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Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
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The rumours started yesterday but now we know the good news! - After our bitter-sweet "A tale of two media" in mid April. We are more than delighted to confirm the rumour. CFE Media LLC has purchased assets of Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, and Consulting Specifying Engineer from Reed Business Information. All three websites will resume providing the latest news, products, tutorials, videos, webcasts, feature articles, and more as soon as the sites have been moved to new, enhanced web platform in June.
| e-letters and web publications received during week ending 30th April 2010
There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not
available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here! |
New line of precision acoustic sensors and instrumentation - Meggitt Sensing Systems has introduced a new line of Endevco® acoustic sensors and instrumentation, designed expressly for use in automotive NVH, cabin noise, vibro-acoustic testing, appliance noise evaluation, wind tunnel testing and other critical sound and noise measurement applications.
Putting feeling to drugs safety
and handling - Total traceability extends to packaging as well as product in the
rarefied world of pharmaceuticals. Capcoder Ltd has adopted a novel torque sensing system as the
core of the datalogging capabilities of its bottle sealing machines.
UL approval for signal conditioner - Moore Industries has
certified the award-winning line of miniMOORE Multi-Channel Signal Conditioners through
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL®). The 2-channel MIT and the 2- and 4-channel MIX miniMOORE™
products now meet UL 508 criteria—the UL safety standard for industrial control equipment.
Industrial cyber security advances! - Invensys Operations
Management has teamed with Byres Security Inc. and MTL Instruments to deliver a ground-breaking
cyber security solution. The new Triconex® / TofinoTM OPC firewall will harden industrial safety
systems against network accidents and attacks. It is the first firewall that protects integrated
applications based on OPC Classic, the world's most widely used industrial integration protocol.
Free drive configuration software enhanced with new features -
Parker Hannifin, has released a new version of its cross-platform drive configuration package Drive System Explorer (DSE) Lite. Available as a free download, DSELite version 2.11 incorporates several new features and added support for the company’s newly introduced AC650S series compact sensorless AC drive for permanent magnet motor applications.
Company makes History channel! -
A revolutionary gas analyser from leading environmental instrumentation company Quantitech appeared in an episode of a major new History Channel series this week.
Displacement measurement near corrosive fluids -
Measurements in many industrial processes, paper mills and marine locations call for transducers immune to the proximity of various chemicals and corrosive fluids. Measurement specialists RDP Electronics Ltd has developed a range of LVDTs that are at home in such corrosive environments.
Remote control revolutionises automation processes -
In a move that revolutionizes industrial automation and process control, Maple Systems has announced a new capability in their HMIs that allows them to be remotely controlled and monitored with laptops, desktop PCs, touch pads, and cell phones like the iPhone, Droid, and Blackberry.
Celebrating 25 years in Ireland - DWN have
offices in both Dublin and Cork and have been successfully distributing a broad cross section of
KROHNE flow and level instruments for the past 25 years, mainly to the pharmaceutical, dairy and
brewing sectors.
A CD guide to understanding electrical test and measurement -
Keithley Instruments has released a tutorial CD that offers practical and helpful techniques
for obtaining the most accurate and precise measurements possible.
New lab conference -
The organisers of WWEM 2010, (10/11 November 2010, Telford, England), the world’s largest environmental monitoring event, have announced that this year's event will include a dedicated Conference for the laboratory sector.
A comprehensive data centre solution from a single source -
Rittal has a new approach to data centre design providing comprehensive solutions from a single source. “Rittal - The System” is a package that includes planning and consulting, the supply of infrastructure components and monitoring software to ensure the safe and secure operation of the data centre, all backed by a worldwide service
Embedded device security assessment specs - The ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) announced that it has posted two of three key elements of the ISASecure™ Embedded Device Security Assessment (EDSA) certification specification on its website. ISASecure certification is intended to be used as a requirement in procurement documents.
Wireless developments - Dust Networks®,has announced that
its new IEEE 802.15.4 products will include the powerful, low power ARM® Cortex™-M3 processor.
Dust Networks' new family of system-on-chips (SoCs) will be the basis for a variety of upcoming
standards-based WSN products, including IEC 62591 (WirelessHART™), 6LOWPAN (IP), and Zigbee® PRO
products that will provide unprecedented low power consumption while delivering a compelling set
of energy saving, high performance features
Quality certification awarded -
Sherborne Sensors has announced that its quality assurance system has been awarded the prestigious SAE AS9100B certification for the design, development, manufacture, repair and calibration of transducers.
Avoid software crashes before they happen - GrammaTech
has announced the next version of CodeSonar. The release includes a radically improved graphical
user interface to streamline developer interaction and boost productivity.
Report on Hannover Fair - If you were prevented by the volcanic ash from attending the Hannover Fair, fear not. The Industrial Ethernet Book was there and has filed comprehensive reports.
Backplanes Ideal for Custom Instrumentation, Aerospace/Defence and Industrial Embedded Control OEMs -
National Instruments is now offering board-level backplanes from all of its industry-leading PXI/CompactPCI and PXI Express chassis for OEMs to use in applications ranging from aerospace/defence to industrial embedded control. Engineers and scientists can use the PXI/CompactPCI backplanes to create custom, rugged applications that meet their unique form factor needs or environmental specifications.
PCI board processor - Concurrent Technologies has released
the PP 68x/m71 family of 6U CompactPCI® boards, one of the first embedded product ranges to
feature the 2.00 GHz Six-Core Intel® Xeon® processor L5638 or the 1.87 GHz Quad-Core Intel® Xeon®
processor L5618; both processors are from the Intel® embedded roadmap which offers at least seven
year availability.
Marketing and sales again! -
The 5th Annual Marketing and Sales Summit will be held 1-3 September 2010, in Atlanta (GA US). This year’s conference theme is In Search of the Holy Grail: Integrating Marketing and Sales. The event is sponsored by ISA’s Management Division.
| e-letters and web publications received during week ending 23rd April 2010
The world of Electronic Test Measurement
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Corrosion/erosion monitoring -
In the oil and gas industry alone, corrosion- and erosion-related losses total billions of dollars every year through unscheduled plant or pipeline shutdowns, lost production, high repair costs, and imposed fines. In addition, incalculable damage can result from potential employee injuries and the effect of spillage on an organization’s reputation.
Thermocouple terminal block - Omega Engineering has
introduced the New DRTB Series thermocouple terminal blocks. They are designed and manufactured
by Omega using thermocouple alloys to guarantee accurate readings. The terminal block has a
built-in female socket to accept a miniature thermocouple connector.
Single source measurement auditor selected - BP has selected Emerson's METCO Services as its single-source provider for offshore and onshore measurement audits and for onshore contract measurement engineering support of BP installations in Britain. The company will also provide operational support to the existing BP Measurement engineering team.
Close-coupled manifold system simplifies process level measurement
applications - A new highly-integrated manifold concept from Parker Hannifin, is offering users
a radically simpler means of installing level measurement instrumentation to process tanks and
vessels.
Show overcomes volcanic eruption... -
Despite the fact that many people were unable to attend and the fact that the high level
personalities scheduled to participate in the opening, Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany (who
did visit later) and Silvio Berlusconi, the eponymous prime minister of the Italian Republic,
(whose Economic Minister did in fact Drive from Italy for the show!), were both precluded from
attending the opening by the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, the organisers advise that this years
Hannover Fair was a success.
New 6 inch operator interface - GE Intelligent Platforms announced the 6-inch Color-TFT model of the QuickPanel View Basic operator interface, ideal for small applications using point-to-point serial connectivity. QuickPanel View operator interfaces are known for their open and connected abilities to act as the bridge between the enterprise system and the plant floor.
New software carries out standby power consumption measurements
according to IEC 62301 standard - New standby power consumption measurement software
that conforms with the testing methods specified in the IEC 62301 standard and the European EuP
Directive has been introduced for the Yokogawa range of digital power analysers.
Converting wave energy to power -The Challenge:
Developing a control and data acquisition system for a wave energy converter (WEC) to achieve efficient power extraction in varying sea conditions.
The Solution:
Rapidly creating a highly integrated, rugged system for real-time control and data acquisition for a WEC prototype using NI LabVIEW, Compact FieldPoint, and CompactRIO.
Next generation valve island -
ASCO Numatics announces the new G3 fieldbus next-generation, electronic platform valve island. The G3 is easy to assemble, install, commission, and maintain, and features a graphic display for easy commissioning, visual status and diagnostics. The robust connections are quick, easy to use and make the platform highly distributable.
High precision pressure measurement -
With the PBMN product, Baumer offers a highly precise pressure transmitter for demanding applications in hydraulics or engine and vehicle
construction.
EDDL/DDL host test suite - The HART Communication Foundation has released the new enhanced HART EDDL/DDL (Electronic Device Description Language) Host Test Suite. The test suite is used by suppliers and developers of host products to test compliance of their implementation and is used by the Foundation to verify and validate compliance of host products submitted for HART Registration.
Call for
Papers - You are invited to submit an abstract for ISA's 5th Annual Marketing and Sales Summit, In Search of the Holy Grail:
Integrating Marketing and Sales, sponsored by the ISA Management Division. The Summit will be held 1-3 September 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.
New website launched - New website launched -
Capacitec has announced the launch of a fully upgraded global corporate website. With improvements that are 100% driven by comprehensive customer and industry feedback, the site has been enhanced to reflect Capacitec's growing product portfolio, while addressing the expressed product, application and educational needs of present and prospective customers.
Improving security of oil
& gas infrastructure - The LOGIIC Consortium has announced its formal inception under the auspices of the Automation Federation.
The elephant in the room... - The Bionic Handling Assistant is the latest innovation to spring from Festo's Bionic Learning Network, which is an alliance of educational establishments and specialist companies tasked with exploring bionic solutions for automation applications of the future.
New lift inverter drives - Gefran's new and exclusively designed ADL and AVRy lift drive inverters cover entry-level to advanced performance for power ranges up to 90 kW with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and application versatility.
Acquisition extends open platform! - Invensys Operations Management has acquired Skelta Software, a privately held software company headquartered in Bangalore, India.
Rebranding to drive global expansion - Curvaceous Software Limited (Curvaceous) has re-branded as PPCL to support its global expansion in both North America and Asia. The new PPCL brand and its livery replaces the Curvaceous brand in Europe and the C-Visual brand in the US.
Best corporate blog - This is the official account from Emerson on something we commented on already on our
blog , "A tale of two media", last week. where we quoted from the citation which said that the blog was selected for relevance, rich features,
and frequent content updates
Hall-effect latches
withstand high-voltage transients and high temperatures - The new A1225, A1227 and A1229 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe are a
family of Hall-effect latch ICs that combine enhanced protection against high transient voltages with the ability to operate over extended
temperature ranges up to +150*C.
Rugby Rucks and Rivalry - UCD students and their robotic rugby players took part in the Siemens RoboRugby Challenge 2010 at UCD Belfield Campus. The robots, which are made from thousands of individual pieces are the result of a creative, innovative and design exercise by first year UCD Engineering students, UCD Belfield.
A new connector concept - Han-Yellock® is a new industrial
connector series from Harting which retains the core functionality of the company's existing Han® product range but differs significantly
from in terms of size, shape and new features.
Mangement team augmented to support sales -
Gresham Power Electronics has appointed Gareth Owen (right) to the position of European PSU Sales & Technical Manager for their Power Supply Business. Gareth returns to Gresham to fill this strategic appointment as the new senior contact for all of the OEM and Distribution business Gresham has throughout Europe
Well field application released! - Invensys
Operations Management has announced its Well Field Application, a software suite that monitors,
manages and enhances the performance of oil and gas well fields in real time.
Ultra miniature loadcells - Sherborne Sensors has introduced
the SS4000M series, a family of ultra miniature universal load cells, designed for precision
force measurements within tension or compression applications where space is at a premium.
Three cheers for wireless certification! - Emerson Process Management has enthusiastically welcomed the
International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) unanimous vote to certify WirelessHART technology as "the first global standard for wireless
communications for industrial process measurement and control."
Quality standard award upgrade -
Intepro Systems has been awarded ISO9001-2008 quality standard approval for its British and Irish
facilities. Building on their well established ISO9001-2001 quality procedures meeting the
additional requirements of the latest version of ISO9001-2008 further demonstrates Intepro's
continuing commitment to quality and total customer satisfaction.
New version of video surveilance system -
The Longwatch Video System Version 5.1 is now available in three distinct platforms that make installation, configuration and application easy. The platforms eliminate the custom programming needed with traditional video systems and create a "fast track" for integration with a process control, HMI/SCADA or automation control system.
Principles of Thermography - Fluke is offering a free, 72-page illustrated book, 'Introduction to Thermography Principles', designed to provide an introduction to thermal imager operation and procedures with an overview of the latest information on their safe, efficient and practical usage.
Thermal mass flowmeter measures greenhouse gas -
Magnetrol International's Thermatel Model TA2 Thermal Mass Flow Meter measures greenhouse gases in accordance with the new US Environmental Protection Agency rule (EPA 40 CFR part 98).
| e-letters and web publications received during week ending 16th April 2010
The world of Display Technologies The world of Motion Control Components Control Engineering EME newsletter The world of Sensors & Switches Advanced Manf Visitor Newskletter
There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not
available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here! |
Cost-effective wireless solution lowers the cost of adding additional
measurements - MACTek® Corporation has released its WirelessHART® adapter, a universal
communication device for use with both analog and HART-enabled devices. As the newest member to
the family of MACTek® HART®-enabled products, the Bullet™ provides a cost-effective means to
access process measurements and communicate process variables and other valuable information to
the control room without wires.
Gas well production optimisation - Control Microsystems has just announced the release of SCADAPack ProductionPLUS, a pad-wide optimization solution combining EFM and plunger lift for 30+ wells per pad. SCADAPack ProductionPLUS leverages the functionality and flexibility of Control Microsystems' product suite to provide gas operators with an efficient wireless or wired Sensor to Enterprise application.
Software solution continues to facilitate good manufacturing practices - GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of an upgrade to its industry standard Proficy software CIMPLICITY, version 8.1, a visualization and control solution used in variety of industries including Oil & Gas, Discrete Manufacturing, Power Generation, Marine and Energy industries.
More informative, better organised, more attractive and simpler -
Drive technology specialist mayr® Power Transmission has overhauled its Internet presence with an entirely new website. It will display extensive information on safety clutches, shaft couplings and safety brakes.
Miniature cable extension position sensor for wet and severe
environments - Variohm EuroSensor has added a new cable extension linear position sensor from its
distribution partner, the USA 'string pot' sensor specialist Celesco Inc.
Comprehensive inverter options do not compromise space - SK
500E series cabinet inverters from NORD are available in six modular sizes with performance
ratings to 22 kW and a wide selection of interfacing options and expansion modules that allow
industrial automation applications from simple speed control to complex servo positioning.
US-Indian co-operation to serve petro and chemical sectors -
Applied Analytics and Vortex proudly announce the formation of Applied Analytics (India) Private
Limited. With Vortex's prominent engineering and distribution capabilities and Applied Analytics,
Inc. advanced technologies and manufacturing know-how, Applied Analytics (India) Private Limited
will provide top notch sales, service and support for its ever-growing international clientele
base.
Optical fibre monitoring software detects occasional faults -
A new software package allows the Yokogawa AQ7275 optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) to be used in unattended mode for detecting and monitoring faults occurring occasionally or at regular or irregular intervals in fibre-optic networks.
New pressure guage production line - Brooks Instrument opened a new production line for the recently acquired pressure gauge product family at its headquarters. Brooks acquired the pressure gauge products through its
acquisition of certain assets of Celerity's Instrumentation division in June 2009.
Wireless on mobile wellhead test system - Emerson Process
Management tells us that Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij B.V. (NAM) has successfully applied
their Smart Wireless technology to mobile wellhead test equipment.
Private Indian materials testing accredited lab - Lloyd
Instruments has announced that Hemshell Services has been accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for
mechanical testing. Hemshell Services is the test and calibration division of Lloyd Instruments'
distributor in India, Hemetek Techno Instruments PVT. Ltd. The Indian Government's National
Accreditation Board For Testing and Calibration Laboratories made the award following an
assessment. Accreditation is given to a laboratory on the basis of its capability to perform the
required tests and provide accurate and reliable results.
Metals monitor improves influent understanding - The United
Utilities wastewater treatment plant at Fazakerley (you know where it is don't you?) has
installed a continuous metals analyser from Cogent Environmental to help investigate variable
heavy metal content arising in the plant's catchment.
Protection from electrostatic charge -
Various solutions have been developed for protection from electrostatic charge and to combat it effectively. One major problem exists where a plug-in board has been tested immediately prior to insertion into a live system under hot-swap conditions. Rittal now have alternative solutions to combat the discharge under these circumstances.
SCADA and enterprise info management symplified -
Invensys Operations Management has announced new customer-driven functionality with the release of its Wonderware® System Platform 4.0 software.
Understanding the psychology of climate change scepticism - Why
do a majority refuse to accept the overwhelming evidence that climate change is happening? And
why do so many people prefer to believe that humans are blameless? Ian Hamilton of Lloyds Register discusses.
Innovative vacuum generator module features energy-efficient
air-saving function - Festo has launched a highly innovative vacuum generator module
equipped with a host of built-in energy-saving and condition monitoring functions. One of the key
features of the new OVEM vacuum generator is an integrated vacuum sensor, which continuously
monitors the output; the module will operate until a user-defined vacuum threshold has been
reached, and then automatically switch off, resulting in significant energy savings.
Linear actuator packs more power in less space -
Thomson has extended its range of ball screw linear actuators with the particularly compact, yet powerful T60 Precision Linear Actuator (PLA).
| e-letters and web publications received during week ending 9th April 2010
The world of Scientific Instruments The world of Wireless Technology
There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not
available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here! |
Lighting up industrial automation software! -
The newest version of GENESIS64 builds on several new features in Windows 7 to deliver a richer
user experience. When they first got their hands on Windows 7, they examined the operating system
closely to see what was new and how they could best take advantage of it, quickly zeroing in on
features such as multitouch and the Windows Taskbar.
| New on-line automation directory unveiled - The International Society of Automation
(ISA) has launched its 2010 -2011 ISA Directory of Automation in a new, easy-to-use, online
format. This valuable resource--the top purchasing guide in the automation field--is available to
ISA's 30,000 Members from a link on the ISA homepage or directly. | |
Bus layer finalised - The nonprofit CiA (CAN in Automation) organisation has released the last part of the reviewed CiA® 302 series of additional application layer functions.
High speed industrial radios -
The new RadioLinx® industrial radios, from ProSoft Technology®, support IEEE 802.11n and provide premier performance for high-capacity networks. They offer high-reliability networking to applications with moving devices and/or obstructed environments that are traditionally difficult to solve with wireless solutions. The offering consists of a single-radio Industrial HotspotTM, and a single-radio Industrial Client.
Load cell for structural and fatigue testing applications -
LCM Systems have just announced the new PTC-1 range of low profile, universal load cells. Ideal for many testing applications including structural and airframe testing,
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