#52 - Generic vs Brand-name terminology – Part 2

In an earlier post, we talked about the exciting topic of industry brand names and terminology. We would now like to shine the light of clarity and honesty upon ourselves.

Some years ago, we regarded our analytical lingo as something to be guarded jealously. And if inquirers did not state their requests in the exact manner or terminology that we expected, we would reward them with hostility and rock-throwing. Well, that’s an exaggeration, but there is a tiny grain of truth in there. Now we jokingly refer to our past tendencies as the ‘exclusive Nova club’.

As with any industry, we eventually realized that we had to make sure that our internal company terminology wasn’t becoming a barrier to effective communication with our customers. But we also needed to balance this with due diligence in qualifying leads and obtaining accurate application data. It can only be said that we are continuing to work hard to ensure this balance is sustained while providing maximum approachability for our customers. I cannot conclude this paragraph by triumphantly describing how we implemented a ‘magic bullet’ solution. Much of this kind of thing has to do with personal attitude combined with company culture.

We have simply relaxed a little and have become a little less obsessed with making people use our terminology. We have also become a little less obsessed with covering our hindquarters. Of course, the need for clear data has not gone away – we are just a little more creative now in how we get it. We now try to be a little sharper when it comes to spotting important details in the application data that we do receive. Our analyzer designs have also improved to become less vulnerable to unexpected process conditions.

We get the feeling that some people assume that they will get a better deal if they omit important information. From the customer perspective, it should be noted that greater clarity of application data allows us to deliver better equipment at a better price.

In Part 3 of this discussion, we will define some exciting gas analyzer terms.

We’re Nova. We make gas analyzers for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and other gases.

Give Mike or Dave at Nova a call, or send us an e-mail.
1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
www.nova-gas.com
http://www.tenovagroup.com/

If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.

Photo © 2008 Tack-O-Rama Collection
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#51 - What is EFSOP?

Our long-time partnership with and our recent acquisition by Tenova Goodfellow Inc. has helped us learn a little about specialized steel-making processes such as operation of electric arc furnaces (EAFs).

 

Electric arc furnaces recycle steel scrap by melting and converting it into high quality steel by using high-power electric arcs. The steel may be processed in batches called 'heats', or continuously using specialized production systems. EFSOP® stands for Expert Furnace System Optimization Process and is a real-time off-gas based process control system for EAFs.

By measuring and analyzing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen (CO, CO2, O2, & H2) continuously, EFSOP® uses real-time off-gas chemistry to optimize the chemical energy and post-combustion processes within the furnace. In addition, off-gas chemistry information is combined with other process variables to optimize electrical energy usage, carbon & lime usage, slag formation, and system heat load.

 

 

Goodfellow EFSOP® has provided steelmakers with the most reliable real-time off-gas based process control system for EAF. Through continuous upgrading and state of the art technology, EFSOP® is now the process control tool of choice for over 60 cost conscious, high productivity melt shops around the world. Low maintenance, fast payback and over 2 million heats analyzed has resulted in significant reductions in overall EAF conversion costs, including lower consumption of electrical power and other additives.

 

When combined with other process sensors and information, EFSOP® technology has proven to be an effective tool for identifying statistically abnormal off-gas composition including water, thereby increasing melt shop safety.

Process

 

1. A patented water-cooled probe continuously samples the off-gas exhaust, sending chemistry to the Analyzer.




2. A high-performance gas analyzer system measures levels of O2, CO, CO2 and H2 and sends the data to the operator screens and to the EFSOP® computer in the furnaces control pulpit.

3. The off-gas analysis is displayed in real-time in the control pulpit. The EFSOP® computer (closed loop control) and/or operator sends process adjustments to the plant PLC network, with control adjustments for burners and lances.

4. The plant PLC network communicates with the EFSOP® Analyzer and computer to receive new set-points for dynamic furnace control.

 

 

 

Results

• Steel yield increased
• Productivity increased
• Overall cost savings increased
• Electrical energy reduced
• Oxygen consumption reduced
• Natural gas consumption reduced
• Charge carbon consumption reduced
• Power on time reduced
• Electrode consumption reduced
• Refractory wear reduced

  

If you are a steel maker interested in higher productivity and lower costs, contact Tenova Goodfellow for more information about the award-winning EFSOP® system.

Tenova GOODFELLOW
Phone +1 905 567 3030
Fax +1 905 567 3899
goodfellow@ca.tenovagroup.com

 

For information on gas analyzer systems, give Mike or Dave at Nova a call, or send us an e-mail.
1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
http://www.nova-gas.com/
http://www.tenovagroup.com/
 
If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.
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#50 - Generic vs Brand-name terminology – Part 1

Every industry and company has its own beloved terminology. This inside lexicon may in time develop into a company language. There are many intentions and reasons for brand-name terminology. A few of them are: 

1. The intent is sometimes to economize communication. A single industry term may be understood by its users to encompass a general set of conditions or product characteristics.
2. Another intent of specific terminology may be related to marketing tactics. A brand name may be selected because of the images that it conjures up in the mind of the buyer. These terms may be catchy but have little reference to the type or design of the product.
3. Company brands or terminology may also simply be a legacy left over from an earlier time. Perhaps the current product bears no resemblance to the original, but the name is well-known and is best left as is. 

I used to work in the coatings industry. That industry is somewhat over-populated by brands and types. The age of the industry combined with the sheer number of applications has produced a long rich vocabulary. Our company felt that this impeded the clear communication of ideas especially in the industrial maintenance market where the applications were more demanding. Too many brand names were completely cryptic regarding the actual chemistry of the product. We found some that even suggested characteristics and chemistries that were not completely accurate.

So we elected to call our products by their generic coating types and basic chemistries instead of by marketing-derived or legacy names. For example, we had Polyamide-Cured Epoxy instead of something like ‘Durapox’. We had Aliphatic Urethane instead of a brand name like ‘Superthane’ or something.

The intent was to convey clear information about the product chemistry. To an experienced user, this would in turn communicate information about the intended uses and applications. This approach was partially adopted for the retail side of our business also. (We had to be careful not to get too technical in retail situations.)

As a suggestion to any technical salesperson – we at Nova believe in cutting through the industry jargon when talking to customers. If there is a helpful piece of information hiding behind a brand name or industry term, then say so. Company reputations aside, most customers just want a product that works. In our industry, that means reliable gas analysis data. The marketing has only temporary value and is often slanted in favor of the seller rather than the buyer.

Speaking of marketing, we’re Nova. We make gas analyzers for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and other gases. We are part of the Iron & Steel Division of the Tenova Group.

Give Mike or Dave at Nova a call, or send us an e-mail.
1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
http://www.nova-gas.com/
http://www.tenovagroup.com/

If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.
 
Photo © 2008 Tack-O-Rama Collection
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#49 - We want to come to work with you (and learn how we can help)!

Don’t worry, a crack team of Nova operatives won’t be showing up unannounced at your facility anytime soon.

We respect that our customers know the chemistry or internal dynamics of their process probably better than we do. They aren’t coming to us for an education about their own process. In fact, it’s usually the other way round. The more we talk to our customers, the more we learn.

So while it would be a pretty rare thing for us to tell them something they didn’t already know, once in while we do have a flash of brilliance. We are an analytical company after all. We know about gas atmosphere analysis.

We make gas analyzers for atmospheric gases such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, etc. We can assume that our customer needs a gas analyzer because there are aspects of their process that they want to monitor with more precision. They are well aware that there is hydrogen and carbon dioxide or some other gas in their process. They just want a gas analyzer to know exactly how much, and to use that data as a process control.

So how do we propose to come to work with you and learn how to better help you? There are a couple of ways worth mentioning.

1. At the front end of the customer relationship, Mike & Dave at Nova are very interested in learning about your process. We may ply you with annoying questions about chemistry, pressure, temperature, and other fun stuff. We even have a special application form that some of our customers use to organize the relevant information. The data gleaned at this point will enable us to get you pointed in the right direction in terms of specifying gas analysis equipment. This whole process is the first step in Nova ‘coming to work with you’. 
2. During the quoting or design processes, we may have additional configuration issues to discuss with you. Perhaps there is an environmental condition that will affect the cabinetry or temperature management. Perhaps there are other gases in the sample which will interfere with accurate gas analysis. Excessive moisture or particulate in the sample may require sample conditioning components. Nova is still working with you to help you.
3. Sometimes after the analyzer is installed into the application, an issue of some kind arises. Give us a call. We are as interested in getting to the bottom of the problem as you are. Nova is still on the job. 
4. In challenging applications, such as with landfill gas or biogas analyzers, some customers have even decided to hire one of our engineers for a day or two to visit the site after the analyzer is installed. We can do an inspection, calibration, commissioning, and train your staff. Getting your analyzer off to a good start always produces the best results. Our intention is to have the gas analyzer doing its job reliably for as long as possible. 

We’re Nova. We make gas analyzers for oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen, and other gases.
Give Mike or Dave at Nova a call, or send us an e-mail.
1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
http://www.nova-gas.com/

If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.
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#48 - Press Release - TENOVA GOODFELLOW INC. ACQUIRES NOVA ANALYTICAL SYSTEMS

Milan, Italy
December 12, 2011

Tenova, worldwide supplier of advanced technologies for the iron & steel and mining industries, announces today the acquisition of Nova Analytical Systems, specialized in extractive-gas analyzers and sample conditioning systems for industrial applications.

Nova Analytical Systems has officially become part of Tenova Goodfellow Inc., the recognized world leader in EAF/BOF Steelmaking Process Optimization Technologies through the application of EFSOP® technology.

Nova Analytical Systems’ entry into Tenova Goodfellow is an important development that will provide both companies with important competitive and strategic benefits. Nova Analytical Systems’ expertise in developing and manufacturing off-gas state-of-the-art sensors complements the technological and process engineering assets of Tenova Goodfellow. Combined, their expertise will enable joint development of next generation equipment and technology for process optimization applications to supply energy and environmental benefits to provide added value to Tenova’s steelmaking customers as well as to a broad range of industries including for power, landfill, syngas and petrochemical applications.

“Technological innovation has always been the deciding factor that distinguishes Tenova from its competitors,” states Mauro Bianchi Ferri, Senior Vice President Tenova Steelmaking. “The acquisition of Nova Analytical marks a new era for engineering innovation within Tenova. Our drive for innovation, focus on quality and timely delivery of solutions to our customers, is what maintains Tenova’s position as a global leader in steelmaking technologies.”

Tenova designs and supplies advanced technologies, products and services for the metals and mining industries. Tenova operates close to its customers through a network of 33 companies based on the 5 continents.

For more information visit the company’s website at http://www.tenovagroup.com/

As NOVA Analytical Systems, we will continue to serve our past and present customers without disruption. We will continue to address our own core industries with the same or better service and equipment.

Give Mike or Dave at Nova a call, or send us an e-mail.
1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
http://www.nova-gas.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/NOVAGAS

If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.

Other companies in the Tenova Group:

CORE
http://www.tenovacore.com/

GOODFELLOW
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_goodfellow.php?id_company=4

HYL
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_hyl.php?id_company=2

HYPERTHERM
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_loi_italimpianti.php?id_company=5

I2S
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_i2s.php?id_company=12

KEY TECHNOLOGIES
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_key_technologies.php?id_company=7

LOI ITALIMPIANTI
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_loi_italimpianti.php?id_company=5

MULTIFORM
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_multiform.php?id_company=14

POMINI
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_pomini.php?id_company=8

PYROMET
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_pyromet.php?id_company=1

TAKRAF
http://www.tenovagroup.com/companies_takraf.php?id_company=10

TIMEC
http://www.tenovagroup.com/factories_timec.php

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#47 - Wikipedia Blackout

We occasionally check out Wikipedia for quick answers on various topics. We know it isn't perfect. But it is handy and reasonably reliable.

We were doing some quick research today on methyl diethanolamine, which is an amine used in the petro-chem and steel industries to remove acid gases such as H2S, CO2, and others from process gases.

At the top of the page there was a banner announcing that Wikipedia will be having a 24hr blackout on Wednesday January 18, 2012.

If you intend to Wikipedia during that period, you will have to wait for 24hrs.

http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/English_Wikipedia_anti-SOPA_blackout

NOVA Analytical Systems

1-800-295-3771
sales at nova-gas dot com
websales at nova-gas dot com
http://www.nova-gas.com/
If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.

Wikimedia logo © & ™ All rights reserved, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.
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#46 - NOVA in the News – Portable Landfill Gas Analyzer

January 3, 2012 - Original Press release

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Landfill-and-Biogas-Analyzers-feature-portable-design-607501

Analytical Company Offers Portable Landfill Gas & Biogas Analyzers

Nova Analytical Inc, a 30 year veteran in gas analysis, has updated its image and product line. As a part of this re-branding initiative, Nova is recommitting its extensive experience to the area of recovery-gas analysis. The Nova 900P Series Portable Landfill & Biogas Gas Analyzers have been designed with this objective in mind.

The Nova 900P Series includes analysis of oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide in recovered gases at landfill and biogas sites. These analyzers have a built-in water separator to help prevent moisture contamination of the detectors.

In operation, a built-in sample pump draws the recovered landfill gas through a couple of filters and meters to the water separator. The sample is then pulled into the sensors and detectors for gas analysis. The results are displayed on an easy-to-see digital readout.

The complete instrument is solidly packaged into a weather-proof enclosure. The clear cover allows you to see the readings without having to open the analyzer.

Contact Nova Analytical Systems Inc. for more information on this and other gas analysis equipment.

1-800-295-3771
websales@nova-gas.com
http://www.nova-gas.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/NOVAGAS
If you have a LinkedIn account, search for Nova Analytical Systems under Companies and follow us if you want.