New interactive informatics assessment tool - Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed a new interactive web-based tool designed to help current and prospective customers make informed decisions regarding Thermo Scientific informatics software and provide focused content regarding their industry needs. The new web tool is targeted at the analytical and laboratory markets, and provides technical questions to help informatics professionals select suitable LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) and CDS (Chromatography Data Systems) to meet their application needs.

Soft starters deliver more starts per hour - Carlo Gavazzi is introducing a new family of soft starters that combines a built-in bypass contactor with an external heat sink for optimal performance. Applications include fans, blowers, pumps, conveyors, granulators, mixers and shredding machinery, lathes, carousels, cranes, industrial dryers and washing machines as well as car washes.

Graphical programming approach saves company up to $2m - Petrobras, one of Latin America's largest oil and gas companies, has selected National Instruments LabVIEW software and data acquisition hardware to develop a mud-gas separator for underbalanced drilling (UBD) applications. Using NI tools, Petrobras engineers have developed a high-throughput UBD application capable of reducing the time it takes for a well to become fully productive as well as eliminating the need for costly fracturing after the well is completed.

State-of-the-art scalable, fully integrated system for process automation and control - GE Fanuc Automation has launched its breakthrough process control system: Proficy® Process Systems. Based on their proven, award-winning process control technologies, Proficy Process Systems is a fully integrated system that will provide customers with improved quality and reliability, increased throughput, performance and efficiency, and reduced total cost of ownership.

Miniature lock switch handles 10 amps - Available now from Lorlin Electronics is the SRL-10 miniature lock-switch. Capable of switching 10A loads at 250VAC this very compact switch may be used in security applications such as limiting access to air-conditioning systems at rented properties and hotels, switching of solenoid valves in industrial process control applications, security door entry systems, burglar and fire alarm systems and mains isolation during maintenance of electrical equipment.

Wireless scoop! - As reported on 22nd June last month's SP100 meeting, featured a detailed presentation to the committee on WirelessHART. For the first time in a completely public forum, Control Magazine present this same audio/visual presentation. Walt Boyes, Editor in Chief says "This is the straight scoop, without any FUD, straight from the source."
See more on wireless on our Wireless Page
Control Global's latest newsletter (26th)

New mini clips provide discreet damage deterrent - Lamerholm has a a brand new range of ShockWatch Clips, designed specifically for companies who wish to use a damage deterrent solution on smaller products. Based on their ShockWatch labels that are used by companies throughout the world to save time and money by providing a cost-effective damage deterrent when shipping goods, the Mini-Clips, which measure only 36mm x 13mm x 3mm, can be mounted directly on to or even inside a product to indicate when an impact has occurred. This new range of Mini-Clips is ideal for hand-held products, particularly within the hire industry.

Dictionary with CD Rom ISA's Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation Dictionary, now in its 4th edition, comes with a CD-ROM to make finding answers to your questions even easier! This comprehensive dictionary has been revised and expanded to reflect the latest trends in industrial instrumentation and automation.

Controller appointed - Moore Industries appointed Yong Park to the position of Controller. Park brings nineteen years of progressively responsible experience within the manufacturing, construction, and international trading industries. Most recently, Park held the title of Controller with Plastic Services & Products, Inc., where he successfully completed a merger with a competitor company as well as two outside acquisitions.

One size fits all simplifies combustion pressure measuement - The new pressure sensor from Kistler for use in glow plug adapters removes the need to have more than one type of sensor available to cover a range of glow plug geometries. The Type 6056A is based on the well-proven M5 size sensor element fitted with a miniature connector. This allows the sensor to be fitted deep inside a wide variety of adapter bodies.

Opening up an advanced migration - Emerson Process Management announces availability of the updated DeltaV Connect solution for Honeywell Systems, an advanced migration solution to transition Honeywell systems to Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture. Their migration consultants deliver the services, expertise and training to enable process manufacturers to seamlessly and safely transition existing operations over to the benefits of PlantWeb digital, predictive technologies with zero down time.

New readout for interfacing with metrology transducers - As the first of a new family of instruments and following customer focused research, Solartron Metrology announces the launch of the SI3500 digital, metrology transducer interface and post processing controller. Designed specifically to operate with Solartron's gauging transducers operating on the 'Orbit' network, this plug and play instrument features an intuitive, menu-driven colour display which can be programmed to set limits and to record other parameters in a very simple way.

New calibration software family for efficient calibration asset management - The new Beamex CMX calibration software family is a culmination of the 30 years experience Beamex has from working hand in hand with calibration professionals worldwide. The new products in the Beamex CMX family include CMX Light, CMX Professional and CMX Enterprise. They are developed to meet various purposes.
Computer-aided calibration management is becoming more and more common for managing calibration information and calibration assets in the process industry. Tough requirements set by regulatory authorities and quality systems, the need for improving calibration-related work productivity and efficiency, as well as the need to increase system automation; all support the use of calibration software instead of manual "pen and paper" - based systems for managing calibration assets.

Sulphur measurement - Applied Analytics presents the TSA-100, designed for accuracy, versatility, fast-response, and ruggedness in any range of total sulphur measurement. This innovative multi-component analyzer has critical advantages over older standards such as the lead acetate tape method, a high-maintenance process with slow measurements, cumbersome adjustments, and toxic consumables. Most significantly, the TSA-100 is engineered for insusceptibility to component cross-interference, meaning that the analyzer can provide accurate total sulfur measurements when interfering compounds like H2S, SO2, and mercaptans are all present in the sample.

Programmable storage interface solutions portfolio is expanded with Compact Flash host controller functionality - QuickLogic have announced an addition to its integrated programmable connectivity solution portfolio targeting mobile devices. The company has released a full Compact Flash host controller to provide designers with simple access to this common memory technology.

High performance flame AA spectrometer at entry level price! - The fully automated entry-level novAA® 300 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometers from Analytik Jena offer features and performance normally found only on much more expensive systems. High quality optics, computer controlled gas box, a motorized lamp turret and automatic control of flame conditions ensure high quality results are obtained quickly and easily.

Infra red analysis tools added to suite - Emerson Process Management has included new infrared analysis tools with its AMS Suite software. The added capability provides route-based IR data collection. The ability to analyse route-based IR images of plant equipment allows consistent thermography coverage of facility assets, easy database storage, and integration with other machinery health data. When preparing for an infrared inspection survey, a technician can download a selected inspection route to the camera's memory. The technician can then follow the most efficient route and know exactly where to scan images at each machine on the route.

Connector module for power transmission in motor applications - Harting has added a new power-transmission module to its Han-Modular(r) industrial connector system. The new Han® CD module is ideally suited to use with 3-phase motors and servomotors.

Air interface recorder for WCDMA/GSM testing - The new AR-7200 air recorder from Yokogawa is a mobile communications test instrument that records the WCDMA/GSM air interface for later reproduction in order to replicate a real-time environment.

Updated host profile specification announced - The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) today announced the availability of the FF-569 Version 2.0 Host Interoperability Support Test Profile and Procedures Specification. The new release includes updated FOUNDATION(tm) fieldbus host profiles and features defining interoperability requirements and test procedures leading to host registration. Hosts successfully completing registration testing will be authorized to bear the foundation's official product registration symbol.
See other fieldbus news on our Fieldbus News Page

Record breaking attendance at power symposium - ISA's 50th Annual POWID (Power Industry) Symposium turned out to be its most successful event in its history. Held in Pittsburgh, PA (US), last week the event set two new records: 28 vendors showcased their products, and attendees flocked from 14 different countries.

Dual-channel switch interface IC for Hall-effect sensor systems - The new A6850 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a dual-channel switch interface IC designed to simplify the implementation of two-wire Hall-effect sensor systems in automotive applications.

New software for scanning electron microscope - Hitachi High-Technologies has announced the availability of a new 3D analysis software package for use on its S-3400N and S-3700N variable pressure scanning electron microscopes. The new software is used in conjunction with the instruments' 5-segment solid state backscattered detector and provides the capability to produce, manipulate and record 3D visualizations of a specimen and make comprehensive measurements of the 3D characteristics.

Composite component testing - 100 kN and 50 kN twin column universal materials testing machines from Lloyd Instruments are being used by the British manufacturer Aim Composites Ltd to test the mechanical and physical properties of their composite materials, which are used extensively in the aerospace, marine, bus and railway industries. Mechanical testing is an important part of the company's process control function and is used to ensure that the components have been cured properly and have reached their mechanical strength requirements.

Ultra high power density digitally controlled 500 Watt AC/DC power supply - Emerson Network Power has launched a digitally controlled 500 watt ac-dc power supply that offers an unprecedented power density of 0.7 watts per cubic centimetre. The new Astec NTS503 power supply has an exceptionally compact 10.2 x 17.8 centimetre footprint, making it easy for OEMs to incorporate a single unit that satisfies all their bulk dc power needs, and offers a choice of convection or forced-air cooling. The convection-cooled model has an output of 200 W and a height of just 3.8 centimetres, making it ideal for 1U (4.4 cm high) rack-mount chassis and other low-profile applications, while the fan-cooled version can deliver its full rated output of 500 W up to 50 °C with 30 CFM forced air.

Process transmitter leader chooses preferred supplier for manifolds - Parker Instrumentation has won Preferred Supplier status for instrumentation manifolds from the process transmitter leader, Yokogawa Europe bv. The agreement covers the supply of a range of two-, three- and five-valve manifold blocks, components that allow fluid instrumentation to be interfaced to process tubing and piping with flow path arrangements to suit all standard process requirements.

New ANT-LX miniature translation stage delivers 2.5 nanometre resolution with 5g acceleration and 500 mm/sec velocity - Aerotech's new ANT-LX nanotranslation stages provide new levels of sub-micron positioning performance by combining advanced real-time axis calibration with high performance direct-drive linear servo motors, non-contact optical encoders and linear drive amplifiers. This unique technology offers a significant throughput advantage over conventional lead screw and piezo drive based mechanical systems and this second generation design now has twice the resolution and speed capability of its predecessor - the successful ANT-25 and -50 series - thanks to improved crossed-roller bearings and new advanced 40 MHz encoder processing.

Plant of the Year entries being accepted up to 30th June - The HART® Communication Foundation will accept entries for the 2007 HART Plant of the Year Award through June 30. This international award is presented annually to recognize innovative use of HART Communication in real-time industrial process plant applications.

A central server for management of remote field units - IntelliCom is now launching a central server solution with the purpose to do basic management of NetBiter® webSCADA devices connected to remote equipment, at one central location in a simple and user friendly way. The devices connect to the central server to submit critical equipment data, such as logged parameter data and alarms. At the server an authorized user can view and manage this information. The only tool the user needs is a standard web browser. The use of one central location for all remote equipment simplifies the work for anyone dealing with remote installations.

Process control loop analysis and remediation partnership - Invensys Process Systems and Severn Unival (Severn Glocon Group) have formed a partnership to provide customers in the Refining, Oil and Gas, and other process industries with a comprehensive process control loop analysis and remediation capability to efficiently identify and remediate under-performing process control loops

New wireless-enabled enterprise solutions and expanded implementation and support capabilities launched - Invensys Process Systems has announced seven new wireless-enabled solutions and expanded global network implementation and support capabilities. These wireless-enabled solutions can be deployed at both the plant and enterprise levels to help improve overall industrial asset performance management.

New level sensor has has a new cool sensor - The new Echotel 961 liquid level switch from Magnatrol extends its sensor offering with a new stainless steel sensor that handles process temperatures down to ­80°C. The new sensor is made of standard 316/316L material with special potting material to handle the low temperature. The standard 961 series offer a broad range of sensors including 316/316L, Hastelloy C®, Monel®, CPVC, Kynar® and 316/316L with 0.5 µm sanitary finish.

Most innovative use of graphical system design award - The University of Tulsa (US) last week won the National Instruments Most Innovative Use of Graphical System Design Award at the third annual Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility competition. The team built an environmentally friendly crossover sports utility vehicle based on the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical design environment.
Challenge X, which took place in Detroit (US) last week, is a four-year engineering competition to develop methods for reducing total energy consumption and emissions in a crossover vehicle while maintaining or exceeding vehicle performance and consumer acceptability.

Eight refineries benefit from alliance - Yokogawa and Maverick Technologies have announced that their joint alliance has been selected as the main automation and control contractor for Chevron's global refineries in a long-term agreement. During this time frame, Chevron intends to strengthen operations and reliability at its eight wholly owned refineries by standardising and modernising the process automation and control infrastructure.

Stress-screening reliability tester - Intepro Systems has announced the worldwide availability of its new power semiconductor test system, SEMTest. SEMTest is a user configurable stress-screening system able to perform accelerated lifetime testing of power semiconductors and modules incorporating IGBT, MOSFET, SCR, diode and bipolar parts. The system is ideal for both manufacturers and users of power semiconductors who want to qualify commercial off the shelf devices for use in high reliability applications found in automotive, transportation, aerospace, defence, industrial, and medical systems.

Low power SBC introduced - - For harsh operating environments Concurrent Technologies has introduced a low power, 3U CompactPCI® single board computer (SBC) supporting the 1.4 GHz Intel® Pentium® M processor LV 738. The TP 302/320 range combines the performance of the Intel Pentium M processor with the Intel® 855GME GMCH chipset and up to 1Gbyte of soldered 333MHz DDR SDRAM.

Walt reports on HUG!- Walt is attending the Honeywell User Group Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona (US) and here are his reports!

Laboratory Equipment Validation - Laboratory Equipment Validation is the latest conference stream to be announced at L.A.B., the new European trade fair and conference devoted to analysis, bio and laboratory equipment. Laboratory Equipment Validation is the key to ensuring reliable results, and the topic raises many questions about laboratory procedures, which will be debated throughout the day. Organised by Leipziger Messe, the conference stream will be chaired by Penelope Bearne, Chairman of the British Association of Research Quality Assurance (BARQA), and will take place on October 2 2007.

WIRELESS NETWORKS FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION 2nd Edition Dick Caro's newly revised digital book has been expanded to include the increasingly popular new wireless application Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) while also providing a clear, unbiased view of the emerging wireless communications market. Author Dick Caro explores wireless communications from the factory and process automation viewpoint to help you make clear decisions on the timing and strategy for implementing wireless networks for automation projects. To keep pace with the ever-changing nature of this technology, this book, published by ISA, is offered in digital format so that it can be updated on a continual basis. For a full year, if a new edition or update of the digital book is issued, you will receive email notification and be able to download the new PDF file at no extra charge. See our Wireless Page

Go-to-market agreement - GE Fanuc Automation has entered into a Solution Provider go-to-market agreement with Wipro Technologies, the global IT services business of Wipro Limited. The two companies will work together globally to better serve manufacturing enterprises in the Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage and Consumer Packaged Goods industries with solutions in the Production Management area.

New owners and management - International based company Hima-Sella, which supplies engineering and software solutions to various industries, today announced a major change in the management team as a result of a Management Buy In (MBI), backed by the former owners of the business and their existing bankers, The Co-operative Bank. The company, which employs eighty people, will continue to operate from the current Stockport (GB) site and the Hima-Sella brand name will continue to be used as before.

Electromagnetic modelling package - The three-dimensional version of Vector Fields' specialised electromagnetic modelling algorithm for charged particle beams is playing a key role in the development cycle of Philips Medical Systems' first commercial X-ray imaging systems with 'active optics'. Active beam technology supports dynamic focusing and positioning of the electron beam during investigation procedures, greatly improving the resolution and quality of imaging in CT (computer tomography) and cardiovascular scanning equipment.

Industrial cabinet outlet speeds installation of Ethernet cabling - Harting has introduced an industrial cabinet outlet that is designed to speed the installation of industrial Ethernet cabling. Featuring a compact form-factor, the module is especially suitable for space-saving assembly in switch cabinets or other items of network distribution equipment.

Dual full-bridge motor driver IC drives two DC motors - The new A3995 from Allegro MicroSystems is a DMOS full-bridge motor driver IC designed to control two DC motors at currents of up to 2.4 A and drive voltages of up to 36 V. The new device operates over a logic supply voltage range from 3 to 5.5 V, and incorporates two independent fixed off-time PWM (pulse-width modulation) current regulators that operate in either fast or slow decay mode. The use of fixed off-time PWM current control reduces external component count and limits the maximum current to help prevent motor and IC damage.

New international product manager - Meech Air Technology (MAT) has appointed Iain Cameron as International Product Manager for its comprehensive range of compressed air products. MAT products are used in applications throughout industry to save energy, reduce noise levels and cool efficiently. He will be responsible for the further development and growth of the range, with particular emphasis on expanding the current international channels to market.

Engineers' choice! - Wonderware has announced that the US trade magazine "Control Engineering" has selected the Wonderware Equipment Operations Module for a 2006 "Engineers' Choice Award" as one of the most exceptional products based on technological advancement or innovation, service to the industry and market introduced in 2006. The Wonderware Equipment Operations Module is a powerful tool for manufacturers to significantly increase operational performance and manufacturing responsiveness as well as to sustain product and brand integrity through consistency and accurate status visibility of operations.
Wonderware Ireland support the signpost with an advert on our Hone page

Hot off the presses - The IEB (Industrial Ethernet Book) Newsletter for June has just been published. Andrew Chesney, the editor continues his very comprehensive report on the Hannover Fair which now includes Interkama+. See details on their Home page.

Fire safety system gets safety torque - Replacing a torque meter with a torque sensor, a TorqSense unit made by Sensor Technology, has revolutionised the validating process for bespoke Fireset sprinkler systems built by Grundfos Pumps in Leighton Buzzard (GB). Grundfos designs and builds a vast range of electric and diesel driven Firesets that form the heart of any sprinkler system. These Firesets have sophisticated control systems that activate automatically when the presence of a fire is detected. They also have to meet the requirements of demanding Loss Prevention Certification Board to fire protection of building and their occupants.

New capabilities and memory enhancements to signal generator - Keithley Instruments has announced a series of enhancements to its Model 2910 RF Vector Signal Generator. The new capabilities included in the Model 2910 V2.0 include additional wireless signal generation waveforms, a new power calibration feature, and increased ARB memory to accommodate more and larger waveforms.

Operator training simulator in Wyoming - Invensys Process Systems has been awarded a contract from Sinclair Oil Corporation for a SimSci-Esscor Operating Training Simulator (OTS) to be implemented at the Sinclair refinery near Rawlins, Wyoming. Advanced dynamic simulation technology in the new OTS will allow Sinclair's Wyoming Refinery to train operators on all aspects of plant operations and controls, as well as start-up, shutdown and emergency situation management of the refinery's newly constructed delayed coker unit.

Optimise Plant Performance - webcasts - GE Fanuc Automation has announced the schedule for four new webcasts in its monthly Plant2Enterprise Transformation webcast series. Attendees will learn how to "Optimise Plant Performance" and have the opportunity to ask questions during live question and answer sessions. During these free educational webcasts, a panel of industry experts will share how to build a roadmap to transform production operations based on best practices and an in-depth capabilities and results study of more than 200 companies.
Dates of these webcasts as well as other events may be found on our Events Page

Field portable spectrum analyser suits RFID investigations - TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has further developed its successful PSA1301T handheld spectrum analyser to improve specification points such as phase noise, making it an ideal tool for companies making site surveys for UHF RFID applications.

Unique asset management system improves dontrol and transparance of stock - British maintenance management specialist, Deritend, has developed a unique online Portal & Asset database to enable companies with large quantities of rotating machines to manage their assets more effectively and profitably. The two- part modular system gives users complete transparency and certainty with regard to their motor, gearbox & pump assets. It delivers real- time interactive database management, providing key features such as trending and failure mode analysis, identification and search for individual assets; and also key data such as repair history of each asset, work in progress, repair information and completion dates, and cost analysis per plant sector.

Waveform viewing software includes report generation function - A new version (v1.30) of Yokogawa's Xviewer waveform viewing software includes a report generation function that allows waveforms to be co-ordinated with measurement results and text data. Using the enhanced software, a report can be made using displayed waveforms cursor values, parameter measurement results and any text data. Five kinds of report files (samples) are provided by default and can be edited freely. Each element - text, window image, measurement results or cursor values - can be selected and edited, and basic information such as header, footer, date, author and comments can be defined.

Acquisition strengthens European capacity - Mitsubishi Electric has secured its position as the most dynamic automation supplier in Italy and Southern Europe with the acquisition of Tre Diamanti, the recently rebranded distribution arm of leading Italian drives specialist SCS. Tre Diamanti, which is Mitsubishi's largest drives distributor, currently has an inverter turnover of €11.0 million and is now set for even greater growth following the take over.

ASM topic at conference - Chris Hotblack of Invensys Process Systems is to deliver a presentation at the 2007 World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM) and International Conference on Conditions Monitoring, to be held next week in Harrogate (GB). He will speak on the topic "The Path to Asset Performance Management," on Tuesday June 12 at 2:10 PM. His session presentation will provide an overview of an effective approach to Asset Performance Management (APM), including the challenge, methodology, processes and tools required to deliver the full potential of APM.
Asset Performance Management balances asset availability and utilization to optimize business value. APM uses dynamic performance measures to determine the business value of assets and the true value that they generate; manufacturers need not attempt to optimize availability or utilization independently.

Group forms purchasing arm - The Fab Owners Association (FOA), the association of semiconductor/MEMS manufacturing executives and suppliers, has announced the formation of a semiconductor Group Purchasing organisation (GPO), to be called FOA Purchasing Partners, Inc.(PPI). PPI will be the official group purchasing organisation of the FOA and its device maker members, providing procurement services, including aggregation of demand, contract negotiations and contract management for semiconductor manufacturing consumables. L.T. Guttadauro, FOA Executive Director will also serve as President of PPI.

Technical symposium jets into WA! - The OMAC leadership team is currently developing the framework for the first annual OMAC technical symposium, to be held November 28-29, 2007. The forum will be hosted by the Boeing Company in Everate, WA (US), at the Boeing Visitor Center and Hilton Garden. This two day event will bring together and integrate the OMAC Working Groups (machine tool, packaging, MS MUG, etc.) into a single cohesive body that will work toward a common objective - enhancing the collaboration between process and discrete industries.

Strengthened custom solutions business through partnership - TestWorks recently announced the launch of a specific initiative focusing on the bespoke manufacturing test solutions market. Key to the success of this venture is a growing relationship between TestWorks and National Instruments.
In 2006, TestWorks joined the National Instruments Alliance Partner program, a worldwide network of more than 600 consultants, system integrators, developers, channel partners and industry experts who partner with NI to provide complete, high-quality measurement and automation solutions to customers.

IP68 sealed rating for rotary sensor - Penny + Giles has announced that its SRS280 rotary sensor has achieved an IP68 sealed rating for operation in harsh environments. The rugged sensor, which is used for reliable position measurement in industrial applications, such as valve position monitoring, is now totally protected against the ingress of water, dust and dirt. As a result it delivers accurate measurements in the most extreme conditions.

INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET 2ND EDITION Perry S. Marshall and John S. Rinaldi Industrial Ethernet provides a solid grasp of Ethernet basics, the constraints of the industrial environment, and the specialized requirements of machine control. Practical reference charts and technical tips make this book an ideal quick reference source at your project meetings and on the job. ISNBN:978-1-55617-892-4; Pub ISA

Forward thinking courier company ensures damage reduction - Bybox is a forward-thinking innovative company that provides flexible and cost-effective delivery alternatives for postal and consumer markets. With over 14,000 boxes installed in over 1000 locations throughout Britain and Europe, its national delivery network delivers thousands of packages and parcels every day. Quality of service is paramount in such a competitive industry and they were keen to ensure that this quality was monitored throughout a package's journey and to minimise the problems when goods arrive damaged. To achieve this, Bybox contacted Lamerholm to discuss the use of its ShockLog damage deterrent system.
The RD298 Shocklog is a fully programmable, re-usable electronic event data recorder and is used throughout industry to help companies reduce the cost of damage to goods, whether in production, transit or storage. Packed full of features, the RD298 lets you know when, where and how your product has suffered an event outside preset thresholds and real time date stamping provides detailed arbitration evidence.

Portable FT-IR solution for real-time oil analysis - A2 Technologies has announced the availability of Real-time Oil Analysis and Reporting (ROARTM) for its portable Mobility FT-IR spectrometer series. The combination of A2 Technologies’ powerful ROAR software and the innovative diamond-based oil sample measurement Mobility FT-IR spectrometers, allows users of mining equipment, fleet trucking, earth moving equipment and power stations to get accurate real-time information about the condition of lubricating fluids directly, in the field.

Biggest in America - The ISA EXPO 2007, the USA's greatest Automation show is sceduled for Houston again this year. Dates are 2-4 October 2007 and again the Read-out Signpost hopes to be there.

Energy efficiency group joined - Emerson has announced that it has joined The Green Grid, a non-profit consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems. Emerson will participate in The Green Grid as a contributing member through its Emerson Network Power business, which is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity(tm) and offers a range of power, cooling and service solutions for data centers and other critical facilities.

Tunable diode laser analyser for gas measurement in harsh environments - The new Yokogawa TruePeak tunable diode laser (TDL) analyser is designed to make fast, accurate measurements on near-infrared absorbing gases in harsh process environments. It is ideally suited to in situ analysis, particularly for measurements in environments involving changing pressure or temperature. It can operate with process pressures up to 20 bar absolute and process temperature up to 1500°C, has a fast response (from 1 to 20 seconds), and is interference-free for most applications.

Accrediation announced - VITA has announced that it has been re-accredited by ANSI effectiveeffective May 22, 2007.
In January, VITA had submitted revised patent disclosure policies and standards procedures to ANSI. The revisions ensure that VSO participants disclose patents that are essential to implementing a new standard and that the participants openly declare the most restrictive terms required to license any such patents. The new requirement to declare the most restrictive licensing terms makes the changed policy fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory. ANSI has approved these revised standards procedures with minor modifications.

Safety system platform achieves Achilles - The Triconex unit of Invensys Process Systems has announced that the Tricon version 10.3 has achieved Achilles™ Controller Level 1 cyber-security certification.
The Achilles certification testing methodology used by Wurldtech Labs™ involves the industry's most stringent network testing, with more that 30 million individual tests performed on each controller submitted. Wurldtech Labs is an independent division of Vancouver, BC-based Wurldtech Security Technologies.