Control valve and actuator system launched in Europe - Emerson Process Management - Fisher announced the Fisher GX control valve and actuator system at the recent press conference we reported on earlier this month. Designed in accordance with European standards, the new design GX is a compact and rugged globe-style valve system that can control a wide range of process liquids, gasses and vapours. The operations and maintenance savings delivered by use of the GX valve system with the new integrally mounted Fisher FieldVUE DVC2000 digital valve controller reduces total cost of ownership. The combination provides a final control solution that is easy to apply, and simplifies operation and maintenance.
Compact power connector with 'finger safe' inserts - The new Han Q 4/2 from Harting is a compact power connector designed to provide the benefits of space saving, robustness and easy installation in applications such as power distribution units, uninterruptible power supplies and motor drives.
High-Performance compact vision system is optimised for Inspection - National Instruments has announced the NI CVS-1455 Compact Vision System, which delivers almost twice the processing power and four times the storage of the NI CVS-1454 Compact Vision System which was released in July. The optimised performance of the new system lets engineers dramatically increase the throughput of visual inspection applications.
New data acquisition software suite now available - Windmill Software have announced an improved version of their data acquisition software suite. Windmill 6 collects data from a vast range of sensors and equipment, including thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, GPS receivers, laboratory instruments, USB and modbus devices. It comprises series of programs, all performing a specific task such as data logging.
New 50kN test machine packs a powerful punch - Another powerful universal testing machine aimed at mid-range force testing applications has just been launched by Lloyd Instruments. The LR50KPlus 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.
Load cell - The DBCL series load cell from Applied Measurements Ltd is ideal for measuring both tensile and compressive forces. The standard metric threads at each end of the load cell are designed to accept standard spherical seating rod-end Bearing. There is great flexibility in the design, allowing special sizes, to meet specific application requirements, or different end thread sizes/combinations.
Editorial musical chairs in British technical publishing - Andy Pye is vacating the editor's chair at Industrial Technology, a magazine that he joined in 1994, from Engineering and Design Engineering. The title will in future be edited by Mark Simms, who had been working on the title with him for a number of years. Andy will in future be concentrating on his own business interests, specifically renewing his partnership with Chris Rand on the Pro-Talk series of electronic newsletters and web sites, a business which has expanded rapidly. As Managing Editor on Engineeringtalk, Andy will not be lost to the engineering market sector, thogh he will also be developing a number of new Pro-Talk markets, including Printingtalk, CIMtalk and Materialstalk. Andy will continue to publish Industrial Networking & Open Control in conjunction with Geoff Lock and additional publications.
Hopes of FDA approval promote recruitment in Irish facility - Boston Scientific expects to continue its current recruitment drive with at least another 100 jobs - and possibly more - to be created at its Galway plant in the near future, thanks to the company's success in persuading a US advisory panel to recommend FDA approval for its new arterial medical device, Taxus. Full FDA clearance for the product is now anticipated early next year. Boston Scientific, which has seen its stock rise by more than 60% this year, already employs 2,600 in Galway. A spokesman explained that its current strategy is to ensure production capacity for Taxus at both its Irish and US facilities, and predicted that the new drug-coated stent product "could double the size of the company's turnover in two years".

Launch of line of industrial tablets and touch panel computers - Wonderware, (part of Invensys) has announced the release of its new product line of Wonderware Industrial Tablets and Touch Panel Computers. The new line of integrated hardware, software and services from Wonderware combines world-class hardware, powerful InTouch 8.0 human-machine interface (HMI) software, extensive plant communications capabilities and award-winning support services. These new offerings enable a consistent plant intelligence software solution across a broad spectrum of industrial applications.
Batch control at world's biggest insulin plant - When NNE built the world's largest Insulin Bulk Plant for Novo Nordisk, they didn't have time for problems. So they chose proven technologies and services: ABB's SattLine automation system, training and engineering services, and clean-in-place expertise. One of the most advanced batch and recipe control concepts on the market, SattLine offers automatic validation, Windows-based operator systems, and graphical object-oriented configuration which is flexible, stable, and regulatory compliant.
Drivers available - National Instruments IVI drivers are now available for the QL Series of high-performance laboratory bench power supplies from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments).
New release of flagship SCADA software - BJS Industrial Computing announced the availability of the latest version of iPower SCADA software for electricity distribution, transmission and generation applications. Released in 2001, iPower SCADA software embodies BJS's long experience in SCADA system integration experience for electricity industry SCADA, plus quality software engineering using the best tools available.
Fieldbus website installation - The customer had previously done his wiring using a terminal block solution. However, this application shows how the installation went with the use of Quick-Disconnect technology. These Fieldbus segments were installed in less than half the time it took using the terminal block solution. Plus it cost less to do in terms of component costs as enclosures, din rail, and other hardware was not needed.

Ultra-fast thermistor probe responds in 30ms - New ultra-fast response thermistor probes, featuring response times of less than 30ms typical in liquids, have been introduced by Betatherm specifically for medical applications, monitoring of exceptionally small volumes, and other situations where a fast time response is critical.
New trade channel - B&B Electronics have now set up a new trade channel for system integrators, distributors, value added resellers and OEMs. Joining this means increased discounts, marketing support and advance nformation on new products.
Pipetting instrument helped by software - Software developers Aitken Scientific were chosen by liquid handling company Allegro Technologies to help develope the spot station software for the highly-acclaimed nano dispensing liquid pipetting instrument the Equator.
Boating bullseye reinvented after 50 years without change - Hothouse Product Development Partners has enabled Spinlock to reinvent a yachting essential, the bullseye rope-control guide, which, until now, had remained unchanged for 50 years. The sleek, new Spinlock Bullseye can be attached with one easy fixing, enabling boat-builders and DIY sailors to fix the device in half the time compared to traditional types.
New tool accelerates process for FF device registration - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the release of its new Interoperability Testing Kit (ITK) Automation Tool. Developed for Foundation fieldbus (FF) device manufacturers, the new automation tool accelerates the process involved in preparing fieldbus products for registration.
More news on our Fieldbus News page
USB-ready motion controllers simplify machine building and enhance ruggedness - At SPS/IPC/Drives, Baldor showed its new family of USB-compatible motion controllers compatible with the Mint language. The high-speed USB interface provides the serial communications performance that allows the motion subsystem to be mounted in the optimal location inside a machine, instead of a PC expansion slot. This approach simplifies system building and enhances ruggedness. With three multi-axis choices providing a range of servo and stepper motor control in packaged or PCB forms, the new family allows OEMs to select optimal solutions for a variety of application requirements.

Serendipity reigns as champions return - In what can only be described as a PR person's dream, today's Emerson Process Management Press Conference to mark the launch of their Asset Optimisation division and their Asset Portal in Europe took place in Twickenham, the home of English Rugby on the day that the triumphant English Team returned home bearing the holy grail of World Rugby, the Webb Ellis Trophy. Quiet confidence oozed from HHC Lewis, Emerson's press people as they welcomed around twenty members of the technical press to the hallowed ground. And the presentation had a certain upbeat quality as Emerson MD in Europe Steve Brown led his team into the President's sanctum, though it must be noted that only the English speakers wore the English Jerseys and that Wales and Scotland more than held their own in this particular match. Ireland in the person of this humble scribe, cheered from the touchline!
Picture shows "The winning team" as they perform the Haka! Left: Steve Brown, Captain, Bob Moncur (Scotland) and Travis Hesketh (Wales), (both observers?) and the front row, Peter Ball, Mark Dutton and John Hartley.

Pharmaceutical industry needs improvements in manufacturing plant systems - Capital spending in the pharmaceutical industry is driven primarily by new drug development, along with pressure to maintain financial performance, shorten time-to­market, and improve quality. Drug makers are also investing in the technologies and infrastructures necessary to achieve and demonstrate compliance with current and future regulatory requirements. The long-term prospect for the pharmaceutical industry looks good. "Today, the future of the pharmaceutical industry is probably matched by no other industry in the world. The 21st century may well be characterized as the century of pharmaceuticals and biomedicines," according to Asish Ghosh author of ARC's Pharmaceutical Industry Plant-level Expenditures Worldwide Outlook.

Motion control solutions for slide systems - Motion control specialist SmartDrive has signed an agreement with Hepco Slide Systems under which the two companies will co-operate on producing integrated slide solutions based on Hepco's slides and SmartDrive's motion control product range. The new agreement is expected to open up new application sectors for both company's products.
Striking the right note! - Wonderware and ArchestrA have launched the ArchestrA Community Web Site, designed to serve as an applications aid and communication tool for people wishing to leverage ArchestrA technology
Latest fieldbus technology developments to be discussed in New Orleans - The Fieldbus Foundation has just announced that its 2004 General Assembly will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 18-19, 2004.
Low cost multifunction power monitor - Sensing and Instrumentation specialist Vydas International Marketing have announced a low cost addition to their range of multi-function power monitors. The NEMO 96 3DSH provides a very cost effective solution which will satisfy most customer energy metering requirements.
New High-Density PXI Switch Modules for ATE System Engineers - National Instruments extends its switch offering with the release of five new high-density PXI and SCXI flexible switch modules that increase relay density by 433 percent. The NI PXI-2530, SCXI-1130, PXI-2529, PXI-2567and SCXI-1167 switches address a wide range of applications to meet the design needs of automated test equipment (ATE) engineers.

New accessory kits offer cost savings of up to 30% - Fluke has introduced a range of new kits of accessories for its professional handheld meters, offering savings of up to 30% compared to buying the accessories separately. Kits include test probes, digital multimeter (DMM) refurbishments, and compact light sources to ensure safe probing in dark and recessed places. The new Fluke TLK-220 EUR SureGrip Accessory Kit includes a standard and a large jaw alligator clip set, a slim reach test probe set and a silicone test lead set, all in a compartmented, zipped soft case with space to hold a meter such as their 170 or 180 Series DMM.

Paperless recorder= The VR18 from Auden, is a panel mounted 6" LCD colour chart recorder with alarms, maths functions and MODBUS based serial communications. Up to 6 I/O cards can be fitted in the rear of the unit consisting of isolated analogue input, digital input and relay output. Virtually any sensor can be connected to the analogue inputs including thermocouples, PRT, mV, V, 4-20mA etc. It stores data to a 16M Compact Flash memory card (supplied with the VR18) at pre-set rates - 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 or 120 seconds. Other sizes of CF memory card can be fitted up to 128M. The VR18 can also display channel data in real time in various formats on up to 6 different pages. This can be scrolling charts, bar charts, numeric display, or a combination of all in "Mixed mode". Recorded data can also be recalled and displayed in "History" mode.
First complete solution for Gigabit Ethernet compliance tests - Tektronix, the world's leading manufacturer of oscilloscopes, has just announced a comprehensive new oscilloscope-based application package that answers unmet compliance test needs in the growing Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T or GbE) datacomm market segment.

New thermometer takes the heat to 1300 degrees C - SKF has introduced the TMDT 1300 portable, dual channel, digital thermometer, which provides high accuracy temperature measurement from -50 to 1300 degrees C (-58 to 1999 degrees F). Accurate to within 1% at 1300 degrees C, and with a large, easy-to-read display, it is an ideal instrument for use in many industrial maintenance and condition monitoring applications.
Award for Scottish company - Pantek has awarded membership of its prestigious Certified System Integrator (CSI) Programme, to West Lothian based ELiTE Control Systems Limited. The award was accepted by Sam Mackay, EliTE's  managing director.
Pantek established the programme to foster mutually beneficial and productive solutions, by working together with its partners and through harnessing complimentary technological strengths and specialist expertise.
Unique collaboration enhances capabilities of Electronic Device Description Language - In an unprecedented collaborative effort, three leading organizations dedicated to control network technology, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF), HART Communication Foundation (HCF) and <ProfiBua Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO), have completed the initial phase of development for key extensions to Electronic Device Descriptions (EDD) defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61804-2 standard. IEC 61804-2 is the only international standard for device descriptions.
More on our Fieldbus News page
Just how safe are our systems? - Appearing before a congressional subcommittee in Washington D.C. last month, B.C. Institute of Technology cyber security research leader Eric Byres warned that hacker attacks on North America's industrial infrastructure could soon become as commonplace as the practice of hacking Web pages. Here is a report.
See also our Cyber Safe Page

New miniature modular incremental encoder, allows for smaller closed loop servo motor applications - A new miniature 22mm, ROSE (reflective optical sensing) modular encoder, has been introduced by Pittman and is now included in the PittmanExpress fast delivery service. The new E22B ROSE encoder has been developed for use with 22mm Pittman Lo-Cog, 6000 series brushed DC motors available in 6, 12 and 24V versions and supplied either as separate units or fitted with the G22B planetary gearbox.
Pittman is a division of Penn Engineering.
All digital intelligent servo drive gains IEC61131-3 programming ability - Parker Hannifin EME has launched a raft of new modular hardware and software options for its latest-generation Compax3 intelligent servo drive, extending its functionality significantly. The new options include IEC61131-3 graphical and textual programming facilities, advanced electronic cam functions, and a powerful PLC controller card which facilitates cost-effective configuration of multi-axis motion control systems.

Threaded probe for cable-harness and automotive testing - The new P14/G from Peak Test Services is a threaded probe designed for use in testing cable harnesses and automotive electrical systems. Its exceptionally small mounting diameter allows it to be used in applications where probes needed to be spaced at 2.2 mm centres. It is also suited to applications involving 2.5 mm centres where greater clearance between adjacent probes is required to allow for wider tolerance in test-fixture construction or to prevent electrical arcing.
Strategic cooperation - Artesyn Technologies and Volterra Semiconductor Corporation have entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement for non-isolated point-of-load (POL) DC/DC converters. The agreement leverages the strengths of both companies to provide the highest performance, turnkey POL converter solutions for DPA (Distributed Power Architecture) designs targeted at Teledatacom applications.
Paper deadline approaches - The paper deadline for ISA Automation West 2004 is 12 December 2003. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this important conference.
Sparks fly for vehicle steering pump tests - Ideal for the automotive manufacturing industry, Lloyd Instruments has now developed a dedicated sample grip to test the strength of electrical terminals on power steering pump motors. The Terminal Weld Pull Off Fixture, one of two accessories designed specially for a leading vehicle component manufacturer, fits easily onto any Lloyd Instruments test machine in what is believed to be the first testing application of its kind.
Increased contact density for hard metric 2 mm connectors - Harting has expanded its wide range of hard metric 2 mm connectors in accordance with the IEC 61076-4-101 standard with the introduction of a 6-row version of the har-bus HM Series.
Quality confirmed as ratings increase - Oriental Motor, Japan's largest manufacturer of Stepper and AC motors, has increased the IP rating on a selection of its products, reaffirming its position as a supplier of quality technical hardware. This enhancement follows the recent announcement of a two-year guarantee on all products in Oriental Motor's range. Both announcements can only mean more good news for engineers and designers.

Additional print run required - The Jim Pinto book - "Automation Unplugged" is a runaway success and within one month has gon foir a second print run. We still have a few copies at the world-beating price of €26.00. Click on book cover to find out more!

Portal for process industry - The Process Industry Knowledge Portal has been specifically designed to contain best practice information for the process manufacturing sector, bringing the most significant and up-to-date information on the issues that will impact greatest on processes. It is to provide the insights needed to meet the challenges. It is a developement of BASF IT.

Process Industry Switches - Delta Controls has launched a new range of rugged, compact pressure switches in stainless steel. The Volume Range is suitable for use in general purpose applications, aggressive atmospheres and hazardous environments across the process industry, including rotating machinery, valve actuators, safety shutdown and fire protection systems in the oil and gas and power generation sectors.
A guide to Ex certification - Aimed at manufacturers of products designed for use in industries that may contain potentially explosive atmospheres, Sira Test & Certification has published a guide explaining the certification process for the release of products to market.
Seminar on Irish Pharmaceutical Industry exceeds expectations - The Manufacturing Excellence conference, sponsored by Emerson Process Management and entitled "Automation in the Irish pharmaceutical industry", was a great success according to the organisers. The conference in Cork in October was attended by 120 people over the two days.

13/11/03

A new on-line resource is set to simplify the purchasing of a wide range of process instrumentation and sensors - Officially launched by Status Instruments recently, the InstrumentsXP website offers customers the ability to buy a wide range of equipment including signal conditioning units, temperature transmitters, pressure transmitters, level control equipment and data loggers, directly from their computer.
Slim inverters save space and reduce cabinet sizes - Honeywell's versatile new NXL Series of compact inverters for motor drive control improves energy efficiency and extends equipment life. It includes ultra-slim models ‹ down to 60mm wide ‹ so the space occupied can be as small as possible for each power range. They enable cabinets to be smaller than is possible with other inverters. This multi-control application package is easy to use and provides reliable and efficient speed control in a wide variety of applications, such as pumps, fans, compressors, conveyors, winders, mixers, cranes, hoists, elevators and crushers. A modular construction allows fast installation and easy service and maintenance in the field.
Acquisition in France - Specialist flow control solution provider, FCX International has announced the acquisition of SARMEF, a €3 million flow control distribution business located in Nantes in Western France.
High technology control valves for Saudi Aramco - Saudi Aramco is the latest end user to take delivery of high technology Severn Glocon MLT control valves to fulfil especially demanding applications. Severn Glocon is supplying two 16inch by 24inch Class 300 control valves for hydrocarbon sour gas to flare duties at the Uthmaniyah installation in the country's eastern province.

Optical calibration investment saves time and money - Livingston's investment in new test equipment to expand its existing optical calibration capabilities has helped to drastically cut down calibration turnaround times and reduce the calibration costs to customers. The company has invested almost €150000 over the past six months and also experienced a 20% increase in volume achieved during this period.
New suction pads designed especially for plastic parts - The new suction pads from Schmalz are made from the special material HT1 are particularly suitable for removing hot plastic parts from injection-moulding machines. Available In various sizes and shapes, these suction pads have properties which make them particularly suitable for use in injection-moulding applications!
New logic analyser capabilities Shorten test time - Tektronix, leading provider of test equipment for digital designers, today announced new signal analysis capabilities for its TLA700 Series logic analysers, signalling the completion of the iLink Tool Set, an integrated suite of logic analyser, oscilloscope and accessories for maximum design, debug and troubleshooting efficiency.

IAN Magazine award for HSE - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that its High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Packet Analyzer Toolkit PRO (AT-442) has received an "Automation Excellence Award" from Instrumentation & Automation News (IAN) Magazine. The award recognizes the innovative features of the new professional version toolkit, and is another indication of the growing global market demand for HSE.
More on this product on our Fieldbus News Page
Accreditation - Hart Scientific, a Fluke company, has just gained UKAS accreditation for its new European primary standards temperature laboratory in Britain. With its exceptional uncertainty schedule and unique combination of both temperature and electrical expertise, the lab is now Europe's premier commercial temperature laboratory. The facility, which first opened to customers in June 2003, now offers a comprehensive range of UKAS-accredited and traceable calibrations as well as metrology services to organisations with high-end temperature measurement instruments that require calibration and verification to ITS-90 standards, the international temperature scale established in 1990.
New reliable and cost-effective position sensor offers short stroke lengths for process applications - Penny + Giles, the leading designer and manufacturer of position sensors, has launched the new SLS220 range of linear position sensors. Available with a 10mm or 20mm stroke length, the spring loaded, low weight sensor has been designed to meet global OEM demands for cost-effective and reliable high performance.

Recorders boost process productivity for Pirelli Tyres - Paperless recorders supplied by Yokogawa are playing a key role in improving process productivity at the Pirelli Tyres production plant on the outskirts of Carlisle on the English/Scottish border. The recorders, fitted to mould presses which turn uncured 'green' tyres into the finished product, not only provide accurate and continually updated information on key process parameters such as temperature and pressure: they also provide, via their networking capabilities, comprehensive information to engineers and managers throughout the organisation.

Manx company acquired - Swagelok Company today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Kenmac Limited, a privately held manufacturer of high-quality instrumentation valves and manifolds, pressure regulators, process interface valves, and piping products. Kenmac is located on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and employs about 130 skilled associates. The acquisition broadens their portfolio of high-quality products for the oil and gas, chemical, and other process industries and leverages the company's unique global distributor network.
Conference Report - The first ME Conference in Ireland was held last month. Over 130 persons attended this event which concentrated on the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Website showcases groundbreaking technology - Failsafe Metering International - "the company behind the biggest breakthrough in adhesives dispensing in years" - has launched a new website to showcase its innovative dispensing technology. The newly designed site immediately draws the visitor's attention to an animated demonstration of Failsafe's novel Puls-Meter technology - a dispensing technology that delivers accuracy levels far in excess of what was previously available to industry.
Keeping track of journalistic changes - The almost incestuous industry of technical publishing in Britain is a never ending source of stories. Here's some more. Paul Gay, one of our most respected and well-liked Editors (remember C&I?), has picked up the reins at HazardEx, the title focusing on hazardous areas published by IML Group. Paul, who also edits Approval magazine as well as writing for The Engineer, fills a gap left by Mike Nash's move from IML to Findlay lastmonth. Also as a result of Mike's departure, Andy Clutton has again taken editorial control at IML's Plant & Control Engineering. Andy, who remains Editor of Food Processing, is assisted on PC&E by Chris Fitzsimmons.
New board of directors elected - A new board, taking office immediately, will work together to develop a new strategic plan for MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association International).
Kevin Roach, Vice President of GE Fanuc's solutions business has been elected chairman, Karsten Newbury of Siemens has been elected vice chairman, and the newly elected treasurer is Vivek Bapat of Rockwell Automation. There are also four board-members-at-large: Carter Johnson of Visiprise, Inc., John Moore of KLA-Tencor, Bruce Spurgeon of Peoplesoft, Inc., and Rose Tyksinski of IBM. The immediate past-chairman is Robert Rudder of Camstar Systems, Inc. and the MESA International Executive Director continues to be DeAnn Fedyski of Katherine Christensen and Associates, Inc.
Another first for mobile operators striving to maximise GSM revenues - Tektronix, a leading provider of test, measurement, and monitoring solutions for mobile network operators, has announced its first-to-market network monitoring solution to enable maintenance prioritisation per base station.

Slim but tough touch monitor for kiosks - A new, slimline chassis touch monitor offering the resilient design and high sensitivity required for this demanding application, allied to the high quality associated with 3M products, has been introduced by Secure Retail.
New bus engineering guide issued - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced the release of its new Foundation fieldbus System Engineering Guide, a comprehensive document describing the design, specification, installation, configuration, commissioning and maintenance of Foundation fieldbus-based control systems.
More on our Fieldbus News Page

Figures buck trend at exhibition - According to preliminary counts, more than 14,500 people attended ISA EXPO 2003, representing about 70 countries and hailing from a diverse range of industries, including petro-chemicals, power generation, research & development, water and waste management, software manufacturing, and industrial networking. Journalists from all the major trade publications in automation and controls (including the Signpost), covered the week's activities, and a crew from News24, a local cable news TV station, aired some of the hottest technology displayed at ISA EXPO during the week.

Introduction of innovative series of installation testers is first fruit of acquisition - Representing the first dual-branded products since the acquisition of Robin, Fluke has introduced an innovative series of multifunction electrical installation testers that represent a major leap forward in installation testing to increase the productivity of electricians and test engineers. Designed to verify conformity with the 16th Edition IEE Wiring Regulations for fixed electrical installations, the new testers provide fast and easy use in domestic, commercial and industrial premises.

New Managing Director for nuclear and marine division appointed - FCX International, the specialist flow control solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Bob Bowser as the new Managing Director for its Nuclear and Marine Valve division. Mr Bowser assumes control of the division - made up of FCX Newman Hattersley in Toronto (CDN), FCX Thompson Valves in Poole (GB) and FCX Truflo Marine, based in Birmingham (GB) - with immediate effect.
Cost savings and better product quality result from improved plant performance - Dow Chemical has used Fisher FieldVue digital valve controllers from Emerson Process Management to provide accurate valve control with minimal hysteresis in a polystyrene application, enabling improved process stability and control. By adding a FIELDVUE DVC6000 unit to an existing Fisher control valve, and using the built-in custom valve characteristic, Dow achieved control stability at low flow rates, improving plant versatility."Using the Emerson solution we probably saved Pstg5,000 in direct costs this year, but there were further indirect savings in maintenance, from the smoother plant running. More significant has been the value of improved product quality, with no plant downtime or trips affecting production", stated Lucy James, process engineer at the Dow plant in Barry, South Wales.
FieldBus High-Speed Ethernet linking devices and plug and play PCI board introduced - Industrial process engineers can now extend plant-wide control applications to include Ethernet capabilities with the new National Instruments FBUS-HSE/H1 Fieldbus high-speed Ethernet (HSE) linking device. Using the linking device, engineers can fully integrate sensor, process, discrete, hybrid and batch control subsystems with higher level supervisory applications. Their new NI PCI-FBUS/2 plug and play PCI board, which engineers can use to connect FOUNDATION Fieldbus devices more easily to new desktop PCs has also been introduced.
More details on our Fieldbus News Page
ARC Conducts OPC Foundation Awareness and Usage Study - The OPC Foundation announced at ISA Expo 2003 that it has commissioned ARC to produce an OPC market awareness and OPC usage study.
More on ISA Expo2003
Italian engineering contractor signs contract for control system in polyethylene and propylene plants in Poland - Honeywell Process Solutions announced today it has signed a €2.6 million contract with Italian engineering contractor Tecnimont for a comprehensive automation solution including Experion PKS¨ and Honeywell's Fail Safe Controller (FSC). The integrated automation solution will be implemented at Basell/Orlen's polyethylene and polypropylene plants in Plock, Poland.
D-Sub module for industrial connector system - Harting has introduced a 9-pin D-Sub connector module to its Han-Modular family of industrial connectors. Integrating a D-Sub connector with the industrial Han-Modular(r) system is particularly useful in situations where sensitive bus signals are present. The D-Sub shielding is connected independently of the industrial connector housing, ensuring a high degree of screening.
Best seller no 1 at Houston - Chip Lee, ISA Director of Publication, has stated that Jim Pinto's book "Automation Unplugged" was the No. 1 best-seller at the ISA Expo 2003 in Houston. And the books are shipping now!
Best deal is from this site at €26.00 delivered anywhere in Europe. Click on the book cover!