- Longitudinal aberration curves
Many text books on optical design and analysis show plots of longitudinal aberrations, and these are now provided in SIGMA-2100. Particularly for the inexperienced designer, these plots provide useful information.
Zooming, Scrollable Graphics
Many graphical plots show fine detail, which is often not clear on a monitor. SIGMA-2100 has zooming scrollable graphics which allows users to select, for example, a part of a lens drawing and to zoom in on it, and to scroll.
Optimization can show any analysis window, not only aberration curves
One of the features most appreciated by practical optical designers is the ability to see what an optimization is actually doing, in real time. With SIGMA-2100, users can view any analysis window, including aberrations, lens drawings spot diagrams, MTF curves. Even during optimisation, windows can be zoomed and scrolled. As well as being invaluable in practice, it is also a fantastic tool for learning about optical design, and understanding what lenses can do.
Aspheric surfaces, toroidal aspheres and diffractive optical elements with unlimited coefficients, including odd terms
For some purposes, the conventional description of aspheric surfaces, with a limited number of coefficients, using a power series with even terms, is not satisfactory. SIGMA-2100 includes unlimited coefficients, including odd terms, and all of them can be optimised. Toroidal aspheres and diffractive optical elements also have unlimited coefficients.
Enhanced Illumination Analysis with user-defined sources
SIGMA-2100 now includes a graphical source editor, which allows users to pre-define sources that are to be used with the Illumination Analysis module.
- K-Patents has introduced the first IS Digital Process Refractometer for use in hazardous locations.
The PR-01-S-Ex is designed as a heavy duty instrument for measuring the concentrations of a wide range of liquids with an accuracy of ±0.0002 R.I. (Corresponding to ±0.1% by weight)
They are certified by Baseefa with classification code EEx ia IIC T4 (Tamb = 45¡C). The complete intrinsically safe system consists of a Process Refractometer sensor which is installed in the hazardous area, and an indicating transmitter and barrier unit both installed in the safe area.
The sensor determines the Refractive Index (RI) of the process solution either a continuous or a batch process, by measuring the critical angle of refraction, which changes the concentration.
Due to the true digital measurement principle used, the calibration will not change with time; once the sensor is calibrated to the desired range, there is no need for corrections.
John Cremmins of Hanley Controls on 052 22722 has all the details. Write 5287 on card
Final Control
- FloValve final control system, from Fisher Controls Ltd., combines actuator technology (FieldVue digital valve controller) and a selection of globe valves into a systems approach to process control. This final control system fits most application demands and provides real-time valve operating information.
At the heart of the actuator system is a power module. Its components include an instrument manifold that has an elastomer pressure chamber on one side and an opposing spring on the other. Two cylinder halves contain the components and are welded together to form the power module.
In operation, an increase in air signal causes the pressure chamber to expand, forcing the cylinder to move (the instru-ment manifold remains stationary because it is bolted to the actuator yoke). Since the valve stem is threaded to the cylinder resulting movement changes valve position. A decrease in air signal allows the spring within the module to move the cylinder in opposition to the pressure chamber.
The integrally mounted ValveVue digital valve controller together with the new software allows real-time valve operating information to become instantly available with the greater knowledge of the process that this information can give.
Write 5291 on card
Cut the wires!
- A new non-wired pressure transmitter represents a world first in pressure measurement. Ellison Sensors (ESI) of Coleraine have just intro duced their PR9500 Transmitter featuring a built in radio transmitter capable of sending data signals up to 50 metres away. No hard wiring means easier installation and less maintenance - making the unit extremely cost effective.
An additional benefit is the operation of pressure measure-ment at safe distances - ideal for hazardous or inaccessible environments. A particular advantage is offered to water, chemical, oil and gas industries as well as other process applications. It is the latest addition to the impressive range of this company and offers stainless steel 316L housing to IP66, state of the art analogue and digital electronics with silicon on sapphire technology, a wide screw cap for ease of access for zero and span adjustments. The ranges covered are 0-500mbar to 0-1500bar with standard connections.
The transmitter is powered by a 24V dc supply and transmits using a low power frequency of 418MHz with a bandwidth of 10kHz giving an accuracy better than±0.2% in final output.
The unit is to be launched at Instrumentation Ireland on the ESI stand H2.
Write 5292 on card
- The latest product launched by British Rototherm is their Sentinel microprocessor based circular chart recorder /controller. This unit combines the simplicity and clarity of pen drawn traces together with the sophistication of micro-processor controlled functions and is available in 1, 2 and 3 pen versions.
The strong position of Bentley Instrument Co. Ltd, British RotothermÕs Irish arm, in the dairy and food industry will be augmented by this introduction. It offers a low cost, high specification coupled with user friendly operation which makes it ideal for dairy and cold storage facilities.
Write 5298 on card
- In a flurry of launchings last year, Endress + Hauser introduced the new t-mass S family of mass gas flowmeters.
This range is based on the thermal dispersion principle and offers very wide turndown ratios (100:1) with negligible pressure drop. It is particularly suited to the measurement of low flows gaining significant market share in the field of leak detection, gas distribution and user monitoring for energy management.
Tony Donnelly of Flomeaco, who market all E+H products in Ireland, tells us that the flexibility and application range of the t-mass S is considerably increased because of the design incorporating a completely new mechanical arrangement and the intro-duction of wafer type sensors, in addition to the already established flanged flow cell arrangement. ÒFor example, Òhe points out, Òthe new wafer construction allows installation in appli-cations with restricted space, whereas the insertion sensor allows high measuring per-formance in large pipelines or in rectangular ducts.Ó The range takes full advantage of the latest microprocessor technology by incorporating smart features including digital communications using the HART protocol.
Write 5299 on card
Save money!
- Honeywell is bringing down the cost of ownership across its whole spectrum of circular and strip chart recorders with the offer of a yearÕs average supply of charts and consumables on all orders received by the end of September 1996.
This promotion coincides with the launch of their new DPR 180 high performance 180mm strip chart recorder but also extends to the full range of 100mm, 180mm, 250mm and circular chart recorders.
Write 6000 on card
IS Multimeter
- The MX51Ex digital multimeter from Metrix (PEMA Ltd) claims to have the highest safety rating of any intrinsically safe hand-held meter available on the market today. It is designed for use in environments where flammable gases or chemicals represent a potential hazard to user safety. It is approved against category EEx ib I and EEx ib (zone1) IIC T6 safety standards making it ideal for operation in hazardous environments such as chemical works and oil production installations.
This safety classification covers the measurement of voltages up to 60V and auto ranging of both AC and DC current in the ranges 500µA, 5000µA, 50mA and 500mA. Resistance measurement, continuity, diode testing and logic level detection are also covered.
In addition to its intrinsic safety features, the meter includes a tough IP 66 waterproof housing, sepa-rately sealed fuse and battery compartment and their SecurÕx lead locking system preventing leads from being accidently disconnected.
E-mail Peter Dooley directly.
Viscometry
- Rheology International have recently launched some new additions to the accessories for their up-to-date and modern low cost rotational viscometers. The new Cone and Plate system has all the capabilities of similar systems currently available but it has the exceptional difference that it can be retrofitted to an existing RI viscometer. This means that the user can change between ASTM, DIN and Cone and Plate Geometry in a matter of minutes.
Talk to Marcus Creaven on <061 471632 for further details. Write 5288 on card
New Thermal Imager is simple to use
- The new Land Cyclops TI 35+ thermal imager from Manotherm, offers many features which make it even easier to use for preventive maintenance and condition monitoring.
These include a digital interface which allows exchange of data directly to an IBM-PC or notebook for subsequent study and processing, and a colour output for displaying thermal images on a standard colour monitor.
- A high quality colour LCD viewfinder for improved image contrast and viewing.
- Built-in memory for instant capture of images and recall through the viewfinder. Images stored on the PC can also be replayed through the imager.
- Post-processing in the imager - allowing users to check and adjust calculations, re-set variables, measure temperature at any point in the image, and add extra displays such as temperature profile and isotherms.
Other new features include:
All of these facilities are available as modular additions to the standard TI 35+, allowing the user to match its capabilities to his specific requirements.
The temperature sensitivity of thermal imaging has also been improved, reducing noise levels and making it capable of discriminating between smaller temperature differences.
The optional software package L.I.P.S. for Windows their PC based image processing system allows the storage and manipulation of data and it now has its own integral report writing facility.
Write 6012 on card
Company News
- Dornan Research and Development Ltd have been successful in their assessment for ISO 9001. This is for the development, installation and support of software application for regulated industries. Dornan market the Compucal Mainte-nance Software Package and the CompuVal Package for Validation
Flow Specialists
- Flow Measurement Ltd, an associate company of Flowline Ltd in Britain, was recently established to cover the ever expanding market in Ireland with both its technical and service engineers having many years in the flow metering industries.
David Bennion tell us that the company has an extremely wide product base covering most technologies allowing the measurement of liquid flow from a few drops to velocity measurement in rivers, open channels and partly filled pipes.
Companies include Turbo Werk, UltraFlux and Flowdata/EMCO. Why not call David on 042 66469 for the full story.
Write 6002 on card
Servo Systems
- The use of Servo Systems has extended well beyond the traditional Robotic type applications of the past and is blurring the boundary between the traditional concept of mechanics & electronics.
Servo systems are now replacing what were traditionally mechanical elements such as clutch/brakes, gearboxes, advance/retard systems and cams in all aspects of automation. They are now found in a broad spectrum of industries such as packaging, printing, assembly, winding, weav-ing etc. The current generation of controllers have sophisticated fea-tures such as electronic gearing, electronic cam shaft, registration, flying shears and multi-axis interpolation built in as standard. This technology permits large savings to be gained by machine manufacturers, not just in terms of reduced design but also in the ability to produce a programmable machine which can fabricate many different products.
End users have also gained from this techno-logy as these machines are more efficient due to tight control which is inherent in servo systems as well as their ability to reduce waste and compensate for wear etc. Many end users retrofit servo systems to their existing equipment resulting in substantial capital and efficiency savings. Rory Power, of Irish Process Controls Ltd, specialises in this area. The companyÕs engineers have over 20 years experience in servo systems applications and this experience makes it one of the most innovative servo engineering companies in the country.
Call Rory on 01 2760017. Write 6003 on card
New Office in Dublin
- Matsushita Automation Controls has opened its new office at Waverly, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12. Brian Sculley is the Sales Manager for Ireland. Their phone number is 01 4600969 and Fax: 01 4601131.
The Instrument People
- Janet Critchley, Fisher Rosemount Systems Merchandising manager in England has left the company and has transferred to the United States.
- Dr. Con Power has been appointed to the Board of the GCAL Group, formerly with the CII and also the Department of the Taoiseach he is also Director and co-founder of Nemesis Ltd the Business Development and Public Affairs Consultants.
Paul Murphy BE is also joining the board as Executive Director. Paul has been with the group for almost 10 years and is Engineering Manager with GCAL Systems (Intl) Ltd., the systems integration service company within the group. - The 1995 winner of the InstMCÕs Hartley Medal for his contribution of outstanding merit in the field of measurement and control is Greg Shinsky. Mr. Shinsky addressed a technical meeting of ISA Ireland last autumn.
- David White has joined FGH Controls the temp control and calibration specialists to head the companyÕs sales operation. Many of our readers will know him from his involvement with the ISA.
The October/November Issue of Readout will feature a survey of suppliers of Test and Measurement Instrumentation in Ireland .
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The Internet Directory of Instrumentation is the world wide Directory of Instrumentation and Control launched by BDI in May 1995.
The Instrumentation Signpost has interesting pointers for the I&C Professional.