The Read- Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
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16/5/2012
15/5/2012
Importance of credentialisation in automation & manufacturing! - The Manufacturing Institute (Based in the USA) and its partners, including the International Society of Automation (ISA), announced significant progress towards achieving a five-year goal to award 500,000 industry-based credentials to individuals, positioning them for employment and advancement in manufacturing jobs.
Mercury wetted reed relays - Pickering Electronics manufacture a very wide range of mercury wetted relays, from large high power devices to very small single-in-line types. Many mercury types from other manufacturers are no longer available so if you have a mercury relay requirement this is a useful source for them.
Portable FTIR gas analyser! -
Gasmet Technologies has launched their DX4040 – a portable FTIR gas analyser that enables the field measurement of literally thousands of gases.
Rugged industrial pressure sensors -
New IP Series from Honeywell offers a pre-configured combination of the most popular features and options for industrial monitoring applications.
Fieldbus power supply - The 9180 Series redundant fieldbus power system featuring N+1 Redundancy, on-line diagnostics and modular flexibility has been released by MTL Instruments.
Relay & switch drawings now available to download! -
Omron Electronic Components Europe has made 2D and 3D CAD drawings for the overwhelming majority of its electromechanical solid state relays and switches as well as its connectors and sensors available for instant download online.
Hygienic enclosures! - Where there is an emphasis on stringent hygiene requirements and ease of cleaning, Rittal’s Hygienic Design (HD) enclosures, with a protection category of IP69K, provide a key element in the design of open processes in the food industry and clean rooms.
Programmable power - Ametek Programmable Power has introduced a higher power version of their high density 1U rack height programmable power supply. (in GB through TTid)
14/5/2012
11/5/2012
The Perfect Connector? - Foremost Electronics has two new compact and lightweight families of waterproof snap-in connectors from Binder.
Robust sensors -
Harting has introduced a new range of Hall-effect current sensors with robust design and construction that makes them ideally suited to use in harsh conditions in areas such as rail technology and renewable energy.
10/5/2012
9/5/2012
Bidirectional valve range - A new monoflange-style ball valve for interfacing instruments to process piping has been launched by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin.


Bruno Grandjean of REDEX is the new president of the French Mecatronics Association (ARTEMA)
User-programmable current transducers -
The HO series of current transducers, from LEM, is setting a new standard of performance, programmability and ease-of-use for designers of the latest generation of motor drives and inverters.
New process weighing website - Vishay Precision Group has announced that its VPG Process Weighing product group has unveiled a new website for users of BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems equipment and applications.
New kit offers the ultimate in flexibility - Teseq now offers a development kit that allows automotive technicians and engineers to design their own pulse networks.
8/5/2012
7/5/2012
Safe sensors in food! -
Headwall Photonics has announced that their CEO David Bannon recently met with USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan to discuss Headwall sensor technology developed through close collaboration with the USDA Agricultural Research Service organisation.
4/5/2012
Smart machine webcasts! -
Engineers and scientists are invited to learn about technologies, techniques and tips for optimising machine monitoring, energy efficiency and smart machine design with National Instruments UK & Ireland Smart Machine Webcast Series.
Wireless adapter for explosion proof applications - MACTek® Corporation is now shipping its BULLET® WirelessHART® adapter, a universal communication device for use with both analog and HART-enabled devices, in a FM certified XP model.
New HMI takes engineers from idea to result faster - Human machine interface technology take a giant leap forward with the launch of Beijer Electronics’ new iX 2.0 HMI software and new generation operator panels.
3/5/2012
Redundant, hot-swap and front-access capabilities added to PXI platform! - National Instruments has introduced the PXIe-1066DC 18-slot chassis, which adds high-availability features to the PXI Express platform to maximise system uptime.
Collaboration in water & waste event - WEF and ISA Collaborate on 2012 ISA Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium and WEFTEC 2012
Record participation - Record-setting attendance, outstanding speakers and a high level of energy marked the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) 2012 Executive Conference held recently in Scottsdale, (AZ USA).
"Teachingless" robotics projects... -
In the case of conventional industrial robot systems, operators must write robot-language programs for each robot task by using hand-held "teach pendant" or off-line robot programming software. Kineo CAM proposes a set of libraries to make industrial robots more autonomous, flexible and easy-to-use, extending the use of industrial robots to non-robotic experts for flexible tasks.
Simple interface between printed circuit boards and high-current connectors - Han-Fast® Lock from Harting is a new circuit-board connection technology that allows the company's Han® range of high-current connectors to be connected directly to printed circuit boards with ease and flexibility and without the need for additional components.
Integrated mechatronic design - Traditionally, mechanical, electrical and software elements have been strictly separated and developed in a rigid sequence. Close cooperation between B&R and EPLAN, together with a well thought-out concept ensures optimal development efficiency.
2/5/2012
What's best for preserving wine: Vacuum or Pressure? -
One of our favourite eating places, Mitchels of Clifden - google it - boasts of a system which allows the contents of wine bottles once opened to remain fresh and drinkable. We sometimes wondered how this happened and now we know thanks to this application note from PVL.
WiFi access point for industrial M2M applications - B&B Electronics has launched its first 802.11 b/g* WiFi access point to provide M2M equipment with wireless networking capabilities.
Data centre environmental wireless temperature sensor - Wireless Sensors has expanded the SensiNet Rack Sentry family of environmental monitors with the introduction of the Multi Sense wireless temperature sensor.
Outdoor enclosures -
To overcome the problems associated with the need to design, source and build outdoor enclosures to order, Rittal has a range of CS basic aluminium enclosures available from stock and ready for immediate use.
Emissions testing - The Michell high precision range of cooled mirror hygrometers are the most precise instruments currently available on the market to help to meet requirements for relative humidity measurement from any of the leading environmental control authorities.
Creating energy management systems - InduSoft is to hold a free webinar on how to create energy management systems on May 9, 2012. Learn to create energy management systems that reduce power usage and water consumption.
Water meter test -
British water companies as well as process customers can now benefit from the expanding flow meter testing facilities at Stream Measurement.
Practical Project Management -
A new technical publication, Practical Project Management: Learning to Manage the Professional, Second Edition, by Gerald W. Cockrell has appeared in the ISA stable of publications.
1/5/2012
Temperature monitoring in flour milling with an infrared temp sensor - Calex has designed a temperature monitoring and alarming system for a leading flour milling company to help prevent fires and explosions.
Aiding engineering for the renewable energy market. - National Instruments has announced that it will renew its Green Engineering Grant programme in 2012. In the last two years, the programme has provided assistance to more than 40 companies developing next-generation control and measurement solutions in the renewable energy market.
Final control elements -
Details of the current issue of Read-out (Apl/May/Jum'12) which deals with final control elements and other automation topics.
Marine approval for valves - The complete range of Fisher valves and digital valve controllers is now certified for offshore oil and gas applications following Lloyd's approval.
Aibreán 2011 April
30/4/2012
Technology transfer is more important than innovation - Innovation, we are told, is the key to a successful manufacturing economy. Invent and patent something and you will make money on every one made - if it is mass produced you get an on-going income. Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd looks at his experience over two decades and tries to draw some general principles that may help his, and other countries in their new ambition to rebuild the manufacturing base.
Pneumatic swivel.... - A new guided pneumatic swivel module for manufacturing automation that provides a versatile rotating drive solution for larger and difficult loads has been launched by Festo.
Top trends influencing the automated test industry - The biennial Automated Test Summit, hosted by National Instruments returns to the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at Madejski Stadium in Reading (GB) on Thursday 21st June 2012.
RF Connectors lead the way on quality and delivery - Intelliconnect offers one of the widest ranges of connectors available to designers. Standard connectors include; N,C,TNC, 7/16, SMA, SMB, MCX, Triax, 3.5mm, 2.92mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm millimetre-wave ("mmwave") products and Triax and Quadrax types. Intelliconnect can also provide waterproof versions, to IP68 when connectors are unmated, of all of their products if required and fast turnaround custom designs.
Hydrogen monitoring improves Syngas efficiency - The H₂scan technology from Quantitech, removes guesswork from the syngas production process and adds new levels of efficiency to an established process, ensuring that the process is able to respond quickly to variables.
28/4/2012
Important Visitors - The Harting Technology Group welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to its stand at the start of the Hannover Messe 2012.
27/4/2012
Multi-year framework agreement for fiscal metering systems -Emerson Process Management has been awarded a five year Framework Agreement by Statoil to provide a range of its Daniel® fiscal metering systems, as well as related products and support services.
Award not a discration! - GreenPeak Technologies has announced that it has been named a winner in the 2012 Red Herring Top 100 Europe award, a prestigious award honoring the most promising technology innovation companies throughout Europe.
High-voltage impulse testing -
The DL850 ScopeCorder, from Yokogawa, is at the heart of a test set-up created by SP -Technical Research Institute of Sweden - to offer an impulse-voltage calibration and testing service based on the international IEC60060 standard for high-voltage testing.
Catalogue relaunches website - Souriau has relaunched its industrial website with a new intuitive e-catalogue. This catalogue will cover the broad range of metal, plastic, circular and rectangular connectors used extensively in industrial, medical, instrumentation and renewable energy where robust interconnects are required.
Electrolyser system for water disinfection -
The Siemens Industry Automation Division has added four tubular cell electrolyser systems to its water disinfection portfolio
26/4/2012
Gas monitoring on display - The gas analyser manufacturer Gasmet Technologies Oy, has announced its participation in the Achema 2012 exhibition (Frankfurt, 18 - 22 June).
Distribution area increased! - Fluke has announced an agreement with test equipment sourcing specialist, Livingston, adding new territories. This will see rental support in Britain and Ireland complementing the Fluke support services Livingston already offers across Germany and Benelux
 Student honoured - The local section of the International Society of Automation has honoured Michael Greene the 2011-12 Best First Year Student in of BSc in Applied Physics & Instrumentation & BSc (Honours) in Instrument Engineering at the Cork Institute of Technology (IRL) recently.
2013 environment show almost full - With nearly a year to go before the doors open at Air Quality and Emissions 2013 (AQE 2013) the organisers tell us that 75% of the exhibition stands have already been sold as companies jostle for the best positions.
New distributor appointed -
Analog Devices has appointed Anglia as a Britain & Ireland distributor. Analog Devices is expanding its sales channel network in Europe to achieve double-digit growth of its semiconductor business in the region over three years.
25/4/2012
Energy & Environment - 3 big predictions! -
Frost & Sullivan has released its three big predictions for 2012 for the global energy and environment market. Industrial convergence, smart technology and distributed generation will be the key topics in 2012 and beyond.
Portable Power Cell for machine & process analysis - Load Controls INC's PPC-3 portable power cell offered by Vydas, offers accurate and extremely fast (15mS) true power measurement which is ideal for machine analysis or process development, allowing process engineers the flexibility to assess the performance of individual machines and product processes.
Making a splash in Florida! -
The Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the International Society of Automation (ISA) to co-promote ISA’s 2012 Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls (WWAC) Symposium.
Total plant automation system - ABB has released several new products as part of its Symphony™ Plus total plant automation platform for the power generation and water industries.
ATEX & IECEx approved sensors -
The Deeter Group has attained ATEX and IECEx approval on a wide range of sensor products enabling them to be used in hazardous environments.
Wireless I/O - National Instruments has announced a new wireless gateway and two new measurement nodes that extend the capabilities of the NI wireless sensor network (WSN) platform and illustrate the company's commitment to wireless measurement technology.
LVDT arrays help measure structural floor deflection -
RDP Electronics are often called on to supply arrays of LVDTs for situations where it is important to measure the structural strength of floors.
Wireless products & interoperability - The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute (WCI) is showcasing ISA100.11a products in live interoperability demonstrations at the fair.
24/4/2012
23/4/2012
Plant safety, reliability and profitability improved - Invensys Operations Management has issued the newest release of its SimSci-Esscor® dynamic simulation software.
Shift to the Cloud makes CMMS/EAM more valuable! - Tim Millar of CyberMetrics says that shifting to the Cloud means that the CMMS/EAM you count on becomes markedly more valuable.
Students under water! - RDP Electronics, in conjunction with MTS are providing magnetostrictive displacement transducers for Bath University's entry in the inaugural European International Submarine Races.
Dispose of the cost of disposal! -
Supplying an improved cooling solution is only half of the battle. There is also the question of how do clients dispose of the old cooling units? A new Rittal cooling system may help to save both time and energy.
Hermes award presented at Hannover - Phoenix Contact was selected for this years Hermes Award award for a system which measures lightning surges in lightning conductors and conveys operational status evaluations via the Internet to the remote control center.
Calibration service for EMC test products -
Teseq has UKAS accreditation for on-site calibration of all EFT, PQT, Surge, pulse generators, Harmonic & Flickers analysers and offers "no down time" antenna calibration in its new purpose built chamber, avoiding delays caused by weather on open-field test sites.
21/4/2012
Bridging the Intrinsically-Safe Fieldbus Disconnect -
MooreHawke has released a new white paper highlighting the various methods of connecting fieldbus devices in hazardous areas without compromising safety. "Bridging the Intrinsically-Safe Fieldbus Disconnect", presents an overview of different ways to safely implement PROFIBUS PA or FOUNDATION fieldbus H1™ networks in hazardous areas while maintaining cost control and the inherent advantages of fieldbus. |
Enterprise integration software ensures operations-focused business continuity -
The new version of its Wonderware Enterprise Integrator software, built on the Invensys ArchestrA System Platform 2012 supports the latest operating systems and technology, including Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and new versions of Internet Explorer for its web-based user interface.
20/4/2012
High-speed, high-accuracy filling or dosing -
Accuracy and speed of Micro Motion® Model FMT filling mass transmitter significantly improves system response time and reduces batch cycle times in GF S.p.A. filling machines.
Firmware & workbench for building automation products! -
ISaGRAF has released ISaGRAF version 6.1. ISaGRAF is the industry-leading IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61499 compliant firmware and workbench for building industrial automation products
Tape extension position sensors -
ASM Sensors has expanded its newest product line of tape extension position sensors, POSITAPE® with the introduction of the WB25 series.
Supplier award from Caterpillar! -
Honeywell Sensing and Control (S&C) has been awarded the Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP) Platinum certification by Caterpillar Inc.
Chinese market for low voltage AC and DC motor drives -
According to a recent IMS Research study, The Chinese Market for Low Voltage Motor Drives - 2012 Edition, revenue growth in this market slowed considerably in 2011 from an abnormally high 2010. Revenues from motor drives (excluding software and services) are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7 percent from 2010 to 2015.
19/4/2012
Updated software improves tank farm and terminal operations - Invensys Operations Management has released a new version of its Off-Sites software suite, featuring a completely revised integration structure between its Blend Optimization Supervisory System,
Bipolar Hall-effect switch offers excellent repeatability - New from Allegro MicroSystems Europe, the A1250 is a bipolar Hall-effect switch IC incorporating a high-speed chopping circuit which cancels out offsets and dramatically improves switching repeatability through enhanced temperature stability and stress resistance.
Earthing & bonding handbook -
A newly updated and expanded 32-page earthing & bonding applications hand-book from Newson Gale provides a wide range of information on controlling static electricity in hazardous areas.
18/4/2012
Users' share knowledge! - This year for the first time Emerson are bringing all the hype and excitement of what twitter calls #emrex, to Europe, and have scheduled two days at the end of May this year for us Europeans in Duesseldorf on the Rhine
Papers call and keynoter announced - A call for papers for the 7th Annual ISA Marketing & Sales Summit, which takes place 15-17 August 2012 in Austin (TX USA) has been issued. Jane Lansing, VP of Marketing at Emerson Process Management will be keynote speaker.
Low-cost pneumatic valve terminals and digital I/O modules - Festo has launched a series of low-cost modular pneumatic valves, together with a complementary series of low-cost digital I/O modules, for its successful CPX automation platform.
Mobile control.... - Invensys Operations Management has released version 4.2 of its Wonderware IntelaTrac mobile workforce and decision support system. The newest version addresses security and infrastructure functionality to support users' IT requirements.
Floor standing cabinet - Rittal's new SE 8 is a one piece monobloc, single construction floor standing enclosure, with an integrated TS 8 frame.
Water resistant Pt100 surface temperature sensor -
OMEGA's New range of Pt100 surface temperature sensors, feature a water resistant flexible silicon patch and moulded lead wire.
Flameproof pressure switches - The FC series of ATEX pressure switches from Orion are probably the easiest to maintain explosion-proof pressure switches in the world.
Energy meters up-dated - Carlo Gavazzi has updated its popular family of easy-to-install DIN three phase energy meters to meet the requirements of the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID).
New housings for connectors -
Harting is extending its tough and cost-effective Han-Eco® industrial connector family with new socket housings and covers.
Innovative smart panel series -
ADLINK Technology has announced the availability of its first ARM-based solution, the SP-860 Smart Panel. The SP-860 is a powerful and richly featured system-on-display, combining an LCD panel, CPU, and touch screen in a single compact unit.
17/4/2012
16/4/2012
14/4/2012
Paperless recorder - The new FX1000 paperless recording system, from Yokogawa, provides premium features and performance for cost-sensitive OEM suppliers and end user process recording applications.
13/4/2012
Industrial computors as HMI for giant ship engines! - It is no accident that MAN Diesel & Turbo uses industrial computers from Beijer Electronics as human machine interface (HMI) for the company's giant B&W engines. The choice was based on a very thorough evaluation and negotiation process, in which suppliers from all over the world were compared against each other. On board ships, reliability is absolutely crucial, so all components in the redundant control system have to be of the highest quality.
Innovation Award for Wireless transmitter for Humidity - Temperature - CO2 -
As the most innovative product in the category "Indoor Air Quality", the wireless transmitter EE245 from E+E Elektronik was honoured with the "2012 AHR Expo Innovation Award".
African organisation becomes latest member -
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Measurement, and Control (SAIMC) signed a Memorandum of Membership with the Automation Federation.
Modbus OPC server functionality expanded -
MatrikonOPC™ simplifies open data sharing with the HC900 line of Hybrid Controllers in the release of its latest OPC Server for Modbus.
ew sewage sampler enables real-time control - An innovative new wastewater sampling system, which will open up a new world of opportunity by enabling water companies to continuously monitor sewage at the plant inlet has been put on the market by Hach Lange.
An easy start in automation - The new EPLAN Engineering Center One closes the huge gap that often exists between conventional and mechatronic engineering. Predefined standards such as macros or value sets can be combined automatically to a schematic through MS Excel. Solution provider EPLAN will present its new development at this year's Hanover Fair
12/4/2012
Shipboard certification - Lloyd's Register, a world leading certification organization, has certified that Yokogawa Electric Corporation products comply with the ISO17894 standard on the shipboard use of programmable electronic systems, and are suitable for use on LNG carriers and floating production units.
Tour of new water supply facility at symposium -
The Orange County (Florida) Utilities (OCU) Water Division will host a tour of their newly constructed Southern Regional Water Supply Facility as part of the 2012 ISA Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium (WWAC). (Aug 2012)
Compact and robust emergency pull wire switches - With the aim of providing customers with an "Extreme" version for adverse conditions, steute has fundamentally redesigned its very successful ZS 71 emergency pull wire switch.
W&WW standard procedures & emergency events complience eased -
GE Intelligent Platforms has announced Proficy® Water Operations, a Work Process Management (WPM) application specific to Water/Wastewater utilities that builds on the industry-leading capabilities of the company's Proficy Workflow solution.
11/4/2012
10/4/2012
Measurement microphones -
National Instruments has announced that NI Alliance Partner G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration, a leading producer of acoustic front-end products, now sells microphone kits for use with NI dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) hardware.
New quad-port PoE frame grabber -
AdlinkTechnology has released their quad-port GigE Vision frame grabber, the GIE64+, featuring PoE (Power over Ethernet), IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol and smart PoE application programming interface.
6/4/2012
Comprehensive transducer range on show - Transducer solutions specialists RDP Electronics Ltd will be showing the latest developments in sensor technology at MTEC 2012.
Industrial remote access! - With a new product portfolio for mobile radio routers, Siemens is taking up the challenge of new demands on industry , concentrating its existing remote access solutions under a new umbrella: "Industrial Remote Communication". The changes are aimed at extending existing solutions for remote data exchange and access and developing new ones.
Drives in food & drink - New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of Electric Drives Market in European Food and Beverage Industry, finds that the market earned revenues of €204.89 ($273.5) million in 2010 and estimates this to reach €313.14 ($418) million in 2017.
5/4/2012
Thermo-paramagnetic Oxygen analyser -
Michell Instruments has released details of the XTP601, the latest addition to its range of oxygen analysers. Based on the highly stable thermo-paramagnetic sensor, the XTP601 provides fast, accurate measurements of oxygen levels in various background gases.
Discount on T&M instruments in Europe - Keithley Instruments is offering 20% off list price on a range of broad-purpose Test & Measurement instruments to its European customers.
Fibre-optic pioneer strengthens growth support -
FBGS, manufacturer of innovative Fibre Bragg Gratings using a draw tower process have appointed two new staff members to support the company's growth into Europe and North America.


Prith Banerjee is joining ABB from Hewlett Packard as chief technical officer!
4/4/2012
Benefits of close-coupled instrumentation for leakage control - A diverse range of flanged products aimed at eliminating potential leak paths in process instrumentation connections will be highlighted at the Global Petroleum Show (12/14 June 2012) by the Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin.
Improving efficiency in milk processing - Hansa-Milch based in Upahl in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region (D) took the decision to deploy Siemens technology for its milk delivery process - from the weighing system to the tank discharge points.
New members news! -
The Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) tells us that NOFFZ Computer Technology, Toenisvorst, Germany, recently became CSIA Certified. Avanceon, Exton, Pa., U.S., and Sage Automation, Melrose Park, South Australia, Australia, recently became recertified as CSIA Certified members.
3/4/2012
Meeting the demands of a growing world - An expanding global population and rising living standards are fueling demand in the process industries. Requirements for safety, quality and performance mean growth for Trelleborg.
Operational excellence as industries seek to streamline plant operations - GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of Work Process Management (WPM) solutions to digitise and streamline production operations--addressing the critical need to reduce process variations that lead to increased errors, risks and costs
Modbus RS-485 multi-drop support - Control Technology Corp has added Modbus RS-485 multi-drop support as a standard feature to its Model 5300 Automation Controller.
Profile for motor starters - CiA (CAN in Automation) has released the CiA 442 CANopen profile for IEC 61915-2 compatible motor starters. The IEC standard specifies a bus-independent profile for motor starters, soft starters, and motor management starters.
Antennas for Europe -
LPRS has been appointed by Arronna Antennas as the exclusive distributor in Europe for their comprehensive range of antennas.
New entity established for displays - A new re-branded and re-structured organisation, KOE Europe will replace Hitachi's Display Products Group (DPG). KOE Europe will supply and support a wide range of standard passive STN and colour TFT displays from 3.5" to 21.3" offering high quality, cost effective display solutions.
2/4/2012
Short-range radio device manfacturer MD honoured! -
John Sharples, Managing Director of LPRS has been named as the Business Person of the Year in the West Oxfordshire Business Awards (GB).
Open house for birthday! -
Stemmer Imaging UK is opening its doors on June 12th 2012 for a series of machine vision seminars, master classes, discussions and live demonstrations. Entitled ' Machine Vision, "Your Day"' this unique event will allow visitors to 'mix and match' from all the activities taking place for the optimum machine vision 'experience'!
Exhibit at Drives & Controls 2012 - EPLAN is to showcase products from many of EPLAN's Industry Partners, notably Phoenix Control Systems who will have a presence on the EPLAN main stand.
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