See Archive Page for earlier news.

31/12/03

New CEO announced - Rockwell Automation. announced that its board of directors has elected Keith Nosbusch as president and chief executive officer, to take effect following the company's annual shareowners meeting next February. Nosbusch, 52, succeeds Don H. Davis as Rockwell Automation chief executive officer. Davis will continue his role as chairman of the board.
See Pinto's Newsletter 30th December for comment on this appointment and Rockwell's future
US Publishing trends - The most recent edition of the National Directory of Magazines, published by Oxbridge Communications, provides a glimpse into the difficulties experienced by publishers since the economy began to decline in 2000. Compared to its 2000 directory, the number of magazine titles in North America has decreased from 19,436 to 17,670. Company-sponsored magazines have declined the most. A decade ago, there were 685 of those publications; this year, only 145 remain.

Ethernet fibre switches provide noise immunity and extra ports - Contemporary Controls' family of configurable switches is now complete with fibre versions that double the number of ports. The growing need for fibre underscores the demand for noise-free signal transmission.

Read-out moves west - After many years based in Dublin Read-out has finally "Gone West", not so much heeding the admonition of Horace Greely - we are neither young nor are we going west enough - but fulfilling a dream of youth and settling in an area where the ancient language of Ireland is the vernacular and where the pace of life is rural and where three cars on the road constitute a traffic snarl-up!. Caorán is a small community which appears isolated on first glance but in fact is full of real life and within easy distance of what passes for civilisation in the early 21st century. Galway, our nearest city and the fastest growing urban area in Europe, is about 26 pleasant miles away. and through Galway we can fly to anywhere in the world. See our Contact Page for full details.
Interface leads to bottled wine solution - HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and BRC (British Retail Consortium) protocols require that bottle volume is checked for accuracy by the weight method and that records of such check are kept. To comply with this the Quality Control department of the Maurel Vedeau S.A. winery test their bottling line by weighing a sample of bottles before and after they are filled. Regis Revolu, who implimented the scheme said "Searching through the web for a cheap interface to link a lab scale directly to Excel, I found with Windmill 4.3 not only the interface I was looking for, but also an easy-to-follow step by step procedure (+ VBA program) which made it most simple to use and implement."
The winery have kindly made their Excel VB application available with the usual conditions.
Oil flowmeter calibration service to UKAS - The Calibration Trade Centre (CTC) is now pleased to announce that they have facilities to offer UKAS accreditation for oil flow metering products. They have specialised in instrumentation for oil systems, whether for lubrication, heat transfer, fuel or hydraulics. The calibration flow rigs available for oil flow measurement cover flow ranges up to 150 L/m, at temperatures from 25-55ºC, and up to 80 L/m for hot oil calibration up to 140ºC, all traceable to British National Standards. The UKAS accreditation to ISO17025 covers oil flow ranges from 2-100 L/m.

2004 comprehensive catalogue now available - The Measurement and Automation Catalogue 2004 from National Instruments, a leading resource for engineers and scientists seeking innovative virtual instrumentation solutions from NI, is now available both in print and on the Web.
New free-filament strain gauges provide high-temperature measurement range up to 1150 dec C - Vishay Intertechnology has released the new ZC-Series strain gauges with etched Kanthal (Fe-Cr-Al alloy) foil grids in free-filament form, designed for high-temperature measurement at up to 2100 deg F (1150degC). As special-purpose high-temperature strain gauges, these new sensors are intended for high-temperature testing applications, and particularly for dynamic stress analysis testing.
Office opens in France - Michell Instruments, specialists in the manufacture, sales and service of humidity measurement solutions, has opened a French subsidiary office in Paris. Frederic Sasia, who has worked with Michell products in France for many years and has over 14 years of experience in metrology, will head up the operation.
Noblitt & Rueland is a leading medical device consulting firm specializing in technical FDA & ISO regulatory issues including Quality Systems, Design Control, Software, electronic recordkeeping & regulatory consulting for FDA & Internationally regulated medical industries. They have papers and publications which can be helpful in this area.
See also our 21 CFR Part 11 Page
Precise low cost position sensors for OEMs - ASM introduces a new generation of extremely compact and cost effective position sensors for measurement ranges up to 1m. These sensors are most suitable for application in large-volume products (OEM applications).

Strengthening markets and good response to new products drive double-digit orders growth - Tektronix today reported net sales of $217.9 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $36.5 million or $0.42 per share, for the second quarter ended November 29, 2003. This compares with net sales of $203.6 million and net earnings from continuing operations of $8.4 million or $0.10 per share, for the same period a year ago. "At 25% growth, this was our strongest order level in more than two and a half years, due primarily to strengthening in the overall market and good response to new products," said Rick Wills, Tektronix Chairman and CEO.

Ultra-compact, super-high accuracy rotary stages for stand-alone and subsystem applications - Aerotech's WaferMax T rotary stage is an excellent choice for applications that require high-performance rotary positioning in an ultra-low-height package. Originally designed for the demands of precision wafer inspection, the WaferMax T has found broad acceptance in rotary positioning applications in a variety of markets.
Bargain on P&ID clip symbols CD - Whether you're a controls engineer, an instrument technician, or called on to develop P&IDs, ISA's P&ID Clip Symbols, Version 2.0 CD (ISBN: 1-55617-684-8) is a great on-the-job tool. This CD provides symbols from, and is intended to be used with, the ISA-5 series of standards. The symbols (in .DWG, .WMP, and .DXF file formats) work with Visio, AutoCAD, and most other CAD software platforms, plus many other software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.). For a limited time, ISA is offering a 15% discount off the already low price of $90 (Nonmembers pay $99). You pay just $76.50 ($84.15 Nonmember price). Americans call ISA at (919) 549-8411 others can purchase online.
New Cards expand fFunctionality and lower testing costs with multi-channel I-V test system - Keithley Instruments has announced the availability of two new multi-channel source-measure test cards with expanded operating ranges for its Model 4500-MTS Multi-Channel I-V Test System. Each Model 4510- and Model 4511-QIVC (Quad I-V Card) provides four source-measure channels in each of nine slots of the Model 4500-MTS PCI mainframe, allowing up to 36 I-V measurement channels. The Model 4500-MTS and its Quad I-V cards can make these measurements in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of a comparable rack-and-stack system.
New Low Cost I/O Module - The new RemoteTRAK RTU/Combination I/O module (model RM-RTU-8440-F) from Sixnet combines a mix of I/O types (8 discrete inputs, 4 discrete outputs, 4 analog inputs) with a RS232/RS485 interface. It is designed as an economical I/O solution for situations needing: a low cost RTU at a remote site; to poll I/O or Modbus devices on a RS485 party line; or expand the number of channels on a Sixnet EtherTRAK node. This model supports Modbus ASCII, RTU, and the SIXNET protocol. It also supports radio packeting and phone links. This enables users to poll the RemoteTRAK RTU with an industrial modem (such as their VT-Modem) or radio using Sixnet or Modbus protocol.

An invitation - ISA invites industry professionals to share their knowledge of, and experience with, the latest industry trends and technologies as the results of their real world applications at ISA EXPO 2004, North America's leading automation and control event. ISA EXPO 2004 provides an open forum for I&C professionals and their peers to present the hottest topics to fellow professionals 5-7 October in Houston.

A cool application!! - One of Rosneft Oil Company's research institutes, the Termnefte-project, is currently enjoying wide popularity. This institute specializes in the development of oil and gas fields, construction, reconstruction and technical refurbishment of indutrial objects. The Komsomolskoye field is a very interesting project developed by this institute through using a 3D com-puter aided design system. It is situated in Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District where natural conditions are extremely severe: permafrost, marshlands and an average winter tem-perature of -56degC. Termnefteproject research institute uses a computer-aided design system based on Autodesk, Consistent Software solutions and CEA Systems. This includes CEA's Plant-4D and 4D-Explorer Solutions Software.
Design software and programmer for prototype development - To speed user product development using the SMP9220 and Summit's other programmable products, Summit offers customers the SMX3200 programming system. This is a complete development system that lets designers easily manipulate the characteristics of the product.
PCB-mounted current measurement transducers operating from single +5 V supply - LEM has introduced the HAIS series of PCB-mounted current measuring transducers that operate from a single +5V supply. Permanent available rms ratings are 50, 100, 150, 200 and 400A, with a measuring span of up to ±3xIPN. The transducer aperture accepts bus bars as large as 8x15mm, in a very compact design of only 33x29x14mm. The heart of the HAIS series is a LEM ASIC, which provides a number of performance improvements, in particular an extended operating temperature range (-40 to +85°C) compared to traditional discrete technology.

Real-time plant intelligence platform lowers costs while offering secure, internet-enabled management of critical industrial operations - Leading UK energy company, RWE Innogy has installed Verano's Performux, the real-time plant intelligence software platform, at three of its coal-fired power stations in the Britain, which generate 4550 megawatts of electricity-approximately half of the company's total capacity. Based on Verano's Real-Time Applications Platform (RTAP), Performux is the first Linux-based, plant operations software platform to offer secure, Internet-enabled management of critical industrial operations. This installation is the first step in transitioning all of RWE Innogy's APMS power generation control systems to Linux.
21 CFR Part 11 complience - IBC has developed this inaugural conference on 21 CFR Part 11: Ensuring Compliance and Mitigating Risk to offer a timely forum for discussing the development and implementation of risk-based solution plans. Attend to gain the information you need to move forward with your Part 11 plan implementation. This is a can't miss event for individuals charged with Part 11 compliance, computer and systems validation, information services, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and process development. IBC's inaugural conference on 21 CFR Part 11 is conveniently timed concurrently with IBC's 6th International Conference on Process Validation for Biologicals and will be held right before their 12th International conference on Antibody Production and Downstream Processing.
High-current gate driver IC for 3-phase motors - Allegro MicroSystems has introduced a new 3-phase motor controller IC with high-current gate-drive capability. The new A3938 drives a wide range of power discrete n-channel MOSFETs and supports motor supply voltages from 12 V to 50 V.

New 7.7" Windows CE.Net Industrial HMI - Nematron Europe Ltd has announced the addition of the 7.7" STN unit in the new PowerView/CE Family of Windows CE.NET based HMI touchscreen panels. This platform shares the same physical dimensions and screen options as its successful ViewBuilder based sister product. Beneath the 4096 color, "crisp and bright 5.7" and 7.7" LCD Touchscreens, lies the powerful Intel X-Scale processor (200MHz Intel StrongARM 1110 processor for the 5.7" units) accompanied by equally impressive computing resources for the CE developer". Supporting up to 64MB DRAM, 32MB on-board Flash Memory, 256MB Compact Flash Expansion, a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet Port (10 Base-T only on 5.7"), 2 Serial Ports plus 16 bit Sound Output the PowerView offers a solution for the most challenging industrial and heavy duty commercial applications.
New digital mass flow controller controls flow rates for multiple gases - Sierra Instruments has announced the release of their new Smart-Trak digital mass flow controller (MFC). Smart-Trak offers end-users and OEM customers maximum flexibility, an easy-to-use interface, rugged stainless steel construction, and true digital performance - at the price of an analog flow controller.

Save Money - Subscribers who have chosen to pay for Industrail Automation Insider via PayPal on their website, have until now got their subscription at the 2002 price of PdStg192 rather than the current rate of PdStg220. That concession expires with the old year at the end of December so post early for Christmas and save yourself PdStg28.
If you want to see the style of this publication take a look at their critique of Jim Pinto's book!
New product qand product enhancement - This morning, manufacturing process management innovator Tecnomatix Technologies Ltd made two announcements: * eM-Insight - A data source-neutral tolerance management and statistical process control (SPC) product that helps manufacturing companies share and distribute parts inspection data throughout the organization. * FactoryLink 7.2 - A flexible software solution for industrial human machine interfaces (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). Several new features are now available.

Long Distance Learning - Dr. G. Cockrell ( ISA vice-president) presents by long distance lecture on " Project management" to SUAI students in St Petersburg. The student section in St Petersburg is among the most active and sucessful student sections in Europe where thare are more than half a dozen student sections in countries as wide apart as Ireland, Spaina dn Italy as well as Russia. These sections all form part of District 12 of ISA, the international society for instrumentation, automation, and automation.
Network management software expands uses for legacy devices - The convergence of the Internet with traditional factory floor equipment has stimulated many new uses of serial ports. To give users total control of company-wide serial applications, B&B Electronics has introduced the Q4 Smart Switch network management software.
New interface connects monitoring applications using FF devices to legacy hosts - The new Rosemount Model 3420 Fieldbus Interface Module (FIM) from Emerson Process Management provides an interface between Founmdation fieldbus devices and any host monitoring / control system with Modbus RTU capability. This innovative product supports monitoring applications that use any of the FF instrumentation from Emerson. This module allows users in plants that do not have fieldbus I/O to obtain the benefits of fieldbus networking, such as the diagnostic information available from intelligent instruments, and opens up the enhanced capabilities of FF instrumentation, including multi-variable and multi-sensor devices. The FIM delivers immediate efficiencies to such legacy systems, while providing a stepping stone to achieving the full benefits of PlantWeb digital plant architecture
Focus on security - The third Sensors for Industry Conference and Exhibition, SIcon/04, on 27-29 January 2004 in New Orleans will focus on all areas of Homeland Security. Attendees will get an up to the minute perspective on all types of sensor development and implementations of sensor disciplines in every aspect of the technology from transducer theory to design and techniques for proper usage.
See our Cyber Security page.
Fibre-optic module for industrial connector family - Harting has added a fibre-optic module to its Han Modular(r) family of industrial connectors.
2004 Comprehensive catalogue published - The Measurement and Automation Catalogue 2004 from National Instruments, a leading resource for engineers and scientists seeking innovative virtual instrumentation solutions from NI, is now available both in print and on the Web.
Service to provide custom spectroscopy systems - This new service is designed to provide tailor-made solutions for optical spectroscopic applications through a system of modular components which include light sources, sample chambers, input optics, spectrometers/spectrographs ranging from 0.1m to 1.5m focal length, output optics, single channel and multi-channel detection systems, electronics and software all of which can be integrated into a package to address your particular needs. Jobin Yvon offer technical expertise and dialogue to enable mechanical and optical design, electronics and software development and high precision manufacturing to meet the most rigorous specifications.

Another Quality Award for environmental and process instrument company - At this year's awards ceremony at the end of November in Berlin, the Ludwig-Erhardt Foundation confirmed that Endress+Hauser Wetzer GmbH is "top of the class". This makes it the second time running for this member of the Endress+Hauser (E+H) Group, specialising in measuring and automation technology, to be awarded a prize for "Business Excellence" with regard to their quality management. Endress+Hauser Wetzer is one of the leading suppliers worldwide in the area of process measurement for the business units Temperature, Recorders, System Components and Measuring Stations in Environmental Technology.
Christmas is coming! - In case you hadn't noticed Christmas is coming and here is the first ecard we received this year from Tom Reany in Invensys Wonderware in Dublin. Thank you Tom! (You'll need Flash to view it)

Coupler links 2 or more networks using serial protocols - The FD-1O ProfiBus couplers from Westermo Data Communications are universal ProfiBus DP slave units that are able to transfer ProfiBus DP process data between networks using serial links without the use of special drivers or PLC cards. The FD-1O has RS232 and RS485 outputs and the same serial protocol is used in both cases. Three variants exist which provide a point-to-point link via direct cabling, or it can be used with a leased line, dialup modem or radio system to connect two widely separated ProfiBus DP networks.
Exotic-material fittings for North sea project - Parker Instrumentation has been selected by EnCana (UK) Limited to supply exotic-material tube fittings for its recently approved Buzzard Project in the central North Sea. Parker's ability to supply exotic-material variants to cope with the reservoir's 'sour gas' - which contains hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide - was a factor in the selection process leading to the signature of the frame agreement.
New online community enables global exchange of fieldbus information - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has launched its new 'Fieldbus Forums,' a convenient, web-based interface to the latest FF news and technical information. The Fieldbus Forums are a totally new approach to the foundation's original BBS system.
More on our Fieldbus News page
Conductivity level - Instrumentation specialist Lee-Dickens has released two next generation Noflote conductivity based controllers for remote level control that are both smaller and cheaper. The BD906 and BM906 single/multiple electrode units provide level control for electrically conductive media such as water, chemical compounds, acids, beverages and sewage. The BD/BM906 are the first new products to be added to the Noflote range acquired from ABB Instruments in 2001.

Innovative and unique range of servo controlled "air muscles" to provide full position control for challenging motion control applications - Merlin Actuators, the Plymouth UK based pioneer of robotics technology announce the launch of their HumaniformTM range of servo controlled air muscle actuators with closed loop position control (patents pending). This breakthrough provides both lower cost and simpler installation over traditional rotary and linear servo motor based solutions, will replace pneumatic cylinders and is available with a range of interfaces to suit a majority of machine control technologies. Whilst air muscles have been available for simple, fixed length applications for many years, Merlin are the first company to launch a standard range of servo controlled actuators complete with their own patented LEX optical position sensors and SMART proportional valves. Such closed loop position control ensures that the target position is reached, even if external load or other factors change. By adapting the air muscle in this way, applications previously restricted to servo motors with their inherent high cost and complexity are now possible.
HTTP Load Testing Product - Scapa Technologies, a supplier of innovative load and stress testing solutions for commercial software systems, today announced the forthcoming release of Scapa StressTest-Express, an affordable and highly intuitive load testing tool that analyzes the scalability, reliability and performance of web applications. Scapa StressTest-Express, based on the Eclipse platform, is designed to ensure a low-risk approach to building dynamic websites and establishing e-business systems.

Eddy current probe driver has 4-2OmA output for direct PLC interface - Monitran's latest MTN/ECPD-2 series driver for use with their range of inductive eddy current proximity probes has a 2 wire 4-2OmA output which will interface directly with PLCs. The PLC can then be used to initiate alarms or control or stop the machinery in order to avoid danger or prevent damage to personnel or plant equipment. Eddy current probes are used extensively in industry to monitor rotating shaft alignment on such equipment as pumps, turbines, centrifuges, fans, etc.
A new gland with fibreglass-insulated thermocouple wires for use with process temperatures up to 480degC - Conax Buffalo Technologies announces a new range of gland assemblies with fibreglassinsulated thermocouple wire, specially designed for applications where the sensor wire is exposed to process temperatures up to 480degC. These assemblies have been designed for use with vacuum or inert gas, back-filled furnaces, with vessel wall temperatures at about 1000C and pressures up to 20 bar.
IT solutions for the entire process chain in analysis - It is difficult to imagine laboratories and analysis without IT solutions. They are used to perform a diverse range of tasks in data acquisition and evaluation, laboratory safety and administration and to automate routine tasks. For this reason, IT suppliers have had a permanent place in the exhibitors' program at Analytica, and a number of IT companies will give visitors a look at the latest market developments and the "state of the art" again at the 2004 fair. Focal points at Analytica 2004 will include socalled laboratory information and management systems (LIMS) as well as ERP systems and concepts for IT security, test automation and data acquisition.
More on Exhibitions and Conferences
New CEO - Keith Nosbusch is to be Rockwell Automation Inc.'s new president and chief executive officer in February. He will succeed Don Davis. Davis will continue his role as chairman of the board.

Expanded capabilities reduce cost of tests for airbag igniters, cables, harnesses, connectors, and components - Keithley Instruments announced availability of its Model 2790-A SourceMeter Airbag Inflator DC Electrical Test System. Series 2790 SourceMeter instruments are the only standard, commercially available test systems that combine all the sourcing, measurement, and signal routing capabilities required for insulation resistance and conductor (bridgewire) continuity testing in one compact, cost-effective package. The Model 2790-A expands the high resistance measurement capabilities of these systems to cover a span of 1MW to 10GW, which allows testing a wider range of airbag system characteristics in a single box. By having all the functionality required for airbag electrical system testing in one package, reliability is increased, integration complexity of multiple test system components is eliminated, support and maintenance costs are reduced, and test system programming is minimized. The result is a high voltage, multi-channel resistance measurement solution that speeds and simplifies electrical checks of airbag inflators and other automotive electrical test applications.
12V output Intermediate Bus Converters reduce cost and increase efficiencies - Artesyn Technologies has signalled its entry into an emergent segment of the distributed power market with the launch of two new series of application-optimised intermediate bus converters (IBCs). This new class of isolated DC/DC converter brings radically new levels of economy to distributed power applications, enabling designers to replace conventional brick converters with loosely regulated, lower cost power sources. Designed primarily for powering multiple downstream non-isolated point-of-load converters, Artesyn's Typhoon IBCs are offered in two versions to address both telecom and computing input voltage standards.
The ultimate permanent electrical power recorder - Fluke is offering a top-of-the-range, permanently sited, single and three phase electrical power recorder, following its acquisition of Reliable Power Meters (RPM). Offering the ultimate in power measurement, the power recorder measures power consumption, harmonics, flicker and all power quality parameters. The Multipoint Power Recorder can be used in substations and switchgear, and for monitoring incoming and internal power at data-centres, factories and commercial buildings. Optional software includes reporting facilities and powerful predictive maintenance software which helps ward off potential disasters before they happen.

English cricketing venues for ASi learning opportunities in 2004 - AS-Interface UK has announced details of next years ASi-tech Conference and Exhibition in March of 2004.
More on our Fieldbus News and Conference pages.
Fluid flow solution at 40+ CNG filling stations in Iran - Parker's tube fittings, valves, regulators and hoses have been selected by Hans Brochier GmbH for its contract to provide gas dispensers for Iran's nationwide compressed natural gas (CNG) powered public transport project. Hans Brochier is currently providing fuel dispensing systems for over 40 filling stations at key high-traffic sites throughout the country, which will be used initially by a fleet of CNG fuelled buses.
Special Ethernet switch for building automation _ To address the growth of Ethernet in Building Automation Systems (BAS), Contemporary Controls has introduced the compact BAS Switch. This device addresses the key concerns for BAS: convenient installation in control panels and low maintenance.

Sandoz Austria selects transmitters for critical level measurement application - After evaluating the performance of several manufacturers' pressure transmitters on a difficult level measurement application, engineers from the Sandoz pharmaceutical plant at Kundl, Austria placed an order with Emerson Process Management for a quantity of 56 Rosemount 3051S transmitters. Sandoz is a global producer of generic pharmaceuticals and develops, manufactures and sells these medicines and pharmaceuticals and biotechnological active ingredients. Its Austrian affiliate, formerly known as Biochemie, has one of the largest biotech-facilities in the world.
Down load free integration - Design engineers can now download free SPICE integration VIs to integrate National Instruments LabVIEW graphical development software with SPICE and PSpice electronic design automation (EDA) tools from vendors including Cadence, Synopsis and Mentor Graphics. This integration makes it easier for engineers to test electronic designs by comparing simulations with real-world data.
An even greater step towards higher performance - Oriental Motor, Japan's largest manufacturer of Stepper and AC motors, has announced an enhanced version of its Alpha Step range of stepping motors and drivers. The Alpha Step Plus range offers even more functionality to what was already a revolution to the world of stepping technology.
When Oriental Motor's Alpha Step motors first appeared on the market they generated a significant level of interest due to their novel method of operation. They combined the best of stepper motors with the best of servomotors within the same unit. Using a special sensor and closed-loop operation, they are able to work without any loss of synchronisation. They do not require gain tuning and 'hunting' is eliminated leading to stable dead-stop positioning.
Open-loop 50 A and 75 A current sensors operate at up to 150degC - Allegro MicroSystems has added new 50 A and 75 A versions to its ACS750 family of open-loop Hall-effect current sensor

"The flow computer that's exactly what you want it to beŠ." - The design brief for Contrec's new flow and level computer was that it should be very easy to configure for a very wide range of flow and process applications. Contrec's solution is a very flexible and robust hardware platform that can accept a wide variety of inputs and produce a wide variety of outputs for signal retransmission, alarms and control. A unique software program has been designed to allow the instrument to be specifically configured for the user's application and which can then produce an application specific datasheet, manual and configuration report.
100% PTFE in-line filter protects lab instrumentation from particulate damage - An innovative all-PTFE in-line filter developed by Omnifit provides a highly inert flow path that protects laboratory instrumentation equipment by trapping particulate matter. The filter has a replaceable element and is designed to remove particulates from fluids that could otherwise cause damage to pumps, valves and other liquid handling components of laboratory instrumentation. Unfiltered particulate matter can grind against components, causing premature wear, misalignment, deformation, fluid leakage and subsequent equipment failure.
Supersensitive flow sensor - A new supersensitive gas flow sensor from Omron, based on proprietary MEMS technology is able to measure gas velocity and direction at extremely low flow rates, and is ideal for looking at low pressure medical gases, boiler emissions, and HVAC system airflow. As a result of its sensitivity, the new Omron D6F sensor allows the precise monitoring of the presence and circulation of gases in the environment in a way which was previously often uneconomic. It is suitable for measuring the amount of oxygen and nitrogen dioxide, consumed from a respiratory apparatus in surgery. It can also be used to monitor levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen generated through incomplete combustion or the amount of flammable gas and air in order to achieve complete combustion for a hot water boiler. A further application is monitoring air circulation in a building and thus improving the performance and efficiency of air conditioning and building comfort systems.
New specifications define features that enhance fieldbus functionality - The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that an updated version of its fieldbus specifications is now available. The new specifications define features that enhance fieldbus functionality and provide additional incentives for automation equipment suppliers to get on the "Fast Track to Fieldbus."
Best practices in plant equipment maintenance - Manufacturers are focusing on optimizing and streamlining their processes and, in turn, reducing the overall cost of production. At the same time, preservation of existing production equipment is essential in an economic climate where expenditure on capital equipment has been substantially curtailed, making good maintenance practices more important than ever. Companies across different industrial verticals each have their unique processes and subsequently their unique issues with maintenance of plant systems. Yet, there has emerged a set of common issues and practices that are familiar to maintenance operations whether the product is automobiles, planes, consumer products, or food & beverage. A new Best Practices study from ARC Advisory Group, Best Practices in Plant Equipment Maintenance Support & Services is intended to provide manufacturers and their suppliers with guidance concerning Best Practices in maintenance for production equipment and automation systems.
FDA Regulations Impact Local Businesses - ISA reports that the FDA has made great strides in accommodating technology advances in the Food and Pharmaceutical industries. To accomplish this goal, many aspects of the industry have come under change to be properly discussed in a technical conference. In addition, the FDA recently removed and re-issued their Guidance for Industry Part 11, Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures - Scope and Application to maintain consistency with the new guidance principals of the FDA. These regulations were intended to permit the widest possible use of electronic technology, compatible with FDA's responsibility to protect the public health. These federal regulation changes have forced procedural changes with all effected organizations. More details on isa.org/cfr-gamp.
See also our CFR part 11 Page

Peer Recognition - The annual Honours and Awards presentation ceremony of the Ireland section of ISA was held in University College Cork on 1st December 2003. There were five recipients who received their awards from the Lord Mayor of Cork, in the presence of Mr Lowel McCaw ISA President-Elect who was visiting sections in Europe.

Joining the train set! - Transmitton, international supplier of integrated infrastructure control and asset management solutions to the rail industry, has begun work on the 3billion pounds sterling new trains programme in the South of England. With the new rolling stock unable to run at full speed and service density without additional power feeds to the track, Transmitton's role in the track upgrade is a crucial one.
More transports of delight! - TeleflexMorse Electronics has launched a Windows programming tool for large-format, automotive-grade LCD panels. The software gives industrial designers complete in-house control over the look, functionality and ergonomics of cab instrumentation. Called GRADE - Graphical Rapid Application Development Environment - it allows OEMs to build unique instrumentation and user interfaces via simple 'drag and drop' techniques, using a component library with gauges, indicators, shapes and text. It demystifies the embedded system at the heart of an LCD panel, allowing users to create displays without having to understand real-time programming.