Spacer coupling.

Outstanding smooth running combined with high torsional rigidity.

The "Simple-Flex" series from Jakob Antriebstechnik is an innovative spacer coupling that can be manufactured in lengths ranging from 0.5 m to 6 m and operates without the need for additional intermediate bearings, even over large shaft spans. Thanks to a sophisticated composite tube featuring a multi-layer, angle-specific fiber configuration, the design is remarkably simple; it accommodates axial, radial, and angular misalignments without requiring the compensating elements typically found in such couplings. Extensive simulation calculations and testing led to the development of a composite tube that combines bending flexibility with high torsional stiffness.

Its very low weight—resulting in low moments of inertia—and optimal balance quality ensure peak operating speeds and torque levels with exceptionally smooth running, all while effectively compensating for shaft misalignment. At the same time, the composite tube provides good damping characteristics, helping to reduce vibrations within the drive system. Typical applications include positioning tasks in gantry systems, fan drive units, indirect drives, spindles, and test stand setups.

Two hub types.
The "Simple-Flex" spacer coupling is available with either a rotationally symmetrical conical clamping ring or an easy-to-install split-hub design. The split hub features two radial clamping screws and offers minimal mass and moment of inertia, making it the more cost-effective option; meanwhile, the conical hub—with its high clamping forces—is particularly well-suited for high rotational speeds. Other hub designs and tube diameters are available upon request. Custom configurations are also possible, including flange hubs for flexible assembly, expanding conical hubs for integrated mounting, and positive-locking hub designs featuring keyways (tolerances P9 and JS9) or internal splines (e.g., DIN 5480).

The three available composite tube sizes are suitable for torques up to 2,900 Nm. These spacer couplings are backlash-free, maintenance-free, and corrosion-resistant, and they are designed for operating temperatures ranging from -10°C to 60°C.

Compared to conventional spacer couplings, the Simple-Flex covers a wider range of applications.

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@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik #PAuto 

Crude scheduling and product blending.

Software enables refineries to respond more quickly to market volatility and optimise product blending.

Software that automates two of refining’s most time-intensive and margin-critical processes: crude scheduling and product blending has been introduced by Emerson. The new solutions enable refineries to increase operating margins, improve efficiency and respond faster to market changes.

Customers use Aspen Unified Scheduling™ (AUS) to eliminate the disconnected tools and manual data gathering that make scheduling harder during volatile markets. AUS now adds two new products – Crude Schedule Optimisation and Multi-Blend Optimisation – that bring planning, scheduling and blending into one platform. As a result, customers can turn optimal plans into realistic schedules fast enough to keep up with changing market conditions.

“Refinery schedulers are managing more complexity and greater crude market volatility, with the same hours in the day,” said Claudio Fayad, chief technology officer at Emerson’s Aspen Technology business. “By automating the most time-intensive workflows within a unified platform, our solutions free experienced teams to focus on higher-value decisions while enabling newer engineers to contribute faster. The result is stronger margins and better operational decisions across the organisation.”

Optimising crude scheduling.
Crude Schedule Optimisation takes refinery data from Aspen Unified PIMS™ and automatically determines the optimal crude receipts, transfers, blends and production schedules to maximise margins. By minimising manual work and enabling rapid ‘what if’ scenario testing, refineries can improve scheduling precision, thereby reducing errors and enabling rapid response to crude market fluctuations and price opportunities.

Maximising blending efficiency.
Multi-Blend Optimisation simultaneously optimises the recipe of each individual batch of blended product within the scheduling window. It continuously optimises product qualities and balances production against market conditions and operational constraints, while ensuring compliance with quality specifications. By making optimal use of available blend components, refineries reduce quality giveaway, lower blend component costs and improve profitability.

Both solutions are offered as separately licensed products available within Aspen Unified Scheduling. As part of the broader Aspen Unified™ solution, Aspen Unified Scheduling connects data, optimisation and execution – reducing manual intervention, improving operational consistency and accelerating the speed of critical business decisions.

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@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation  @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Wrist strap monitor.

The Desco SCS SW Aware Monitor, the first single-wire wrist strap monitor that’s compatible with SMP is now available through Inelco Hunter. The SCS SW Aware, a single-workstation continuous (versus pulsed or intermittent) monitor, continuously monitors the path-to-ground integrity of one operator and one ESD worksurface. It uses Impedance Monitoring Technology (IMT) to provide stable continuous monitoring of the wrist strap’s path-to-ground and the presence of its one megohm safety resistor.

The SCS SW Aware Monitor is compatible with the SCS Static Management Program (SMP). SMP continuously monitors ESD control programs throughout all stages of manufacturing by capturing data from SCS continuous monitors and ionisers to provide a real-time picture of critical manufacturing processes. SMP captures operator and worksurface pass/fail data from the SW Aware Monitor, and all activity is stored in a centralised database for on-going quality control purposes. Reports generated by SMP reveal areas of concern, enable proactive prevention of ESD events, and validate the efficiency of a ESD control program.

Inelco Hunter offers a free ESD Static Control Survey to British-based businesses. There is no obligation - Inelco Hunter simply requests to quote on any items that would improve the current ESD programme. Using EN 61340-5-1 and its User Guide CLC/TR 61340-5-2, an ESD specialist will take onsite measurements and make observations of the existing ESD control plan.

The survey will verify that current ESD products meet EN-61340-5 standards. The written report will list applicable EN61340-5-1 and -2 citations and indicate whether the current ESD control programme is in compliance and indicate where it's not. 

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@InelcoHunter @DescoESD  #PAuto #TandM #Static

Motor protection meets smart system design.

Essential motor safeguarding capabilities into scalable, data‑driven control panel designs.

The AB 140ME Motor Protective Switching Device delivers more reliable branch‑circuit protection by combining disconnect capability, magnetic short‑circuit protection, electronic overload protection and manual switching for motor control. Built to safeguard motors from overload, phase loss, and short‑circuit conditions, the 140ME provides dependable protection while maintaining the high electrical performance required for demanding applications.

For manufacturers, the 140ME offers advantages in both performance and ease of use. By consolidating multiple protective and control functions into a single device, it reduces panel complexity and simplifies installation. Operators benefit from clear status indication and predictable trip behavior, making it easier to identify issues, restore operation quickly and maintain consistent uptime. Its compact footprint also helps panel builders optimize space without compromising accessibility or safety.

This device is a key component of Rockwell Automation’s Branch Motor Control & Protection portfolio, working alongside 100‑E Contactors, 140MT Motor Protection Circuit Breakers and E100 Electronic Overload Relays. Together, these devices create a unified motor control architecture that simplifies design, strengthens motor protection and improves coordination across in-panel architectures. This alignment helps deliver consistent performance and a smoother engineering experience from design through commissioning.

With the latest release of the EtherNet/IP In‑cabinet Solution, the 140ME becomes even more powerful. New connectivity through a 100‑E Contactor communication module brings real‑time diagnostics, device health insights and operational data directly onto the EtherNet/IP network. This integration allows manufacturers to monitor motor conditions, identify issues quickly and support predictive maintenance strategies, all while reducing wiring and simplifying panel design. The result is a smarter, more connected motor control ecosystem that scales effortlessly as operational needs evolve.

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@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA @AllenBradley #PAuto

Angled launch connectors.

Full production quantity availability of Samtec's new 1.85 mm 30-degree angled launch board connector (185-AL Series) has been announced. This series delivers precision RF performance through 67 GHz while solving common mechanical and routing challenges found in dense, millimeter wave lab test and evaluation environments.

Modern RF and high-speed digital test boards often face tight mechanical constraints that make cable routing difficult or unreliable. The 30-degree angled launch geometry of the Samtec 185-AL Series allows coaxial cables to exit the PCB in a natural direction, significantly reducing sharp bends that can degrade electrical stability.

The solderless, compression mount design enables field replaceable functionality. Eliminating the need for solder reflow enables rapid connect/disconnect to the printed circuit board, significantly reducing downtime and allowing connector reuse. It also removes performance variability that can occur with solder, enabling repeatable precision millimeter wave performance.

Threaded coupling provides high mechanical reliability. Mating interconnects include Samtec’s high-performance microwave cable assemblies, such as .047” diameter RF047-A Series cable, .086” diameter RF086 Series cable, and stable during flexure Nitrowave® LL071 Series cable. Mechanical stress when bending or twisting can change the dielectric’s properties and alter performance, with effects more pronounced at higher frequencies. Nitrowave cable’s optimised cable construction, which includes a Dynamic Performance Layer, protects from measurement errors that can occur due to flexure.

At millimeter wave frequencies, connector launches become increasingly complex. Samtec offers signal integrity support such as board launch optimisation, e-field simulation, and 3D modeling to help ensure maximum performance through a system. Contact RFgroup@samtec.com for RF launch optimisation and design support.

1.85 mm 30-degree angled launch connectors are available direct from Samtec.

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@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #PAuto #TandM

Eliminating nuisance and non-actionable alarms means better operator effectiveness.

Software reduces control system alarm volumes by more than 95% achieving EEMUA 191 recommended alarm performance levels.

Rompetrol Rafinare has reduced distributed control system (DCS) alarm volumes by more than 95% using DeltaV™ AgileOps operations management software at its Petromidia refinery in Navodari, (RO). The project improved control system alarm performance, increased operator effectiveness and brought refinery alarm rates within the Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) 191 guideline recommendations at Romania’s largest refinery.

“Modern control systems provide enormous amounts of operational information, but operators need the right context and visibility to act effectively,” explained Guido Wink, vice president of Emerson’s control systems and software business in Europe. “DeltaV AgileOps helps organisations continuously monitor and improve alarm system performance so operators can focus on the events that matter most to safe, efficient operation.”

With an annual processing capacity of approximately five million tonnes of fuel products, the Petromidia facility operates a broad range of conversion units and maintains a Nelson Complexity Index of 9.32, creating significant volumes of process data and alarms. Over time, control system alarms had evolved beyond recommended best practices, exposing operators to high alarm volumes, particularly during plant disturbances. Chattering alarms also contributed unnecessary noise, making it more difficult for operators to identify and respond to critical process events. Operators routinely experienced alarm flooding, while some alarms remained permanently active under normal operating conditions.

To address these challenges, Rominserv, Rompetrol’s engineering and maintenance services provider, collaborated with Emerson to improve alarm quality and reduce nuisance alarms across the refinery. The team implemented Emerson’s DeltaV AgileOps software to provide continuous visibility into alarm performance, including average and peak alarm rates, recurring alarm sequences and time spent outside recommended operating thresholds.

DeltaV AgileOps software captures alarm and event data directly from the DeltaV Distributed Control System which operates the plant, enabling engineering teams to identify high-frequency alarms, stale alarms and nuisance ‘bad actor’ alarms responsible for disproportionate alarm activity. Using performance dashboards and historical trending tools, refinery personnel evaluated alarm behaviour during steady-state operation, start-up conditions and process disturbances, while validating proposed changes to alarm limits, priorities and suppression strategies against actual plant data.

As a result of the project, the refinery reduced alarm generation from more than two million alarms per month during normal operation to fewer than 50,000 alarms per month. According to EEMUA 191 guidelines, operators should receive no more than one alarm every ten minutes during steady-state operation.

“Alarm management plays a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient refinery operations,” said Nilca George, process engineering director, Rompetrol Rafinare. “The continuous alarm performance monitoring and analytics provided by DeltaV AgileOps has significantly reduced operator alarm burden while improving overall operational awareness. The resulting system is more stable and better aligned with actual plant conditions, enabling operators to focus on meaningful alarms and respond more effectively to process disturbances.”

The implementation also improved long-term visibility into control system performance through automated alarm and event reporting. Existing historical alarm and event retention was extended – from approximately four to five days to nearly two months – enabling more effective analysis of recurring issues and supporting better-informed maintenance and optimisation decisions.

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@EmersonExchange @EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis  @rompetrol @EEMUAnews #PAuto #PetroChem

Robot design wins major award.

Combines function, safety, and efficiency. 

 The BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026 has been awarded to Delta, for the Delta D-Bot series of collaborative robots. The internationally recognized BIG SEE Awards recognize outstanding creative achievements in the fields of architecture, product design, and industrial design. Originally established to promote Southeast Europe (SEE), the award has evolved into a global platform that celebrates innovation and sustainability.

Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot by Delta Electronics

“Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of our annual revenue in research and development. Design is a key aspect of this innovation strategy,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director of the Industrial Automation Business Group and Head of Intelligent Robot Systems (IRS) at Delta Electronics, EMEA Region. “This award validates our team’s high standards in combining industrial robotics with a practical, safe, and efficient design. We are confident that the Delta D-Bot Robots, featuring industry-leading safety, efficiency, and practicality, will meet the demanding needs of our customers across a wide spectrum of applications.”

Delta first unveiled the collaborative robots series to the public in the spring of 2024. The series comprises six highly flexible models, each featuring six axes, payloads of up to 30 kg, and reach capabilities of up to 1,800 mm. The Delta D-Bot series also supports compatibility with OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP, allowing for seamless integration into existing industrial automation environments.

Safety at the core of product design.
Collaborative robots are specifically designed to interact with humans within production environments. The innovative "Reflex Safety" technology detects contact in real time and immediately stops robot movement to help prevent accidents and protect both personnel and equipment. The integration of advanced sensing technologies and collision detection capabilities maximize safety.

Furthermore, the Delta D-Bot series complies with IP66 protection standards and supports advanced safety protocols for operation in demanding industrial environments. Its robust design reduces susceptibility to dust and contamination while also simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

Flexible automation for production and logistics.
Combined with Delta’s mobile robot platform (MAR – Mobile Autonomous Robot), the Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot forms the hybrid mobile robotics solution "Delta Dynamic Duo”, a 2-in-1 system that automates flexible transportation and manipulation tasks such as palletizing or pick-and-place operations within manufacturing and logistics settings.

The Delta D-Bot series was developed for rapid deployment across a wide range of industrial environments and designed to support diverse applications, including complex component assembly, material handling, and heavy-duty palletizing. The collaborative robots combine high precision with efficient automation, helping manufacturers improve productivity and operational flexibility.

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@DeltaEMEA @mepaxIntPR #BigSEE #Robotics #PAuto