Proportional valves for closed-loop control of inert gases in process automation. - Festo has published a new whitepaper entitled: Proportional valves for closed-loop control of inert gases in process automation. The whitepaper, which can be downloaded for free from the Festo website, looks at how proportional valves can be used as an alternative to regulating valves and flow meters for closed-loop control of inert gases used in process automation plants.

Connections for medical and broadcast applications. - Intelliconnect (Europe) is now working with 19 British NHS trusts supplying high quality connectors, adaptors and cable assemblies for radiation detection equipment as diverse as imaging equipment and RF Ablation.

Developing eCall in-vehicle systems. - Technology and expertise from Stadium United Wireless, a leader in the design and manufacture of Machine-to-Machine wireless technology, has helped TRL (Britain's Transport Research Laboratory) to develop proposed technical requirements and test procedures for the type-approval of eCall in-vehicle systems.

New LTE-Advanced standards with faster throughput & richer functions. - Anritsu Corporation has released its new LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation (CA) 4CC measurement software for the MT8821C Radio Communication Analyzer, together with multiple new LTE-Advanced capabilities.

An easier way to operate and program multitasking machine. - In the latest Version 4.7 of the Sinumerik Operate user interface, Siemens has improved the multitasking machining with machine tools.

Cybersecurity health check! - Yokogawa Solution Service Corporation, responsible for Yokogawa's control business in Japan, has received an order from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp. to provide a network health check service that analyses and verifies the integrity of the data traffic on the control system communications buses at its Mizushima Works.

Safe gas detection! - Oldham believes that no gas detection controller should be designed that does not take functional safety standards into consideration. Their MX 43 controller has been awarded SIL 1 certification.

Simultaneously measure mass, volume, density, and temperature. - The RCT1000 Coriolis Mass Flow Meter has been introduced by Badger Meters. This is the latest addition to an extensive line of flow instrumentation products.

Manufacturing operations management software. - Aegis is to unveil the latest version of their market leading manufacturing operations management software, FactoryLogix at Productronica (Nov 10th to 13th in Munich D). The new release embraces the principles of Industry 4.0 and Aegis has chosen Productronica as the first public demonstration.

Ammonium anlyser. - The Liquiline System CA80AM ammonium analyser has been introduced by Endress+Hauser. This is designed for monitoring critical control points in water and resource reclamation facilities.

What configuration suits best? - Laser Components is offering an ever-increasing selection of IR detectors based on different technologies that partially overlap spectrally. They present prototypes of a user kit for pyroelectric detectors and uncooled PbSe detectors including suitable radiation sources.

Rugged Ethernet switch. - GE Energy Management's Intelligent Platforms business has announced the NETernity™ GBX411 Fully Managed 3U VPX Layer 2/3 Ethernet Switch.

Co-operation enables managing streaming sensor data in real-time. - Emerson Process Management and OSIsoft have introduced the OSIsoft PI Connector for HART-IP, a link between HART field devices and OSIsoft's PI System enterprise software infrastructure for managing streaming sensor data in real-time.

Bringing Clarity to the Industrial Internet of Things. - Red Lion Controls has announced a new initiative dedicated to helping customers realize the promise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). A new Red Lion facility in St. Louis (MS USA), the IIoT Innovation Center, will drive this effort through a focused engineering, product and sales team dedicated to building on Red Lion's existing IIoT expertise.

Strategies for equipment inspection and maintenance! -

Seminars on thermography. - Fluke is offering a series of free Thermography Seminars as part of its programme of seminars for 2015 in Britain and Ireland.

Hygieninc measuremnt of temperature in beverage sector. - B+B offer suitable products which meets the expectations of the beverage industry. One special product is e.g. the penetration probe with centric measuring tip.

Optical spectrum analyser for short-wavelength infrared region. - A new optical spectrum analyser, the AQ6375B, operating in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) region covering wavelengths from 1200 to 2400 nm has been announced by Yokogawa.

Partnership for partner for integrated MES/DCS solutions. - ABB and Werum IT Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on control system solutions for the global pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.

Multichannel optical module evaluations. - Anritsu Corporation has launched the new BERTWave MP2100B, an all-in-one test set with integrated BERT and sampling oscilloscope for developing and manufacturing Optical Modules.

3-Phase power loggers. - Fluke is introducing the 1736 and 1738 Three-Phase Power Loggers, which automatically capture and log more than 500 power quality parameters to give technicians and engineers more visibility into the data needed to make better power quality and energy consumption decisions.

Unique RFID antenna is adaptable to customer applications. - Harting has developed a unique type of RFID antenna, the Ha-VIS LOCFIELD® antenna, which uses a coaxial travelling-wave concept to offer users a compact package with complete flexibility in the design of RF reading zones.

Enclosures comply with CSA, UL and NEMA standards. - An extended range of Type 4X outdoor equipment enclosures that comply with CSA, UL and NEMA standards is now available from Intertec.

Automation contractor services contract renewed. - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the renewal of a global agreement with BP to supply main automation contractor services (MAC services) to BP's upstream entities.

Rich Costa is been appointed as as Sales and Marketing Manager with Intelligent Building Controls.

Cost-effective, high-quality and large-scale MBR creation. - Werum IT Solutions now offers its customers a new service: "Design as a Service" - a complete solution for the cost-effective creation of lean, high-quality and streamlined MBRs.

Universal I/O module with embedded Cyber Security. - Keeping with a commitment to deliver Simple, Scalable and Secure™ industrial automation, Bedrock Automation is to introduce its 10-channel Secure Universal I/O Module, SIOU.10, for its Bedrock™ control system.

Spanish Language Website - Experiencing a steady growth in business from its Spanish-speaking customer base in Mexico, Latin America and Europe, Aegis has launched a Spanish language website to complement their increase in sales and support staff in these regions.

HMI panels approved for maritime applications. - The rugged Graphite® Human Machine Interface (HMI) operator panels from Red Lion Controls, have been tested to meet ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) standards.

Continued growth for industrial automation software experts. - COPA-DATA has expanded its team in order to support the needs of its growing customer base in the Great Britain and Ireland by appointing Kelly Bateman as Marketing Executive and Sarah Debnam as Sales Administrator.

Lightest heavy-duty - Brady Corporation has launched an innovative and ultra-light weight (<2g) RFID label. The self-adhesive label, which can be printed and programmed on-site, is extremely durable and able to resist the abrasion, temperatures and chemicals aircraft are exposed to during production, flight and maintenance.

Analysers fully approved for use in gas applications! - Following a successful Analytics Symposium held at Linde's head office in Munich, Germany, several Servomex analyzers have been fully approved for use in gas applications on Linde sites worldwide - without the need for additional testing or qualification. The company has been awarded Tier 1 status on the Linde Global Governance Critical Vendor List.

Rewards for good automation reads! -

Oxford school has online control of heating, ventilation, water, lighting etc. - At the EF International Language Centre in Oxford, system integrator Global Electrical Solutions Ltd. has installed a building management system to keep track of heating, ventilation, water, lighting etc. By connecting Netbiter Remote Management gateways to Rockwell control panels in the building, users can see current temperatures, levels, and consumption online.

Security of IoT and connected devices.- Two recent announcements have focused attention on the security of IoT and connected devices, running versions of Wind Rivers' VxWorks, the most popular embedded operating system used in the world. According to Wind River, VxWorks Version 7 is not susceptible to the RCE vulnerability and there are patches for some older versions of VxWorks. However, there may be millions more devices running older versions of VxWorks that may be vulnerable.

Communications improved with five new gateways. - ProSoft Technology is helping users connect PROFINET controllers and Modbus or EtherNet/IP devices with five new gateways.

Temperature sensors for Ireland! - Finnish based SKS Sensors has entered into a distribution partnership for Ireland with PJ Bonner & Co.

Power & drive systems to enable efficient and reliable ship operation. - Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC) has commissioned Siemens to equip the latest diving support vessel being built for Toisa Ltd. with complete drive and power systems. Power and drive systems from Siemens enable efficient, reliable ship operation.

IACS cybersecurity conformance for controller! - An ISASecure accredited test lab, exida, has announced that it has certified the Honeywell Experion C300 Controller R410 to the ISASecure® Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification.

Boosting paperless pharma manufacturing in India. - Werum IT Solutions and Sarla Technologies have jointly announced a memorandum of understanding to partner for delivering MES projects in India. Sarla Technologies will become an official partner for Werum's PAS-X MES throughout India providing project control and integration services.

Cybersecurity best-practices from the attacker's perspective. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) will jointly deliver a live industrial cybersecurity webinar in late September with one of its ISA Promotional Partners, Ultra Electronics, 3eTI®, a leading cyber-technology company with products and solutions that secure critical infrastructure and improve operational efficienc

"Were you made for me?" - Choosing the right connector spec. -

Ultrasonic level controllers now offer faster commissioning and set-up! - Siemens has launched its MultiRanger 200 and HydroRanger 200 ultrasonic controllers offering new features which include faster commissioning with an improved HMI(Human machine interface) and graphical Quick Start Wizard as well as a redesigned enclosure with removable terminal blocks.

HART protocol device provider acquired! - Pepperl+Fuchs has acquired MACTek Corporation, a leading provider of HART protocol devices.

Support for security conformance scheme! - Tailored Solutions & Consulting, is supporting the ISASecure® IEC 62443 Industrial Cyber Security Conformance Scheme by joining the ISA Security Compliance Institute as a technical member.

RH & Temp Sensor: As easy as changing a light bulb. - Michell Instruments has launched an improved version of its interchangeable relative humidity sensor - the HygroSmart I7000XP - which enables users to carry out maintenance on industrial relative humidity and temperature transmitters in as little as 30 seconds.

Paul Sereiko has been appointed as Director of Marketing with the FieldComm Group.

A stick for calibration! - Should you lose your calibration data for any reason, a handy USB memory stick from Applied Measurements Ltd, contains everything you need to get yourself back up and running.

Communication robustness testing tool for cybersecurity standard. - The beSTORM® software security testing tool from Beyond Security has been formally recognized for official use by certification bodies in the ISASecure® industrial automation and control system (IACS) cybersecurity certification program.

Incorporating mobile interfaces into industrial automation & control applications. - Opto 22 has announced the groov Action Plan, a service that quickly adds mobility to applications in industrial automation, control, and remote monitoring.

Remote monitoring & control platform features worldwide cellular coverage. - Red Lion Controls has announced its Sixnet® series RAM® industrial cellular RTUs now provide high-speed global 4G LTE network support for use with many cellular carriers worldwide. This follows Red Lion's recent announcement of 4G LTE multi-carrier cellular support for major North American carriers.

How to make the most of ESOS and EAS! - COPA-DATA is advising large enterprises in Britain and Ireland to act upon their Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Energy Auditing Scheme (EAS) findings in order to reduce energy consumption and bills.

1,000W PSU with 36VDC output! - Excelsys Technologies, has extended its XSolo family of 1U high, ultra-compact single output modular power supplies to include a 36VDC output version.

Awareness towards industrial cybersecurity continues low! - New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, The Safety-Security Argument: Expanding Needs in a Connected Enterprise, finds that the global cybersecurity market for control systems is expected to grow at a rate between 20to 25 percent every year till 2021.

IT isn't taking all of our jobs! - There is little doubt that IT has comprehensively penetrated all areas of the job market - from low skilled jobs to white collar professions. However, in the majority of cases this has been a steady evolution rather than a computer uprising, as it's so tempting to portray it. Here Carl Plant, CEO of bITjAM, explains why IT isn't going to destroy your job, but make you more employable.

Protects plants from Cyber-attacks. - Eaton has launched its next generation Tofino industrial security solution. The 9202-ETS MTL security system provides the highest level of network security for process automation applications.

Rotary actuator and sensor. - Festo has launched a new semi-rotary vane drive - the DRVS - with a unique new sensor solution which can be fitted in seconds. This enables machine builders and engineers to save valuable installation time and associated costs, and it provides excellent performance at an attractive price.

Diagnostics demoday - ProfiBus Ireland held a one day demo in two sessions on diagnosing ProfiBus networks using Procentec products. The demo was on portable diagnostic tool Profitrace and continuous monitoring tool Combricks. Over 25 participants from industry participated on the day.

Auto-Ranging programmable DC power source. - Intepro Systems has introduced the PSI 9000 Series of programmable DC power sources. A single 3U chassis houses up to 15kW of DC power and can be paralleled up to 150 kilowatts.

Exploring how engineers can create the Internet of Things! - Taking place across Europe and worldwide, including London, Eindhoven, Horsholm and Stockholm throughout November, NIDays is the ultimate learning environment, with a full day of interactive technical presentations, hands-on sessions along with case studies on the latest advancements in design, control and test.

New US level transmitter-sensor! - Siemens is expanding its ultrasonic level transmitter portfolio by adding the Sitrans LU150, a noncontacting ultrasonic transmitter with a range of up to five meters (16 feet).

Interferometer for free-standing fibres in SMA connectors. - Laser Components has introduced a further development of the well-known DAISI-MT interferometer that now allows the analysis of free-standing fibres in an SMA connector.

Control for biomass plant in Brazil! - Yokogawa America do Sul, has received an order from AREVA Renewables Brazil, a subsidiary of the French firm AREVA SA, to supply a control system for a biomass power plant that will be the largest facility of its type in Brazil.

10.4" TFT open frame monitor. - KOE has announced a range of value added services and product add-ons that can aid and assist display usability and enhance the user experience.

Facilitating complex load monitoring - Mantracourt's software toolkit enhances the capabilities of its respected LCA20 load cell amplifier and enables easier set up and more advanced calibration, control and reporting functions.

PXI and PCI Precision Programmable Resistors. - Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and instrumentation for use in electronic test and simulation, is expanding its range of PXI and PCI Programmable Resistors used for high-density resistor simulation.

High-power Line passive harmonic filters enclosed! - By introducing IP23 and IP54 cabinet versions of the high-power passive harmonic filters, Schaffner enables an easier installation, wiring and commissioning of the high-end filters in portfolio for AC or DC motor drive applications.

Noise monitoring at ports. - An increasing number of British ports (and indeed ports elsewhere!), including Felixstowe, Port of Tyne and Peterhead, are benefiting from high performance environmental and occupational health noise measurement instrumentation from Svantek.

Automation company wins ISV partner award from Microsoft. - Microsoft Austria has awarded the internationally operating software manufacturer Copa-Data first place in the partner category Independent Software Vendor (ISV).

Stewart Dowsett has been appointed Key Account Manager for Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia with Kollmorgan. He replaces Ian Young who is retiring.

Update cybersecurity certifications! - The ISA Security Compliance Institute, which manages the ISASecure cybersecurity certification scheme for industrial automation and control systems (IACS), announced today updates to certification requirements for the Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification and System Security Assurance (SSA) certification.

HMIs for hazardous area applications. - A highly communicative local operator interface from R. Stahl HMI Systems provides a new level of user friendliness and connectivity to almost all relevant automation systems for hazardous areas applications.

Ultrasonic (US) sensors for the Americas! - The distributor for America’s of PIL’s new P53 Steel Head ultrasonic sensor, as well as other PIL sensor technologies is Hoffmann-Krippner.

Social media tips for automation industry! - The Technical PR agency, Stone Junction, has released a one-page guide, analysing social media presence across the automation industry.

New range of 5-limb chokes target EMC problems. - A new range of 5-limb chokes targeting electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems in industrial applications has been launched by REO.

Electro Rent has appointed two industry experts to key positions within its new structure in Britain. Mike Sullivan (above) becomes Business Manager, UK, and Stephen Skinner has been appointed Account Manager.

Emissions Sensors improve efficiency. - City Technology, (a Honeywell company), is reporting increasing customer interest in its new emissions sensors ahead of the upcoming heating season in response to performance improvements in combustion efficiency and flue gas analysis.

Power meter enhanced! - Yokogawa has introduced an enhanced version of its best-selling WT300 Series of compact 5th generation digital power meters featuring higher accuracy, new measurement functionality and improved connectivity including Modbus/TCP capability to aid integration into production environments.

An upgrade for MARS! - Kistler Instruments has announced an upgrade for its MARS (Measurement, Analysis and Reporting Software) which includes two new modules for investigating symmetry and landing activities.

CNC programming software for operations planning, training and sales. - In Sinutrain version 4.7, Siemens has simplified its Windows PC-based offline programming software for machine tools, and equipped it with new, practical functions.

Component website reconstructed! - Foremost Electronics has just launched its completely rebuilt website. The company represents a number of key manufacturers of components for the electronics industry including MEC, Binder, ELMA, Pentair Schroff and Pentair Hoffman and FCT.

Semi-flexible cables. - The Cable Assembly division of Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd, can now provide customers with its own brand of semi-flexible 0.085" (I405) and 0.141" (I402) cables designed to compete with Multiflex, T-Flex and Flexiform cables and suitable for industrial, security and test system applications

Slim DIN Rail PSUs. - Stadium Power has introduced two new high efficiency, slim-line DIN rail mounted power supplies.