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Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
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Instrumentation and Control News
Date of last update as at the top of the list. Press releases from your company may be sent to any of the addresses shown on our Contacts Page.
See Archive Page for earlier news.
From Search Engines to B-Blogs: What's Working in e-Marketing Shari Worthington of Telesian was asked to present what has become an annual update on what's working ... and what's not ... in e-marketing at this years ISA show in Houston. This year the focus was on web sites, search engines, and b-blogs (business weblogs). Take a look at the highlights.
More from ISA Expo 2003
It's a vision thing! - Building on the success 0f the Optidew Transmitter, Michell Instruments has developed Optidew Vision, a precision dewpointmeter with an LCD display panel. The new meter has been designed for the user who needs the high accuracy, repeatability and stability of a cooled mirror instrument coupled with value for money. lts bench-top format with carry handie and optional panel-mounting kit, combined with the convenient sensor probe design with cable Iength up to 30 metres, means that Optidew Vision can be used for a wide variety of applications. Calibration of RH sensors or environmental test chambers and precise humidity measurement in process environments such as engine emissions testing are among the most important applications.
New rugged LCD monitors with multiple video and PC inputs - A new range of rugged LCD monitors from Trident Displays offers exceptionally flexible input and display options.Ê The monitors are ideal for survey, broadcast, medical, security and other applications where multiple images need to be viewed simultaneously on the same screen.Ê They are also fully-compatible with Ergotron mounting solutions, recently added by Trident.
Process control consultant in a box - They said it couldn't be done! Engineers around the world are now able to overcome many of the difficult problems that beset process plants in industries as diverse as refining and pulp mills. A new expert system, the Control Consultant, launched by ExperTune as an integral part of its flagship product, PlantTriage. The new system was developed in conjunction with the world-renowned process control expert, Greg Shinskey, who is the author of numerous books and has lectured extensively over the past 50 years on literally thousands of control applications.
Liquid Level measurement - Solartron Mobrey is launching its popular range of industry-leading ERAB liquid level measurement systems for boiler control across Europe. The range, which will be available in all European countries from 1st November, offers high-reliability and long-term measurement stability for new and existing boiler systems, i.e., is ideal for upgrading current installations for automatic or semi-automatic operation to reduce manning requirements. Primarily designed for use on steam boilers, the ERAB system is installed in a wide variety of liquid level applications in open and pressurised or unpressurised closed vessels, such as condensate tanks, hot water boilers and feedwater tanks.
Learn Ethernet facts at virtual university - Most individuals encounter
some difficulty when they're installing Ethernet-based systems. To deliver accurate information on this technology, Contemporary Controls has launched the virtual Industrial Ethernet University (IEU).
More information on our Fieldbus News page
New soft-starters for HVAC Control - Carlo Gavazzi is introducing a new family of compact high performance soft starters to prevent voltage dips, surges and burn-outs in HVAC and other environment control applications. The RSHR family from Carlo Gavazzi offers drive power from 7.5 to 22kW, yet has the same dimensions as previous 11kW soft starters, providing a space saving solution to heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration soft start/stop applications. Each unit includes six LED status indicators and alarms for motor over-temperature, device over-temperature, ramping and end of ramping stages as well as phase-loss and wrong phase sequence.
Molloy Award - The Ray Molloy Award is for the best selling ISA book in 2002 is awarded to Terry Blevins, Greg McMillan, Willy Wojsznis, and Mike Brown, for their book, "Advanced Control Unleashed: Plant Performance Management for Optimum Benefit".
More on our ISA Review 28/10/03
Bluetooth 'BQTF' status awarded - 7 layers UK has been awarded Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility (BQTF) status by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) for RF, Protocol and Profile scopes. A number of Bluetooth test cases have been moved to Category A so must be carried out by a designated BQTF. Commenting on the state of the market Laurence Richardson, Managing Director of 7 layers said: "The fact that test cases can be moved to category A, shows that the Bluetooth specification and dedicated test
equipment have achieved maturity. This coupled with the cost of Bluetooth silicon plummeting means that many companies are finding they have the confidence to design Bluetooth products because they can build them at a price the market will welcome and they can avoid surprises in the development. We have seen a big increase in Bluetooth business this year with Bluetooth testing and our BQB Bluetooth administration work, and we have also been very busy with GSM/GPRS testing. We expect to see many more handsets combining both technologies in the next 12 months."
7 layers UK is a joint venture between TTPCom, the world-leading independent supplier of software and silicon IP for digital wireless terminals, and 7 layers AG who operate and support communications test laboratories in many locations around the world.
ATEX approved RH transmitters - Instrumentation specialist Lee-Dickens, has released its first ever range of ATEX approved intrinsically safe relative humidity transmitters, believed to be the only products of their type on the market. The HP140IS and HP150IS are duct and wall mounting relative humidity transmitters aimed at potentially hazardous or explosive applications in industries such as gas, petrochemical, or bulk solids. Both products are approved to EEx iia IIC T4 Tamb = 70°C for use in Zone 0 conditions. Certificate number Baseefa03ATEX0101X.
Belgian steel checked - At the production site of Sidmar in Ghent (B), Cognex vision systems inspect the correct picking up of pig iron and steel pans. The vision system is known as one of the most clever automatic inspection systems in Benelux and is based on a Cognex vision system that checks the positions of the hook and the pan before it can be safely hoisted.
Converters/routers aid simple network extension - Westermo, the Swedish Industrial Data Communications company, has announced a major update to its range of Industrial Ethernet Converters. The ED-12 TCP dual serial to Ethernet Converter is a completely new product. Significant enhancements have also been made the ED-20 industrial router and ED-10 UDP serial converter.
Hot off the press - The current issue of Read-out, Ireland's journal of Instrumentation and Control contains a report on the recently held Read-out Forum from the pen of IAI's Andrew Bond. Other features in this issue are an article on reference electrodes used in pH measurement by Tim Russell of Refex and a study of a control application in a bakery entitled "More bread for your dough!" It also contains the usual items on people, products and events, launches of new companies and details of training opportunities over the next few months. Included with this issue is an order form for Jim Pinto's new book, Automation Unplugged, which Read-out is marketing in Europe.
Read-out is distributed free of charge to almost two and a half thousand subscribers within Ireland. There is a small charge for copies distributed outside Ireland.
Spanish refinery to increase control and monitoring capabilities - Honeywell Process Solutions has announced a contract with Repsol YPF to upgrade its refinery at A Coruna, Spain. The contract includes Honeywell's TotalPlant Solution (TPS) system with Icon operator consoles, High-Performance Process Managers, a Fail-Safe Control (FSC) system, as well as engineering, on-site services and project management. This automation solution will enable the Repsol YPF refinery to more accurately monitor and control performance to meet European Union clean fuels standards that will be introduced in 2005. System delivery is scheduled for the first quarter of 2004.
Japanese agreement on fluid instrumentation manifolds - Parker Instrumentation has signed a representation agreement for its fluid instrumentation manifolds, valves and tube fitting product lines with Benfield Electric Japan (BEJ). Headquartered in Tokyo, BEJ has strong links with Japanese Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) houses, and will help Parker to provide local design-in advice and technical support for oil and gas related instrumentation projects.
Electrochemical e-Letter - Radiometer Analytical develops, manufacturers and distributers of an extensive range of electrochemical systems dedicated for routine testing, research and teaching in the laboratory and on the plant issue an interesting e-Newsletter. It provides information about new products and services and helps you keep up to date with the latest in electrochemical techniques. The current issue offers an attractive poster containing theoretical and practical information about pH measurement free of charge. Click here!
Becoming a habit! - For the second year running, the Web Marketing Association has recognised National Instruments ni.com Web site with a "Standard of Excellence" award. This award is based on superior scores from more than 250 expert judges in categories such as design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, navigation and ease of use.
More support - Invensys and Stratus Technologies have announced that the Invensys line of ArchestrA supervisory and plant intelligence software platforms with Wonderware software is now supported on Stratusft Server fault-tolerant systems.
New distributor in Britain - Pittman Europe confirm its appointment of Cetronic, the Romsey based motion control supplier as a PittmanExpress distributor; to market and support their full range of brushed and brushless motors, gearboxes and encoders in the UK.
Agreement to lead to more secure systems - In the second announcement involving Invensys in as many days, Verano and Invensys have announced an agreement to jointly market Verano's Industrial Defender Watch. Invensys will resell, implement and support Industrial Defender Watch to its Foxboro I/A Series system users. "his represents a major step in securing mission-critical industrial operations and control systems. Commercially available off-the-shelf enterprise security solutions only serve as a first line of defense against cyber-security threats and often leave plant personnel unaware of compromises that can jeopardize the availability and reliability of their systems and assets." according to a spokesman.
Show goes home! - The Drives and Controls exhibition is moving back to its traditional home of Telford next year. The show will be held from Tuesday 12th, to Thursday 14th, October 2004, at Telford's smart new International Centre. Telford is the spiritual birthplace of engineering and the natural home for the Drives and Controls Exhibition. Six highly successful Drives events have previously been held at the venue, which has recently been transformed by a £9 million investment, to make it the most modern conference and exhibition venue in the Britain.
New allience announced at ISAExpo -
Invensys plc and Microsoft Corp. have formed an alliance to accelerate the development of solutions and services that improve the real-time exchange of data in a production environment.
Font size=1>Our ISAExpo report
'Slingshot' roulette wheels use SmartDrive's DSP-based stepper technology - Europe's leading manufacturer of roulette wheels for casinos is using DSP-based stepper drive technology from Cambridgeshire-based SmartDrive as the basis of a new 'slingshot' technique for automating the operation of the wheel. SmartDrive has worked closely with Cammegh Ltd. of Kent, England, on all aspects of the project, from initial design through to manufacture. The result is a total mechatronic solution embracing areas as diverse as motor and gearbox selection, the wiring of sensors and software programming in addition to supplying the Taranis DSP combined controller/drive.
Website details expanding portfolio - Oriental Motor, Japan's largest manufacturer of Stepper and AC motors, has
consolidated and strengthened its British Internet presence. Its new website offers engineers, designers and those who specify components even more choice and information - all using an intuitive, easy-to-use navigation system.
Materials Testing Gets a Plus of 30K Power Lloyd Instruments has announced the launch of a powerful new universal testing machine aimed at mid range force testing applications. The LR30KPlus materials testing system is the latest addition to the acclaimed Plus range that offers all the benefits of simple operation, result accuracy and flexible control with the company's advanced NEXYGEN MT control software.
Continuous condition monitoring at low cost - SKF Reliability Systems has developed a new velocity transmitter, which provides continuous condition monitoring at low cost. The Machine Condition Transmitter (MCT) provides vital information on bearing performance, helping engineers maximise machine up time by planning maintenance more effectively.
Pressure transducer specialist gains top US government accolade - Ellison Sensors, the pressure transducer division of ESi Technology Ltd, has been awarded one of the most coveted business titles in the world by the United States Government. And the company is the only UK-based organisation to be honoured with the United States Government's prestigious Gold Medal from the Automated Best Value System award ceremony held recently by the US Defence Department Supply Centre at Richmond, Virginia.
Growing popularity Of electronic meters in The domestic sector growth prospects For electromechanical meters - The €415.1 million European electricity meters market is in the midst of a dramatic, structural transformation. Electronic meters are poised to expand their share of overall market revenues from current estimates of 57 percent to 76 percent by 2010, further marginalising the established electromechanical meters segment. Applications in the high volume residential sector, the traditional preserve of electromechanical meters, will constitute a key battleground where electronic meters are ultimately expected to prevail. A new study analysing the European electricity meters market, commissioned by Eutilia and conducted by Frost & Sullivan, notes that competition is raging the most at the residential/household level. This is compounded by the mounting pressure for manufacturers to supply ever more intelligent and networked meters at continuously decreasing prices.
Modbus Organization and IDA Join Forces - After a year of successful cooperation,
the Modbus Organization and IDA Group have decided to join forces in
recognition of the alignment of their goals and vision of the future of
industrial communication and automation. Modbus-IDA is the result of the
agreement between members of both organizations to form a single
organisation.
More on this and other bus strories
Full range of fine-pitch test probes - A number of new devices have been added to the range of fine-pitch test
probes available from Peak Test Services, making it probably the most comprehensive range available in Britain. The range includes both single- and double-ended versions, and is ideally suited to test applications involving BGA (ball grid array), MCM (multi-chip module) and other fine-pitch electronic component packages.
Power supply - New from Gresham Power, comes a class leading power conversion "front end" for telecoms and cellular infrastructure applications. Strongbox is the first product of this type to offer 1,800 watts of 48VDC power from a single 1U, 19" rack unit with options for full redundancy, hot-swap and battery back-up.
New longer linear displacement sensor adds to well established range - To complement its popular range of SLS320 linear displacement sensors, Penny + Giles has launched a new extended version. With stroke lengths up to 1600mm the new sensors offer cost-effective high performance, ideal for long stroke high volume OEM applications such as large hydraulic actuators. Developed in response to market demand, the new sensors comprise an additional 10 lengths from 1100mm to 1600mm which can be integrated easily into existing systems. Each of the sensors can be supplied in 12 different configurations comprising of shaft length, sealing and cable option and are offered with an optional flange or body clamp mounting kit. All the sensors in the range are available for rapid despatch, typically within three days of ordering.
Telemetry vending made safe and convenient - A major technology breakthrough that allows the remote monitoring of retail vending machines in realtime is now possible using the Alarm Telelog from Jekyll Electronic Technology. What makes this system so effective is the continuous monitoring and automatic warning capabilities that allow vending machines to be left unattended in premises with total confidence. The Alarm Telelog combines stand alone data and status collection, with an integral modem capable of sending SMS text messages of monitoring alarm status to a chosen mobile phone or pager. Although not essential, when a central site is available logged vending data can be sent directly via a telecommunications link. If any condition goes beyond predefined limits, the alarm text is sent automatically without any intervention from the monitoring centre.
Advanced paperless recorder - With the Eco-Graph A Endress + Hauser increase paperless recorder product range.
This Advanced Paperless Recorder offers all the advantages of a compact measurement recording system combined with the benefits of a modern video-graphic recorder. It also distinguishes itself through the daily savings made by not having to purchase and replace paper and pens. They also have a simple interactive menu led operating system. It records measured value sequences, monitors alarm set points and stores the recorded data both internally and on standard diskettes.
New Generation in X-ray Microscopy for X-ray Fluorescence and Transmission
Analysis - Horiba Ltd, through its analytical instruments division Jobin Yvon, have announced the worldwide launch of its new generation of X-Ray microscopes the XGT-5000. This unique combination of surface and transmission X-ray analysis provides a complete elemental characterisation of a sample in one simple step. The innovative design of the XGT-5000 allows for a non-destructive analysis at normal atmospheric pressure. It incorporates a novel coaxial arrangement of the X-ray beam and the optical visual image to enable fast and accurate sample positioning.
Intelligent signalling and control - Combining the ergonomic design of the RMQ-Titan signalling devices with the intelligence and simplicity of the Easy control relay, the new MFD-Titan from Moeller offers a unique solution to many control and display applications. Based on their Easy 800 intelligent control relay, the MFD-Titan offers a 60 x 30mm LCD display mounted in an IP65 housing, designed to match the styling of the RMQ-Titan control and signalling devices. The display, which is backlit, offers good visibility in poor lighting conditions. It may be configured to show four lines, each of 16 characters, for diagnostic messages for example, or a single, four-digit numeric display, ideal for showing temperature or speed.
Power, size and accuracy - Oriental Motor, Japan's largest manufacturer of Stepper and AC motors, has launched a series of actuators that offers high load capabilities in combination with micron accuracies - performance that is made possible through the use of an interesting stepper motor design allied with a ballscrew and large bore bearings.
Read-out Forum in Pictures Pictures of the 2nd Read-out Forum are now on-line. This forum was regarded as highly successful and was attended by 43 people. A limited number of the book of proceedings is available at the price of €50.00. email forum@read-out.net |
First real-time oscilloscope for 4.25 Gb/s serial data analysis, compliance measurements - Tektronix has taken its award-winning Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes (DPOs) to a new performance level, solving the mostm demanding high-speed measurement problems in communications, computing, and other advanced electronic applications. Steadily advancing data speeds and new serial architectures are a hallmark of today's emerging computing and communications technologies. Designers, running compliance tests on fast digital protocols, are challenged with the complexities of these new architectures and adherence to a hierarchy of standards that ensure interoperability between devices. Their new TDS7704B 7 GHz DPO and the CSA7404B communications signal analyser raise performance levels with superior measurement fidelity, unrivalled analysis, and uncompromised usability to speed the validation, debug, characterisation and test of complex, high-speed designs.
New technology brings manual feel & interactivity to motorised products such as tools & kitchen appliances - A novel new technology from Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL) allows power assistance to be applied in highly sensitive ways to everyday consumer and trade equipment from work tools to kitchen appliances. The concept has the potential to stimulate new generations of products with the capability and throughput provided by motor power, but the feel and interactivity of manual control. Simple to apply, it could provide a rich new seam of differentiators for companies looking for imaginative ways to re-package everyday items based on mature technologies.
Automation in first full-scale, environment-friendly, supercritical fluid based chemical synthesis plant - A DeltaV digital automation system from Emerson Process Management is used to control the first full-scale production facility for continuous multipurpose chemical synthesis via supercritical fluids, recently opened at Thomas Swan and Company Ltd in Britain. The Swan-SCF plant has proved to be particularly effective for hydrogenation, with advantages in reaction rates and selectivity, plus it avoids the use of conventional volatile solvents, with their environment and waste problems. The plant uses carbon dioxide as the supercritical fluid: this is a gas compressed to a point where it displays solvent like properties, which can be tuned through adjustments to temperature and pressure. Emerson supplied Rosemount temperature and Rosemount 3051 pressure transmitters to monitor these critical process parameters, which are recorded throughout the production cycle by the DeltaV Historian.
New test grip steers vehicle industry ahead - A special sample grip to test power steering components in motor vehicles has just been developed by materials testing specialists, Lloyd Instruments. The Motor Can Pull Off Fixture is one of two precision-engineered accessories that fit the company's vast universal testing machine range and is ideal for automotive and component supplier industries world-wide.
Bucking the trend - In a climate where more and more British based industries are moving their manufacturing offshore (not a phenomenon confined to that geographic area!), it is truly refreshing to know that some companies are actually increasing their production facilities. Amongst these is Rotalink, an ISO 9001-registered designer and producer of a wide range of miniature AC, iron core DC and stepping motors, spur and planetary gearboxes, linear actuators, encoders, controls and associated mechanical transmission equipment. In the past 6 months alone, Crewkerne based Rotalink have invested more than £0.5m in new machine tools and manufacturing plant to provide its customers with a faster and more flexible service.
USB computer interface for industrial applications - Harting has introduced an USB port that allows portable computer devices such as laptop PCs, printers and webcams to be linked to industrial networks and control systems in harsh environments. The new Han-Brid USB interface is mounted externally to the control cabinet wall and utilises the industry-proven Han(r) 3A housing which ensures sealing to IP65 and offers good mechanical protection for harsh industrial areas. The ability to mount the Han-Brid USB directly to a control cabinet allows the user to connect peripheral devices without the need to open the cabinet door. By using a standard housing cover, an IP65 rating can be maintained when a device is not connected.
Certified System Integrator status - Pantek has awarded membership of its sought after Certified System Integrator (CSI) Programme to British based Silchester Control Systems Limited. In a recent award presentation ceremony, Silchester Control Systems' MES business manager Cevn Vibert accepted the award on behalf of his company from Pantek managing director John Bailey.
Website redesign makes it easier and faster - Aerotech's website is your comprehensive resource for all Aerotech information worldwide, and now they've made your search faster and easier than ever before. Each product section includes downloadable 2D and 3D models, specifications, ordering information, a quick select feature, product description, and more. You can read articles they've published in the leading industry journals, try our FAQ feature, use the Engineering Reference section to find solutions to common installation questions, or browse for updates for your existing Aerotech software ‹ which you can then immediately download for use with your Aerotech system. Give our new website design a try and let them know what you think!
Belt, Braces and Binder Twine - This was the provocative title to a e-letter from Irish supplier MeasurIT Technologies. it goes on to say "If you need to record ambient and storage temperature and humidity levels to ensure FDA regulation 21CFR11 compliance, would'nt it be great to have the security of a back up recording system? The Testo range of dataloggers are perfect for this task and have ATEX EEx ia approval too!....More. We were stimulated to take a look and maybe you will be too.
Free tool or price discount with electrical tester kits - Fluke has introduced a special Category III electrical test tool kits promotion available until the end of 2003 with two of its professional electrical testers. Aimed at electrical installers and maintenance technicians, the kits include a free tester or offer a 15% discount, depending on the products purchased.
New deep-water platform uses high integrity instrumentation fittings and valves - Parker Instrumentation's high-integrity tube fittings and valves are employed exclusively on a new drilling platform currently being commissioned in the Caspian Sea. Constructed by KeppelFELS and the Caspian Shipyard Company, the new semi-submersible has been delivered substantially ahead of project schedule to Maersk Contractors. Their global supply chain has helped to keep the project on track, starting with supplies to KeppelFELS in Singapore where key platform components were constructed, and followed by supplies from Parker's support facilities in Baku for the assembly and finishing operations.
Six-channell precision voltage marginer provides the accuracy required to test advanced PCBs - . Summit Microelectronics has released the six-channel SMM605, joining the SMM105 and SMM205 single- and dual-channel devices in its family of precision margining active voltage controllers. Applications for the device are a wide variety of electronic systems including computing, server, networking, communications and other equipment where highly-reliable operation is required.
Acquisition - Jobin Yvon, a member of the Horiba Group, has acquired IBH, an innovative and successful fluorescence company based in Scotland. IBH state-of-the-art technology in Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) Fluorescence Spectroscopy and pico-second lasers will now be offered by JY.
Ultrasonic flowmeter becomes "Technology of Choice" driving robust market growth - The emerging adoption of ultrasonic flowmeters for custody transfer measurement of refined liquid petroleum products and natural gas will drive robust growth in the market. The worldwide ultrasonic flowmeter market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9 percent over the next five years. The market was nearly $406 million in 2002, and is forecasted to be a little less than $600 million by the end of 2007, according to a new study by ARC Advisory Group.