Dallas, Texas-based Dallas Semiconductor Corp has unveiled a fugitive emission tag for use in the chemical industry – no, the fugitives in this case are not refugees from the jailhouse, they are noxious fumes and discharges. The part is a microchip that can be loaded with a variety of data, updated while still attached to whatever piece of machinery needs monitoring, and encased in durable stainless steel for use in hostile environment. Dallas says the tag will help companies comply with the US legislation on clean air and emissions from industrial plants. The Emission Memory Tag identifies and stores information about equipment leaks, one of the Dallas company’s Touch Memory Buttons (CI No 2,442) and the tag can be attached to valves, pumps, flanges, condensers and compressors. The Touch Memory Button can hold information to track fluid and gas leaks plus its own registration number, building number, building name, location name, location code, section and sample points. This information is read or written by touching the Button with a hand-held computer or gas analyser, doing away with manual transcription and hopefully human error. It can record who performed the maintenance, when it was done and what changes were made. Because the tag is directly attached to its valve, or whatever, it is available on the spot for the next worker. Dallas says having this information so easily accessible should do away with mistakes that can cause leaks like a second worker tightening a valve, unaware that it has already been done. Touch Memory Buttons are offered in with memory capacities from 64 bits to 64K-bits. The least expensive stainless steel buttons start at $1.59 for 1,000-up. The stainless steel clip is 22 cents, and the plastic placards are $12 for 1,000-up.
