If you're a practicing instrument, process control, or process engineer, you'll want to have this practical and to-the-point pocket guide on good tuning! Good Tuning: A Pocket Guide, 2nd Edition, is a portable and concise summary of all the practical considerations for tuning loops. Look for the new section on methods for reducing valve backlash and sticktion, and preventing excessive sensor lag and noise! GOOD TUNING: A POCKET GUIDE, 2ND EDITION Gregory K. McMillan, publ:ISA

Representative appointed - Peak Test Services has been appointed as the exclusive British representative for the range of LightProbes(tm) produced by Optomistic Products of Maine (USA).

Flat World drives PLC market growth! - The robust economy created buoyant demand, which spurred manufacturing companies to invest in creating new capacities in various industries. Rapid manufacturing growth is resulting in healthy growth forPLCs and all segments of automation products and services. The worldwide market for PLCs is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% over the next five years. This market was over $8.3 billion in 2006 and is forecasted to grow to nearly $12 billion in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study by Senior Analyst Himanshu Shah "Programmable Logic Controller Worldwide Outlook".

Software verification platform for new dual-mode wireless handset - S2 Technologies (S2) has announced the STRIDE 2.1 Embedded Software Verification Platform, a scalable, embedded verification platform that enables the development of software integral to the new wireless digital handsets supporting both standard cellular telephony and push-to-talk two-way radio service. STRIDE ensures the delivery and carrier acceptance of each handset in record time.

AC servo motors and amplifiers for motion control applications - GE Fanuc Automation has announced the availability of its new VersaMotion AC Servo Motors and Amplifiers, a family of cost effective motion controllers that can be combined with the company¹s VersaMax Micro for low-end position control applications. The VersaMotion can also be used as a standalone single axis position controller for simple indexing or electronic gear follower applications.

Typing about "smart" and "digital" transmitters, Hart and FF instruments, in an instrumentation list, this pearl came up: It's good to remember: "Data does not equal information" Once people figured that out they had to learn that: "Information does not equal knowledge" And then: "Knowledge does not equal intelligence" "Intelligence does not equal wisdom" Following this progression will we soon see "Wise" transmitters....? Walt Driedger on the Controls Manufacturing Community List

Acquisition provides additional software for generating complex waveforms for wireless market - Keithley Instruments has announced the acquisition of Lyocom, a private company located in Ohio (US). Terms were not disclosed. Lyocom develops and sells software algorithms used for generating and analyzing complex digital waveforms. Keithley currently offers a broad suite of measurement capabilities for developers and manufacturers of wireless devices and products, so this technology extends Keithley’s solutions to include WiMAX, MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and WLAN test applications.

New catalogue covers spring test probes - Peak Test Services has published its 2007 catalogue covering the company's comprehensive range of spring test probes and receptacles. The 52-page catalogue gives full details of one of the widest ranges of probes available in Britain, including ATE, bare board, Kelvin, coaxial, pneumatic, high-current threaded, switch and pushback test probes. Most products are available for next-day delivery.

Expanded agreement - Under the terms of this new agreement, users of Yokogawa's HART-based transmitters and flowmeters will be able to use Moore Industries' HCS HART Concentrator System to convert each device's HART digital signal to a standard MODBUS RTU communication protocol. This allows users, who may not have HART capability in their control systems, to acquire all digital process and diagnostic data from Yokogawa's field instruments and send it via MODBUS to a control system.

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) has appointed two new Vice Presidents as part of an internal restructure focusing on customer and market needs. All product marketing and development functions are now fully integrated under Dirk Weinsziehr who becomes Vice President, Marketing and Development. All sales and supply chain functions are now consolidated under Brendan McKearney who becomes Vice President, Sales and Supply Chain.

Proven technologies provide framework for contemporary solution for hybrid and continuous process control - GE Fanuc Automation has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Pepperl + Fuchs North America to provide interface components that create connections in industrial automation systems including Profibus-based analog signal transfer and digital fieldbus communication. Proficy Process Systems will use Pepperl + Fuchs for Profibus connectivity.

Major technology advancements create highest magnetic flowmeter accuracy and most advanced diagnostics - Emerson Process Management has released the Rosemount E-series magnetic flowmeters that include major advancements in magnetic flowmeter technology. The E-series flowmeters deliver industry leading performance and improved reliability coupled with intelligent diagnostics that help users across a variety of industries take advantage of improved installation, maintenance and process management practices. With improved reference accuracy (± 0.15% ± 1 mm/s), the E-series platform provides the most accurate magnetic flowmeter available today. In addition, the installed performance is unmatched, providing the most accurate and reliable measurement available.

10,000th 6-inch liquid-crystal flat panel display for aviation use - Yokogawa has made the milestone shipment of its 10,000th 6-inch liquid-crystal flat panel display for aviation use. Liquid-crystal flat panel displays (FPDs) are installed in aircraft cockpits to indicate flight information such as aircraft attitude, direction, altitude, and speed, as well as the operating status of engines and other aircraft systems.

Paddle switches for high level alarms on ash hoppers at two Turkish power plants - Emerson Process Management has announced supply of 180 Mobrey Series PLS paddle switches to Polish ash filter manufacturer, ELWO, for use as high level alarms in ash hoppers. The ELWO hoppers are being installed as part of the modernization of electrostatic precipitators at two Turkish power plants.

TV stars down under! - David Gibson, of SPLATco, reports that Australia's ABC television show The New Inventors featured an invention containing a SPLat controller (25/7/2007). This is the third time their products have appeared on this show! The invention is called Tube Terminator, a machine that safely disposes of fluorescent tubes, compact fluoros and even large industrial HID lamps. The mercury vapor and other toxic substances are captured by the Tube Terminator instead of being released into the environment, making for completely safe disposal of tubes. The operation of the machine is controlled and monitored by a SPLat MMi202 controller. You can see the Tube Terminator video here. David says, "You can clearly see the MMi202 front panel layout at at the 1:12 time point in the video.

Fieldbus conference success - The Profibus International Conference and Exhibition in Coventry (GB) in June 2007 was an excellent reflection of the mood of the industry - with delegates carefully planning the implementation of up-coming Profibus projects, keen to hear about previous experience and asking serious questions. The many delegates mainly from the user community spent two days in discussions with speakers and Exhibitors, and attending technical presentations or workshops to describe the practical aspects of Profibus and Profinet, and the training on offer from the recognized Profibus Competency Centres.
Presentations and Papers Free download.

User-programmable Hall-effect linear sensors in miniature packages - Allegro MicroSystems Europe has introduced the first family of programmable Hall-effect linear sensors available in miniature package options: TO-92 (3-lead, single in-line package) or SOT-23W (3-lead, surface mount).

New leading edge optical communication technologies and products - At ECOC 2007 (Berlin (D) 17 - 19 September 2007), Yokogawa is unveiling a new 40 GHz RZ-DQPSK optical transponder to the European optical communications market, and will give a live product demonstration with a newly developed instrument.

Two new products for static control to be launched - Meech International will be launching two new products at K 2007 (Düsseldorf (D) - 24/31/10/2007). Among its host of solutions for plastics processing companies looking to improve productivity and profitability by controlling static, will be the new 983v2 Static Locator and the 977CM, a new generation of Pulsed DC Controller.

New appointment for battery monitoring division - LEM has appointed Alan Denny as the new Business Development Manager for its Battery Monitoring Division. He brings an extensive experience in the power electronics market. His professional career has included various technical and operational management positions and more recently he has worked as managing director for Europe & the Middle East and Africa with PK Electronics and was managing director with NDSL.

Intelligent automation platform delivers truly integrated manufacturing - Mitsubishi has addressed today’s business needs for more flexible, efficient and integrated processes with the introduction of the iQ Platform. This builds on the power of Mitsubishi's Qn series programmable automation controller (PAC) with a range of control modules that interface directly with business information systems to deliver true top-to-bottom plant and enterprise control.

Plastic recycler is soft on the environment - A groundbreaking plastic recycling company is making full use of soft starts on all the major axes of its processing equipment, along with inverters, PLCs and HMIs, all from the Silverteam range of automation equipment. Axion Polymers in Salford, Manchester, reduce damage to the environment by preparing discarded plastic for reuse. Its control systems were designed and built by Sean Lamy of integrator 3-Ohms Ltd.

New valve automates condensate management - Hoerbiger-Origa has launched a new automatic drain valve for its Airfit range of air preparation filters, regulators and lubricators, which expands the operating range in terms of temperature and pressure. A design-for-manufacture reappraisal of the Airfit units has lead to a price reduction over the earlier units, while a reduction in overall size have also helped open up the range’s appeal to a wider range of applications and thus reset the benchmarks for modern condensate management

Low cost 3D scanner opens digital modelling to all - A highly affordable yet robust 3D scanner is being introduced by modelling and prototyping specialist Unimatic Engineers, and should prove ideal for use a wide range of design and manufacturing tasks

The new low cost, easy to use alternative to thermal imaging - Sensor manufacturer & distributor Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd offer the new handheld infrared temperature measurement device, the 'MiniSight Pro', offering engineers a genuine, low cost alternative to thermal imaging cameras.

DDC and Interpolation Filter IP Cores added dual digital transceiver module, greatly boosting bandwidth range - Pentek has released its Model 7140-420 Dual Digital Transceiver with Wideband Digital Downconverter (DDC) Core and Interpolation Filter. This is a complete software radio system in a PMC/XMC module. It includes two A/D and two D/A converters for connection to HF and IF ports. This highly versatile transceiver, with greatly extended bandwidth, can fulfill an unusually wide range of applications in signal intelligence, military and commercial communications systems and in radar. This module is also available in a variety of form factors including PCI, 3U and 6U cPCI, as well as a PMC/XMC conduction-cooled version.

Pressure transmitter for seawater suitable for hydrostatic depth measurement - The ED 752 by Baumer has received Lloyd's certificate and is therefore regarded as particularly suitable for applications in seawater or in the ship building industry. The submersible transmitter can be used for all kinds of hydrostatic depth measurements. The standard version of the ED 752 comes as a full stainless steel tool and is now also available with a pressure connection made from Hastelloy C especially suitable for seawater. Additionally, it can be delivered in a flush diaphragm version with a variety of protection caps.

"The most widely used spectroradiometer in the world gets better!" - For nearly 15 years, the PR-650 SpectraScan , from Glen Spectra has been the most widely used spectroradiometer in the world - the workhorse of the industry. The new PR-655 replaces the world renowned PR-650 with a plethora of enhancements.

HVAC Control Systems Market to Reach $12.7 Billion - The worldwide HVAC controls market continues to grow at a steady rate in mature and emerging markets. The worldwide market for HVAC control systems is expected to continue growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 4% over the next five years. The market exceeded $10 billion in 2006 and is forecasted to approach $13 billion in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

Precision gantry style positioning systems provide a wide choice - Aimed at high-throughput, automated production and test applications, Aerotech's extensive range of long travel gantry positioning stages use brushless direct-drive linear servo motors and precision feedback systems to deliver micron to sub-micron accuracies with up to 3 m/sec speed and acceleration to 5g. The complete range covers five models based around linear motion guide or air bearing technologies complete with cable management systems for maximum life and minimal maintenance.

Industrial Wireless Centre - Industrial wireless solutions can help to reduce manufacturing costs as well as improve safety, reliability and productivity. This Knowledge Center, from Control Magazine's web presence is designed to equip you with the information you need to get started in wireless, especially how to make choices that will migrate forward as your applications grow, as well as maintain your investment as the technology continues to evolve.
We have placed this link on our Wireless Page

Award! The German "Initiative Mittelstand" has awarded the Innovation Prize 2007 to VIPA's product "SPEED7 - Fastest Hard-PLC in the world".

Wide range of field bus slave modules offers exceptional choice for PLC automation system applications - VIPA's full featured System 200V modular PLC control system includes a wide range of field bus slave modules for centralised or decentralised, medium sized automation applications. Users can select Profibus-DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, INTERBUS or Ethernet slaves along with Profibus-DP or CANopen master modules to match application requirements. Integral field bus master and slave options are also available at main CPU level along with work/load memory selection and alternative programming options including Siemens Step®7.

A comprehensive packaged application solution for plastic extruders - Gefran's new GF-Pack Extrusion is a packaged hardware and software solution for the automation of individual small plastic extruders or large scale extrusion lines. Each system is matched to customer requirements with preconfigured application software and a combination of standard Gefran automation elements that include the Digistar II industrial PC with choice of touch screen monitors, the GILOGIK II PLC with remote digital and analog I/O modules, and GEFLEX temperature controls, counters and relay modules for the distributed control of temperature zones.

Dynamic SCADA Systems Market for the Oil & Gas Industry to Reach $1,141 Million - The far-reaching impact of technology and quantum change in the way companies are restructuring and streamlining business processes are transforming the global Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) market. The worldwide market for SCADA Systems for the Oil & Gas industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% over the next five years. The market was $745 million in 2006 and is forecasted to be over $1,141 million in 2011, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

Book bargain! The Data Comms Library, from IDC Technologies, is a comprehensive collection of 15 technical manuals covering all the practical aspects of data communication and networking for technicians and engineers. They are offering 15 books for the price of 10, "a terrific special at 30% discount of individual manual prices." This offer is valid till the end of July 2007. To purchase these 15 books, with a combined value of &eur;1589.25 for only &eur;1059.50, download this pdf form to get details of each book and an order form. All these books have been written by professionals in their field, to give you practical information you can apply to your work. The practical, fully illustrated books are specially designed to arm you with expertise and practical knowledge you can apply immediately to your workplace.

Emission spectrometer for Boeing - Thermo Fisher Scientific tells us that the 500th iCAP 6000 ICP emission spectrometer produced at its facility in Cambridge, UK has been shipped to Boeing. The instrument has been purchased by Boeing for use at its Frederickson facility in Washington State, USA. It will be used in the quality assurance laboratory to monitor the contents of chemical tanks used in the production of aluminum wings and other structural components. The Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 will be analyzing traces of metals including copper and iron in the tanks which range in capacity from 34,000 to 59,000 gallons. This analysis is indicative of the 'health' of the tanks and is a key step in the QA processes.

Linux-based parametric test systems - Keithley Instruments has announced a number of enhancements for its S600 Series Parametric Test Systems. The main enhancement is a migration to the Linux Operating System (OS) on the embedded control computer within each test system. This provides a more stable OS and longer service life for the computer, reducing the need for customers to qualify new workstations and upgrade software and hardware resources. In addition, firmware upgrades will provide throughput improvements compared to the earlier UNIX-based systems. A new software licensing method incorporates a hardware key for each tester in the form of a USB Stick, which can be transferred from workstation to workstation for fast repair times.

Application software for portable data loggers - XL900 is a new application software package for the Yokogawa Datum-Y Series of portable data loggers. The new software allows up to ten units to be connected to create a 160-channel data-acquisition system, and acquires measurement data from the multiple units in real-time over a period ranging from one second to one minute.

MES software manages weighing processes - At its Swords site located to the north of Dublin (IRL), Organon has implemented a new weighing and dispensing system from Werum. The new system based on Werum's PAS-WD product has replaced an existing system self developed by Organon. The key objective of the new automated dispensing system is to manage the weighing of ingredients (actives, excipients, liquids and solvents) in a controlled environment to fulfill the needs of internal & external customers, predictably achieving its service level agreements, with an emphasis on quality, costs, delivery time, safety & employee morale.
Report on Werum's MES day in Ireland-May 2007

New version of software speeds analysis and helps users increase plant availability - Emerson Process Management has released version 5.0 of the AMS Suite: Machinery Health™ Manager software. The new version provides users of CSI vibration data collectors with continuous online monitoring and infrared thermography technology featuring a new asset-centric interface for easy navigation and more new and upgraded functions. New time-saving features allow users to analyse more equipment in less time, permitting more time to focus on the prevention of an unexpected or unplanned outage. Users can now quickly identify a specific machine for evaluation and then decide what database tools to use for analysis, plotting, and reporting.

Foxboro announces HART-enabled I/A Series plug-in migration solution for TDC 2000 control systems - The Foxboro Automation unit of Invensys Process Systems, has announced that it has extended its popular family of "plug in" DCS migration modules with a new generation of Honeywell migration products. These new modules enable Honeywell users to upgrade their aging TDC 2000 systems to the latest I/A Series automation technology and modern HART field communications without having to replace existing field wiring, termination assemblies, system enclosures, or power supplies.

Live from the 2007 Foxboro User Group - Walt has been on his travels again - this time in at Foxboro's Boston event! His reports: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Verifying truck assembly - Freightliner LLC, the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America, selected National Instruments' LabVIEW software and NI PXI-based hardware to replace a VME-based proprietary solution for verifying electrical assembly on its new line of heavy-duty trucks. Using NI tools, Freightliner engineers integrated electrical test, machine vision and physical measurements into a system that not only ensures high-quality vehicles but also instructs operators on the correct assembly process.

Partnership to pursue advanced nanotechnology and semiconductor materials research - Keithley Instruments has announced that it has entered into a Joint Development Partnership (JDP) surrounding semiconductor device material testing technology with CEA Leti (French). The JDP calls for Keithley and CEA Leti to research methods for characterizing advanced semiconductor materials and devices that support DC, high frequency, and RF-level signals on both micro- and nano-level structures.

Specification sheets! - With the 3rd edition of the ISA Specification Forms in Word Format on CD-ROM, you will find expanded specification forms that have been modified extensively to cover operating parameters, as well as expanded form content beyond the limitations of the original ISA-201981 forms.
Many of the forms represent new devices not previously covered by the original forms.

Economical position sensing - A rugged, industrial EP Series magnetostrictive sensor, available from RDP Electronics, offers machine builders an ideal, low cost solution for measuring and controlling linear positions in an automated system.

First plant traceability validation tool - Aegis Industrial Software Corporation (Aegis) and Practical Components Inc. (Practical), the leading supplier of dummy components, have partnered to offer a new and innovative traceability and control kit designed to validate manufacturing process and provide the potential for rich product and process traceability detail. The kit is the first measurement tool for manufacturers to validate their plants’ traceability and control based on Aegis’ proven methods of rating traceability.

Mechanical vibration switch for machine shutdown protection - The new Model 685A07 Mechanical Vibration Switch from the IMI Sensors Division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) provides an economical solution for continuous vibration monitoring. It comes standard with an external pushbutton reset, and does not require power to operate. The switch uses a spring loaded, magnetically coupled sensor which can be externally adjusted for higher or lower sensitivity. This technology is particularly effective on cooling towers, fans, small motors or pumps, or any installation which requires immediate shutdown when increased vibration levels are present.
They also tell us that they have received CSA hazardous area approval for the new Model 685B0001C14 electronic vibration switch. The certification includes Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C & D; and Class II, Division 1, Groups E, F, & G.

Analyzer achieves precise quantification of corn, canola and olive oils without false positive response - Aspectrics has produced a new application note to demonstrate the ability of its ground-breaking MultiComponent 2750 EP-NIR analyzer to achieve unequivocal quantification of corn, canola and olive oils. Coupled to an external Aspectrics halogen NIR source and a 2mm pathlength process transmission multimode fiber probe, the innovative analyzer provides quantification of the percentage volume of corn, canola and olive oils in mixtures containing all three oils. This new Aspectrics application note is available to download free-of-charge via www.aspectrics.com

New sensor measures pressure of hot media directly - The new Type RH pressure sensor from Kistler Instruments can measure the pressure of hot media up to 300°C directly and provides the option of a 10 mV/oC temperature output from the same sensor. The unique construction, using a specially designed silicon, measuring cell, eliminates the need for a pressure transmission fluid between the media and the sensor diaphragm. The extremely robust diaphragm and pressure ranges up to 3,000 bar make the Type RH ideal for use under difficult conditions in hydraulic and process monitoring applications.

Low profile relay for industrial, HVAC applications - Omron is addressing the industrial automation and HVAC markets with a new power relay offering an exceptionally low profile solution whilst conforming to an industry standard footprint. The new Omron G6RL has an overall height of just 12.3mm, nearly 20% lower than existing solutions and is capable of switching 8A at 250VAC. Aimed at boiler control applications in the HVAC market, or PLC, timer and temperature controller applications in industrial automation, the relay can withstand at least 100 thousand operations at the rated load, and has a mechanical life of 10 million operations.

New service levels on rodless cylinder repairs - Hoerbiger-Origa has redefined the service and support levels that it provides to users of its rodless pneumatic cylinders. Designed to help customers maximise the service life and operating efficiency of rodless cylinders, the new service will most notably reduce machinery downtime while discouraging unauthorised repairs.

Automation experts expand their network - Mitsubishi Electric Technology Partner BPX is now able to provide its automation and engineering expertise directly to OEMs and end-users in North London and the "Home Counties" (GB), following its acquisition of Hatfield-based Prolocon Systems Ltd. This move adds a seventh branch to BPX’s expanding national coverage. It already has operations in Leicester, Nottingham, Wakefield, Slough, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Northampton.

Materials testing instruments win 'Pattern Approval' for import into China - In accordance with important measures taken by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to develop and promote metrology, Lloyd Instruments announces that its entire range of 'Plus' and EZ materials testing machines (1 kN to 150 kN), the FTPlus friction tester and the TAPlus texture analyzer have been granted 'Pattern Approval' and are therefore approved for import into the country. Lloyd Instruments is one of the first manufacturers in its field to be granted this approval.
Lloyd Instruments site in English!

Inverters driven to new paradigm - The new Hitachi SJ700 variable speed drive represents a dramatic step change in the state of the art for inverter technology, it being the first off-the-shelf unit with integral easy sequence programmable functionality (EzSQ) as standard. It also incorporates a brand new patented power switching technology to reduce dVdT, with the IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) stack at the heart of the drive, which is associated to motor insulation breakdown by the increased terminal voltage of motors when used with AC Inverters.

New multimeter at core of low-cost, high-resolution data-logging systems - National Instruments has expanded its low-cost digital multimeter offering with the NI PXI-4065, a new 61Ž2-digit multimeter for PXI. The low cost of the PXI-4065 digital multimeter along with its 61Ž2-digit performance offers a new entry point for reliable, high-channel-count data-logging measurement systems. Engineers can combine the new multimeter with more than 150 available NI PXI switch configurations in the low-cost NI PXI-1033 integrated chassis and controller to create high-channel-count, 61Ž2-digit data-logging systems.

Representatives of industry-leading companies chosen to lead new organisation - The Fieldbus Foundation, conducting a press briefing as part of a fieldbus educational seminar held in São Paulo, (BR), has announced the officers for its new Brazilian Marketing Committee. They include: Claudio Fayad, Emerson Process Management, Chairman; Marcos Rocha, Pepperl+Fuchs, Co-chairman; and Augusto Pereira, Yokogawa, Secretary/Treasurer.

Call for papers! - The WBF 2008 North American Conference, with its theme of "Shaping the Future of Manufacturing," (Philadelphis PA US - 24-27 March 2008) will give you a greater understanding of current and upcoming manufacturing management, integration, and control methods and technologies. Keynote speakers, panels, discussion forums, and individual presentations will focus on case studies, current and evolving manufacturing methods and technologies, and implementation of industry standards including ISA-88, ISA-95, ISA-99, B2MML, and Make2Pack. In addition, WBF's collaborative activities with ISA, OMAC, and MESA will provide a broad and balanced view of the world of manufacturing innovation.

British office opens - Independent SCADA/HMI software provider COPA-DATA have formed a British office, providing technical support and sales for their HMI/SCADA system zenOn in that market. COPA-DATA UK Ltd will support zenOn from Cheshire under the management of experienced SCADA veteran Duncan Fletcher.

Jim Pinto again or is it? - We often mention Jim Pinto on this site simply because we like his clear thinking and his way of expressing things - even things we don't like to hear! The latest issue of his Connections for Growth & Success™ has a nice and complimentaary piece on ISA which contains some positive comment. I nearly said "for a change" but I wont! He also has a pet robot (Jimbo) to read the MP3 version.
Here it is or Listen to the complete issue (13 mins;1.5 Mb read by his pet robot!) featuring:- America is going bankrupt; Cellphone futures; SICKO - Michael Moore's new documentary; ISA - International Society of Automation

Book provides practical rules and critical insight for optimising LabVIEW application development - Bloomy Controls has announced the availability of The LabVIEW Style Book from Prentice Hall Professional, a comprehensive reference on recommended development practices for the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Style Book contains critical insight and style rules designed to optimize the ease of use, efficiency, readability, maintainability, reliability, simplicity, and performance of LabVIEW applications. The book is written by Peter A. Blume, President of Bloomy Controls, and published by Prentice Hall Professional, a technical imprint of Pearson Education.

Event focuses on six technology exchanges - ISA EXPO 2007, to be held 2-4 October in Houston, Texas (US), will focus on six key technology exchanges. These are: Security, Safety, Wireless & Networking, Process Automation, Environmental & Quality Control, and, Enterprise Integration.
As in the past the Signpost will be at this important exposition and already our review has been initiated! This page also lists links to the reviews of this event in previous years.

More than 150 years of experience in Measurement - The Bourdon Haenni Group, taken over within the Baumer Process Automation Division in 2005, has been operating under the Baumer Company Group since April 2007. Thus, the company has been able to leverage group synergies with its costumers already benefiting from numerous advantages due to the extended range of products. The new corporate identity was very well received at the Hanover tradeshow, where the Baumer Group presented itself under the Baumer company label for the first time.
The components of the group are Bourdon-Sedeme, Haenni Instruments and Kamstrup Process

Increased Security on wireless link module - The WLM Wireless Link Module from Moore Industries provides accurate, reliable and secure wireless connectivity between remote field sites. WLM, a bi-directional, wireless module, employs frequency hopping spread spectrum technology and 32-bit CRC error correction for secure, robust communications. The WLM supports either Ethernet or serial (RS-485) communications at speeds up to 188 kbps and ranges up to 25 miles, and operates at FCC license-free frequency ranges of 902-928MHz or 2.4-2.483GHz.

Innovative carbon nanotube growth tool selected for nanocomposites and mechanical sensor research - Surrey NanoSystems has won a major order for its innovative carbon nanotube growth tool from ITA, the advanced technologies research institute in Trapani, Sicily.

PLC control includes Ethernet for high speed automation - Gefran have a new GILOGIK II high performance, IEC 61131-3 programmed, distributed I/0 PLC system. Making full use of its TCP/IP Ethernet based network for plant and machine control, the modular system is aimed at small to medium sized automation applications.

The fastest STEP®7 programmable automation solution available today - The System 500S, PC based PLC is part of a range of automation solutions from VIPA that are fully compatible with the Siemens STEP®7 programming language but offer processing speeds that exceed the industry-leaders own products.

New hardware in the loop fault simulation modules - Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PXI switching products designed for "Hardware in the loop" fault simulation applications with the introduction of three new fault simulation modules.

Increased Scalability and Support for Third-Party Firewalls Meet Evolving Needs for Cyber Security Protection - Industrial Defender (formerly Verano) has announced Version 3.0 of its industry-leading risk mitigation technology suite for the real-time process control and SCADA environment. Enhanced features include support for Cisco and Secure Computing firewalls, intrusion detection for power substations and increased product scalability to better address the specific needs of this specialized industrial environment.

Easily digestible - One of the nice things about ControlGlobal.com E-News is that it comes in easily digestible portions. For instance the current issue highlights three items. These are
- Biomass fuel production gets sweeter
- How to de-fuse a demographic bomb
- Regulating a solar water heater
Thus the reader is not deluged with lots and lots of stuff to wade through before he gets to the meat. Of course further down there is interesting stuff available too if he needs it.

Innovation award achieved - New Standard Institute , was recently announced as a Silver Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Innovation Prize recipient for "results directed delivery of e-Learning in a variety of formats including CD, downloadable, and web based training." According to the organization, CQIA is "America's oldest state-level award using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria for Performance Excellence."

Engineering Revolution - Are You Ready? Online registration is now open for the 2007 Emerson Global Users Exchange Conference to be held September 10 - 14 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Centre in Grapevine, (Texas, US). Registering online by July 30 will save 25 percent in registration fees. The Emerson Global Users Exchange, Engineering Revolution - Are You Ready?, will feature educational and leadership sessions for all levels of process manufacturing professionals. The annual conference is one of the industry's most comprehensive collections of user-driven presentations and workshops on technology selection and application, investment justification and automation strategy. See Last Emerson Event and other User Events including links to previous event reports! (RH Column) See the Video!

Easy to install and transparent to use radio modems - Zlinx Modbus industrial grade radio modems, from B&B Electronics, can do the job faster, easier, and less expensively than stringing cable. Why string cable when you can Make the Connection wirelessly. The Zlinx family of industrial radio modems has a reputation for robust and reliable high speed, secure communication. They are designed to provide wide area system coverage to ensure reliable, secure, and cost effective transmission of critical data to remote sites. Zlinx will transmit your serial signal transparently up to 64 km. Features include an easily accessible terminal block, along with indicator lights to indicate signal strength and signal failure, all in one DIN rail mount industrial case.

New version of B2MML - WBF announces the release of V04 of the Business To Manufacturing Markup Language (B2MML), now available for immediate download. B2MML is developed and made publicly available by WBF to aid the adoption of the ISA-95 standard for the integration of enterprise business systems with manufacturing control and execution systems. B2MML is a powerful complement to the ISA-95 standard and has been widely adopted as the defacto implementation of the ISA-95 standard.

Program provides access to critical production and process data - GE Fanuc Automation has announced a new program offering free access to its best-in-class Proficy® Historian plant-wide data collection software. The solution provides access to all production and process data - building a foundation for users to use to transform their operations with accurate, timely production information.

New LIMS poster - Thermo Fisher Scientific has produced a new technical poster demonstrating the use of its purpose-built Thermo Scientific Galileo LIMS to perform in vitro ADME/Tox profiling. The new technical poster is available free-of-charge via www.thermo.com/galileo. Thermo Scientific Galileo Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) provides an integrated, template-driven database system to allow rapid data review and acceptance for large numbers of compounds for a range of ADME/Tox profiling and screening applications such as metabolic stability, IC50, Caco-2 and PAMPA. The solution enables pharmaceutical and CRO companies to manage data efficiently and appropriately in order to rapidly execute key decisions on drug candidate selection.

Now available with a USB interface - The high performance Convir Thermosight series of handheld infrared thermometers from Calex Electronics includes models suited for virtually all applications, from monitoring sub-zero freezer temperatures, through glass production, right up to white hot metal processing. Now, to increase their flexibility they can also provide a USB interface, allowing quick and easy connection to a PC.

Battery-free wireless switch range extended - TDC has added a new lower cost, compact version to its range of EnOcean wireless, battery-free rocker switches offering convenient switching of lights and other appliances in business and domestic applications. EnOcean switches harvest enough energy from the surrounding environment to power the wireless link, eliminating the need for a battery.

Electronic guide available for ISA-95 applications Do you want to dramatically lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for manufacturing IT architectures and manufacturing, as well as reduce supply chain operational costs? The Hitchhiker's Guide to Manufacturing Operations Management: ISA-95 Best Practices Book 1.0 presents methodologies and technical applications that will help get you started on the right track. THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: ISA-95 BEST PRACTICES BOOK 1.0 (CD-ROM) Charlie Gifford, Editor and Contributing Author

Universal interface for GC, LC and elemental analyser launched - Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Thermo Scientific ConFlo IV Universal Interface for GC, LC and elemental analyzer coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometers. The ConFlo IV enables immediate switching between as many as three sample preparation devices to significantly reduce idle time while increasing sample throughput. Strengthening Thermo Fisher Scientific's position as leader in isotope ratio mass spectrometry, the ConFlo IV provides a low cost of ownership, enabling more analytical scientists to benefit from the accuracy of isotope ratio mass spectrometry in their studies.

Small drives designed to ease OEMs workload - OEMs can specify the new low cost X200 variable speed drive from Hitachi confident that it is the most feature-rich offering in its market segment. Covering the power range 0.2kW to 7.5kW, the X200 has built in EMC (C1) filter and emergency stop EN954-1 cat.3, over-current and over-voltage suppression for tripless operation and precision current monitoring for enhanced dynamic control.

Innovative termination technology for industrial connectors - Han-Quick Lock® from Harting is an innovative termination technology for industrial interconnection which combines reliability and ease of assembly for applications involving high contact densities. The new technique combines the space-saving benefits of crimp technology with simple and rapid assembly, providing a rugged, vibration-resistant termination without the need for special tooling. This 'plug & play' approach to assembly means that it can be quickly and safely disconnected and reconnected for maintenance purposes or as customers' requirements change.

A new force in instrumentation, measurement and control - By bringing together three companies, all leaders in their field, there is now a new force in the world of industrial measurement and control - The IMC Group Ltd. Formed by the amalgamation of Lamerholm Electronics, Hanwell Instruments and Jekyll Electronic Technology, the IMC Group offers a comprehensive range of products for industrial measurement and control. And it's not just off-the-shelf products; the design teams from the companies can provide bespoke solutions for a variety of applications. Products manufactured by the three companies include telemetry solutions, shipping and handling monitors, Dataloggers and humidity control.

New DVD discusses best practice for safety - We reported the ISA video yesterday. Now we hear of a new DVD, just launched which discusses current best practice for safety, exploring in depth the common mistakes and confusion surrounding the IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 international standards for functional safety. Compiled by the Safety Users Group, the new DVD, "Safety in the process industries" shares the real life experience of 11 leading safety experts from around the world, including Thomas Steiner (Emerson Process Management), Pasquale Fanelli (Invensys Process Systems), Christian Huglo (Lawyer at the Paris and Brussels bar) and Ron Bell, chairman of the IEC 61508/1-2 Working Group. See trailer!
See also our our Safety Page

Calibration success stories - "When it comes to calibration, the world's most successful companies turn to Beamex." As a proof of this and as a result of being a calibration industry pioneer for over 30 years, there are already more than 10,000 companies worldwide utilising Beamex's calibration solutions. To let other companies learn from these stories, the company publishes them on their website. All these success stories in addition to highlights of the customer surveys ar shown.

Designer and manufacturer of process alarm equipment acquired - The MTL Instruments Group (MTL) has acquired a 90% stake in RTK, the leading specialist in the design and manufacture of process alarm equipment, displays and interface products for £3.7m in cash.

Money-saving industrial technician's kit - Fluke is offering a money-saving Industrial Combo Kit for troubleshooting motor drives and other electromechanical equipment, as well as plant automation and power distribution systems. The 87V/i410 Combo Kit consists of an 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter (DMM), designed to deliver accurate readings even with difficult adjustable speed drive (ASD) measurements, an i410 Current Clamp Meter measuring AC/DC current up to 400A, an 80BK thermocouple temperature probe, test leads and clips and a soft carry case.

Oscilloscope gains new options for power-supply analysis and user-defined - Two new options - a power-supply analysis function and user-defined math capabilities - have been added to the range of enhancements available for the Yokogawa SignalXplorer DL9000 Series of digital oscilloscopes.

Safety publications - Safety is not just the concern of the OHS officer, it should be the concern of every engineer and technician. IDC publish manuals explaining the practical, hands-on, every day things you can and should do to make your workplace safe, for yourself and your colleagues. Each manual is packed with no-nonsense safety information for your industry. Choose from: 1 Practical Intrinsic Safety For Engineers And Technicians 2 Practical Electrical Safety Techniques For Industry 3 Practical Hazardous Areas For Engineers And Technicians 4 Practical Machinery And Automation Safety For Industry 5 Practical Hazops For Engineers And Technicians 6 Practical Safety Instrumentation And Emergency Shut Down Systems For Process Industries Click here to download order form (Word)

Society video on Youtube! - The new video on ISA, the automation society, is professionally done, presents an excellent view the society, and a good discussion of the tangible benefits of membership! ISA Connections is now available to view on You Tube. Take a look and judge for yourself!

Low distortion power source addresses EMC compliance measurements - TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has updated its AC1000 low-distortion power source to integrate with its latest power, harmonics and flicker analyser: the HA1600A. The new unit, designated AC1000A, is a 1 kW power source which removes distortions from the AC mains waveform to provide a pure sinusoidal mains power source.
European standards covering electromagnetic compatibility now include EN61000-3-2, which specifies limits on harmonic current, and EN61000-3-3, which specifies limits on voltage flicker.

New website launched - A2 Technologies, the innovator and manufacturer of portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers, has launched a newly designed website. The new website provides quick and easy access to a wealth of information on A2 Technologies’ innovations, including its revolutionary Mobility Series of FT-IR spectrometers and the all-new Real-time Oil Analysis and Reporting (ROARTM) software. Visitors to the site can also find out more about the technology behind the instruments, discover the specific industry applications and keep updated on corporate developments through the comprehensive news section.

New serial bus system specs - CAN (Controller Area Network) in Automation (CiA) the serial bus system's group has released several new and updated CANopen specifications.

Nominated for president! - Professor Gerald W. Cockrell (right) has been nominated for the position President-Elect/Secretary of ISA. If elected he would become President of the Society in 2009. The candidate is a professor in the School of Technology at Indiana State University. He teaches courses in project management, instrumentation, systems, and automation at the undergraduate and graduate level. He has developed and taught a number of training courses for major corporations throughout the United States. His industrial background included working as an electrical engineer and project manager with Rockwell International. He has received a doctoral degree from Indiana University and Bachelor and Master's degrees from Indiana State University. He received the Donald P. Eckman Education Award in 2006 at the ISA Expo in Heuston.

Is Batch processing an abnormal event? - This web presentation (18th July) will review the world of batch processing and discuss some of the inherent limitations with traditional operations. The presentation will focus on the role of the operator and how human error has been reduced in continuous processes, as well as what lessons can be learned from the continuous operating environment.

New hybrid ultrasonic flowmeters - "There's exciting news from Blue-White!" The company is introducing a new product that they believe will be the talk of industry. The new Sonic-Pro S3c is a Hybrid Ultrasonic flowmeter. What sets the Sonic-Pro apart from other Ultrasonic Flowmeters, and makes it a true hybrid, is the ability to measure fluid flow using either the Doppler or Transit Time methods. No other manufacturer offers that capability.
Blue White support the Signpost with an advert on our Home Page

Nuclear engineers avoid contact - A test rig built at Centa Transmissions in Shipley is allowing the company to guarantee that the precision gearboxes it supplies to nuclear industry will never fail prematurely.Despite its critical role, the rig is essentially quite simple, in that a motor drives the test unit against a load created by one of Centaís own industrial disc brakes. The test runs initially for three hours at the full working load, and then is increased to 300 percent load for another hour. At the heart of the rig is a non-contact sensor that constantly monitors the torque in the gearbox, generating a performance profile that can be compared with the ideal performance standard. The sensor is a TorqSense unit, as developed and made by Sensor Technology. Because it is a non-contact, the sensor does not create a dynamic load, which has to be accounted for in the analysis of the output signal.

Guidelines endorsed for Germany - DVI (the German Packaging Institute) announced today the endorsement of the OMAC Guidelines by the DVI Automation Circle to it's German members, OEM machine builders, and packaging equipment users, significantly increasing the recognition of the OMAC Guidelines with European end users and OEMs.

Production of differential pressure/pressure transmitters in Singapore - Yokogawa Electric Corporation tells us that Yokogawa Electric Asia, a centralised production center in Singapore, will begin production in July of Yokogawa's main field sensor product, the DPharp EJA Series differential pressure/pressure transmitter.

Just out! -
The latest edition of Jesse Yoder's Flow Times has just been issued! "Your Update on Flow, Temperature, and Pressure Measurement from Flow Research!" June issue of Hazardous Area International NEWSLETTER distributed last week.

600W Medically approved Power Supply is "Off the shelf Custom" - Approved to EN60601-1 and UL2601-1 the Xmite medical power supply is the latest user configurable power supply from Excelsys Technologies. Continuing to exploit their unique modular topologies the Excelsys Xmite may be configured by users in minutes to meet their exact power requirements and remain fully safety agency approved.

Communications capabilities expansion and high performance, high speed counter delivered - GE Fanuc Automation has announced the availability of two new application solution modules for its award winning PACSystems® RX3i controller: the RX3i Serial Communications Module and RX3i High Speed Counter. There are two RX3i Serial Communications Modules, one provides two independent, isolated serial ports and the other provides four independent, isolated serial ports. Up to six modules can be located in the main PACSystems RX3i backplane. In addition, each port can be configured for MODBUS Master, MODBUS Slave, or Serial I/O protocol. CCM and DNP 3.0 Master/Slave are planned for first half 2007. MODBUS Master mode exchanges with up to 64 individual slaves. The slaves are set up during module configuration and are easily controlled from the application program with no special messaging required.

Revolutionary new capability for the control of ultrasonic piezomotors - In a close collaboration between Physik Instrumente (PI) and CyboSoft, a special implementation of CyboSoft's patented Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) control technology has been engineered to bring plug-and-play closed-loop operation to ultrasonic piezomotors with no servo tuning and with automatic, real-time adaptation to changing loads and motor dynamics. Performance is optimized and safe in all conditions, equaling or surpassing that of expertly-tuned, configuration-specific conventional servo technology but without sensitive and configuration-specific setup. Uncontrolled oscillation and runaway from mistuning are eliminated. Performance is quiet, smooth and precise.
To be launched at SEMICON West in San Francisco, Calif., July 17-19, 2007.

More inside news! - Jim Pinto was at the recent HUG (Honeywell User Group) love-in at Phoenix and here are his thoughts on their wireless offering. He has lots of other useful information on this issue of his "Connections for Growth & Success!"

New IR sensor - Raytek has introduced the Marathon MM 3M infrared (IR) sensor. The Marathon MM 3M measures low-to-medium temperatures (100 to 600°C) with more accuracy regardless of changing emissivity. The new sensor was introduced at GIFA/METEC/THERMPROCESS 2007 in Düsseldorf (D). The Marathon MM 3M utilizes shorter infrared wavelengths in order to minimize errors due to the uncertainty of emissivity - the measure of an object's ability to emit infrared energy. The innovative sensor was specifically designed to meet temperature measurement challenges in the metals processing industry. Primary and secondary metal production processes heated by CO2 lasers and some medical device manufacture all benefit from the performance characteristics of the MM 3M.

Happy birthday! - HMI / SCADA software producer COPA-DATA celebrated its 20th anniversary this month in the famous palace "Schloss Leopoldskron" near their headquarters in Salzburg (A). 280 customers, press and international staff celebrated the independent industrial software provider's achievements.

Alarm management system announced - ExperTune has announced the PlantAMS™ Alarm Management System. This offering expands ExperTune's line of performance improvement software for process plants. PlantAMS is designed to help reduce safety risks, environmental risks, and operator errors through better alarm management in both routine and abnormal operation. Kevin Gibbs, CEO of ExperTune, Inc. says "At ExperTune, we have always been focused on improving process performance. PlantAMS adds another dimension to our performance improvement capabilities, as we can help improve the performance of operations personnel."

Low cost solids radar level - Over 15 years on from their first radar, VEGA have launched VEGAPULS 67. An affordable 'entry level' device for bulk solids level measurement, designed for applications where ultrasonic or capacitive probes have been traditionally used. It incorporates a new, innovative antenna system, which makes it possible to offer a considerably lower price, yet retain the heritage of tried-and-tested pulse radar technology using high sensitivity combined with ECHOFOXtm signal evaluation optimised for bulk solids.

Cost-effective LED lighting - LED illumination is a popular choice for machine vision applications because it produces a high light intensity at a relatively low cost with a long service life (typically 100,000 hours). Firstsight Vision offers a comprehensive range of LED illumination sources at competitive prices to industrial and scientific OEMs, system Integrators and resellers. This includes the renowned range of LED sources from CCS Inc.