Monday 31 October 2016

Co-operation with clamp-on feature enhances flow offering!

Proper flow consulting and selection reduce piping, design and installation costs!

Emerson and FLEXIM are collaborating to help process customers optimise their flow process design, flow meter selection and flow meter installation on capital projects to reduce execution risk and costs.

 Flexim portable clamp-on flow meter
With customers under severe pressure to reduce schedule and cost targets on capital projects, Emerson’s project teams, using FLEXIM’s clamp-on, ultrasonic flow metering portfolio in combination with Emerson’s broad, in-line flow metering offering, are able to consult early and throughout the project cycle to reduce engineering, piping and installation costs as well as schedule risk.

FLEXIM’s non-intrusive flow metering offering is the leader in the clamp-on, ultrasonic marketplace and provides the best reliability and the most advanced capability when addressing difficult applications with a non-intrusive flow solution. This joint cooperation will improve delivery of the exact flow solution needed by clients while supporting Emerson’s Project Certainty – a transformational approach to enabling top-quartile performance in capital projects.

By empowering project teams with flow expertise to work with clients early in project phases, Emerson has consistently eliminated cost, accommodated change and reduced complexity on capital projects. The non-intrusive nature of FLEXIM’s ultrasonic flow meters makes this product a powerful contributor to reduced engineering, piping and installation costs as well as schedule risk, given that it can be installed after piping is fabricated. Emerson and FLEXIM will collaborate to ensure less time is spent on engineering and installation through the selection of the optimal flow solution for a given application by leveraging the most comprehensive flow portfolio available.

“In today’s market, we are seeing that our customers are looking for us to advise them early in their project cycle on technology to ensure streamlined and cost-effective project execution,” said Bret Shanahan, vice president of flow solutions, Emerson Automation Solutions. “We are pleased to be working with FLEXIM to provide our clients with the most appropriate flow solution that can be applied and support greater capital efficiency.”

“FLEXIM is excited to partner with Emerson on capital projects; our flexible, world-class, non-invasive meters are a perfect fit with Emerson’s experienced project teams,” said Guido Schwanekamp, managing director sales and marketing of FLEXIM. “Together we will be able to offer fully customised solutions that are tailor made for a wide variety of capital projects aimed at reducing capital expenditures while increasing efficiency for our clients and reducing total cost of ownership at the same time.”

@EmersonProcess #Flexim #PAuto @Emerson_News

Friday 28 October 2016

Sulphur Chemiluminescence Detector.

PAC’s AC Analytical Controls is launching the next generation SCD (Sulphur Chemiluminescence Detector), “SeNse”, to the market.

SeNse SCD positions itself as the best performing SCD in the market, combining an excellent stability with a 0.3 pg/s S sensitivity as key specifications, without using oxygen. SeNse uses air instead of oxygen.

SeNse also displays excellent linearity, has a superb selectivity and a true equimolar response that easily outperforms any FPD/PFPD.
It is a total redesign of the Antek 7090 SCD. Completely new optimized ceramics, electronics, and a true constant flow (by pressure point) in the detector base allow for ultra-stable baselines, providing ultra-low lower detection limits. The SeNse also provides the ability to execute GC maintenance (e.g. changing insert or septum) without switching the detector off, significantly reducing instrument downtime.

The large touch-screen and automatic leak check routines make controlling SeNse very simple. SeNse is independent of GC or Chromatography Data System. For now, it can be mounted on Agilent 6890/7890A/B systems, with different platform support to be added in near future.

The SeNse complies with key standard methods such as ASTM D5504 and D5623.

#PACAC #Laboratory #Pauto

New president takes over!

Red Lion Controls has appointed of Jack Lee as President of the company.  Jack, whose appointment is effective immediately, will be based at Red Lion’s headquarters in Pennsylvania (USA).

Jack Lee
Jack Lee succeeds Mike Granby, who served as President of Red Lion for seventeen years, and is leaving the company to pursue other entrepreneurial projects. Mike joined Red Lion in 1996 through the acquisition of the British business that he founded, Paradigm Controls.

“Jack has broad experience in industrial markets, including business development in the rapidly-growing Industrial Internet of Things field. His leadership skills and global industrial background make him well-suited to take Red Lion into its next phase,” said Jo Hallas, Business Group Director at Spectris plc. “We would like to thank Mike for his considerable contribution to Red Lion, building the company into a trusted industrial automation and networking brand over his many years of service.”

Jack served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Surface Equipment and Automation Business Group for Dover Corporation before joining Red Lion. Prior to this, he held various senior positions with Emerson, including leading the acquisition and integration of the Bristol measurement and control business. Earlier in his career, he held positions with Solvay and Pennzoil. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and an MBA from Northwestern University.

“I look forward to the opportunity to lead Red Lion forward as it helps customers gain business insight by improving communications and increasing productivity through its industry-leading solutions,” said Jack Lee, President of Red Lion. “Red Lion has great talent, technology, partnerships and global reach, and we will continue to innovate and focus on providing strong customer service into the future.”

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


@redlioncontrols #PAuto

Firmware for Thin Clients.

Seeking to further enhance flexibility in process automation, R. Stahl HMI Systems is introducing more powerful new integrated software for series 500 Thin Clients for hazardous and industrial areas.

The new, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise-based firmware version 5.0 for Remote HMIs can be adapted to suit all display sizes featuring 1024 x 768 pixels or higher resolutions. At the same time, it increases user-friendliness and reliability of the Thin Clients for the remote operation of DCS installed on central servers or virtual machines. RDP 10 and RealVNC 5.3 and Emerson's DRDC, widely used in the process industry, are available as protocols for failsafe remote access. Integrated network diagnostics and the watchdog function for monitoring the data connection as well as the dual Ethernet support contribute to the high degree of transmission reliability. As protection against manipulation attempts, the software has modern USB and keyboard filters such as EWF lockdown, which reliably prevents registry or file system changes and restores the system's initial configuration after each reboot.

The user-friendly interface with improved touch operation and a clearly structured menu has received a modern make-over. All relevant information on the current connection status, such as IP address, transfer rate, user registration and system information is readily displayed on the dashboard. Multi-screen support is also available for improved visualisation of processes and menu structures. Network connections to all associated workstations can be easily established via the address book menu. Display brightness adjustment and a cleaning mode option can be touch-activated.

The hardware of R. Stahl's Thin Clients also feature superior performance compared to competing HMIs. Thanks to their Intel ATOM series quad-core processor clocked at 4x1.91 Ghz, their 64 bit architecture and 4 GB of RAM, the devices are four times as fast as their predecessors in the same R. Stahl HMI series. Intel VT hardware support of the processor makes them ideal for virtualisation environments. The integrated HD graphics chip supports DirectX 11.1 and ensures excellent display quality throughout, even with very dynamic process images.

• Stahl products are marketed in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.


#PAuto #Stahl

Variable speed drive helps tissue manufacturer.

A leading manufacturer of tissue and paper-based consumer products has upgraded to Control Techniques Unidrive M variable speed drives.

UNIDrive M700 Family
Soffass SpA, based in Porcari (I), is part of the Sofidel group of companies. It produces a range of products including Regina, as well as a wide selection of other products aimed at the global consumer tissue paper market. These include toilet paper, kitchen towel, napkins, paper tablecloths, handkerchiefs, facial tissues and sheets for medical and industrial use.

The company is a long-term user of Control Techniques variable speed drives. However, with mature products such as Commander SK and Unidrive SP moving into the next stage of their lifecycle, the benefits of upgrading to the latest industrial AC drive technology, Unidrive M, were clear.

Unidrive M is capable of fully replacing and enhancing Commander SK and Unidrive SP installations. It offers full mechanical compatibility in terms of dimensions and weights, and when retrofitting surface mount drives existing mounting holes can be reused, negating the need for additional drilling. Furthermore, Unidrive M offers the same power and control wiring philosophy and the same menu and parameter structure. Indeed, parameters can be transferred from Unidrive SP and Commander SK using Unidrive M Connect software, or via a smartcard (Unidrive SP only).

The maintenance team management at Soffass, lead by Giuliano Dinelli (Maintenance Manager) and Luca Manfredini (Electrical Engineer), was keen to tap into the extra benefits offered by Unidrive M, and were able to do this quickly and easily thanks to a number of key design features.

“Previously we used Commander SK and Unidrive SP drives with the SM-Applications and SM-Safety modules, and even though we knew these products would continue to be supported for the next 10 years at least, we thought it provided a good opportunity to take advantage of Unidrive M,”  he  said. “As a result of the upgrade we now use Unidrive M200 drives for asynchronous motor control in the conveyors, and Unidrive M700 drives in the remainder of the applications.”

Among the principal uses for Unidrive M at Soffass is the embosser, where paper veils are matched together to make the final product thicker and softer. The drives also control the print units, as well as the winder/unwinder, which delivers materials to further stages of the process.

“We have complete trust in the Unidrive M platform and wanted to upgrade for many reasons, not least the ease of programming, set-up, commissioning and cabling,” says Mr Dinelli. “Furthermore, we liked technical features such as synchronous Ethernet, on-board AMC and the multi-protocol encoder connector. This multi-axis system with multiple controls is the perfect fit for our converting machinery at Porcari. In total, we have now purchased around 100 Unidrive M drives from Emerson.”

Such has been the success of the upgrade programme that Soffass is now considering the use of additional products from Control Techniques and its sister company, Leroy-Somer, in future projects. Specifically, the company has earmarked the adoption of permanent magnet (PM) motors as they can offer energy savings in equipment such as paper mills, where power requirements are typically high.

“We like Control Techniques because its products are reliable and easy to use,” concludes Mr Dinelli. “In addition, Control Techniques has supported us in the design and development of the machines, and responded positively to our demands in terms of throughput and budget.”


@CTandLS #PAuto @Emerson_News #Italy @sofidelsharing

Thursday 27 October 2016

User group for LIMS success.

Users of Autoscribe Informatics’ Matrix LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) recently attended a busy User Group Meeting in Oxfordshire (GB). Presentations from users and Autoscribe technical specialists were interwoven with live link-ups to Autoscribe experts at a number of locations in the US to provide a varied perspective on current and future uses of Matrix.

The key theme that ran through the meeting was the flexibility provided by the Matrix Gemini configuration tools to allow users to organise their LIMS to their exact needs. There were some enthusiastic presentations from users in vastly different industries who were carrying out all of their own configuration.

Autoscribe specialists contributed a number of useful hints and tips on the use of configuration tools to build checklists, forms or task lists and the use of bulk sample registration. Another session focused on ways to reduce the number of steps required for users to interact with Matrix in order to decrease the number of decisions needed and minimise the chance of making mistakes.

Autoscribe Informatics President, John Boother, commented: “It was a very enjoyable day and very rewarding to see many of our customers so actively embracing the use of our configuration tools. All of the systems we saw today looked very different and yet all use exactly the same underlying code that forms Matrix. Because each individual system has the same code, Autoscribe can support all of our customers’ own configurations provided they have an annual support contract with us – they don’t have to rely on us to configure their system for them.”

“It was also significant that our very first customer for the Autoscribe Matrix V2 system was there to make a presentation,” he continued. “Having purchased Matrix twenty years ago, and having had a regular maintenance contract, they have benefitted by automatically receiving each new iteration of Matrix as it has evolved over the years without ever having to purchase a new system, and are now running the latest version, Matrix Gemini V5. That level of commitment from a customer is testament both to the continuing quality of the product and the importance we attach to customer satisfaction.”


@AutoscribeLtd  #Laboratory 

ICE Box-PC building block system!

Rugged computing is a must for lots of new IoT, M2M and Big Data applications deployed in extreme environmental conditions. Hardly any embedded computing hardware, however, is equipped to operate in minus 60°C, let alone - 100 °C or to be immersed in water. To enable passively cooled standard hardware to nevertheless be operated in such extreme environments, ICOP Technology has developed the ICE Box, a new modular building block system with IP67 protection (majorly hosting PC-104 form factor boards inside) and active heating, which automatically activates if the temperature drops below a configurable minimum temperature (standard value is -20 C).”

Owing to the modular build of the building block system, OEMs can order their individual ICE Box-PCs in numerous different configurations. Any required system configuration can be ordered from batch sizes of just one, including individual I/O covers and laser engraving of the housing and can be delivered within one week after specification approval. Applications can be found in outdoor, vehicle and marine deployment, as well as in refrigerated warehouses.

Amongst the standard components, which ICOP Technology offers for the ICE Box-PC building block system with passive cooling and active heating, are around 20 different standard CPU components with SFF, low power DM&P Vortex86 processor technology, power supplies as well as numerous I/O extensions for Ethernet and wireless (IoT) interfaces, USB, digital and analog I/O, fieldbuses as well as motion control applications. The interfaces can be mounted on the front or back panel according to requirements, paving the way for highly individual OEM configurations. The ICE-104 building block enclosure is suited for OEMs without MOQ needed.

Customers opting for ICOP Technology’s systems with DM&P Vortex86 processors profit from a rich, established ecosystem which has been developed over decades and can be immediately deployed. Besides these extremely energy-efficient x86 processors – which are equally suited to new IoT applications and long-tail deployments including ISA support – there exist countless special “off the shelf” solutions which still have to be developed for comparatively less established processor technologies. OEMs can also expect a much more stable expansion of the ecosystem, the advancement of DM&P Vortex86 processors caters for the long-term requirements of industrial computing with x86 technology and not for commercial mainstream demands, where tomorrow completely different features could be relevant.

@iCOPTechnology #PAuto 

Expansion to support European growth.

Microlease has opened a major extension to its Harrow, London head office and warehouse. The company has leased an adjoining unit giving it an additional 1,500 sq mt (16,000 sq ft) of office, warehouse and laboratory space to support its expanding European business and 225 strong European team.

Nigel Brown, Microlease CEO said, “To grow successfully and drive ever higher standards of customer service and of quality we are expanding our capability at every level. Extending into the unit adjoining our existing headquarters gives us the headroom to grow further and consolidate the integration of the Livingston team and inventory on to the Harrow site. It also helps accommodate the additional stock needed to support our growing distribution relationships.”

The unit allows Microlease to expand at every level. Nigel Brown continued, “Our multi-lingual team of instrumentation specialists is increasing to provide applications and procurement advice to help customers as well as providing technical and logistical support. The additional warehouse helps to accommodate our expanding stock of instruments for rental and for sale in the most efficient way. At the same time, the laboratory area is being extended to service, calibrate and prepare an increasing number of instruments for our customers.”

Microlease has invested over £500,000 in fitting out the new unit, which provides additional office, warehouse and laboratory space. Its European team is now 225 strong, with 175 people based in the Britain. The Harrow based team includes native speakers of most major European languages, and provides support to customers throughout Europe.

The worldwide Microlease team is now 370. The expanded warehouse area has allowed an additional six Kardex Remstar XP500 shuttle storage systems to be installed, providing secure, efficient and climate controlled storage for the Microlease rental fleet and sales stock of over 57,000 instruments and 8,000 different lines. Twenty extra bays of high bay racking have also been added. The new unit also includes a third laboratory area for the servicing, calibration and preparation of new, used and rental instruments.

 @microlease #PAuto #TandM 

Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Gigabit Products.

Three new additions to their N-Tron® series of industrial Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Gigabit products: NT24k-16TX-POE, 1008TX-POE+ and 1000-POE4+ have been announced by Red Lion Controls. These new POE+ switches and injectors complement Red Lion’s industrial networking portfolio to offer customers additional PoE options that drive operational efficiencies while addressing industry demands.
“PoE simplifies installations and reduces costs by eliminating the need to run extra wires for electricity or to get permits to run wires,” said Diane Davis, director of product management, networking at Red Lion Controls. “With more and more industrial devices using PoE, customers demand a broader range of products packaged in a variety of PoE configurations to meet specific application requirements.”

Built on Red Lion’s foundation of reliable performance and easy configuration, Red Lion’s IEEE 802.3af/at compliant PoE offerings are designed to deliver robust and reliable connectivity for industrial applications. The following new PoE products offer metal DIN-Rail mountable enclosures and plug-and-play installation combined with wide operating temperature ranges and industry-leading shock and vibration tolerances:

  • NT24k-16TX-POE: Layer 2 managed Gigabit switch provides 16 10/100/1000BaseT(X) RJ45 ports. Advanced PoE management allows quick and easy allocation of the switch’s 240 Watt PoE power budget to any of its 16 ports (up to 30 Watts per port). Additional comprehensive features include auto IGMP configuration, N-Link™ and N-Ring™ technology, RSTP, N-View™ monitoring, CIP messaging, SNTP, IEEE802.1x and Radius remote server authentication.
  • 1008TX-POE+: industrial unmanaged Gigabit switch provides 8 10/100/1000BaseT(X) RJ45 ports, including 4 PoE+ capable ports (up to 30 Watts each), jumbo frame support and LED link/activity and PoE status indication.
  • 1000-POE4+: 8-port Gigabit mid-span PoE+ injector provides 4 10/100/1000BaseT(X) RJ45 ports (data in) and 4 10/100/1000BaseT(X) RJ45 PoE+ ports (data and power out) that support 30 Watts per port.

All three PoE models include a built-in power boost circuit that allows 24VDC power input to meet PoE voltage requirements.

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


@redlioncontrols #PAuto 

TFT display!

KOE has announced the introduction of a new 10.4-inch TFT display module. The TX26D203VM2BAA features XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) resolution, a 4:3 aspect ratio and excellent optical performance characteristics.

A contrast ratio of 800:1 and a high brightness specification of 1200cd/m² ensure that bright, clear and concise display images are delivered all ambient light environments. The white LED backlight features a half brightness lifetime of 70K hours.

Jason Tsai, Marketing Manager, KOE, said, "The new KOE 10.4-inch TFT produces exceptional optical performance and is suitable for use in many different application environments where the quality and clarity of the display image is paramount."

A 20-pin single channel LVDS interface supports both 6-bit and 8-bit RGB data enabling a colour palette of up to (6-bit) 262K or (8-bit) 16.7M colours. The optimum viewing direction is specified as 12 o'clock.

The 10.4-inch display module features mechanical outline dimensions of 235.0mm (w) x 180.2mm (h) x 9.5mm (d) and an active display area of 211.2mm (w) x 158.4mm (h). The display module supports an operating temperature range of -20°C to +70°C and a storage temperature range of -30°C to +80°C.The display module weighs 370g.

Typical applications for the 10.4-inch XGA display include point-of-sale systems, process control, medical instrumentation and public information terminals. KOE's new TX26D203VM2BAA TFT display is available immediately from KOE's distribution sales channel partners.

#koe.j-display #PAuto 

Wednesday 26 October 2016

Two gas detectors in one!

The iTrans 2 fixed gas detector has been introduced by Tyco Gas & Flame Detection. It features a unique intelligent electronics platform that provides up to two points of detection from a single device.

This state-of-the-art gas detector is able to monitor a combination of gases using a combination of available sensor technologies to include electrochemical, catalytic bead, and infrared. The iTrans 2 boasts a wide range of safety features including automatic sensor recognition, access code security, and zero and calibration fault protection. A single or dual-channel, split screen LED display provides optimal visibility in dark places with operator interface made simple using a magnetic wand.

Available in aluminum or stainless steel enclosure, the explosion-proof device is designed for use in a wide range of applications and harsh environments. Other options include HART communications protocol, RS-485 Modbus, programmable relays and remote sensing. Certifications include CSA, ATEX, IECEx, INMETRO, CCC and China Ex.

@TycoGFD #PAuto

Are you sitting comfortably?

For advanced and sophisticated seat pressure mapping Interface Force Measurements announce the availability of a new range of systems from XSensor. Incorporating the new LX series of capacitive pressure sensors, these systems provide seating engineers with highly accurate, repeatable and durable testing. 

Pressure mapping is increasingly being used in seating design and test, as customers demand more comfort and safety and more options are offered. By providing customised solutions with highly sensitive and accurate sensors, the XSensor pressure mapping systems are an invaluable tool for assessing automotive and aerospace seat designs, ingress/egress testing and manufacturing quality control.

At the heart of the systems is the X3 LX sensor series, a range of pressure sensors that have been proven to be extremely accurate due to high repeatability, low hysteresis and low creep characteristics. What makes these sensors particularly suitable for pressure mapping is that they demonstrate unrivalled durability, conformability and image detail, making the ideal for engineering research and design. 

The new LX series provide accurate measurement of the interface’s true pressure by conforming to the topology of the surface and is able to minimise sensor effect, while maintaining spatial integrity – with no compromise to image quality. Cost of ownership is also reduced as the improved calibration stability leads to consistent data over thousands of cycles.

As part of the system, Interface Force offers the latest X3 Pro V7.0 software that focuses on offering more effective process and reporting tools for the test engineer. The new Pro V7 enables users to overlay pressure images on photos or graphics and adjust the pressure image size and positioning to specific h-point references, as well as a host of other features. 

@interfaceforce #Transportation #Automotive

Marketing team expanded!

Ion Science is continuing to increase headcount with a newly expanded marketing team to enhance global delivery of its occupational health and environmental gas detection monitoring instrumentation. The Cambridgeshire-based company has appointed Emily Lane and Gracia Scott as Marketing Assistants while Andrew Scott joins as Multi-media Designer.

LtoR: Emily Lane, Andrew Scott and Gracia Scott.
Long-standing Ion Science employee, Andrew Scott, joined the company in 1996 as technical, customer and sales support in the special projects department. Since then, he has enjoyed a variety of key roles including Product Manager and Project Manager for business development.

Emily joined Ion Science from ECS Global Inc where she was Account Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of global accounts. Prior to this, she was Visitor Experience overseeing the CEO’s Itinerary, internal meeting reservations and ensuring excellent customer service.

Gracia started working at Ion Science as a Trainee Marketing Assistant after finishing her A-levels at a Cambridge Sixth Form College. She progressed to Marketing Assistant shortly after a successful year’s service.

Ion Science Marketing Manager, Sam Holson, heads up the department and comments: “The newly expanded marketing team will help support our rapidly expanding business and portfolio of market-leading gas detection instrumentation over the next few years. Demonstrating a passion for marketing, Andrew, Emily and Gracia will work closely with distributors, sales and Ion Science overseas offices in Italy, Germany and the USA to help ensure continued growth both in Europe and the rest of the world."

Sam adds: “With this infusion of energy, drive and enthusiasm, we can promote the Ion Science brand and its products more effectively.”

@ionscience #PAuto @elhcomms

Monday 24 October 2016

Boosting sugarcane delivery at Thai plant.

A Control Techniques Unidrive M600 variable speed drive is helping a major sugar plant in Thailand to guarantee the efficient delivery of sugarcane between processes.

First established in 1946, Mitr Phol Sugar Corp is the largest sugar producer in Thailand today, the biggest in Asia and the world’s fourth largest, producing 2 million tons of sugar a year from its various plants. To help produce this much sugar, Mitr Phol has to process around 20 million tons of sugarcane. At its Phulaung plant (in northeast Thailand), the company recently opted to replace the drive on its principal variable speed sugarcane conveyors to help meet demand.

“We have used various drives for this application in the past, but were attracted to the closed loop control of the Unidrive M600 with SI-Encoder module, as well as the low harmonics,” explained Mr Wanchai, the plant’s electrical & automation manager.

The SI-Encoder module features incremental encoder input to provide closed loop rotor flux control for induction motors (RFC-A) in Unidrive M600 applications.

“This is vital as the equipment is conveying sugarcane to each process station, including the crushing station,” said Mr Wanchai. “We need to run at full capacity, particularly during September to March, which is when the sugarcane comes into season. Any downtimes during these months can very damaging to the supply of sugar in the off-season.”

Another principal reason for selecting Unidrive M was its task-based commissioning, diagnostics and maintenance, which in turn helps minimise downtime at high-volume plants such as Mitr Phol.

“Unidrive M600 allows us to greatly enhance performance. For instance, we now have better overload torque (180% for 3 seconds) in RFC-A mode. Moreover, we reduced downtime from 1-1½ hours to just 30 minutes by using Control Techniques’ commissioning software tool Unidrive M Connect.”

Unidrive M Connect is the latest drive configuration tool from Control Techniques for commissioning, optimising and monitoring drive/system performance. It uses graphical tools that enhance and simplify user experience, although, for experienced users, dynamic drive logic diagrams and enhanced searchable listings are also present.

“We received highly responsive technical support during of pre-sales and after-sales from Control Techniques and local partner Contrologic throughout the process,” concluded Mr Wanchai. “We certainly plan to incorporate additional products from Control Techniques into our business moving forwards.”

@EmersonIndAuto  #Pauto @Emerson_News #Food

Hygienic conductivity sensor.

The Memosens CLS82D conductivity sensor for production, process development and laboratory applications in the pharmaceutical, food, life sciences and other industries has been . The four-electrode sensor measures conductivity from 1 µS/cm to 500 mS/cm and temperature from 23 to 248 °F (-5 to 120 °C) with accuracy of ≤4% and repeatability of 0.2%.

For hygienic applications, the CLS82D has 316L stainless steel construction, electropolished surfaces that are easy to clean, hygienic process connections and IP68 protection, and it can be sterilized in place (SIP) at temperatures up to 284 °F (140 °C) for clean-in-place (CIP) operations. The CLS82D is certified for EHEDG, FDA, 3-A and pharmaceutical applications. Typical applications include phase separations, chromatography, fermentation, CIP, monitoring and ultrafiltration.

The sensor is available in a standard PG13.5 thread size, with 1.5 and 2 inch Tri-Clamp sanitary fittings, or with an NPT fitting, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

The conductivity measuring cell has four platinum electrodes housed in a ceramic sensor element. Similar temperature expansion behaviors of the materials ensure the material bond stays tight even during extreme temperature changes, allowing cleanability and aseptic hygiene.

During operation, an alternating current is applied to the outer electrode pair. At the same time, the voltage applied is measured at the two inner electrodes. The electrolytic conductivity between the electrodes can be reliably established based on the measured voltage and the current flow caused by the liquid's resistance. The advantage of this technology compared to traditional two-electrode sensors is that electrochemical effects at the live electrodes are suppressed by the two additional voltage measuring electrodes.

The sensor connects to an Endress+Hauser Liquiline transmitter that sends conductivity and temperature information to a process control, SCADA or monitoring system via 4-20mA HART, Profibus DP, Modbus RTU or EtherNet/IP. Liquiline transmitters also have a web server that allows the CLS82D’s output, status, diagnostics, logbooks and calibration information to be viewed on a handheld tablet, smartphone or laptop PC via a Wi-Fi or internet connection via any web browser.

The CLS82D is a digital sensor, so it can stores a variety of data in the sensor itself including serial number, data of manufacture, calibration date, number of calibrations, conductivity application range, cell constant, hours of operation at high temperatures, and other data quantifying operating history. These features allow “plug and play” compatibility with the Liquiline transmitter to simplify commissioning, maintenance and replacement—while also improving improves reliability.

For example, an existing sensor can be quickly replaced with a pre-calibrated sensor which automatically connects to the Liquiline transmitter via a non-contact digital connection, eliminating problems with moisture and corrosion. Maintenance intervals can be more efficiently determined based on stored sensor load and calibration data instead of simply on a calendar basis.

@Endress_Hauser #PAuto #Pharma

Friday 21 October 2016

Automated temp monitoring!

Testo has supplied its latest temperature and humidity data logging system, Saveris 2, to Stansted Laboratories’ facility in Barking (GB).

Stansted Laboratories is a highly successful UKAS accredited laboratory of 20 staff analysing over 50,000 samples a year in a purpose built facility. It specialises in microbiological analysis of water and air, with its main income derived from Legionella testing of water and drinking water bacteriological analysis.

Maintaining precise temperatures within its devices - incubators, fridges, freezers and water baths – and cold room is essential to ensure accuracy and for compliance with UKAS’ stringent requirements, as is maintaining a detailed record. Stansted Laboratories had been monitoring and recording equipment temperatures manually, but as the company grew this became a time consuming, labour intensive activity.

Following a site visit, Testo recommended its Saveris 2 system, a highly cost-effective, flexible temperature and humidity data logging solution specifically for small to medium sized applications, which still provides the accuracy and reliability of its larger ‘parent’ system, Saveris 1.

15 Saveris 2 wireless temperature data loggers are now in use at Stansted Laboratories. The majority of the loggers are T2 which are being used to monitor temperatures in fridges, fridge freezers and incubators from -25°C to + 50°C, with T3 loggers with specialist flexible probes used for the 50°C water baths and a T1 logger with internal NTC temperature sensor in the cold room. The T2 data loggers are being used with a Testo Penetration probe NTC with ribbon cable (2 metre length) which is exceptionally flat allowing it to be pushed through narrow openings, such as the door seal of the fridges and incubators without impacting the performance of those units.

The measured temperature values from all the data loggers are automatically recorded by the Saveris 2 system and sent directly over a wireless LAN to the Testo cloud (online storage), requiring no manual intervention. The information is formatted into an easy to read graphic based report for each data logger and available as a pdf or csv file which can be emailed daily, weekly or monthly. Stansted Laboratories has opted for a daily report. Furthermore, authorised personnel can access data logger information at any time and from any location with an internet-enabled smartphone, tablet or PC, for maximum convenience.

For Stansted Laboratories, a key benefit of the Saveris 2 system is the automation. Anu Tavarasa, Laboratory Manager explains: “we were doing the readings manually, which took us half hour in the morning and another half hour in the afternoon. We wanted to automate this to save time. We tried several data loggers but they didn’t work for us as they were taking a long time to download. The Testo system is very fast. Not only has it freed up an hour every day for us to do analysis, but it’s very user friendly. I like the way we can look at the data online whenever we want; we do this regularly – three times a day at least. The alerts are also very useful, which come direct to the lab.” Saveris 2 provides free email alerts, plus up to 25 free SMS alerts a year (per logger), with alert parameters configured by the customer.

Whilst accuracy is clearly essential, for Stansted Laboratories the ease of use and flexibility of Saveris 2 has been a winning combination. The entire system is automated, needs no maintenance except for yearly recalibration (as standard with all test and measurement equipment), staff do not require training, and is both easily expandable and simple to install; so much so that when Stansted Laboratories recently expanded into adjacent premises, staff simply picked up the data loggers and moved them with the equipment without any need for Testo’s assistance.

@TestoLimited #PAuto #Laboratory @HamiltonGasProd

Cybersecurity under scrutiny at conference!


Security and automation professionals from various industries will gather next week in Atlanta, Georgia at the 2016 edition of SecurityWeek’s ICS Cyber Security Conference, the longest-running event of its kind. The International Society of Automation (ISA) serves as an alliance partner of the event, which takes place on 24-27 October.

The event kicks off on Monday, 24 October with a series of open and advanced workshops focusing on operational technology (OT), critical infrastructure, SCADA systems, and management. Participants will have the opportunity to learn not only how an organization can be protected against attacks, but also how attackers think and operate when targeting industrial control systems (ICS).
On Tuesday, 25 October, Admiral Michael S. Rogers, Director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, will deliver the keynote address. Immediately following his keynote presentation, Admiral Rogers will take part in a discussion and question-and-answer session.

Later the same day, Yokogawa’s Jeff Melrose will detail drone attacks on industrial sites, and ICS cybersecurity expert Mille Gandelsman will disclose new vulnerabilities in popular SCADA systems.
In addition to an attack demonstration targeting a Schweitzer SEL-751A feeder protection relay, the day will feature several highly focused breakout sessions and a panel discussion on risk management and insurance implications.

The third day of the event, Wednesday, 26 November, includes presentations on PLC vulnerabilities, attacks against air-gapped systems, cyberattack readiness exercises, and management issues.
Also on Wednesday, ExxonMobil Chief Engineer Don Bartusiak will detail the company’s initiative to build a next-generation process control architecture. Breakout sessions will focus on risk management, incident response, safety and cybersecurity programs, emerging technologies, and the benefits of outside cybersecurity services in the automation industry.

On Thursday, the last day of the ICS Cyber Security Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the implications of the Ukrainian energy hack on the US power grid, practical attacks on the oil and gas industries, and how technologies designed for video game development and engineering can be used to simulate cyberattacks and evaluate their impact.

Speakers will also detail the status of ICS in developing countries, the need for physical security, the implications associated with the use of cloud technologies in industrial environments, and the implementation of a publicly accessible database covering critical infrastructure incidents.  

Produced by SecurityWeek, the ICS Cyber Security Conference is the conference where ICS users, ICS vendors, system security providers and government representatives meet to discuss the latest cyber-incidents, analyze their causes and cooperate on solutions. Since its first edition in 2002, the conference has attracted a continually rising interest as both the stakes of critical infrastructure protection and the distinctiveness of securing ICSs become increasingly apparent.

@SecurityWeek #Pauto 

Thursday 20 October 2016

Platform combines communication and control.

The rugged Graphite® platform has been expanded by Red Lion Controls, to include a new Graphite Core Controller and Graphite Crimson® Control Module that combine communication and control capabilities to reduce cost and ease operations. Both hardware offerings leverage an enhanced version of Red Lion’s powerful Crimson 3.0 software with added Crimson Control functionality to provide a single programming solution for control, networking and data visualization.

Crimson Control enables customers to use IEC 61131 programming languages – such as Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text and Instruction List – to solve specific application needs by developing logic control much like a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) without the added expense. This control functionality is now available as part of:

• Graphite Core Controller: rugged standalone industrial controller that features all-metal construction and works with a variety of I/O modules to combine IEC 61131 control capabilities with networking and data visualization alongside the core functionality – protocol conversion, data logging and web serving – of a Graphite seven inch HMI minus the graphical display.
• Graphite Crimson Control Module: control module that plugs into Graphite HMIs to form an all-in-one industrial solution that adds IEC 61131 control functionality without requiring additional panel space or a separate programming package.

“Adding control and expansion options to our Graphite platform enables organizations to take communication and control capabilities even further to enhance factory automation and process control applications,” said Paul Bunnell, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. “Customers can easily reduce equipment cost and complexity by using our new IEC 61131 control functionality to program logic control code without the need for additional software or hardware.”

To support this extended functionality, Red Lion now offers rugged Graphite expansion racks that work with the Graphite platform to provide a scalable solution enabling organizations to remotely mount up to twelve plug-in modules to the back of a cabinet without extensive wiring. Each rack supports up to three plug-in modules and can be installed for a maximum of twenty modules per tethered Graphite connection.

Red Lion’s Graphite platform includes a built-in web server that enables users to monitor and control applications via PCs, tablets or smartphones. SMS text-messaging and email alerts provide early warning of process issues, which helps avoid costly downtime or site visits. In addition, protocol conversion lets customers select from more than 300 industrial protocols to seamlessly integrate disparate devices such as PLCs, drives, cameras, barcode readers and panel meters.

The Graphite platform is ideal for factory automation and process control environments that may include manufacturing, oil & gas, water/wastewater, power, utility transportation and maritime. Applications include tank batteries, pipelines, salt water disposal, pump stations, lift stations, substation controls, solar array positioning and railroad trackside controls.

• Red Lion products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology


 @redlioncontrols  #PAuto 

Linearization and Teach!

Thanks to linearised calibration curves and very low standard dispersion rates, the new distance-measuring inductive sensors IR08, IR12 and IR18 from the Baumer AlphaProx family offer easy and reasonably priced analysis of the measurement results without any additional cost or effort for programming. Complex reference measurements are also things of the past.

A simple and innovative 1-point teaching process makes it possible to set or adapt the sensors to a special application quickly and easily, more or less at the press of a button. The sensor is only taught at one certain position. The output signal from the teaching point is linear, with the required steepness. This means that the sensor can also be installed wherever the teaching of a second point is not possible on account of the dynamic range of the application. An example of this is the measurement of the deformation of a shaft. Installation tolerances are eliminated directly in the sensor, guaranteeing reproducible measurements and reducing installation costs.

The steepness of the calibration curve can be adapted individually to different applications using an easy-to-operate 2-point teaching function. The sensors assume an exactly defined value at the minimum and maximum distances, and between these the output signal is linear. For applications in which, beside the analog signal, a switching signal is to be generated at certain points on the calibration curve, for example to indicate a critical range, Baumer also offers AlphaProx models with an additional digital output. This combination of two outputs in one sensor allows the sensor to be installed even in places where there is no room for two sensors, thus cutting costs as well.

@BaumerGroup #Pauto 

Wednesday 19 October 2016

Automation training centre for Saudi college.

Industry and workforce development officials in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are celebrating the October opening of an ISA training centre at the Jubail Industrial College in the country’s Eastern province as a major step forward in positioning the region for ongoing economic growth and industrial innovation.
LtoR: Soloman Almadi, Ph.D., Senior Engineering Consultant at Saudi Aramco; Eid M. Al-Hajri, MD, Managing Director of Jubail Industrial College; Patrick Gouhin, ISA Executive Director and CEO; Abdullah Alkhalifah, Senior Engineering Consultant with Saudi Aramco’s Process and Control System Division and President of ISA in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); and Khaled Abusalem, Senior Engineering Consultant with Saudi Aramco’s Technology Management Division.

The Jubail-ISA Training Centre brings ISA’s globally recognised automation and control instruction—as well as its certification review and certificate program courses—to Jubail Industrial City, the largest industrial city in the Middle East and home to one of the world’s most advanced industrial and engineering complexes.

“With the opening of the JIC-ISA training center, the college has achieved yet another milestone toward its mission of bringing standards-based automation training and skills instruction on modern industrial technology to the region,” states Eid M. Al-Hajri, MD, Managing Director of Jubail Industrial College. “By partnering with ISA to establish the center, we’re able to help engineers, technologists and technicians in the region improve their capabilities, skills and knowledge in the essential areas of instrumentation and control, and engineering and technology.”

A throng of KSA officials and industry leaders—including ISA Executive Director and CEO Patrick Gouhin—attended the center’s official opening on in early October 2016.

“The formal opening of the Jubail-ISA Training Center was immensely exciting and a landmark event for all of us at ISA,” Gouhin says. “We are privileged to collaborate with Jubail Industrial College to make ISA training easily accessible to the companies and workers in this economically vital region of the world.”

Many prominent representatives of Saudi Aramco, the KSA’s national petroleum and natural gas company, also attended the opening and highlighted the center’s importance in preparing more workers for the area’s growing number of high-tech jobs.

“With the continued growth that we have seen in this part of the world, automation and a skilled automation workforce are central to continued economic sustainability and advancement,” asserts Soloman Almadi, Ph.D., Senior Engineering Consultant at Saudi Aramco. “The opening of the Jubail-ISA Training Center plants the seeds for a powerhouse platform that will play a major role in our vision and future for industry.”

Simply put, this is a dream come true,” expresses Abdullah Alkhalifah, Senior Engineering Consultant with Saudi Aramco’s Process and Control System Division. “Having access to world-class automation training and certification programs—right in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s major oil and gas hub—is a major milestone and something that industry in this part of the world have been waiting a long time for. This will undoubtedly lead to the development of a new generation of automation engineers and professionals who will be able to serve the Kingdom and help meet its long-term objectives.”

Khaled Abusalem, Senior Engineering Consultant with Saudi Aramco’s Technology Management Division, says the ISA training center has the potential to serve as an “uncubator for applied research and technology evaluation and as a Saudi Arabia center of excellence in systems automation.”

He added that ISA certification gives workers an additional edge in the marketplace because it bestows an even higher level of skills proficiency and qualification—increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to improve quality, efficiency, safety and security.

@IrJubailcollege #PAuto #ISAuto

AC/DC Drives for oil rig cranes!

A US-based specialist in the supply of complete electrical packages for oil rig cranes is using Control Techniques AC and DC drives as part of a landmark $500,000+ order involving the upgrade of 10 LeTourneau cranes. Three cranes have already been completed with no reported down-time in the first 18 months of operation, whereas prior to the upgrade, maintenance would be required on a weekly or even daily basis in some instances. The financial benefits for the oil rig operator are proving substantial.

Headquartered in League City, Texas, JC’s Marine Oilfield Services was established in 1992. The company’s Power & Distribution Division specialises in a variety of motor control solutions that are customised to match the needs of oil rig cranes, as well as drilling barges, supply vessels and land rigs.

When a Texas/Louisiana-based customer was seeking an electrical contractor to help upgrade the drive systems on 10 LeTourneau oilfield cranes, JC’s Marine Power & Distribution was in prime position to secure the order thanks to its technical support and AC/DC capabilities. As a long-standing advocate and user of drive technologies from Control Techniques, the company proposed the use of a Unidrive SP AC variable speed drive for the boom, and two Control Techniques Mentor MP series DC regenerative drives for the swing and hoist.

“The technical advice offered by Control Techniques is one their best selling points,” stated John Costanza, President at ‎ JC's Marine Oilfield Services. “Their technicians always address problems quickly and comprehensively, which means a lot to a business such as ours, and is certainly better than we have experienced elsewhere. We exclusively use Control Techniques drives on our projects, ranging from 75 to 750kW, both AC and DC.”

Around 1600 LeTourneau cranes are currently in service on oil and gas rigs around the world. Although they were originally fitted with large motor-generator sets, these do not offer variable speed, meaning there is total reliance on the skill of the boom operator to lower heavy loads.

“By changing to a Control Techniques variable speed drive for the boom we can ensure complete control over the speed and rate at which the boom moves, so that loads up to 50 tons are ‘feathered’ rather than ‘banged’ to the ground,” said Mr Costanza.

The boom motor drive system comprises an SP5402 Unidrive variable speed AC drive rated at 210 Amps continuous, while the hook motor drive system features a Mentor MP420A4R DC drive rated at 420 Amps continuous. A Mentor MP210A4R, rated at 210 Amps continuous, is fitted to the swing motor drive system. All of the drives are purposely sized for twice the normal power required, which means the system never runs at its maximum capacity.

“I’ve been operating with the new system for 12 months and have not had one issue,” said Justin Hillard, LeTourneau crane operator on Atlantic 7 rig. “The controls are user friendly, very smooth and have a wide variable speed in hook, swing and boom. In my opinion the boom is the biggest operating improvement. With its variable speed you can ease into boom and keep the load stable and personnel safe on deck.”

Jason also praised the increased safety afforded as a result of the new system: “The crane is also much quieter without the motor-generator sets running; you can hear what the crane is doing and what’s going on around you. I’ve also noticed that if you’re in a position where you cannot see the hook, you can actually hear the hook motor running and know how fast the hook is travelling. I highly recommend this system, it’s safer, smoother, quieter and virtually maintenance-free.”

David Powers, fellow LeTourneau crane operator on Atlantic 7 rig, also likes the new control system, which carries a Certificate of Design Conformance from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS): “The new system gives the crane a better parameter of operation and is more responsive. Most importantly, these changes have made a much safer work environment.”

“Braking is automated, which promotes safety and takes responsibility away from the operator,” added Mr Costanza. “Also, there is better reliability as the load is not being ‘snatched’.”

Further benefits delivered to the end user as a result of AC and DC drive technologies from Control Techniques include conformal coating on the PCBs, which helps impart protection in marine environments, while the large working temperature range is also advantageous.

The project to complete the upgrade of the 10 LeTourneau cranes will continue through to the end of 2017.

@EmersonIndAuto #PAuto #ControlTechniques #Oil

Gas analyser for hydrogen-cooled generators.

Michell Instruments has added an analyser dedicated to monitoring hydrogen-cooled electricity generators to its current range of moisture and oxygen analysers. The new XTC601 for hydrogen cooled generators has been designed with three phase profiles to cover all of the gas analysis requirements for operation and maintenance.
Hydrogen is used as a coolant in generators because it is the most efficient cooling agent available, having the highest thermal conductivity of all gases, allowing it to quickly draw heat away from the stator. A secondary benefit of using hydrogen is its low density, which reduces drag on the brushes making the generator work more efficiently.

High-purity hydrogen is required for the cooling to be effective, as well as for safe operation. As it is not possibly to hermetically seal the generator set casings, there is always the potential for moisture ingress from the surrounding air. Too much moisture in the system not only reduces efficiency, but also introduces the risk of arcing and damage to the generator. Too much oxygen could cause an explosion.

As well as monitoring the purity of hydrogen in operation, operators also routinely purge the system with CO2 to remove all the hydrogen safely, before carrying out scheduled maintenance.

The XTC601 for hydrogen cooled generators has three phase profiles to cover all stages of the process:

  • Normal operation: H2 Purity (air as the contaminant). Providing continuous, online measurements of the atmosphere within the generator.
  • Purging H2 with CO2. Indicating when all the H2 has been removed from the system before routine maintenance – vital for safety and avoiding risk of explosions.
  • Purging CO2 with Air. This phase ensures that the atmosphere is safe for the engineers to work

The analyser has three calibration maps to enable measurement in each of the above gas mixtures. Switching between them is simple using the integrated HMI or via an input from the plant control system. Having just one analyzer to monitor each of the phases reduces installation costs and capital expenditure. As with all of Michell’s Thermal Conductivity analysers, the non-depleting sensor makes it highly cost-effective over its lifetime as there are no consumable parts to replace.

• Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

@Michell_Inst #PAuto #power

Mid range temperature transmitter.

The YTA610 temperature transmitter has been released by Yokogawa. Although the YTA610 is a mid-range model, it has the same dual-compartment housing for the transmitter terminal block and electronics that is used with the company’s high-end models, ensuring excellent environmental resistance.

YTA 610
The release of the YTA610 temperature transmitter completes Yokogawa’s revamp of the YTA series, with the YTA610 and the YTA710 (a high-end model that was released in May of this year) succeeding the YTA110, the YTA310, and the YTA320, with the aim of further improving this innovative and reliable market leading range.

Development Background
Temperature transmitters are used in oil and gas, petrochemical, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, electric power, water treatment and other types of plants, to convert signals from thermocouples, RTDs, and other types of temperature sensors and relay them to the plant monitoring and control system. The YTA series was launched in 1998, and the high reliability and excellent environmental resistance of these transmitters has made them a global top seller.

To begin its revamp of the YTA series, Yokogawa released the YTA710 in May. While featuring the same high environmental resistance and reliability of the other models in the YTA series, this high-end model enables higher measurement accuracy and comes with a number of new functions that meet our customers’ latest needs. The YTA610 a cost-effective mid-range model in this product series.

Product Features
1. Dual-compartment housing
The dual-compartment housing of the YTA610 sets it apart from many of its competitors in the mid-range temperature transmitter market by allowing it to be installed in locations where they will be subject to extreme temperatures and high humidity. Although the YTA610 is a mid-range model, it has the same dual-compartment housing found in high-end models such as the YTA710; with the terminal block and electronics in separate compartments, the YTA610 has outstanding environmental resistance.

2. Choice of the latest digital communication protocols
The YTA610 supports the latest versions of the HART® and FOUNDATIONTM Fieldbus communications protocols, HART 7 and ITK 6. As such, the YTA610 complies with the IEC 61508 standard, which was specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the functional safety of electrical and electric equipment. Early next year, it is expected that the YTA610 will be certified as meeting the requirements for safety integrity level (SIL) 2, as defined by the IEC.

3. Improved self-diagnostics and sensor diagnostic functions
Each of the transmitters in the YTA series comes with a variety of diagnostic functions that can detect problems with the transmitter such as a disconnected sensor. In addition to these functions, the YTA610 features a variety of new prognostic functions that will improve maintenance efficiency by making it possible to predict when calibration and other maintenance procedures will need to be performed.

4. Local parameter setting
Software developed especially for the new YTA models is available that facilitates the setting of parameters for transmitters and other field devices. Basic parameter setting can be performed by just pressing buttons on the indicator. As this eliminates the need for a PC, this is especially convenient when working in the field.

 @YokogawaIA  #PAuto

EGM on Coriolis mass flowmeters.

Entrained Gas Management EGM technology is now available for all Krohne OPTIMASS Coriolis mass flowmeters. With the latest additions OPTIMASS 3400 and OPTIMASS 7400, now the whole OPTIMASS series offers continuous and repeatable mass flow or density measurement with 2-phase flows such as liquids mixed with gas, slurries with gases or highly viscous fluids with gas entrainments.

In the past, this presented a huge challenge for mass flowmeters: without gas entrainments, the measuring tubes in the Coriolis mass flowmeter have the desired regular oscillation. Gas entrained in the liquid dampens this regular oscillation, and as the gas content increases, it can come to a complete stop. To overcome this, Krohne developed powerful control algorithms that allow the meter to maintain oscillation and continue to measure even with complex flow conditions. This is possible even during a complete transition from a pure liquid phase to a gas phase and back, i.e. from 0…100% gas content. Mass flow and density measurements remain stable, continuous and repeatable.

Since the introduction of the EGM technology in 2012, OPTIMASS flowmeters with EGM have proven themselves in 2-phase flow and batch/loading/empty-full-empty applications in various industries:

  • Food & Beverage: raw milk, ice cream, dough, sirup, tomato concentrate, spinach, meat, margarine, mayonnaise, meat, syrup, coffee extract, coolants, sugar concentrates and molasses
  • Chemical: hydrogen peroxide processing, viscous monomers/polymers, liquid removal from stirred tanks, highly concentrated assets such as fuming HCl or HNO3, polyurethane foams, push to empty tanks
  • Oil & Gas: drilling fluids, truck loading/offloading, well heads, tank management

Together with the indication or configurable alarm for the user, EGM can also be used to improve processes by identifying transient gas entrainments.
To explain the technology and the applications in more detail, “Entrained Gas Management in Coriolis flowmeters” has been released as new course on the free Krohne Academy online eLearning platform. The course consists of one learning module with a corresponding test that allows participants to assess their knowledge, and is currently available in English and German, other languages will follow.

• Krohne products are marketed in Ireland by DWN Instrumentation.

@krohnegroup #PAuto 

Ethernet connection system for PROFINET and robot cables.

Harting has expanded its preLink® integrated Ethernet connection system with new versions of the preLink® termination block for interfacing with PROFINET, industrial Ethernet and ultra-flexible cables, typically used on robots.

Delivering even more flexibility and ease of use for preLink® connection technology, the preLink® termination block is now available in a black PROFINET version. It is suitable for AWG 22/23 stranded wire and comes with printed standardised wire assignment for PROFINET and industrial Ethernet. Wire assignment is clear, so that assembly is quick and easy.

Also available is a white preLink® cube, which is optimised for AWG 24 wires and suitable for a large number of ultra-flexible robot cables with AWG 24/19 wire configuration.
With its preLink® connection technology, Harting has successfully managed to separate a previously fixed connection between cable and connector into two independent and re-usable components. The preLink® termination block is fitted with an inlet for 4- or 8-wire Ethernet cable, which can be securely assembled in the field in a single stage with the appropriate preLink® tool.

The termination block fits the related RJ45 and M12 jacks and connectors. The benefit of this system is that the termination block can be removed and inserted in another connector in a matter of seconds over and over again, meaning that cables and connectors can be switched independently of one another.

@Harting #PAuto #Ethernet @PeterBushComms

Electrical test lead sets.

In response to increasing numbers of enquiries for replacement test leads and enquiries for types of lead sets not available from other suppliers Cliff now offer end users a very comprehensive range of standard test lead sets and are happy to provide custom solutions where required.

Research carried out by Cliff of third party test leads currently available in the replacement market has shown that there are wide variations in quality of manufacture and reliability. Cliff offers very high quality professional products manufactured to the same specifications and standards that they supply to their OEM Test Instrument customers

John Hall, General Manager of Cliff Electronics, comments; “As a major designer and manufacturer of test lead sets supplied with many well-known brands of test meters, as well as major suppliers to popular brands of after-market test lead sets, selling our own products direct to end users via major wholesalers is a very logical step. The wholesale outlets and national distributors stocking our test leads will provide end users with convenient in-branch availability and 24/7 online ordering”

Test Leads are predominately used by electrical test and safety PAT testers, electrical contractors and test and repair houses. In recognition of this Cliff takes great care in ensuring their test lead products are fully rated for all aspects of IEC61010, particularly with regard to voltage and current ratings, creepage distances and cable specification and insulation ratings. All Cliff products are marked with CAT ratings where required.

All Cliff test leads use high quality silicone cable with 2 layers of insulation designed so that the white under-layer becomes visible if the outer becomes damaged. This provides a visual alert to the user of a potential safety hazard.

As well as the price advantage of buying direct from the manufacturer, Cliff offers customers the opportunity to increase their sales by offering a full test lead range which meets the needs of many brands of test equipment for contractors, PV installers and PAT users.

As the original manufacturer Cliff can also offer Customers customised branding and labeling if required, and undertake the manufacture any other type of test lead sets to meet local or unique requirements.

Wholesalers, distributors and customers are all assured that Cliff test lead sets are manufactured using the same double insulated silicone cable, components, tolerances and standards which are supplied to OEM customers.

All Cliff test lead sets and components are manufactured in our own ISO9001:2008 certified factories (including Britain), exceed all relevant safety specifications such as EN601010, and are RoHS compliant.

All Cliff test lead sets are packaged in reusable plastic pouches designed for efficient trade counter display

#CliffElectronics #TandM #PAuto