Cannon Instrument Co., has unveiled a dramatically redesigned mini-rotary viscometer, the CMRV-5000, that meets the ASTM D-4684, D-3829, D-6821 and D-6896 test methods for new/used oils and driveline fluids. This compact, low-temperature viscometer is the first stand-alone thermoelectri-cally cooled instrument of its type. Occupying a foot-print roughly the size of a laptop computer, it has five removable test cells to facilitate sample loading and cleaning. The whisper-quiet device supplies method-specific time/tem-perature-controlled profiles to simulate and measure fluid performance under a variety of temperature conditions. Web: www.cannoninstrument.com

Antiwear and Ashless

The latest from additive supplier Rhein Chemie is Additin RC 9300, an ash-less, multifunctional addi-tive that inhibits oxidation, rust and wear. Formulators can use it to make antiwear hydraulic fluids meeting Denison and Cincinnati Machine specs, and to pro-duce compressor oils according to DIN 51506 and ISO/DP 6521. The light-colored, clear liquid is based on phosphorus-sul-fur compounds, and recom-mended treat levels range from 0.45 to 0.6 percent by weight. It offers good demulsification, good filter-ability and excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability, says the company. Web: www.rheinchemie.com

Know Your Oil

Conditioning monitoring of lubes is a major weapon in the fight against premature failure of engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems. So Kittiwake Developments Ltd., a U.K.-based specialist in oil test kits and sampling products, has created the DIGI Test cell to perform on-site testing of critical machinery. The kit helps marine and plant engineers assess the condition of their machine oil and make adjustments immediately, without waiting for off-site lab results, says Kittiwake. Users can check acid num-ber, water-in-oil, and more; pre-programmed software takes them through a step-by-step process to analyze oil samples and get results in just two minutes. Web: www.kittiwake.com

Advanced Emulsifier Coming

Croda is launching Perfad 3950, a new chemical emulsion technol-ogy for metalworking fluids that combines the desir-able attributes of soluble oils with the environmental benefits of synthetics. Coming in August, the field-tested hybrid technol-ogy lets formulators build in the cutting capabilities of soluble oils while avoiding components – such as sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine and mineral oil – which may be difficult to manage in the environment. Suited to both ferrous and non-fer-rous applications, Perfad 3950 avoids problems such as high foam and staining of aluminum. Formulators can phone Ron Bingeman for a sam-ple, (302) 574-8466. Web: www.croda.com or www.uniqema.com

Sentrons a Hit at GE

After a very successful field trial, Petro-Canadas Sentron LD 5000 premium natural gas engine oil is being recom-mended by GE Energy Jenbacher for use in its gas engines up to 16-bar Brake Mean Effective Pressure (BMEP) output in sweet gas applica-tions. The field trial, in a cogenera-tion unit operating under high pres-sure and providing power and heat to a chemical plant in Lingen, Germany, confirmed the oils perfor-mance characteristics and benefits. These included no oil drain during 10,800 hours of operation, low oil consumption, excellent wear control, and a virtual absence of ring-zone carbon and lacquer. Web: www.petro-canada.com or www.sentron.ca

Grease Works in Harsh Areas

Molykote HP-300 is a fully fluorinated, food-grade grease that can withstand harsh conditions such as low or high temperatures, corrosion, solvents and automotive fuels, liquefied natural gases and high vacuums. Its formulated for compatibility with a variety of plastic parts and a wide range of applica-tions. The grease is even NSF-H1 registered for applications involving incidental food contact, and offers a wide temperature range of -65 degrees C to 240 C. Molykote HP-300 also suits long-term lubrication because it exhibits excellent resis-tance to oxidation, the maker says. Web: www.Molykote.com

Store, Dispense with Ease

Need to store fluids close to the work area, and dispense them quickly? The Innovative Fluid Handling system, an alternative to 55-gallon drums, can mean easier, cleaner and safer storage and dis-pensing of cutting fluids, bearing oils, hydraulic fluids, transmission flu-ids, engine oils and other lubricants. The system contains spills and helps maintain proper inventory, with sight gauges to help users avoid running out of product. Saves space too: An eight-container IFH system can hold 520 gallons of product – 25 gallons more than nine drums – in only 25 square feet of floor space. Users can chose from 21 standard configura-tions or the number and capacities of the containers can be customized. Web: www.ifh-group.com

Check Concentration Quickly

Kernco Instruments offers the new Model 300051 portable digital refractometer, with a wide range of 0 to 65 percent. This means it can be used in many applications, versus models with more limited ranges. Use it to check the percentage con-centrations of cutting oils, coolants, lubricants and organic solvents. The unit is low cost, yet has features and accuracy (+/- 0.2 percent) normally found in digital refractometers sell-ing at much higher prices, says Kernco. Simply place a sam-ple (up to 40 degrees C) on the prism well plate, press the Read button, and within 1 second the value is displayed. Web: www.kerncoinstr.com

Dow Adds Biocide Molecule

Dow Biocides has added the broad spectrum molecule IPBC (3-iodopropynyl butylcarbamate) into its metalworking fluids product line. Widely used as a fungicide for metal cutting, rolling and lubricating fluids, IPBC is a non-metallic, non-formalde-hyde-releasing biocide that Dow calls easy to formulate. It may be used in synthetic, semi-synthetic and soluble metalworking fluid concentrates as well as tankside in diluted formula-tions. Initially introduced in the United States, the products – named Bioban I antimicrobials – will become avail-able globally as registrations allow. Web: www.dowbiocides.com

Software Helps with REACH

The Wercs has a new range of software options that can help lubricant companies with MSDS author-ing, distribution and management – a critical need for REACH compliance and health and safety initiatives. Called eLITE, the MSDS authoring solution starts at $595 a month, and includes built-in regulatory content that is updated every 90 days. Users get secure, web-based access, with no need for extra IT resources, and remote access to the software when out of the office. The database of 250,000 raw materials enables author-ing by Chemical Abstract number or product name, and more than 40 lan-guages are supported. To schedule a demo, e-mail Bob Sheehan: roberts@thewercs.com

Stamping Lube Wins Award

Renoform Syn 7940, a new stamping die lube from Fuchs Lubricants, won the Next Gen Innovation Award for Best New Material at the recent 2007 Metalform show in Chicago. This advanced fluid is entirely free of petroleum oils and chlorine, which were previously needed for severe stamping and drawing applications. The culmination of three years work by Fuchs researchers, it replaces heavily chlorinated water-soluble oilsin deep drawing applications. It can be welded through, is compatible with E-coat pretreatment and car-bide tooling, and offers excellent rust protection without the residues seen with synthetic stamping lubes, says the company. Web: www.fuchs.com