テクネ計測 List of Products and Services

In the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries and all-solid-state batteries, moisture is a major enemy. Measuring the temperature, humidity, and dew point of dry rooms, as well as the dew point of manufacturing equipment such as glove boxes, aims to control the moisture content. Various dew point meters are used, including the TE-660 polymer-type dew point meter, which performs particularly well in solvent atmospheres, the TK-100 capacitive dew point meter, and the MBW973 mirror-cooling (mirror-type) dew point meter. In fuel cells, to meet the conditions of high temperature, high dew point, and pressure, the EE33 temperature and humidity dew point meter and the MBW573 mirror-cooling (mirror-type) dew point meter are used, contributing to performance evaluation. Additionally, for sulfide-based batteries, hydrogen sulfide concentration is managed using a hydrogen sulfide meter, and the EE33 is used for temperature and humidity management in the coating process.

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, small hydropower, and biomass do not emit greenhouse gases and can be produced domestically, making them promising, diverse, and important low-carbon domestic energy sources that contribute to energy security. By conducting measurements and analyses, improvements in combustion efficiency and productivity can be expected, which also leads to enhanced safety assurance. Our dew point meters, moisture meters for corrosive gases, oxygen concentration meters, temperature and humidity meters, and PPM hydrogen sulfide meters (H2S meters) contribute to various fields of renewable energy.

When painting automobiles, ships, and other vehicles, appropriate temperature and humidity are important. The moisture content in the painting booth or painting room is managed using temperature and humidity, dew point, or absolute humidity, and various hygrometers from our company are used to prevent static electricity. In cases where explosion-proof equipment is required, the explosion-proof temperature and humidity dew point meter EE300Ex performs excellently. For non-explosion-proof devices, there is a variety of options available, such as EE23, EE100Ex, and EE210, allowing selection based on application and allowable accuracy. In the case of painting booths, an anemometer is used to manage the airflow into the booth.

In the semiconductor manufacturing process, the removal of moisture and oxygen is a significant challenge. Our dew point meters, temperature and humidity meters, and oxygen concentration meters are used in various processes such as semiconductor manufacturing, transportation, and inspection. They are also used for measuring the dehumidification in dry air and the gas purity of nitrogen, argon, helium, hydrogen, and other gases. In moisture measurement, we primarily use the TK-100 capacitive dew point meter (alumina type), which can measure down to a minimum dew point of -100°C, the TE-660 dew point meter (polymer type) for a minimum dew point of -60°C, and the MBW mirror-cooling dew point meter, which can measure from -95°C to +99°C and is used when high precision is required or as a reference instrument for dew point meters. In the humidity domain, the simple EE060 and the EE33 temperature and humidity meter, which is equipped with measures to prevent condensation in high temperature and high humidity environments, are mainly used. For oxygen concentration measurement, during oxygen removal by hydrogen substitution, the 2001LC galvanic cell oxygen concentration meter is used for PPM levels, while the Model 4100 zirconia oxygen concentration meter is used for PPB levels in situations where hydrogen is not present, making them applicable in various scenarios. Additionally, anemometers are also utilized for measuring micro-wind in clean rooms and manufacturing equipment.

In power generation, managing the moisture content in the air is crucial. When measuring dry air, the TK-100 dew point meter is used to manage dry conditions. Additionally, after controlling the moisture content, the EE33 temperature and humidity dew point meter is effective for measurements in environments that prevent condensation under high temperature and high humidity. For leak management using hydrogen (H2), we recommend the MBW473 mirror-cooled dew point meter in addition to the TK-100 dew point meter. In transmission and distribution, since the Kyoto Protocol (COP3), it has become important not to release SF6 gas (sulfur hexafluoride) into the atmosphere. The MBW973-SF6, which allows for high-precision measurement of moisture and purity without atmospheric release and operates on the mirror-cooled principle, is used worldwide and has been adopted by most power companies and circuit breaker manufacturers in Japan. Some users may also choose the TE-660NE portable dew point meter for simple moisture measurement. Additionally, the handheld oil moisture meter TEKHNEPort-Oil is used for diagnosing the deterioration of insulating oil.

Due to the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), the importance of ventilation in passenger cars is being emphasized. Temperature and humidity measurements in the passenger cabin are being conducted using the simple EE-060/EE-061 temperature and humidity meters, and ventilation management is progressing with CO2 meters (carbon dioxide meters). In particular, we sell a CO2 meter specifically for passenger cars, the EE8915, which has a proven track record. Additionally, we recommend the TE-660 dew point transmitter for train-mounted dew point measurement.

In the pharmaceutical industry, very strict hygiene standards are established, and a controlled production process is essential. In clean rooms such as those in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, quality parameters like temperature and humidity measurements, as well as dew point management of compressed air (dry air), utilize explosion-proof thermohygrometers, non-explosion-proof thermohygrometers, and dew point meters. Regarding validation, based on FDA (Food and Drug Administration) certification, the WHO (World Health Organization) has established GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, which were subsequently recommended for adoption by the United Nations to various countries. In Japan, a ministerial ordinance was issued in 1980. If there is a requirement for on-site calibration of temperature and humidity focused on IQ/OQ validation, our company can provide on-site calibration with traceability in accordance with ISO 9001.

In the automotive industry, our instruments are utilized for various applications. Various heat treatments and other processes are carried out for the manufacturing of metal parts used in automobiles, with instruments such as the TK-100 dew point meter, TE-660 dew point meter, 2001RS galvanic battery-type PPM oxygen concentration meter, and TKZH-002 moisture meter in oil playing significant roles. In painting, the EE-300Ex explosion-proof temperature and humidity meter, EE650 anemometer, and MBW373 as a reference instrument are used. Dry air, as well as gases like nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen, are also widely used, with the TK-100 dew point meter primarily employed to check the dryness of moisture. Regarding quality assurance, our company is a certified organization under JCSS (ISO17025) and ISO9001. E+E has received certification for the IATF16949:2016 quality assurance system in addition to ISO17025.

The products manufactured in chemical plants are diverse. The manufacturing conditions vary depending on the products being produced, with different management parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture content, and oxygen concentration. Generally, an oxygen concentration meter is used for managing the explosion limits through the control of the three elements of combustion, and it is common to measure oxygen concentration and dew point (PPM moisture content) as impurities to manage gas purity. In the former case, the Oxytron 2000 is often used for control purposes, and the Mini-ICS for concentration management, frequently combined with a sampling system to form an Inert Gas Control System (ICS). In the latter case, the 2010BR, which can measure PPM with a high response speed, is used for oxygen concentration analysis, while the 210BR is used for percentage levels, and the TK-100-Ex dew point meter is used for dew point measurement. Since hydrogen, solvents, and other flammable gases are often included, explosion-proof certification is often required, and galvanic cell-type oxygen concentration meters are commonly used. For measuring the dew point of compressor air or nitrogen, the non-explosion-proof TK-100 dew point meter is used, and the TMA moisture meter for corrosive gases is also employed for measuring moisture in corrosive gas environments.

In agriculture, we contribute to the measurement and management of temperature, humidity, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration. We offer a wide range of products to adapt to various environments. For example, in greenhouses, we provide the EE872, which can respond to temperature increases and also has a heating function to dry out condensation and moisture due to high humidity. Additionally, we have hygrometers and CO2 meters that can operate in harsh environments, as well as products suitable for outdoor use. Furthermore, our products can be used in various applications, such as maintaining good storage conditions through temperature and humidity management in warehouses and storage facilities, as well as in livestock farming for pigs and poultry, and for growing mushrooms and tobacco.

In the food industry, hygrometers, dew point meters, and oxygen concentration meters are used in processes such as packaging, storage warehouses, and nitrogen gas purity management. Dew point meters are also used for purity management in the recycling of gases generated during the manufacturing process of products like beer. Recently, there has been a demand for compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), a hygiene management method aimed at ensuring product safety.

In compressed air, moisture is closely related. Even if drains are discharged, low-temperature spots in the piping can lead to condensation. Additionally, in factories with long air transport distances, such as those in the semiconductor and battery industries, it is necessary to produce air with low moisture content, which is achieved using adsorption dryers with desiccants and honeycomb rotor dryers. Furthermore, recently, more factories are considering the introduction of mass flow meters for managing air volume.

In deep cryogenic separation plants, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, along with hydrogen and various other gases, are produced industrially. The purity management of industrial gases often involves measuring dew point (moisture content) and oxygen concentration as impurities to determine gas purity. Typically, management is done at the PPM level (for dew point, around -70 °C DP), but for high-purity gases, management is conducted at the PPB level. For dew point measurement, it is common to use a simple capacitive dew point meter, but when precision is required, a mirror-type dew point meter is used, and for corrosive gases, a moisture meter for corrosive gases is employed. In the case of oxygen concentration measurement, zirconia-type and galvanic cell-type oxygen concentration meters are used depending on the gas.

Managing the moisture content and oxygen concentration in the furnace affects the quality of steel products. The mainstream method for moisture measurement is the capacitance-type TK-100 dew point meter using aluminum oxide, but capacitance-type TE-660 dew point meters using polymers and EE33 temperature and humidity dew point meters capable of measuring under high temperature and high humidity conditions are also being adopted in some cases. Additionally, when response speed and accuracy are required, the mirror-cooled (mirror-type) dew point meters MBW973/MBW573 are used. For measuring oxygen concentration, the 2001LC galvanic cell oxygen meter, which can respond quickly to measurements down to PPM, and the 1000RS portable oxygen meter are utilized. Furthermore, the purity of recycled gas and the purity of refined hydrogen are measured using the TK-100 dew point meter and the TMA series moisture meters for corrosive gases.

In indoor air conditioning (such as building air conditioning, clean rooms, dry rooms, warehouses, etc.), our products contribute to measurement and instrumentation for analytical control as components of the air conditioning system (which optimally maintains indoor temperature, humidity, airflow, cleanliness, etc.). CO2 meters, duct insertion type/wall-mounted thermohygrometers, explosion-proof thermohygrometers, dew point meters, and anemometers are used.

In industrial furnaces, especially in atmosphere furnaces for heat treatment, our dew point meters, oxygen concentration meters, oil moisture meters, temperature and humidity meters, and moisture meters for corrosive gases are used for managing moisture and oxygen concentration. We have extensive experience in furnaces that require atmosphere management, such as reduction atmosphere treatment furnaces like annealing furnaces, sintering furnaces, and brazing furnaces, as well as carburizing furnaces, quenching furnaces, and drying furnaces. In the case of heat treatment furnaces, there are risks of contamination from gases such as solvents, which may cause concerns like condensation and waste disposal, as well as corrosive gases, and simultaneously, controlling pressure and temperature is crucial. To address these issues, we also manufacture control panels in-house.

The development of concrete that absorbs CO2 is underway. Using industrial by-products such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and those emitted from steel mills, thermal power plants, cement factories, and chemical plants (such as blast furnace slag), the development of concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) is progressing. The reaction between cement and CO2 leads to carbonation, allowing for the absorption and retention of CO2. Additionally, it can maintain a strongly alkaline environment internally, which enhances durability and is expected to increase longevity. *Current concrete is made by mixing raw materials such as limestone and clay, followed by drying, grinding, and sintering (referred to as clinker), after which gypsum is added and powdered.* This development has garnered attention, being featured in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Green Growth Strategy for Carbon Neutrality by 2050" under the "Carbon Recycling Industry." In this development, managing the atmosphere's dry and wet conditions is necessary, and thermometers and hygrometers (thermo-hygrometers) that can withstand high temperatures and high humidity are used in experimental furnaces.

Around us, we supply the highest quality steel in the world, including ordinary steel, special steel, ultra-high tensile steel plates, and electrical steel plates, to industrial machinery and automobiles, which are essential for a carbon-neutral society. We aim for "green steel," targeting decarbonized steelmaking by utilizing CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage). As part of this effort, the development of steelmaking technologies using hydrogen is underway. One example is hydrogen reduction technology, which synthesizes methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen emitted from the reduction furnace (methanation) and uses it as a reducing agent to remove oxygen from iron ore (Fe2O3) used in blast furnaces. By reducing low-grade iron ore solely with hydrogen instead of coal, we can minimize carbon dioxide emissions during steel production. In addition to hydrogen-based developments, efforts are also being made to produce steel products by rapidly melting direct reduced iron and scrap in electric furnaces.

Hydrogen is used in fuel cells and various chemical and industrial fields. It is not commonly found as a gas in our surroundings; most of it exists as water and is produced through methods such as electrolysis of saltwater and alkaline water electrolysis. On the other hand, it can also be produced from renewable energy sources and is considered a focus of energy efforts related to the SDGs. Typically, hydrogen is transported in a high-pressure or liquefied state, but technological innovation for transporting it from supply locations to demand locations is essential. One method to improve efficiency is to transport it as methylcyclohexane (MCH), which has a volume 1/500th that of gaseous hydrogen and can carry hydrogen at room temperature and pressure. The processes of extracting hydrogen from MCH (dehydrogenation) and adding hydrogen to toluene require purity management of the hydrogen, for which oxygen concentration meters and dew point meters are used. *MCH: A type of hydrogen carrier (hydrogen storage medium). Since MCH and toluene are classified as hazardous materials of the same category as gasoline (Class 4, Category 1 petroleum), the risks associated with storage and transportation are reduced to levels comparable to petroleum products. The hydrogen produced will be used in fuel cells and new fields.

Various steel products are used around us. The steel industry aims for "green steel," which seeks to decarbonize steel production by utilizing CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). Technologies are being developed to separate and capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from blast furnace gas (B gas), which includes carbon monoxide (CO), methane, etc., and to introduce direct reduction equipment. One example is the use of amine solutions formed from amines to facilitate the separation and recovery of CO2. An amine analyzer is used to perform mass analysis of amines in industrial exhaust gases. Our amine analyzer (the hydrocarbon analyzer from Process Insights, formerly from Applied Instrumentation/Schneider) is a measuring instrument that uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). By using infrared light to irradiate the sample, it allows for rapid and highly accurate quantitative and qualitative evaluation of substances.

In biomass power generation, resources such as wood chips, wood pellets, palm kernel shells (PKS), and combustible waste are used as fuel for fermentation and combustion to generate electricity. When storing these fuels in silos, there is a risk of fire accidents due to natural fermentation and heat generation. There have been actual cases of white smoke, strange odors, fires, and spontaneous combustion, leading to fire department responses for extinguishing the fires, as well as complaints from neighbors due to the unpleasant smells. Additionally, it can be difficult to completely extinguish the fire, and there may be instances where resources inside the silo need to be removed, which incurs time, costs, and labor. To prevent such incidents, fire prevention and ignition countermeasures include nitrogen injection, sprinkling water, and pressure treatment. Furthermore, managing temperature and humidity inside the silo is also a preventive measure against fires. By using thermometers or explosion-proof thermometers in the silo, or by using thermometers at the exhaust gas treatment stage during combustion (in the case of PKS), the environmental conditions can be monitored. Biomass is a general term for biological resources derived from living organisms such as plants and animals. In biomass power generation, this biological resource is used to generate electricity through methods such as "direct combustion" or "gasification." With advancements in technology, various biological resources are now being effectively utilized.

Carbon neutrality means "balancing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions with the amount of absorption." Various research and development efforts are being made both domestically and internationally to achieve carbon neutrality, and there are already examples in use. ○ MCH Transport Example: Hydrogen purity management used in dehydrogenation processes and hydrogen addition ○ CO2 Separation and Absorption Example: Temperature and humidity management in experimental furnaces, analysis of amines ○ Hydrogen Reduction in Blast Furnaces Example: Dew point and temperature/humidity management in blast furnaces and reduction furnaces ○ Methanation Example: Temperature and humidity management etc. Measurement instruments are used to measure the purity of gases and the concentration of gases for these applications. *Reference: Ministry of the Environment