投稿者: Fujiwara

What Is a Static ESS Battery Management System?

A static ESS battery management system is a type of Battery Management System (BMS) specifically designed for Energy Storage System (ESS) applications.

An Energy Storage System (ESS) primarily consists of secondary batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, and is designed to store and release electrical energy as needed. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are subject to fluctuations due to weather conditions, making it challenging to maintain stable output. To address this, a battery storage system is integrated with renewable energy systems. When sufficient power generation is available, excess energy is stored in the battery system from the generation system, and when power generation is insufficient, the battery system supplements the power, ensuring a stable output supply.

To safely and efficiently manage secondary batteries for energy storage, a Battery Management System (BMS) is utilized. The BMS oversees and controls various aspects of the secondary battery, including protection, charging/discharging, cell balancing, power optimization, and health assessment, ensuring the overall safe and efficient operation of the batteries.

Applications of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

The static ESS battery management system is employed to monitor and control the secondary batteries used in ESS, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of energy storage systems. Proper battery usage also leads to extended battery life.
Common secondary batteries used in ESS include lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, advanced lead-acid batteries, nickel batteries, among others. Specifically, lithium-ion batteries offer high efficiency and energy density but require precise control due to the risk of hazards such as fire or smoke.

Usage Scenarios

ESS technology is being widely adopted across various sectors, including:

• Residential (single-family homes, multi-unit residences)
• Commercial and Industrial (commercial facilities, public facilities, industrial facilities)
• Backup power for communication base stations, etc.
• System stability and frequency regulation in power systems
• Integration with renewable energy power plants

Especially in corporate settings, ESS is utilized as part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, promote decarbonization, cut electricity costs, and ensure power resilience during emergencies. Its adoption in residential settings is rapidly growing. Alongside ESS, battery management systems play a crucial role in these applications.

Principle of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

The battery management system used in static ESS comprises dedicated ICs and microcontrollers (for system control and communication assistance) to monitor and control battery status. Specific functions include:

• Battery protection
• Charging and discharging control
• Prevention of overcharging and over-discharging
• Cell voltage balancing (cell balancing)
• Power optimization
• Protection against overvoltage, undervoltage, surge current, reverse current, short circuits, etc.
• Health assessment

The battery management system can monitor real-time voltage, current, and temperature of cells (individual battery cells within battery modules). If parameters exceed safe limits, it disconnects output terminals to protect against hazards. It also measures battery capacity and uses algorithms to evaluate the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of each cell.

Types of Static ESS Battery Management Systems

Various manufacturers offer multiple products of static ESS battery management systems tailored for different battery types used in ESS. It’s common to combine battery protection modules with battery monitoring modules for integrated management systems. Battery protection modules are categorized based on battery voltage, typically ranging from 12-24V, 40-60V, 60-100V, 100-150V, 150-400V, and even up to 1500V for high-voltage applications. Selection depends on equipment and application requirements to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.

What Is an Automotive Battery Management System？

An automotive battery management system is a system designed to control the safe operation of on-board lithium-ion batteries installed in vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars.

Generally, systems that manage the safety of secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries are referred to as Battery Management Systems (BMS). The automotive battery management system is a specialized system within BMS tailored for on-board vehicle batteries. While lithium-ion batteries offer high efficiency and energy density, they also pose risks such as fire or smoke, necessitating precise control. Using an automotive battery management system enables safe and efficient battery operation.

Applications of Automotive Battery Management Systems

The primary purpose of an automotive battery management system is to control vehicle batteries effectively, enhancing safety and performance. Additionally, it is expected to extend battery life through proper battery usage.

The main vehicles where automotive battery management systems are used include:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
• Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEVs)
• Commercial and Agricultural Vehicles (CAVs)
• Low-speed Electric Vehicles
• Electric Two-Wheelers/Three-Wheelers

Principle of Automotive Battery Management Systems

The automotive battery management system monitors and controls the charging and discharging of batteries through electronic control circuits. Specific monitoring parameters include:

• Voltage
• Temperature
• Capacity
• State of charge
• Power consumption
• Remaining operating time
• Charge cycles

Additionally, one of the roles of the battery management system is to prevent excessive stress on batteries. It includes features to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent in cells (individual battery cells within battery modules), caused by extreme rapid charging or high discharging currents.

Specific Functions

The main functions of an automotive battery management system include:

• Preventing cell overcharging and over-discharging
• Preventing excessive cell currents
• Managing cell temperatures
• Estimating battery capacity
• Balancing cell voltages (cell balancing)

The automotive battery management system measures the voltage, current, and temperature of cells (individual battery cells) within battery modules. If any parameter exceeds set limits, it disconnects output terminals to protect against overcharging, over-discharging, or overcurrent situations, thus controlling power supply based on battery capacity.

Furthermore, it balances cell voltages (cell balancing) to ensure that different battery cells within a battery pack maintain similar charge/discharge requirements.

System Components

The automotive battery management system comprises the following components:

• Voltage detection: Measures battery module and individual cell voltages
• Monitoring circuit: Monitors cell conditions and performs cell balancing
• Temperature detection: Measures temperatures of individual cells
• Control circuit: Controls BMS measurements and balancing operations
• Current detection: Measures overall unit current
• Voltage detection: Measures overall unit voltage
• Junction box: Disconnects in case of anomalies to protect the battery
• Ground fault detection: Detects unit-wide ground faults

Electronic components used include:

• Temperature sensors such as NTC thermistors
• Chip resistors for cell balancing and voltage measurement
• Control circuits like DC/DC converter circuits
• Conductive polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors for noise reduction and smoothing
• Power inductors for voltage conversion
• Chip varistors for ESD noise suppression

Types of Automotive Battery Management Systems

Automotive battery management systems vary based on vehicle types such as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), etc. It is essential to select the system based on vehicle type and other factors like the number of monitorable cells, battery voltage type (e.g., 12-24V or 48V), and voltage control precision. Specifically, high-voltage battery systems are appropriate for vehicles using high-voltage batteries.

What Is a Recovery Towing Rope?

A recovery towing rope serves the purpose of connecting immobilized vehicles, such as automobiles stuck in adverse conditions, to a recovery vehicle for towing.

Fitted with hooks on both ends, this specialized rope facilitates the attachment between the disabled vehicle and the towing vehicle. Unlike conventional towing ropes, recovery towing ropes are engineered specifically for extricating vehicles trapped in off-road environments like mud or sand. Given the demanding nature of towing immobilized vehicles, recovery towing ropes stand out for their exceptional elasticity, flexibility, and durability.

Applications of Recovery Towing Ropes

Recovery towing ropes are indispensable in scenarios such as:

1. Retrieving malfunctioned vehicles
2. Extricating vehicles stranded in snow, mud, or rugged terrains
3. Towing vehicles with a wheel off the ground

These ropes are tailored for the precise task of recovering vehicles ensnared in off-road conditions, offering the requisite robustness to withstand the considerable forces involved in towing operations. 

Principle of Recovery Towing Ropes

The fundamental function of recovery towing ropes lies in the retrieval of vehicles stranded off-road, where the forces involved far exceed the vehicle’s weight.

To mitigate the strain on both vehicles during recovery, these ropes are engineered with optimal elasticity, ensuring a balanced load distribution. Moreover, they are meticulously designed to minimize the risk of injury or damage in case of accidental detachment.

Materials Used

Standard recovery towing ropes are crafted from materials like nylon 66, renowned for their superior elasticity. These ropes boast a stretch capacity of up to 30% and are treated with coatings for enhanced waterproofing, UV resistance, and abrasion resistance. They offer a blend of strength, resilience, and minimal stretch, catering to vehicles across the spectrum from compact cars to heavy-duty SUVs.
For enhanced performance, ropes incorporating HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) fibers are employed. These ropes exhibit outstanding elasticity, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and minimal elongation (less than 4%), enabling snatch recoveries without shock. Compared to conventional nylon ropes of equivalent breaking strength, HMPE ropes are lighter and stronger.

Types of Recovery Towing Ropes

Recovery towing ropes are available in a variety of types characterized by their materials and diameters, ranging typically from 20mm to 50mm, with breaking strengths spanning from approximately 8,200kg to 57,000kg. Various lengths, such as 6m or 9m, are offered to accommodate diverse requirements.
Merely considering breaking strength when selecting a rope is inadequate. Ropes with higher breaking strengths may lack the requisite elasticity for lighter vehicles, resulting in undue strain. Hence, it is imperative to select the appropriate rope tailored to the vehicle’s specifications.

Comparison with Other Towing Ropes

Conventional towing ropes encompass wire ropes and stretch variants. Wire ropes demand technical proficiency for recovery and impose substantial stress on vehicles. On-road towing ropes possess distinct elasticity properties, rendering them less suited to off-road recoveries.
For off-road retrieval operations, a recovery towing rope emerges as the optimal choice, thanks to its tailored elasticity and strength, which minimize vehicular strain during recovery maneuvers.

What Is a Polyester Rope?

A polyester rope is a type of rope made using polyester material.
Polyester is known for its resistance to acids, alkalis, seawater, and excellent weather resistance. It is highly resistant to friction, making it a durable and robust rope. It finds applications in marine activities such as fishing, as well as in construction and marine leisure sports.

Applications of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes are extensively used due to their exceptional weather resistance and durability. Here are some primary examples of their applications:

• Fishing (float lines, seine nets, mooring lines, set nets, aquaculture)
• Marine vessels (hawsers, tag lines, maritime operations)
• Lifelines and safety ropes
• Marine leisure activities
• Tents and tarps
• Cargo handling and bundling
• For trucks, cranes, and towing
• Festival floats
• Agricultural purposes
• Waterskiing
• Worksite signage
• Electrical work
• Forestry

Thinner polyester ropes are especially used for bundling, tents, tarps, etc., while thicker ones find use in fishing and maritime activities.

Principle of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes exhibit various excellent characteristics such as:

• Heat resistance
• UV resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Seawater resistance

They soften at around 240°C and melt at about 250°C, with practical heat resistance within 110°C. Their resilience to UV rays and seawater makes them suitable for outdoor use near the sea.
Additionally,

• They maintain strength even when wet and have minimal stretch
• They are lightweight and float on water

Fiber Structure

Polyester ropes are made from filament yarns or spun yarns.
Filament yarns are continuous fibers twisted together to form a single yarn. Typically, monofilaments are twisted to create “multifilament” yarns, which are then used.
Spun yarns are made from processed short fibers and have a slightly fluffy and soft feel compared to filament yarns.

Types of Polyester Ropes

Polyester ropes are made from spun yarns and multifilament yarns, resulting in ropes with different appearances and properties. Spun yarn ropes have a softer feel like cotton ropes but may have slightly lower strength. On the other hand, ropes made from multifilament polyester have a slight sheen and a somewhat smooth surface (though not excessively slippery). They offer higher strength.
There are various twisting methods for these yarns.

Twisting Types

Polyester ropes can be twisted in different ways, denoted by “lays,” such as 3-strand lay, cross-laid ropes (8-strand, 12-strand), and braided ropes (12-strand).

3-strand lay is the most common with good grip and strength but may twist more.
Cross-laid ropes are more shock-absorbent and have good strength, with less tendency to twist compared to 3-strand lay.

Color

While white polyester ropes are common, colored ones are also available. Colored polyester ropes are dyed from the polyester yarn, offering a soft feel similar to cotton due to the spun yarn nature.

Packaging

Polyester ropes are available in various packaging forms such as rope coils, bobbin-wound, paper-tube wound, twine-wound, truck ropes, and cut ropes, with different lengths suited for different purposes. Selecting the appropriate type based on the intended use is necessary.

What Is a Tow Strap?

A tow strap is a type of strap primarily used to tow immobilized cars or trucks for vehicle recovery purposes.

They are mainly made of nylon or polyester materials. Unlike metal hooks, they do not have protrusions, which is a key feature. Originally, tow straps and hooks were essential safety equipment required during circuit racing. Today, they are also used in regular vehicles for both fashion and functionality. Rather than being used only during towing, they are kept installed at all times and are used for towing during emergencies. They typically have a tensile strength ranging from 2 tons to 3 tons, providing sufficient strength for vehicle recovery. Due to different product specifications for specific vehicle types, caution is required. Additionally, when using them on public roads, it is crucial to comply with regulations and ensure proper installation for safe driving. Similarly, for racing events, adherence to specific regulations for each competition is necessary. They are also known as tow straps or towing straps.

Applications of Tow Straps

Tow straps are primarily used as essential safety equipment in racing cars. This is because during racing events, vehicles can become immobilized for various reasons, requiring towing by rescue vehicles.

They are also used in regular cars, 4WDs, trucks, etc. For instance, when a vehicle gets stuck in mud or experiences a breakdown, having a tow strap installed can facilitate vehicle recovery.

Apart from functionality, tow straps are also used in regular cars for their racing car-inspired designs. They come in various colors and patterns. However, it is essential to ensure compliance with regulations on public roads and adhere to competition rules for racing events when selecting colors or shapes.

Principle of Tow Straps

Tow Hooks vs. Tow Straps

Traditional ring-shaped steel tow hooks protrude from the bumper, posing safety issues such as:

• Damaging other cars upon contact with the protruding tow hook
• In accidents, the tow hook entering the vehicle’s body causing damage

In severe cases, not only the bumper but also parts like radiators and frames can be damaged. These accidents can also occur with foldable tow hooks.

On the other hand, tow straps, being fabric-based, do not protrude metal parts, reducing potential damage upon contact.

Materials of Tow Straps

Tow straps are mainly made of nylon or polyester. Nylon 6 tow straps have elasticity and stretchability, with a stretch ratio of over 20%. This allows them to absorb shocks during towing, and they offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance.

Polyester tow straps have low stretchability of less than 10% and are also used in seat belts. They often excel in durability and strength compared to nylon, making them suitable for towing trucks and large vehicles.

Types of Tow Straps

Tow straps come in various types, with nylon and polyester materials, and some are reinforced for higher strength. Breaking strengths vary between products, ranging from 4000kg to 15000kg or more. They typically have a tensile strength of over 2500kg.

The loop length of straps attached to the vehicle is around 10-20cm, but they are sold in longer units ranging from 3m to 20m. The width is usually around 5cm to 10cm.

They come in various colors such as red, orange, blue, black, pink, camouflage, etc., but compliance with regulations on public roads and adherence to competition rules for racing events are crucial considerations.

What Is a Gold Solder?

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste is a form of gold (Au) and tin (Sn) alloy primarily used as solder material, provided in paste form.

Essentially, it comprises a mixture of gold-tin alloy powder and a binding material called flux. Gold-tin alloys have a higher melting point (217°C and above) compared to common lead-free solders, and they excel in heat conductivity and post-bonding reliability. They are used for joining and sealing precision components such as high-frequency devices, optical devices, and for applications requiring heat resistance during subsequent low-temperature reflow, as well as for soldering applications needing tensile strength and corrosion resistance.

Applications of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste is primarily used for bonding and sealing precision components such as:
Die bonding for high-brightness LEDs, Peltier elements, power semiconductors
Sealing materials for crystal devices, SAW devices
The former is used in automotive, lighting, and thermoelectric module applications, while the latter is used in mobile communications, base stations, MEMS sensors, among others. It is a solder material used for bonding high-frequency devices and optical communication devices.
Moreover, gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste’s paste form allows for high adaptability to various bonding methods such as screen printing, dispenser coating, and pin transfer, making it suitable for various joint shapes.

Principles of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Composition

Typically, gold-tin (AuSn) alloys with around 20% tin content are commonly used. The main compositions of gold-tin (AuSn) alloys along with their melting points and densities are as follows:
AuSn18: 278-360°C, Density 14.89
AuSn20: 278-300°C, Density 14.52
AuSn21: 278°C, Density 14.35
AuSn21.5: 278°C, Density 14.26
AuSn22: 278°C, Density 14.17
AuSn90: 217°C, Density 7.78

Gold-tin alloys have a higher melting point than common lead-free solders, excellent heat conductivity, post-bonding reliability, and good wetting properties. They offer superior thermal conductivity compared to thermosetting Ag epoxy resins, leading to high joint strength. They are particularly suitable for applications requiring heat resistance during low-temperature reflow, as well as for applications requiring tensile strength and corrosion resistance.

Comparison Between Foil Material and Paste Material

Besides paste materials, gold-tin (AuSn) solders are also available in foil form (preform solders). Using foil materials requires remaking molds when there are changes in bonding surface shape or size, incurring additional costs. Paste materials do not require molds, offering flexibility in supply for various sizes and shapes. Paste materials are also compatible with various supply methods like printing, dispensing, and pin transfer, making them versatile solder materials.

Types of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Paste

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste comes in various compositions, mainly with around 20% tin content like AuSn18 or AuSn22. The powder size of the alloy in the paste varies depending on the intended application, with typical types including:
Printing: 16-53um, 16-32um, <32um, 5-16um
Dispensing: 5-16um, 16-32um
Pin transfer: <11um
Thin-film formation: <11um

Non-Cleaning Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Traditional gold-tin (AuSn) alloy pastes using nitrogen gas during reflow required a cleaning process due to residual flux after reflow. Recent developments using glycol reflow processes revealed that high-temperature-resistant rosin and activators, previously needed for oxide removal in traditional pastes, are unnecessary. This dramatic reduction in post-reflow flux residue has led to non-cleaning gold-tin (AuSn) alloy pastes, eliminating the need for cleaning processes.

What Is a Spirit Level?

A spirit level serves as a fundamental tool for measuring the horizontality or verticality of a surface relative to the ground.

Beyond its primary horizontal and vertical measurements, it can also accurately gauge angles such as 45 degrees. Alternately referred to as a bubble level or simply a level, its most prevalent form is the bubble spirit level, utilizing a liquid and an air bubble within a tube. Widely employed in civil engineering, construction, surveying, and general construction tasks, it facilitates the establishment of both horizontal and vertical planes.

Applications of Spirit Levels

Spirit levels are extensively used in various fields such as civil engineering, construction, and surveying.

• Construction works
• Civil engineering projects
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Interior finishing
• DIY and home improvement

Spirit levels are sometimes integrated into devices and equipment　that require horizontal or vertical alignment. Bubble levels or circular levels are commonly embedded in such machines, which include:

• General surveying instruments (poles, rods, distance-measuring prisms, etc.), pile drivers
• Mobile cranes, aerial work platforms, satellite relay vehicles, and other vehicles
• Scales
• Workbenches
• Projectors, cameras, tripods
• Directional compasses
• Sports equipment

Principle of Spirit Levels

1. Overview of Bubble Spirit Levels

Predominantly, the bubble spirit level is the most utilized variant, with its measuring capability contingent upon the mounting angle of the bubble tube. Comprising a transparent sealed container filled with a clear liquid such as alcohol, the tube houses a single air bubble. It features reference lines (or marks), and the bubble’s position between these lines indicates the surface’s horizontal or vertical alignment.
A single spirit level may have various bubble tube configurations, such as:

• Two tubes for horizontal and vertical measurements
• Three tubes, adding a 45-degree angle measurement
• Five tubes, including 30-degree, 45-degree, and 60-degree tubes (mainly for civil engineering)
• Models with an adjustable slant function for roofing work
• Circular spirit levels, or disc levels, adhere to the same operating principle, featuring a transparent disc containing a liquid and a solitary bubble, facilitating two-dimensional leveling.

2. Gradient Measurement

The reference lines on a bubble spirit level can also facilitate gradient measurements. A four-line level (two lines on each side) can measure a 1/100 gradient (1 cm slope per 1 m), with alignment indicated when the bubble’s edge aligns with the second line from the inside. Six-line levels (three lines on each side) accommodate both 1/100 and 2/100 gradients.

3. Sensitivity and Accuracy

The sensitivity and accuracy of spirit levels are defined by JIS standards. Sensitivity is the gradient at which the bubble starts moving and is classified as:

• Type 1: 0.02mm/m
• Type 2: 0.05mm/m
• Type 3: 0.1mm/m

Accuracy refers to the error when the bubble position changes upon reversing the level. It’s expressed in height (in μm) per 1m base or in angles (in seconds). There are Class A and Class B accuracies, with Class A being more precise, but Class B is sufficient for general use.

Types of Spirit Levels

1. Overview

In addition to bubble spirit levels and circular levels, the market encompasses laser levels, angle-measuring levels (inclinometers), and digital levels.

2. Bubble and Circular Levels

In various configurations concerning the number and angles of the bubble tubes, bubble spirit levels cater to diverse requirements. Models equipped with magnets are conducive to attachment to metallic objects for determining levelness. Circular levels, while adept at measuring horizontal planes in two dimensions, typically exhibit lower accuracy than bubble levels.

Traditional bubble tubes often have black markings, which can overlap with the scale on the other side of the tube, making it difficult to read. Models with white markings make the scale on the far side less prominent, improving visibility even when scales overlap. Sizes and shapes (flat, square, etc.) also vary, allowing selection based on the application.

3. Laser Levels

Laser levels integrate laser functionality into traditional spirit levels or solely feature laser capabilities. They project laser beams onto distant surfaces such as floors or walls to ascertain levelness, supplementing surface level measurement. Point and line laser projections are available.

4. Digital Levels

Digital levels digitally display angles, offering heightened accuracy compared to traditional bubble levels. Powered by batteries, opting for models equipped with dust and waterproof features is advisable for outdoor applications.

What Is an Alignment Telescope?

An alignment telescope represents a specialized type of telescope employed for aligning various equipment and optical instruments. Harnessing the principles of parallelism and coaxiality within optical axes, it facilitates the precise positioning and alignment correction of diverse devices and machinery. Apart from centering functions, it is adept at adjusting and measuring right angles, straightness, plumbness, flatness, and parallelism, among others, tailored to specific equipment requirements. Also referred to as a centering telescope or centering scope, this tool finds extensive application across industries where meticulous positioning is imperative.

Applications of Alignment Telescopes

The utilization of alignment telescopes ensures meticulous axis alignment for bearings and bores, pivotal in machinery setup and measurement endeavors. Its versatility extends across various sectors, encompassing manufacturing, machinery, automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and optical instrumentation. Key applications comprise:

• Alignment of optical instruments
• Checking bore alignment
• Alignment of various bearings (general machinery bearings, propeller shaft bearings, periscope bearings, etc.)
• General measurement and adjustment of fixtures
• Checking straightness and alignment of machine tools
• Tool adjustment in large boring mills
• Alignment of main bearings in large engines, such as diesel engines
• Checking flatness and installation of bedplates
• Alignment in ship repair and maintenance
• Roller alignment in process industries
• Setting and control of aircraft jigs
• Alignment of aircraft frames

Principle of Alignment Telescopes

Basic Configuration

An alignment telescope primarily comprises the telescope body and a target for position correction.

The telescope body enables clear observation through the eyepiece, facilitating the visualization of distant objects with precision, courtesy of the focusing lens and objective lens. The target typically features concentric circles indicating the center and is positioned either beyond or in front of the alignment object. Simultaneous viewing of the alignment object and target through the telescope enables seamless positioning and correction.

Performance & Additional Features

Alignment telescopes boast high precision, capable of detecting alignment errors ranging from 0.02mm to 0.05mm at distances of up to 30 meters.

The telescope tube undergoes meticulous manufacturing to ensure errors in mechanical and optical axes remain within three to five seconds. Incorporating a pentaprism facilitates precise 90-degree deflection of the optical axis for measuring right angles, while a rotating pentaprism enables flatness measurement. Diverse accessories enable measurements of straightness, plumbness, parallelism, and verticality.

Types of Alignment Telescopes

An array of alignment telescopes is available, including those offering supplementary features:

Camera-equipped Alignment Telescopes

Products with cameras use CCTV cameras and PC with specialized software to enlarge the view. This improves operability for long-distance measurements, reduces subjective errors by operators, and decreases operator fatigue.

Digital Alignment Telescopes

Digital alignment telescopes utilize high-resolution CCD technology and specialized software for digital output. They are equipped with CCD targets and systems and software that automatically detect the target center.

With the target displayed on the monitor, adjustments to the alignment object can be made, making it particularly effective for aligning large equipment (such as large machine tools or aircraft jigs). Superior measurement repeatability with CCD is also expected.

Others

Additionally, there are compact telescopes suited for low-precision applications and infrared-specific products (with infrared-specific light sources, coatings, and cameras).

What Is a Suppressor for Ion Chromatography?

A suppressor for ion chromatography is a crucial device utilized in ion chromatography to eliminate background noise-causing cations or anions from the eluent.

In ion chromatography, especially in conductivity detection methods, two main techniques prevail: non-suppressed and suppressed. By employing a suppressor, counter ions present in the mobile phase can be effectively removed, thereby diminishing the background concentration at the detector and enhancing the conductivity of the target ions through ion exchange. Consequently, a suppressor in ion chromatography significantly bolsters detection sensitivity, particularly in the analysis of anions.

Applications of Suppressors in Ion Chromatography

Suppressors find indispensable utility in suppressed ion chromatography to eradicate background ions in the eluent. Ion chromatography operates by leveraging ionic interactions, enabling the measurement of inorganic anions and cations, alongside certain organic acids and amines. Detectable ions encompass inorganic anions such as NO2-, NO3-, SO42-, PO43-, and halide ions, as well as alkali metal cations (e.g., Li+, Na+, K+) and alkaline earth metal cations (e.g., Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+). Amines like methylamine, dimethylamine, ethylamine, and ethanolamine can also be detected using the same apparatus employed for inorganic cations.

Diverse applications of ion chromatography include:

• Assessing ion concentration in drinking water, groundwater, and industrial wastewater
• Analyzing anions and cations in tap water
• Examining NOx and SOx in exhaust gases
• Evaluating anions in rainwater
• Conducting trace ion analysis in ultrapure water
• Measuring fluoride ions in industrial wastewater
• Analyzing anions and organic acids in electroless nickel plating solutions
• Investigating impurity ions in chemical products
• Assessing anions and organic acids in biofuels
• Determining polyphosphates in food
• Analyzing amines in power plant process water
• Evaluating ion concentration in gases
• Conducting environmental assessments like water quality analysis
• Performing fluoride analysis in juices and tea
• Separating sugars in food samples

Principle of Suppressors for Ion Chromatography

Suppressors for ion chromatography harness ion exchange membranes or ion exchange materials (columnar, gel, fiber, etc.) to execute ion exchange. While certain ion exchange materials, such as gels, are discarded after single use, membrane dialysis types can be regenerated repeatedly by regenerating the ion exchange membrane while exchanging ions in the sample/eluent. Typically, they are interconnected between the column and the conductivity detector. Cation suppressors alleviate noise by substituting cations for hydrogen ions (H+), while anion suppressors perform the same by swapping anions for hydroxide ions (OH-).

Regeneration techniques for ion exchange membranes encompass chemical regeneration (utilizing sulfuric acid solution) and electrical regeneration (administering hydrogen ions produced by water electrolysis, etc.). Throughout the regeneration process, the system continuously furnishes hydrogen ions while exchanging ions in the sample/eluent to eliminate counter ions.

Types of Suppressors for Ion Chromatography

Suppressors for ion chromatography are primarily categorized into two types: cation (for positive ions) suppressors and anion (for negative ions) suppressors. As aforementioned, ion exchange within the suppressor can be achieved via ion exchange membrane technology or gel technology with hydrogen-type cation exchange resins.

Within ion exchange membrane suppressors, chemical regeneration variants necessitate a regenerant flow, whereas electrical regeneration suppressors can autonomously regenerate through the collaborative action of an electric field and ion exchange membrane. Moreover, compact models tailored for microbore and low-flow columns are available. Opting for the suitable suppressor hinges upon the specific application at hand.