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Samhain 2022 November
30/11/2022
    PRODUCT Water level sensor is smart.- A new water level sensor, the OTT PLS 500, which combines robust reliability and accuracy with the advantages of smart sensor technology has been introduced. Building on decades of experience, the redesigned PLS 500 retains key elements of the trusted, robust, and reliable OTT PLS, while enhancing the sensor to be intuitive and user friendly.
    Simon Cockcroft
    Simon Cockcroft joins OTT HydroMet from Siemens as field service engineer to its team in Britain.
29/11/2022
    PRODUCT Attacks don't always start online! - Cybersecurity attacks are on the rise in OT environments. Attacks don't always start online. Plugging a USB stick into a local workstation can compromise networks from the inside. According to Honeywell's latest publication, the Cyber Threat Report 2022, 81% of threats have the potential to cause significant disruption in a controlled network environment.

    NEWS Connectors and terminals distribution agreed. - A distribution agreement for Britain has been announced by BEC Distribution with DEGSON the connector and terminal block manufacturer serving global markets. DEGSON's wide range of products are an important addition to BEC's "Select" range of quality Alternative Passives, offering affordable, high-quality Alternatives to the major manufacturers.

    NEWSTop Industrial performance. - TTI, Inc.-Europe, has won the top award for "Industrial Performance" in supply chain from Airbus. The award has been given to TTI Europe in recognition of its contribution towards the aerospace company's business in 2022.

    PRODUCT Secure access to remote assets. - The new Merlin 4400 series of ultra-compact and rugged LTE Cat 4 wireless routers from Westermo has been developed specifically to support extremely secure remote access to equipment and systems within demanding utility, industrial and trackside applications. High connection security gives users the confidence to expand their IP networks to include remote assets, helping to increase visibility and ultimately improve operational performance.

28/11/2022
    Research IPCs and delivery problems of electronic components - A recurring theme in discussions with stakeholders of industrial automation is the unprecedented long delivery time and the steep price increase for electronic components and automation controllers. Particularly the buyers of IPCs suffer strongly from it. Several system integrators and machine builders said that they cannot deliver their machines and systems on time, as IPCs and PLCs are essential parts of their products. These delays can and will lead to penalties. (Arc Advisory)
25/11/2022
    PRODUCT Automating monitoring and reporting for CIP applications. - The release of its new Clean In Place (CIP) Utilities and Automated Reporting Analytics package delivered via PACEdge™ and Movicon™ platforms on an industrial edge control device has been announced by Emerson. The software aids in digitally transforming manual and semi-automated systems by optimizing utilities consumption, benchmarking against known cycles and generating automated reports that can be used to reduce energy consumption and improve productivity in a single system or throughout a facility.
24/11/2022
    NEWS MES services in Italy upgraded. - A dedicated local team and MES & Intelligence solutions for Italian pharma companies of all sizes is now been provided in Italy by Körber . The international technology group provides the Werum PAS-X MES Suite which is recognized as the world’s leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for the life sciences industry.

    Events An eacnamaíocht ghorm. - Mar chuid de sheachtain ghnó Asia Matters, beidh Údarás na Gaeltachta ag reáchtáil seimineár ar na Forbacha (Gaillimh) ar an Eacnamaíocht Ghorm ar an 29 Samhain 2022, ag díriú ar an Nuálaíocht Mhara agus ar Fhuinneamh Eischósta, comhdháil ag a mbeifear ag tabhairt léargais ar staid na heacnamaíochta goirm in Éirinn agus ar fud na cruinne. (English Version - The Blue Economy)

    Research Enhancing cybersecurity in energy storage systems. - Energy storage systems (ESS) help expand electricity capacity and stabilize supply. An ESS can also play an important role in maintaining the security of critical infrastructure. In response to the growing threat of cyber attacks, Moxa recommends securing ESS networks by defining the security boundary so you can determine who can access your network and what information they can pass through it.

23/11/2022
    APPLICATIONUnwordly measurements... - Gathering a decade of accurate measurement data is a major feat in itself, but to do so on a robot travelling around the surface of an inhospitable planet 140 million miles away is almost unbelievable.The wheels are starting to show signs of wear but its scientific instruments such as the Vaisala pressure and humidity sensors, are still going strong!
22/11/2022
    PRODUCT High speed connections! - LEMO has expanded its field-proven High-speed data transfer portfolio with the release of USB 3.1 and Single Pair Ethernet connectors.

    APPLICATIONAI to accelerate growth. - A new partnership with Jones Food Company has been announced by Schneider Electric to design and install leading AI-driven software designed to optimise growing conditions and improve energy efficiency.

    PRODUCT Thermistors for tight tolerance instrumentation. - Building upon its growing range of NTC thermistors, Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new specialist 10k variant aimed at mid-range temperature sensing tasks for tight tolerance instrumentation in non-condensing moisture environments. The ENTC-EI-10k9777-02 thermistor is based on a Stycast epoxy encapsulated core with Kynar insulation for maximum durability across a -40° C to 125° C temperature range.

    PRODUCT Where is it? Save time spent searching! - Electro Rent has launched a high-performance, easy-to-use IoT tracker, helping businesses track test and measurement assets across their field services. The new device is ideal for any company that currently finds itself spending too much time and money trying to find misplaced or stolen assets.

21/11/2022
    PRODUCT Long-Reach SPoE. - The world’s first Single-pair Power over Ethernet (SPoE) Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and Power Device (PD) solutions to help customers drive greater levels of intelligence into smart buildings, factory automation, and other applications at the edge of traditional networks has been announced by Analog Devices. The new offerings facilitate powered, last-mile connectivity for factory and building automation through real-time power management, telemetry, extremely low standby power consumption, and ease of installation.

    APPLICATION Decarbonising mining operations. - An agreement has been signed between mining services group Perenti and ABB to collaborate and explore approaches to support net zero emissions targets for underground and open-pit mines. Experts from the two companies will work together to address electrification in mine hauling operations, power distribution, energy efficiency and power management.

18/11/2022
    PRODUCT Precise measurement of high flows. - Over 90 million barrels of crude oil, natural gas, and refined hydrocarbons are produced, transported, stored, and sold to end users every day throughout the world. With enormous transactions like these, any instrument inaccuracy, even the most infinitesimal, can result in significant shortfalls for the supplier or buyer. Promass Q, a high-tech Coriolis flowmeter line from Endress+Hauser, alleviates concerns of inaccuracies with its revolutionary 4-tube technology, while measuring with minimal pressure loss over a wide range of flow rates.

    PRODUCT Multifunction testers. - The MFT-X1 introduces Megger's first generation of platform based, user upgradeable MFTs, to add to the existing Megger MFT1700 range of multifunction testers. Designed and manufactured at their HQ in the south east of England the unit incorporates a host of new features based on years of customer input.

17/11/2022
    APPLICATION Carbon-efficient production offshore! - A five-year framework agreement with Equinor to provide operational support services to ensure continued safe and optimised oil and gas production from its pioneering Martin Linge platform in the Norwegian North Sea has been signed by Emerson. The service agreement, which includes options for three additional five-year periods, covers maintenance and upgrades of the control technology, software and instrumentation. These technologies are helping to accelerate carbon-efficient production and empower remote operation from onshore for increased worker safety and reduced operating costs.

    PRODUCT Cable entry from all angles! - The latest addition to Icotek's range of cable entry plates are now available from Foremost Electronics. The new Icotek Cable Entry 360⁰ can accommodate up to 48 cables, with or without connectors, from all entry directions. This completely splitable distribution box safely routes cables and provides strain relief.

    APPLICATION Medical connectors after COVID. - That the Corona crisis has changed the medical technology industry is indisputable. Fundamental market and competitive changes are also expected in the future, bringing with them opportunities and challenges in equal measure, according to the "Medical Technology Trend Report" study by SPECTARIS. Accordingly, adjustments to the way companies work, expansion of digital sales channels and digital service solutions were described as the three most important effects. Likewise, corporate functions such as research & development and IT services are in particularly high demand - which poses renewed challenges for companies due to the shortage of skilled workers.

    APPLICATIONTraffic sensors at World Cup. - Pedestrian safety enhanced at FIFA World Cup 2022 thanks to 700 FLIR traffic sensors. Qatar has installed 700 FLIR TrafiOne smart city sensors to monitor traffic and control crowd flow. These award-winning, all-in-one sensors from Teledyne FLIR take advantage of Wi-Fi and thermal technologies to ensure traffic runs smoothly, while enhancing pedestrian safety.

    NEWS Distribution agreement for connectors in Europe. - An agreement to expand TTI, Inc. - Europe as authorised distributor for Harting in Europe has been signed. The agreement was signed at Electronica 2022 in Munich (D).

16/11/2022
    PRODUCT Next-generation Ethernet switches. - The launch of Moxa's next-generation Ethernet managed switch portfolio designed to futureproof networks and accelerate digital transformation in the IIoT era has been announced. The expanded portfolio consists of EDS-4000/G4000 Series DIN-rail switches, MDS-G4000-4XGS Series modular DIN-rail switches, and RKS-G4028 Series rackmount switches, all optimized to build robust, secure, and easily scalable networks from edge to core.
15/11/2022
    APPLICATION Hydrogen fuel development. - As the market for innovation in hydrogen fuel generation develops in line with the growing need for low carbon energy, Variohm EuroSensor offers a range of pressure and temperature sensors that fulfil safe measurement and monitoring of hydrogen processing, storage, and transportation systems. With pressure ranges from 1.0 bar to 1000 bar, both the EPT31H2 and SMO31H2 series pressure sensors have EC79/2009 and EC406/2010 type-approvals for hydrogen processing and storage systems whilst the SMO31H2 also has European E1 automotive type-approval to comply with the required standard for mobile pressure monitoring applications on transportation vehicles.

    APPLICATION Safety goes digital. - In the process industry, the safety concept and the regular proof of safety are prerequisites for the operating license of a plant. The obligations of operators in the planning and operation of safety devices are correspondingly extensive. To support the skilled workers, HIMA presented a comprehensive digitalization strategy at the User Meeting of Process Automation Specialists (NAMUR) in Neuss (D - November 10th and 11th, 2022).

14/11/2022
    NEWS 50 years innovation in electrical measurement. - LEM over 50 years has pushed back the boundaries of electrical measurement technology to become a global leader in supplying cutting edge sensors and solutions to such sectors as renewables, automotive, railway and traction, charging infrastructures, energy distribution, high precision and automation. With a strong focus on digitisation and mobility, these industries took delivery of 66m electrical sensors from LEM in 2021/22 in their drive towards a sustainable future.

    Research Learning from the world cup! - What is remarkable about this year's World Cup are the learnings that can be applied to industrial companies working through energy transition and sustainability challenges. (By Michael Guilfoyle "I've been a big soccer fan (if you insist I call it football, get over yourself) for many decades now."- Arc Advisory)

11/11/2022
    PRODUCT Control your smell. - Industrial users can now connect their odour control systems to the cloud using EcoLink, enabling remote monitoring and operation, along with data capture around the clock. EcoLink is an online portal for remote monitoring and control of industrial odour neutralization systems from Ecosorb. With this advancement, users can now manage their equipment from anywhere in the world with any device capable of hosting a web browser, such as a smart phone, tablet, or PC.

    PRODUCT Touchless switches. - IDEC Corporation has introduced a new line of CW low-profile touchless switches suitable for many hygienic industrial and public automation applications, addressing cleanliness concerns for protecting against COVID-19 and other contamination. Touchless switches are durable and reduce total cost of equipment operation.

    NEWS New automation facility for NE US. - An Endress+Hauser authorized sales and service representative since 2002, recently celebrated the opening of its new northeast facility with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a $4 million, 11,400 square-foot building in Clifton Park, (NY USA). The new facility will allow TriNova, Inc., to provide even better support to its customers in surrounding areas.

    PRODUCT A First! Wireless mobile infrared camera. - The FLIR ONE ® Edge Pro is a wireless thermal-visible camera for mobile devices. Unlike previous models, the reimagined FLIR ONE Edge Pro doesn't need to be physically connected to its companion mobile device nor does it have separate models for specific operating systems, providing maximum flexibility for thermal inspections.

10/11/2022
    APPLICATIONRenewable wood residues into chemicals. - A memorandum of understanding with Origin Materials has been announced by Emerson. Origin is world's leading carbon negative materials company, and Emerson are to provide advanced digital automation technologies and consulting services for Origin's first world-scale manufacturing facility, Origin 2. Emerson has already supplied automation for Origin's first commercial facility, currently under construction in Sarnia, Ontario (CDN).

    Seeq has appointed George Skaryak as Chief Revenue Officer.

    Research Six strategic steps to make systems integration seamless. - Systems integration is a complex process that requires time, dedication, and the ability to take an objective look at the bigger picture.

    NEWS World cup could profit electricians. - Schneider Electric is giving electricians and contractors the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup in comfort, by winning a range of prizes with its '#getwinterfootballready' promotion.

    Research Lá Digiteach ar dTús ("Digital First Day!") - Beidh Gréasan Digiteach Gteic ag croílár na n-imeachtaí atá á bpleanáil don "Lá Digiteach ar dTús" (Digital First Day) an togra náisiúnta a bhfuil sé mar aidhm aige léargas a thabhairt do phobal tuaithe na hÉireann, idir lucht gnó, lucht fiontraíochta agus an gnáthphobal, ar an leas agus an buntáiste atá le baint ag pobail thuaithe as an digitiú. (English Translation.)

    APPLICATION Optimising beer production. - ABB's Ability™ BeerMaker intelligent process control solution further supports breweries in their operational efficiency through digital transformation. ABB's brewmaster, who has the notable achievement of qualifications from Technical University of Munich in Weihenstephan (D), devised the new package alongside a team with deep process knowhow.

    Mike Percival
    AMETEK Land has appointed Mike Percival to the position of Channel Partner Manager.
9/11/2022
    PRODUCT Modbus to and from Ethernet. - Modbus and EtherNet/IP are two of the most widespread protocols used in industrial automation, yet a chasm remains between them that prevents bi-directional communication, leading to inefficiencies when engineers try to extract information manually or write software to adapt legacy Modbus devices to Ethernet. Moxa is helping engineers overcome this hurdle with its MGate 5135/5435 industrial Ethernet gateways for Modbus RTU/ASCII/TCP and Ethernet/IP networking.

    APPLICATION Partnership program for equipment, machine, and system suppliers. - Körber has announced a new partnership program for equipment, machine, and system suppliers. With two different PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce partnership levels, vendors can now prove that they are able to use the MSI (message-based shopfloor integration) technology.

    PRODUCT Vector signal transceiver. - Their most versatile and capable Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), the 3rd generation PXIe-5842 VST has been announced by NI. It is the only VST to offer continuous frequency coverage from 50MHz all the way up to 23 GHz, doubles the available instantaneous bandwidth from 1GHz, on the previous generation, to 2 GHz and provides best-in-class RF performance on key metrics such as Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Average Noise Density.

    NEWS Modular connectivity rewarded. - The new Han-Modular® Domino modules have received industry recognition, winning the award for 'Cables and Connectors Product of the Year' at the inaugural Instrumentation Excellence Awards, held at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London in October 2022.

8/11/2022
    PRODUCT Faster, intuitive pressure! - The enhanced Rosemount™ 3051 Pressure Transmitter from Emerson adds new capabilities to the device that has been trusted by users for over three decades. Powerful new features make the Rosemount 3051 easier to use, provide more insights and add diagnostic capabilities – all of which allows commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting tasks to be completed faster.
    Mike Carman
    Mike Carman has been appointed as Executive Business Development Manager for the HVAC-R sector with Invertek Drives.

    PRODUCT Camera for hazardous environments. - The FLIR Cx5 is a new pocket-portable thermal camera for condition monitoring in hazardous environments from Teledyne FLIR. The camera has a rugged ATEX-compliant case, which allows users of this camera to safely monitor electrical or mechanical assets in hot working zones.

    NEWS Optimized solution for switchgear manufacturers and electrical planners. - Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Eplan have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in the area of software solutions for the industry and infrastructure market segments. As part of this agreement, Siemens' Electrical Products business unit will join the Eplan Partner Network as a strategic partner. The objective is to coordinate the products of both companies in a more targeted manner in order to offer optimized solutions for switchgear manufacturers and electrical planners.

    NEWS Electromechanical and electronic sensors added to capability. - YAGEO Corporation has entered into a binding commitment with Schneider Electric to acquire its Telemecanique Sensors business in an all-cash transaction.

    APPLICATION Solid-state deep cooling thermal management. - DTP Thermoelectrics has been awarded a patent that opens the door for solid-state deep cooling thermal management. The patent is based on theoretical and analytical models that have been validated through the fabrication and characterization of thermoelectric devices that use Distributed Transport Properties (DTP) thermoelectric materials.

    NEWS Award for sustainability. - Servomex has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Rating 2022 for its business sustainability ratings.

    PRODUCT A beloved bent-axis motor family expanded! - A counterbalance valve for Danfoss Power Solutions' H1B bent-axis motor has been introduced, expanding the motor's application to open-circuit systems. Specifically designed for the motor, the counterbalance valve enables original equipment manufacturers to harness the benefits of the variable-speed H1B motor, including compact design and efficiency, in high-power drivetrain and winching applications while preventing overspeed and cavitation.

    PRODUCT Industrial AI camera. - Advantech has released a new edge industrial AI camera — the ICAM-500. Embedded with NVIDIA® Jetson Nano™, Advantech's ICAM-500 combines an industrial-grade SONY IMX 296 image sensor, advanced LED lighting, and a variable focus lens with acquisition and AI computing capabilities.

    PRODUCT Precision contactless position sensing. - The A31316 3D Hall-effect position sensor is the the latest addition to Allegro MicroSystems' 3DMAG™ line of 3D sensors. Offered in an industry-smallest 4 × 4 mm body PCB-less package, this new sensor is ideal for automotive safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications that require high levels of flexibility and reliable performance in harsh conditions such as powertrain and chassis applications, as well as industrial applications that require linear or rotary sensing.

    PRODUCT HMI - from Zone 1 to the control room. - The modular platforms of the HMI portfolio from Pepperl+Fuchs offer individual solutions for applications ranging from non-hazardous areas to Zone 1.

7/11/2022
    PRODUCT RTD temperature transmitter redefined! - The newly developed iTEMP TMT31 temperature transmitter for analog 4-20mA signals from Endress+Hauser is characterized by its long-term stability, high accuracy, and ease of use, making it an important pillar for reliable temperature measurement.

    NEWS Membership leveling up with DTM! - KSR KUEBLER is the newest member of the FDT Group™. The company is developing FDT-based Device Type Managers™ (DTMs™) for its level measurement transmitters for integration in FDT-enabled engineering workstation environments to meet customer application demands.

    APPLICATION "Talking the torque in test rigs?" - To analyse the long term performance and reliability of hard working valves and pumps, serial innovators Manchester-based Bifold Group (GB) has adopted digital torque transducers from Sensor Technology Ltd for two of its specialist test rigs.

    NEWS Acquisition strengthens thermal product and technology vision. - Watlow®, a designer and manufacturer of complete industrial thermal systems has just completed its acquisition of Eurotherm® from Schneider. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    PRODUCT Additional security for data integration. - Softing enables secure communication between OPC UA components in OT and IT that are separated by firewalls or DMZs with the integration of OPC UA Reverse Connect into its dataFEED OPC Suite Extended V5.22.

    NEWS Gas detection product of the year fights climate change. - Vaisala's MGP261 multigas instrument won the Gas Detection Product of the Year category at the Instrumentation Excellence Awards in London. It measures methane, humidity, and carbon dioxide inside the biogas process pipeline without sampling, even in hazardous environments.

    PRODUCT Remote passes for wireless gateway. - Remote service passes for its PLUS+1 CS10 wireless gateway have been announced by Danfoss Power Solutions. Remote service passes allow machine technicians to connect remotely to a machine with a CS10 device installed to monitor machine behavior, debug, and update firmware over the air. This reduces machine downtime and eliminates technician travel costs, resulting in high savings potential.

4/11/2022
    Research 300,000 tons in carbon emissions to be saved. - ABB has published another of its 'Energy Transition Equation' reports that shows how industrial customers can reduce carbon emissions and manage the energy transition for a more sustainable future.

    Research Removing advanced process control roadblocks. - Advanced process control (APC) helps process manufacturers unlock the full value of automation to reduce variability, improve throughput, and reach sustainability goals. (Control Engineering)

Deireadh Fomhair 2022 October

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