See Archive Page for earlier news.

28/2/03

Connecting industrial Ethernet systems - The new Han-Brid(r) RJ-45 from Harting has been specifically designed for the interconnection of devices to Ethernet networks in the harsh industrial environment. The connector uses standard screened RJ-45 plugs and sockets, mounted in industrial connector hoods and housings from HARTING's Han(r) 3A Series. The use of standard hoods and housings, which are available in thermoplastic, metal and pressure-tight versions, means that connector assemblies can easily be tailored to the required environment including IP65, IP67 or IP68 protection. Han-Brid(r) RJ 45 fulfils the requirements for data transmission according to DIN EN 50 175 cat. 5.
Control valve market to reach nearly €3.5 billion by 2008 - The worldwide Control Valve market, which totaled almost €3 billion in 2002, will reach almost €3.5 billion by the end of 2007, expanding at a Cumulative annual growth rate of just over 3 percent, according to a new study by the ARC Advisory Group. Even as global uncertainties and slack market conditions continue to pull down sales, "the long-term business prospects for control valves look reasonably bright," according to Senior Analyst Dave Clayton and Senior Analyst Srinivas Macha, the authors of ARC's Control Valve Worldwide Outlook.
New industrial Ethernet switch for extended temperature range - The EISX9-100T Industrial Ethernet switch, now a part of the CTRLink family from Contemporary Controls, is very effective for hostile applications with temperatures ranging from -40 to +75C. The EISX9-100T segments the Ethernet LAN into nine collision domains, acting as a "bridge" between data links to produce a larger network diameter than is possible with repeating hubs. Each port automatically negotiates its data rate to 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps and controls data flow with the PAUSE function in full-duplex or the backpressure mode in half-duplex.

Indian show pronounced success - The premiere of Analytica-Anacon, which Munich International Trade Fairs and the Indian Analytical Instruments Association (IAIA) held in Mumbai, India, in January, surpassed all expectations. On approximately 1,200 square meters of exhibition space at the Nehru Center, a total of 60 exhibitors from 12 countries presented an attractive range of innovative devices, solutions and services for the analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology sectors. With some 2,240 trade visitors from throughout India, the premiere of Analytica-Anacon turned out to be a key gathering for international analysis and laboratory-technology suppliers as well as Indian users from the industrial, scientific and research sectors.

Simulation and Control Software acquired - National Instruments has acquired the MatriXx product line, an integrated set of software tools for control design and simulation of dynamic systems. Companies including Lockheed Martin, Volvo, NASA and Boeing use the software for applications such as developing aerospace flight controllers and simulators and building automotive engine and brake control systems.

Latest addition to oscilloscope range offers exceptional value in price/performance terms - The DL1640S from Yokogawa is the latest addition to the company's DL1640 family of digital oscilloscopes, which also includes the instrument with the world's longest memory of 32 K word per channel. The new DL1640S incorporates most of the measurement and display features of the top-end DL1640L model, and with a price of less than £3500 it offers exceptional value for money for an instrument with 100 K word of memory per channel, 200 MS/s sampling, and 200 MHz bandwidth.

"The essential conference for the process industry!" - In collaboration with Huntsman International, Aker Kvaerner, Action Energy and the ISA, Emerson Process Management Ltd, are holding a three-day conference Manufacturing Excellence, 29th April to 1st may 2003 in Teeside, England. The programme, which is aimed at Engineering and Operations Management in the Process Industries, includes one-day courses, seminars & update sessions on products, technology & practices. There will also be a technology showcase featuring leading suppliers to the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas industries. Here is a report on Manufacturing Excellence 2002.
Fastest frequency source for the PXI platform introduced - Test and design engineers can generate high-frequency sine and clock outputs with the latest addition to the National Instruments line of PM modular instrumentation. The NI PM5404 100 MHz frequency source, the fastest NI source for PM, can simultaneously generate sine and clock outputs up to 100 MHz with 1.07 pflz resolution and +/- 0.2 dB sine level accuracy.
Gas platforms system allows serialised data in the field - The MTL8000 system, designed to address process application needs in general purpose and hazardous areas, has been installed in 5 Shell U.K Exploration and Production gas platforms, the first of which was a new, totally unmanned Shell SKIFF gas platform 72 kms off-shore from the English coast of Norfolk. The system meets Shell Expro's requirements of reducing cabling running costs and serialising data in the field without the need for big Ex"d" boxes by offering hazardous area mounting, integrated Intrinsically Safe interface and full HART capability.
Irish plant upgraded with Industrial IT solutions - ABB, the power and automation technology group, has been chosen by Yamanouchi Ireland Co., Limited (YICL) to upgrade their Dublin production plant with Industrial IT technology. This plant will be used in the production of one of Yamanouchi's new treatments for urinary incontinence.

Environmental certification given to instrument company - Keithley Instruments, Inc. has announced that the Environmental Management System at its design, production, and distribution operations at Aurora Road and Bainbridge Road in Solon, Ohio (USA) has been certified to be in compliance with the ISO 14001, 1996 International Environmental Management System Standard. Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc. (SQA), a leading independent accredited registrar, audited the company's entire Environmental Management System.
New VP of sales in the Americas - Automsost has continued its high profile management appointments with the announcement of Marc Leibowitz as Vice President of Sales for the Americas. He joins Automsoft from JD Edwards where he was Director and Solutions Architect - Life Sciences.

New Range of Humidity Transmitters - ROTRONIC have introduced the new M series range of humidity/temperature transmitters incorporating an unrivalled range of features and configurations that make them suitable for almost any measurement or control application.

Latest UMTS release supported, enabling developers to move forward with implementation - Tektronix, a leading provider of test, measurement, and monitoring solutions for mobile equipment manufacturers and operators, today announced its protocol test support feature for the newest Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standard release. UMTS Release 4 (R4) is the next step in the migration towards full implementation of third-generation (3G) UMTS networks. In order to meet the requirements of each new release and to meet delivery deadlines for UMTS elements, mobile equipment manufacturers are challenged to test the compliance of their existing products against the newest specifications; a proven test tool that supports the latest standard is mandatory. Tektronix' K1297-G20 protocol tester Version 2.40 (V2.40) delivers compliance testing of UMTS R4 in a proven, comprehensive tool.

New Multi Parameter Loggers - Comark has extended its highly successful range of Diligence EV data loggers by introducing two new multi parameter models specifically designed to monitor the performance of control systems.The new models measure the 4 to 2OmA outputs from sensor transmitters used in automated processes and thereby monitor the performance of PLCs and similar control systems across a wide range of industry and process applications.
Chinese Exhibition space practically fully booked - Interkama China, to be staged from 18 to 21 March in Pudong (Shanghai), is getting off to a roaring start. A hundred and twenty companies are already tined up on the participant and options list. Roughly 3,500 square metres of exhibition space for this debut INIERKAMA event in Hall 9 of the new trade fair complex has been snapped up, which means the area is practically fully booked!
Surface inspection - A growing knowledge-base of defects is enabling a wide range of surface defects to be identified automatically in a steel strip finishing fine Vision system experts Cognex have supplied what is believed to be the first ever automated surface inspection system on a steel strip paint coating line in the world, as part of a planned quality improvement campaign at the plant designed to enhance finished quality, increase customer satisfaction levels and reduce returns. Corus, in Flintshire, which is in North Wales, are now 'training' the system to recognise the full range of possible defect classifications on their organic paint coat line.

Industrial troubleshooting and maintenance kit offers 17% saving! - Fluke is offering a 17% saving on the purchase of a rugged and reliable kit designed for technicians and engineers tasked with troubleshooting, maintenance and servicing across a wide range of industries. The kit is focused around its 'benchmark' digital multimeter, the 179, which carries Fluke's unique Lifetime Warranty. Together with a temperature probe, adaptable test leads and a Maglite torch, the whole kit is carried conveniently in a durable, hard case.

Innovative DMMs introduced - Wavetek Meterman Test Tools has introduced the XR-Series of Digital Multimeters (DMMs), a completely new line designed specifically for today's electronics test, field service, and industrial applications technicians. The new DMMs are believed to meet or exceed other digital multimeters on the market in a rigorous price and value comparison. The Series is distinguished by a sleek curved shape, an ergonomic design that integrates a holster with a functional Magne-Grip hanging strap for hands-free operation. For better viewing in dim light situations, some XR models offer an exclusive new bright blue neon backlight display.
Scopes setting new record for acquisition memory - LeCroy, who pioneered long acquisition memories in digital oscilloscopes, has again set the record for the longest commercially available acquisition memory with the - XXL memory option for the SDA, DDA, and WaveMaster series oscilloscopes. The new memory option increases the acquisition memory to 100 Mpts on each of two channels or 50 Mpts on each of four channels.

Motion control viewpoint - Tom Bullock of Bull's Eye marketing has produced the transcript of the Motion Control Forum held in Chicago last Autumn. This Forum (the eight in the series), brought top executives in the industry to talk about issues efecting their field. Hot topics included open systems, the recession, internet, fieldbus etc etc. Copies of this 24 page document may be purchased from the publishers.

Golden jubilee for I&C manufacturer - Fifty years ago, on February 1, 1953 the Swiss engineer Georg H. Endress and the German banker Ludwig Hauser founded the L. Hauser KG. A few years later it was renamed Endress+Hauser GmbH. The company started its activities with the sale of an innovative electronic (capacitive) level sensor imported from England. Today it would probably be called a "garage business" even though the first company premises was a converted bedroom. The level sensor soon became a success, and the founders quickly began building up their own production facilities. From then on the sails were set for continuous growth. Till they are now one of the only truly independant I&C manufacturers in the world.
A lighter ohmmeter - The introduction of Megger's new and very competitively priced lightweight DLRO600 digital low-resistance ohmmeter means than on-site resistance testing of circuit breaker contacts and busbars no longer requires the use of "portable" equipment which is too heavy to be carried comfortably and safely by one person. At just under 15kg, the new DLRO600 is around half the weight of a typical high-current low-resistance ohmmeter, yet it offers a test current which is continuously variable, from 10A to a full 600A. This wide current range means that users of the DLRO600 can perform all of their tests with a single instrument, rather than having to use separate test sets with fixed operating currents of, for example, 100A, 200A and 500A.
Coriolis flow guide updated - Spitzer and Boyes, LLC has announced their latest work "The Consumer Guide to Coriolis Mass Flowmeters". Although this book has been available since Autumn, they have updated it to include the recent introductions of new products by Endress+Hauser, Foxboro, Krohne, and Oval, as well as other items. It is unique because it provides clear and technically competent competitive comparisons between models of Coriolis Mass Flowmeters worldwide.
Next generation process knowledge system launched - Honeywell Industry Solutions has announced the release, on-schedule, of Experion PKS, its "ground-breaking" industrial automation system which controls, monitors and manages complex control processes. It is designed for global manufacturers and mill operators throughout the energy, chemical, and pulp, paper and printing industries to increase productivity, safety and profitability. "Experion PKS represents Honeywell's unmatched expertise in controls, automation and project management," said Jack Bolick, President of Honeywell Industry Solutions. "With this product, Honeywell has again demonstrated that it provides investment protection to its installed customer base, no matter which of our systems they currently operate. Controllers built from as far back as 1974 can be fully integrated with Experion PKS."

10 years in existence and another record year - There are not many leading edge technology companies that make it to their first birthday, let alone their tenth. This is particularly so in the current economic climate that represents one of the most challenging ever for the technology sector. Comtech's machine to machine (M2M) communication products and solutions have now been fully released to the market and are being used in a large number of diverse applications such as Retail Monitoring, Gaming Machines, Industrial flow monitoring, Car Park Payment, Industrial Control, Security, Oil/Petrochemical Monitoring and Vending. Comtech has developed a complete system solution for any machine to machine (M2M) connectivity application enabling customers to fully integrate with their remote machines and in doing so, gather vital information resulting in improved decision making, control and in most cases additional revenue streams.

Stage system improvement from design upgrade - In keeping with their dedication to the science of motion, Aerotech recently completed a design upgrade and a resultant significant improvement in the performance of our ALS5000 XY stage systems. The mechanical structure was thoroughly examined and improvements to the design were made using a combination of analysis (including finite element analysis) and experimental testing. The most dramatic improvement in the upgraded widebody is its performance in short moves. The average lower axis total move time was reduced 43%. The upgraded widebody stage also reduced the cross coupling with the upper axis. This allowed for greater gains in the upper axis and, as a result, the upper axis move times improved an average of 17%.

Get the training you need without leaving your desk - Live, interactive seminars show how to bring existing systems into 21 CFR 11 compliance and to initiate compliance programs, with a focus on the unique challenges for the pharmaceutical industry. All you and your co-workers need to participate is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. Potential participants may register for one specific issue, or take all four for a complete overview.

• "Bringing Existing Systems into Compliance with Part 11" (6 March) helps understand the focus of 21 CFR 11 with respect to legacy systems.
• "Implementing a Part 11 Compliance Program" (18 March) covers important considerations when establishing a 21 CFR Part 11 compliance program.
• "21 CFR Part 11 and Manufacturing Systems" (4 April) discusses how 21 CFR 11 affects the manufacturing systems side of the pharmaceutical industry.
• "21 CFR Part 11 and Laboratory Systems" (17 April) looks at the challenges in establishing a successful Part 11 compliance program within the pharmaceutical laboratory environment.
  More on 21 CFR 11 on our Standards Page

Data concentrator combines 6 serial intputs - Instrumentation and telemetry specialist Lee-Dickens has launched Sitewatch Data Concentrator, a device for collecting data from up to 6 separate serial paths - for example from PLC's or other control equipment, or from traditional analogue and digital inputs. Data is combined into a single memory space for storing and forwarding at intervals to remote Master Stations - either 'on demand' or 'on event' - for monitoring large, geographically-spread, telemetry networks. The potential of the unit is considerably extended by an integral Web Server, which provides remote monitoring and parameterisation capabilities to users accessing the system from a web browser. The Sitewatch Data Concentrator supports GSM, and GPRS (always on) wireless connection can be also employed for transmitting Alarms and Events information immediately to a designated central location.
Ultra-powerful electric cylinder generates up to 44kN thrust - Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division has launched an ultra-powerful electric cylinder that can produce a thrust as high as 44kN. Forming the latest addition to Parker's popular ET series of electric cylinders, the new ETB125 is based on an exceptionally robust design to ensure durability in high duty cycle applications. It is particularly suitable for high power automation and robotics applications demanding continuous use and minimum downtime - the design features sealed tapered roller bearings, and the drive screw nut can be re-lubricated without dismantling the actuator.

Columbia shuttle lost, no survivors - click image to get to NASA website. The crew from the left, Mission Specialist David Brown, Commander Rick Husband, Mission Specialists Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla and Michael Anderson, Pilot William McCool and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon. Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad! May God have mercy on all!