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| Automation.com's Sensors & Instruments eletter |
Hyperspec Extended VNIR covers broad spectral range from 600nm to 1600nm - Headwall Photonics has announced the availability of the Hyperspec Extended VNIR sensor, the industry's only hyperspectral imaging instrument covering the broad spectral region of 600 to 1600 nanometers. Sensor performance has been optimized for process inspection applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food safety & quality.
Pressure gauge with robust housing for rolling stock - The pressure gauge MEX3 offered by Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation is now available in a particularly robust version for heavy duty applications. It has been developed especially for the pressure control in hydraulic parking brakes in trains. In order to protect the sensing element against shock and the impact of stones during operation, the device is mounted in an aluminium housing equipped with a polycarbonate window.
 Control Systems Safety Evaluation and Reliability, 2nd Edition shows how to realize the economic benefits of less lost production, higher product quality, and reduced maintenance costs, as well as regulatory compliance, through designing safe and reliable automated control systems. |
System automatically learns process dynamics, diagnoses problems, and re-tunes controllers - Emerson Process Management has unveiled a newly developed adaptive capability for DeltaV™ InSight which enables the DeltaV control system to automatically learn process dynamics, diagnose control problems, and re-tune control loops for optimal performance. Further extending the predictive intelligence of PlantWeb® architecture, this new capability is embedded in DeltaV's digital control system with automatic configuration to provide increased performance and availability for all DeltaV and FOUNDATION™ fieldbus-based control loops.
Total package for automotive bus testing - With the launch of the new DLM2000 mixed-signal oscilloscope, Yokogawa
Europe is now able to offer a complete package of test & measurement
solutions for analysing the serial bus systems that are increasingly being
used in the automotive sector.
Conference to focus on operator self-monitoring - Presentations at the MCERTS 2009 Conference (29/30th April) at the Bretby (GB) will focus on issues relating to the testing and monitoring of air quality in stack emissions, with particular emphasis on how Operator Self Monitoring (OSM) and MCERTS fit into the Environment Agency's 'Better Regulation' agenda.
Power unplugged... -
Wireless power is emerging as a popular concept since the profusion of personal and portable electronic devices has created a need for a convenient means to power these gadgets, eliminating the inconvenience and mess of several chargers and wires. Industries too echo this sentiment, as wires represent a burden in terms of cost and maintenance. Scientists are considering several technologies for such applications. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Wireless Power Supplies and Contactless Energy Transfer, finds that induction based wireless power could represent the next wave in powering portable electronics. It could also enable new applications in other sectors such as healthcare for powering implants to increase patient convenience and quality of life.
Cable resource - Cable-online deals in PLC programming cable for the Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, GE, Schneider, AB etc brands, HMI cable, SERVO cable, inverter Cable and Siemens Modules. This Chinese company has the professional engineers to ensure product quality and the products are tested one by one before delivery. The price is very competitive with the promise of quality warranty.
Two contarcts make birthday celebrations sweet -
Not one, but TWO major contracts have given Hima-Sella double the reason to
celebrate its 35th birthday. Marking three and a half decades in business
in February, they continue to defy the current global economic
downturn.
The first contract - from a major British company - is for HIMax®, their
latest safety programmable logic controller being distributed
exclusively there by Hima-Sella and a groundbreaking, patented
technology that guarantees uninterrupted system operation.
Metronet Rail SSL has also awarded them a multi-million pound contract
to fit Tracklink III, its unique selective door opening and correct side
door enabling system to 191 new tube trains over a five-year period.
High accuracy, snap-action, air relay pressure switches - K-TEK has announced the BETA Air Relay, a new, pilot-operated, snap action pneumatic switch from BETA N.V. The switch features a patented, snap-action mechanism that does away with problems associated with throttling bands. Unlike other pilot-operated vent valves, the Air Relay can be fine-tuned for accurate increasing or decreasing action. The switch features a narrow deadband, as low as 10 mbar, and supports pilot supply and signal pressures up to 7.0 bar.
We love the K-TEK website - don't skip the intro....!
New Electricians Kit covers all domestic and commercial installation test requirements -
Fluke is offering a new Electricians Kit as a complete solution to testing and verifying domestic and commercial electrical installations. The Fluke 1652B/PKit comprises the latest high productivity Fluke 1652B Multifunction Installation Tester, which offers automatic RCD testing and a remote probe; a Fluke T120 2-pole Tester, which features a 1999 digit LCD display and LED bargraph to indicate voltages from 12V to 690V AC/DC and a patented three-phase rotation detection system; and a Fluke SM200 Socket Tester, with 3 vivid bi-colour LEDs and an audible buzzer which indicate missing earth, live/earth reverse, live/neutral reverse, missing neutral or live faults.
New Rugged Computer Optimized for Performance and ROI - The new Everest E4000 leverages the rugged flexible computing platform made popular by the original Everest (now Everest 5000) rugged computer. Users can choose from a wide range of processor and screen size options to meet their needs. The E4000 configuration has been re-engineered to incorporate the features most commonly requested by warehouse, freight, and shop floor customers, according to Dan Poisson, Glacier Director of Engineering.
Accurate temperature measurement - Recently launched by Anton Paar is the MKT 50 platinum resistance thermometer. This 2 Channel instrument offers unbeatable accuracy and performance in its price range.
The PRT inputs have a measuring range of -260°c to +960°c with an accuracy of 0.001°c and a resolution of 0.0001°c.
New VP and financial supremo - Ahura Scientific has appointed Michael Falvey as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Falvey was selected for his more than 25 years of experience managing the finance, accounting, administration, human resource and IT functions at large organizations, including publicly traded companies Aspect Medical Systems and Millennium Pharmaceuticals. In addition, he possesses significant expertise in fund raising, investor and analyst relations, mergers and acquisitions, and alliances.
Video surveillance system catches camouflaged soldiers! - One of the first images engineers at the Madison Water Utility (MWU) in Wisconsin (US), saw when they were installing their new Video Surveillance System from Longwatch was a platoon of soldiers, dressed in camouflage uniforms and carrying M16 machine guns, creeping across the property. The water plant survived that "invasion" and now monitors 32 remote sites with video cameras that transmit over a low-speed wireless network to Wonderware HMI/SCADA operator interfaces in the control room.
Article on this installation in ISA's INTECH (Feb'09).
Server framework passes independent certification -
MatrikonOPC's OPC Framework has successfully completed the OPC Foundation's highest level of testing - Independent Certification. All MatrikonOPC Servers are based on this Framework and now are all certified.
ndependent Test Lab OPC Certification is the process of ensuring that applications meet the standards specified by the OPC Foundation. OPC Certification requires extensive testing to ensure true interoperability. The testing means multi-vendor system interoperability is guaranteed. If your OPC products are not certified, you need to ask your vendor what sort of guarantees they offer.
New, open approach with industry application for facilities management - Wonderware has introduced an Industry Application for Facilities Management as part of the Wonderware Industry Solutions for Facilities Management offerings. The new application enables more efficient management of facility operations and features a library of templates, graphics, faceplates and symbols for the development of consistent, open applications across the facility enterprise.
In a second release we learn that future releases of its industry-leading mobile workforce and decision support system software, IntelaTrac, will leverage new Microsoft technologies for improved presentation and reporting functionality for the mobile workforce. More details...
Aircraft weighing system with capacity range of 15,000 to 600,000 Pounds - Vishay Intertechnology has introduced their JetWeigh-5™ aircraft weighing system. Combining digital technology with software enhancements and stainless steel, hermetically sealed load cells, the JetWeigh-5 jack point weighing system makes aircraft weighing easy, fast, and accurate.
Mad as hatters! -
Mercury monitoring will be the major theme of Quantitech's participation at the 'MCERTS 2009' event to be held at the Bretby (GB) 29th and 30th April 2009. During the 19th Century mercury was used in the hat making process and it is believed that the neurological effects of exposure are responsible for the 'mad as a hatter' phrase. Today, mercury is a particular concern in processes that involve incineration; especially in coal fired power plants, cement kilns and crematoria. Quantitech's Dr Gareth Pearson (whom, we are assured, is completely sane) will run a workshop on both days of the MCERTS event outlining the latest technology for the measurement of mercury in stack gas emissions using the US EPA approved Appendix K Sorbent Trap Method...
New engineering co-ordinator appointed to
vibration and displacement sensor manufacturer - Monitran has
appointed James Holland as Engineering Coordinator. Holland (43) was
previously a Senior Electronics Engineer with Ultra Electronics and is
no stranger to designing fit-for-purpose products for use in harsh
environments.
Company fined €25.6m is evaluating European Commission decision! -
Parker Hannifin has been notified that the European Commission (EC) is imposing a fine of €25.6m, in connection with its investigation of whether Parker's ITR subsidiary, acquired in 2002, violated the competition laws of the European Union commencing in 1986. The fine results from an investigation of a business unit of ITR that manufactures marine hose, typically used in oil exploration. Parker fully cooperated with the investigation. The business unit had revenues of approximately $15 million when acquired.
€25,600,000
The Latest Technology Update of MeasurIT's newsletter highlights Precision US flow & thermal energy meters.
MeasurIT support the Signpost with an advert on our home page!
Low-voltage DC motor driver IC in ultra-compact
package -
The new A3908 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a low-voltage
bidirectional DC motor driver IC in an ultra-compact package measuring
only 2 mm square. Combining a high operating current with a wide
operating voltage range, the new device is ideal for use in
battery-operated applications including cameras, toys and games,
portable printer/scanners and test instrumentation.
Flexible, reliable braking and holding of heavy, conveyed loads -
Parker-Origa has introduced a new range of stop cylinders that provide damped braking and reliable holding of heavy conveyed loads. Variants are available for both horizontal and vertical installation, and the design facilitates easy change of the integrated shock absorber element, enabling the damping characteristics to be easily tailored to changing workpiece loads and speeds, and allowing a single product to meet the needs of a diverse range of applications.
Hybrid fibre/copper connector for harsh
environments - Harting has introduced a new hybrid fibre/copper connector which
allows power and data links to be combined in the same rugged housing
for ease of installation and maintenance in harsh environments.
Reducing engine friction -
An innovative torque sensor is helping to reduce engine emissions and improve economy as part of a project to develop an intelligent lubrication system. With engine efficiency under the spotlight like never before, automotive companies are exploring all avenues for improving performance. And because engines have a rotating power output, torque is the key measurement. Powertrain Technologies Ltd in Norfolk (GB) was asked to design an intelligent lubrication system and to analyse its effects on engine friction and parasitic losses. They built a highly specialised test rig for the project and since accuracy in measuring small changes in drive torque reliably and repeatably was a critical requirement a key part of the rig is a TorqSense transducer from Sensor Technology.
Stack emission monitors are future-proof - As an example of the Quantitech's FTIR Gasmet DX-4000's success, one of Europe's largest carbon fibre manufacturers has recently acquired a third DX-4000 from Quantitech. The instruments operate in a dual capacity for SGL Group, in Inverness, providing data for compliance with emissions monitoring regulations in addition to continuous information on the efficiency of the company's abatement system. This unit can monitor up to 300 different compounds of varying concentration and other gases can be added for future applications at little or no extra cost, creating a 'future-proof' instrument.
Automating software testing to ensure high-quality, reliable software - National Instruments has announced the NI LabVIEW Unit Test Framework and LabVIEW Desktop Execution Trace toolkits, which are new software engineering tools for the LabVIEW graphical development environment. This coincides with the release of NI Requirements Gateway 1.1 requirements management software. When developing large-scale or complex applications with LabVIEW software, engineers can use these toolkits to help validate systems, improve software quality and test code against requirements.
New industrial cyber security management standard published - The ISA99 standards committee has published ANSI/ISA-99.02.01-2009, Establishing an Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security Program, after receiving approval from the American National Standards Institute. The document describes elements to set up a cyber security management system and provides guidance on how to meet the requirements for each element. The standard is the second in the highly popular and influential ISA99 series.
New jigs to measure peel cling, puncture resistance
and tensile strength of stretch wrap cling film -
Lloyd Instruments is offering a versatile testing of stretch wrap film with the introduction of two new test jigs for its LFPlus 1 kN (225 lbf) single column materials testing machine. The TG1075 is used for testing puncture resistance to ASTM D 5748-95 (Re-approved 2007), while the TG1167 is used for testing peel cling to ASTM D 5458-95 (Re-approved 2001). In addition, the LFPlus can be used to perform a standard tensile test on stretch wrap film at very low force.
Stretch wrap film is an extremely important packaging material used in applications from heavy duty pallet strapping to sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh. Peel cling and puncture resistance are important parameters since cling is critical in maintaining a tight wrap after an item is stretch wrapped to prevent the film from unwrapping during handling and transportation, while puncture strength is important with regards to preventing accidental puncture damage thereby helping to maintain product freshness.
Smart switches provide easy to use network security - "Security made easy" is how Emerson Process Management refers to its newest addition to DeltaV™ security functionality. Built into the new family of DeltaV smart switches, Emerson has added auto-lockdown security capabilities that allow a DeltaV user to automatically lock and unlock the port access of all the switches in the network. This lockdown will disable all unused network connections (ports) on the switch.
Future outlook on wireless solutions in industrial automation - Wireless technology has assumed rapid significance for industrial automation over the last couple of years thanks to numerous benefits for industrial applications. The future chances and challenges for this industry have been the subject of the "Future of Wireless Solutions in Industrial Automation" Workshop organized by Frost & Sullivan recently in Frankfurt am Main (D).
Trade fair and conference launches newly designed website with
additional features for exhibitors - 
L.A.B. - the European trade fair and conference for analysis, bio and laboratory equipment in Britain announces the launch of its newly designed
and improved website. The new site has been designed to
provide visitors with a comprehensive overview of L.A.B. 2009, featuring
enhanced accessibility and usability, facilitating quick and easy
navigation.
L.A.B.
Trade fair and conference for analysis, bio and laboratory equipment in the
UK - October 27-29 2009 Birmingham (GB).
9th Annual Fugitive Emissions - LDAR event details - This year's Leak Detection And Repair (LDAR) Training and Symposium in Austin (TX US), will highlight topics impacting the LDAR community for years to come. With the EPA having now finalized the Alternative Work Practice for Optical Imaging Cameras, there are questions being asked from every angle. At the Symposium, you will hear from the EPA, consultants, and end users on this and other issues of great interest. Consent Decrees are still of high concern, especially as they begin affecting the chemical processing industry. You will also hear fresh perspectives on ways to improve/optimize LDAR programs. With all the changes now taking place, how will you know what will save your company money or blow the budget?
Keynote Address will be by by Eddie Lewis (right), partner in Fulbright & Jaworski on A Legal Perspective on LDAR
Streamline smart wireless deployment and making
predictive diagnostics more powerful - Emerson has announced
wireless and predictive maintenance enhancements to its
industry-leading AMS(R) Suite asset management software that helps users
optimize critical plant assets. AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager
10.0 features support for WirelessHART™ devices and networks, alert
monitoring capabilities, advanced diagnostics through SNAP-ON™
applications, and increased ease-of-use.
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Signal conditioneer wins award
- Moore Industries-International has won an Engineer's Choice
Award from Control Engineering for the new miniMOORE™ family of
multi-channel signal conditioners. Control Engineering's Engineer's
Choice Award highlights the most notable new products from the past
year. This range, released last November, won in the Networks and
Communications Products category for Signal Conditioners or
Diagnostics.
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 Signal Conditioning or Diagnostics
miniMoore With instrumentation, panel space equals money, so these new miniMoore analog signal conditioners offer large features in a small package. The miniMoore delivers up to four low-cost input/output (I/O) channels in a 1 in. (25.4 mm) footprint, which equates to 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) per channel. Providing 1,000 V rms input-to-output and channel-to-channel signal isolation, the products can isolate, convert, boost and split analog signals inside rugged industrial metal housings, providing superior protection against unpredictable and harmful effects of RFI and EMI interference common in most industrial environments. Both 2- and 4-channel models provide isolated 4-20 mA outputs ready for interface with an indicator, recorder, DCS, PLC or PC-based SCADA system. |
Latest software solution allows clients to be greener,
more energy efficient - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has
released the newest version of SimSci-Esscor's HEXTRAN™
software, a comprehensive heat transfer and pinch analysis tool. In
addition to the numerous infrastructure upgrades and enhancements that
address the emerging needs of clients seeking cost-effective and
efficient heat transfer, HEXTRAN 9.2 simulation software can now be
used on Microsoft Vista Enterprise & Business operating systems. IPS
has also created an updated install procedure and support for
Microsoft Office 2007.
ISO 17025 accreditation for
leak testing at low flow rates - InterTech
Development Company has received ISO 17025 accreditation for leak
testing at very low flow rates. This ISO 17025 standard documents
that the InterTech Development Company Applications Laboratory,s
quality management system adheres to the highest standards.
0A to 1A uModule LED driver & current source integrates
all circuitry & protects LEDs - Linear Technology
Corporation has introduced the LTM8040, the first of a new family of DC/DC
uModule™ LED drivers that contains all the circuitry, including
the inductor, in a compact 9mm x 15mm x 4.32mm surface mount package.
Driving an LED string with the LTM8040 is as simple as adding the
input capacitor and connecting the LED string. It can drive from 0A to
1A through a string of LEDs with +/-2% accuracy at full load current.
The device protects against an accidental open LED string with its
output voltage clamp circuitry and against short-circuit incidents
with a frequency foldback scheme. The LTM8040 has applications in
2-cell Li-Ion battery packs, rectified 12VAC and industrial 24V for
LCD backlighting, portable lighting, and wide area lighting.
Triple-output power supply senses voltage at the load - The new EL302RT from TTi is a triple-output laboratory power supply which incorporates switchable remote sense terminals that enable the output voltage to be precisely controlled at the load end.
Green manufacturing progress
for semiconductor industry - Semiconductor Research Corporation
and IMEC are to set up an international collaboration aimed at
creation of novel processes and materials for advanced semiconductor
manufacturing. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) calls for the
consortia to apply their more than 50 years of combined expertise to
finding more environmentally friendly ways to make chips for use by
the worldwide electronics industry.
Hot and wet temperature data logger - Dickson's new
stainless steel case data loggers are perfect for monitoring
temperatures in hot and/or wet conditions HT 200/220/225 a.k.a.
"Takes-the-Heat" Watertight Temperature Data Logger, are now
available to worldwide control engineers.
New sales manager
to bring new levels of support to OEM customers and distribution network - Gresham Power Electronics has appointed Alan Arnold as their new Sales Manager for power supplies. Prior to this appointment Alan had been running a successful technical electronics consultancy for a number of years and had previously worked in both specialist and board-line electronic distribution. Where, in a technical sales role, he promoted components from blue-chip companies into major OEM accounts, achieving many major new design-in wins...
Southeast Asia's first MESH control network for the beverages industry - Invensys Process Systems has successfully implemented the first MESH control network for Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore (APBS). Under the terms of the agreement, IPS worked closely with APBS to deliver an automation solution that upgrades and replaces copper-based communication networks and increases APBS' overall computing processing capacity. IPS also provided operating system upgrades and optimization for batch control processes, with the entire project brought online with nearly zero production-line downtime.
Powering green manufacturing and water purification systems - Powerstax have delivered power rectifiers to a wide variety of applications including, nitrate extraction from water (particularly from farmland), mobile "silt-busters" used to purify muddy water at building sites enabling it to be emptied into the main drainage systems, extracting phosphates from water used to wash car bodies during their manufacture, purifying water used in the dairy and food industries by extracting blood etc, removing metals out of mountain streams for the brewing industry and recovery of cupric & ammonia cal copper in PCB etching equipment.
New MES platform packages - Yokogawa has released Real-time Production OrganizerTM (RPO): a suite of manufacturing execution system (MES) platform packages that integrate the vertical production execution workflow across departments and empower decision-makers to organise their work quickly and efficiently.
Anemometer range extended - The Gill Sensors's WindObserver range of two-axis ultrasonic anemometers has recently been extended, introducing a version with high-temperature heating elements, designed to remain ice-free in most freezing weather conditions. With exceptionally high heating power and the ability to measure wind speeds up to 75m/s (168mph) the instrument is ideal for use in extreme conditions where performance and reliability are paramount. The sensor housing is stainless steel, with a new water-repellent coating to enhance rain and ice removal.
Head new European control systems division -
Aerotech has welcomed the return of Simon Smith as European Manager
for its newly formed Control Systems Division. Smith had previously
worked for Aerotech for around nine years to 2005, with over six years
as Managing Director, and left to pursue emigration to New Zealand and
a senior position with Rockwell Automation NZ Ltd.
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2009 ISA Pro Bowl Schedule -
The 2009 ISA technical event calendar includes ISA Division symposia, technical conferences, and ISA EXPO.
The ISA Symposia and Conference Team has brought together nine strong events to perform in this year's ISA Pro Bowl, each with a distinguished focus and specialty.
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British distributors for fibre optic displacement sensor range -
Ixthus Instrumentation has been appointed as the exclusive Britain and Ireland distributor for the complete range of high accuracy fibre optic displacement sensors from USA manufacturer Philtec. The durable non-contact range provides highly repeatable position measurement at bandwidths up to 350 kHz over distances up to 50 mm, and with resolution as low as 2 nanometres.
High pressure hygrometer saves money in compressed air and gas manufacture -
Michell Instruments' S8000 Integrale cooled mirror hygrometer is able
to cope with sample gas at pressures of up to 17 barg. This means a
reduced response time which can help save users time and money in dry
applications - such as compressed air and bottled gases - where low
dew-points are reached.
New pH monitoring system with online
calibration capability - Specialist electrochemical sensor manufacturer
Analytical Technology announces that its innovative new Q45P pH monitoring
system is capable of online calibration, speeding up the production process
and optimising pH readings. The new Q45P system with online calibration is
designed for use in all industrial and municipal applications including
wastewater treatment, breweries, dairies and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Software chosen - Aegis Software, has
announced the selection of their system by Express Manufacturing, Inc.
(EMI), the largest private contract manufacturer in Orange County,
California (US). EMI chose Aegis software to facilitate process planning
and launch as well as manufacturing execution for their plant in Santa
Ana, CA. The Aegis system was selected for its unique ability to
provide EMI and their customers with total visibility to process-wide
quality, WIP, and performance data.
ICE cool automation! - The February 2009 issue of 
ICEnews has just been posted. This like other issues which has masses of links to really useful information across a broad range of Instrumentation, Control, Fire & Gas and Electrical Engineering. So grab a "cuppa" and take the time to have a look at your specific interest area.
Thermal images appear on HMI/SCADA screens for process
monitoring - The Longwatch Video Surveillance System now has an
interface to FLIR's A-Series Thermal Imaging cameras, so that thermal
images can be viewed on standard HMI/SCADA software, such as
Wonderware InTouch or GE Fanuc iFix. This capability expands process
monitoring, maintenance and process diagnostics, because the thermal
images allow operators to see product/utility leaks, "hot spots" in a
process, imperfections in finished goods, and other anomalies.
Infrared imaging can also be used for intrusion monitoring.
Flowmeter portfolio reinforced - Stream Measurement of Oldham (GB), through its process industry partner ABB, has added two new flowmeter ranges to its extensive portfolio. Part of ABB's electromagnetic FlowMaster family, ProcessMaster and HygienicMaster both incorporate a host of advanced features providing users with enhanced performance with reduced complexity across a variety of fluids and end-user applications.
A resource for lean manufacturing and
lean enterprise excellence - Superfactory's Newsletter is dedicated to spreading
manufacturing and enterprise excellence information with an aim to
improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity worldwide.
Single wire technology simplifies cavity pressure sensor installation -
The increasing use of cavity pressure monitoring for quality assurance during the injection moulding of small products in multi-cavity moulds is making the installation of the sensors more difficult. To meet this challenge, Kistler Instruments has applied its widely used single wire technology to a range of sub-miniature, indirect cavity pressure sensors. These sensors, mounted behind the ejector pin, measure cavity pressure by using the force on the pin and its cross-sectional area. The sensors use the same precision, piezoelectric technology as Kistler's direct measuring pressure sensors and have a virtually unlimited service life at operating temperatures of up to 200°C.
Two day
despatch now available on a range of standard transmitters to meet
urgent requirements in Western Europe -
Emerson Process
Management has announced the introduction of the 'QUICK SHIP'
service for a range of standard Rosemount® pressure and
temperature transmitters. The 'QUICK SHIP' programme has been
developed to meet urgent requirements when standard deliveries could
result in unacceptable delays and lost production. The new service
will initially be available to customers in the Britain, France,
Germany and Ireland, and then extended to cover other European
countries.
Defeating Murphy's law! - Murphy's Law
dictates operators or maintenance staff will be away from the machine
or process when there is a problem. InduSoft's latest update to their
award-winning software. InduSoft Web Studio™ Version 6.1 Service Pack
5 (SP5) introduces several new features such as Studio Mobile Access™
(SMA), the option to run as a Windows® service, and custom display
resolutions. SP5 also brings many performance improvements and general
enhancements, making InduSoft Web Studio more powerful and easier to
use than ever before. The SMA feature allows any Web-enabled
smartphone or mobile device to display vital information about your
machine or process.
Put the knowledge of more than 35
automation experts at your fingertips - Whether you are an
engineer, manager, control systems integrator, student, or educator,
you will turn to this book again and again for highly detailed, yet
easy to read information on the major topics of automation. A Guide to the
Automation Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition, edited by Vernon L.
Trevathan, is a product of more than 35 leading experts from all
aspects of automation.
|
This second edition has been updated with
critical and current additional topics covering: custom software control equipment structure continuous emissions monitoring systems etc... |
Radar sensor operates intelligently, whatever the weather -
Carlo Gavazzi has extended its range of devices for automated doors,
lifts and escalators by introducing a family of compact radar sensors
offering intelligent detection and simple, flexible installation. The
RAD01 and RAD02 radar sensors utilise Doppler shift in a K-Band
(24,125GHz) signal to detect motion towards or away from the device,
and provide SPDT relay output which operates the door. Sensing is
bidirectional in the case of the RAD01 or bidirectional/unidirectional
for the RAD02, enabling the latter to detect motion towards and/or
away from the device.
Servo drive delivers performance and productivity -
Parker Hannifin has
announced its latest family of Compax3 intelligent servo drives. The
Compax3 family of products has been designed to offer OEMs and end
users a full range of drive solutions, while being simple to program
and operate. In addition, Compax3 servo drives are based on a common
operating platform, delivering high levels of performance and
functionality, and have been developed for use in global applications,
with support from Parker's worldwide network of sales and technology
centres.
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Five of Automation's
Biggest Hits - Every year, the members of the Process Automation
Hall of Fame vote into the Hall just a few of their peers. This year's
class includes Hans D. Baumann, Renzo Dallimonti, J. Patrick Kennedy,
Carroll Ryskamp and Cecil L. Smith. In 1997, Control magazine profiled Renzo Dallimonti with the headline, "The Best Way to Predict the Future Is to Create It." That headline could easily fit any of these five men. Each has made an enormous contribution to the field of automation. |
IEC graphical programming capability boosts ease of use of flow manager family - Emerson Process Management's powerful DS800
Development Suite is now available for its FloBoss™ Flow Manager
family of natural gas and liquid flow computers. For the first time,
FloBoss customers have the power to create custom programs in any of
five IEC 61131-3 graphical programming languages. The new FloBoss 107
is the first FloBoss family unit to offer the benefits of this
versatile programming tool.
Rapid sales
growth in Britain! - EPLAN Software and Service have opened a
new regional sales office in Birmingham (GB) to complement the sales
and support activities of its head office in South Yorkshire. At a
time when many companies have put their expansion plans on hold, they
have been embarking on a rapid period of growth as companies turn to
EPLAN engineering software to automate their design activities. With
over 60,000 users worldwide, the company has seen a substantial
increase in demand for its software packages as it has demonstrated it
can significantly reduce project drafting and documentation by between
50 to 80%.
Sales support for European air handling industry expanded -
Baldor has announced that its Munich facility is now carrying extensive stocks of component parts for Dodge HFO oil-lubricated spherical roller bearings, backed by a fast-turnaround housing assembly service. These bearings, usually paired with split plummer block housings, are one of the mainstays of the air handling industry. Designed specifically for applications where reliability and long inter-maintenance intervals are key criteria - such as industrial fans and blowers - the bearings and housings are also ideal for critical machinery such as emergency generators.
Intellitect recruits water quality specialist
- Intellitect Water has announced the appointment of
David Miles, a specialist in disinfection and drinking water quality,
to spearhead the company's business development activity. With a
career that started in mechanical engineering, David has worked for a
number of major companies in roles that have included business
development at a senior level. Most recently he was a Director of a
marketing business with interests in both Britain and Asia.
Smart operations management Suite - Emerson
Process Management's Syncade(TM) Smart Operations Management suite is a
new class of real-time production management software to improve plant
operations. The modular, scalable Syncade Suite extends the value of
PlantWeb(R) digital plant architecture by integrating real-time
intelligent plant-floor data with procedural, off-line and
transactional plant business processes, decisions and asset
management.
Advanced industrial electronics diagnostic logging kit
with software comparisons and professional reporting - Fluke has introduced
the new Fluke 287/FVF industrial electronics monitoring Combo Kit
comprising a true-rms Fluke 287 Electronics Logging Multimeter,
FlukeView® Forms software, which enables comparisons with previous
recordings and professional reporting, and a Fluke 80BK-A Thermocouple
probe. The Fluke 287 can log multiple sessions unattended in the
field. Advanced data logging with TrendCapture helps to track down
elusive, intermittent, electronics problems faster than before.
Riding a dead horse?
- After being approached by FactoryLink users, COPA-DATA team
have collaborated with them to develop an easy-to-use and open wizard
that offers a straightforward, tried-and-tested method of moving from
a discontinued application to an innovation leader. A special
configuration wizard allows gives FactoryLink users a straight-
forward method of moving existing projects on to the Austrian
company's award-winning SCADA software, zenon.
Reinhard Mayr of Copy Data says: "FactoryLink found a new owner, but this offered its users no good news because new owner Siemens has
now announced that FactoryLink is to be discontinued. For FactoryLink users, this means no more
development; no more access to new technology and additional competitive disadvantages. In addition,
the product recommended by Siemens as an official upgrade path is also approaching the end of its
product life cycle. This leaves FactoryLink users with a difficult decision!"
Donation of
industry tools to student teams in Green Automotive Engineering
Competition - National
Instruments has announced its contribution as a platinum sponsor
for EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, a new collegiate vehicle engineering
competition for which students will reengineer a 2009 Saturn VUE with
advanced technology to reduce environmental impact while retaining
consumer appeal. As a platinum sponsor, NI is donating more than
$300,000 worth of engineering hardware and software to student teams
in 2009, including NI LabVIEW graphical system design software, CompactRIO
in-vehicle embedded control systems and PXI modular simulation
systems. Teams will use these tools to design, prototype and
deploy their vehicles and tackle the unique algorithm engineering
challenges associated with developing advanced hybrid vehicles.
Control system orders for LNG carriers in Australia and Brunei - Yokogawa Electric Corporation subsidiaries have received two
control system orders from LNG carrier owners based in Australia and
Brunei. The Brunei order is Yokogawa's first involving LNG carriers
with electrical propulsion systems.
Check out OptoIQ, a new electro-optics/optoelectronics portal website from PennWell, designed to provide opto-engineers, engineering managers, scientists, students and educators with the largest breadth of information on photonics technologies and applications.
A new CD, entitled: "Fundamentals - Instruments and Techniques of
UV/Vis Spectroscopy" is available free from Analytik Jena.
Although UV/Vis spectroscopy is one of the most well-established and
commonly-used laboratory techniques, many people are unaware of the
full extent of the technique's capabilities. Copies of the CD can be
requested here
Ultrasonic continuous liquid level sensor for challenging
fluid measurement - Gems® Sensors
& Controls™ has launched the UCL-520 Series of Ultrasonic
Level Sensors. The UCL-520 Series is suitable for non-contact
applications such as industrial water treatment, wastewater
management, chemical storage as well as many other challenging fluid
applications.
Linear transducers steer Sunseeker's luxury yachts -
Penny + Giles is supplying its robust and reliable in-cylinder ICT100 linear displacement transducers for use on Sunseeker's prestigious Predator range of performance motor yachts. The transducers were chosen for use on the luxury motor yachts because of their rugged design, excellent reliability and high performance under extreme conditions. They provide accurate position feedback of the hydraulic actuators used in the surface drive trim and steering.
In-House QC facilities upgraded - Phosphor and scintillator detector specialist, Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST), has upgraded its measurement and quality assurance equipment for its caesium iodide (CsI) production facility with the addition of a new optical inspection microscope and a new camera system for X-ray inspection. Thallium-doped CsI has become an increasingly popular material for scintillator-based digital X-ray detectors in dental and medical applications. AST uses optimised co-evaporation coating technologies for the deposition of caesium iodide onto fibre optic faceplate (FOP) substrates. However, the product requires a high level of inspection to an exacting imaging specification.
Driving consistency in packaging automation and accelerating manufacturing continuous improvement initiatives - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, today announced that its hardware and software products enable OMAC Make2Pack standards to support multiple vendor platforms for applications in both new and existing equipment. Capabilities within the company's PACSystems, QuickPanel View & Control, Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX, Proficy Operations Management Software products enable OMAC Make2Pack standards to improve machine flexibility, enable visibility at all levels - plant floor to enterprise, and allow for faster time to market and integration, ultimately providing a sustainable advantage to manufacturers worldwide.
Car-reversing sensors now available - LPRS now offers a wide range of Pro-Wave components for proximity detecting applications. The Pro-Wave SRM400 sonar ranging modules and US040 sensors are widely used for car reversing aids and are very popular with volume manufacturers and after market suppliers.
New 2009 T&M product guide - Keithley Instruments has released its 2009 Test and Measurement Product Guide. The 144-page guide offers details and technical specifications on Keithley's general-purpose and sensitive sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF switching and measurement, data acquisition solutions, semiconductor test systems, and optoelectronics test. A useful selector guide simplifies choosing the right solutions for specific applications.
Sound and vibration product offerings for machine
diagnostic applications - National Instruments has announced the
release of new NI analysis and signal processing tools for noise,
vibration and harshness (NVH); machine condition monitoring; and audio
test applications. The
NI Sound and
Vibration Measurement Suite Version 7.0 extends analysis functionality
with NI LabVIEW virtual instruments (VIs)
for performing psychoacoustic measurements, making it possible for
engineers to quickly set up tests to quantify sound quality.
Additionally, National Instruments announced the
NI USB-4432, a
portable bus-powered dynamic signal acquisition module for making
high-accuracy sound and vibration measurements.
Co-operative purchasing agreement -
Purchasing
Partners(PPI), the official group purchasing organization of the
Fab Owners
Association and CapOneSource Alliance have announced an agreement
that gives selected companies dual membership and participation in
each organization's preferred vendor agreements.
New licensable products to deliver OPC interoperability -
Kepware Technologies has developed new product offerings to deliver OPC interoperability, ranging from OPC-Classic to the newest OPC-UA, for license with OEM software products in the automation marketplace.
Software vendors are constantly challenged with staying current with technology and offering the best and most interoperable solutions. Kepware will now offer its leading OPC technology as licensable components, for incorporation into third-party automation software solutions. This new product enables OEMs to leverage Kepware OPC Clients and OPC Servers as plugable components, maintained and certified by Kepware, to meet the latest specifications for OPC-Classic and OPC-UA. The use of "Kepware OPC for Interoperability" will ensure the industry will have the world,s best and most widely adopted OPC technology in products from all vendors.
Process measurement and analysis - The fourth
edition of Bela Liptek's Instrument Engineers' Handbook, 4th
Edition, Vol. 1: Process Measurement and Analysis incorporates the
latest developments in automation and control and broadens its outlook
to a global perspective. With a chapter devoted to each major area of
measurement technology, the handbook includes topics such as the
detection of flow, level, temperature, pressure, density, viscosity,
weight, composition, and safety sensors. The book includes
contributions from approximately 100 leading industrial and academic
professionals. It covers sensors, detectors, analyzers, and other
measuring devices introduced since publication of the third edition.
Pressure sensors with CANopen interface -
With the series PDRJ and PDAJ, Baumer's product segment Process
Instrumentation offers rugged pressure sensors that communicate via
the CANopen protocol and can measure a relative or absolute pressure
from -1 up to 1000 bar. In the operating temperature range of -25°C to
85°C, the maximal total error is at 1% FSR for the T-class and only
0,3% FSR for the S-class. The measuring devices are suitable for
complex systems over big distances or security-relevant applications
like engine test benches requiring a high accuracy.
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Direct Mercury Analysis from Quantitech Limited on Vimeo. New technology for the quick determination of mercury in solid and liquid samples. No sample preparation, results in 5 minutes. |
Short online demonstration of direct mercury analysis - Quantitech has published a short video showing a new mercury analysis
technology that demonstrates the speed and simplicity that is now
possible in the analysis of both liquid and solid samples. Performed
by Dr. Gareth Pearson, Quantitech's Product Specialist, the video
illustrates how results can be achieved within 5 minutes per sample
without the need for any laborious or hazardous sample preparation.
Ultrasound helps optimise drive designs - A bespoke pump maker is using ultrasound waves to efficiently model drive torque and thus contain development costs to within predictable limits. Charles Austen Pumps has recently upgraded test facilities with Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) equipment from Sensor Technology.
Charles Austen Pumps manufactures pumps individually designed to meet specific customer requirements that cannot be satisfied by off-the-shelf units. Over the three generations that this family firm has been operating it has continually honed its skills at accurately predicting development costs and working within budgets, and has become adept at using advanced techniques such as SAW analysis.
Error limits of variable area flowmeters - After 30 years of validity, the definition regarding the accuracy of variable area flowmeters in the VDI/VDE 3513-2 guideline was revised in the August 2008 edition. Instead of the accuracy classes, requiring a formula to calculate the permissible deviation for each measuring point, all that is now required is the simplified indication of the error limit which states the maximum permissible percent of deviation from the current measured value. For example, if the error limit is stated as 1%, that refers to a constant, permissible measuring error of one percent of the current measured value. It is only for the beginning of the measuring range that additional error influences, depending on the design, will be taken into special consideration.
Expansion in
Korea announced - GreenPeak has broadened its Asia Pacific
presence with the establishment of a representative office in Korea.
Mr. SY Youm will head the new office and drive business development.
GreenPeak is a fabless semiconductor company offering innovative ultra
low power wireless and battery-free data communication technologies
for sense and control applications. It was recently selected as a 2009
Technology Pioneer by The World Economic Forum.
Linear actuator drives innovation into lab mixers -
Even the most conservative industries can be won over by design
innovations, as high shear mixer maker Silverson discovered when
sourcing difficulties encouraged it to rethink the only standard
product its in entire range. They have adopted an Origa linear
actuator as the lift mechanism on its laboratory scale high shear
mixer, replacing a complex chain drive built in-house with an
out-of-the-box mechatronic unit. It also acts at a structural member,
the 'column' to support the shear drive head above its base.
How to get into the PROFIBUS Conference without paying - To help British industry in these difficult economic times PROFIBUS UK is offering some valuable financial incentives to join the PROFIBUS Group including a limited number of day delegate places at the 2009 PROFIBUS and Profinet User Conference FREE OF CHARGE. These places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to companies joining The PROFIBUS Group at the Regular or higher levels in the months prior to the Conference.
Details of 2009 Conference: 16 & 17 June 2009 at Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
New president for leading industrial networking equipment entity! -
Sixnet has announced that Hilton Nicholson has joined the company as president and CEO. Mr. Nicholson brings
Sixnet more than 25 years of management experience with networking and telecommunications equipment
manufacturers. He succeeds former CEO Steve Schoenberg, who will continue to serve on the company's
board of directors.
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