LIMS improvements in labs and industries.

Xybion has announced the launch of Xybion LIMS 10.0. Building on over 200 customer implementations, and the knowledge and experience of Autoscribe Informatics in LIMS and ELN software, combined with Xybion’s over forty years of experience in building life sciences SaaS R&D LIMS and QMS software, Xybion LIMS 10.0 represents a major milestone in the LIMS industry. It presents users with a modern look and feel that provides an intuitive and user-friendly digital workspace. 

This flexible platform is integrated with a powerful Xybion QMS system allowing companies to rapidly digitize laboratory processes, accelerate tests, study timelines, and laboratory throughput, while enabling full compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and various global regulatory agencies including US FDA, EMA, Eudra, and TGA. 

Key Features of Xybion LIMS:

• Xybion LIMS features a modern, user-friendly design with streamlined navigation and improved accessibility.
• Fully functional out of the box LIMS with the flexibility for easy configuration by the LIMS users
• Xybion LIMS offers configurable solutions for various industries and functions, including life sciences, manufacturing, oil and gas, water testing, veterinary science, environmental, biobank management and stability studies. Systems are integrated to meet specific industry needs, underscoring Xybion’s commitment to delivering configured bespoke, high-value solutions.
• The solution is a comprehensive, fully featured LIMS that supports complex laboratory workflows and sample management as well as providing additional functionality required for running integrated laboratory operations including: o Instrument calibration and maintenance. Ensures that instruments and equipment are correctly maintained and calibrated.
• Inventory management. Manages stocks of reagents and consumables used by the organization.
• Competency management. Tracks and manages the training and competencies of laboratory personnel.
• Storage management. Defines storage facilities, including fridges and freezers, together with associated shelves and racks etc. as well managing what can be stored in each respective location.
• Chain of custody and full audit trail. Provides a full record of all actions carried out on samples, as well as recording all changes and who carried out the actions and when.
• Runsheets and QC samples. Supports the definition and management of runsheets and instrument worklists together with associated QC samples.
• CAPA management. Corrective and preventative action management for tracking and resolving identified and reported issues.
• Controlled document management. Manages the distribution of controlled documents within the organization.
• The sophisticated software architecture supports seamless upgrades, that easily maintain existing functionalities therefore reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing efficiency. 
• A new plate management solution has been introduced, allowing for the management of 96 well plates and similar configurations, improving the organization and allowing for the tracking of plate-based experiments. 
• The advanced Bioanalytical System includes additional statistical calculations and data processing functions to support complex workflows.
• Integration into Xybion’s existing comprehensive suite of solutions offers further improved functionality and efficiencies.

 

Xybion LIMS creates a robust LIMS platform-based solution that modernizes the user interface, enhances the researchers experience, improves operational oversight, and accelerates laboratory throughput. Clients will experience cutting-edge, user-friendly design and functionality that redefines LIMS capabilities and streamlines laboratory operations.

 

“The introduction of Xybion LIMS is a testament to the strength of the Autoscribe 10.0 platform, our vision and global capabilities with hundreds of client implementations to transform laboratory operations into the gold standard of operational efficiency. With combined AI-driven advanced analytics and decision support, Xybion LIMS represents the pinnacle of this vision, offering unprecedented efficiency and usability to our customers,” said Jason Jones, SVP and General Manager of Xybion LIMS. “We have engineered a robust and intuitive LIMS solution with the flexibility to meet the dynamic needs of modern laboratories.”

 

“At Xybion, we are committed to excellence and innovation in all our solutions. The release of Xybion LIMS marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating smarter, more efficient laboratories around the world,” said Dr. Pradip Banerjee, Chairman and CEO of Xybion. “Xybion LIMS is more than a technological breakthrough; it's about making our clients' lives easier and their laboratories digitized for faster and more impactful outcomes. With state-of-the-art features and an intuitive design, Xybion LIMS sets a new standard for laboratory operations.”

 

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@Xybion @AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp #LIMS #Laboratory

High power PCB relay.

Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched the G7EB-E2 high power PCB relay. The relay is a new, higher capacity variant of the G7EB series, featuring enhanced current carrying and breaking capacity, providing a low footprint and cost-effective yet highly reliable alternative to contactors.

Rated for 150A of continuous carry current and switching current, the G7EB-E2 is suitable for up to 100 kW at 3-phase 400 VAC, 200 kW at 3-phase 800 VAC, and 7 kW at 48 VDC. Suitable applications include photovoltaic (PV) inverters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Crucially, the relay is the exact same dimensions and weight as its predecessor the G7EB-E, providing increased capacity within the same footprint. It has a wide contact gap of 3.6 mm, with an extremely low contact resistance of 5m ohm.

As well as carrying, the G7EB-E2 also breaks at 150A for up to 100 operations at 480 VAC, and 30 operations at 800 VAC. The device is therefore ideal for providing safe and reliable system operations with an emergency stop function, and eliminates the need for other breaking devices, in turn facilitating smaller and lighter product designs with higher power capacity. The relay is available in two coil voltage variations of 12 VDC and 24 VDC.

Compared with similarly rated contactors, the G7EB-E2 is smaller and lighter, providing the potential to free up space within PCB designs by eliminating the need for additional power cables. Simplified PCB designs can also help to streamline and accelerate product manufacturing processes, while its lower cost compared to equivalent contactors can reduce component and unit costs.

In PV inverter applications, the G7EB-E2 can potentially be used to connect and disconnect the main circuit to and from the utility grid. Its contact gap of 3.6 mm is compliant with the requirements of IEC 62109. For industrial UPS, its 50 to 100 kVA outputs can be used to open or close input and output of AC main circuits, reducing the likelihood of failures while improving safety and resilience between grid and load. Alternatively, it can be applied to 48 VDC battery and power supply systems to connect and disconnect safely from the DC supply.

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@OmronEurope @OmronComponents @napierPR #Electronics #PAuto

Masters of the air!

Key operators and specialists in the aviation industry are invited to a dedicated and unique event showcasing the latest test and measurement solutions for this rapidly developing sector.

The unique ‘Mastering the Airspace Spectrum’ event, taking place 13th November 2024, in Naas (IRL)* is ideal for key operators and specialists in the aviation industry, showcasing the latest test and measurement solutions for the rapidly developing sector.

Rohde & Schwarz and various partner companies will explore solutions for ground, flight and drone-based air navigation testing, as well as spectrum intelligence and investigations at airports, and insights into fixed wing drone-based services for flight inspection.

Attendees will explore practical steps, detailed explanations and demonstrations of solutions for ground, flight and drone-based air navigation testing, as well as spectrum intelligence and investigations at airports, and insights into fixed wing drone-based services for flight inspection.

A wide range of test and measurement products and solutions will be presented for ground, flight and drone-based flight inspection of such navigation aids as VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS). It is essential that such systems continually deliver maximum levels of precision, accuracy, flexibility, efficiency, safety and compliance.

Other topics the event will focus on include solutions for ground and flight inspection of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) stations as well as hands-on experience in the testing of modern-day Air Traffic Control (ATC) radios. Visitors will also see the latest advances in systems for direction finding and interference hunting at airports, including how to find unwanted signals.

A detailed presentation by Gerald Maher, Sales Manager and Application Engineer from Rohde & Schwarz will look at wireless communication testers for typical signals used at airports, including the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) for communicating between aircraft and ground stations, and the VOLMET system of continuous broadcasting of meteorological information for aircraft in flight and the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). He will also cover maritime distress communication systems, localizer horizontal guidance systems, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G, hand-held radios, radio stations, TETRA terrestrial trunked radio, weather radar and WiFi. 

Callum Williams, Product Manager, Wireless at Rohde & Schwarz, will outline the practical steps to take when testing ATC radios at airports using the versatile R&S CMA180 radio test set, which is designed for testing a wide range of analogue and digital radio systems, including avionics and VoIP. 

Semahat Korkmazer, Product Manager, Avionics and Navigation Analysers, at Rohde & Schwarz, will explain the technology behind the range of navigation aid analysers for ground, flight and drone inspection. The analysers are known for their ease of use, robust performance in harsh environments and excellent functionality, making them ideal for ensuring the safety and reliability of air navigation systems.

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*The ‘Mastering the Airspace Spectrum’ event will be held from 10:00am to 4:15pm on Wednesday 13th November at the Killashee Hotel and Conference Centre in Naas, County Kildare, W91 DC98, Ireland. 

@RohdeSchwarz @NapierPR #TandM #Aerospace #Ireland

Flow compliance at sewage works.

Small wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) frequently present significant physical challenges for instrumentation and control engineers. However, a compliant flow measurement facility has been installed at a plant in Fowey, in Cornwall, by a partnership involving a water company, a contractor, an instrumentation provider and an inspection company. 

The flow monitor at Fowey WwTW needed to be replaced as part of a capital maintenance programme which was challenging due to the constrained nature of the site. Therefore, more innovative solutions were considered as an alternative to a like-for-like replacement. Engineers from Tecker, a MEICA* contractor for South West Water, therefore reviewed the available options. “The channel is in-between two aeration ditches, and there was insufficient room to extend or divert the channel,” explains Tecker Project Engineer Ben Finney. “We therefore considered repairing or replacing the flume, but an alternative suggestion was made that we contact Nivus to see if their cross-correlation flow meter might be able to deliver accurate flow measurements without the costs and problems associated with capital works.”

Background.
Accurate wastewater flow measurement enables the managers of treatment plants to operate efficiently – optimising treatment, minimising costs and protecting the environment. Consequently, through MCERTS, the Environment Agency places strict performance requirements on flow monitoring devices and structures at WwTWs in England. The MCERTS performance standard establishes the minimum requirements for the self-monitoring of flow.

The MCERTS standard applies where a site has a permit under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) requiring the process operator to monitor liquid flow of sewage or trade effluent, and to collect and record the results. MCERTS specifies the minimum requirements for self-monitoring of flow where operators have installed meters to conform to the Environment Agency’s permit requirements. Natural Resources Wales permits may also specify that flow monitoring systems are certified against MCERTS.

Regulated flow measurement systems and structures are usually inspected annually, and non-compliance can be triggered by a number of factors such as ageing and eroded channels, or a failure to deliver the requisite levels of accuracy due to changing flow volumes. For example, growth in the local population combined with increasing rainfall intensity due to climate change, can result in flow structures ‘drowning out’.

Flow monitoring at Fowey WwTW.
Following Tecker’s request, engineers from Nivus visited the site and specified the instrumentation requirements, based on the Nivus NF750 transmitter, a cross-correlation velocity sensor combined with ultrasonic level measurement. “The popularity of this technology has grown enormously in recent years,” says Rob Rhyder from Nivus. “This is frequently because the flow meter can be quickly and easily retro-fitted to damaged or ageing channels, without having to implement significant capital works.”

Explaining the advantages of this solution, Ben Finney says: “The cross-correlation flow meter was delivered within a month of the order and installation took less than a week. In contrast, work to repair or replace the flume would have taken much longer to organise and implement; it would have cost a great deal more; normal operations of the plant would have been impacted, and there would have been no guarantee of MCERTS compliance. We were therefore delighted that the Nivus solution was implemented so quickly, and that it passed the MCERTS inspection.”

Cross-correlation flow measurement.
Nivus has developed a unique ultrasonic cross-correlation method, in which individual velocities are measured continuously at different levels within the flow section. This area velocity flow measurement technique provides a 3-dimensional flow profile that is calculated in real-time to provide reproducible and verifiable flow readings.

The flow velocity measurement method is based on the principle of ultrasonic reflection. Reflectors such as particles, minerals or gas bubbles within the wastewater are scanned using an ultrasonic impulse with a defined angle. The resulting echoes are saved as images or echo patterns, and a second scan is conducted a few milliseconds later. The resulting echo patterns are saved, and by correlating/comparing the saved signals, the positions of unambiguously identifiable reflectors can be identified. The reflectors can be identified at varying positions within the images since they have moved with the water.

By utilising the beam angle it is possible to compute the particle velocity and hence the wastewater flow velocity from the temporal shift of the reflectors. This technology produces highly accurate readings without the need to perform additional calibration measurements.

Designed for operation in channels or pipes, the technology is able to operate effectively in the most demanding, heavily polluted applications. Influencing factors such as flume shape, discharge behaviour and wall roughness are all accommodated within the flow computation.

The Nivus cross-correlation technology is able to conduct flow velocity measurements in levels as low as 3 cm, with additional velocity sensors (maximum 9) deployed in larger flows, measuring flow velocity in up to 4 metres of depth. As a consequence of this flexibility, the technology is applicable to a wide variety of flow structures.

The inlet channel at Fowey is 300mm wide so just a single wedge sensor was required, and Nivus provided bespoke bracketry so that it could be deployed quickly under any process conditions.

Summary.
Following the installation of the Nivus NF750 transmitter, the flow measurement facility was tested and passed MCERTS, without any impacts on the plant’s treatment processes. Looking forward, Ben Finney says: “It is likely that we will utilise area velocity flow meters in more applications because they are sufficiently flexible to be able to accommodate a wide variety of hydraulic systems. In addition to the reduced costs and faster installation times, one of the most important advantages is the minimised requirements for process impact.” Emphasising the importance of a partnership approach, Ben adds: “Obviously, we were keen to ensure that the flow installation received MCERTS approval, so it was highly beneficial to accommodate the views of all stakeholders from the beginning, including the MCERTS inspector.”

Dave Curtis, South West Water MEICA Specialist, said: “More demanding requirements from the regulator combined with challenging process scenarios mean that the need to consider alternative technologies is essential. The Nivus technology has been recognised by South West Water for some time and features on approved equipment lists. The technique offers a valuable tool in our armoury where the application does not suit other closed pipe or noncontact methods.”

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* MEICA : Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation scoping programme of British Government.

@_Enviro_News  #Nivus  #MCERTS #Wastewater #Environmemt

Component body's leader group new member.

Adam Fletcher, Chairman of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn*), has welcomed Simon Meadmore to a seat on the association’s Leadership Group steering committee. Meadmore will be representing long-term ecsn member RS Components and will be offering over 30 years of experience in the electronic component industry to other members of the Leadership Group and via them, to the wider ecsn membership.

Simon Meadmore

Simon Meadmore began his career as a junior purchasing assistant at Circatech Ltd, an EMS provider based in Hereford, before progressing up the ladder and joining Pace Micro Technology. His five-year tenure with Pace concluded as Senior Buyer - Memory Products. Meadmore entered the world of electronic components distribution in 2004 when he joined Farnell, where for twenty years he enjoyed considerable success at the head of a number of company’s product divisions. Meadmore joined RS in May 2024 to lead the company’s EMEA Semiconductor and Passive category.

Meadmore is married to Jo and the couple are residents of Otley in West Yorkshire where they enjoy frequent walks to experience nature in the Otley’s Chevin park.

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*ecsn is an industry body dedicated to promoting positive collaboration throughout Britain’s electronic components industry.

@ECSN_UK @WeAreRSGroup #Electronics

Visualizing and automating equipment and machinery.

The SmartAXIS touch family from IDEC Corporastion has been updated with the new FT1J Series combined PLC+HMI. This device combines a built-in full function controller, both onboard and expandable I/O, and an advanced technology 4.3” touchscreen display, in a compact all-in-one form factor that is rightsized for visualizing and automating a wide range of applications. The FT1J Series builds on the success of the FT1A-C and -M Series 3.8” PLC+HMIs, which remain available, and provides designers with another size option.

Combined PLC+HMI advantages.
An all-in-one PLC+HMI requires far less panel door and interior space than individual devices. The unit’s thin bezel provides the greatest possible display area compared with its installation footprint, and the entire package requires only a shallow mounting depth clearance. Installation is simplified because the PLC and HMI are internally connected, share the same network connection, require only one power supply (and consumes less power than individually separate PLC and HMI installations), and all connections use push-in wiring connectors. Furthermore, the FT1J is ready to use and communicate right out of the box. End users configure the PLC+HMI with an intuitive and easily-used integrated development environment for both PLC and HMI functions, providing significant configuration and programming efficiencies.

The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU and user memory for optimized scan time performance, and they communicate natively with each other. Built-in I/O includes 8 points of DC inputs (configurable as all discrete, or 6 discrete and 2 analog 0-10VDC or 4-20mA 12-bit). Discrete inputs can operate as high-speed counters up to 20KHz, with a maximum of 4 points of single-phase and 1 point of two-phase. For discrete outputs, a relay version provides 4 points of 2A relay outputs, while a transistor version provides 4 points of 0.5A transistor outputs. The transistor version also provides 2 points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analog outputs. Built-in transistor outputs are also pulse capable up to 200KHz.

The FT1J supports up to two expansion cartridges of discrete or analog I/O, in a variety of configurations and including a 2-point RTD/thermocouple analog input version. All analog inputs and outputs are 12-bit resolution. Also, designers can use the Ethernet port and the SX8R Bus Coupler to provide expanded amounts of remote I/O.

The HMI’s projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology—like what is used for smartphones and tablets—saves space and improves performance, while providing 480x272 resolution and 16 million colors. Besides being water- and scratch-resistant, PCAP is very responsive, and it resists false signals when dirt or water droplets are present on the HMI face. Fewer touchscreen layers and better light transmission ratings mean less backlight power is needed, and the display provides an industry-leading 500 cd/m² brightness level and 50,000-hour backlight life. In addition to being multi-touch, users can interact with the touchscreen HMI while using thin gloves. The front bezel carries no branding, of interest to many OEMs.

The glass-top design is wear-resistant even in harsh environments, and it delivers a long life with a 50,000-hour-rated backlight, making these units low maintenance. The battery-free design eliminates the need for replacements, reducing maintenance and easing overseas shipments by avoiding battery-related regulations. A hyper-capacitor maintains clock time for 20 days, while magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) provides non-volatile storage for programs, retentive registers, and log data. Ratings for extreme temperatures from -20 to 55˚C, IP66 and IP67 for wash-down areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL60101, UL Type 4X/12/13, and Class I Div 2 make the FT1J PLC+HMI suitable

All PLC and HMI configuration is accessed through IDEC’s standard WindOI-NV4 software, which is easy-to-use and intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface and extensive image library. Projects can automatically be converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. Script programming, PIDD loop control, pulse width modulation (PWM) control, multilingual capabilities, security, trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other functions and features are supported for both the HMI and the PLC. Users only need to keep track of one program file as it supports both the PLC and HMI.

Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer—along with dongles for speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The embedded Ethernet port provides users with easy access for remote maintenance and communication, and the Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet IP, EtherNet/IP, and MQTT protocols are supported for connecting with other intelligent devices. The built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and allow the FT1J to communicate to other serial PLCs or devices, like barcode readers or temperature controllers. A main FT1J can operate up to 15 other IDEC HMI devices over the serial port using OI Link communication, which simplifies wiring and reduces communication loading. The FT1J also supports the concurrent use of up to three other protocols.

Many communication options are available for users to create automation and IIoT solutions incorporating multiple industrial protocols, the FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/text messaging, Twitter/X, iOS and Android apps, and custom web pages. They package modern technologies into a conveniently compact display size and form factor, making it the ideal solution for space-limited and other industrial applications which are not fit for individual PLC and HMI installations. The new FT1J 4.3” device, and the recently released FT2J 7” device, provide designers with options to size the visualization and control functions for their applications. The FT1J is ideal for many laboratory, commercial, and industrial applications throughout industries like food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, oil and gas, and agriculture. Designers of test equipment, HVAC systems, pump controls, remote wells and booster stations, and other OEM machines and process skids are finding the FT1J to be the best fit as a control and visualization solution.

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 @IDECUSA #PAuto #Communications

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Data centre cybersecurity.

Data centre cybersecurity protects intellectual property and important information assets from bad actors. Data confidentiality, integrity, and availability is at stake, making it critical that technicians have visibility across all tiers of data centre infrastructure, including the power sources that supply server rooms. Switchgear, PDU, UPS and other OT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks because of exploitable communication interfaces in their relays, circuit breakers and meters.

Switchgear, PDU, ATS and UPS are vulnerable to cyberattacks because of exploitable communication interfaces. Diagram shows typical installations with MGate MB3170 and MGate MB3660 gateways 

To prevent power sources from becoming an avenue for exploitation, Moxa MGate MB3170 and MB3270 serial-to-Ethernet Modbus communication gateways were designed based on the IEC 62443 standard, ensuring cybersecurity is embedded into connected devices. Along with converting between Modbus TCP, ASCII, and RTU communications protocols, these 1 and 2-port hardened gateways let network technicians perform vulnerability scans to ensure the latest security patch can be obtained. Leveraging the Moxa MXconfig utility, the gateways make it easier to conduct mass firmware updates. An Auto-Device Routing function eliminates inconveniences encountered when configuring large numbers of Modbus devices, further improving network security.

In addition to IEC 62443 and Auto-Device Routing, the MGate MB3170 and MB3270 gateways have other security-hardened features, including:

• Authentication: Uses a local database for authentication
• Encryption: Uses AES-128, AES-256, and SHA-256 encryption, as well as HTTPS Security protocols: Uses SNMPv3 and HTTPS (TLS 1.2)
• Priority control: Allows urgent commands to receive an immediate response.

Moxa MGate MB3170 and MB3270 gateways can be accessed by up to 32 TCP master/clients or connect to up to 32 TCP slave/servers. For larger scale Modbus deployments, Moxa offers its MGate MB3660 redundant gateways that can physically manage up to 248 serial slave nodes for 8-port models or 496 serial slave nodes for 16-port models.

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@Moxa_Europe @OConnellPR #PAuto #OT/IT #Cybersecurity

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