Wednesday 30 September 2015

An easier way to operate and program multitasking machine.

In the latest Version 4.7 of the Sinumerik Operate user interface, Siemens has improved the multitasking machining with machine tools. Sinumerik Operate and the Sinumerik 840D sl CNC control combine several machining technologies – such as turning, milling and drilling, as well as workpiece and tool measuring – on one machine tool. This ensures the complete machining of highly complex workpieces. With its cross-technology, standardised and intuitive look-and-feel Sinumerik Operate supports the user in performing everyday tasks.
Sinumerik Operate Version 4.7 comprises among others extended setup and manual modes (JOG), which now interactively support the user when setting up milling-turning machines. There is also a new measuring function for approached turning tools, in which the setting screen automatically changes depending on the tool type to be measured. In addition, the workpiece measurement has been improved, now enabling the user to easily check and specify the workpiece zero on the component. In addition, Siemens has simplified the approach of turning tools in tool setup mode (TSM): When the user selects a turning tool, the machine automatically switches to turning mode.

The tool management has also been extended in Sinumerik Operate Version 4.7. The display shows transparently at a single glance all the tools for the technologies used on the multitasking machine. With the redefinition of a tool, turning tools and complex tools such as multitools are now represented as icons. This simplifies the operation and is an advantage, for example, during complete machining processes: The user can view the tool and magazine data for milling and turning tools in one display, including all details.

With new functions for flexible programming with programGuide and the workshop-compatible programming with ShopMill/ShopTurn, Siemens is simplifying multitasking machining. For example, the Cycle800 swivel cycle now combines turning and milling technologies in one user interface. The Cycle952 contour turning cycle permits 4-axis stock removal on multi-channel turning machines. In the programGuide turning cycles, a graphic contour calculator supports users during the data input and guides them through the parameter setting via a dialog. In ShopTurn, all approached tools are now programmable graphically and interactively, and milling is now also possible on turning machines.

The Sinumerik Operate user interface for the Sinumerik machine tool controls supports all machining procedures offered on multitasking machines across all technologies. For example, series manufacturers and jobshops can now machine workpieces efficiently and completely in one clamping. Apart from the most frequently used turning, milling and drilling technologies and the measurement functions, a multitude of additional production technologies can now be implemented on a customer-specific basis: These include grinding, gear hobbing and hob grinding, laser, electron-beam and plasma welding, eroding, laser and water-jet cutting, nibbling, honing and shaping.

Sinumerik Operate makes multitasking machining consistently possible for all technologies. The tool management supports the respective milling and turning tool types in all fields of application. NC programming with DIN/ISO and cycles is possible in programGuide or graphically in ShopMill/ShopTurn. In addition, Sinumerik Operate offers workpiece simulation, both for turning-milling and for milling-turning.

New LTE-Advanced standards with faster throughput & richer functions.

Anritsu Corporation has released its new LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation (CA) 4CC measurement software for the MT8821C Radio Communication Analyzer, together with multiple new LTE-Advanced capabilities. The availability of the (MX882112C-041) software upgrade now makes the MT8821C the world’s first one box measurement solution for LTE-Advanced CA 4CC tests.

The rise in demand for content-rich services such as mobile video streaming and social networking applications is driving the need for carriers to adopt new LTE-Advanced standards with faster throughput and richer functions. As a result of this, the R&D divisions of mobile device (User Equipment: UE) and chipset manufacturers increasingly need test and measurement solutions that support higher data rates using LTE-Advanced CA 4CC and LTE TDD-FDD joint CA technologies, as well as higher-order modulations such as LTE DL 256QAM. This new set of releases for the MT8821C further expands the functions and performance, making it the perfect full-featured solution for meeting these measurement needs.

Installing the (MX882112C-041) software in the MT8821C (already configured for LTE-Advanced CA 3CC measurement) enables RF receiver measurements for LTE-Advanced CA 4CC UEs. Adding the simultaneously released LTE-Advanced FDD DL CA 4CCs IP Data Transfer (MX882112C-046) software extends the already full-featured MT8821C with support for LTE-Advanced data throughput tests up to 600 Mbps.

Additionally, the new LTE VoLTE Echoback (MX882164C) software is released for the LTE-measurement-configured MT8821C, to enable power-consumption test and SAR tests during VoLTE voice calls and VoLTE voice function tests. The latest upgrade of core LTE measurement software will also now enable LTE DL 256QAM, LTE TDD–FDD Joint CA and UE Category 0 capabilities within the instrument.

By offering solutions to test the latest functions for LTE-Advanced UE, such as smartphones, and M2M modules, Anritsu solutions play a leading role in efficient development and early release of new mobile technologies. It builds on the technologies of its popular predecessor, the MT8820C used worldwide by UE and chipset manufacturers. All technologies ranging from LTE-Advanced to 3G/2G are supported with easy-to-use measurement functions for more efficient RF calibration and testing in one unit.

Developing eCall in-vehicle systems.


From 31 March 2018, all new car models are required to be equipped with eCall technology that will automatically communicate with the 112-based emergency response service in the event of a road accident.

Technology and expertise from Stadium United Wireless, a leader in the design and manufacture of Machine-to-Machine wireless technology, has helped TRL (Britain's Transport Research Laboratory) to develop proposed technical requirements and test procedures for the type-approval of eCall in-vehicle systems.

Stadium United Wireless provided TRL, an independent transport research, consultancy and organisation, with telematics units and technical support in order to develop an appropriate set of test procedures for the eCall systems. The technology and support from Stadium formed an integral part in the development of proposed test procedures, which were developed and put forward by TRL to the European Commission (EC) in preparation of the mandatory European roll-out of eCall systems in 2018.

As part of the project TRL developed draft requirements and test procedures for seven technical aspects which include Resistance of eCall systems to severe crashes (sled test), Full Scale impact test, Crash resistance of audio equipment, Co-existence of third party services (TPS), Automatic triggering mechanism, In-vehicle system self-test, and Privacy and data protection.

Technical expertise and 12 telematics units provided by Stadium were used for experiments in the dedicated deceleration sled test element, and operability verification test procedures which set out to measure the mechanical resistance of eCall systems to severe crashes at accelerations up to 100 g. The samples were designed, produced and provided by Stadium United Wireless and included the telematics control module (ECU), containing the printed circuit board with GSM and GNSS modules, SIM card holder and SIM card, capacitors and other electronic components.

The test programme was designed and carried out by TRL using its in-house high-energy test sled facility, which uses a bungee propulsion system and deceleration elements to achieve severe deceleration levels. A physical and electronic inspection, via current consumption and GPS/GSM functionality, was carried out by Stadium United Wireless at the end of the tests which concluded that all 12 samples remained undamaged, even after being subjected to a deceleration of over 100 g.

Chris Harrison, Head of R&D at Stadium United Wireless, commented: “We were approached by TRL to participate in this important project due to our experience and expertise in developing wireless M2M solutions as we already work with a number of global OEMs in the automotive sector and in the design and manufacture of telematics products from our TS16949 approved sites in the UK and China.”
“We worked with the technical team at TRL to develop and carry out specific crash-based testing which tested the resilience and reliability of our range of telematics ECUs. The inspection results showed that all system designs under test, although not specifically crash-hardened, survived even the highest-severity deceleration. This demonstrates that the required level of deceleration-resistance for an ECU, including a dedicated battery, can be achieved by applying good and diligent system design practice, as recommended by our technical team, without applying overly burdensome crash-hardening methods to the units.”

“Working with TRL on this project was a fantastic opportunity for us to test our own units in high-impact crash scenarios. We are hopeful that the findings included in TRL’s proposal will go on to inform the guidelines and safety regulations set out by the European Commission for eCall systems as they have the potential to save thousands of lives through wireless technology.”

Matthias Seidl, Vehicle Safety Researcher at TRL, commented: “Our in-house test sled allows us to simulate collisions with peak decelerations considerably higher than most current vehicle tests. These high levels are necessary to ensure that eCall systems are still able to make an emergency call, even after a severe crash.  The samples Stadium provided and its specific expertise in the design of these telematics systems helped us develop stringent but practical test procedures for eCall systems that can ensure that poor system designs, which could jeopardise the safety of road users, will not be allowed onto the European market”.

“The results can also be used to help shape the technical discussions at an international level in order to ensure that the same level of protection is provided to road users around the world. In fact, the suggested European standards have also been proposed to the United Nations working group on automatic emergency call systems.”
How does eCall work?
eCall is activated automatically as soon as in-vehicle sensors and/or processors (e.g. airbag) detect a serious crash. Once set off, the system dials the European emergency number 112, establishes a telephone link to the appropriate emergency call centre (aka Public Safety Answering Points – PSAPs) and sends details of the accident (aka Minimum Set of Data – MSD) to the rescue services, including the time of incident, the accurate position of the crashed vehicle and the direction of travel. An eCall can also be triggered manually by pushing a button in the car, for example by a witness to a serious accident

The eCall Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/758) empowers the European Commission (EC) to adopt delegated acts defining “the detailed technical requirements and tests for the EC type-approval of vehicles in respect of their 112-based eCall in-vehicle systems and the EC type-approval of 112-based eCall in-vehicle systems, components and separate technical units” and delegated and implementing acts regarding privacy and data protection.

The TRL report, entitled ‘eCall Phase 2 – Technical requirements and test procedures for the type-approval of in-vehicle systems’, can be downloaded free of charge from the European Commission website.

Connections for medical and broadcast applications.

Intelliconnect (Europe)  is now working with 19 British NHS trusts supplying high quality connectors, adaptors and cable assemblies for radiation detection equipment as diverse as imaging equipment and RF Ablation. They have a very wide range of  high quality, very competitively priced medical grade Triax connectors available from stock.

Roy Phillips, Managing Director of Intelliconnect Europe, comments; “Our medical Interconnects offer medical OEM manufacturers and end equipment users very high quality and reliability connectors and cable assemblies for a very wide range of dosimetry applications. Our custom designed solutions are available on very short lead times and we are supplying a bespoke, wearable, waterproof sub-miniature connector to the world’s foremost cochlear implant manufacturer.”

Intelliconnect’s Triax (Triaxial) products are widely used in medical and broadcast applications where reduced ‘noise’ or interference levels are required. The Triax range are a non-constant impedance design with an isolated ground and are readily available in BNC or TNC style configurations.  C type and special Triax connectors are available on request.

The Intelliconnect TRB series has a bayonet locking system as found on BNC connectors. The TRT series has the appearance of a TNC connector but incorporates a third conductor. Both types have a state of the art clamping construction and weatherproof sealing features ensuring secure termination of various twinaxial and triaxial cables.

Standard features include a 50MHz frequency range, insulation resistance 5,000MΩ minimum and voltage rating of 400VRMS. Operating temperature range is -65 to +165°C and all designs are in accordance with US MIL-PRF-49 142 and US MIL-STD-346.


In addition to standard and custom RF connectors and components, including waterproof and fast turnaround custom designs which are undertaken without NRE charges to their customers Intelliconnect manufacture custom cable assemblies, including cryogenic, semi-rigid and semi-flexible cables Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd . Intelliconnect also manufacture a large range of coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc.  Typical applications include medical, MIL and aerospace, marine, oil and gas, and general microwave markets.

Proportional valves for closed-loop control of inert gases in process automation.

Festo has published a new whitepaper entitled: “Proportional valves for closed-loop control of inert gases in process automation.” The whitepaper, which can be downloaded for free from the Festo website, looks at how proportional valves can be used as an alternative to regulating valves and flow meters for closed-loop control of inert gases used in process automation plants.

In process automation applications, the pressure and flow of gases are tightly controlled. Inert gas systems, for example, are used to prevent the atmosphere in reactors and process tanks in a plant from coming into the explosive range. Other applications include the transfer of materials between process tanks and filling, frequently found in the food and drinks industry. To control these functions, dedicated lines with regulating valves and flow meters are generally used.

“Some process automation applications require valves and flow meters for each pressure and gas level, which can cost anywhere between £2,000 and £7,000, (€2700 and €9500)” says Steve Sands, product manager at Festo. “This whitepaper proposes that by using proportional valve technology in a closed-loop system instead, significant benefits can be realised in addition to lower installation costs.”

With proportional-valve technology, plant managers can control and adjust the pressure and flow levels of inert gasses more accurately to achieve the optimum for the process. By integrating the proportional valves on an intelligent valve terminal, diagnostic capabilities can be extended. In addition, proportional valves mounted in this way have a smaller space requirement meaning they can be installed inside control cabinets positioned in a non-ATEX zone; the explosion protection requirements can be reduced thereby further reducing installation costs.

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Vandal resistant screens!

Varitronix has announced a new development to further enhance their range of High-Resolution Touch Panel TFT Displays. The development allows the addition of a Cover Lens with glass thickness up to 15mm through which the Capacitive Touch Screen can still easily be operated.

The technology challenge was to provide the required range of touch-sensitivity through a thick 15mm glass which was needed to provide a solution for use within a high-risk vandal environment. Mutual Type Projected Capacitive technology which when combined with software upgrades gives the end-result of unimpaired touch-sensitivity, despite the glass thickness, while also maintaining minimal drop in the optical transmission of the display at less than 10%.

In the example shown Varitronix has incorporated a 7” Normally Black, TN, Transmissive TFT panel, resolution 800xRGBx480 with the Special Cover Lens for a Public Transport application. Other applications will include the Intrinsically Safe, Military, and Marine market sectors.


The displays are manufactured in accordance with international certifications including ISO 9001 for general quality management and ISO/TS 16949 for quality management of automotive products.

Bringing Clarity to the Industrial Internet of Things.

Red Lion Controls has announced a new initiative dedicated to helping customers realize the promise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). A new Red Lion facility in St. Louis (MS USA), the IIoT Innovation Center, will drive this effort through a focused engineering, product and sales team dedicated to building on Red Lion’s existing IIoT expertise.

Leaders of the IIOT Team
• Brian Rosema, Director of IIoT Strategy: Brian has an executive-level background and over a decade of experience in wireless data, M2M, cloud computing and wireless network architectures. He has directed sales, business development, marketing and strategic alliances in a variety of roles with Red Lion, Protect Cell, Digital Highway Inc., Red Leaf Consulting Group, Invoice Insight and Oreon, Inc. He has a BA in Business Administration from Hope College.
• Steve Gallagher, Vice President of IIoT Sales: Steve is a sales professional with 25 years’ experience delivering growth and leadership in M2M, wireless device and technology, manufacturing and industrial automation. He came to Red Lion through the acquisition of Sixnet in 2011, where he served as Vice President of Sales, North America. Previously he held positions at BlueTree Wireless Data, Red-M and Motorola. He has a BA in Business Administration and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario, and a Diploma in Marketing Management from Centennial College.
• Timothy Burgener, Director of Planning and Software Engineering: With 18 years’ networking experience and 13 years in cellular data communications, Tim brings deep engineering and technical knowledge to Red Lion. Previously a director and software engineering manager at Sixnet, he also spent 10 years as a senior software architect at JBM Electronics, Inc. He has a MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering and a BS in computer science and math, both from Southern Illinois University.
“Our IIoT Innovation Center represents a significant investment, and delivers on our commitment to develop products and solutions uniquely suited to drive connectivity in industrial environments,” said Mike Granby, President, Red Lion Controls. “We have been helping to enable the IIoT with cellular connectivity, protocol conversion and automation from before the concept even had a name. Red Lion has been connecting devices and moving data for years. We are ideally positioned to deliver the solutions needed to make the IIoT a reality.”

Many customers and partners today rely on Red Lion to meet IIoT requirements by using industrial automation and networking products to:
  • Extend equipment lifespan: increase the value of legacy equipment with powerful protocol conversion
  • Improve process visibility: gain insight and drive productivity with data logging and communication capabilities
  • Push control to the edge: scale systems management with control capabilities at the device instead of the central office

Specifically, Red Lion’s RAM® 4G LTE cellular RTUs provide a secure all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates with existing equipment to enable critical remote monitoring and control. In addition, to fulfill the need of organizations to connect disparate systems and enable communications across devices from different manufacturers, Red Lion’s Data Station Plus and Graphite® HMIs enable protocol conversion for information sharing. Red Lion’s new IIoT Innovation Center will not only work to enhance these products, but also develop new solutions for M2M and human-to-device communication.

• Red Lion products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

Co-operation enables managing streaming sensor data in real-time.

Emerson Process Management and OSIsoft have introduced the OSIsoft PI Connector for HART-IP, a link between HART field devices and OSIsoft’s PI System enterprise software infrastructure for managing streaming sensor data in real-time.

The PI Connector for HART-IP automatically and seamlessly maps wired and WirelessHART® devices to the asset structure in the PI Server, eliminating effort and chances for error. It enables end users to gain benefits from their intelligent field networks faster, more easily, and at lower overall cost.

Emerson is developing and deploying numerous diagnostic and optimisation packages that analyse field device information to help improve process management, energy consumption and plant safety and reliability. The PI Connector for HART-IP leverages the widely used PI System to serve up information to these application suites.

The connector was jointly developed as an integral extension of OSIsoft’s capability. The PI Connector for HART-IP reduces the cost and effort needed to access and use information from Emerson’s Smart Wireless Gateways and HART multiplexers. Prior to this release, some information from HART devices was only available through OPC connections that had to be made on a time consuming point-by-point basis. With the PI Connector for HART-IP all of the necessary linkages populate to their respective applications automatically, giving the user instant access to valuable process and diagnostic information.

The software is based on the widely used Microsoft operating system and is both modular and highly scalable. It can run on its own server or on the PI System infrastructure hardware. Information from wireless gateways and multiplexers goes directly to the PI System and is not dependent on the plant’s basic process control system.

“The PI Connector is part of a much larger and comprehensive Pervasive Sensing strategy,” said Bob Karschnia, vice president of wireless for Emerson. “It will be critical in the support of a myriad of essential asset monitoring, energy, performance, overall equipment effectiveness and asset reliability modules that deliver significant value to our customers.”

“Emerson is a strategic OEM Partner of OSIsoft,” said Martin Otterson, senior vice president of sales, marketing and industry at OSIsoft. “We are excited to work together to support the growth of the Industrial IoT, utilising each of our strengths to maximum effect. Drawing on Emerson’s experience with intelligent field devices and their software applications and OSIsoft’s expertise in software data infrastructures for sensor-based real-time data, this connector provides an essential building block for IoT that will significantly enhance operational intelligence in the processing and manufacturing industries.”

Rugged Ethernet switch.

GE Energy Management’s Intelligent Platforms business has announced the NETernity™ GBX411 Fully Managed 3U VPX Layer 2/3 Ethernet Switch. Offering a variety of combinations of Gigabit Ethernet and 10Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, it allows customers a range of options to meet their network requirements. Its GE Rugged design enables it to be deployed with absolute confidence on air, ground and sea platforms in applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, radar, sonar and imaging.

The GBX411 – which supports precision time protocol (1588) - is characterized by significant flexibility through its use of GE’s OpenWare™ switch management software, offering comprehensive and powerful management features for Layer 2/3 switching and routing. A wide range of networking protocols and management features is supported, together with extensive capabilities for Multicast, Quality of Service, VLANs, and Differentiated Services. OpenWare™ can also be customized to meet a range of customer requirements. Supported access methods include Telnet, SSH, serial console, SNMP and a Web interface.

The new switch also responds to the growing demand for high security with its access control, authorization and declassification features.
Compliance with the US Army’s VICTORY initiative and specifications for an Ethernet switch is built in to the GBX411’s capabilities.

“The GB411 takes advantage of our 15 years of experience in developing high performance, rugged switches for the most demanding applications,” said Christopher Lever, General Manager, Embedded Product Management at GE’s Intelligent Platforms business. “Importantly, it is backed by the expertise of engineers with enormous proficiency in networking and protocols who have worked with numerous customers to help them bring sophisticated solutions to market quickly and cost-effectively. With the GBX411, our customers are buying much more than just a product – they’re buying the know-how that lies behind it.”

What configuration suits best?

Laser Components is offering an ever-increasing selection of IR detectors based on different technologies that partially overlap spectrally and present customers with the integral question: "Which concrete configuration suits my application best?"  Or "How can I have this question answered quickest?"

This is precisely the research Laser Components' development team is performing and for which they have presented prototypes of a user kit for pyroelectric detectors and uncooled PbSe detectors including suitable radiation sources at trade shows.

The development kit is based on a single-board computer, as well as emitter and receiver modules, and is autonomous.

The measurement results are displayed using a touchscreen which is also used to control the device. Data can be stored on a memory card; in addition, there is an analog output available for the amplified signal.

Ammonium analyser.

The Liquiline System CA80AM ammonium analyser has been introduced by Endress+Hauser. This is designed for monitoring critical control points in water and resource reclamation facilities. The CA80AM analyser and its sample preparation systems provide an automated approach to process control and regulatory compliance.

To keep discharges at permitted levels and to avoid penalties, managers of water treatment and other resource recovery facilities need accurate and reliable measurements in their nutrient monitoring systems. The Liquiline CA80AM colorimetric analyser provides these measurements by using the standard indophenol blue method, which is compliant to ISO 7150-1, DIN 38406-5 and GB 7481-87 standards. This analyser also provides data storage and retrieval using on-board logbooks to allow continuous documentation for reporting to regulatory agencies.

Multiple communications methods—including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Ethernet and an integrated web server—allow the analyser to be integrated into any control system. The integrated web server allows a user to remotely analyze process disturbances and decide on required measures quickly, all through any web browser.

The Liquiline CA80AM and its sample preparation systems help plant managers keep their costs under control while optimizing their ammonia control strategies and complying with regulatory requirements. For example, using the analyser for aeration basin control based on ammonia load allows for proper nutrient removal, while reducing the amount of energy expended by running blowers unnecessarily.

Three sample preparation systems offer various filtering methods based on the characteristics of the sample, and include automatic backwash systems to keep the filters clean. All sample preparations are digitally controlled by the analyser to guarantee synchronisation of the measuring point. A CA80AM analyser can have up to two channels of input to further reduce the cost of measurement across the water reclamation facility.

Ownership costs for colorimetric analysers are highly dependent on the volume of reagents consumed and the reagent lifetime. It has highly precise, positive displacement dispensers to mimimize the amount of reagent used for analysis, and it can be fitted with a smart, energy-efficient Peltier cooling module for the primary reagent. The cooler is controlled automatically via the analyser’s electronics, and does not require maintenance. Thanks to the very low rate of reagent consumption and cooling, reagents can last for up to 12 weeks.

Integrated automatic cleaning and calibration functions ensure the analyser and its sample preparation work reliably and without manual intervention for extended periods of time. If an issue with the system arises, the analyser’s advanced diagnostics and remote access quickly guide operations personnel to resolution.

The Liquiline electronics platform in the analyser allows for the creation of a complete measuring system by connecting up to four analytical sensors via the digital Memosens protocol. Memosens sensors from Endress+Hauser include dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, chlorine, pH and ORP.

When installed in an aeration basin and combined with a suitable Memosens dissolved oxygen and solids sensors, the CA80AM analyser provides the required measurements for precise, load-dependent control of oxygen blowers with just one device, helping to substantially reduce instrument installation and energy costs.

Monday 28 September 2015

Cybersecurity health check!

Yokogawa Solution Service Corporation, responsible for Yokogawa’s control business in Japan, has received an order from Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corp. to provide a network health check service that analyses and verifies the integrity of the data traffic on the control system communications buses at its Mizushima Works. An industry first (based on a September 28, 2015 Yokogawa survey) this cyber security service for control systems combines network visualisation technology with the collection and analysis of data traffic.

As the threat of cyber-attacks has increased in recent years, there is an urgent need for strong security measures with control systems, particularly those used in critically important infrastructure such as electric power, gas, and petrochemical plants. With the increasing sophistication of such attacks, it is often no longer sufficient to rely solely on general security measures such as the use of antivirus software. Yokogawa’s network health check service is able to visualise the status of communications traffic on a network after periodically collecting and analysing log data. When data traffic from an unknown IP address, communication via an unspecified protocol or port, data loss, or some other potential hazard is detected, Yokogawa will then work with the customer to identify possible causes and propose any necessary improvements. Unlike conventional services that rely on the monitoring and analysis of vast amounts of control system communications traffic,

Yokogawa’s service is able to quickly and intuitively visualise and grasp the status of the control system’s communications traffic so that quick action can be taken in response to any potential issue. The company jointly developed this visualisation technology with Yasuo Okabe, a professor at Kyoto University; Hiroki Takakura, formerly an associate professor at Kyoto University and currently a professor at the National Institute of Informatics; and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Yokogawa develops and provides its customers with a variety of highly secure device and system solutions, and is also engaged in the provision of ongoing operational support services. The company will continue to assist its customers through the provision of control system cyber security solutions.

Simultaneously measure mass, volume, density, and temperature.

RCT1000 Coriolis Mass Flow Meters has been introduced by Badger Meters. This is the latest addition to an extensive line of flow instrumentation products. The RCT1000 provides the ability to simultaneously measure mass, volume, density, and temperature, providing control options to synchronize precision processes.

"More than simply a flow meter, the RCT1000 Coriolis Flow System is capable of controlling process flow by sending commands to other instrumentation, such as valves and pumps," said Cheryl Ades Anspach, marketing manager at Badger Meter. She added, "The RCT1000 transmitter performs batch and PID control, which eliminates additional control equipment. This means one Coriolis flow meter interface functions as a transmitter and an economical mini-process control system, which can operate independently or be integrated into a larger system."

Complementing the robust transmitter and sensor, every RCT1000 Coriolis mass flow meter comes with the RCT Console software package. RCT Console is specifically designed to provide users maximum operational flexibility and ease-of-use. By allowing users quick access to configure measurement parameters through the RCT Console software or the LCD interface on the transmitter, the meter can be set up and measuring flow in a matter of minutes. RCT Console software offers much more than configuration features. Users are able to obtain advanced data logging and performance trend analysis, as well as system verification provided by the unique HealthTrack feature which records critical parameters and compares them to normal ranges.

The Badger Meter RCT1000 Coriolis mass flow meter identifies flow rates by directly measuring fluid mass over a wide range of fluid temperatures and viscosities with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, the unobstructed, open flow design and measurement technique makes the RCT1000 suitable for a variety of fluids such as vegetable oils and fats, slurries, adhesives, coatings and hardeners, and other viscous, nonconductive fluids that are difficult to measure with other technologies.

Money saving kit for test tool verification.

Fluke UK is offering a money saving kit which includes the recently introduced Fluke PRV240 Voltage Proving Unit together with a Fluke T150 Voltage and Continuity Tester. The battery powered electronic PRV240 sources both AC and DC voltages for test tool verification, including both high and low impedance digital multimeters, clamp meters and Two Pole Testers.

It is an easy-to-use product for electricians, commercial or industrial technicians, HVAC technicians or anyone working remotely who needs access to a voltage source to verify their tool is working correctly. The T150 is the high-end member of a family of rugged two pole testers offering fast test results, and built with state-of-the-art measurement and safety technology, with large, easy-to-use buttons, bright backlights, and clear audible and physical indicators designed for any work situation.

The Fluke PRV240 Voltage Proving Unit provides a stable, fixed output voltage to properly assess correct operation of many types of electrical tester, clamp meters and multimeters. Verification of a test tool is recommended by both GS38 and NFPA 70E before any live measurements are made. The PRV240 is the ideal solution for electricians, environmental health and safety managers, plant safety officers (for example at oil & gas and chemical processing plants), facilities managers and other managers concerned with electrical safety and compliance. It comes with a TPAK magnetic hanging strap for convenient operation and has a re-chargeable internal battery power sufficient to perform 5000 verification tests.

The Fluke T150 Voltage and Continuity Tester offers four ways to indicate AC/DC voltage: a clear, instantly visible LED indicator, a bright digital display of the measurement value, an audible continuity test (with on/off setting), and vibration to provide tactile feedback so electricians know there is voltage present. It has Cat IV 600V, Cat III 690V safety ratings and also measures resistance. It features high-quality construction, including a heavy-duty moulded case, wiring with WearGuard™ wear indicator, a sturdy battery case and a durable probe protector.

Safe gas detection!

Oldham believes that no gas detection controller should be designed that does not take functional safety standards into consideration.

Although there is no legal requirement that gas detection systems to be certified to or above a SIL 1 performance level (Safety Integrity Level - according to IEC/EN 61508 and EN 50402 functional safety standards), the fact remains that these systems are life safety devices.

"Because of our unwavering insistence on the safety and reliability of our detection controllers, and the broad range of applications in which they are used, we adhere to the strictest functional safety standards." said a spokesman. Whether the application presents an elevated risk of explosion and serious consequences to employee safety, or involves toxic gas detection in high risk areas such as water treatment facilities, Oldham guarantees the one of the most effective and safest solutions for your gas detection requirements.

Optical spectrum analyser for short-wavelength infrared region.

A new optical spectrum analyser, the AQ6375B,  operating in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) region covering wavelengths from 1200 to 2400 nm has been announced by Yokogawa.  With a design based on the company's highly successful AQ6375 instrument, the new analyser combines high measurement performance with ease of operation, and incorporates a number of new features including a gas purging feature, a built-in cut-off filter, data-logging capabilities, a double-speed mode, and support for Windows file sharing.

The AQ6375B offers high wavelength accuracy of ±0.05 nm (1520 to 1580 nm) ±0.50 nm (full range) and high wavelength resolution of 0.05 nm, a wide close-in dynamic range of 55 dB, and a wide measurement level range from +20 dBm to -70 dBm. The use of an advanced monochromator design helps to separate spectral signals in close proximity to one another, and improves the dynamic range by reducing the influence of stray light.

In conjunction with new high-speed circuitry and noise reduction techniques, the monochromator also enables the AQ6375B to achieve a high measurement speed: up to 0.5 sec/100 nm. The double-speed mode makes it possible to measure an optical signal in half the time compared with the conventional mode, with only a 2 dB penalty over the standard sensitivity value.

A free-space optical input makes it possible to connect multimode and single-mode fibres on the same instrument. It also provides a low and stable insertion loss for multimode fibres, which helps to maintain the excellent measurement efficiency as well as increasing measurement repeatability. The lack of physical contact also eliminates the possibility of damage when fibres are connected.

The new purging feature is designed to minimise the influence of water-vapour absorption on spectral measurements carried out in the SWIR region. By continuously supplying a pure purge gas such as nitrogen to the monochromator through the dedicated connectors on the back panel, these absorption effects are significantly reduced.

Also new is the built-in cut-off filter for the high-order diffracted light generated by the monochromator at wavelengths equal to integral multiples of the input wavelength. By cutting incoming light below 1150 nm with the built-in filter, the AQ6375B reduces the influence of secondary diffracted light on the measurement by 50 dB or more at wavelengths up to about 2300 nm. As a result, the measured data are always reliable and replicate the real signal under test.

A new data-logging function is available on the AQ6375B for recording analysis results such as distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) analysis and multi-peak measurements at up to 10,000 points per channel with time stamps. Recorded data can be displayed in table and graphical formats. This function is useful for the long-term stability testing and temperature cycle testing of systems and devices. The optical spectrum of each measurement can also be stored for reviewing and troubleshooting.

For transferring acquired data for subsequent analysis, a Windows file sharing function is available in addition to the existing Ethernet/GPIB and USB interfaces. This uses Windows Explorer to access the user area of internal memory via the Ethernet interface using the Windows SMB (Server Message Block) function.

Applications for the AQ6375B cover the analysis of telecom devices and systems operating in single-mode transmission in all the windows of optical communications from the beginning of the O-band at 1260 nm to the end of the U-band at 1675 nm.

The AQ6375B is also suitable for measurements in other areas such as environmental monitoring - including the sensing of gases such as NOx and CO2 - atmospheric observation, and the medical and biomedical sector for virus sensing and checking surgical equipment. This includes manufacturers of optical devices in these sectors using the AQ6375B for both R&D and production testing.

Hygienic measuremnt of temperature in beverage sector.

The hygienic measurement and control of the temperature is one of the most important factors in the beverage industry. B+B offer suitable products which meets the expectations of the beverage industry.

One special product is e.g. the penetration probe with centric measuring tip. Its protection tube is made of stainless steel and due to its special construction the robust and steamproof penetration probe is ideal for control of cooking and baking processes in all domains of the food and beverage industry. The ergonomic handle made of PEEK as well as the Teflon© cable are easy to clean and therefore very hygienic and acid resistant. The probes are distinguished by a high mechanical robustness.

Special features:
• Ergonomic handle made of PEEK
• Ingress protection IP67
• Suitable material for food processes
• Vapor-on waterproof grounded
• Shock resistant

The penetration probe is available with thermocouples type K, with Pt1000 or Pt100 sensors. Please ask for further designs, accessories as well as for further products which are suitable for the food industry.

Seminars on thermography.

Fluke is offering a series of free Thermography Seminars as part of its programme of seminars for 2015 in Britain and Ireland. Designed to look at the benefits of thermal imaging techniques to improve maintenance practices, the seminars are one element of the Fluke Academy programme.

The seminars covering Thermography are designed to highlight how thermal imaging can be used to identify the presence of faults in equipment under normal working conditions, in new or existing installations. Each seminar will cover:

  • The difference between a visual image and a thermal image
  • What that difference means to be able to find latent electrical defects like bad connections
  • An understanding of some limitations of thermal imaging
  • An introduction to the common types of electrical defects in High, Medium and Low voltage  that can be detected with a thermal imager
  • The benefits of thermal imaging for improving maintenance practices
  • Tips and tricks on using a Fluke Thermal Imager to help detect electrical defects.

Other seminars in the Fluke Academy programme cover power quality improvement; one designed to help facilities reduce their energy costs; troubleshooting motors and drives to minimise plant downtime; calibrating and troubleshooting process instrumentation; and electrical testing.
The web page also provides access to webinars and webcasts that provide online training to obtain the maximum benefit in the application of thermal imagers, power quality meters and portable oscilloscopes, as well as highlighting training courses with partner institutions.

Friday 25 September 2015

Multichannel optical module evaluations.

Anritsu Corporation has launched the new BERTWave MP2100B, an all-in-one test set with integrated BERT and sampling oscilloscope for developing and manufacturing Optical Modules. The MP2100B is successor to the company’s popular MP2100A and provides even more efficient evaluation of multichannel Optical Modules.

Data Centres are urgently increasing the transmission capacity of their servers and network devices to meet the exploding demand for Cloud Computing services. So the demand for R&D into high-speed transmission technologies and manufacturing of high-speed devices is growing, and with it comes the need to assure the integrity of signals passing via these high-speed devices. The newly developed BERTWave MP2100B supports simultaneous BER Measurements and Eye Pattern Analyses, and so a single MP2100B set can measure all the parameters required for evaluating Optical Modules and Optical Devices used by optical communication systems.

Unlike conventional systems for BER Measurements and Eye Pattern Analyses requiring two separate measurement instruments, just one MP2100B will support all the necessary test features, helping cut equipment costs by as much as 40%. Furthermore, the addition of an optical switch and optical attenuator as optional accessories makes this new release a full-featured total measurement solution for evaluating multichannel Optical Modules and Optical Devices.

To support the faster measurement speeds required by the optical module and device manufacturing markets, a new Fast Sampling Mode with speeds up to 150 ksample/s performs Eye Pattern Analyses like the Eye Mask Test up to 1.5 times faster than legacy models. Additionally, the MP2100B built-in Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT) can be upgraded to 4 channels for simultaneous BER Measurements of multichannel Optical Modules, such as QSFP+, etc., cutting measurement times by up to 80% compared to legacy models.

Partnership for integrated MES/DCS solutions.

ABB and Werum IT Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on control system solutions for the global pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. These solutions will enable customers to benefit from leading industry expertise for process control systems (DCS) and production management software.

ABB's Ilpo Ruohonen
Werum's Rüdiger Schlierenkämper
“Werum’s PAS-X MES solution combined with ABB's control systems will give our customers in the Life Science industry a seamless solution for their automation needs,” said Ilpo Ruohonen, Managing Director of ABB’s Control Technologies business unit. “This offering strengthens our portfolio for these rapidly growing industries.”

Werum IT Solutions is the world’s leading supplier of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and manufacturing IT solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Its out-of-the-box PAS-X software product is operating in approximately 800 installations of pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the world. Werum’s manufacturing IT solutions help pharma and biotech manufacturers to increase efficiency, improve productivity, and meet regulatory requirements.

The collaboration on joint solutions complements ABB’s control systems offering with the latest MES technology, which is seen as a key component for efficient production workflows in the life science industry. By bringing together both offerings, ABB and Werum will be able to deliver full-scope engineering and validation solutions according to the GAMP5 guideline and to comply with regulations such as FDA 21 CFR part 11.

“Our customers will benefit from integrated solutions paving the way towards the factory of the future,” said Rüdiger Schlierenkämper, CEO of Werum IT Solutions. “Werum, like ABB, is a sector leader. We look forward to working together with ABB on joint projects and to developing new ideas together. Driven by the innovative strength and global footprint of our two companies, we are well positioned to boost innovation for our customers around the globe.”

Make scratches and scuffs or even breakage a thing of the past!

JLT Mobile Computers has a new logistics computer which features revolutionary Rugged Projective Capacitive Touch (PCT) display technology and additional computing power compared to previous product generations.
Reduces total cost of ownership and improves users' productivity by addressing one of the most common reasons for computer failures
The JLT1214P computer's bright 12-inch XGA display with the new JLT Rugged PCT technology provides a familiar, user-friendly experience comparable to modern consumer devices, both with a gloved or ungloved hand, while ensuring ruggedness, reliability and longevity in even the most demanding environments. This computer also offers enhanced computing performance thanks to a 64-bit Intel quad-core processor, improving responsiveness. In combination with the new user-friendly touch screen, the higher performance speeds up tasks and increases users' productivity. This powerful combination of features provides the best possible total cost of ownership for logistics applications ranging from warehousing and food distribution to freezer storage and cross-docking.

It is based on the company's JLT1214 platform which is already well known in the market for its outstanding quality and reliability, having been proved in thousands of installations by customers around the world.

Previous generations of rugged computers most commonly used resistive touch screen technology that is chosen because of its usability with different types of gloves and in wet conditions. In some demanding environments, however, the resistive touch screen is susceptible to scratches and scuffs or even breakage of its plastic screen, often making the screen the point of failure for the computer. Resistive touch screens also do not offer the user experience that operators have come to expect from the capacitive touch screens in their own personal electronic devices. With the introduction of the JLT Rugged PCT technology, the projective capacitive touch with superior resilience to wear and tear can be used in the same demanding use-cases as a resistive touch, for example with different types of gloves and wet conditions.

The addition of the JLT Rugged PCT technology to the proven JLT1214 platform provides the JLT1214P's touch screen with a lifetime as long as the computer itself, minimizing disruptive down time, resulting in a higher service level and greater customer satisfaction. A 1.8mm thick, practically unbreakable hardened glass cover protects the touch sensor, offering unparalleled durability and scratch resistance. In tests, it withstands a 500g steel ball dropped from a height of 1.2m with no damage to the screen. Additionally, the JLT1214P computer can operate in temperatures between -35 to +55 degrees Celsius, is dust and water resistant to IP65 and its design eliminates the cavity between the glass screen and the case, preventing dirt build up when in use and allowing it to be easily sanitized for use in the food industry.

In today's logistics market, where productivity is more important than ever, the JLT1214P computer's enhanced computing performance helps provide information quickly and reliably, which combined with the improved touch screen usability increases productivity in even the most advanced logistics applications. The JLT1214P is faster than ever before, due to its new Intel E3845 quad-core processor (code named Bay Trail), which can run full 64-bit systems, bringing world class speed to fork lift computers and making it a future-proof platform securing customer investments long-term. The JLT1214P computer comes with either Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 or Windows Embedded versions. In the event of a computer problem, JLT provides a "No Questions Asked" JLT:Care service agreement which guarantees a high level of support and short repair times to minimize down time at predictable cost.

The JLT1214P logistics computer also features an isolated 18-72 VDC power supply for electrical vehicle installations, or an unisolated 9-36 VDC power supply for other installations. A backup battery ensures uninterrupted operation during power failures which enables reliable operation, even with unstable voltages from automotive batteries. The JLT1214P also features dual-band 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth EDR 4.0 capability, with both radios taking advantage of JLT's built-in highly sensitive Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) technology, custom made for reliable wireless connectivity in environments with poor coverage. As with all JLT computers, the JLT1214P logistics computer is built from the ground up to deliver maximum reliability and function in very demanding environments. A high integration of features and the most compact design in its class provide for fast, reliable and inexpensive installation, even in small spaces.

The JLT1214P computers are available today as an additional option to the current JLT1214N computer that continues to be available with its current configurations.

Thursday 24 September 2015

Automation contractor services contract renewed.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the renewal of a global agreement with BP to supply main automation contractor services (MAC services) to BP's upstream entities. With the renewal of this agreement, BP and Yokogawa have reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving mutual success and securing the delivery of superior long-term value through the provision of MAC services.

Yokogawa first signed a global MAC services agreement with BP in 2007. By providing reliable products and demonstrating its engineering and project execution capabilities on prior BP projects, Yokogawa is integral to BP's drive for capital efficiency. The renewed agreement is for a period of ten years.

The Yokogawa products and services covered by this global agreement include the CENTUM® VP integrated production control system, ProSafe(R)-RS safety instrumented system, STARDOM™ network-based control system, Plant Resource Manager (PRM®) plant asset management package, FAST/TOOLS SCADA software, Exaseries productivity solution software, field wireless and other types of field instruments, analysers, project management and system integration engineering services, and operation and maintenance services.

Shuji Mori, a Yokogawa vice president and president of Yokogawa Electric International, a subsidiary that oversees Yokogawa's IA and control business outside Japan, had the following to say about this agreement: "BP has been a Yokogawa customer for many years, and this agreement takes our relationship to a new level and underscores BP's commitment to safe and reliable operations. This long-term partnership with BP will increase our presence in the oil and gas industry, which is one of the main sectors we are targeting under the Transformation 2017 mid-term business plan."

Enclosures comply with CSA, UL and NEMA standards.

An extended range of Type 4X outdoor equipment enclosures that comply with CSA, UL and NEMA standards is now available from Intertec. Manufactured from proprietary GRP (glass reinforced polyester), the enclosures combine high performance environmental protection capabilities with exemplary long-term resistance to corrosion. They are ideal for protecting instrumentation and electrical equipment sited in marine and coastal areas, where the presence of salt in the atmosphere can severely damage traditional steel cabinets and shorten their service life significantly.

An additional advantage of Intertec’s Type 4X enclosures is that they provide superior protection when used in a Class I, Division 2 or Class I, Zone 2 hazardous area to protect equipment that does not constitute a source of ignition. Typical applications include housing non-arcing connections and connection devices such as joints, splices, terminals, terminal blocks and junction boxes.

Following qualification testing by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a large and growing number of Intertec’s MULTIBOX and DIABOX enclosures are now available in Type 4X versions that comply with the relevant parts of the CAN/CSA C22.2 No 94.2-07, UL 50/50E and US NEMA 250 standards for electrical equipment enclosures. All three of these standards stipulate that the enclosures must provide enhanced protection against corrosion, as well as other environmental effects.

Intertec’s MULTIBOX and DIABOX families are popular choices for housing process monitoring and control equipment in the field. Offering a wide range of containment capacities from 25 to 277 litres, they are designed for convenient mounting on walls/panels or small-footprint pipe stands.

To comply with the CSA 22.2 94.2-07, UL50/50E and NEMA 250 standards, Type 4X enclosures must prevent the ingress of dust and be watertight against rain, sleet, snow, water splashes and hose-directed water. They must also be undamaged by the formation of ice on their external surfaces. This level of protection is broadly equivalent to the IP 66 rating of the international IEC/ANSI/EN 60529 standard.

The hose-down test stipulates that all gasket seams be subjected to a high pressure water spray. This involves subjecting the enclosure to a steady stream of water at a distance of 3 metres from a 1 inch nozzle at a flow rate of 246 litres/minute. MULTIBOX and DIABOX enclosures feature a moulded two-part construction, which means that they only have a single joint between their two halves, making it much easier to ensure a reliable seal. The mating surfaces are sealed by a continuous and highly durable silicon or EPDM synthetic rubber gasket embedded within a containing groove – this same design provides ingress protection ratings as high as IP68.

Intertec goes to considerable lengths to ensure that the Type 4X versions of MULTIBOX and DIABOX enclosures maintain their IP ratings under extreme or fast-changing weather conditions. For example, if a hot enclosure is subjected to a stream of cold water, as might be the case during a sudden thunderstorm in a hot climate, the air inside will cool down and contract. In a conventional unvented enclosure, this can create a partial vacuum that causes air – and water – to be sucked past the joint seals. To prevent this problem, Intertec’s Type 4X enclosures are equipped with a special waterproof ‘breather’ seal that equalizes the air pressure and ensures that full sealing integrity is maintained under all operating conditions.

Type 4X enclosures must also provide enhanced protection against corrosive agents. Metallic enclosures which are susceptible to corrosion are required to undergo a series of stringent material tests. The NEMA 250 standard, for example, calls for two salt spray tests, one with a duration of 200 hours, together with a test that involves subjecting sample material to a moist mixture of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and air for 1,200 hours. The GRP material that Intertec uses for all its enclosures is inherently resistant to corrosion from these types of atmospheric pollutants and therefore does not require qualification testing in its own right.

Intertec’s GRP is a relatively inert material that has enormous advantages over the sheet metal materials commonly used for enclosure construction. It is highly stable and virtually immune to the affects of salt and most common petrochemicals and airborne pollutants. An excellent thermal insulator, GRP has a similar strength to stainless steel but is about 75 percent lighter, which helps to lower transport costs and simplifies installation.

Intertec’s DIABOX enclosures are available with a wide choice of containment capacities from 27 to 277 litres. They feature a two-part design with hinges on their top edge and open diagonally to provide a very ergonomic and self-contained field protection solution. The lower half of the enclosure houses the instrumentation – process and electrical connections are usually made via the rear or base of the unit – while the upper half functions as a fully retained lid.

MULTIBOX enclosures offer a similarly extensive choice of sizes, with 12 standard models covering containment capacities from 25 to 250 litres. Featuring a two-part construction, they can be mounted vertically or horizontally, with the instrumentation contained in either the deep or shallow section. Process and electrical connections are usually made via the top or bottom of the unit.

For applications that require protection against extremely cold climates, all MULTIBOX and DIABOX enclosures are available in ‘arctic’ versions that are suitable for use in temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius. Depending on the model, the additional thermal insulation is either provided by an internal polypropylene liner with a polyurethane (PU) foam infill, or the entire enclosure is manufactured from Intertec’s proprietary triple-layer composite-GRP material, comprising inner and outer walls of GRP with a PU foam core.

Many of the standards compliance tests on Type 4X enclosures – such as ingress protection, impact resistance and gasket ageing – are similar to those used on the type of increased safety (Ex e) enclosures designed for use in hazardous areas. As Intertec’s CEO, Martin Hess, points out, “Broadly speaking, it is this similarity which allows installers to use our Type 4X enclosures to house non-hazardous equipment in hazardous areas, without having to resort to using large and labour-intensive sealed conduits. We also believe that our Type 4X enclosures will make it much easier for installers to adapt ATEX compliant products on the European market to comply with hazardous area safety standards in North America.”

Unique RFID antenna is adaptable to customer applications.

Harting has developed a unique type of RFID antenna, the Ha-VIS LOCFIELD® antenna, which uses a coaxial travelling-wave concept to offer users a compact package with complete flexibility in the design of RF reading zones. Not only is the antenna adaptable to every customer application: it is also ideal for situations where space is at a premium.

Modern industrial RFID systems allow components and packages to be followed in real time, and offer a multitude of options for increasing process security and ensuring optimal transparency. However, there is generally very little space available around belt conveyors, and classical RFID antennas are limited in that they cannot map curved tracks: a factor that restricts the capability for customers to track and trace production history at every point in the process.

The new Ha-VIS LOCFIELD® RFID antenna requires only a minimum of space, consisting only of an industrial-grade coaxial line. The antenna cable is mechanically flexible and can therefore be installed and laid in any given shape according to the requirements of specific customer applications. This includes the ability to lay it around the curves of conveyor belts.

Users therefore have the ability to design their own tailored UHF RFID reading zone. A wide range of challenging applications become possible, including RFID installations in smart shelves, 19-inch racks, complex machines, doors and pass-throughs, all with reduced costs and maximum ease of installation.

3-Phase power loggers.

Fluke is introducing the 1736 and 1738 Three-Phase Power Loggers, which automatically capture and log more than 500 power quality parameters to give technicians and engineers more visibility into the data needed to make better power quality and energy consumption decisions. They are the first three-phase power loggers designed to work with the Fluke Connect® system of software and wireless test tools. They can be found at www.fluke.co.uk and clicking on ‘New Products’.

The Fluke 1736 and 1738 Three-Phase Power Loggers capture and log voltage, current, power, harmonics, and associated power quality values to deliver comprehensive data for load studies, energy assessments, harmonic measurements, and voltage event. The included Fluke Energy Analyze Plus software provides detailed analysis of energy consumption and power quality and generates reports automatically.

The Fluke 1736 and 1738 feature an optimised user interface, flexible current probes, and an intelligent measurement verification function designed to reduce measurement errors by digitally verifying and correcting common connection errors. Set up can be further simplified by powering the logger directly from the measured circuit.

All three phases and neutral can be measured using the four flexible current probes. More than twenty separate logging sessions can be stored on the instrument. All measured values are automatically logged so that measurement trends are not lost: they can be reviewed during logging sessions, and before downloading, for on-the-go analysis.

The bright, colour touch-screen enables convenient in-the-field analysis and data checks with full graphical displays. The instruments provide event waveform snapshots, along with date and timestamp, to capture dips and swells and help pinpoint root causes of power quality issues. They have 600V CAT IV / 1000V CAT III safety ratings.

Fluke Connect tools allow technicians to wirelessly transmit measurement data from their test tools to their smartphones for secure storage on the Fluke Connect® Cloud and for team access from the field.* With the Fluke Connect smartphone app, the data from the power loggers can be viewed from a safe distance, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits, and check-ins.

Engineering & plant management software solution selected by plant construction specialist.

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions, the plant construction specialist within the ThyssenKrupp group, has opted to use Siemens' Comos plant engineering and plant management software solution with immediate effect throughout the company as part of the further integration of its global plant construction business. The Process Technologies unit (formerly Uhde) has in fact been using Comos since 1997. Using standard software enables ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions to handle global engineering processes and plant management much faster and more efficiently. The company is one of the world's leading providers of chemical plants, refineries, and cement and other industrial plants, along with plants for mining, ore processing and port handling.

Jens-Michael Wegmann, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Industrial Solutions Business Area, comments: "For us, Comos is a future-proof software solution for holistic plant management over the entire lifecycle of an industrial plant. Consolidating and harmonizing the IT infrastructure provides us with the basis to make optimum use of global opportunities for growth in plant construction."

Andreas Geiss, Vice President, Comos Industry Solutions: "We are delighted at the decision by ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions to extend our long-established collaboration to cover the whole of the enterprise. We will bring our expertise and long years of experience to bear in the form of intelligent and individual solution concepts. Our Comos portfolio helps users to meet engineering challenges that arise throughout a plant's entire lifecycle."

Comos plant engineering and plant management software encompasses the process engineering of components and plants all the way through to complete automation including operations relevant to electrical engineering, measurement and control. The function planning complies with standards, and is therefore implemented efficiently and accurately right through to the automation, by way of the process design, basic and detail engineering phases and operations. Comos is a consistent system landscape from engineering through to operation. It enables the user to achieve higher plant efficiency through all phases of the lifecycle.

The uniform data platform of the Comos software solution gives plant designers, operators, and installers a seamless flow of project-relevant data across all company levels and project phases. This facilitates a comprehensive software solution concept that can be integrated globally. Consistent plant lifecycle engineering with the Comos software solution intermeshes the engineering and operating worlds to provide holistic plant management over the entire lifecycle of an industrial plant. Workflows become more efficient, productivity and quality in engineering are raised. Plant data is always kept up to date and consistent throughout the entire lifecycle.

Integrated engineering reduces sources of error as there are fewer interfaces between the various technical subsystems. It also raises quality in all steps of the engineering workflow and cuts times-to-market by means of measures such as parallelization. Jobs such as process engineering or design of the electrical engineering can be carried out in parallel with automation engineering. Thanks to its open system architecture, Comos provides numerous interfaces to other systems and seamless integration in existing IT landscapes. For example, Comos EI&C features interfaces to major automation systems such as Simatic PCS 7.

Wednesday 23 September 2015

Appointment at Irish BEMS provider.

Rich Costa

Rich Costa is been appointed Sales and Marketing Manager with Intelligent Building Controls.

Rich has over 30 years’ experience in distribution and 9 years’ experience with BEMS systems. He is a certified Engineer in Trend Controls BeMS and Dristeem humidification.

Rich has been involved in projects with Boston Scientific and Abbott Vascular where he helped to reduce running cost by over 55%.

Cost-effective, high-quality and large-scale MBR creation.

Development of new drugs, process harmonization and standardization or efficient operation of manufacturing execution systems (MES) – pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies face major challenges to remain competitive. In this regard, electronic master batch records (MBRs) are an essential factor.

Martin Gent
Werum IT Solutions now offers its customers a new service: “Design as a Service” – a complete solution for the cost-effective creation of lean, high-quality and streamlined MBRs. The package comprises pre-configured PAS-X Content Packages with industry-specific content based on best practices, ready-to-use concepts and guidelines for the efficient creation and optimization of MBRs and profound, first-hand PAS-X knowledge. As the company who developed PAS-X, Werum is able to provide an “end-to-end” MES solution that meets all customer requirements in terms of software, delivery and services.

“Our ‘Design as a Service’ offering allows us to provide our pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customers with much more than the mass conversion of paper-based recipes into digital copies which is usually referred to as MBR factory,” says Martin Gent, Consultant, Werum IT Solutions GmbH. “Our approach starts at an earlier stage and we reflect about the manufacturing processes together with our customers. Even during the MBR specification phase we consider the entire spectrum of manufacturing procedures, system environment and review processes. In combination with the profound process know-how of our staff we ensure optimized high-quality MBRs from the very beginning – an important prerequisite for the efficient operation of our PAS-X MES. Customers who want to save costs by commissioning the mere creation of MBRs often face extra costs when they need to revise their MBRs.”

Through “Design as a Service”, Werum does not only support the cost-effective high-quality creation of MBRs for new MES installations but also supports customers who already operate an MES and rather focus on process harmonization, PAS-X upgrades or the MBR creation for new products (ad-hoc service). As PAS-X is Werum’s proprietary software product, Werum can also consider future PAS-X functions when creating MBRs. “Design as a Service” addresses all phases of MBR development, such as MBR specification, MBR creation and finally MBR verification. The resulting MBRs are lean, efficient and optimized to meet the customer requirements in regard to “Review by Exception”.


Wearable electronics!

andersDX has extended its range of Circular Display Modules with the addition of a round OLED* display module.

The new 1.13” (2.87cm) Passive Matrix OLED TFT Display is again targeted at wearable electronics, especially in the healthcare and fitness sectors and is manufactured by Truly Semiconductor. The module is fully customisable and also offers an attractive option in a number of industrial applications. andersDX announced a 1.48” round touchscreen module in July.

Commenting, Mike Logan, Display and Input Technology Manager of andersDX said, “We can configure the specification of the OLED module to match customer requirements - customers don’t have to use the standard product. andersDX offers full design support, working with customers to adapt the display to suit their product design. On top of this, we have invested in equipment to test luminosity of the new OLED display modules.”

The andersDX OEL9M0082-W-E PMOLED module has an active area of 28.8 x 28.8 mm and a resolution of 128 x 128 dots. The recently announced round touchscreen module is also fully customisable with affordable NRE and tooling cost structures.


• andersDX has been Britain and Ireland distributor for Truly Semiconductor for 5 years.

* An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a light-emitting diode (LED) in which the emissive electroluminescent layer is a film of organic compound which emits light in response to an electric current. 

See our Acronyms and Initials Index Used in Instrumentation, Controls and on the Net