New range of probes.

Vaisala has launched six new smart probes for its Indigo product family, optimized for demanding industrial applications. New options for dew point and moisture in oil measurements bring more possibilities for industries to save energy, optimize processes, and improve product quality.

The new probes will improve customers’ process efficiencies by providing accurate and reliable measurement data for their industrial processes. The capabilities of the new probes are based on next-generation sensor technologies.

DMP8

“With these new products, the Vaisala Indigo product family is getting stronger. The new probes add dew point and moisture in oil measurements to the existing parameters of humidity, carbon dioxide, temperature, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. I am excited that we are now able to provide high-quality measurement data in a more flexible way to all industries. Contributing to smarter environments is something we at Vaisala are passionate about,” says product manager Jarkko Ruonala.

DMP6

The new Vaisala DRYCAP® Dew Point and Temperature Probes DMP5, DMP6, DMP7, and DMP8 are optimized for low humidity and high temperature or pressurized environments. Dew point measurements are particularly important in various industrial drying applications, for example in ovens and compressed air systems. The dew point probes include Vaisala’s DRYCAP® sensor, which is immune to particulate contamination, water condensation, oil vapor, and most chemicals. Its fast reaction time gives it unmatched performance even in dynamic and low dew point applications, and the sensor’s outstanding stability enables a long two-year calibration interval.

The Vaisala HUMICAP® Moisture in Oil Probe MMP8 extends the Indigo product offering to include heavy industry applications such as measuring moisture in transformer or lubrication oils to protect engines from wear and shutdown. Also introduced today, Vaisala HUMICAP® Humidity and Temperature Probe HMP3 is a general-purpose remote probe suitable for duct mounting in non-pressurized applications with moderate temperatures. The probe structure allows the sensor to be replaced in the field without tools, providing maintenance flexibility in demanding applications that might require periodic sensor replacement, such as paint booths. The HMP3 and MMP8 both include Vaisala HUMICAP® thin-film capacitive humidity measurement technology, which has become the industry standard in humidity measurement.

All six new smart probes complement Vaisala’s existing Indigo product family. The digital Modbus RTU connection enables both easy integration into other systems and standalone usage. The probes are also plug-and-play compatible with Indigo 200 transmitters, which offer various additional benefits such as a display for data visualization, easy access to probe configuration, and more options for connectivity, supply voltage, and wiring. For on-site configuration, diagnostics, and self-calibration, the Indigo probes can be connected to the Vaisala Insight PC software.

 @VaisalaGroup @_Enviro_News #PAuto

Composting efficiency.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the exclusive distributor in Ireland & Britain for two innovative products that help waste managers improve composting efficiency; protect staff and site safety from waste fires; avoid odour complaints; protect the environment, and comply with the latest regulations.

Freeland's George Longmuir with Ashtead's 

Ben Travis

Developed by Freeland Scientific, ‘CompostManager’ is a complete system for managing the composting process, and ‘smarTprobe’ is a temperature monitoring system for compost and other wastes where overheating and fire represent a potential hazard.

Freeland Managing Director George Longmuir says: “This is an extremely exciting time for our business. CompostManager has been proven at over 85 sites around the world, and the smarTprobe system was launched for waste management licence holders seeking to demonstrate effective fire prevention plans. Both systems employ the Best Available Techniques (BAT) required by the (British ed) Environment Agency.

“As a small company our focus has been on the development of technologies that precisely meet the needs of the waste management sector, so this new partnership with Ashtead Technology will raise our profile enormously and provide a broader spectrum of waste managers with access to products that will benefit their businesses immediately.”

Probes in compost heap!

CompostManager consists of a portable probe and measurement system that records the key factors affecting composting efficiency: temperature, moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Representative batches are measured in situ with a test that takes about one minute to perform, and barcoding ensures traceability of data. Collected data is then transferred to a PC and uploaded to a website which provides suggested management instructions such as ‘Turn’, ‘Irrigate’ and ‘Leave Alone.’ This ensures that unnecessary turning is avoided and that composting is as efficient and fast as possible, whilst minimising the production of bio-aerosols and odours. As well as demonstrating effective management practice, the system also produces PAS100 reports.

The smarTprobe system consists of robust temperature probes that are inserted into piles of bulk materials that have the potential to catch fire. The probes communicate wirelessly with a central server which displays continuous readings via a secure, password-protected website. A colour-coded display enables users to check the temperature profiles of their waste piles at a glance, and the system automatically issues warnings before dangerous conditions arise.

British fire and rescue services attend around 300 significant fires at waste sites every year, so the potential for the smarTprobe system is enormous if these fires are to be prevented.

Commenting on the business benefits for customers, Ashtead’s Ben Travis says: “The Freeland products employ best available techniques to provide traceable data, which demonstrates that a site is being managed properly and is in compliance with both fire safety and environmental regulations. This dramatically reduces risk, which will be of great interest to business owners and insurers. As a further benefit the systems also deliver operational efficiency, so we foresee enormous potential for these products.”

 #Safety #Environment @ashteadtech @Freeland_Sci @_Enviro_News

Three new money-saving Combo Kits.

Fluke has introduced three new money-saving Combo Kits based around the Fluke 3000 FC Digital Multimeter (DMM) which features Fluke Connect®. Ideal for use by maintenance managers, industrial electricians, or field maintenance technicians, the kits include accessories aimed at electronic or electrical applications, as well as a hanging accessory and a soft case.

Independently tested for safe use in CAT IV 600V/ CAT III 1000 V environments, the Fluke 3000 FC wireless DMM has all the features needed to troubleshoot and repair many problems in electrical and electronic systems. It gives true-RMS voltage and current measurements, 6000-count resolution, and provides frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode measurements. In addition, the Fluke 3000 FC provides higher 0.09% basic accuracy, a digital display showing up to three secondary measurements from remote modules, and features a bright white backlight.

The FLK-3000FC/1AC-II Combo Kit comprises a Fluke 3000 FC DMM, Fluke TL224 Silicone Test Leads, Fluke TP220 Industrial Test Probes and Fluke AC220 Heavy Duty Alligator Clips, together with a Fluke 1AC-II non-contact voltage tester, a TPAK ToolPak™ magnetic meter hanger and a soft carry case.

The FLK-3000FC/EDA2 Combo Kit comprises a Fluke 3000 FC DMM, TL224 SureGrip™ Insulated Test Leads, TL910 Electronic Test Probes and AC280 SureGrip™ Hook Clips, together with a TPAK ToolPak™ magnetic meter hanger and a soft carry case.

The FLK-3000FC/TPAK Combo Kit comprises a Fluke 3000 FC DMM, together with a TPAK ToolPak™ magnetic meter hanger and a soft carry case.

Using the Fluke Connect app enables users to capture and trend measurements. As part of Fluke Connect, technicians can wirelessly transmit measurement data from the 3000 FC DMM and other test tools to their smartphones for secure storage on the Fluke Cloud™, and for team access from the field. With the Fluke Connect smartphone app, technicians can combine measurement data from multiple Fluke Connect test tools to create and share reports from the job site via email and collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive™ video calls, increasing productivity in the field.

 @FlukeCorp #TandM #Pauto 

RF contact probe for high-speed data connectors.

The new P819 from Peak Test Services is a spring contact probe specifically designed for contacting HSD (high-speed data) connectors in RF applications.

The probe is equipped with a calyx spring for optimised guiding of the probe onto the connector. The conical insertion configuration of the circular contact and the position of the calyx spring provide an optimum set-up for maximising the capture area and minimising damage to the probe or the connector.

The P819 probe is available in different versions with different tip styles of the inner pins. For easy and secure connection of the probe, different contact elements are available to allow well defined and reproducible measuring paths even when probes are changed.

Currently the P819 allows testing with signals up to 2 GHz. However a further probe for signals up to 3 GHz with a self-cleaning tip style is planned for future release.

The new probes are available in the UK and Ireland from Peak Test Services and via a range of appointed distributors worldwide.

High-sensitivity current probes.

Two new high-sensitivity current probes are now available for Yokogawa's families of mixed-signal oscilloscopes and ScopeCorders.

The 701917, covering a frequency range from DC to 50 MHz, and the 701918, covering DC to 120 MHz, offer sensitivities ten times higher than previous models (typically 1 V/A) along with low noise levels of typically 60 µA RMS. They are ideally suited to the measurement of low-level currents from about 1 mA to 5 A.

The probes feature a slim, lightweight sensor head which is easy to use in confined spaces. Automatic zero adjustment and demagnetisation are accessed via a button on the termination box, making setup quick and easy. An overload/jaw-unlocked warning is included for added safety.

Connection to the instrument is via the front-panel BNC connector. The power can be provided from the oscilloscope's probe power option or from a separate probe power supply.

Applications include tests on LED drivers, controllers and power supplies, evaluation of embedded power supplies, measurements of the power consumption of low-voltage devices such as FPGAs, and tests on embedded components in domestic appliances.

The 701917 and 701918 probes are designed for use with Yokogawa's DLM2000 and DLM4000 Series of mixed-signal oscilloscopes and the DL850E and DL850EV Series of ScopeCorders.

Short-travel test probe for direct PCB mounting

The new P694-D from Peak Test Services is a solder-tight short-travel test probe which can be soldered directly to a printed circuit board without the need for a receptacle.

Designed for testing devices at 3.5 mm centres, the probe is available with a dome head and is capable of carrying currents up to 8.0 A.

The P694-D features a nominal travel distance of 0.8 mm (1.2 mm maximum), and has a spring force of 65 cN.

Test probe provides high-current contacting for blade connectors

The new P762/G from Peak Test Services is a test probe specifically designed for applications requiring high-current contacting with flat blade connectors.

The new probe overcomes the difficulties previously encountered in contacting flat blade connectors with high currents, which result from the fact that the front face does not provide enough contact surface area. Alternative solutions based on clamps have been developed, but they are not very durable and run the risk of damaging the surface of the blade connector.

With the new P762/G, a slotted and twist-proof contact head is moved over the contact blade, and the compression of the plunger leads to a twisting movement. This results in the contact head getting a good and smooth contact to the item under test without damaging or scratching the surface.

A single P762/G probe can handle currents up to 40 A, depending on the ambient temperature. By using several probes in parallel, even higher currents are possible.

Test probe for use in flying probe testers

A new range of test probes for use in flying probe testers such as the Acculogic (Scorpion) and Digitaltest test systems is now available from Peak Test Services.

The P48/G and P57/G FP Series are variants of Peak’s threaded probes, and incorporate a locking system to ensure high test-point accuracy. They offer a choice of travel distance, tip styles, contact pressure and plating material. Maximum current rating is between 5 and 8 A, and typical continuity resistance is less than 20 milliohms.

• The new probes are available in Britain and Ireland from Peak Test Services and via a range of appointed distributors worldwide.

New tool detects blocking in test probes

A new tool for the detection of blocked or tight plungers in the test probes used in automatic test systems has been introduced by Peak Test Services.

With the new Peak blocking tester, the correct functioning of the contact probes built into ATE test modules or fixtures can be tested very quickly and simply using minimal spring force.

The tester incorporates a Peak P201/G switch probe integrated with an LED display which illuminates if the plunger is stuck. The test height is adjustable by a threaded sleeve, and the spring force can be adjusted by changing the integrated probe. The maximum spring force is restricted to 6.0 N: a value which eliminates any potential damage to the connector element

New type of probe measures current in PCB tracks directly

Aim-TTi has launched an entirely new type of current probe which is cable of measuring currents in PCB tracks.

The Aim I-prober 520 positional current probe uses a patented technology to observe and measure current without the need to break or surround the conductor.

Measurement of current normally requires either the insertion of a shunt resistor, or for the conductor to be passed through a closed magnetic loop. Typically this is done using some form of split clamp device. Whereas this is suitable for individual wires, it is of no use for measuring current in PCB tracks.

The I-prober 520 is a compact hand-held probe which is used with an oscilloscope. By placing the insulated tip of the probe onto a PCB track, the current flowing in the track can be observed and measured.

The probe has a bandwidth of DC to 5 MHz and a dynamic range of 10 mA to 20 A peak to peak. It is safety rated to 300 V Cat II (600 V Cat I) and is suitable for connection to any oscilloscope.

The Aim I-prober 520 operates by sensing the field in very close proximity to the track. To achieve a calibrated measurement, the field sensor must be capable of maintaining a precise distance from the track. To achieve good sensitivity this distance must be very small because field reduces with the square of distance (to a first-order approximation).

To create a practical current measurement probe, a very special type of miniaturised sensor was needed. The requirements included very small size with precision dimensions, DC sensing capability, wide AC bandwidth, and low noise. None of the existing sensor technologies used within field and current probes was suitable for this.

Instead, the I-prober 520 uses a patented miniaturised version of a fluxgate magnetometer, developed in conjunction with Cambridge University. It is the patented miniaturisation that enables it to measure the field at a precise point in space. In addition, the miniature sensor has much lower noise and much wider bandwidth than a conventional fluxgate magnetometer.

As well as measuring currents in PCB tracks, the probe can be used on component leads or any other current-carrying conductor. An interesting example occurs in ground planes, where it can be used to observe circulating currents, interference injection points and “hot spots” in order to optimise design.

The Aim I-prober 520 is supplied with a control box and calibrator, power supply, and a clip-on toroid assembly which can convert it into a convention closed magnetic loop current probe.

Single- and 3-Phase Non-invasive AC Current Probes

GMC-I PROSyS enables a new level of accuracy and ease-of-use with the introduction of its PRO-flex ACP 3000 series of flexible AC current probes.  The probes measure AC current from 100 mA to 3 kA, or to 6 kA, depending on the model. Each features three ranges (30/300/3000A or 60/600/6000A) covering almost every light-industrial or industrial measurement application, including power quality and transient currents,  machine monitoring and commissioning, and welding.

The PRO-flex ACP 3000 probe head offers a combination of attributes not previously available in a single unit. Measurements are totally non-invasive, requiring no disconnection of primary conductors, or electrical connections to the primary circuit.  Rogowski-coil technology is employed, ensuring accuracy, linearity and wide dynamic range measurements.  The sensing coil or coils (one per phase in the case of the three-phase model) are flexible, air-cored and lightweight, permitting the user to place them around primary conductors even in the most confined or hard-to-reach locations.  Each individual detecting coil features an advanced coupling design (allowing the user to open the loop to pass it around the conductor) that ensures accurate, consistent closure of the loop, provides sealing to IP65 for use in harsh environments, and virtually eliminates the influence of external magnetic fields and off-centre conductor position on measured results.

GMC-I PROSyS’ use of Rogowski coil technology guarantees absence of any magnetic saturation or hysteresis effects, and enables a frequency response that extends from 10 Hz to 10 kHz (flat within 1 dB) for harmonic measurements in power-quality applications.  At mains frequencies (45 to 65 Hz), phase error is below 1 degree; excellent transient voltage (dV/dt) rejection provides reliable operation in electrically-noisy environments.  The probes feature a 2000-hour battery life on internal power.  There is also an external power option available. The PRO-flex ACP 3000 probe head and integrator design meet the safety requirements for 600V CAT IV, 1000V CAT III rating.  Probes output a calibrated voltage level that is directly related to the target current, enabling direct connection to almost any multimeter, oscilloscope or data logger. An innovative design of integrator filters low frequency noise and resonant peaks without affecting lower-frequency measurements.

The PRO-flex ACP 3000’s integrator unit measures just 110 x 65 x 23 mm, and connects to the probe-head coil assemblies via 2m of cable.