Siemens are perhaps the World's largest provider of PLCs with, they estimate, 25% of the market share. In order to protect that share and if possible to expand it they spend about 10% of their sales turnover in research and development.
In recent year there has been a clear tendency towards 'downsizing' automation, according to Ovenhausen. "We manufacturers, and our customers are under generally growing price and competitive pressures.We grasp every opportunity and use every way of saving money in order to gain cost advantages. This requires economical automation solutions.
"In the field of programmable logic controllers, downsizing means more compact and more powerful devices, small and micro-PLCs, which are used in large numbers, enabling economical automation solutions in ever more applications. The optimised performance of compact and micro-PLCs is opening up major applications. In addition, their attractive prices get them into a widening group of minor automation tasks."
Continuing he asserted that, in their research in this area, Siemens had surmised that a controller class was missing below the micro-PLC. In the fields of domestic electrical installation, in the manufacture of switching cabinets, machines and equipment, conventional technology is still widely applied today and that micro-PLCs are slowly making inroads into this wide field. However, for the majority of applications in this segment, micro-PLCs are too complex and expensive a proposition.
"For this reason we have developed, together with our customers, the performance profile for a new device which would be optimised for use in the described target market. We have met all the performance criteria set and proudly present to you the finished product: Logo!"
This is a compact device designed for easy operation and economical to purchase even if used in smaller batches and applications. The common practical functions have been integrated, including the operating and display unit with operation by simple push button needing little if any training.
The instrument certainly seems very relevant to the market place in that it includes connector relays, time-delay relays, timers, lock-up relays, current inrush relays and counters. When one considers the time required to implement all these functions in conventional systems and realise that they are all integral to this unit and then look at its recommended retail price (of DM198.00 in Europe, other areas not fixed as yet) then it looks like we could have a major contribution to cost-cutting in electrical engineering on our hands.
They expect to sell several hundreds of thousands of these units in the first year which will give them a foot hold in a new market for Siemens which they will have to themselves for just a short time if their predictions are correct. He concluded his presentation by declaring again, "Logo! - let me emphasise this point - is not Simatic, and it is not a PLC. Therefore, by virtue of being the first on the market, we call this new device class the logic module." Write 6020 on card
Pressure Transmitters
The standard range of pres-sure transmitters from Danfoss, Type MBS, available through JJ Sampson & Son, has been extended with a wide choice of hygienic separating diaphragm versions and various connection options. These versions are primarily designed for use in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries coming in two basic types: diaphragms for mount-ing directly onto a connecting branch as a clamp or dairy screw coupling; or in-line versions, integrated with the process pipe as a natural part of the piping system.The standard range includes the most commonly used diaphragm and in-line mounted units, with pressure range starting at 0-1 Bar up to 0-25 Bar, connections in accordance with DIN 11851 (dairy screw coupling) or ISO 2853 (IDF) or SMS 1145 or ISO 2852 (Clamp), and using selected materials dependant on media. In addition, Danfoss can also supply customer specified variants where dimensions, material and other criteria need to be altered to suit a particular application.
Write 6018 on card
Optical design software
The new release 1.2 of Kidger Optics user-friendly 32-bit Sigma-2100 optical analysis and design and design software package. Many new features have been added (eg ability to run more copies of Sigma-2100 at the same time, status bar tips, atmospheric distortion, Excel copying, glass maps, test plate fitting, GRIN material catalogues, enhanced DEVAL grid size, surface co-ordinate tables, lens file checksum, lens comments etc.).Sigma-2100 is sold in three levels and has free technical support. Demos may be downloaded from their Web Site: http://www.demon.co.uk/kidger/.
Write 6022 on card
Characterful Transmitters
Thermocouple Instruments has released a new version of its popular TR48 in-head 4-20mA two wire analogue temperature transmitter with characterisa-tions for type the uncharac-terised TR48 as it has exactly the same dimensions and connections. TR48 with its 0.05% repeatability, 0.02% stability, 11.6V to 40V supply tolerance, reverse polarity protection and over 110dB of common mode noise rejection offers high performance at low cost by using state of the art analogue circuitry. RFI rejec-tion exceeds the require-ments of IEC801-3 and SAMA PMC33-1 across the range 200MHz to 1000MHz at 10V/m field strength. Cold junction effect is held to 0.01¡C/¡C and supply voltage dependence is below 0.01%/V.TR 48 forms part of a wide range of temperature transmit-ters available from Ryan Instruments that extends from the very low cost TR25 to the top of the range TR55 Smart transmitter that uses Hartª protocol to communicate meas-urement, calibration, ranging and other information digitally.
Write 6030 on card
Fugitive Emissions
The importance of control valves in a plantÕs performance on emissions has long been recognised. Research conduct-ed among end-users by Masoneilon (Dresser) estimates that over two thirds of a typical plants output, which would also be contributed to by storage vessels, pumping systems, on/off valves et al. is accounted for by these final elements.The same sources also report that of the two main valve types, reciprocating valves contribute over three times the level of rotary valves, but their stems operate quite differently.
The vertical movement of the reciprocating valve permits only partial lubrication of the stem by the process medium resulting in quite early erosion. In addition the vertical movement of the sliding stem beyond the limits of the packing box admits external contamination which may accelerate that erosion and cause corrosion pitting.
Rotary motion confines shaft travel to within the stuffing box, thereby preventing contamina-tion. In addition the shaft travels at right angles to the leak path and thus prevents surface irregularities from etching a path along the packing system.
For general application rotary valves, with the correct shaft extension, double O-ring seal and PTFE packing (EF Seal), offer the best emission perfor-mance, lowest cost & the widest temperature performance. Masoneilon is marketed in Ireland by Hanley Controls.
Write 6032 on card
Stringent Demand met!
For 30 or 60W nominal loads, Matsushita T-Relays claim to meet the stringent demands of control, supervision, monitor-ing and test applications in the telecommunication, security, computer, medical, industrial, domestic appliance and automotive industries.The TQ, in surface mount or through-hole models, is an ultra-small relay capable of switching up to 30W loads at 1A, 125V(max) on each of its two or four changeover contacts. The TF2, with greater coil sensitivity, is ideal for through-hole PCB applications or surface mounting.
The TN2 maximises PCB com-ponent density with a footprint of just 14x5.6mm, the TX-D, rated at 60W, 220V(max) 2A(max) offers a surge voltage withstand of 2500Vrms (Bellcore), whilst the TKI has a PCB footprint of just 10.6mm x 9mm, an off-the-board height of only 4mm and can switch loads up to 2A, 220V max, 60W max.
All fully sealed T-relays have two changeover contacts, except the TK1 which has one and the TQ4 which has four. They are available for conventional monostable or latching (bistable) operation with one or two coils.
Write 6035 on card
Live Inspection
The Exergen Model ÒEÓ and ÒSuper EÓ claimed to be the first infrared instrument specif-ically designed for electrical inspection have been intro-duced by DEL Engineering. These are unique, simple to operate hand held instruments, enabling live electrical inspec-tion of virtually all fixed wiring equipment, including switchgear.Ben Carruthers of Del tells us that whichever model is select-ed for your particular applica-tion, this unique device will offer exceptional value, doing the job that has until now required expensive thermal imaging apparatus. They are prepared to give on-site demonstrations. Call him on 01 8334631.
Write 6036 on card
New Mag Meter Spec
Turbo's MG911/F5 pulsed-AC flowmeter technology, from Flow Measurement Ltd, is intended for demineralised water, chemical dosing and other applications involving low-conductivity media.The latest spec permits mea-surement of velocity down to 0.1 m/sec full scale and conductivity as low as 0.008 µS/cm. the use of pulsed AC technology - their proprietary Transmag system - achieves a signal to noise ratio some 20 times greater than conventional DC magmeters. Accuracy is maintained even at low flow rates.
The unit can be supplied in a hygienic version with 3A approvals and with tri-clamp end connections as required. there are no moving parts.
Write 6038 on card
Low Price Quality
The new ECO-Tronic range of WIKA pressure transmitters from Instrument Technology Ltd, is aimed at the medium to high volume user who requires a reliable, well specified, main-tenance-free instrument with high repeatability at, as is indicated by the name, economical cost.The units are shock and vibra-tion-resistant to DIN IEC 70/DIN IEC 68-2-6 and have an IP 67 rating. Class accuracy is 1% depending on the limit point setting of 0.5% in accordance with BFSL. Wetted parts & case are stainless steel. Output signals are Industry Standard (4-20mA-2wire, 0-10V, 0-5v and 1-6v-3wire). the ECO-Tronic units also have EMI protection to EN 50082-2 and CE conformity. Pressure is measured in a range from 0-10bar using new piezo-resistive sensor technology. Pressures from 16 to 1000bar are measured via a thin-film DMS sensor. Write 6037 on card
Colour Oscilloscopes
Six new high performance colour oscilloscopes that are geared at saving engineers time in solving circuit problems have been introduced by LeCroy. LeCroy products are marketed in Ireland by Data Edge. A unique Analog Persistence display mode, as well as a new, information-rich implementation of colour can be viewed on a bright, 10” colour CRT. The new 500 MHz LC334 series and 1 GHz LC534 families of DSO’s have acquisition memory lengths ranging from 100 Kbytes to 2 Mbytes per channel. All six scopes have four input channels and offer 500 MS/s sample rate on each input or up to 2 GS/s (with up to 8 Mbytes of memory) when using a single input. A floppy disk, GPIB, RS232 and Centronics ports are standard. Also included standard are diagnostic tools such as advanced math, FFT, Sine(x)/x, six selectable digital filters and pass/fail test capability. A lively front panel and fast display update rate are insured by use of a 96 MHz PowerPC processor and up to 64 Mbytes of RAM.Write 6014 on card
Fast, Multi-Function Process Calibrators
Fluke Corporation, a world leader in compact, professional electronic test has enhanced its 700 Series with the addition of two new models - the 741 and 743 Documentation Process Calibrators.These units, marketed here by Neltronics, are to greatly accelerate the trouble-shooting, calibration and documentation of a broader range of process control instrumentation. The 740 Series uses completely new enhanced hardware and embedded software, and in addition to this, new DPC/TRACK software and a series of new pressure modules.
These DPCs were introduced in 1994 in response to an increasing need for rigorous, documented calibration to support quality standards and regulations. The 700 Series offers versatile, powerful mulitfunction tools that are fast, easy to use, rugged and reliable. They are used by instrumentation technicians in the maintenance and calibration of process control instrumentation in traditional process industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and utilities.
Write 6015 on card
>Portable Non-contact temperature
The Minolta/Land Cyclops Mini Laser and Mini View are two new portable infrared thermometers from Manotherm providing fast, accurate non-contact temperature measurement within range -50 to 500¡C.Mini Laser is simple to use ÔAim and ShootÕ thermometer with a built-in laser targeting system which projects a red laser light which both pin-points and defines the measurement spot.
All the user has to do is press the measure button and the laser illuminates the target object being measured. The temperature is indicated on the external LCD panel on the rear of the instrument.
Mini View uses a fixed focus single-lens-reflex optical system for system for sighting and temperature measurement. A simultaneous view of the target area, defined by 1.4¡ and 2¡ graticules, and display of temperature are provided in the viewfinder.
Write 6017 on card
For EMC test standards
The NSG 2050 surge generator from Schaffner uses a unique new modular concept, based on a series of plug-in pulse modules and coupling networks. Its flexibility allows users to create optimised, and therefore highly cost-effective, surge test systems for a broad range of applications. Generous test dimensions, exceptionally high safety standards and the inherent expandability of the system make it a wise investment for every EMC test bench. Testing the behaviour of equipment subjected to surges on the power supply and in data cables is a major element of most national and international EMC standards for electrical and electronic products for office, domestic and industrial use. The NSGÊ2050 offers plug-in pulse modules suitable for testing to all common European, US and IEC industrial, domestic and telecom standards. There are also automated single-phase and three-phase coupling networks available.The modular system allows users to opt for only those pulse modules which they require, whilst retaining the ability to extend the system to include other pulses and coupling networks at any time. As manufacturers' product ranges change and standards are updated, investment in the unit is protected. Pulse capabilities available include modules suitable for testing to IECÊ1000-4-5, ANSI-IEEEÊC62.41, CCITT and FCCÊPart 68. There is also a network which covers the Bellcore TR-NWT-001089 standard from Bell Laboratories, and one for capacitor/ component testing to IECÊ384-14. Control is provided by a 16-bit microprocessor, operated from the front panel key-pad and display, or via a PC using Schaffner's WINÊ2050 Windows-based software package. Whichever control option is used, the system recognises which plug-in pulse modules and coupling networks are installed, automatically displaying the appropriate test selections, parameter limits and coupling options.
For single-phase applications according to IECÊ1000-4-5 and its national standards equivalents, the PNWÊ2055 is a pulse module which has a built-in single-phase 16A coupler. This combined unit makes for highly cost-effective compliance testing, and at the same time retains the manufacturer's options to expand the system at a later date. Manual control of the instrument via the front panel offers access to the entire range of instrument functions. The LCD gives continuous display of instrument status and menu options. Standard pulses can be selected according to the plug-in modules installed, or custom pulses created by modifying the standard ones. Tests can be saved for future use.
Like all Schaffner EMC instrumentation, the NSGÊ2050 is built to the ISO-9001 quality standard, and is compatible with the ProfLine automatic test system concept.
Write 6016 on card
Exhibition Reports
This feature featured a digest of items from the Instrumentation Signpost>.There were also reports from the Instrumentation Ireland Exhibition in Dublin and the InControl Exhibition in London.
Company News
New Agency
Rototherm Ltd have announced their appointment as exclusive agents in Ireland for the Westronics range of instrumentation.The range was launched at the Instrumentation Ireland and the selection of advanced recorders on display created a considerable interest. A particular favourite with visitors was the Smartview Touch-Screen Paperless Recorder which displays and also stores data on disk for later analysis from up to six direct inputs or 12 channels. Maria Kenany, RotothermÕs MD expressed her satisfac-tion at this new appointment saying that with it the company is now expanded the choice of products in its range.
They also provide a comprehensive repair and calibration service.
Write 6029 on card
The "right choice" moves!
Livingstonrental have moved to larger premises up the road. Their new address is: Unit 42, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin 17Telephone and fax numbers remain as before. Their Freefone number is also unchanged at 1800 42 5000.
New Agents
Sira Test and Calibration have appointed Insteco as its agents in Ireland. This will give this important calibration facility and a local contact point for their Irish customers.People
Bart de Steur has been elected President-Elect of the The Institute of Measurement and Control.Earlier in the year we gave news of the election of Aidan Howard as President of the ISA Ireland Section in succession to John Farrell (Tektron-Farrell). We now have details of the rest of the committee. Billy Walsh of U.C.C. is the new President-Elect, ƒamonn Creech (Janssen), secretary and David Oliver (MurphyÕs) as treasurer. Other committee members include, Bob Shine (FçS) Honours and Awards, Alan Edwards (CG Services) Technical Programme, Declan Lordan (Douglas) Membership, Dr. Liam McDonnell (CRTC) Newsletter, John Lotty (Marathon) Publicity, Tom OÕHanlon (Acorn) Exhibition. ƒamonn McNamara (Sterling) Education, Brian Curtis (Jacobs Engineering) Standards & Practices. Two members of the committee without portfolio are Eoin Galvin (Pfizer)and Brendan OÕConnell (ProsCon).
Training and Education
Lookout!
The latest software system from National Instruments incorporates a completely new architecture. IMEX are organising a series of half-day seminars targeted at engineers, systems integrators and end users who build or use MMI and SCADA applications for interfacing to PLCs, RTUs and other I/O devices. Patricia Mathews is your contact in Castlebellingham on 042 72300, while Denise Black is at Moira on 01846 619233.
Hear here!
A series of courses on noise related topics, designed for personnel responsible for measuring and/or managing noise in the workplace and environment are being held by ANV Technology.
Emphasis is placed on practical demonstrations and references to industrial applications. This provides a firm basis for evaluating and noise situation and selecting the most cost effective noise reduction solution. The courses are held in conjunction with the Best Centre at the University of Limerick.
The programme outline is as follows:
Managing and Controlling Workplace Noise - 12th November 1996
Occupational Noise Survey Competency - 4th and 5th February 1997
Environmental Noise Measurement and Control - 11th and 12th February 1997.
For further details contact Bridget Ginnity at 065 41147.
EMC Directive
An introductory seminar is being organised by ACK Engineering to outline the legal implications of the directive and the best design practice to minimise EMC problems. Lectures will take a practical approach with a demonstration of a "Black Box" digital product, spectrum analyser and near field probe, showing how EMI can be made visible and demonstrate common EMC errors. Speakers will include Michael OÕDwyer, Chairman of the Irish National Committee for EMC, Neil Hayden and Andrew Perkins of Schaffner EMC, Keith Armstrong of Cherry Clough Consultants and Dia Davis who is both a Chartered Engineer and a Solicitor from Eversheds Solicitors.Venues are Dublin 26th November and Limerick 28the November.
Andrew Keogh of ACK has more details on 01 8361420.
BMS in Limerick
George McDonald of Cylon Controls is to address an ISA Technical Meeting in Jurys Hotel Limerick on Wednesday 27th November 1996. The subject is Building Management Systems and a large attendance is expected. Because of the more sophisticated methods of control in the building sector it has become necessary for all involved in I&C to have knowledge of these systems.The speaker will also cover the functionality of BMS, its standard applications and its relationship to DCS and PLC systems.
Aidan Howard, ISA Ireland President has the details on 021 358922.
The right Path!
"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand." This is the way Programmable Systems Ltd introduce their PATH (Programmable Automation systems Training for Hire) self tuition package in programmable systems. Programmable Controllers and other programmable equipment such as variable speed drives and linear motion controllers are now common place in almost every industrial plant. the need for training and refresher courses to maintain and update skills in use of this programmable equipment is accepted by management throughout industry. However it is difficult to release key skilled personnel for these courses.PATH endeavours to supply this need by providing a robust free standing case incorporating a PLC of the type used in the customerÕs plant, built in power supply, wide range of industrial sensors, indicators, actuators which will simulate typical industrial processes and a dedicated hand held programmer or Laptop PC with PLC software.
Full documentation and notes suitable for the particular equipment used as well as access to their Engineering Hotline for troubleshooting backup and support. Jean Dullaghan has full details on 042 26600. Write 6034 on card
Communicate
The Leinster Section of ISA is holding a technical briefing on "Introducing Communication Skills" and will be given by Frank Murphy, Founder and Principal Trainer of the Institute of Communication in Ireland. Topics to be covered are Memory Training Skills and Effective Communication Skills. The meeting will be held in the Institute Premises on Thursday 28th November 1996 at 7.15. Jean Roberts is Section President on 01 2840011.
OESI Short Course
"Industrial Machine Vision - theory, practice and application" is the title of a short course to be given in Maynooth College.The course is geared for people working in industry with an interest in the application of visual sensing and machine vision.
The course is being given by Professor D. Vernon on 9th December 1996. Contact Dept of Computer Science at 01 7083847 for details or e--mail admin@cs.may.ie.
The December/January Issue of Readout will feature a survey of suppliers of Test and Measurement Instrumentation in Ireland .
If you require details of rates for advertising or for subscribing to Readout you may do so here.
Readout Publications
An Caorán, Baile na hAbhann, Co Galway, Ireland.
Tel: +353 87 2663282; Fax: +353 91 506872; Email: readout@iol.ie
Mobile +353 88 663282
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.