Readout 97.01 December 1996/January 1997

Ireland's Journal of Instrumentation and Control

The following are the advertisers in this issue of Readout - Please support them.

Livingston Hire.
Newson Gale
Panametrics Ltd. The smart flow transmitter for all liquid flow measurements.
Siemens Ltd. LOGO! - the Compact Controller that packs a powerful punch!
Manotherm Limited SCADA Equipment
Readout's Directory of Instrumentation Special Offer.
J. J. Sampson & Sons Ltd. - Danfoss Pressure Transmitters.
Douglas Electronic Systems Ltd Calibration Services.
CG Services Ltd. - Industrial Instrumentation Installation & Calibration Specialists.
ProsCon Automation Ltd. - Rosemount Model 3051T Gauge and Absolute Pressure Transmitter

Appointments

P. J. Boner & Co Ltd. - Situation Vacant

Basic details of most of these companies may be found in the Internet Directory of Instrumentation and Control, as well as in the Directory of Instrumentation in Ireland available from Readout.

Resumé of items in the December'96/January'97 Issue

Features in This Issue:

The survey of Suppliers in this issue is of suppliers of Data Acquisition Equipment, Recorders and Loggers in Ireland.

Products

Measuring viscosity on-line

A novel way using Coriolis flow measuring technology

A novel way to measure viscosity on-line has been proven by Fisher-Rosemount engineers using high reliability non-intrusive Micro Motion Coriolis instrumentation.
The solution, which gives a dynamic viscosity measurement without the need for sampling, is particularly suited to Quality Control applications in confectionery, chemicals and oil production.
In this solution, the mass flowmeter is installed in-line with a Rosemount 3051 differential pressure transmitter across its pipe connections. Under flowing conditions, a viscosity measurement is mathemat-ically derived from the dynamic mass flow, density and temperature measure-ments made by the flowmeter, and a differential pressure measurement across the meter made by the pressure transmitter. The calculation is performed in the Micro Motion RFT 9739 transmitter which provides a real time viscosity output with an accuracy of 1-2% of reading in absolute or kinetic units. The viscosity reading can also be indicated on the 9739's display.
In the meter the Coriolis effect induces changes in the oscillation of a pair of vibrating U-shaped tubes as fluid flows through them. Monitoring these changes allows mass flow to be calculated. Density is derived from the frequency of the oscillations. Micro Motion, who pioneered the use of Coriolis instruments, today holds about 80% of the world market with three ranges: BASIS, a lower priced unit designed to compete against conventional volumetric applications; ELITE, a superior performance device for precision metering applications and the long established D Series which is the most widely used type today. Write 6051 on card

Simple & safe purge systems

Expo Safety Systems, represented by Hanley Controls, has introduced a complete range of "MiniPurge" pressuri-sation control systems suitable for explosive atmosphere applications from as small as a single instrument to as large as a 20MW electric motor.
The MiniPurge units are entirely pneumatic and therefore both inherently safe in hazardous areas and completely immune to EMC disturbances. They are certified to CENELEC EN50 016, classified as EEx p II T6 and suitable for all gases in Zones 1 and 2. The pressurisation systems are available with a choice of tech-niques: "Leakage Compensa-tion" where the initial high purge flow rate is followed by economical topping up of any pressurised enclosure leakage; "Continuous Flow after High Purge" where the high purge rate of the LC system is followed by a reduced, guaranteed, continuous flow, e.g. for cooling or dilution of internal flammable gas, or; "Continuous Flow" where, as its name implies, the flow rate is constant both during purge and afterwards.
The controls systems work with either compressed air or inert gas for purging and there is a choice of pneumatic or electrical output signals. The electrical outputs can be flame-proof or intrinsically safe.
The systems are straightforward to specify using the company's easy-to-follow selection literature and, being only a "two box" system, they are equally easy to install. The installation savings combined with the low initial price offer major savings for the user.
e-mail: Hanley Controls

New Portable Pressure Gauges

Peter Keane of Eurotherm Irl tells us of two new portable pressure and flow instruments.
Affordability plus efficiency define the Druck DPI 603 Portable Pressure Calibrator designed to meet the essential requirements for field calibration of pressure sensors and instrumentation. Offering pressure ranges from -1 to +1bar, 10 bar and 20 bar to an accuracy of 0.075% FSD, this competitively priced calibrator can test vacuum down to -850 mbar gauge, and provides a 24V supply for transmitter testing and calibration.
A sealed membrane keypad with LCD provides parameter readout to a maximum resolution of 0.005% FSD with access to up to 24 pres-sure scales plus simultaneous indi-cation of pressure and electrical values. Ruggedly constructed, the DPI 603 is the ideal field instru-ment when high accuracy over broad measurement is needed in an economical and portable package.
Another field mounted instrument from Eurotherm Ireland is the Furness Controls AirPro compact pressure and flow meter, a portable, hand-held, microprocessor-based instrument for measuring low differential pressures in a choice of units, and velocity when paired with pitot tubes. All readings can be stored for downloading via RS232 interface. Air ProÕs capability also includes air temperature measurement, as well as calculation, measurement and display of mass flow and both absolute and gauge pressure.
Write 6055 on card

Touch Screen Recorder

The new Westronics 144x144 SmartView paperless recorder from Rototherm Ltd, monitors for alarms and records up to 12 channels to 1.44Mb floppy disk, on-board RAM or PCMCIA card. A 125mm high resolution back-lift TFT touch screen operator interface can display data as trends, bar graphs or combina-tion of the three. Six flexible, configurable input channels accept a wide range of primary sensors such as thermocouples and RTDÕs, plus mV and 4-20mA type signals with linear, square root and logarithmic functions. Six more channels can be recorded from the three event inputs or calculated data.
Write XX on card.

Primary Flow Elements

Ryan Instruments now offers Thermocouple Instruments primary flow elements for the process industries to compli-ment its traditional tempera-ture sensors. Orifice plates, averaging pitots, flow nozzles and venturies in stainless steel, exotic alloys such as PTFE and PVDF are designed and produced on short delivery. Flow elements for large pipe sizes can be accommodated. A range of orifice flanges, bolts and gaskets is available to complement the flow elements.
Write 6057 on card

Revolutionary barrier range

Award-winning MTL7000 Series shunt-diode safety bar-riers have been hailed as a revolutionary development in barrier technology. The design - slim with a width of only 7mm - was a major factor in significant commercial interest and early orders. Now, Phase 2 of the range has been released, providing more choice of protection devices for a wider range of applications.
MTL7000 Series units are similar in both size & appear-ance to conventional feed-through field terminals. The slim width provides excep-tional packing densities allowing dramatic space-savings in terms of reduced cabinet count or the creation of additional space in existing installations.
Units released in the first phase of the series are available in two types - standard or fuse-disconnect. The latter has particular advantages in the event of misconnections during installation or commissioning with the inclusion of an easily accessible replace-able fuse. This fuse also provides further potential for cost and space saving by allowing a barrier to double as a disconnect field terminal, disconnecting safe- and hazardous-area circuits. Phase 2 additions to the MTL7000 range include link-disconnect units, featuring a new removable link instead of a replaceable fuse for loop-disconnect, giving even greater choice and economy.
Another feature of Phase 2 is the introduction of three 'active' or electronically overvolt-protected barriers, particularly useful where unregulated supplies are present. These complete the seven ÔkeyÕ barriers in the new series - a concept to cover the majority of applications, already successfully intro-duced with the MTL700 Series. Like the MTL706+ of the earlier series, the MTL7206 of this phase is patented and, with two more new active barriers, offers customers the flexibility of electronic internal protection, up to 35V. In addition, the new link-disconnect facility allows the loop to be powered down for commissioning and testing.
The new additions offer the same benefits as earlier devices including quick and easy simultaneous DIN-rail mounting and earthing as well as a reduction in the number of accessories required. The MTL7991 power feed module protects barriers against over-voltages with a trip mechanism, and in conjunction with the PWC7000 power comb, for connecting a 24V dc power source to several barriers simultaneously, gives a significant saving in wiring and installation cost.
The product manager for the series, gave his view of the new generation, slim-line barrier. "We believe that the MTL7000 Series heralds a new era for shunt-diode safety barriers. Breaking through convention with the applica-tion of components and materials new to certified IS circuits has produced a host of additional end-user benefits to complement inherent barrier reliability."
This confidence has been justified already by the number and types of orders received from over 20 coun-tries worldwide including China.
e-mail: Hanley Controls

Data Logging Software

A new data logging software package has been introduced, to extend the problem solving and troubleshooting capabili-ties of the Fluke Model 41 & 41B power Harmonic Analysers.
FlukeView for Windows (V.3.0) samples and records critical data for up to three days at a time. Used in conjunction with their Model 41 or Model 41B and a PC or Laptop. The program down-loads results automatically to a text file on disk. This data is used later to generate reports graphically or in numeric format using either a word processing or spreadsheet application.
Fluke are represented here by Neltronics.
Write 6060 on card.

Very low flow control valve.

The speciality low flow (below 0.02 Cv) segment of the control valve market has been entered by Fisher Controls with the Baumann Model 51000. Claimed to be the most compact unit of its type available, it is manufactured from investment cast 316 stainless steel in 1/4 and 1/2Ó sizes rated to 3000psi. It has an integral positioner with no exposed pipework or linkages.
It is the only valve of its kind featuring a patented trim design with bubble tight shut-off and greater than 100.1 rangeability. The unique design means that matching seat rings are not required.
Applications including R&D laboratories, water treatment industry, paper mills, and pilot plants and firms using process-es that involve the use of additives, colouring or dyes can control down to fractions of a millilitre.
Write 6061 on card.

I.S. Digital Thermometer

Digitemp, Rototherm's continuous read digital thermometer is a range of general purpose and high accuracy process ind-icators. They are marketed by Bentley Instrument Co. Ltd, British RotothermÕs Irish sub-sidiary company.
The BASEEFA approved version is to EEX ia IIc T4. The general purpose gives ranges from -30 to +400¡C with accuracy of ±1¡C. The high accuracy version gives range from -100 to +199.9¡C Write 6062 on card

Back on the Rails

Northern Design, marketed here by Maxwell Industrial Instruments, has launched a brand new DIN Rail mounting kWh meter. The RM303 has a large clear permanently backlit LCD gives better than Class I (IEC 1036) accuracy for both single and three phase inputs. This low cost unit has an optional pulse output suitable for Building Energy Management Systems.
The DIN 42880 case is six modules wide, measuring 106 x 90 x 58mm with a 45 x 106mm cut-out, in gray Noryl to a self-extinguishing UL V94-0 with DIN rail mounting to EN 50022 (106(min) x 35mm).
It is a single function electron-ic kWh meter with standard current transformer inputs (CTs) that allow connection to loads of a few watts to hundreds of megawatts. In the event of a power failure to the meter, readings are stored for a minimum of 25 years.
When coupled with Northern DesignÕs Abacus, a meter data collector, a fully computerised energy management system is provided, for a fraction of the price normally offered.
Write 6070 on card

Magmeter sensor with integral earthing

Turbo's new MG711/S mag-meter Flow Sensor, with wafer design for installation between existing flanges, is a low-cost unit intended mainly for water and wastewater applications.
The sensor is suitable for installation in steel (or plastic) pipes; earthing is included as standard via a stainless steel support ring built on the upstream face of the sensor. It is also of extremely robust and compact construction (PVC flow tube with nickel-plated outer steel casing) and has no moving parts.
Turbo is now marketed here by Flow Measurement Ltd.
Write 6071 on card

Conserving Costs

Improving the overall efficiency and reducing the maintenance costs in combus-tion processes are key para-meters to any combustion engineer. The Conserver IV range from Manotherm, comprises two new monitoring instruments by Land Combustion, which will supply the vital data required to reduce the corrosive effects of SO3 and achieve minimum safe emission exit temperatures.
The range has been a direct response to customer requirements and is reflected in the innovative design. This design incorporates the latest micro-processor-based electronic systems to ensure both accuracy and reliability.
Write 6072 on card

Intelligent Communications Board

Amplicon Liveline's C320 is an intelligent serial communications system which provides 8 to 32, RS232 or RS422 additional serial communications ports to any PC witha free ISA slot.
Each C320 comprises a plug-in controller board for the PC, a CPU module which can be mounted up to 100m (up to 57.6K baud) from the PC and a UART module which plugs into the CPU module and provides 8 serial channels. Each CPU can support up to four UART modules (hence the 32 ports) and each PC can run four controller boards giving a maximum of 128 ports.
Both the controller board and the CPU module have 46MHz TMS320 RISC processors and high speed RS422 interfaces. This combined 512k of dual ported RAM on the controller allows the C320 system to handle multiple RS232 or RS422 channels without normal processing overhead imposed on the host computer.
e-mail Amplicon Liveline.

News from the InterNet

This feature featured a digest of items from the December News from the Instrumentation Signpost.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions scheduled for 1997 were listed in this issue.

Q&A at Dublin Show

John Bowman, host of RTÉ's Questions & Answers is to host a major debate at the Irish Water, Waste & Environment'97 show in Dublin next June. Entitled IrelandÕs Environment - the Way Forward, the debate will focus on the state of the environment at present and take a look at which measures can best meet tough new standards laid down in recent regulations. Other subjects planned include fish kills, new recycling initiatives, incineration, IPC licensing and the impact of manufacturing on our environment.
Panellists include Anne Butler, Director of the Environment Protection Agency, Tony Prendergast, Chairman of REPAK, Clare OÕGrady Walshe, Director of Greenpeace and Dr. Mary Kelly, IBECÕs Environment Executive. Three further high profile environmental specialists will be confirmed early this year.
The exhibition itself promises to be comprehensive, spanning water, waste and environment, with the reservation list including ABB, S.W. Carty, Hanley Controls and Celtic Eng. It is anticipated that there will be 150 exhibitors.
The Leinster Section of ISA will host dynamic seminars and master-classes covering industryÕs obligations to waste disposal, IPC licensing, legislation, software, recycling and re-use, water/air pollution and many other issues faced by manufacturers.
e-mail ISA Leinster for Seminar
e-mail Faversham House Group for information on exhibiting or for Free tickets for the environmental debate call Catherine Iredale on 00 44 181 651 7113.

Pollutec'96

The 12th Pollutec Exhibition held in Lyon in France in October attracted nearly 52,000 visitors. There was a marked increase in the number of foreign exhibitors. These included three Irish companys, Dollinger International, Pollution Control Systems & Reagecon.
The 1997 Pollutec is scheduled for Paris from 30th September to 3rd October.

Company News

The right Connection

Starconn Connectors have recently released a range of Dual In-Line Memory Module Sockets (DIMMS). This company is based in Doughcloyne in Cork and Declan OÕMahony, Euro-pean Sales Manager may be contacted on 021 341530.
Write 6067 on card.

British suppliers

GAMBICA, the Association for the Instrumentation, Control and Automation Industry in the UK has recently issued buyers guides for Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Control, General Purpose Enclosures and System Integrators. This list the members of this association who supply equipment in these areas.
Copies may be requested on 00 44 171 7933050.

Service Partnership

GE Fanuc has formed a strategic Service Partnership with McCullagh Electronics. This is to supply "highly cost-effective contracts for parts and labour inclusive service, although ad-hoc service will also be available if required." according to GE Fanuc UK's Services Manager, Bob Norton.
McCullagh Electronics is situated 4 miles from Belfast and operates from a modern 6000 sq ft factory unit. Apart from service their activities include machine tool retrofit and design and build of special purpose machine tools and auto-cells. Ivan McCullagh, Managing Director commented, "We have been retrofitting using GE Fanuc CNC and drives for a number of years now. We find GE Fanuc controls to be very reliable and of excellent quality. The service partnership cements these parts of our business, and enables us to provide a comprehensive control package to our customers."
Write 6068 on card.

Dublin Office

MKS Instruments have just opened a new office in Dublin. This company has over 30 years of experience in the measurement and control of pressure, vacuum and flow in research, industry and OEM applications.
Their applications engineer, Simon Gloster is available there to discuss any service, calibration and sales require-ments. Order processing enquiries should still be through their Manchester office.
The details of the Dublin Office are:
MKS Instruments
Dublin Office
Number 17 Windermere
Clonsilla
Dublin 15
Tel/Fax: 01 8217762

Landis & Staefa

The merger of the building control operations of Landis & Gyr and of Staefa Control System - known by the new brand name of Landis & Staefa - has created a new major supplier of control technology and building management systems in commercial and residential buildings.
Sirus Engineering Systems who have represented Staefa since 1993 now represent the new entity.
Write 6069 on card

Quality

As we go to press we learn that P. J. Boner and Company have passed all the requirements for being awarded the ISO 9001. This is the specification for design/development, production, installation and servicing and is rare among the instrument companies in Ireland.

Training and Education

BEMS

George McDonald of Cylon Controls delivered a technical talk for ISA Ireland in Limerick in November. The meeting was sponsored by Project Management.
This was the first meeting for some time in Limerick and it is hoped to hold meetings in other centres as well. Cylon was formed in 1985 and focuses on the development of innovative building management systems. The principal markets include Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain as well as Ireland.
The talk ranged over the history of BMS including the large, unfriendly devices of the seventies which were largly restricted to very big installations to the relatively sophisticated modern devices based both on software and hardware devices which are almost universally in most buildings today.
The meeting was well attended and there was a lively question and answer session afterwards.

Literature

Thermolec: Watlow Heating, Temperature Measurement and Control for Industry. Talk to Michael O'Reilly on 01 4568111.
Insteco: Kamstrup Proces Flexbar¨ Pressure Transmitter P20 701. Call Alan Breen on 046 24243. Pat Murphy Industrial (Sales & Service) Ltd: Camozzi Standard and non-standard mini-cylinders in 24 hours. Phone Pat Murphy on 021 963252.
Flomeaco: E+H Focus on Flow. Tony Donnelly on 045 868615.
Irish Power and Process Ltd: Raytek Infra-Red News. Contact Pat Farrell on 01 6244803.
Data Edge: LeCroy Colour Digital Oscilloscopes. Talk to Paul Phelan on 01 2720707.
JJ Sampson & Son: Carel infrared LED instruments for refrigeration. Call John Sampson on 016268111.
ITL: AVO Test Equipment 1996/97. Paul Sharkey on 01 8423322.
Rototherm Ltd: Product Guide from Maria Kenaney on 01 6708077.
Neltronics Ltd: Kenwood Test and Measurements Vol 2. Contact Mike Walsh on 01 4503560.
Electrofast: Robin Professional Test Equipment - Product range catalogue. Phone Éamon Cullen on 01 4500600.
Hanlon O'Grady: GemŸ Product Range. Phone Michael O'Grady on 01 2951101.
Manotherm: Minolta/Land Cyclops MiniLaser and MiniView. Talk to Brian Harris on 01 4522355.
PCAS: MTE Turck Intrinsically safe sensors and controls. Talk to Thomas Donagher on Freephone 1800 220380.
Suppliers! Please send us literature for inclusion in this section...

People

Tony McClintock has joined P. J. Boner and Co. He will responsible for the weighing side of the business.
Luciano Maiani, president of Italy's National Institute for Nuclear Physics is to be the next president of CERN.
Siemens Bus The Siemens Bus toured Ireland recently showing a comprehensive range of Equipment.
Clash of the Titans! A recent discussion meeting of ISA Ireland in Cork featured Brian Harris of Manotherm and Peter Keane of Eurotherm. It was reported to be a relatively civilised affair and both were presented with plaques to mark the occasion.
The February/March'97 Issue of Readout will feature a survey of suppliers of Systems (incl SCADA & Software) in Ireland .
If you require details of rates for advertising or for subscribing to Readout you may do so here.

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