September 1977 Site Map
Details of awards received by the Signpost are here.
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The Read- Out Instrumentation Signpost Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
15/3/2024
Laboratory automation in Indonesia. -
Autoscribe Informatics is to highlight how to drive laboratory automation, management, and profitability in their technical presentation at Lab Indonesia, 24-26 April 2024 in Jakarta (RI). An essential learning tool for those driving laboratory digitization and efficiency Autoscribe will highlight how laboratories use the power of computers and laboratory software to drive automation and improve bottom-line profitability.
Temperature measurement solutions in metal mining and processing. -
AMETEK Land provides advanced solutions to meet the intricate demands of ore extraction applications. Precise furnace temperature measurements using instruments such as AMETEK Land’s thermal imagers are essential to support safety, effective process efficiency and superior product quality in platinum and nickel ore extraction.
State-of-the-art temperature transmitter with drift detection. - The new model T38 digital temperature transmitter from WIKA enables extremely flexible and stable temperature measurement. The instrument offers a maximum of sensor connection combinations and a new type of drift detection. Head-mounted and rail-mounted versions are available in SIL and various Ex versions.
Global Warming (aka Climate Change) - towards Mitigation. - Automation veteran, David W Spitzer has been resistant to the evidence for human-caused global climate change. When he examined the evidence his findings were surprising to him. Instead of finding out that global warming (actually global climate change) was a hoax, he determined that global climate change, in the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was found to be the most pressing issue because it will adversely affect human health in approximately a century (not immediately). A century is a very short time on a planetary timescale. Mitigation to date has helped, but its effect has been similar to that of a small drop in a very large bucket.
Large-area touch screen display. -
The Powertip 7" Bar-type touch display, which is keenly anticipated to meet the needs of many industrial and commercial applications has been announced by Inelco Hunter. Engineered to deliver clear content, the Powertip PH280142T001-ZBR TFT display features a high-resolution, large-area screen with a full viewing angle.
Weighing in EX areas. -
The Midrics® 1 Ex weighing indicator from Minebea Intec, offers a new solution for viewing weighing results in hazardous (Ex) areas. Users benefit not only from the affordable price, but above all from the reliability and intuitive operation of the product.
Image sensors. -
The Flash™ CMOS image sensor family from Teledyne e2v, has been expanded with the introduction of Flash 2K LSA, which has been specifically adapted for laser profiling applications requiring the use of a Large Scheimpflug Angle (LSA).
Ultra high definition display. -
Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the introduction of a new ultra high definition (UHD) 15.6-inch active-matrix OLED display. The CH156ZLXEWN-001 features 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) resolution, a 16:9 wide aspect ratio, and an impressive optical performance specification.
Managing digital transformation in the Age of AI, open architectures, and sustainability. - ARC's European Industry Forum is part of theirsuccessful series of worldwide conferences in Europe, America and Asia. The next European Forum will be held in Sitges (ES), Spain on May 6-8, 2024 and focus on "Managing Digital Transformation in the Age of AI, Open Architectures, and Sustainability". Participants are invited to attend exclusive presentations and workshops on strategies and case studies from the digital front lines.
Isolators for GMP-compliant pharma manufacturing. - Franz Ziel, a leading provider of isolators for the pharmaceutical industry, has received the certification "PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce Ready" from Körber. Franz Ziel's isolators can now be seamlessly connected to PAS-X MES, Körber's Manufacturing Execution System (MES), in record time.
Flow for high-temperature, high-viscosity, or abrasive liquids. - The Rosemount™ 9195 Wedge Flow Meter, a fully integrated solution consisting of a wedge primary sensor element, supporting components, and a selectable Rosemount pressure transmitter have been released by Emerson. The new meter's unique flexible design is ideal for measuring process fluids with a wide range of demanding characteristics in various heavy industry applications, including metals and mining, oil and gas, renewable fuels, chemicals and petrochemicals, pulp and paper, and others.
Continuous innovation recognised. -
Delta has announced its third consecutive inclusion in the Top 100 Global Innovators™ by Clarivate as recognition for its significant contribution to innovation and its strong intellectual property portfolio. As of the end of 2023, Delta has obtained an accumulated total of 16,703 approved patents worldwide. In 2023 alone, 1,283 Delta’s patents were approved across the world, representing nearly a 20% YoY increase, showcasing its steady growth in technology development.
Industrial Cybersecurity Event in London in June. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) will host its second annual OT Cybersecurity Summit in London on June 18-19, 2024. This two-track, two-day event will be organized around two major topics: intelligence evolution and IoT cybersecurity, with additional panel discussions on standards and conformity assessment.
Solutions for plant emissions control and monitoring. - The SERVOTOUGH FluegasExact 2700 flue gas analyzer, from Servomex, monitors both oxygen and combustibles(COe) in flue gases. Oxygen is measured using zirconium oxide sensor technology. A thick film catalytic sensor optimized for carbon monoxide is used to detect parts per million (ppm) levels of combustibles and monitor COe breakthrough.
Cameras for low-light applications. - IDS is the first industrial camera manufacturer to offer the 2 MP sensor IMX662 in both colour and monochrome versions. The sensors belonging to Sony's Starvis 2 series are designed for maximum light sensitivity. They are now available either as compact uEye+ XCP models or as board-level versions in the uEye+ XLS series.
Testing resistance. -
Two portable and lightweight (1.3 kg) Insulation Resistance Testers for fast, accurate and reliable testing up to 2500 V (DC) have been announced by Fluke.
DC/DC Converters. -
The Mean Well DDRH series of DIN Rail mount DC/DC converters are now been stocked by TTI - Europe. The DDRH-15/30/45/60 (15W, 30W, 45W and 60W, respectively) units can accept voltages ranging from 150 to 1500Vdc, which can supply a stable working voltage, making them suitable for applications with diverse DC voltage conversion requirements. Target applications include solar and wind generation installations, energy storage systems (ESS), EV charging stations, and DC power distribution systems.
Putting the cap on correctly. -
TorqSense transducers are playing a vital role in packing leading edge medical test kits at Axis-Shield in Dundee, which develops new diagnostic compounds that help with the early identification and management of critical illnesses.
Acoustic Imagers. -
The expansion of FLIR's versatile Si-Series of acoustic imaging cameras with three models in the new Si2 family has been announced. This series is designed for detecting compressed air leaks, specialty gas leaks, mechanical faults, and partial discharges: the Si2-Pro, Si2-LD, and Si2-PD. The Si2-Series offers industrial-grade solutions for the detection of air and gas leaks as well as mechanical faults such as bearing issues, addressing the top inspection requirements for industries such as manufacturing, electrical, and utilities.
Modernising control systems & software. - Multinational chemical company LyondellBasell has selected Emerson to modernize control systems and software at its Wesseling complex in Germany. The implementation of advanced automation technology will help to enhance operation of an ethylene cracker and butadiene production plant. Emerson digital tools and project engineering services will help to ensure a smooth transition during the planned plant shutdown in 2024.
Robotics and AI. -
Three drivers for robotics-driven AI solutions in 2024, have been identified by Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics, in new segments not previously served by robotic automation.
A generative AI resource. -
The Seeq AI Assistant is a generative AI resource (GenAI) provides real-time assistance to users across the enterprise, empowering them to accelerate mastery of the Seeq platform, build advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI skills and knowledge, and accelerate insights to improve decision making in pursuit of operational excellence and sustainability.
FeedThrough Connecters. -
A CAT6 Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) has been added to Cliff's very popular range of Feed Through connectors. The new connectors provide a panel mounted ethernet (RJ45) 8-way connector, commonly used in network applications, that users can hardwire internally using the IDC contacts at the rear. The IDC system is ideal for all on-site wiring in applications such as ethernet networks, audio and broadcast.
Fast-growing renewable energy industry factor for new enterprise. - From its new base in Copenhagen (DK), Westermo is to provide vital local support for companies in the key energy, rail, water and wastewater, and maritime sectors that are looking to implement robust and reliable industrial network solutions.
What should you look for in an Industrial Cybersecurity services provider? -
The market for OT level cybersecurity services is growing rapidly. End users simply do not have the internal resources required to perform all the tasks necessary to develop and maintain an effective and resilient cybersecurity posture. (Larry O'Brien ARC Advisory)
Demystifying EMC Seminar. -
Now in its tenth year, the popular educational Demystifying EMC event hosted by Rohde & Schwarz will take place in-person in Britain on 21 March 2024. EMC experts from Rohde & Schwarz and partner companies, will present the latest industry insights, tips and trends, and offer the opportunity to interact and ask questions.
More than just a Clamp Meter. - FLIR Introduces CM276™ Professional Clamp Meter and Thermal Imaging Camera for Electrical System Test and Measurement. More Than Just a Clamp Meter, the New FLIR CM276 Features MSX® Dual Visible-Infrared Imaging, LED Worklight, and On-Board Storage for Better Situational Awareness and Data Management.
Warehousing automation Globally. -
Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, as the newest systems integration partner with Movu Robotics. Bastian thus can now offer customers the benefits of Movu's portfolio of flexible robotics technologies as part of its global automation solutions, including the North American market.
Managing energy in water and wastewater. - The ABB Ability™ Energy Management for Water and Wastewater – OPTIMAX® solution has been launched to the industry to identify unnecessary energy losses within plants. Through coordinated control and visibility of multiple assets, the digital optimization tool can help reduce both energy use and energy costs.
Undisturbed power. - The MF 320 IEC inlet EMC filter available now from EMIS improves EMI immunity of electronic equipment while adding a safety isolating dual pole switch and dual fusing. Designed to supress any undesirable incoming disturbances present on power lines the MF 320 also reduces any system noise being reflected on to the mains supply. End Users Share Sustainability Driven Business Objectives. - Sustainability, particularly Sustainability Driven Business Objectives, was a major theme at this year's ARC industry forum in Orlando (FL USA). (Larry O'Brien)
Rugged PC connects industrial floor to cloud. - The new PACSystems™ IPC 2010 Compact Industrial PC (IPC) has been announced by Emerson. This is a rugged industrial computer designed to handle a wide range of machine and discrete part manufacturing automation applications. The new solution is designed to serve manufacturing sites and OEM machine builders who need a ruggedized, compact, durable IPC to cost-effectively support their Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other digital transformation initiatives. A secret weapon against leaks. - Air Power East faced with a significant challenge in ensuring their systems were completely leak-free, a concern shared by their clients. Concurrently they were seking an effective way to manage and maintain their compressed air systems, with a specific focus on reducing energy waste and operational costs, emphasizing the need to save moneys, especially with high energy prices. They were introduced to the FLIR Si124 camera, an advanced acoustic imaging tool, capable of accurately detecting air leaks.
Carbon Dioxide derived concrete - an answer? - In a world with a growing population and a rapidly expanding construction sector to match, how do we prevent building homes from damaging our climate? Concrete is the second most consumed material on Earth, but its key ingredient, cement, is responsible for 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The answer could come from thin air - CO2-derived building materials. Testing for ultrafast, large-capacity 5G communications. - Anritsu Corporation and MediaTek have verified Advanced three uplink transmission (3TX) Technology featured in MediaTek's M80 5G Modem by using Anritsu's MT8000A all-in-one Radio Communication Test Station, providing a flexible test platform for ultrafast, large-capacity 5G communications. The MT8000A supports sub-6 GHz and mmWave RF tests, as well as protocol tests for development of advanced 5G technologies. International co-operation for Data science and ICT education. - The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science in Ireland, Simon Harris TD, together with U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, have announced parallel programmes aimed at fostering student mobility and research collaboration between the United States and Ireland. Open Process Automation. - Creating a complete open process automation architecture is a big audacious goal that requires a broad base of users to buy into the business case. Progress has been made, reports Bill Lydon in his status update from ARC Forum 2024. (Automation.com)
Product offering expansion to meet evolving market demands. - Designed to streamline the presentation of LEMO's extensive range of solutions, the new product family portfolio highlights core series organized into six distinct families based on shared functionality and specific market applications. Strain Gauge Modules and J1939 and CAN Protocol Sleds. - New strain gauge modules and J1939 and CAN protocol sleds designed to enhance and scale its FlexEdge® Intelligent Edge Automation Platform have been announced by Red Lion®.
Before you jump into Cloud hosted LIMS. - Autoscribe Informatics (A Xybion Company) took the opportunity in a recent webinar to discuss the much-misunderstood subject of cloud hosted laboratory software solutions. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) are the heart of any modern laboratory, recording and storing all sample and associated meta data, as well as inventory, quality, staff training, and instrumentation information in one place. AI Operator-Centric Next-Gen Corrosion Monitoring - Savvy industrial facility decision-makers have been shifting away from manually intensive corrosion monitoring methods of the Corrosion Monitoringpast and moving toward greater utilization of IIoT and Industry 4.0 approaches, resulting in sustainable operational and safety benefits, along with a more engaged, data-driven, and stewardship focused culture. These leaders include decision-makers at refineries, chemical, and other process facilities, and asset-intensive industries. They are reducing risks and enabling significant operational and cost saving improvements by replacing traditional techniques for corrosion monitoring with the new capabilities. Corrosion monitoring enables operational, safety, and stewardship goals to be met despite the negative impacts of corrosion on critical equipment and components. (ARC Advisory)
Speakers at cybersecurity summit announced. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced two keynote speakers for the 2024 OT Cyber Security Summit in London (GB) from 18-19 June 2023. Sarah Fluchs, CTO, admeritia GmBH, and Simon Hodgkinson, former BP CISO will present at this year's event. Enhanced security and connectivity for server. - The Secure Integration Server (SIS) from Softing Industrial now supports the MQTT protocol. This improves connectivity and security for data integration in IT/OT cloud applications.
IEEE 802.11be Test System partnership. - The testing and measuring wireless devices experts ETS-Lindgren, is gearing up to optimize their products using Anritsu's Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A to capitalize on the revolutionary advancements brought forth by Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE802.11be). Rugged rack and panel connectors. - Weald Electronics has introduced a new LMR Range of rugged rack and panel connectors. The LMR Range is a direct alternative to the now obsolete ITW McMurdo Connectors Red Range which is widely used in blind mating applications. The new connector series will allow the many users of the ITW connectors to continue manufacturing existing products and supporting systems in use globally. Cybersecurity certification progress achieved. - HMS Networks has announced that its Anybus brand has successfully attained Maturity Level 3 (ML3) certification in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62443-4-1: Secure product development lifecycle requirements, an industrial cybersecurity standard.
Weathering testing precision. - The S³T system from Atlas MTS is the latest advancement from the leader in accelerated artificial and natural weathering testing. Designed for the flagship Weather-Ometer® Ci4400 and Ci5000 instruments, the Atlas S³T system makes it possible for the first time to continuously measure the specific surface temperature of individual samples during live testing. Key measuring tube supplier to be acquired. - Endress+Hauser has announced plans to take over Swiss Angenstein ESTECH AG, including the company's production site in Cernay (F), ESTECH Industries Angenstein SA. Representatives of both companies have signed a memorandum of understanding. All workplaces at the metal processing company are to be retained.
The death has been announced of the founder and Chairman of FC Lane Electronics, Mr Frederick Lane (1931-2024). RIP
Compact motherboard. - Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the introduction of two new mini-STX format motherboards from Kontron, a global leader in embedded computing technology. The Kontron K3921-N and K3921-H support the powerful Intel Core i3 and Intel Alder Lake-N series processors with the latest UHD Gen12 graphics based on the Intel Xe architecture.
Innovative Greenhouse Gas solution. - The new T-I Max AIRTM Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) Gas Analyser from Process Insights delivers continuous, real-time monitoring of CO2, CH4, and H2O, making it an optimal solution for reporting mole fraction and monitoring atmospheric greenhouse gases. Relay for heat pumps, smart building, factory automation and energy applications. - The relay portfolio of Omron Electronic Components Europe has been expanded with the introduction of its G6RN-E, for heat pumps, smart building, factory automation and energy applications. The latest model provides current load to 10A, with extended dielectric strength to 6000VAC, high sensitivity with 220mW coil power consumption.
Controller network conference. - The 18th international CAN Conference (iCC) organized by the nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) association will take place in Baden-Baden, (D) (May 14 and 15, 2024). The conference language will be English. Recognition for sustainability. - OMRON Corporation has been listed within the top 97% among peer sector companies on the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), an SRI (socially responsible investment) stock price index. This is the seventh consecutive year that OMRON was rated highly across Environmental, Social, and Governance & Economic dimensions. Of the 3,555 internationally renowned corporations that were evaluated in 2023, 321 (of which 38 are Japanese) were selected for the DJSI World. OMRON was also listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific) for the 14th ensuing year.
Precise cooling. - P&N Europe's Peltier elements stand as the most efficient choice in many applications demanding precise cooling while dealing with limited space. These elements are available as single elements or in combination with heat sinks and fans. P&N Europe provides tailored optimizations in terms of shape, size, or performance to fit your specific applications. Ten top torque tips. - Driveshafts deliver power as a rotary force, and in most applications there is a need to know the amount of power in the system. Getting measurements from a turning shaft requires some engineering ingenuity, and Tony Ingham from Sensor Technology runs through the basics.
Access to centralised device management. - Eplan eStock gives companies access to centralised device management in the Eplan Cloud, simplifying collaboration and reducing coordination times and media discontinuities. Working with eStock has become even easier in the Eplan Platform 2024, meaning that users can automatically and quickly access the full range of more than 1.5 million device datasets in the Eplan Data Portal. Another benefit is that all the data – from a company's inhouse device management system or from the Data Portal – can be edited together and saved via user rights management. Feedthrough connectors. - A full size Displayport connector has been added by Cliff Electronics' to its range of FeedThrough connectors. The new connector joins the existing Mini DisplayPort version and both may be assembled into an industry standard 24mm diameter XLR connector panel cut-out. The FeedThrough connector series from Cliff offers a wide range of connector types which may be assembled in a panel using the same XLR connector cut-out simplifying system design and assembly. GDP compliance assured at pharma distribution facility. - PostNord TPL has developed an impressive warehousing and distribution facility in Sweden, designed specifically to handle medicinal products, including both prescription and over the counter pharmaceuticals. In compliance with numerous life science industry requirements such as the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) regulations, the internal environment of this facility is carefully controlled to protect the large numbers of products that are processed every day. The warehouse is highly automated and has recently been equipped with an advanced network of humidity and temperature loggers, supplied and installed by the measurement technology company Vaisala. Testing for transitioning from high-cost networks. - The 400G (QSFP-DD) multi-rate module MU104014B, just introduced by Anritsu, supports the new interface standard OpenZR+, as a module of the Network Master Pro MT1040A. OpenZR+ enables low-cost Data Center Interconnects (DCI) and metro network construction. Connectors for Clean Air. - The CONNEX pluggable connection system from PFISTERER has been successfully certified by Siemens Energy for use in 420 kV Clean Air switchgears. PFISTERER is the first manufacturer to be certified for this application and is thus making an important contribution to environmentally friendly energy transmission. IoT and software analytics platform for oil transformers. - Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure™ Transformer Expert service is now available to businesses in Britain & Ireland. Designed to help extend the life of oil transformers and meet regulatory requirements, the subscription-based service monitors the health of transformers using a combination of IoT sensors and advanced software analytics. The all-in-one and easy to deploy solution provides cloud-based analysis based on real-time data to deliver aging insights and risk assessment, in addition to expert advice and consultation. Memorandum of understanding combines robots with LIMS. - ABB Robotics and Mettler Toledo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer an innovative solution that seamlessly integrates ABB's robots with LabX™, Mettler Toledo's laboratory instrument management software (LIMS).
GNSS Antenna. - Septentrio has announced AntaRx-Si3. This is the first GNSS/INS (Inertial Navigation System) Smart Antenna on the market in an ultra-rugged enclosure, designed for easy installation on machines such as agriculture robots. AntaRx-Si3 is the new member of the family of receivers leveraging FUSE+, which is designed to answer the need for position availability in tough industrial environments where GNSS signal reception may be temporarily compromised, such as under foliage. The IMU sensor in FUSE+ also improves positioning integrity and reliability, which is critical for autonomous systems. Expansion of process safety in Scandinavia. - The HIMA Group has acquired the Norwegian technology company Origo Solutions. Both companies intend to continue their growth strategies and expand their range of solutions for the process industry and renewable energies. Main focus here is the digitalisation of functional safety, which HIMA is pushing under the motto "Safety goes digital". European Automation Champions Report 2023. - This Insight shows the European Automation Champions (Global HQ in Europe). The ARC Champions Radar can be read like a speedometer. The further away a company from the center, the broader the offering is. The further up and right, the deeper the solution and digitalization know-how of a company. The heart of this analysis is the ARC database on products and solutions, on which analyst then perform a deep dive and individual adjustment on the company's capability and portfolio.
Power boost for single frequency infrared lasers. - Toptica's new highly reliable Raman fibre amplifiers (RFA) are based on patented technology. With their high power of up to 30 W the amplifiers cover the wavelength range from 1120 to 1370 nm that is not accessible by Yb or Er fibre amplifiers.
Module targets AI market. - DFI is targeting the AI application market by launching the embedded system module (SOM) MTH968 equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor. It is the first product integrated with an NPU (Neural Processor Unit) processor, representing the official integration of AI with industrial PCs (IPCs). With the expansion into AI IPC, DFI expects to inject new momentum into the AI edge computing market. |
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The Signpost has been honoured to receive a number of awards.