Measuring body temperature from a distance to prevent spreading of AN1H1 -

Automation services market provides growth, cost reduction opportunities in tough times - The services business remains one of the best growth opportunities for automation suppliers today, and one of the best ways for end users to take advantage of the growing expertise of suppliers to reduce plant maintenance costs, operating costs, and project costs. The worldwide market for supplier provided automation services will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 7 percent over the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

TOC Analyser improves NLS lab speed and versatility - A new TOC IL550 analyser from HACH LANGE is helping the British Environment Agency's National Laboratory Service (NLS) to increase sample analysis turnover and improve efficiency levels at its inorganic laboratory in Nottingham. The analyser is used for the determination of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in sewage, river, leachates, effluents and groundwater samples.

Industrial Ethernet routing switch for extreme environments - Westermo Data Communications, has released a range of high performance industrial Ethernet switches with enhanced routing functionality. The RedFox series is designed to build cost effective, secure and reliable networks that would previously have required several different units.

New board member - The newest board member of OMAC is Rick VanDyke of Frito-Lay. He was named to the OMAC Board at its meeting held in Orlando in conjunction with the ARC Forum. He is a Senior Group Manager of FACTS (Factory Automation Control System Technology Systems) for the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo, a position he has held since December 2005.

"Ask the expert?" - The MESA Technical Committee is now responding to inquiries about MES on the Managing Automation "Ask the Expert" Q&A Blog. On the Community Page, the MESA Technical Committee provides answers to MES questions, while 14 international experts provide answers on other blogs ranging from ERP, BPM, CRM, SCM and many others.

Honour for automation body - The Automation Federation is to be be honoured at the Progressive Manufacturing Awards Gala in June (FL US), for the development of the Automation Competency Model with the U.S. Department of Labour.

Precise, reliable and fast nitrogen/protein determination in animal feed - Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced a new application note demonstrating the unprecedented capabilities of the Thermo Scientific FLASH 4000 nitrogen/protein analyzer in providing accurate, reproducible and rapid nitrogen/protein determination in animal feed. The application note is entitled "Nitrogen/Protein determination in Animal Feed by the Thermo Scientific FLASH 4000 Series."

Forward-looking momentum for the electronics industry - productronica, the major trade fair for innovative electronics production, is continuing to extend its position as an international innovation platform for the electronics industry with the new Munich Electronics Summit. This event for CEOs of internationally operating companies will be held at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre on November 10, 2009.

Free video offers practical insight into current IEC 61511 revisions - The Safety Users Group has conducted an unprecedented round table discussion with members of the IEC 61511 standard committee to explore the maintenance of the functional safety standard and addresses common misconceptions. Ê Industrial safety trend setters from Shell Europe and DuPont USA are joined by experts from the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Emerson Process Management and IEC 61511 Committee Chairman Victor Maggioli share their practical experience of the standard and its adoption in the chemical process, oil refining, tank storage and offshore industries in a series of free online videos.
The Signpost Safety Page!

New website launched! - - SIXNET has launched a "ground-breaking" website. Easily navigated, this robust new site is full of wide-ranging information, straightforward downloads, and innovative solutions that many industries count on. ÊThis much improved website highlights the wide range of products offered across the industries they serve.

New Ethernet Analog I/O modules pack 16 channels of 16-bit A/D into an inch-wide unit to reduce costs - Acromag continues to expand its line of BusWorks® Ethernet I/O modules for distributed I/O and SCADA with new 993EN and 994EN models providing a 16-channel 16-bit A/D interface for single-ended analog voltage or current input signals.

Valve with double the control range for better throttling performance - Emerson Process Management has introduced the Fisher® Control-Diskª valve. The new Control-Disk valve offers excellent throttling performance and is ideal for applications that involve fast processes and varying pressure drops, such as in the hydrocarbon, refining, chemical, pulp and paper, and metals and mining industries.

Software-Defined System for Testing WiMAX Devices - National Instruments has introduced their Measurement Suite for Fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004), a software suite that can be used to configure software-defined PXI RF measurement systems. With this suite, engineers can test WiMAX base stations and mobile subscriber stations as well as components such as transceivers, power amplifiers and other RFICs. Engineers can purchase the suite software alone or with preconfigured hardware bundles. Because the system builds on their PXI instrumentation platform, engineers who have PXI RF instruments can quickly add WiMAX capabilities to their test systems.

Customized training for power generation plant personnel - Due to increasing calls for better reliability, improved heat rate, and lower emissions by power generation plants, ControlSoft announces its PID and APC classes customized to help fossil fuel-fired power plant personnel learn the fundamentals of control loop tuning and advanced process control (APC) strategies specifically for power plants.

New architecture for discrete assembly support tasks provided - GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has introduced StationPortal™, a breakthrough solution for discrete assembly support tasks. StationPortal provides a completely new architecture for assembly support systems, greatly increasing the speed of deployment and optimization, while providing a significantly lower total cost of ownership. This product is a great fit for tasks such as error proofing, line balancing, material call, and other production support tasks.

FTIR Gas Analyser reveals toxicity of ancient siege technique - A revolutionary gas analyser from leading environmental instrumentation company Quantitech has played a starring role in a major History Channel series. The company was contacted by Wild Dream Films, who were looking for instrumentation to measure toxic gases in air to feature in an episode of a series called Ancient Discoveries faeturing the siege of Ambarica!
Ambracia was beseiged in 189BC by Fulvius Nobilior.

Collaboration to bring advanced metering solutions to market - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe GmbH (FME) and Advanced Digital Design (ADD), a world leader in the development of SoCs for communication over Power Line and solutions for AMM, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop products for the Automatic Meter Management (AMM) market.

EX-ATEX approved magnetostrictive position sensors - RDP Electronics Ltd's their MTS R-Series magnetostrictive position sensors are now available in EX-ATEX approved versions. Suitable for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas for gas and Zone 22 for dust, the approval applies to all Analogue, SSI and CANbus versions of the R-Series transducers.

Power Density the key to cost effectiveness - Gresham Power Electronics continues to push the boundaries of power density in power supply design. Their latest open frame switch mode power supply family, the HD365, offers 365 Watts in a miserly 76 x 127mm (3 x 5 inch) footprint providing a class leading 18W/in3 power density. Just a few years ago this package size could only be expected to offer 100 watts.

Optimism at UK environment event -

SCADA on track in China! - Wonderware has announced that China's Ministry of Railways has selected Wonderware System Platform as the SCADA system to operate the country's national railway. The project will extend to 2020 and involves the automation of all power monitoring points for a majority of the Chinese railroad system and will feature 3 million I/O points.

Guide to Manufacturing Execution Systems - In recent decades, industrial companies have invested much time and money in not only machine and production line automation but also ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems. The manufacturing execution system (MES) falls between these two layers. MES Guide for Executives: Why and How to Select, Implement, and Maintain a Manufacturing Execution System, a new book from the ISA stable by Bianca Scholten, sheds light on how to complete your plant's move into the twenty-first century.

Pharma industry waters Ireland's green shoots! -

Acquistion of company withoptics and opto-electronics expertese - The Kistler Group has acquired Corrsys-Datron Sensorsysteme GmbH, the manufacturer of measuring systems for vehicle dynamic testing, in an all-stock transaction on 30 April 2009. This acquisition enables Kistler to round off its range of measuring systems for vehicle dynamic testing in automobile development. The optical technology of Corrsys is a further asset to the Kistler Group.

Auto-clean optical dissolved Oxygen monitor lowers carbon emissions in wastewater treatment plants - Analytical Technology's recently launched optical Q45D Dissolved Oxygen Monitor with Auto-Clean System reduces energy consumption in wastewater treatment plants. The innovative monitor is designed to provide reliable oxygen measurements in aeration processes and reduces maintenance requirements via the self-clean facility. Using a clean monitor such as the Q45D in wastewater treatment processes produces highly accurate results and lowers carbon emissions by reducing the amount of energy consumed.

Hybrid power T connector aids decentralised motor control - The Han-Power® T Modular Twin from Harting is a hybrid connector including modules for both power and signal transmission. The new device is designed to provide maximum flexibility in industrial power bus systems, allowing a high degree of decentralisation in applications such as intelligent motor controls mounted on the machine or conveyor being controlled.

Off-the-Shelf EPICS Integration for Particle Accelerator and Tokamak Control - National Instruments has announced that the NI LabVIEW graphical system design platform now integrates with the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) input/output controller (IOC), which is used in the control systems of particle accelerators, tokamak fusion devices and other big physics applications. With LabVIEW EPICS IOC integration, engineers and scientists can use LabVIEW as a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution for integrating industrial control and data acquisition hardware, a task that previously required custom driver development.

New water quality monitor for intake and outfall monitoring - Intellitect Water is trialling a new version of the in-pipe Intellisonde™ multiparameter water quality monitor which has been designed for environmental applications. The new instrument, known as 'Intellisonde™ EM' will be deployed in fresh water intakes at treatment works and treated waste water outflows.

Service to Brazil & Argentina improved - Continuing its policy of providing a true global solution for its broad customer base, PXI/LXI solutions provider Pickering Interfaces is improving its service in South America with the appointment of Hitech, a local Brazilian distribution partner. Aimed at serving both existing electronics manufacturing sites in Brazil and Argentina as well as companies who are moving into the region, Hitech Eletronica Industrial Comercial Ltda provides sales and service representation for Pickering Interfaces' complete product range.

Kazakhstan university to establish new IT chair - Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology and consulting firm, today announced that it will help establish a new academic Chair of Information Technologies at the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) in Almaty as part of its ongoing strategy to develop and improve engineering skills in Kazakhstan. It is an important milestone in their relationship with KBTU. The company has invested more than US$100,000 (or 15 million KZT) since 2007, helping to improve the curriculum and development of 1,000 future engineers.

Customer value award - Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys, has been honoured by industry research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan with the "Excellence in Customer Value of the Year" award for the control software solutions and services category.
List of all "Excellence in Industrial Technologies" Awardees

Infrared temperature sensors suit autosports tyre test and other demanding applications - Variohm EuroSensor has launched its new ETIS line of non-contact infrared temperature sensors with 150°C, 200°C and 800°C temperature ranges. Designed for demanding tyre, brake and exhaust temperature measurement in autosports but suitable for a wide range of applications throughout industry, the ETIS series has a 1000 G shock rating and is packaged in a lightweight and durable aluminium housing measuring just 20 x 18 x 12 mm and weighing just 26 grams.

A young businessman had just started his own firm. He'd rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques. Sitting there, he saw a man come into the outer office. Wishing to appear busy, the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally, he hung up and asked the visitor, "Can I help you?" The man said, "Sure. I've come to install the phone!" Filched from ASI Tech News

Operator panels combine machine control and HMI in a single programming environment - Gefran's new GF_VEDO high performance touch screen operator panels provide economical and complete HMI and machine control for medium to high complexity automation applications. Available in 6.5", 10.4", 12.1" and 15" displays, all feature the GAB (Gefran Automation Builder) - a single programming environment which seamlessly combines PLC and SCADA graphic page display programming, and a full complement of fieldbus expansion and peripheral ports.

Follow Walt Boyes Twittering from the Yokogawa Tech Fair in Texas (US). It's like a match commentary! See his Sound off Blog for a little more info!

New software suite targets pharma sector - Multifunction installation tester with free electrical tester - Special Offer! - For a limited period Fluke is offering a special kit consisting of either the Fluke 1653B or 1652B Multifunction Installation tester with a free Fluke T5-600 Electrical Tester. The latest 1650B Series testers are designed to ensure that fixed wiring is safe and correctly installed to meet the latest BS7671 17th Edition.

Automating flow monitoring - Using open WirelessHART™ products, Emerson Process Management's Smart Wireless network is automating flow monitoring to increase production on the company's Gullfaks offshore platforms in the northern part of the Norwegian North Sea. Needing a monitoring approach able to be installed without interrupting flow, operators are using wireless devices to transmit real time temperature data that indirectly monitors flow, allowing quick reaction to any loss of well pressure and maximising throughput from the well. This installation follows the success of Smart Wireless on StatoilHydro's Grane platform.

High-speed debugger interface supports ARM Cortex devices - Development support for microprocessor devices based on the ARM Cortex architecture is now available on the Abatron BDI3000 high-speed debugger from Computer Solutions.

New software suite targets pharma sector - Rockwell Automation has introduced a new suite of software applications tailored to the needs of pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers. FactoryTalk Pharma Suite builds on their reputation of delivering market leading MES software for the regulated industry supported by state-of-the-art FactoryTalk Integrated production & Performance Suite technology.

New software suite targets pharma sector - Cost effective means of monitoring deflections in tunnels - Movement and deflection in tunnels can be effectively monitored using a range of water-resistant LVDTs developed by measurement specialists RDP Electronics Ltd.

Evaluation board supports quick and easy sensor systems developments - OPTYS Corporation and International Frequency Sensor Association (IFSA) have recently announced their joint development - an Evaluation Board for popular integrated circuits of Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converters UFDC-1 and its high speed version UFDC-1M-16, which is designed for high performance sensor systems.

TÜV Approval for wide range of valve types - Following a recent audit by approvals agency TÜV Mannheim Süd, the Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin - the global leader in motion and control technologies - has won TA-Luft approval for a broad range of its manifolds, valves and flanged products. This approval, which largely mirrors the new ISO 15848 standard, helps designers comply with the most stringent fugitive emission limitations, to maximise the integrity of processing systems.
The TA-Luft (Technische Anleitung zur Reinhaltung der Luft or Technical Instructions on Air Quality) sets maximum permissible limits for emissions when processing, conveying or transferring dusty, liquid or gaseous materials, taking into account the specific risk potential.

Converging Automation, Energy, and IT - With a $43b stimulus package in place in the US, interoperability standards developments in high gear, and the implementation of Smart Grid taking place, IndConn is a must-attend conference that discusses how to apply industrial automation to the future Smart Grid. As Part of Connectivity Week 2009 (Santa Clara CA US - June 8-11), it will give you access to the experts and leaders that can provide real insight to what Smart Grid means to your organization, manufacturing, and process control.

Toxic and combustible gas detector market forecast - After brisk growth earlier in the decade, the market will take a brief respite as companies shift their emphasis from large capital projects to upgrading their installed base of equipment, and keeping their operational expenses as low as possible.
"Though the down economy will have a dampening effect over the short term, the need for toxic gas detectors to protect plant personnel and communities still remains," according to Analyst Allen Avery, the principal author of ARC's "Toxic and Combustible Gas Detectors Worldwide Outlook".

Process industries are weathering current economic storm - Process industry automation growth continued in 2007 with robust investments in manufacturing and infrastructure industries. Automation Expenditures in the Process Industries reached $45.5 billion dollars in 2007 and is forecast to exceed $61 billion by 2012.
Emerging economies, such as those in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, helped propel this growth with increasing consumer demand from the growing global middle class, a healthy lending environment for capital investments that project solid returns, and the need for producing and saving energy to cope with rapidly rising energy demands and costs across the globe.
Going forward, the market will not continue to grow at levels seen in 2007 or 2008. "The economic recession has had a substantial impact on the overall market and significant challenges remain for process manufacturers and automation suppliers alike," according to Analyst Joseph Gillespie, the principle author of ARC's "Automation Expenditures for Process Industries Worldwide Outlook."

New cell for the spectroscopy of catalysts - ABBSPEC has released a new cell for the spectroscopy of catalysts and other demanding applications. The new #CXX significantly extends the upper temperature range for the proven #CX and provides researchers with an advanced facility for the study of catalyst performance using FTIR. The ultra-low volume cell has optimized flow paths for the gas stream using patented technology. This ensures that the first contact between the gas stream and the catalyst is directly observed in the experiment.

Smart time of arrival design - RF Engines Limited (RFEL), the specialists in high performance signal processing design work, have been contracted by SELEX Galileo to develop a new algorithm and the optimum architecture for determining the fine time of arrival of certain classified signals. The design will also be implemented on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) by RFEL.

Software reduces test development time with enhanced programming language integration - National Instruments has introduced NI TestStand 4.2, the latest version of the company's test management software for developing test and validation systems. This version is designed to significantly reduce test development time and costs through enhanced integration with test modules written in almost any programming language.

Hard cover linear positioning range is now complete - Aerotech has completed and fully launched its low-cost PRO series linear stage range and can now offer a total of 68 standard models with travel from 50 mm to 1500 mm in a choice of four stage widths from 115 mm to 280 mm for high throughput, medium precision positioning.

New modular motion and machine controller range has flexible choice of drive interfacing - As the latest and most advanced addition to Trio's Motion Coordinator family, the new MC464 is a multi-axis motion and machine controller featuring a high performance 64-bit processor in a modular design that provides OEMs and automation system integrators with a flexible choice of servo and stepper drive interfacing combined with a wide selection of Fieldbus protocols - plus programming flexibility that includes their own Trio BASIC or industry standard IEC 61131 runtime.

Ultra-precision wire wound resistors suit critical fixed-resistor applications - Variohm EuroSensor has added a new line of ultra-precision printed circuit resistors to its range of high quality discrete components. Aimed firmly at demanding fixed-resistor applications in process control, medical electronics and high-end instrumentation, the 0.25W rated RX255N from USA based resistive product specialists Precision Resistor Company is available from 0.1Ω to 150KΩ and ticks all the right performance boxes with resistance holding tolerances up to ±0.005% and Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) characteristics as low as ±1 ppm/°C.

Qualified process solutions provider - ESE Inc has become a Rockwell Automation Qualified Process Solutions Provider Program company. The exclusive designation follows a lengthy review process by Rockwell Automation where a system integrator's application and domain expertise is validated using a complex competency evaluation.

Digital learning device for students - National Instruments has introduced a digital learning device that gives high school, university and vocational students hands-on experience with digital logic and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Their Digital Electronics FPGA Board, which integrates with the Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (NI ELVIS) II and NI ELVIS II+ educational design and prototyping platforms, combines analogue and digital design instruction into one affordable, easy-to-use platform. One in four in the world - Network Systems and Technologies Pvt Ltd (NeST) has announced that its Automotive Software division has achieved Automotive SPICE® Organizational Maturity Level 5 certification under the PATHFINDERTM scheme. NeST becomes the fourth company in the world and the first company in Technopark to receive the Automotive SPICE® Maturity Level 5 certification.

New cell for the spectroscopy of catalysts - ABBSPEC has released a new cell for the spectroscopy of catalysts and other demanding applications. The new #CXX significantly extends the upper temperature range for the proven #CX and provides researchers with an advanced facility for the study of catalyst performance using FTIR. The ultra-low volume cell has optimized flow paths for the gas stream using patented technology. This ensures that the first contact between the gas stream and the catalyst is directly observed in the experiment.

Smart time of arrival design - RF Engines Limited (RFEL), the specialists in high performance signal processing design work, have been contracted by SELEX Galileo to develop a new algorithm and the optimum architecture for determining the fine time of arrival of certain classified signals. The design will also be implemented on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) by RFEL.

Software reduces test development time with enhanced programming language integration - National Instruments has introduced NI TestStand 4.2, the latest version of the company's test management software for developing test and validation systems. This version is designed to significantly reduce test development time and costs through enhanced integration with test modules written in almost any programming language.

Hard cover linear positioning range is now complete - Aerotech has completed and fully launched its low-cost PRO series linear stage range and can now offer a total of 68 standard models with travel from 50 mm to 1500 mm in a choice of four stage widths from 115 mm to 280 mm for high throughput, medium precision positioning.

New modular motion and machine controller range has flexible choice of drive interfacing - As the latest and most advanced addition to Trio's Motion Coordinator family, the new MC464 is a multi-axis motion and machine controller featuring a high performance 64-bit processor in a modular design that provides OEMs and automation system integrators with a flexible choice of servo and stepper drive interfacing combined with a wide selection of Fieldbus protocols - plus programming flexibility that includes their own Trio BASIC or industry standard IEC 61131 runtime.

Ultra-precision wire wound resistors suit critical fixed-resistor applications - Variohm EuroSensor has added a new line of ultra-precision printed circuit resistors to its range of high quality discrete components. Aimed firmly at demanding fixed-resistor applications in process control, medical electronics and high-end instrumentation, the 0.25W rated RX255N from USA based resistive product specialists Precision Resistor Company is available from 0.1Ω to 150KΩ and ticks all the right performance boxes with resistance holding tolerances up to ±0.005% and Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) characteristics as low as ±1 ppm/°C.

Qualified process solutions provider - ESE Inc has become a Rockwell Automation Qualified Process Solutions Provider Program company. The exclusive designation follows a lengthy review process by Rockwell Automation where a system integrator's application and domain expertise is validated using a complex competency evaluation.

Digital learning device for students - National Instruments has introduced a digital learning device that gives high school, university and vocational students hands-on experience with digital logic and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. Their Digital Electronics FPGA Board, which integrates with the Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (NI ELVIS) II and NI ELVIS II+ educational design and prototyping platforms, combines analogue and digital design instruction into one affordable, easy-to-use platform.

COOL NOOS! -

70 years of electronics excellence celebrated - On Friday 15th May, staff celebrated Farnell's 70th birthday at the company's headquarters in Leeds (GB). In these 70 years Farnell has grown from a distributor of radio parts such as transistors, rectifiers and relays, into the world's leading multi-channel distributor. The company now stocks in excess of 480,000 products from over 3000 suppliers with a strong focus on giving design engineers across the globe fast and easy access to the very latest technologies in the electronics sector.

Individually configurable temp. transmitters - A new FlexTop family was presented by Baumer's product segment Process Instrumentation at the ACHEMA exhibition. The individually configurable temperature transmitters of the series 2202, 2203 and 2204 are suitable for the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical and biological technologies, chemical and petrochemical industry as well as for heating, ventilation and air condition applications. The input can be configured for thermocouples, resistance sensors and voltage signals.

True plug'n'play GPRS based M2M system - IntelliCom have launched NetBiter® EasyConnect, a new product concept for plug'n'play remote monitoring and control. This product family is designed to be plug-n-play and easy to install, configure and maintain. It solves common challenges to use wireless GPRS based communication in an easy and cost efficient way. It's plug-n-play design makes it possible to do large scale installations quickly and without being an IT/GPRS expert. Simplicity is key and this is exactly what the EasyConnect series is about

Serving Kasakhstan - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has opened its new North Caspian Service Centre, a state-of-the-art facility in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, that will strengthen its commitment to clients in the region. It is the company's second office in Kazakhstan and will support local and global project deployment.

Seamless integration of IS I/O and distributed control technology improves process automation in hazardous environments - Invensys Process Systems (IPS) has teamed with Pepperl+Fuchs to offer seamless integration of the Pepperl+Fuchs intrinsically safe I/O interface product lines with IPS' I/A Series(r) distributed control system technology. With built-in barriers and field connections, the integrated modules are the lowest-cost, smallest footprint and easiest-to-maintain solution for mounting I/O modules in hazardous locations.

Dedicated web site for test & measurement products - Yokogawa has launched a dedicated web site for its ranges of test & measurement products. The new site gives full details of the company's ranges of oscilloscopes, data-acquisition systems, digital power meters, signal sources, and optical and wireless communications test equipment.

Industry's First PoE Powered Device Platform with Integrated GreenEdge 2kV Isolation - Akros Silicon has just announced the AS1854, the industry's first Power over Ethernet (PoE), Power System-on-a-Chip (Power SoC) with 2kV integrated isolation for the next-generation of IP appliances such as IP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points (WAP), Thin Client terminals, and WiMAX CPEs.

Clinical research facility acquired - Quotient Bioresearch Limited ("Quotient") has acquired Charles River Laboratories' (Charles River) Edinburgh clinical research facility. This represents the sixth acquisition in approximately three years for Quotient.

Deal to deliver certified OPC software - Wurldtech Security Technologies has just announced it has formed a strategic cooperative agreement with Matrikon™;, the world's leading OPC vendor. The scope of the alliance is to incorporate Wurldtech's Achilles™trade; Satellite testing platform and certification program into MatrikonOPC's industry leading OPC solutions to address the evolving cyber risks facing operators of real-time industrial automation systems.

Availability of PLC expanded - Honeywell is expanding distribution of its MasterLogic line of high-speed, compact programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to worldwide process manufacturers. MasterLogic brings power and robustness to very high-speed logic, interlock and sequencing applications. MasterLogic is sold, delivered and supported by Honeywell's expansive global organization.

New push button switch has built-In TFT colour graphics display - Foremost Electronics has introduced a cutting-edge man-machine interface solution. The TFT128 ScreenKey is a push button switch with a built-in full colour, high resolution TFT graphics display. The display is backlit by a white LED and the integrated TFT LCD display has a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, where each pixel colour may be chosen from a palette of 65,536 colours.

New low power wireless module with long range capability - LPRS has introduced the latest series of wireless modules from Circuit Design. The MU-2-R is an embedded low power radio modem for transmission of serial data and operates at 434 MHz. The new MU-2-R is just 36 x 26 x 8mm making it almost half the size of their existing MU-1-R

The digital solution for excellent power quality - Schaffner have increased their range of power quality solutions for industrial power systems. Following the success of their ECOsine™ passive harmonic filters launched in 2008, Schaffner has now introduced a digital solution for the efficient reduction of system perturbations - the ECOsine™ Active. Latest generation electronics enables an intelligent and adaptive compensation of harmonic currents with a response time of less than 300 microseconds. This takes Schaffner's range of harmonics mitigation products to new levels of performance.

A first in surge protection - MTL Surge Technologies, a part of Cooper Crouse-Hinds, has announced the FP32 Surge Protector has been certified for ENV3 environmental conditions as described in Lloyd's Register Test Specification Number 1, 2002. Inspired by customer requests, MTL Surge Technologies has crossed another boundary by having the FP32 surge protector approved for use "on board" ships and floating platforms.

Rugged charge amplifier for manufacturing systrems - With quality control systems relying increasingly on automatic monitoring of manufacturing processes, the Type 5073A charge amplifier from Kistler provides a flexible and reliable method of acquiring data from piezoelectric sensors in the manufacturing environment. Available with between one and four channels with wide, variable measuring ranges, ±100 to ±1,000,000 pC, each channel has two independent, switchable on-line measuring ranges. Housed in a rugged metal case, the Type 5073A is tolerant of supply voltage variations from 18 to 30 volts and can be supplied with protection up to IP65 for use in harsh industrial environments.

Crimp version of high-voltage contacts - Harting has introduced crimp versions of its popular line of Han® HC 350 high-voltage contacts to speed the assembly of heavy-duty connectors. The HC contact dimensions remain unchanged on the crimp versions to maintain full compatibility with all existing mounting frames and housing combinations.

Threaded test probe for 1.90 mm centres - The new P75/G sprung test probe from Peak Test Services is a threaded screw-in probe designed for use with 1.90 mm Ê(75 mil) centre spacings, making it ideal for applications involving dimensions that are too small for standard probes.

Agreement signed - Yokogawa Europe B.V. and SICK Maihak GmbH have signed a mutual distribution agreement covering products in the field of process analytical instrumentation.

Turnkey software solution for data acquisition applications - ADLINK Technology has releaseed AD-LoggerTM, a ready-to-run data capture application which offers a simple configuration-based means to log data. AD-LoggerTM can be used with any one of hundreds of ADLINK data acquisition or digitizer cards to effortlessly log data from a variety of sensors, including thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, strain gages, accelerometers, etc.

Digital indicating controller - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released the UTAdvanced, a digital indicating controller with a sequence control function based on the ladder logic programming language. Replacing their GREEN series UT420, UT450, UT520, UT550, and UT551 controllers, the UTAdvanced offers greatly improved measurement, display, operation, control, and networking functions that enhance the efficiency of user design and save money by eliminating the need for peripheral devices and associated wiring.

New distribution agreement for embedded system debug & test instruments - StanTronic Instruments of Bugbrooke England (I kid you not!), has signed a new distribution contract with fast growing European instrument manufacturer Byte Paradigm. The company specialises in PC-based instruments for testing and debugging electronic and embedded systems.

Advanced process control techniques improve profitability - Emerson Process Management's advanced process control specialists have developed an Adaptive Model Predictive Controller (AMPC) that is optimising production and improving profitability at SABIC Innovative Plastics' Bergen op Zoom facility in The Netherlands. With a certain part of the process having long dead-times varying between 6 and 24 hours, standard advanced process control techniques were not effective. Emerson created a new process model which has ended many years of manual control and produced an immediate improvement in production efficiency.

Resonations from Hannover! - Karthikeyan Balasubramanian, Senior Research Analyst from Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation and Process Control group, has written an article entitled "Resonating the Need for Energy Efficiency - Hot Topic at Hannover Messe 2009". We have reproduced it in full on our blog pages!

Managing Automation 2009 Progressive Manufacturer - Kepware Technologies tells us that its customer, Amcor PET, has been selected as a winner of the fifth annual Progressive Manufacturing 100 (PM100) Awards for its project to streamline communications among their plant floor equipment and between geographically diverse manufacturing plants and the corporate office using Kepware Technologies' solutions.
Amcor PET will be honoured at the Progressive Manufacturing Awards June 11, 2009 in Sarasota, (FL US)

Tiny 16-Bit ADC integrates 2ppm/°C reference for space-constrained sensor applications - Linear Technology introduces the LTC2460 and the LTC2462, a pair of 16-bit delta sigma ADCs that integrate a precision reference in a tiny 3mm x 3mm DFN package. The integrated reference (2ppm/°C Typ, 10ppm/°C Max) allows precise measurements and alleviates the need for an external reference, a key benefit for space-constrained applications.

Now European engineers can participate without leaving their desks - National Instruments has announced an expansion of live instructor-led online training that provides more product training courses in more locations, giving even more engineers the opportunity to participate in interactive, instructor-led training without requiring them to travel or leave their desks. To broaden the NI training offering and to provide more flexible options for NI customers working to improve their technical skills, instructor-led online training is now available in Europe in addition to the United States and Canada.

Test System Supports Testing for Interoperability of WirelessHART Devices - The new Wireless Test System recently released by the HART® Communication Foundation (HCF) is the latest update to the HART Test System. The HART Test System is a set of testing tools that play a key role in ensuring device interoperability of both wired and wireless HART-enabled devices. The new Wireless Test System supports testing of a WirelessHART™ device's TDMA Data Link Layer and is now available to all Foundation Members.

Systems Stability -

Process Control Academy training and awareness event - The 2009 Process Control Academy training and awareness event will be held from the 16th - 18th June at the Leeds University Business School. The 3-day event is organised by the Applied Control Technology Consortium (ACTC) and supported by Emerson Process Management.

Current transducer accurately measures up to 4000A - LEM has introduced the ITL 4000-S current transducer for non-invasive measurement of currents up to 4000ARMS in conductors of up to 268mm diameter. The new transducer allows the isolated measurement of AC, DC and pulsed currents, up to three times the nominal value for peak measurement at frequencies up to 50kHz (±1dB).

New low-cost cable extension position sensor has user programmable range and configurable output - Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new low-cost cable extension 'string-pot' position sensor featuring a user programmable measuring range up to 3175 mm, a user selectable output voltage, and a durable construction that is ideally suited to industrial wet-environment and challenging outdoor position measurement applications.

Audit pass achieved - Systems integration specialist Hima-Sella has passed its in-depth annual Link-up audit of its products and business procedures with flying colours.
Link-up is the supplier qualification scheme for suppliers that's shared by the British rail industry, providing a single common registration, qualification and audit process. Link-up Audit is the second stage of the process and through a common and independent auditing process, validates rail supplier product and service footprint information.

Uniquely about the "how." - Walt Boyes has issued an unapologetic rant in favour of WBF. In his publication ControlGlobal.com he says that uniquely it is an organsation about the "how" of manufacturing. "WBF is the organization for production technologies. Nobody teaches this subject matter in school - you can't find training for 21st-century manufacturing processes and procedures anywhere except WBF, OMAC and MESA. Just try getting this training in a university. All three organizations (OMAC, MESA and WBF) need your support, but WBF is central to all of them." So go to it!

Real world fieldbus applcations examined - In June, the PROFIBUS and PROFINET User Conference, to be held near Stratford on Avon, will review the use of fieldbus systems in real world industrial and process applications. While many of the conference presentations will describe examples of user application experience in various plants, there are several review papers which set the global scene, and show the history and reasons for the growth in the adoption of fieldbus technology.

Enhanced Web-based, enterprise-level reporting - Wonderware Ireland has announced the release of Wonderware Information Server 3.1 software with enhanced Web-based, enterprise-level reporting capabilities and support for Microsoft SharePoint 2007 and Windows Vista.

New product to use embedded wireless sensor technology - Dust Networks® has announced that their WirelessHART sensor networking technology will be used in a new product family introduced by Phoenix Contact at ACHEMA.

New RS-485 network repeater operates off 24V AC power to greatly reduce installation costs - Acromag's newest RS-485-to-RS-485 network repeater device, Model 4683-TTM-3F, operates off 24V AC power to greatly reduce installation costs. Now you can extend your network or connect bus segments without expensive wiring requirements by using power supply transformers typically available in HVAC and building management systems. Designed for use with Johnson Controls N2 or BACnet MS/TP bus control systems, each network repeater drives up to 32 RS-485 devices while isolating and boosting signals up to 4000 feet. 24V, 115V, and 230V AC power models are available.

Mariners lives brightened with innovative LED technology -

"The surprising thing in engineering is that, despite the incredible advances in communications and technology, electrical power still cannot be simply beamed through the air - at which point irritating adapters, cables and plugs could be dispensed with..." Read what Steve Mackey has to say about those pesky cables..

Process gas chromatograph now with advanced features - ABB Process Analytics' Process Gas Chromatograph (PGC) 2000 is known for its reliability in the HP Industry. Now they raise the process GC technical standards with a series of new features added to the PGC 2000, the PGC 2000 Edition 2 (E2).
Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) improves chromatography resolution and repeatability is now standard on all PGC 2000 E2s. Two new Detectors, Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization (DBDID) and Photo- Ionization (PID) add new industry applications for ppm and ppb measurements.
Redundant Ethernet communications is now direct from the analyzer. And, the PGC 2000 E2 has been upgraded to "Division 2" by design reducing analyzer cost and enabling Division 1 certification to be achieved with a simple "y" purge.

The Control of Boilers, 2nd Edition- The Control of Boilers, 2nd Edition Sam Dukelow teaches you how to reduce boiler operating costs from a classic resource, Control of Boilers, 2nd Edition, which offers a detailed, comprehensive, and applicable explanation of all aspects of boiler processes. If you're a professional with a good understanding of boiler jargon, thermodynamics, control concepts, and math fundamentals, this book is designed for you!

3-phase soft-starter replaces star-delta with compact module - Carlo Gavazzi has introduced a new three-phase motor soft-starter with electronic motor overload protection, which can replace traditional Star-Delta (Wye-Delta) solutions with a single, compact module. The RSHL Smart provides complete motor starting functionality in a 45mm-wide unit that can be DIN-rail mounted in space-conscious enclosures. Reliability and longevity are guaranteed by an all-electronic low power-consumption design and integrated heat sink.

Distributor conference in Ireland - The Signpost was invited to the distribuor conference of Mitsubishi Electrics Ireland in the scenic Wicklow Mountains recently. Here are our impressions!

Machinery on/off data logging - MadgeTech is releasing the Motor101, machinery on/off data logging system. The device measures and records on and off status changes for motors and other equipment drawing up to 200 Amps. The state change occurs when the current switch exceeds the 150mA set point. This allows for most basic equipment to be monitored.

Recognition for executing exceptional work across various performance platforms - National Instruments has announced the 15 recipients of the company's Global Supplier Awards for 2009. The annual awards were presented to suppliers who through their commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and innovative practices, delivered world-class performance within the global supply chain.

Working group on cyber security and safety in industrial processes - The chairpersons of the ISA99 Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security committee have announced plans to establish ISA99 Working Group 7 (WG7): Safety and Security of Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
This is a joint working group between the ISA99 committee and the ISA84 functional safety standards committee, as well as other international standards programs and related interest groups, to promote greater awareness of the impact of cyber security issues on the safe operation of industrial processes.
The new working group will be chaired by Mike Boudreaux of Emerson Process Management and ISA99 co-chair Bryan Singer, of Kenexis Security. James Gilsinn of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will serve as the technical editor.
See also our Standards, Cybersafe and Safety pages.

Power meter complies with latest obligatory EN standards on harmonics testing - The Yokogawa WT3000 digital power analyser equipped with IEC harmonics testing software complies with the latest EN standard on harmonics testing: EN61000-3-2:2006.
IEC Standard 61000-4-7 Ed. 2, which is now obligatory as the test method for harmonics testing, specifies that the test instrument must be able to accept current input signals with a crest factor (peak current divided by RMS current) of at least 4 for inputs up to 5 A RMS, 3.5 for inputs up to 10 A RMS and 2.5 for higher RMS currents.

Management portal for remote device management - IntelliCom has some new features on their Netbiter management portal for remote device management. It includes some major improved features to monitor, control and manage remote units in an easy, reliable and cost efficient way.

Raytek New IR thermometer for industrial applications and OEMs - Raytek, a leading worldwide provider of infrared (IR) thermometry, has introduced the CM, a compact, integrated IR noncontact thermometer intended for continuous temperature monitoring in a wide range of industrial manufacturing processes and OEM applications. ÊThis rugged, NEMA-4 sealed, single-piece integrated sensor offers powerful features to handle nearly any temperature measurement requirement.

Book launch at conference - Siemens Milltronics, Canada will present another edition to its library of technical books. Catching the Process Fieldbus: An Introduction to PROFIBUS at the ProfiBus User Conference 2009 and brings the world of industrial communications to the beginner. The authors take the multidimensional, occasionally confusing mixture of fieldbuses, software packages, and media that defines industrial communications and make it accessible.
Catching the Process Fieldbus: An Introduction to PROFIBUS; by James Powell and Henry Vandelinde.

Three-wire differential Hall-effect sensor combines enhanced EMC performance with design flexibility - The new ATS617 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a three-wire differential Hall-effect sensor that combines enhanced EMC capability with a peak-detecting algorithm that provides design flexibility by offering the ability to sense a wide range of target geometries.

Applying S88: Batch Control from a User's Perspective - Learn the benefits and methods of applying ISA88 from automation professionals who have done it with great success. Authors Parshall and Lamb discuss their implementation of ISA88 and offer examples and explanations that make it applicable across a wide range of industries. And they do so in a light-hearted, easy to understand manner.
Applying S88: Batch Control from a User's Perspective; Jim Parshall and L.B. Lamb; ISBN/ID: 978-1-55617-703-3; Publisher: ISA

Reservoir deal helps consolodate offshore offering! - Emerson has just acquired the Norwegian company Roxar ASA. The deal creates the world's first integrated automation solutions company whose products span from subsea oil and gas reservoirs, to platform and floating production, to transmission, and ultimately through refining and production of goods . Roxar becomes part of Emerson Process Management, adding subsea reservoir management and production optimization for global upstream exploration and production (E&P) customers.

Revolutionary wireless monitoring water solution - Air Products has recently completed installation of a new wireless remote monitoring solution powered by GE Enterprise Solutions and distributed through GE Water, a business unit of GE Energy. The new system, implemented at the company's Calvert City, (KY US) location, is helping improve operational efficiency and productivity by providing a way to reliably monitor, diagnose and maintain water equipment and processes.

New digital force tester with intelligent interface - The Chatillon® range of advanced digital force testers from Lloyd Instruments has been expanded with the launch of the TCD1100. The introduction of the TCD1100 extends the force testing capacity of the TCD Series to 5 kN (1124 lbf). In common with other force testers in the TCD Series, the TCD1100 features an intelligent universal interface, which eliminates the need for a PC without compromising operational performance and capability.

Website upgraded - Phosphor and scintillation technology specialist, Applied Scintillation Technologies (AST) has undergone a major upgrade of its website. The new site retains the visual elements of the original site but has been designed for easy updating. New facilities to date include an improved enquiry system, a new section for Events and a Job Vacancy page.

New hygienic level switch - With the FlexLevel Switch 4401, Baumer's Process Instrumentation segment introduces a new hygienic level switch which is suitable even for high temperatures up to 180*C. It can be easily configured on PC via the FlexProgrammer 9701. A bright blue light on top of the switch shows when a media is detected. The indication can be seen easily even if the sensor is mounted on top of a tank. It is the successor of the LSM and will be available from June on.

Fast, effective screening tools for Swine Flu - Fixed infrared scanners and thermal imagers from Raytek/Ircon, as well as handheld IR thermal imagers from its parent company, Fluke, can be used at airports, terminals, hospitals, schools, factories and public gathering areas to identify people with elevated temperatures resulting from an infectious disease, such H1N1 influenza A (aka, "Swine Flu"). Individuals who register a fever can then be isolated for further evaluation to help prevent the spread of disease.

New modulator extends dynamic range performance of wireless transmitters - A new low frequency direct conversion quadrature modulator from Linear Technology Corporation offers superior linearity performance and low noise to enhance the dynamic range performance of basestation transmitters.

Automation expenditures in upstream oil & gas to reach $10.4 billion in 2012 - The economic downturn has had a pronounced impact on demand and the price of oil. Despite this, massive investments are still needed to ensure the industry has enough production capacity to meet future demand. Automation expenditures by the upstream oil and gas sector, which includes exploration, production, and pipelines, are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nine percent over the next five years. The market was $6.9 billion in 2007 and is forecasted to grow to $10.4 billion by 2012, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

New addition to family of bus expansion products - ADLINK Technology has released the PCIe-to-6U CompactPCI/PXI expansion kit, the latest addition to their lineup of bus expansion products. The kit includes the PCIe-8560 PCI Express host board, the PXI-8656/6U remote system controller, and an expansion cable.

Lower cost pressure data logger for control engineers - Dickson is now offering control engineers a re-design of older pressure data logger models to the new PR 120/320 pressure data loggers that feature triple-speed USB data downloading, available for 20%- 33% less than older models. These are the the PR120 that monitors 0-100 PSI, and the PR320 that monitors 0 - 300 PSI.

VSD solution doubles productivity for laminating line - AC890 variable speed drives from Parker Hannifin are playing a crucial role in an innovative control system developed for a newly refurbished web laminating line operated by the API Group. The control system was designed and produced by Optima Control Solutions, and in conjunction with the AC890 drives, has enabled availability of the laminating line to be significantly increased. In addition, the new system has improved production flexibility for API, while increasing line functionality and reducing overall energy consumption.

e-letters during week ending 2nd May IEC Just Published ControlDesign e-news Intech e-News BEI Industrial Encoders Newsletter Mackey's Musings Monitor (Windmill Software) HazardEX on-the-net Industrial Networking E-news Telesian News & Notes Expo Exchange IEN Products (Sensors & Transmitters) FlowControl Newsletter Control Engineering Europe MediaFlash from Mediacontact.ie Logistics Handling Intech e-news ControlGlobal e-News There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in as web pages. One such is Fisher Marketing's Technical Press Insider. However this is available to download from their Website

US Department of Labour

Seminars provide valuable information on industry's first wireless communication standard - Automation professionals in the US and Europe are invited to attend one-day, vendor-neutral, educational seminars on WirelessHART™ technology, the first interoperable wireless communication standard for the process industries. The free seminars are being presented by industry specialists from the HART® Communication Foundation, ABB, Emerson Process Management, Endress+Hauser, Pepperl+Fuchs and Siemens.
The WirelessHART seminars are scheduled for Manchester (GB) (2 June), Antwerp (b) (4 June), Houston (TX US) (16 June), and Philadelphia (PA US) (25 June).

Consumer Guide to Coriolis Mass Flowmeters David W. Spitzer and Walt Boyes have produced the first completely independent consumer guide to the world's Coriolis mass flowmeters, ranked by performance, by size, and by supplier. This guide is indispensable for designers, engineers, owners and end users of Coriolis mass flowmeters. See where your flowmeter ranks and use this guide to help you choose your next Coriolis mass flowmeter.

Single click desktop sharing and instant messaging are ideal for high level communication and collaboration - TeamViewer has just released TeamViewer 4.1. With their cutting-edge desktop sharing software, TeamViewer improves information access in a remote environment. Designed to make teamwork effortless and straightforward, single click connection from any window and instant messaging for groups is now available.

Machine vision cables and GigE vision cable and network evaluation - Stemmer Imaging has introduced the first GigE Vision evaluation service of its kind for the vision industry. This, combined with a comprehensive portfolio of machine vision cables, including those from new supplier, Components Express, Inc (CEI), addresses the needs of high-bandwidth imaging in the demanding environment of industrial manufacturing.

More than 7,500 drivers available to help engineers and scientists - National Instruments simplifies instrument control by offering the NI Instrument Driver Network (IDNet), the industry's largest source of instrument drivers, and easy-to-use software optimised for instrument control including NI LabVIEW, LabWindows™/CVI and Measurement Studio for Microsoft Visual Studio. The company's comprehensive software suite designed for instrument control helps engineers and scientists achieve more with their instruments and save time by getting them to their first measurements faster.

Money-saving offer on process tools package - Fluke is offering a money-saving process tools package for a limited period, while stocks last. The package offers a 10% discount on a Fluke 719 Electric Pressure Calibrator together with a Fluke 771 Milliamp Process Clamp and includes a free Fluke C1600 Toolbox. Both tools offer increased productivity.

New motor mounted frequency inverter- Nord Gear's new SK 200E frequency inverter range combines a sensorless current vector drive with comprehensive control and communications features in a compact IP 55 or IP 66 rated enclosure. Covering the 0.25 to 7.5 kW power range with single phase 110v and 230V and three-phase 400V AC supply, the compact and rugged unit may be directly mounted to a wide choice of Nord high-efficiency motors and gear motors for maximum decentralised potential - or supplied as a near-motor mounted alternative.

Hybrid ProfiNET cabling simplifies installation - Harting has introduced a new range of hybrid ProfiNET cables which combine ProfiNET data and 24 V power distribution in a single cable for ease of installation and enhanced reliability. The new hybrid cables are ideal for use with the Harting ProfiNET HanR 3A RJ45 connector family.