#56 - Generic vs Brand-name terminology – Part 3

We have been talking lately about industry terminology. So without further ado, here are some terms that we use in our industry and what they mean to us: 

• Gas analysis system – this generally refers to the complete system of gas analysis and may include the probe, filter, sample line, gas conditioning system, analyzer, and other related components.
• Probe – this is the portion the gas analysis system that pokes into the process to take a gas sample. (Some systems have a filter and a gas sensor mounted in a probe. See ‘in-situ probes’.)
• Filter – there is frequently a filter somewhere near the probe that removes particulate from the sample while it is still close to the original temperature.
• Sample line – is the tube through which the sample flows to the analyzer.
• Gas conditioning system – are the components or systems that remove or mitigate undesirable constituents from the gas sample such as excess moisture, excess temperature, corrosive gases, analytical interferences, etc. These systems may be internal or external to the gas analyzer.
• Gas analyzer – basically the analyzer is the instrument that measures and displays a reading pertaining to the gas of interest.
• Gas analyser – same as gas analyzer, just regional difference in the spelling. Both are valid and I have enabled both spellings in the spell-check function on my computer (this is to show peaceful solidarity with all regions; hey, I’m an activist now! that was easy.).
• Detector / sensor – technically these two items are subtly different, but we basically regard both of them as the part of a gas analyzer that ‘sees’ the gas. The output of the sensor or detector is what is translated into a meaningful gas reading on the gas analyzer.
• Extractive systems – generally refer to the types of systems that extract a gas sample from the process and send (or pull) it to a gas analyser for analysis.
• In situ systems – generally refer to systems in which the analysis is done in a probe at the process. No gas is extracted.
• Process analysis – to us this refers to analyses of gas that is inside of and internal to the customer’s process.
• Ambient analysis / monitoring – analysis of gas in ambient (usually breathable) air. This condition implies different pressures, temperatures, and gas ranges than what is associated with enclosed processes.
• Portable analyzer – meaning self-explanatory, except that it also implies that the analysis will be temporary. This is because there is usually little or no sample conditioning components built-into the instrument.
• Permanent-mount analyzer – meaning self-explanatory, except that it also implies a larger and more complete system that can do continuous gas analysis indefinitely.
• Continuous analyzer – same as permanent-mount analyzer
• On-line / in-line analyzer – same as permanent-mount analyzer
• SOx – short-form that usually stands for ‘oxides of sulfur’. For many gas analysis applications, the most relevant oxide of sulfur is SO2 (sulfur dioxide).
• NOx - short-form that usually stands for ‘oxides of nitrogen’. For many gas analysis applications, the most relevant oxides of nitrogen are NO (nitrogen oxide) & NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). Of the two, NO is usually present in a much higher proportion. Therefore, NOx may sometimes be analyzed as NO only.
• NOx and SOx – no real definition here beyond what is said above; but we do receive many written and verbal inquiries for analysis of NOx & SOx where the customer does not state which oxides of sulfur and nitrogen are required. We are starting to think that the expression ‘NOx & SOx’ is over-used almost to the point of irrelevance.

There are many other words in the Nova lexicon of course. But these are frequently-used terms that sometimes require clarification with our customers. Notice that I didn’t say ‘misunderstood by our customers’. The terms defined above are how we at Nova use and understand them. Our customers may have their own usages. It matters not who is ‘right’. We simply need to take the time to come to a common understanding of terminology and proceed from there.

Use whatever terms you like – just explain them and be clear on what you are talking about. We will try to do the same.

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 modified from © 2008 Tack-O-Rama Collection
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#54 - TENOVA RE ENERGY Enters South Korean Market

Düsseldorf (Germany), March 2, 2012 - Hyundai Orders Heat-Recovery Systems for EAFs

Tenova Re Energy signed a contract with Hyundai Steel for the supply of two iRecovery® systems for Hyundai's plant in Incheon, South Korea. The heat-recovery systems have to be installed on a 90-ton and an 80-ton EAF. The design of iRecovery systems is based on an evaporative cooling system that uses water at boiling point under high pressure. Such water, used as a cooling fluid, is forced into the cooling circuit. The absorption of energy coming from the EAF off-gases converts part of the cooling water into steam available for further applications. Industrial steam is available for applications like vacuum degassing or power generation. Start-up of the first system is scheduled for March 2013, while the second will be put into operation as early as August 2012.

http://www.tenovagroup.com/pdf/press/138-TENOVA%20RE%20ENERGY%20-%20Hyundai.pdf
http://www.tenova-reenergy.com/en/home.html

If you are a steel maker interested in higher productivity and lower costs, contact Tenova for more information about their award-winning products and systems. 

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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#53 - What is CONSTEEL?

The CONSTEEL® system is a unique steel-making process developed by TENOVA. It is the only commercial process that continuously pre-heats and feeds the metallic charge (scrap metal, pig iron, hot briquetted iron, etc.) into an electric arc furnace (EAF) while simultaneously controlling gaseous emissions. The charge is loaded directly from the scrap yard or the railcar to the charge conveyor, and pre-heated by furnace off-gas as it is automatically transported to the EAF.

The pre-heated charge is fed into the EAF where it is melted by the liquid steel in a continuous cycle. This permits constant flat bath operation, a key advantage over conventional batch processes where scrap is melted directly by the electric arc. The EAF gases are sent to a fume-cleaning plant where carbon monoxide and pollutants are burned in a combustion chamber without consuming fuel. The system uses heat from the flue gas for cogeneration of hot water and/or steam.

The Consteel system technology simplifies steelmaking logistics by minimizing scrap movements. Furnace bay crane activities using charge buckets are virtually eliminated, for lower operating and maintenance costs. Leakages in the water-cooled furnace sidewalls, roof and lances caused by arcing or scrap impact are avoided, thus minimizing the risk of water entering the furnace. The Consteel equipment is designed for high reliability and low maintenance, including reduced refractory maintenance. The result is a safer, more congenial working environment compared to typical conditions in the steel industry.

The ConsteeI system satisfies key melt shop requirements in the minimill business:

• Fast payback
• High Flexibility
• Low production costs
• Reduced environmental impact
• High productivity
• Personnel safety

Improved Environmental Sustainability

The Consteel system reduces workplace noise and dust and eliminates bucket charge operations. The absence of charge buckets minimizes dust formation in the canopy hood, while the pre-heating section of the conveyor acts like a deposit chamber, allowing dust to settle on the scrap for recycling inside the furnace. Overall dust emissions are 5 - 9 kg/tls lower than those of a conventional top-charged EAF. The reduction of total energy required for melting has a tremendous impact on the reduction of GHG (Greenhouse Gases) emissions. Consteel provides the most environmentally friendly technology available on the market, with the ability to meet strict government regulations.

Addendum Jan 28, 2013 - here are a couple more pictures of Tenova CONSTEEL installations:

 

 

 

Consteel is the choice of steelmakers worldwide. If you are a steel maker interested in higher productivity and lower costs, contact Tenova Goodfellow for more information about the award-winning CONSTEEL® system.

Tenova GOODFELLOW
170-7070 Mississauga Road
Dupont Building - Mississauga
Ontario L5N 7G2 - CANADA
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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#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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