Friday 31 October 2014

Enhanced distributed control system helps users improve automation efficiency & performance!

Version 13 (v13) of the DeltaV™ distributed control system (DCS) delivers greater efficiency and performance for process control applications. New features focus on integration, advanced alarm management and security, with an overarching design that improves ease of use and minimises the need for specialised expertise.

Peter Zornio
“In our effort to keep the DeltaV system the easiest DCS on the market, we also worked directly with existing users to discover how we can improve their effectiveness,” said Emerson’s chief strategic officer Peter Zornio“Their input was invaluable in helping us improve the user experience and resulted in a number of specific user-defined features”

The DCS is the system that brings all the disparate subsystems in a plant together for the operations team; however, integrating multiple data sources in process automation projects is traditionally costly and time consuming. DeltaV v13 delivers all new technologies to bring those sources together for easy operator access and use. These technologies include an Ethernet I/O card (EIOC) for added flexibility and capacity for integrating Ethernet-based subsystems and devices, including a direct interface with smart motor control centres and substations. Also, new technologies improve the factory acceptance testing (FAT) experience by providing enhanced safety instrumented system simulation capabilities and easy-to-use virtualisation environment.

With v13, the new native support for discrete outputs over wireless provides opportunities to reduce project wiring and associated costs through wireless devices. Additionally, template-based FOUNDATION™ fieldbus device configuration improves commissioning by eliminating steps and decreasing errors. New function blocks and redundant, high-density I/O provide opportunities for even greater footprint savings and project efficiencies.

Once a facility is up and running, operators have to be able to work effectively. One of their biggest challenges is to respond effectively to process upsets. The new DeltaV Alarm Mosaic has an intuitive alarm display that enables operators to more quickly identify, analyse and respond correctly to the root cause of an abnormal process condition. Improvements in alarm-related information and alarm audit tools offer a better understanding of the plant’s current state. The new DeltaV release also provides trend display optimisations for better visibility of process changes which also improves operator efficiency.

Security is an ever-increasing concern across process facilities, and the DeltaV system was built with security in mind, and complies with national and international standards. DeltaV v13 improves on security, with features including workstation hardening, extension of DeltaV smart switch technology above the area control network to ensure up-to-date and effective response to today’s evolving cyber security threats.

Exclusive Distributor for ISA100 Wireless™ Test Technology!

The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute (WCI) has announced that Centero, a networking technology integrator, has been selected as the exclusive partner to distribute and support the ISA100 Wireless Device Test Kit and ISA100 Wireless Stack Test Kit.

Centero has been a member of the ISA100 WCI for the past year and members of the Centero team were instrumental in helping to define the ISA100.11a standard. Centero also takes an active role in the WCI specification development aimed at ensuring cross-vendor interoperability for ISA100 Wireless compliant networks.

The ISA100 WCI Test Kits are complete packages that allow suppliers to ensure that a device or stack conforms to WCI’s official ISA100 Wireless certification requirements and is interoperable with any other certified ISA100 Wireless device. Certification ensures interoperability among devices from any supplier and provides confidence to end users that any device with the ISA100 Compliant™ logo will work in their systems.  Companies interested in purchasing the ISA100 WCI Test Kits should contact Centero directly (Centero).

“Ensuring interoperability and interconnectivity between ISA100 compliant products from any supplier is a key product attribute for end users and vital to the growth and success of the ISA100 Wireless ecosystem,”
said Robert Assimiti, Co-Founder and CTO, Centero. “Centero is committed to helping suppliers build new ISA100 compliant products and reducing time to market.”
We are thrilled to partner with Centero and its team of ISA100 Wireless experts,” said Andre Ristaino, Managing Director, ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute. “Companies of all sizes will realize faster time to market and rapid product certification when using the support of the Centero team. We established this support arrangement to improve the quality of our test technology and responsiveness of support to users of the test kit.”

RJ45 connectors for fire-resistant data cables in railway applications!

The Harting RJ Industrial® EtherRail® RJ45 connector is the first RJ45 connector on the market specifically designed for the field assembly of fire-resistant data cables in rail applications.

The connector is designed for connecting wires with an external diameter of up to 2 mm and cables with diameters up to 9 mm, and is therefore ideally suited to the connection of 4-core Ha-VIS EtherRail® cable in screened star quad configurations.

The 4-pole RJ45 connector is equipped with insulation displacement technology, and can be used with EtherRail® 4 x AWG22/7 cable for laying in and on rail vehicles and buses, as well as the ultra-flexible 4 x AWG22/19 cable which is mainly used as a linking connection between vehicles while also finding use for installations within rail vehicles and buses.

The Ha-VIS EtherRail® cables fulfil the fire-protection regulations for rail vehicles and buses, and are suitable for applications involving extreme temperature requirements from  -40°C to +85°C.

The design and construction of the cables, including the materials used and the processing technology (including irradiation crosslinking) meet the requirements of the EN 45545 European standard for rail applications and also pass the comprehensive fire tests in accordance with DIN5510, UL1685, as well as many other national and international requirements.

The robust star quad design guarantees reliable data transfer up to 100 MBit/s. In connection with the new Harting RJ Industrial® EtherRail® RJ45 connector, it is now possible to implement highly robust RJ45 data cabling in trains, trams and buses.

Software support for over 300 protocols!

Red Lion Controls has announced that the company’s flagship Crimson® 3.0 software now offers communication support for more than 300 industrial protocols. Protocol conversion is a key element needed to make the concept of the Connected Factory a reality, empowering plant managers to adapt existing equipment including drives, PLCs and HMIs to drive efficiency while reducing total cost of ownership in industrial environments.

“One of the many challenges faced by end users, OEMs and system integrators is to find software tools that enable communications between hundreds of disparate devices and protocols in both a cost effective and time effective manner,” according to Craig Resnick, vice president at ARC Advisory Group. “These software tools must be intuitive enough to enable disparate device and protocol communications via simple configuration programs that do not require programming or training.  Red Lion’s Crimson 3.0 software appears to fulfill these market requirements that in turn provides the business benefits of quicker project deployment, better asset utilization and a greater number of devices actively communicating, all of which results in increased productivity and profitability for manufacturers and  integrators alike.”

With just a few clicks, Crimson converts protocols for disparate industrial devices, allowing them to share work-in-process, machine status and other information. Deployed on Red Lion’s award-winning Graphite® HMI panels, ProducTVity Station™, Data Station Plus or other industrial automation offerings, Crimson gives organizations the ability to boost productivity, optimize material usage and troubleshoot systems in real time. Supporting the simultaneous conversion of multiple protocols, the use of Red Lion’s Crimson-enabled products allow companies to easily integrate almost any PLC, PC or SCADA system for data collection, monitoring and control of factory floor equipment from different manufacturers.
“Connecting systems and sharing information enables companies to optimize productivity and streamline processes, but in order to do that the devices need to be able to communicate,” said Jeff Thornton, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. By offering support for over 300 industrial protocols that vary from proprietary to open-source, we give our customers the industry’s widest range of choices to seamlessly extend connectivity across the factory floor to remote locations without requiring new equipment investments.”

Red Lion will demonstrate the power of Crimson’s protocol support for today’s Connected Factory live from PACK Expo booth 8747 in Chicago on November 2-5. Attendees are invited to take the “Crimson Challenge” to discover how Crimson can be used to drive efficiency across industrial automation applications. 


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

Acquisition leads to formation of new company!

Techcomp has acquired the ex-Varian GC and GC-MS SQ assets from Bruker Corporation and the establishment of a new business - Scion Instruments - registered in California (USA).

The GC and GC-MS SQ systems and Compass CDS software will be supplied and managed by the existing manufacturing operations and technical support team in Fremont California.  Orders for new systems, spares and software will now be accepted by Scion Instruments in all global markets.  To ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations, service will continue to be supported by Bruker local offices until further notice.

Mr. Richard Lo, President and CEO of Techcomp commented, “Scion Instruments inherits a technology that has a fantastic heritage.  Under Varian, these GC and GC-MS systems and CDS software became a leader in the petro, petrochemical and energy sectors by developing innovative solutions to meet their demanding requirements.  In recent years, Bruker has invested a great deal of effort and resources to re-develop and create the Scion range offering world class applications in industrial and research markets.  Scion Instruments will now support these products with a dedicated team that will focus 100% on ensuring that customers remain delighted with their technical and applications support.”

Mr. Chris O’Connor, CEO of Techcomp Europe Ltd and acting CEO Scion Instruments added,
We are extremely pleased to add this renowned USA business to our portfolio of established European brands.  This continues to consolidate our international expansion programme of investing in leading analytical technologies following our recent acquisition of Edinburgh Instruments Ltd. in 2013.  We are also very positive about inheriting a number of key industry experts that will form the core of the Scion Instruments leadership team.”


Scion Instruments will maintain a global infrastructure to support sales outside of the USA.  This will combine the transfer of existing Bruker local staff and partners as well as additional resources from Techcomp offices in Europe and Asia. 

ATEX humidity & temperature sensors!

Rotronic has introduced a new series of Intrinsically Safe sensors and measurement transmitters, suitable for installation in areas where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of dust or gas in the environment. They were developed for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, grain & sugar, petrochemical, and oil & gas industries.

Conforming to the latest international standards, the HygroFlex5-EX measurement transmitter is galvanically isolated, there is no need for an intrinsically safe power supply, dedicated ‘clean’ earth or a Zener barrier. The stainless steel probe selected for the application from the range available is rapidly interchangeable, no calibration adjustment required.

Significant advantages of the Rotronic ATEX humidity & temperature sensors:
• Interchangeable stainless steel probes certified for operation in Zone 0/20
• Standard & cable mount probes, screw-in probe for applications at pressure
• HygroFlex5-EX measurement transmitter certified for Zone 1/21
• No intrinsically safe power supply required; galvanically separated
• Wall and duct versions of the measurement transmitter available
• 2-wire supply, 2-analogue outputs (inc. dew point, g/kg & moisture values)
• Sensor alarm – humidity & temperature can be set to fail high
• Robust aluminium transmitter housing; IP66 protection
• LC display option with trend indicators. Keypad for configuration
• Service interface (USB) for configuration using HW4 (outside explosion zone)
• Range of calibration accessories available (for use outside the explosion zone)

Intelligent electric valve actuator!

Emerson Process Management has introduced a new high-performance electric actuator, the Bettis™ Model 500 with TEC2 Electronics. The Model 500 builds on decades of electric actuator innovation while adding state-of-the-art electronic control technology for use in rotary and linear valve applications. The TEC2 electronics provide the visibility, insight and reliable control needed for effective plant operations

In today’s plant environment, getting timely information on valve operation in process units is key to reducing costly downtime. The TEC2 electronics provides ready information on actuator status and diagnostics that help operations avoid unscheduled maintenance.

The Model 500, with its compact size, light weight and advanced electronics, automates small valves used in tight piping configurations and can be utilised with a Remote Display Module for difficult-to-observe applications. With increased stem acceptance, the Model 500 accommodates a wide variety of valve mounting options. Maintenance and set-up are simplified with a non-intrusive design that eliminates the need to open control compartments.


Model 500 actuators utilise an open network control architecture allowing a wide range of topologies and protocols including Modbus, HART®, Profibus, FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, DeviceNet™ and Ethernet, to integrate into existing or new communication networks. It also offers the convenience of Bluetooth™ operation while maintaining an intrinsically-safe capability.   

Underwater electric power converter!

A new electrical power conversion technology for subsea power distribution requirements in the oil & gas industry that replaces hydraulic systems with efficient electric drive motors, actuators, and small cables has been intro- duced by Diversified Technologies, Inc.

The PowerMod™ High Voltage Underwater Electric Power Converter is a modular system that allows 10 kV transmission to the ocean floor using 10 AWG cables and converts it to working voltage levels from 100 to 600 VDC or 480 VAC. Eliminating hydraulics and miles of hydraulic cables, this system can be configured with modules that can each down convert 20 kW to 20 mW @10 kV to drive loads at multiple locations from a power station up to 500 miles away.

Permitting the use of electric drive motors and actuators rather than hydraulics, the PowerMod™ High Voltage Underwater Electric Power Converter’s solid-state power distribution center employs proprietary high frequency switching technology to perform the conversion within a single unit. This subsea electric power conversion system has a rated life more than 25 years.

Thursday 30 October 2014

Taking the analysis of fault coverage to the next level!

Digitaltest has announced its latest innovative tool, FailSim.

During the past year Digitaltest has continued to push the boundaries of performance, coverage and ease of use to a new level across all their test platforms. Digitaltest’s new developments include the AMU5 which, provides high performance 5th generation measurement capability for all our systems, New Flying Probe capabilities, enhanced CAD Translation and Quality Management Software.

Improving Test Program Quality
The whole idea of performing ICT or Flying Probe Test is to quickly find manufacturing issues while assuring product quality. But how do you ensure the quality of the test program?

Digitaltest’s new tool, FailSim, takes the analysis of fault coverage to the next level. By simulating defects, FailSim can provide the real-world test coverage on a live board. Identifying program, debug or, fixture issues that could be reducing fault coverage.

Human error, BOM changes, incorrect data, version errors can all cause reduction in fault coverage. If just one component value has been measured with the wrong parameters, defects can be missed. Other test conditions such as noise produced from surrounding devices can also cause problems and the test quality can no longer be guaranteed.

With Digitaltest’s new FailSim tool, ICT and Flying Probe users will no longer have this problem.

FailSim verifies that an existing ICT test detects failures on an UUT by simulating component defects (wrong value) by using HW simulation, by placing additional resistors/capacitors in parallel/series to the DUT (Device Under Test) while checking that the actual test statement detects the failure condition.

Customers can now be confident of the final product quality because FailSim assures the test program has the highest fault coverage. This tool in now available at Digitaltest.

Technical partner in South America!

Mantracourt Electronics has announced the appointment of Brazil based Metrolog as its new technical partner covering South America. Metrolog will provide sales and technical support for Mantracourt's extensive range of wired and wireless, digital and analogue instrumentation products.

Metrolog's Gabriel Calin
Metrolog is a designer and manufacturer of instrumentation for high precision dimensional quality control and also offers solutions for special measurement systems such as pressure, tilt and vibration. Formed in 1987, Metrolog has recently expanded its portfolio of measurement technologies through the distribution of complimentary products.

"We are very pleased to have Metrolog on board," said Louise Stubbs, Marketing Coordinator at Mantracourt. "The team at Metrolog has a lot of experience and a deep understanding of instrumentation and measurement. This is important to us, as it helps us ensure that end users in this region get the best from our product range, with the right products
and a responsive and knowledgeable technical support."

UK based Mantracourt is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electronics for measurement technologies, including strain gauge, temperature, resistance, pressure, voltage, current, potentiometer, rate, flow, LVDT and displacement in either analogue, digital or wireless form. Mantracourt has also recently been a pioneer in the field of remote data logging software.

“Mantracourt’s expertise and product portfolio were an important addition to our measurement solutions,” said Gabriel Calin, CEO at Metrolog. “Our companies share the same dedication for innovation and we believe this partnership will complement Metrolog’s capabilities and enhance its competitive position in South America.”

DP/P Transmitter targets upstream oil & gas applications!

Yokogawa has developed a new low-power version of the DPharp EJA-E series differential pressure/pressure transmitter and will release this product in all markets other than Japan and Europe on December 15, 2014

The European release will follow in 2015. This new low-power product outputs both 1 to 5 V DC and HART signals and has been developed to meet the specific requirements of oil and gas exploration and production (upstream) applications in the measurement of pressure and flow rate of liquid, gas, and steam; measurement of liquid level.

Yokogawa’s Approach
In 1961, Yokogawa became the first company in Japan to release a differential pressure/pressure transmitter to the market. In 1991, we were the first to introduce a monocrystal silicon resonant sensor and a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology, for use in the pressure detectors that are at heart of our DPharp differential pressure/pressure transmitter, a truly revolutionary, high-precision measurement instrument. In 1994 we launched the DPharp EJA series of compact, multipurpose transmitters. In 2004 we released the DPharp EJX, a high-end SIL2 certified transmitter with a multi-sensing function that can simultaneously measure both differential and static pressure. In 2013, we added Modbus protocol support to the DPharp EJX multivariable transmitter for gas exploration and production (upstream) applications. With the goal of attaining the No.1 position in the global sensor market, Yokogawa will continue to release new products that meet its customers’ needs.
Yokogawa’s differential pressure/pressure transmitters are playing a key role in achieving the objectives of the Evolution 2015 mid-term business plan, which calls for the company to focus on the booming upstream oil and gas industries, and in the implementation of a control business strategy that commits the company to capturing the No.1 position in the global sensor market. With this new low-power DPharp transmitter, Yokogawa aims to expand its control business and achieve the targets set out in its Evolution 2015 plan.

Development Background
Differential pressure/pressure transmitters are widely used in the oil, petrochemical, and chemical industries to measure the pressure, flow rate, and level of liquid, gas, and steam. They can be found both in plants and in the field, at locations such as oil and gas wells.

Thanks to the global rise in demand for energy, oil and gas resources are being actively developed. As technological progress in recent years has made it possible to develop and produce oil and gas in places with poor infrastructure (such as electricity and communications), instruments and devices in such areas must be able to function on a limited power supply from solar power or batteries.

Product Features
1. Superior energy efficiency
Thanks to a redesign of its power circuitry, this new low-power DPharp EJA-E series transmitter achieves superior energy efficiency, consuming just 27 mW (0.96 to 3 mA) of power.

2. Superior accuracy and stability
Like all DPharp transmitters, this new low-power model is both highly accurate and stable. It has a reference accuracy of ±0.055% and will remain within ±0.1% of the upper range limit for seven years. In these respects, this new product outperforms most other generally available low-power models with equivalent specifications.

3. Easy installation and maintenance
Basic settings for this new DPharp transmitter can be done easily using a setting switch and an external adjustment screw on the transmitter.

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Honeywell showcase site in Houston!

Honeywell has a new, interactive demonstration center in Houston to give its industrial customers a glimpse into the future of managing their manufacturing operations.

The Experion® Orion Console
The new Customer Experience Center (CEC) – located at Honeywell Process Solutions’ global headquarters at 1250 W. Sam Houston Parkway S. – brings to life many of the newest, high-tech innovations for customers in the oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals, mining, power generation, pulp and paper, and other industries. The center includes, for example, a plant control room outfitted with Honeywell’s Experion® Process Knowledge System (PKS) Orion Console. The console is a completely new interface that uses the integration of larger screens, touchscreen displays, mobile device capabilities and other technologies to better assist plant operators who are charged with running some of the world’s most critical and complex manufacturing facilities.

The $5 million CEC will be a destination showcase site for Honeywell’s customers from process industries throughout the world.

There’s only so much someone can learn about a new technology by talking about it. The goal of the new Customer Experience Center is to physically show our customers what these systems look like and how they can help them solve their most daunting manufacturing challenges,” said Olivier Biebuyck, global vice president of marketing and strategy, Honeywell Process Solutions. “Even seeing the setup in a smaller scale like this gives our customers a much better idea for how the technology works to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of their plants.”


Other CEC highlights include field instrument technologies – such as transmitters used to monitor pipelines – that have been transformed in recent years into smart devices that deliver more-relevant information to operators in the control room, as well as to mobile operators. The center also demonstrates how Honeywell safety, physical and cyber security systems can be fully integrated together within facilities to achieve the highest level of asset protection, and features advanced software that helps manufacturers design their processes, train their operators and optimize daily operations.

A-Ha! 140 automation tips from a leading blogger!

Jim Cahill on Educational Tips for Automation Engineers guides readers through the most effective and recent developments in the world of training for the process automation industry.

This Aha Amplifier book aims to inspire and create awareness of the importance of continual training within the ever-changing realm of automation engineering. Jim's own inspiration comes from interacting with experts in their relevant fields for his Emerson Process Experts blog and he uses this experience to provide readers with the insight obtained from this research and contact. He discusses concepts such as providing training for process automation professionals, engaging in the constantly growing world of eLearning, and various other ideas for providing holistic education for process manufacturers.

Jim Cahill & Read-out's Eoin Ó Riain 
caught @ an Emerson Exchange some 
years ago
For those who haven't had the pleasure Jim Cahill - and only the Irish can pronounce his surname properly - is Chief Blogger and Head of Social Marketing for Emerson Process Management.

He began his career as a system engineer for Fisher Controls, and in his 20 years at the company moved his way through various roles, experiencing sales, management, marketing, communications, and social marketing leader.

His most recent activities have been to manage a team of social marketing professionals and blog of Emerson Process Management, acting as connector between Emerson subject matter experts and global automation professionals. His blog, Emerson Process Experts, won the BtoB Corporate Blog of the Year in 2010.

Configuring and ordering measuring instruments online!

On this website, customers of German measuring equipment manufacturers LABOM can now assemble their preferred product configuration by themselves and request a quotation for it. 

The LABOM Configurator, available in English and German for business-to-business customers from around the world, offers the possibility of saving a lot of time in the procurement process. Customers from Germany can also order a selection of standardised pressure and temperature measuring devices and accessories directly via a shopping basket in their online shop, launched along with the Configurator.

The LABOM Configurator and the LABOM Shop share a similar 'look and feel' in order to enable a seamless user experience. Furthermore, both areas of the new LABOM e-commerce platform contain service features offering users a high degree of convenience. For example, the preferred currency for the requested quotation (euro, US dollar, or British pound) can be preselected in the customer profile of the Configurator. The shop, on the other hand, even offers after-sales support, as forms for returning damaged items for repair at the manufacturer’s service department can be downloaded directly from the web portal.

On the online-shop, frequently demanded temperature and pressure measurement products, accessories such as valves, gaskets, siphons, and displays as well as budget-priced stock lots and phased-out models can be ordered quickly and conveniently and paid by invoice. Products that are in stock and do not require customer-specific production are shipped within two or three working days. Shipping inside Germany is free of charge if the order value exceeds 500 euros.


The LABOM Configurator assists users in the search for their configuration of choice and immediately subjects it to a plausibility check. Thus, the suitable product can be found much faster than with conventional printed catalogues. The reason is that industrial pressure and temperature measurement devices such as those made by LABOM are characterised by a great variety of versions. For example, one type of device may be available for several different measuring ranges, in various materials, and with a variety of process connections.

Tuesday 28 October 2014

Moisture analyser for natural gas!


Michell Instruments has launched of its latest moisture analyser for natural gas – the OptiPEAK TDL600. Using tuneable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology, the analyser offers a class-leading accuracy with a lower detection limit of less than 1ppmV. While TDLAS technology has been used for some time to measure moisture in natural gas, the OptiPEAK TDL600 is the first of a new generation of analysers which overcomes the limitations of older models currently on the market.

Because TDLAS moisture analysers measure the reaction of molecules to specific frequencies of light, changes in the background composition of the gas usually requires that the analyser is adjusted to maintain its accuracy. Scientists in Michell’s research department have developed the Dynamic Methane Compensation System (D-MET) to overcome this problem. With D-MET, the OptiPEAK TDL600 is able to measure moisture reliably in natural gas with varying compositions (such as blended gas from multiple fields or following bio-methane or re-gasified LNG injection) without the need for manual software correction factors to be made. With increasing statutory requirements in many regions for bio-methane to be added to gas distribution networks, the analyser already meets these new parameters.

Taking advantage of the latest developments in laser spectroscopy, the OptiPEAK TDL600 has an unrivalled accuracy for any process moisture analyser of ±1% of the reading or 1ppmV. Its lower detection limit of 1ppmV makes it the most sensitive instrument in its class on the market, as well as being one of the most reliable. Michell has developed a laser lock system which automatically monitors the optical profile of the gas absorption peaks to ensure the laser remains locked to the correct water absorption signal, maintaining a high integrity measurement at all times. In existing TDLAS models on the market, laser drift results in a reduction of sensitivity.

The OptiPEAK TDL600 provides a fast response because the optical measurement technology is non-contact. This means there are no wet-up or dry-down times – measurements can be made immediately. Plus none of the sensing components are subjected to the gas stream, protecting them from aggressive compounds and harmful contamination.

Calibrated traceable to NPL (UK) and NIST (US), the analyzer also has worldwide hazardous area certification, including ATEX, IECEx, cMETus, TC TR Ex.

The OptiPEAK has also been designed for minimum cost of ownership. With an integrated sampling system and small footprint, it can easily be retro-fitted in to existing plant infrastructure. Due to the inherent stability of the instrument, regular field calibration is not required under normal operating conditions. The analyser will perform reliably for many years with just basic maintenance and housekeeping.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology



Appointments at test and measurement equipment management company.

Microlease has announced the appointment of Peter Collingwood to the new position of Chief Executive Officer, EMEA, and Bina Khatwani as Finance Director, EMEA. Following these appointments, Nigel Brown, CEO and Paul Smith, Finance Director, take global roles.

Peter Collingwood
Commenting, Nigel Brown said, “We’re very pleased to have brought senior executives of Peter and Bina’s talent onto the Microlease management team. Peter Collingwood brings Microlease an outstanding track record in sales and general management and we are delighted that he is able to join us to lead our business in EMEA, a core region for Microlease. In this role, he will benefit greatly from Bina Khatwani’s experience of the financial management of large international businesses, gained working at Regenersis, British Gas and British Telecom.”

Peter Collingwood added, “Microlease is an exceptional company in an exceptional position. I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to strengthen and develop the EMEA business working with its effective and focused team.”

Peter Collingwood joins Microlease from Veeco Instruments Inc. where he spent six years as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service and VP and General Manager Europe.  Prior to that, he was at JDSU for over twenty years where he was Regional Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and held multiple sales management roles during the evolution from TTC to Acterna to JDSU.

Bini Khatwani
Bina Khatwani was Group Financial Controller at Regenersis, a listed technology outsourcing business, for two years. Prior to this, positions held have included Head of Finance at British Gas Services, Financial Controller at British Telecom plc and Senior Finance Manager at Walt Disney. Nigel Brown now becomes Global CEO focusing on strategy and the development of the business worldwide. Mike Clark, CEO Americas, David Whitfield, Managing Director Asia and Peter Collingwood report to Nigel and take day to day responsibility for managing their regions. Paul Smith, Finance Director becomes Global Finance Director and will also report to Nigel Brown.

Nigel Brown concluded, “Peter and Bina’s appointments complete a management structure that will allow us to grow globally. We now have a talented and dynamic individual leading our team in each region of the world, allowing Paul Smith and I to focus on global strategy. We will continue to address the needs of customers everywhere whilst evolving as a successful worldwide business.”


Design software for power switchgear

Rittal’s RiLine60 shrouded busbar system has been developed to distribute power up to 1600A and with an extensive range of adaptors allows design engineers total flexibility. With fast assembly and ingenious design RiLine60 is ideally suited for power switchgear systems and automation control panels.
To assist in reducing design and installation time Rittal’s RPE design software has been developed for the design and creation a parts list for a distribution system. The RPE software has been designed to integrate RiLine60 into standard Rittal enclosures: TS 8, SE 8, AE, CM and KS.

Extensive testing has provided heat loss data for the following manufacturers: ABB; GE; Hager; Mitsubishi; Moeller; Schneider; Siemens and Terasaki.

On selection of the type of enclosure, number and manufacturer of the devices, the RPE software will generate a CAD drawing of the system and calculate the heat loss within the panel. Another key feature of the software is the ability to produce a design and routine verification document that complies with the IEC 61439-2 standard.

All the features of the RiLine60 and RPE design software will enable the design engineer to save time and offer a safe and reliable power distribution system

Call for papers on water and wastewater.

The Program Committee of the 2015 ISA Water/Wastewater and Automatic Controls (WWAC) Symposium has issued a Call for Papers, inviting authors, innovators, thought leaders and other professionals in the water and wastewater industry to submit abstracts for presentation consideration at the conference.

The symposium, which will be held 4-6 August 2015 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA, is aimed at helping professionals in the water and wastewater industries understand how instrumentation, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and automatic control applications are vital to the treatment and distribution of water, and the collection and treatment of wastewater.

Presented by the ISA Water/Wastewater Industries Division, in collaboration with the Florida Section of the AWWA (FSAWWA), the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA), the WEF Automation and Info Tech Committee, and the Instrumentation Testing Association (ITA), the 2015 WWAC Symposium is expected to draw approximately 300 attendees and more than 30 speakers.

“Instrumentation, controls and automation professionals in the water and wastewater industry know they need to be prepared for the many changes, emerging trends and challenges, and advances in technology,” says Kevin Patel, the Vice President of Dallas-based Signature Automation and General Symposium Chair for the 2015 WWAC Symposium. “WWAC Symposium attendees receive the information they need to stay informed and gain the critical insights and tools required to make their facilities more robust and efficient.”

Particularly in demand, he explains, are applications that can leverage and share the large amounts of data that are being collected within water and wastewater facilities. “Being able to quickly access and convert data to usable, actionable information is essential in today’s fast-moving work environment.”

In addition to these applications, other compelling and popular subject areas for abstracts include:
  • SCADA security, ISA99, CSET, and mitigating risks
  • Control system redundancy and robust design
  • Wireless technologies
  • New control system technologies
  • Process optimization
  • Asset management Integration
  • Energy use modeling and optimization with SCADA
  • HMI design for operator effectiveness
  • Human factors and control room design
  • Alarm management and alarm rationalization
  • Data reporting and presentation techniques /strategies
  • Data management, historians and data retrieval
Prospective authors are invited to submit a 250-word abstract based on a 30-minute presentation, a six-12-page paper or large-format poster. Papers for acceptance should address topics in automation within the water and wastewater industry.

All papers are peer reviewed to conform, or to be modified to conform, to ISA Water and Wastewater Industry Division and ISA format, content and quality guidelines. The submission deadline for papers, which must not be product or company specific in nature, is 15 December 2014. 

“I continue to receive feedback that this event is truly one of the best of its kind due to the fact that the attendees and exhibitors are focused on solutions to real-world challenges and what’s actually experienced in on-the-job settings,” Patel reports. “Adding to its value are the training opportunities, and the networking, professional development and continuing education credits (CEUs and PDHs).”
Two optional training courses will be offered in conjunction with the 2015 WWAC Symposium which is still being finalized. The training courses will be announced soon. Keep checking the symposium website for the latest details.

The WWAC symposium has continued to see increased attendance and a very broad spectrum of attendees.


“Our secret is our focus,” says Robert Lindeman, the past-President of ISA who provided the opening remarks at the 2013 WWAC symposium. “The symposium caters specifically to professionals involved with automation, instrumentation and SCADA in the municipal water and wastewater sectors. There is no other event like it in North America.”

Next generation US flowmeters.

The new Daniel™ multi-path gas and liquid ultrasonic meters from Emerson, feature a next-generation electronics platform. The accuracy, line size breadth, and flexibility make the new JuniorSonic™ one-path (3411) or two-path (3412), and SeniorSonic™ four-path (3414) gas ultrasonic meters ideal for a number of flow measurement applications. In addition, the new four-path (3814) liquid ultrasonic meter expands on the functionality and performance of its predecessor, the 3804 liquid ultrasonic meter, to offer improved reliability for custody transfer applications.

Designed for speed, reliability, ease-of-use, and measurement integrity, the new ultrasonic flow meters provide exceptional measurement accuracy and repeatability. With faster flow sampling rates, the new electronics platform significantly increases the data set used to calculate average velocity, allowing rapid recognition of changing flow dynamics. Users will have access to high-volume data capture as well as detailed flow parameters, including pressure, temperature, and gas composition, allowing the meter to act as a redundant flow computer. Improved calculations for auditing or invoice resolution are enabled by the electronics’ ultra-fast delivery of key data from the meter’s audit trail. The audit trail complies with American Petroleum Institute Standard 21.1, and is supported by a standard 128 MB non-volatile memory. Access to alarms, events and configuration changes is provided in a matter of seconds.

Additionally, the meters’ electronics feature a compact circuit board for increased reliability and maintainability, simplifying field removal and reinstallation. The electronics retrofit Daniel legacy ultrasonic meters and are expandable, enabling future upgrades to help meet changing customer needs. The electronics support remote access as well as true 100BaseT Fast Ethernet connectivity to facilitate enterprise-wide communication and integration.  

“Reliable, stable and accurate measurement is critically important to our customers’ business,” said Peter Syrnyk, vice president of engineering of Emerson’s Daniel Measurement and Control business. 
“We remain focused on designing products that serve these important market needs and are continually improving the performance of ultrasonic flow measurement technology to provide excellent long-term measurement accuracy.”

To further improve reliability and uptime, each Daniel gas ultrasonic meter is supplied with new, rugged T-20 Series transducers that are engineered for wet, rich and/or dirty gas applications. The transducers facilitate troubleshooting by enabling operators to quickly detect and isolate problems, preventing unnecessary depressurisation of the meter.

The new Daniel gas and liquid ultrasonic meters are also equipped with an updated version of MeterLink (v1.20), a configuration and diagnostic software that utilises an intuitive interface to improve overall functionality and ease of use. MeterLink displays abnormal flow profiles, upstream blockage, deposit build-up within the meter, and the existence of liquid hydrocarbon in gas – an invaluable benefit for shale gas applications and new pipelines where remains of hydro test water may still exist. In addition, a guided wizard tool helps configure the meter in the field, decreasing commissioning time and minimising start-up costs and operator error.


Monday 27 October 2014

Mirror Switches!

Foremost Electronics now stocks the YB2 Half-mirrored push button switch family from NKK Switches. This new switch is suited to applications including machinery, medical devices, kitchen equipment, measurement instruments, equipment installed outdoors, (coin operated parking meters etc.) and equipment installed in stores (e.g. vending machines).

These aesthetically pleasing switches are a vapour deposition onto plastic design, providing the appearance and “feel” of stainless steel while being lightweight. The design eliminates any need for additional antistatic protection and offers enhanced durability protection from UV Rays and other environmental conditions. The combination of a plastic flange and button produces a comfortable and pleasant tactile feel with no sensation to the user of metal parts chafing together.

A major feature of the YB2 push button switch is the option of a film which can be mounted inside the switch and be used to display characters or symbols which are only visible when the switch is operated. This “secret until lit” feature brings and additional dimension to panel design which may be used for user information, operation prompts and alarm signals.

With a height above mounting panels of just 1.8mm, the YB2 push button switch is the slimmest design in the industry with a panel seal mechanism waterproof to IP65 under IEC 60529, which greatly improves splash and dust resistance. The very low profile design reduces the incidence of accidental damage, improving reliability. Panel design is also simplified by the very small dimensions, just 24.5mm, of the switch body.

The standard YB2 Half-mirrored push button switch is available in a round or square form with either single pole double throw (SPDT) or double pole double throw (DPDT) contacts and both types feature super-bright LED illumination in red, amber, green, white or blue. Lens and diffuser colour combinations include Clear/White, Metallic Silver Cap/Clear Ring (Round only), Red/White, Yellow/White, Green/White and Un-brushed Chrome/White.

Saturday 25 October 2014

New extreme foot controls for ship and port technology

As a manufacturer of switchgear for extreme and complex applications, steute provides customers with its own range of offshore products especially developed for use in offshore, ship and port technology. Features of our devices include saltwater resistance, a robust construction, the necessary approvals and - where appropriate - Ex versions.Product photo: Extreme-foot switch for mooring-systems

This product portfolio contains for example the offshore version of our GFSI foot control (fig.). The metal housing of this switching device is extraordinarily robust. A protective guard prevents accidental actuation, while various switching inserts mean that the switch can be adapted to individual applications. The housing, made of saltwater-resistant aluminium with stainless steel screws and mounted parts, is designed for reliable operation at sea and/or in ports. In their Ex-protected version, these foot controls can be used in gas-Ex zones 1 and 2, as well as dust-Ex zones 21 and 22.

A typical application for this product is the electromechanical actuation of winches controlling docking lines in ports, as well as the releasing of mooring hooks. A winch reeling in the docking line can be started and stopped using one foot control; with a second foot control, the mooring hook attached to the anchor chain can be released - either to put the ship out to sea or because the chain needs to be freed quickly in a storm.

The use of highly robust foot controls, tried and tested in extreme applications, guarantees absolutely reliable operation of mooring hooks in such an application. As an alternative, wireless foot controls using radio technology, also tried and tested in many other extreme applications, are additionally available. This comparatively new technology means greater flexibility when positioning the switchgear. And it eliminates the risk of power and signal cables becoming damaged in the rough environment of a port.

Robust connector offers reduced maintenance costs for outdoor theme park installations


The promise of reduced maintenance costs for outdoor theme park cabling systems is offered by the Han-Eco® Outdoor connector from Harting.

The new connector is based on a robust high-performance lightweight plastic material which, when mated through its FPM (Fluor Polymer Rubber) flange seal, provides IP65, UV, ozone and acid-rain resistant protection.

Insert options allow simple field installations using screw-terminal monoblock assemblies with 10, 14, 20 and 28 ways at 16 A. Alternatively, mixed audio, video, communications, data and power signals can be handled in a range of four different sized housings.

This modular integrated cabling approach makes Han-Eco® ideal for exposed conditions in theme park audio-visual/multimedia installations, and reduces costs by enabling extended maintenance intervals through its ability to withstand adverse outdoor environmental conditions.

Friday 24 October 2014

Security applications site.


Mouser Electronics, Inc. has unveiled their new Security Applications Site on Mouser.com offering design resources for engineers looking to develop cutting-edge security systems. As the world continues down the fast path of internet connectivity with the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) convergence, the role of security and combatting threats and vulnerabilities is becoming more important. Mouser’s new Security Application Site simplifies security design by providing access to the latest security resources all in one place.

The new Security Applications Site, available on Mouser.com, contains valuable resources for developers interested in developing security related systems. The Applications section provides a comprehensive overview of IP Cameras including a detailed system diagram with recommended components. Developers can learn how an IP camera captures and transmits live images over a network, with remote viewing and user control available from anywhere at any time. Clicking on a block on the IP camera diagram brings up a list of applicable components including MCUs, image sensors, and audio codecs. Also available is a block diagram of a Video Content Analytics Server that explains how this technology processes many digital images and videos simultaneously, doing the work of hundreds of people.


The Articles section of the website lists papers focusing on key topics including Applying Modern Machine Vision Technologies to Security, Silicon, Security, and the Internet of Things, and Smarter Solutions for Video Surveillance. All articles offer an area to post comments and questions to facilitate further discussions on the topic.

The Resources section lists videos and application notes that discuss device selection and application considerations for different security applications. Target applications include Authentication, Automotive, Biometrics, DVR, Embedded System Vision, Encryption, Ethernet, Industrial, IP Camera, Security ICS, Smart Grid and Surveillance.

Thursday 23 October 2014

Full wafer-level support including high voltage capacitance-voltage testing!

Keithley Instruments has introduced new enhancements to its Parametric Curve Tracer (PTC) configurations that incorporate high power SourceMeter® Source Measure Unit (SMU) instruments. For test engineers responsible for configuring high power semiconductor test systems, the new Keithley Model 8020 High Power Interface Panel improves connectivity and simplifies complex measurements like high voltage capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. The Model 8020 reduces set-up times, minimizes opportunities for connection errors, improves operator and test hardware protection, and increases users’ confidence in the accuracy of their results. For more information, watch Keithley’s introductory video on the topic (right).

Characterizing high power semiconductor devices like power MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, etc. involves several different types of measurements: on-state (high current current-voltage), off-state (high voltage current-voltage), and capacitance-voltage (C-V) at high bias voltages. However, each of these measurements requires the use of different instrumentation, cabling, connectors, and probes (for wafer-level testing) or test fixtures (for packaged device testing).

In the past, no standardized solutions for combining high power instruments, interconnects, and probers/test fixtures suitable for all three test types in the same test station were commercially available. When changing from one measurement type to another, high power test system users once had to change the type of cables used manually, as well as critical hardware in the signal path between the device under test and the test instrumentation. High voltage C-V testing was particularly complicated because no standard or reliable measurement setups and methods were established. Test engineers often had to develop their own connection solutions through trial and error, which is not only expensive and time-consuming but can create an unsafe work environment, given the high outputs involved in testing power devices.

The configurable Model 8020 High Power Interface Panel allows test engineers to select the options that match their system’s probe station, positioners, or fixture. It also improves safety for both users and any low power SMU instruments in the system, simplifies incorporating different combinations of instruments, as well as taking the confusion out of adding elements like series resistors and bias tees to the signal path.

The Model 8020 simplifies changing from one measurement type to the next by allowing test engineers to connect all measurement instruments to it at once, making further connection changes unnecessary. When the Model 8020 is configured with optional C-V bias tees on the system’s 3kV and 200V channels, it acts as a high performance I-V/C-V switch, allowing users to perform both I-V and C-V testing without re-cabling.

The Model 8020 provides input connections for Keithley Model 2657A (3kV) and 2651A (50A) High Power SourceMeter SMU instruments, Model 2636B and 2612B SourceMeter SMU instruments, and Model PCT-CVU Multi-frequency C-V Meter. Various user-configurable output connectors are available to accommodate almost any probe station.

The Model PCT-CVU Multi-frequency C-V Meter, which supports C-V measurements from 10kHz to 2MHz, can be used to upgrade any Keithley PCT configuration to include 2- and 3-terminal capacitance measurements. It is designed for use with the new Model CVU-200-KIT bias tee kit to extend the voltage bias to 200V or the Model CVU-3K-KIT bias tee kit to extend it to 3kV to support both AC and DC testing in the Model 8010 or other high power test fixture.

The latest version (V 2.1) of Keithley’s ACS Basic Edition Component Test Software expands the package’s support for I-V and C-V measurements on devices like power MOSFETS, IGBTs, diodes, etc. It complements the advanced C‑V measurements the Model 8020 and new bias tee kits make possible.

Alliance for development of ISA100 Wireless™ communication modules!

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Yokogawa have announced that they have reached an agreement whereby they will cooperate in the development of communication modules for field wireless devices used in plants. Under the terms of this agreement, Yokogawa will license its technology to Murata and Murata will develop the communication modules.

Through this alliance, Murata will be able to expand its communication module business to wireless devices for use in plants and Yokogawa will be able to promote wider acceptance of its field wireless systems based on the ISA100 Wireless™ standard.

ISA100 Wireless, or ISA100.11a, is an industrial wireless networking technology standard developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA). ISA100 Wireless features high reliability, diverse applications, network extendibility, and high compatibility with wired communications standards such as FOUNDATION™ fieldbus, HART®, and PROFIBUS. This standard will be published as IEC62734 by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) within this year.

Background /overview 
Plants use all kinds of field devices to measure items such as temperature, pressure, liquid level, gas concentration, and vibration. With a field wireless system, communication between field devices and host monitoring and control systems is done wirelessly. To boost productivity and make plants safer, there is a growing need for the collection of more data on plant operations; this in turn is driving up demand for field wireless devices, which can be placed in locations that cannot be accessed by conventional wired devices and cost less to install.

Field wireless devices require communication modules that can convert sensor data into signals that conform with specific field wireless protocols, for transmission to field wireless networks. Through this alliance, Yokogawa will license its ISA100 Wireless communication module technology to Murata for use in the development of wireless communication modules and driver software.

Murata has a solid track record in developing wireless communication modules for use in mobile phones, PCs, and other devices, and Yokogawa has developed a number of leading-edge technologies for use with ISA100 Wireless devices and systems. By making combined use of these technologies, the two companies aim to quickly develop and provide new communication modules to field wireless device manufacturers and sensor manufacturers around the world.

Murata's approach to the communication module business
Murata provides Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth® Smart modules, and other types of wireless communication modules for use in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices and for use in automotive applications.

Murata is also developing and providing other types of wireless communication modules as connectivity solutions, in line with the Internet of Things (IoT) initiative. Developing ISA100 Wireless communication modules is one such solution since ISA Wireless has been specified to reflect the requirements of industrial users.

Yokogawa's approach to field wireless communications
Yokogawa released the world's first ISA100 Wireless system devices and wireless pressure and temperature transmitters in July 2010. In addition to enabling sophisticated control techniques in continuous processes, this gives customers a wider range of devices to choose from. In line with the Wireless Anywhere concept, Yokogawa continues to provide new best-in-class ISA100 Wireless solutions and promote the use of field wireless technologies.

Electro-hydraulic operator for remote valve emergency shutdown applications!

Emerson Process Management has added a robust electro-hydraulic operator to its broad valve automation capabilities with the release of the Bettis™ EHO actuator. The EHO actuator couples proven technologies from Emerson’s Valve Automation offering of actuation and controls to handle critical shutdown situations where dependability is a must.  
This unit is ideal for a diverse range of applications, from topsides valve automation on offshore platforms to remote pipelines where operational upsets can cause safety and environmental hazards, as well as costly production losses. To help operators counteract these challenges, the EHO provides a compact design with actuator and control components from Emerson that have been field proven for decades in critical service and features that combine more than 200 years of experience in valve actuation, electric motor, and hydraulic control technology.

It is available in either spring-return or double-acting configurations. Torque outputs can handle valve sizes from 150mm to 1500mm (6” to 60”). The EHO operates on utility electrical power or optional solar power for remote areas where electric power is not available or not reliable. The EHO is operable in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C. Its fail safe capability is reliable with fast close or open stroke times, suitable for emergency shutdown in oil or gas service.