measurement routines whilst allowing the user a high degree of flexibility in customization and adjustment for individual experimental requirements. The systems are available with a wide range of magnetic field and temperature environments.

The MagLab family comprises the following products:

MagLab VSM

• High sensitivity (to 5 x 10 -7 emu rms) independent of field

• Compact design with full experimental control over amplitude and frequency of vibration

• Automatic sample positioning

MagLab Heat Capacity

• Advanced micro-calorimeter • Direct information on the

internal energy and entropy of materials

• Quantitative information about magnetic and structural phase transitions

• Rapid measurements at low temperatures

• Small sample capability (1-5 mg typical)

MagLab Faraday

• Diagnostic information

relating to atomic ordering • Anisotropy information with

horizontal fields • Fully automated

measurements with sensitivities to 10-11 emu g-1 gauss-1

• Easy sample change and alignment

MagLab Critical Current

• Specially designed sample mounting method

• Sample protection interlocks • Minimal Joule heating with

pulse technique to 100 A • DC currents to 1 500 A available

Oxford Instruments, Scientific Research Division, Research Instruments, Old Station Way, Eynsham, Oxford OX8 1TL, UK

Low cost predictive maintenance

For companies making a first step toward predictive maintenance, Schenck has introduced an entry level solution comprising the portable Vibro-FFT 41 machine analyser and Vibroexpert CM-S40 trending and diagnostic software.

The Vibro-FFT 41 serves as a

machine analyser for measuring and storing parameters such as vibration, temperature and speed. An LCD display presents step-through procedures for each measuring point and selection and entry of data via menu-driven soft keys.

It gives an instant picture of the condition of the machine under test. Results can be output via the optional built-in printer or downloaded to a PC for more detailed trending and evaluation using the company's Windows-based CM-S40 software. Measurements are stored in a database under four hierarchy levels (plant, train, machine and point) or can be transferred to industry-standard spreadsheet packages.

The CM-S40 module provides analysis and diagnostic software for evaluating machine condition and identifying the problem sources.

Trend analysis shows time-based changes in measured values enabling accurate prediction of fault conditions while a detailed evaluation can be performed using advanced FFT capabilities.

Schenck Limited, Station Approach, Bicester, Oxon OX6 7BZ, UK

Pressure vessel examination

Ultrasonic weld inspection by AEA Sonomatic has brought substantial cost-saving and quality benefits to the Italian fabricator of four thick-walled reactor vessels and heat exchangers. The pressure vessels, fabricated at the Nuovo Pignone works at Massa, are bound for a major oil company's refinery in Rotterdam.

The advantages of using an ultrasonic technique for this inspection, rather than high-energy radiography, include high speed of

NDT&E International Volume 26 Number 6 1993 329