Why energy producers need to increase remote operations capacity today, and how to transition securely. - Prompted by the widespread and far-reaching implications of the novel Coronavirus, we have witnessed a sudden shift to a hybrid workforce that includes on-site, remote, and distributed teams. The vast majority of companies lack the remote infrastructure needed to maintain operational continuity and protect against cybersecurity risks associated with remote work.

New generation of thermal mass flowmeters. - Endress+Hauser has launched its line of Proline t-mass F/I 300/500 flowmeters. These thermal mass flowmeters are reliable and versatile for measuring pure gases and gas mixtures, and each has numerous alarm functions, as well as bidirectional measurement capability and reverse flow detection.

Protocol for security. - The cryptography working group within the IETF standards organization (Internet Engineering Task Force) has chosen the Endress+Hauser-developed CPace protocol as a recommended method for use in internet standards. After undergoing extensive security analyses, the CPace protocol emerged as the winner in a competition among submissions from developers at several well-known companies.

Windows & Real-Time. - Windows is not a real-time operating system is a phrase that’s often echoed on the NTDEV forum. Frequently it comes up when someone runs into trouble trying to write a Windows driver for a device that’s not designed with Windows compatibility in mind, such as a device that expects the software to respond within a short time frame.

Faster and simpler connectivity couplings. - Eaton has expanded its fluid conveyance portfolio with a new Multiplate system for its Flat Face (FF) Series Quick Disconnect Couplings. The new offering enables more compact, powerful and fuel-efficient machines in industries like agriculture, construction and commercial transport

High reliability fast beam-steering mirror control systems. - Kaman Precision Products' recently launched high-reliability version of its fast beam-steering mirror measurement system is now available with full support from Ixthus Instrumentation. The upgraded KD-5100+ enables high-precision position feedback for control systems used in mirror steering and scanning tasks for laser communications on satellites and ground stations, airborne and shipborne directed energy systems and image stabilisation systems.

Detachable screen puts gas data where it matters … … in your hands. - Signal Group has announced the launch of a major new feature for its latest gas analysers; they now come with the option of a detachable screen. Customers will find this especially useful when it is necessary to install the analyser in a location with difficult access – such as: in an ATEX enclosure; in vehicle exhaust gas test cells; with a raised gantry on a stack; in a combustion test rig, or on any site where the location of analysis is not an ideal or safe working space.

USB 3.0 improvement on USB 2.0. - The advantages of USB 3.0 technology compared to USB 2.0 in terms of transfer rates of up to 5 Gigabit leads to a significantly higher demand for this type of transfer method. The growing demand for universal interfaces connected by the way of USB cable and connector allows for the development and use of devices to be connected to most peripheral devices for simplicity and clearer imagery, especially in the field of real-time imaging for medical applications that require brilliant clear images.

Megatrends are revolutionary. - They are powerful, transformative forces that change the global economy, business, and society. Megatrends both drive and are driven by disruptive innovations. Henry Ford's design and production methods are often cited as one of the most significant megatrend achievements of the past. They both leveraged and advanced technology, creating better jobs and stimulating societal change. (Bill Lydon: InTech)

MEMS Capacitive Accelerometers. - The Model 2422 Series from Silicon Designs, offers low-noise, low-voltage (5 VDC) and low-cost acceleration and vibration sensing within zero-to-medium frequency instrumentation applications.

MES partnership agreed. - Enlight Technology Co., Ltd. has partnered with Aegis to resell FactoryLogix® software in Taiwan, extending Enlight's solution portfolio from its focus on design and PLM to manufacturing operations in both the factory office and the factory floor.

Easier remote access to machine data. - Ewon® DataMailbox, a secure freemium cloud-based solution allowing machine builders and factory owners to easily access data from their machines anywhere in the world has been launched by HMS Networks . It is an online data buffer that enables easy retrieval of data from machines. It is a part of the Ewon Talk2M cloud service.

Don’t Look at the Sun—Look at the Data! - Seeq Corporation has released a new success story bylined by their customer DEPCOM Power and system integrator Vertech. Titled “Don’t Look at the Sun—Look at the Data,” the story shows how DEPCOM, based in Scottsdale (AZ USA), uses Seeq to improve operating efficiency and optimize maintenance across multiple solar generation sites.

What have we learned about the virus, so far? - As the pandemic progressed, our understanding of the virus grew, and this has influenced the guidance on transmission prevention measures such as face masks, social distancing, hand washing and disinfection. In this article, Adrian Gee-Turner, an antiviral disinfectant manufacturer, reviews the published evidence and provides a brief summary of the conclusions that can be drawn (so far).

Narrow feed through connectors. - The new SLIMS FeedThrough Connector range has been announced by Cliff Electronics. Offering a more compact alternative to their very popular 26mm wide XLR form factor product range, the new SLIMS connectors are just 19mm wide allowing up to 20 to be mounted in a 1U, 19” rack panel, rather than just 16 of the existing XLR design with cut out dimensions of 17.15mm (0.675in) x 22.86mm (0.9in) with mounting hole centres of 29mm.

How to Streamline Complex Natural Gas Analysis and Reduce Costs - This Emerson white paper explores the industry’s first field-mountable, transmitter-style gas chromatograph capable of providing measurement of sulfur compounds and energy content of natural gas in a single, compact explosion-proof analyzer, reducing cost and footprint.

sIndustrial Partnership network quintupled. - The SPE Industrial Partner Network has more than quintupled the number of its members within the first year. The seven founding members have now grown to 37 members since the SPS Fair in November 2019. Each company on its own is a technology leader and specialist in the various fields needed to strengthen and complete the SPE Ecosystem.

OTA testing with 5G. - Just launched is Anritsu's newly developed DUT Holder MA8179A-AK011 to increase the usability of its CATR Anechoic Chamber, the MA8172A.

Position sensor range expanded. - Recently announced by Novotechnik and available through their distribution partner Variohm EuroSensor, LWG series linear position sensors are now available in six additional standard measurement lengths.

Strain gauge website - The new BSSM website is now live! Packed with useful features and resources, visitors may book events and training courses, look through event archives, learn about their corporate members, 'Ask an Expert' and much, much more. Details of their offer for early career development may be accessed and registration for conference and other additional upcoming features such as their Strain Resource Centre.

75 Years of Automation Milestones -

Environmental accreditation. - Accreditation to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 has been awarded to Intelliconnect (Europe). This adds to their existing ISO 9001:2015 quality standard and SC21 silver performance standard for the Aerospace, Security and Space Industry Supply Chain Programme.

Analyser to deliver highest sensitivity for trace elements. - Spectro Analytical Instruments has introduced the newest version of its SPECTROGREEN inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analyzer: the SPECTROGREEN TI, featuring Spectro's proven twin interface (TI).

VA meter switch. - Krohne's variable area (VA) flowmeters DK46/47/48/800 with glass tube are now available with SIL 2 compliance. They are the first and currently the only SIL 2 glass tube purgemeters on the market.

Sensors in water and wastewater. - In their new report "Sensors in the Water and Wastewater Treatment Industries 2020-2030", IDTechEx aims to give users a deep understanding of the market, where the sensors can be used, and a holistic overview of how sensors can be implemented in water and wastewater markets.

Using human and artificial intelligence with digital twins - Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), user interface technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality can help the form and function of digital twins to improve training, operations and outcomes. (Control Engineering)

ISO accreditation for calibration lab. - Yokogawa's European Calibration Laboratory has achieved accreditation to the latest revision of ISO 17025:2017 standard, for power measurements at up to 100 kHz. This accreditation offers quantifiable proof of the laboratory's advanced calibration offering, ensuring users of the facility achieve the world's most accurate measurement results from their power measurement equipment. It offers quality assurance and a trust in measurement results, allowing engineers to develop the next generation of technologies that combine energy efficiency with leading performance.

Swift Sensors has appointed Ray Almgren as Chief Executive Officer.

Today is World Standards Day. - Industries rely on global standards to solve technical problems & bring consistency to process and product design, increase productivity, lower costs, & keep people, industrial facilities, & commercial buildings safe. ISA is leading in the world Standards for cybersecurity in automation.

Testing and approving lab. samples efficiently. - FAR Chemical is using Matrix Gemini LIMS to improve the efficiency of its operations By significantly reducing the time taken to test and approve samples in the laboratory, the hold-times of products in the reactors have been cut and the efficiency of the entire operation improved.

Back to work - safely! - As employees continue returning to the office, travelers start flying again, fans slowly return to stadiums, technology that focuses on maintaining health and safety in semi-public and private venues remains crucial to slowing the spread of COVID-19. In response, FLIR Systems has launched the FLIR Elara™ FR-345-EST, a fixed-mount radiometric thermal security camera that measures elevated skin temperature (EST) accurately without contact or the need for a reference temperature source.

High precision control of fluids and gases. - Festo has introduced the VYKA range of media separated solenoid valves offering high precision control of virtually any fluid or gas. Just 7mm in width and with an orifice size of 1.2mm, the VYKA range has a class leading pressure-to-orifice size ratio and offers a compact solution to a wide variety of dosing and continuous flow applications.

Ultra-accurate viscosity measurement. - A pre-pilot mixing plant is using wireless TorqSense transducers for ultra-accurate viscosity measurement of high-value compounds. The plant is used to prepare small batches of compounds from shampoo and detergent to cosmetics, therapeutic and medical preparations. Some of the ingredients in the compounds are very expensive, so product developers are loath to make large batches early in the formulation process.

Touch-operated analyser recognised for award. - The R&S ZNA Vector Network Analyzer has been recognised in the Electronics Industry Awards. In the third year of ceremony, hosted online for the first time, the Rohde & Schwarz analyzer took home an award in the Test, Measurement & Inspection Product of the Year category.

Cloud-based IIoT. - Quantum Automation has created a cloud-based IIoT solution which can be easily deployed to access valuable edge-sourced data and make it accessible for remote viewing, analysis, and control.

Poor quality power and effectiveness. - An often overlooked element of overall equipment effectiveness comes in the form of poor power quality according to Mark Dziedzic,Senior Product Marketing Manager for Sola HD at Emerson.

Pharma software consulting & advisory services. - Körber's Pharma Business Area has established a new Principal Consulting & Client Advisory unit. Pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers benefit from new, value-adding services by Werum Solutions on their digital transformation journey.

Subsea controls poised to enhance deepwater oil & gas production - The increase in complexity is extensive compared to the early beginning with North East Frigg some 30 years ago towards the subsea compression facilities that are currently being realized. There has been a development in technological areas, such as design, materials, flow assurance, control and instrumentation, installation, and operation. The driving force has been to develop simpler and more cost-efficient ways to produce, process, and transport oil and gas offshore.

Portal for support. - My Tech Support Portal is how Endress+Hauser is improving its customers' existing support experience. In addition to phone support, the My Tech Support Portal offers customers 24/7 access to a growing knowledge base on their instrumentation and applications, along with the ability to create and manage support and service cases online.

Strengthened signal function for analyser. - Strengthened functions for Anritsu's Signal Quality Analyzer-R MP1900A PCI Express*1 receiver tests have been announced. These strengthened functions upgrade the high-quality waveform performance of the PAM4*2 PPG MU196020A to the latest high-speed, large-capacity PCI Express standards for PCIe receiver tests.

Small form factor touchscreen device. - A new 4.3" LCD screen size HG1P handheld human-machine interface (HMI) has been introduced by IDEC Corporation. This lightweight and robust HMI is the right-sized way to enhance operator interactions for automated machine tending and robotics applications, and it is the most cost-effective device of its type.

How to Quickly Identify Tuning Mistakes. - An automation and controls engineer wonders how he can quickly identify possible tuning mistakes in common control loops. (Technical discussion, authored by Greg McMillan as part of ISA Mentor Program)

Avoid supply chain disruption. - The Eagle MTS 180 from Digitaltest, is the most economical solution for high volume production. It can be used for a high volume of electronic PCBs as well as for many different types of assemblies. With its 1.000 measurements per second, it is also one of the fastest test systems on the market. (This system is currently available with a special discount)

Abzena has appointed Giovanni Escobar as SVP and Site Head of its Bristol, Pennsylvania Operations.

Extended biometric authentication. - Users of Werum PAS-X MES can now benefit from an extended range of biometric authentication methods such as iris scan, fingerprint and facial recognition. To this end, the software experts of Körber's Business Area Pharma have entered into a global collaboration with Integral Biometrics.

Connecting controllers with industrial IoT applications. - Softing Industrial releases version v1.20 of edgeConnector Siemens. The software module is based on container technology and connects Siemens controllers with industrial IoT applications. In addition to SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500, the new version also supports SIMATIC S7-300/400 controllers.

Support for cloud services. - Seeq Corporation has announced expanded support for Amazon Web Services cloud services. Seeq has been available as a SaaS application since 2018 with support for many Amazon cloud services including Amazon Redshift, DynamoDB, Aurora, and Amazon SageMaker Notebooks for machine learning integration.

PLM Trends and Technologies. - No longer confined to a manufacturing company's design/build processes, product lifecycle management (PLM) now represents an essential and core element for most companies' overall business strategy. The scope of PLM has expanded significantly, and it it is time to look at the PLM trends and technologies.

Rugged display modules. - Kaohsiung Opto-Electronics (KOE) have announced the introduction of a two new 8.0-inch Rugged+ TFT display modules. The new TX20D208VM0BAA and TX20D208VM0BAB TFT displays feature WVGA resolution (800 x 480 pixels), a wide 16:9 aspect ratio, in-plane switching (IPS) provides exceptional optical performance.

Control panels and mounting systems. - Foremost Electronics has announced a new distribution partnership with TEKNOKOL for Britain. TEKNOKOL is a supplier to world-leading integrators of control panels, control systems, support arms and coupling towers. A family business, they value personal relationships, ensuring flexibility, fast decision making and responsiveness to individual customer needs.

Safe pressure measurement in process industry. - Addressing the increasing need for reliable and accurate temperature measurement for processing and safety in fuel cell and other hydrogen powered or hydrogen utilised solutions, Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new highly durable variant of its well-proven ETP21 series temperature sensor.

New site for gas detectors and sensors. - In a key strategic move to reflect the changing needs of its global customer base, Cambridgeshire-based ION Science – leading manufacturer of gas detection instrumentation for occupational health and environmental monitoring applications – has launched re-designed Global websites.

Communications link-up strengthens industrial networks. - HMS Industrial Networks AB has acquired 70% of all shares in the Dutch company Procentec B.V. Headquartered in Rotterdam, Procentec is a world leader in solutions and services for diagnostics and monitoring of industrial networks.

Wireless Ethernet in hazardous areas on the rise. - Operators of process technology systems seeking to implement wireless device communication in hazardous areas have had few options to choose from when selecting suitable access points because most industry-specific models with Ex approval do not offer high-performance, central network management. Products with this feature often are not suitable for industrial environments. An option is integration of standard devices without Ex approval in explosion-protected enclosures. Compact high-frequency isolators for intrinsically safe wireless signal conversion make it possible to use standard antennae in Zones 1 and 2. (Control Engineering)

Test & Measurement during COVID-19 - Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, GAMBICA has worked with their members to offer the most up-to-date news that affects their businesses, and to provide a forum where questions may be tabled at a senior level within different government departments to ensure there is clarity for their members. This advice for the Test & Measurement sector. (PBSI)

Design possibilities offered in plastic mouldings. - Emerson has introduced new heat staking technology designed to give manufacturers greater design freedom by enabling them to join more complex, delicate and sensitive components to plastic moldings. Using a unique pulse staking technology that optimizes the heat staking process, the Branson™ GPX platform produces high-quality joins, superior product aesthetics and energy savings in increasingly challenging applications.

Gas detection for safety. - In a strategic move to further expand its portfolio of high-performance gas detection instrumentation, ION Science has launched a range of cost-effective, low maintenance, disposable ARA Single Gas Detectors for compliance monitoring and worker safety. The personal, wearable instruments enable workers to monitor their exposure to toxic gases as well as oxygen enrichment and depletion, alerting them when safe levels are exceeded.