Half a tonne of ocean plastic!

Thanks to the efforts of one company from Berlin (D), there is now half a ton less plastic waste floating in our oceans. Family-owned Knick Elektronische Messgeräte has contributed to the funding of a worldwide ocean clean-up campaign by purchasing 1,000 recycled bracelets.

The bracelets are made and sold by 4Ocean, an US company that plays a leading role in the protection of marine life and that carries out extensive, regular clean-ups through the sale of its bracelets. For every bracelet sold, about 500g of plastic waste can be removed from oceans and coastlines. With the help of 150 employees and countless volunteers, the company has been able to remove more than 1.8 million kilograms of waste in the past two years.

With the purchase of 1,000 bracelets, Knick has made sure that in future clean-ups about 500kg of plastic waste can be removed from our oceans and then recycled into new bracelets.

Knick CEO and President Marcus Knick says: “The protection of our oceans is very important to me. In our work we try to avoid plastic as much as possible. With our measuring instruments the quality of industrial wastewater can be monitored before it gets back into circulation. But the challenge of protecting our oceans does not end there. We can and want to do more. That’s why we support projects that pick up where we leave off – projects such as 4Ocean’s Ocean Plastic Recovery campaign.”

The bracelets are distributed as giveaways to Knick employees, customers and trade show visitors.

 #KnickElektronischeMessgeräte #Environment #Plastics @4oceanBracelets

Modbus interface transmitters.

Knick Elektronische Messgeräte have expanded their slim Memosens transmitter series MemoRail for control cabinet installation with a Modbus interface version. The MemoRail Modbus A1405N is the first multi-parameter analyzer that provides operators with an economic, compact transmitter for full-featured integration of Memosens monitoring stations into the fieldbus standard. Up until now, operators could only choose between comprehensively equipped analyzers with a display or compact transmitters with limited functionality.

The new MemoRail Modbus modules from Knick, which feature a modular housing with a width of just 17.5 mm, not only transmit measured values and diagnostic data to the Modbus master, they also enable unrestricted access to device configuration and sensor calibration through the Modbus RTU protocol. Up to 32 transmitters can be connected to a Modbus master. For the measurement of pH/ORP, conductivity or oxygen, MemoRail Modbus can be combined with all Memosens sensors, whether pH glass, IsFET, oxygen, or conductivity (conductive and inductive). What's more, the DIN rail module is the only analyzer of its class that enables the connection of LDO sensors (luminescent dissolved oxygen) for the optical measurement of oxygen. The new devices come as single- or dual-channel versions with freely combinable parameters or sensors. Either two freely selectable Memosens sensors or a Memosens sensor and a SE 740 LDO can be connected. Additionally, the transmitters allow for the connection of the new SE 554 X/1-AMSN and SE 555 X/1-AMSN combination sensors that synchronously measure pH and ORP values. In this way, a dual-channel MemoRail model provides four readings as well as temperature.

The network address for rapid Modbus configuration is set via DIP switches on the front panel. The 24 V DC supply can be connected either via TBUS or via a cable connected to the terminals at the back. Red and green LEDs indicate the device status, communication interruptions, defective sensors or device settings unsuitable to the sensor as well as the device's maintenance requirements. Knick provides a 3-year warranty on the MemoRail Modbus transmitters.

#Knick #PAuto

Transducers enable true RMS measurement.

Knick have defined a completely new class of AC/DC transducers for true RMS values with the announcement of their series P 43000 TRMS AC/DC high voltage transducers. Input values range from 100 mA up to 5 A AC. They are output as standardized analog DC signals (0…20 mA, 4…20 mA, 0…10 V).

A rotary switch on the front facilitates comfortable, calibrated switching between up to 16 customized ranges. Traditional AC/DC transducers are very susceptible to errors due to their poor insulation and are only designed for pure sinewave measurement. The Knick P 43000 TRMS, however, has been developed to also accurately process distorted input signals. The highly accurate true RMS circuit converts signals with a crest factor of up to 5 in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 1000 Hz or 8 Hz to 400 Hz. The VariTrans P 43000 TRMS withstands working voltages up to 3600 V AC/DC and test voltages up to 15 kV. Protective separation of the input, output and power supply provide protection from electric shock up to 1800 V AC/DC according to EN 61140.

Knick's own TransShield technology facilitates an extremely compact, shielded design of the high-voltage transformers, allowing the VariTrans P 43000 TRMS to fit into a very compact, only 45 mm wide housing. Vacuum encapsulation provides maximum long-term protection against aggressive environmental influences, shock and vibration. In addition, VariTrans P 43000 TRMS transducers come with an integrated VariPower broad range power supply for supply voltages from 20...253 V AC/DC, which ensures maximum safety even in regions where auxiliary power is shaky.

Knick VariTrans P 43000 TRMS transducers come with a five-year warranty.

@Knick_Berlin #PAuto @mepaxIntPR 

Strategic alliance in process analysis!

Berlin-based process analytical specialist Knick Elektronische Messgeräte (Knick) and Cincinnati-based M4 Instruments have announced their mutual strategic investment in M4 Knick LLC, Cincinnati (USA).

Working from Cincinnati, Ohio, M4 Knick LLC will continue to provide excellent process analytical solutions and customer-service for the North American market with Shawn Little as their President.

Knick is one of the worldwide leading providers of on-line process equipment whose well-known line of Stratos and Protos analyzers and first-in-class SensoGate and Ceramat retractable holders are the standard for quality and performance in today's chemical and pharmaceutical facilities. M4 Instruments, already Knick's distribution partner, has many years of field expertise in the process control industry.

Providing a wide range of sensors, hardware, and system solutions for their customers, M4 Instruments have rapidly grown their installed base within the North American marketplace. Knick's investment in this new venture is the next step in the company’s international expansion. With regional support offices in Brazil, China, SE Asia, Switzerland, SW Europe, Germany, and now North America, Knick is fully committed to supporting international customers worldwide.

#Knick #PAuto @M4instruments

Multi-parameter analysers with fieldbus interfaces.

Measuring technology specialist Knick's Stratos series analysers for pH level, conductivity and dissolved oxygen measurements are widely used in the chemical industry, in process engineering, power plant technology, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector due to their exceptional versatility, high reliability and full-fledged compatibility with conventional sensor types (analog, digital, Memosens).

The company now introduces Stratos series analysers with integrated bus interfaces for PROFIBUS DP, PROFIBUS PA or FF (Foundation Fieldbus).

Stratos Evo DP, Stratos Pro PA and Stratos Pro FF are easily integrated into new and existing host systems (PROFIBUS PA profile 3.02; FOUNDATION Fieldbus ITK 6.1.1). Smooth integration with all common automation systems has been ensured by comprehensive compatibility and interoperability tests. Stratos Pro devices for PROFIBUS PA or Foundation technology are available in versions for both hazardous areas and non-hazardous areas, while Stratos Evo DP for PROFIBUS DP is only suitable for use outside of hazardous areas. All settings can be configured directly on the device or with standardized Engineering Tools via Enhanced EDD or DTM. All process and diagnostic data as well as information regarding sensor wear or predictive maintenance (CIP/SIP) is reliably communicated via bus system to the control station. The devices comply with NAMUR NE 107 and support pro-active diagnostics.

All bus devices feature intuitive handling with color-assisted user guidance. The high-contrast widescreen display signals operational status in six different colors: the standard measuring status is backlit in white, the information mode is green. The diagnostics menu, need for maintenance and hold status are each assigned a color as well. Bright red signals alarm status, while a display flashing in red indicates invalid inputs or faulty passcodes. Looping menus and self-explanatory pictograms further contribute to easy operation. Stratos devices are suitable for wall mounting, pole mounting or panel mounting. Pre-assembly of the rear unit is also possible; all parts are easily accessible due to the large terminal compartment.

Calibrate up to ten sensors at the same time.

An enhanced version of Knicks sensor management software for Memosens technology is now available.  MemoSuite Advanced allows for the calibration of up to ten sensors at once. The intuitive-to-operate PC software enables users to easily pre-calibrate sensors for pH, ORP, oxygen, conductivity and temperature measurement under optimal conditions in the lab, i.e. completely dispenses with complicated on-site calibrations in adverse environmental conditions. Sensors can be connected to a PC via USB using the interface converter MemoLink included in supply.

Up to ten sensors can be calibrated at the same time with the PC-based sensor management software MemoSuite Advanced

In addition to the calibration function, MemoSuite Advanced completely records all calibration data and logs operational times (across all or under extreme process conditions) allowing for documentation according to legal requirements such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

The software also displays current measuring values, sensor data and the latest adjustments and supports a multitude of established calibration methods. For pH sensors, a comprehensive buffer catalog with various buffer sets for individual compilation is available as well. If needed, customers can implement their own buffer sets. Calibration reports – the software includes several templates – or MS Excel data records can be generated. The MemoSuite database enables users to implement a predictive maintenance strategy. Lifetime sensor data records also facilitate long-term planning of replacement cycles and optimized maintenance strategies. Sensor data tables can be freely configured and database entries can be sorted, filtered or grouped and compared. In addition, the software supports visualizations of statistical findings and sensor histories, and provides an export function for detailed reports.