Signal conditioning platform.

Kistler Instruments has launched a new, modular Signal Conditioning Platform (SCP) for high speed combustion analysis applications, supporting a variety of different sensors (Piezoelectric, Piezoresistive, Strain-gauge, Hall-effect) and compatible with all commercially available combustion analysers.

The new SCP is now provided with an Ethernet interface for remote control via PC and allows for potential networking of a number of systems so that all can be operated from one central PC.

When used with PiezoSmart sensors, the system reads the data from the TEDS (transducer electronic data sheet) for automatic parameterization of the measurement modules, so eliminating the possibility of error due to manual data input, avoiding user-error, improving data quality and process reliability. The use of PiezoSmart sensors also enables facility-wide sensor management to be implemented. Recalibration requirements can be tracked, based on the number of working cycles and/or peak cylinder pressures with a histogram of the working cycles and peak pressure now available for each sensor at the click of a button.

An integrated CAN-bus interface provides real-time monitoring of cylinder peak pressures without the need for a dedicated combustion analysis system. The CAN-bus also provides information on the operating temperature of low pressure piezoresistive sensors allowing users to immediately identify potentially damaging engine or equipment events and take corrective action, thereby avoiding unsafe operating conditions.

Available in two variants, the SCP-slim with a 2-slot chassis, (scalable for up to 16 channels) and a 19” bench or rack-mounted version with 8-slots (scalable for up to 32 channels).

#Kistler #TandM 

Linking devices between Rockwell Automation PLCs and serial devices.

HMS Industrial Networks has released the first product in a new family of EtherNet/IP Linking Devices. The new Serial EtherNet/IP Linking Device allows users to connect any serial device to a Rockwell ControlLogix® or CompactLogix® PLC. The main advantage of the new Linking Device is the unique integration to Rockwell’s Studio5000 Logix Designer. All configuration is made from inside Studio 5000.

The new serial EtherNet/IP Linking Device makes it possible to include any automation device with a serial RS-232/422/485 application interface in an EtherNet/IP-based network architecture. It supports all kinds of serial protocols including Modbus, DF1, produce/consume, ASCII and custom protocols.

Besides being a more cost-effective alternative to in-chassis communication modules, the distributed EtherNet/IP Linking Device also brings other advantages:

Improved system architecture
Contrary to an in-chassis module which is physically connected to the PLC, the Linking Device can be mounted close to the connected machine. This means that it is possible to establish a connection via a single Ethernet cable instead of multiple network specific cables. The Linking Devices support ODVA’s Device Level Ring (DLR) for ring topology.

Easier configuration
Users access serial protocol configuration through their existing Studio 5000 software. All configuration is made inside Studio 5000 where there is support for Process Variable Data Tags and manual and automatic generation of named and structured Studio 5000 Controller Tags without any required user logic.

High performance and stability
Since the Linking Devices are stand-alone (distributed), they do not affect PLC backplane performance (PLC execution time), even when large amount of data is transferred. The PLC simply scans the Linking Device as if it were any other I/O device on the network

Easier system integration
“After first communicating about the EtherNet/IP Linking Devices in 2015, we have seen a great interest from the market in these solutions,” says Kevin Knake, Executive Vice President, HMS Inc. “The Serial EtherNet/IP Linking Device is the first step in our Linking Devices program and we will add versions for PROFIBUS and Modbus TCP later during 2016. With the Serial Linking Device, we can offer a cost-efficient solution with a very tight integration to Studio 5000 which will give many Rockwell users easy access to serial devices such as variable frequency drives, barcode scanners, process instrumentation and weight controllers.”

@HMSAnybus #PAuto #Ethernet @ROKAutomation

Life science technology firm appoints new CEO.

Joe Haugh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Technologies. He will lead the company to further growth as demand for the integration of manufacturing software systems in the pharmaceutical industry increases.

Joe Haugh

He will direct the company’s strategic direction and operations, driving forward plans to strengthen its partner network, further invest in teams and infrastructure, and increase its global presence.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the life science industry, Joe has held a variety of roles within Zenith Technologies since joining in 2000, including Director of New Business Ventures and European General Manager.

Commenting on his role, Joe said: “We have witnessed a real mind-set shift in the industry, with a move towards the use of automation and process control technology to drive efficiencies in manufacturing. In fact, the life science industry is adopting manufacturing execution system (MES) technology at a faster rate than any other vertical market, (Strategic Analysis of the Global MES Market, Frost & Sullivan - Sept 2014) making this an exciting time for our business.

“Zenith Technologies has strong partnerships with many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as life science companies of all sizes, connecting them with the latest technologies and providing on the ground support to help achieve operational efficiencies, performance improvements and compliance. In this way, we become an intrinsic part of their operations.

“Over the next three years we plan to build on the considerable growth we have experienced in the US and Asia and meet demand for our services in key territories including India, China, Malaysia and Singapore.”

Joe’s promotion sees former CEO and Zenith Technologies founder Brendan O’Regan become Executive Chairman.

Brendan O'Regan

Commenting Brendan said: “Joe has dedicated himself to Zenith Technologies and all its ventures for many years, helping to make the company what it is today. His extensive knowledge of the life science and related industries ensures that our products and services are of the highest quality and integrate the most innovative technologies.

“As Executive Chairman, I will continue to take an active role in the strategic direction, operation and governance of the Zenith Group and plan to further strengthen our Board with a number of new appointees to ensure future growth and success.”

Headquartered in Cork and with 14 offices globally, Zenith Technologies is one of the leading companies in delivering full life cycle enterprise, manufacturing and operational support solutions that enable life science businesses to be compliant and competitive.

 @ZenithIre #PAuto #Pharma 

Triplet-Exciton energy transfers research in North Carolina.

Researchers at North Carolina State University, led by Prof. Felix Castellano, have shown for the first time that the photogenerated triplet exciton in semiconductor nanocrystals can be harvested by surface bound molecular acceptors, exhibited by a six-order magnitude increase in the lifetime of the originally prepared excited state.

The research publication, featured in the prominent Science Magazine and titled “Direct observation of triplet energy transfer from semiconductor nanocrystals,” highlights the use of carefully constructed materials and multiple spectroscopic techniques to measure and characterize the triplet exciton energy transfer from cadmium selenide (CdSe) semiconductor nanocrystals, prepared by Prof. Mikhail Zamkov and his group at Bowling Green State University, and surface bound 9-anthacenecarboxylic acid (ACA).

To observe the lifetime differences of CdSe nanocrystals and the CdSe-ACA energy transfer construct, the researchers utilized an Edinburgh Instruments Transient Absorption Spectrometer and MiniTau Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometer; these instruments complimented the ultra-fast transient absorption experiments and allowed for the detailed measurements of the lifetime increases associated with the triplet exciton energy transfer. Prof. Castellano, a long-time user of Edinburgh Instruments spectrometers, complimented the instrumentation stating the Transient Absorption Spectrometer and MiniTau spectrometers have operated flawlessly since their installation and the results generated on behalf of this project (and all other photophysical projects) on nanosecond and longer time scales are always high quality, reproducible, and reliable.

Edinburgh Instruments is pleased to work with such premier research groups, and looks forward to working with all of its current and future customers to facilitate and excel their photophysical and photochemical measurements.

@Edinst #Research @NCState

MES provider strengthens presence in Asia Pacific.

LtoR: Teerapong Cheepchol and David Margetts, Werum IT Solutions Ltd. (formerly Factorytalk Ltd.) & Rüdiger Schlierenkämper and Richard Nagorny, Werum IT Solutions GmbH.

Werum IT Solutions  and Factorytalk Co., Ltd., Thailand, a leading consulting company for pharma manufacturers in Southeast Asia, jointly announce the complete transfer of Factorytalk’s MES business to Werum’s corporate organization. All current Factorytalk MES employees – many of whom are long-term experienced MES experts – will transfer into the newly established subsidiary Werum IT Solutions Ltd. in Bangkok, Thailand. This ensures continuation and is the sound basis for future growth of the operational Werum business in the Asia Pacific region.
Factorytalk’s ten year long collaboration with Werum and proven track record of success in implementing Werum’s PAS-X MES working with qualified locally based consultants are the solid platform on which the business transfer is built. Through this initiative Werum can thus provide a fully integrated and comprehensive solution hub for the benefit of Werum’s existing and new clients in Asia.

“This deal is about market leadership and growth. We highly welcome the opportunity to expand our local activities for Asian customers in this important future market together with Factorytalk – a company with outstanding PAS-X MES and compliance expertise,” says Rüdiger Schlierenkämper, CEO, Werum IT Solutions GmbH, Lüneburg, Germany. “The transfer of Factorytalk’s MES business to Werum is an important step forward in realizing our future business growth strategy in the region.”

“For over ten years we have greatly valued and been proud to work in such a close and rewarding partnership with Werum”, says David Margetts, now appointed Managing Director of the newly founded Werum IT Solutions Ltd., formerly Managing Director Factorytalk Ltd. “By further developing our long established principles of trust, customer focus and commitment to ensure compliance and quality we are able to instantly integrate our MES team into Werum’s organization and fit seamlessly to its extensive global network. We are rapidly building on our existing success through a ‘best of both worlds’ concept which enables us to leverage our strong international expertise. Our very experienced local teams and partners are looking forward to delivering the world’s leading Pharma and Biotech MES solution across every major market, culture and language in the region, and to do this from a central location in Asia.”

Lars Hornung, Senior Director Global Sales, Werum IT Solutions GmbH, adds: “Werum’s new Asia hub in Thailand is the first step in our pursuit to be closer to our customers in this region. Our new Werum office in Bangkok will be a center of excellence for MES projects of pharma and biopharma clients in the Asian Pacific region. It will also be a first milestone on our way of establishing further offices in key markets in Asia. This will clearly enable us to serve our customers in the region even better than in the past.”

 @Werum #PAuto @factory_talk

Two important water events co-locate!

The International Water Association specialist Conference is scheduled to run alongside WWEM 2016 (Wastewater & Environment Monitoring Conference & Exhibition) in Telford (GB), during the first week of November. The IWA Conference is the third in a series entitled: ‘New Developments in IT & Water,’ and will provide complimentary themes with the WWEM presentations, providing delegates at both Conferences with an opportunity to exploit the benefits of co-located events.

“Both Conferences will run in neighbouring halls, so that visitors will be able to attend an even wider selection of presentations,” says WWEM organiser Marcus Pattison. “In addition, registered delegates for both Conferences will be able to visit the WWEM exhibition and attend some of the 80 Workshops available.”

The WWEM events were created to provide anyone with a professional interest in water and wastewater with the latest information on testing and monitoring regulations, standards, methods and technologies. In addition to the Conference and Workshops, WWEM 2016 will also feature an Exhibition populated by the world’s leading organisations within environmental testing and monitoring, and water quality and flow. “By co-locating with the IWA Conference, we will provide delegates with an opportunity to see the entire industry under one roof,” Marcus adds.

The IWA New Developments in IT & Water Conference was created to provide a forum for water sector stakeholders to share the latest knowledge in a wide range of IT system based themes from the use of data in process control, to communications protocols, to IT security. The event normally attracts 200 international delegates from some of the world’s leading universities and organisations.

“Information Technology and its integration with the global water industry has been a key factor in the development of the modern Water Industry and still offers exciting opportunities for the future,” says Oliver Grievson, LinkedIn Group Manager of ‘Water Industry Process Automation & Control’ which is helping to organise the IWA Conference. “The nature of IT infrastructure is changing, with developments such as ‘Big Data’ and the ‘Internet of Things,’ opportunities are being created in the drive for better environmental performance whilst lowering costs, becoming more sustainable and mitigating risk.”

@IWAHQ #WWEM16 #Britain #PAuto #Wastewater

DMM for more accurate, smarter test systems.

National Instruments (NI) has announced the NI PXIe-4081 7½-digit high-performance DMM and 1.8 MS/s isolated digitiser. The NI PXIe-4081 is the first PXI Express DMM available. It offers engineers the flexibility, resolution and isolation needed to tackle challenging applications that require smarter test systems in industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace and defence.

NI's PXIe-408 Family

The NI PXIe-4081 is the industry’s most accurate 7½-digit DMM, with an industry-leading 15 ppm accuracy for DC voltage measurements up to two years after calibration. It is capable of voltage measurements from nanovolts to one kilovolt and resistance measurements from microohms to gigaohms. A solid-state current shunt configuration offers eight DC current ranges from 1 µA to 3 A and six AC rms current ranges from 100 µA to 3 A. The DMM occupies a single 3U PXI slot and provides excellent channel density for high-channel-count systems, delivering 17 DMM channels in a single PXI chassis occupying 4U of rack space. For high-throughput applications, the isolated digitiser mode can acquire DC-coupled waveforms in all voltage and current ranges with a 1.8 MS/s maximum sample rate. By changing the digitiser sampling rate, engineers can vary the resolution of the digitiser from 10 to 23 bits for the perfect combination of speed and accuracy.

Engineers can use an interactive soft front panel for basic measurements and debugging automated applications, which delivers all the ease-of-use expected from a traditional instrument. The driver software includes a best-in-class programming interface that works with a variety of development environments, such as C, Microsoft .NET and LabVIEW. The driver also features help files, documentation and 28 ready-to-run example programs to assist in test code development.

“Customers often choose the PXI platform to lower their cost of automated test based on the accuracy, channel density and speed of PXI instruments,” said Steve Warntjes, NI Vice President of R&D, Modular Instruments. “The NI PXIe-4081 builds on more than 20 successful years of NI PXI DMMs by providing a code-compatible migration option to PXI Express, extending the lifecycle of critical test and measurement functionality and doing it at the highest performance levels possible.”

• Read this white paper to learn more about how the NI PXIe-4081 delivers excellent accuracy in a compact form factor to help build smarter test systems and lower the cost of test.

@niukie @NIglobal  #PAuto #TandM

Alarm management standard approved!

ANSI/ISA-18.2, Management of Alarm Systems for the Process Industries, changed the world of alarm management when first published in 2009 with the introduction of activities grouped into the alarm management lifecycle. That lifecycle has since become globally recognized as the standard has been adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission and found wide use across the process industry sectors. Suite of Alarm Management Stds! Drawing on knowledge gained from six years of extensive application throughout industry, the ISA18 committee has completed an updated version of the standard that has been approved by the American National Standards Institute as ANSI/ISA-18.2-2016. This revision was led by ISA18 co-chairs Donald Dunn, Director of Engineering in the Amarillo Division, Phillips 66, and Nicholas Sands, Global Alarm Management Leader for DuPont and a Manufacturing Technology Fellow for DuPont Protection Solutions. (Nick Sands led one of the training sessions on Alarm System Management at the FPID Symposium in Cork earlier this year.) Among the key changes in the new version of the standard, point out Sands and Dunn, are stronger requirements for control systems to have the functions to support good alarm management practices, new requirements for package systems such as compressors and heat trace systems, and clarifications in some terminology.  The ISA18 committee has published and continues to develop ISA technical reports that provide guidance and support in using the standard. Three new ISA18 technical reports are expected to be published this year—covering Alarm Philosophy, Alarm Identification and Rationalization, and Alarm Management for Utilizing Packaged Systems. Previously completed technical reports cover Basic Alarm Design; Alarm System Monitoring, Assessment, and Auditing; Enhanced and Advanced Alarm Methods; and Alarm Systems for Batch and Discrete Processes. #PAuto #ISAuto @ansidotorg @isainterchange

"New benchmark" for standard valves.

Festo has extended its existing range of VUVS and VUVG standard single valve technologies with the launch of its ‘blue star’ VUVS-LK…-S and VUVG-LK…-S products. These valves have been designed to meet a wide variety of application needs with traditional high quality, but with more cost-effective pricing than ever before.

The new VUVS-LK…-S is an entry-level standard valve range, providing robust and durable valves for challenging environments, while the VUVG-LK…-S are compact valves for machine automation. Together, they meet the most common performance requirements across a broad range of customer applications, from material handling to electronic light assembly and packaging.

Part of Festo’s core product range, denoted in its product catalogue and online shop by a blue star, these products guarantee global stock availability and delivery within 24 hours, via easy online ordering. This makes Festo the first choice for individual valves.

“At Festo, we have identified one of the major pillars to helping customers improve their productivity as ‘simplicity’, so we aim to make it as easy as possible for them to work with us and we look for ways to simplify their operations,” says Andy Parker-Bates, Product Marketing Manager for pneumatics at Festo. “This can be from simple ordering processes, which helps streamline procurement, to on-time delivery, with plug-and-play parts, ensuring easy installation with minimum downtime.”

While Festo is already renowned for its range of high quality solenoid valves, the extended VUVS and VUVG valve series combine this traditional superior quality with more economical pricing than has previously been possible. Compatibility with the existing range also means engineers can reliably mix and match VUVS and VUVG valves with other components and accessories such as manifolds, giving users added flexibility.

Festo's commitment to its highly optimised, automated and efficient high volume manufacturing approach has enabled this combination of superior quality, near-universal application and attractive pricing. The automation specialist invested €70 million in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Scharnhausen, Germany, in 2015, where the new valves are manufactured.

"The addition of these new LK…-S variants to the VUVG and VUVS ranges enables more customers to benefit from the renowned quality, service and innovation Festo delivers - even in more price-sensitive applications," says Andy.

@FestoAG #PAuto 

Bluetooth wireless pressure measurement in industry.

A unique pressure measurement device has been announced ideal for remote pressure monitoring throughout industry. Interface Force Measurements' new iDucer is a Bluetooth wireless pressure transducer that gives engineers the ability to make pressure measurements where conventional pressure monitors are not practical.

The iDucer is a self-contained, battery-powered unit manufactured in high quality stainless steel. With Bluetooth 4.0 output, it connects effortlessly with smart phones, tables and PCs, enabling remote data collection and subsequent wireless dissemination. It features pressure ranges 0-1PSI to 0-30,000PSI with an impressive standard accuracy of 0.1% FSO, with 0.2% also available, on request.

It has been developed as part of the GP:50 range of pressure sensors and transmitters for use in harsh and hazardous areas, but has also found applications in areas such as automotive and autosport, aerospace and is currently in use in a number of university departments throughout the USA.

#Bluetooth #InterfaceForce #PAuto

Manipulation-proof Thin Clients provide DRDC support.

R. Stahl HMI Systems is offering Thin Clients that support the DeltaV Remote Desktop connection (DRDC) and are therefore fully suitable for process plants run by Emerson’s DeltaV distributed control system.

Safe & efficient DeltaV operation - even for virtual systems

Flexible remote access is guaranteed even to virtualised control system installations. Many system operators are now able to configure, test and implement such setups fast and easily with the DeltaV Virtual Studio software. Running on a Virtual Machine (VM), the DCS featuring real-time diagnostics can be particularly flexibly reconfigured or expanded to meet project and process requirements. The DeltaV Remote Desktop Connection (DRDC) generally eliminates any possibility of conflict due to simultaneous access to the same control system server instance, thus providing a particularly high degree of reliability.

Their series 500 terminals fitted with Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7) also ensure optimum system integrity. They block all BIOS access via conventional hotkeys, and their parameterisation is password-protected. By means of Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) and Hibernate Once / Resume Many (HORM), the operating system furthermore enables the devices to automatically resume a defined, safe starting configuration – not only after a reboot, but even after waking from sleep mode. The mechanically robust Remote HMIs can be operated in safe environments as well as in hazardous zones 1, 21 and 2, 22. As an optional extra, the SK-LAN module is available to equip the devices with a second Ethernet interface to implement a redundant network architecture. In addition to DRDC, other established access protocols such as RDP, VNC and Netc@p are also supported.

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

#Stahl #PAuto #HMI

Smart industrial camera for high volume short wave IR applications.

The new Xenics Bobcat-320 industrial camera, now available from STEMMER IMAGING, features the latest InGaAs imager to provide a highly competitive solution for high volume markets needing shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging capabilities. 

These applications include hyperspectral imaging in food sorting and waste recycling, in-line quality control, semiconductor defect analysis, laser beam profiling and thermal imaging of hot objects between 300 °C and 800 °C. Using SWIR (900 – 1700 nm) imaging can reveal information (such as subsurface defects) that cannot be observed using conventional cameras.

The Bobcat-320 features a 320 x 256 pixel thermo-electric cooled InGaAs sensor offering low noise and low dark current to ensure high sensitivity. The small form factor and light weight of the camera makes it easy to physically integrate into new and existing industrial processes, including the use of standard protective housings if needed. On-board image processing and user-friendly Xeneth control software makes set up very straightforward. A versatile software development kit is also available and the camera is compatible with a broad range of industry standard software packages for added flexibility, speeding the development of more complex imaging solutions.

Bobcat-320 is available in a basic 100 Hz version for high-volume markets or an advanced 400 Hz version and both can have CameraLink or GigE Vision with Power over Ethernet interfaces. The high-speed 400-Hz CL version features a number of automated camera settings to optimize image quality, while a user-adjustable region of interest speeds up data acquisition. A unique high-frame-rate version featuring gated imaging for use in R&D and specialised dedicated applications has also been developed. 

Since SWIR radiation is transmitted by glass, the Bobcat-320 can be equipped with standard C-Mount lenses, meaning that the most cost-effective lenses for the application can be chosen. 

#Pauto #Food #Waste @stemmerimaging

Selecting an acceleration sensor for high vibration.

MEMSIC has a new whitepaper for heavy equipment design engineers and developers who need to pick the right kind of acceleration sensors.

This new MEMSIC whitepaper discusses various uses for accelerometers used in construction, testing and transportation equipment. 

This whitepaper provides an in-depth analysis of Capacitive and Thermal Accelerometers as well as the differences between these two leading accelerometer technologies; as well as their benefits and advantages.  The paper covers how these two technologies impact device sensitivity, resistance to shock and vibration, and overall performance in demanding real world industrial and construction environments.

“Equipment designers have a choice between capacitive-based or thermal MEMS (microelectromechanical) accelerometers,” explains James Fennelly, MEMSIC product manager. “They need to consider several design variables, including sensor structure, sensor resonance, reliability, stability, bandwidth, and power consumption, together with cost.”

The paper may be downloaded from their publications page!

@MEMS_IC #PAuto

Explosion proof Coriolis flow.

Badger Meter has enhanced its new line of Coriolis flow meters by releasing a new explosion-proof transmitter with intrinsically safe sensors for RCT1000 Coriolis Mass Flow Meters. The hazardous location certification opens up an array of new applications for RCT1000 flow meters, including chemical and petrochemical processing, oil exploration and refining, and a wide variety of industrial processing applications in potentially hazardous environments.

The hazardous location certification applies to the RCT1000 dual tube Coriolis flow meters with 1/2 to 3 inch connectors and includes low flow options. The Coriolis flow meters are certified for Class I, Division 1 area and include a newly designed, integrally mounted, explosion-proof transmitter. The new transmitter offers an unlock feature to prevent accidental activation, as well as a local LCD display with optical buttons, which allow the operator to navigate the display through the glass without opening the enclosure. In addition to meter configuration, RCT Console software provides data logging, trend analysis and the HealthTrack feature allowing for advanced diagnostics of a flow process.

"With hazardous location certifications and a more compact integral transmitter, we have significantly expanded the functional capacity of RCT1000 Coriolis flow meters," said Cheryl Ades Anspach, marketing manager at Badger Meter. She added, "The RCT1000 line is now able to help businesses in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical and processing, optimize their operations by controlling process flow with a highly accurate and intelligent flow measurement system."

The Badger Meter RCT1000 Coriolis mass flow meter identifies flow rates by directly measuring fluid mass and density over a wide range of fluid temperatures and viscosities with a high degree of accuracy. Furthermore, the unobstructed, open flow design and measurement technique makes the RCT1000 suitable for a variety of fluids such as vegetable oils and fats, slurries, adhesives, coatings and hardeners, chemicals, petrochemicals, and other viscous, nonconductive fluids that are difficult to measure with other technologies.

@Badger_Meter  #PAuto @BadgerMeterDE

Services and State of the Art Training Centre opens in Aberdeen.

We have been reporting on progress at this site in Scotland for the past three years and now we can report that Emerson has just celebrated the official opening of its new £20m Solutions Centre in Aberdeen on April 22. The facility provides North Sea oil and gas industry operators access to operational support, a broad portfolio of engineering services and state-of-the-art training facilities that will enable them to improve asset productivity.

Emerson executives and special guests celebrate the official opening of the new Solutions Centre in Aberdeen.

“This new facility demonstrates Emerson’s commitment to support our customers in Scotland and the North Sea,” said Stuart Brown, General Manager of Emerson Process Management UK and Ireland. “Given the challenges the industry is experiencing, now is the perfect time to build upon Emerson’s well-established operations in Aberdeen and demonstrate to our customers how users of our technology and services can run their operations more efficiently and more reliably.”

The opening ceremony was performed by David N. Farr, Chairman and CEO of Emerson, who was accompanied by Mike Train, President - Global Sales, Emerson Process Management, and Steve Sonnenberg, President, Emerson Process Management among other business leaders. Also present were representatives from the oil and gas industry, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, local councillors and global operators.

Deirdre Michie, Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: “In the current climate it’s encouraging to see signals of confidence in the UK oil and gas industry like the opening by Emerson of this innovative new Solutions Centre. Greater efficiency and co-operation in our work are crucial for securing the future of the North Sea which still holds billions of barrels of oil and gas and has the potential to become the most attractive mature oil and gas province with which to do business.”

The facility provides a platform from which Emerson can work closely with its customers to solve the tough problems brought about by the current economic climate. Emerson’s service contracts, which include support for fiscal metering, process control and safety system maintenance, spares management and rationalisation, are designed to drive down operational costs and increase system reliability. In addition, Emerson’s portfolio of consultancy services ranging from device specification, wireless networks and flow measurement through to process safety, cybersecurity and reliability systems allow ready access to innovative and potentially transformational new ideas and technologies.

Located close to the airport, a regular transit point for its customers, the training facilities in the Aberdeen Solution Centre can be easily accessed and training readily scheduled to coordinate with offshore rotas. “Enhancing the skills of workers helps to increase the efficiency of current offshore assets,” explained Brown. “A key part of the centre is the comprehensive educational facilities and operator training systems we can provide.”

The Solutions Centre was designed to enable and facilitate collaboration across all operational activity. Complex problems often require diverse and deep skills to understand the issues and resolve problems in the shortest possible time frame. The facility uses an integrated operations centre to consolidate and present diagnostic data, process status, alarm and logistics information in a single location, on a single screen. This information can then be shared simultaneously with Emerson experts and support personnel locally and globally to determine the most appropriate and effective solution.

The Aberdeen Solutions Centre consists of a 2800sqm office building linked to a 3000sqm service centre and is located on the D2 Business Park, Dyce. It is one of a series of regional solutions centres Emerson Process Management is opening around the world.

Previous reports:

Read-out Instrumentation Signpost: Receiving the keys... Jul 22, 2015 ... Emerson has been presented with the keys to its new Solutions Centre in Aberdeen (GB) by Miller Developments. Before the end of the year, ... instsignpost.blogspot.com Read-out Instrumentation Signpost: Training system for BP's Quad ... Feb 21, 2014 ... Emerson will install a fully operational training replica of the Quad 204 Project inAberdeen, BP's regional production centre, with the longer ... instsignpost.blogspot.com Read-out Instrumentation Signpost: Automate Solan Oil platform off ... Sep 3, 2013 ... ... owner of the field) to safely and efficiently manage the platform 160 km west of Scotland from an onshore operations centre inAberdeen. instsignpost.blogspot.com

@EmersonProcess #PAuto #OIl #Gas #Scotland 

EMEA Distributor of the year.

OmniProcess (Sweden) has been awarded ‘EMEA Distributor of the Year 2015’ by laboratory instrumentation manufacturer SEALAnalytical.  Congratulating the OmniProcess team on their success, SEAL President Stuart Smith said: “There are a number of factors affecting the decision, including the volume of business won; the identification and development of new markets, and business growth over the previous year. OmniProcess excelled in all categories and I am delighted to recognise their achievements.”

With many years of experience and high levels of expertise OmniProcess supplies the Swedish market with complete solutions in field instrumentation and analytical equipment.

Above we see Petter Holmström accepting the award from Stuart Smith and Jens Neubauer, also from SEAL Analytical, during the 2016 EMEA Distribution partners meeting at SEAL’s manufacturing and training facility in Hamburg, Germany.

#SealAnalytical #PAuto

Connector with integrated Ethernet switch.

Harting has launched a new connector which incorporates an integrated Ethernet switch. The new US4 connector is the first device in which switch functionality resides directly in the connector, making it possible to network four EtherNet/IP or PROFINET nodes with transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s.

With this enhancement, Harting’s Han-Modular® connector family lends support to the trend toward integrated networking, enabling EtherNet/IP and PROFINET-based communication to be extended over the plant management level control through to the enterprise level.

The US4 connector module features integrated LEDs to provide quick and easy power and network diagnostics for individual ports, displaying both the presence of the Ethernet connection as well as ongoing data exchange and the associated speed information.

The module automatically detects the send/receive lines of connected devices and finds the correct settings for the lines. In addition, in conjunction with the 10Base-T and 100Base-Tx interfaces, it autonomously corrects polarity errors in wire pairs and reverses the polarity of the data signal. It also allows two connected Ethernet nodes to autonomously negotiate and configure the maximum data transfer rate – up to 1000 Mbit/s incrementally – as well as the type of transmission, i.e. half-duplex or full duplex.

The US4 switch seamlessly integrates into existing Han-Modular® systems, with the interfaces required to extend an Ethernet network fitting into existing modular Han® connectors.

The Ethernet-based connection of two or more machines involved in a process is a typical application for the Han-Modular® US4 switch. The module helps save space, since it can be integrated into a plug connection with the Han-Modular® frame with no additional components required.
Other features of the new switch include an option for the prioritisation of data packets; integrated reverse polarity and overvoltage protection; and high data throughput. A 10-30V DC power supply adapter is also available.

@HARTING  #PAuto

Field verifications for moisture in natural gas analyzers.

Michell Instruments has introduced a method to verify the accuracy of the OptiPEAK TDL600 moisture in natural gas analyzer in the field using certified cylinders of moisture in nitrogen, rather than a methane calibration gas.

Because moisture content in natural gas is a critical quality parameter, the performance of the moisture analyzers is always under scrutiny. Gas transmission pipeline operators will often require periodic field verification of analyser performance to confirm the validity of on-line measurements. For the end user, being self-sufficient in carrying out these routine operations is important.

However, the high precision of the OptiPEAK TDL600 presents a technical challenge. On its introduction in 2015, it offered a new class-leading benchmark for on-line Tuneable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) analysis of moisture content in natural gas in terms of lower detection limit to 1ppm_V and accuracy of ±1ppm_V or 1% of reading.

Whilst this accuracy is beneficial to ensuring the quality of natural gas, it means that any verification needs a cylinder of certified moisture content. And because TDLAS analyzers are configured for a defined background gas type, in this case natural gas, then the cylinder gas required is moisture in methane. Unfortunately, cylinders of methane are not always easily available in all regions and shipping a flammable high-pressure gas cylinder between countries is problematic.

Realising that there was a potential problem, Michell Instruments developed a simple solution into the functionality of the TDL600 analyzer. If no certified moisture in methane calibration gas is available, the user can select a second spectroscopy profile in the analyzer for nitrogen background gas. The verification is then carried out using a cylinder of certified moisture in nitrogen: these are readily available around the world and are far easier and safer to ship between countries.

• Michell Instruments are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@Michell_Inst #PAuto 

HMI series in wide screen format!

Baumüller has introduced a new family of HMIs that offers the right hardware for all operating tasks with the three series Basic, Standard, and Premium. The family comprises devices in wide-screen format from 4.3 to 15.6 inch.

Besides conventional control terminals equipped with Windows Embedded Compact 7 Pro and a respective runtime environment, They also offers Linux-based HMIs with HTML5-capable browsers.

The Windows-based devices offer a comprehensive package of already integrated service programs that simplify management of the operating device as well as comprehensive functions, such as system backup or integrated remote maintenance solution. Integrating remote maintenance saves the user money as no separate hardware is required.

The Standard and Premium variants convince additionally with a refined design, with the Premium devices featuring a glass front and capacitive touch-functionality. All variants meet the requirements of protection class IP 66 on the front and are available in fan-free design. A powerful ARM Cortex A8 processor with 1 GHz clock frequency, 1GB system memory, and 4GB eMMC for storing and managing HMI projects, and an external SDHC memory card slot make the device a reliable hardware for machine operation.

In combination with their new industrial PC b maXX PCC04, the HMIs provide a powerful and flexible control package for machines and systems in different industries.

 #Baumüller  #PAuto #HMI

Global headquarters for radar level measurement for Sweden.

US$24.5 million facility in Gothenburg, Sweden, increases production flexibility and efficiency; provides enhanced range of services, support and training for customers.

Emerson marked the official opening of its new USD 24.5 million office and radar technology centre in Gothenburg (S) recently. The facility provides optimised manufacturing capability and an enhanced range of services, support and training for users of Emerson’s radar level measurement products in the terminals, processing and shipping industries.

The facility becomes Emerson’s global headquarters for radar level measurement. It supports a range of services, including sales and marketing, engineering and development, and production. The buildings include facilities for training and conferences, plus areas for customer inspection and testing to take place.

“Gothenburg has been the centre of excellence for Emerson’s radar level solutions for many years,” said Rasmus Johansson, Managing Director of Emerson’s Rosemount Tank Radar AB business. “This purpose-built facility enables us to strengthen our commitment to support our customers throughout the entire product lifecycle. Additional benefits include delivering shorter lead times, providing testing and product verification capabilities, plus excellent training opportunities.”

Replacing Emerson’s manufacturing unit in Gamlestaden, the new centre is located in the Härryda municipality, just to the east of Gothenburg, which provides easy access to the nearby international airport. The facility consists of two buildings - a 9,900 m2 factory area and a 7,100 m2 office area accommodating around 350 employees. The buildings are constructed with environmentally-approved materials according to Green Building standards.

“This is an important component for Emerson to further strengthen our role as a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together. Innovation, quality and customer dedication have always been our top priorities,” said Dr. Joe Willson, Vice President/General Manager of Emerson’s Rosemount Level business.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior executives including Ed Monser, President of Emerson; Steve Sonnenberg, Chairman, Automation Solutions; Mike Train, Executive Vice President & Group Business Leader, Automation Solutions; Emerson Process Management’s Lal Karsanbhai, Group Vice President, Rosemount and Analytical; Roel Van Doren, President, Europe; Phil Kelaart, Vice President Europe, Measurement and Analytical; Dr. Joe Willson, Vice President/General Manager, Rosemount Level; and Rasmus Johansson, Managing Director, Rosemount Tank Radar AB; plus local dignitaries.

 @EmersonProcess #PAuto 

Web-enabled dust/particulate monitor.

Ashtead Technology has added the new TSI Environmental DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor to its fleet of environmental monitoring equipment. Available to rent or purchase, the Environmental DustTrak is an advanced, mains or battery powered instrument for the continuous monitoring of ambient particulates, with ‘cloud’ based connectivity.

“This new instrument will be ideal for a wide variety of applications in which ambient particulates are a concern; even in remote locations.” says Ashtead’s Josh Thomas. “It will provide environmental health officers, planning authorities, environmental consultants and construction companies with the ability to accurately monitor particulate levels before, during and after construction projects, and during traffic surveys for example. In these circumstances it would be appropriate to rent the EDTDRX model, which is able to measure PMTotal, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 mass fractions simultaneously.

“Organisations with a long-term requirement, for applications such as fenceline monitoring, mining operations, waste facilities and remediation sites, will be able to purchase a specific version of the instrument to monitor the mass fraction or fractions of interest.”

Air pollution from vehicle emissions is prominent in the media following the Volkswagen scandal and the British Government’s failure to meet EU air quality levels for particulates. So, as a small portable monitor, that is quick and easy to set up and run, the Environmental DustTrak will provide an opportunity to monitor particulate pollution in almost any location.

The Environmental DustTrak Photometer is housed in a weather-proof, lockable enclosure and utilises ‘cloud’ based connectivity, providing users with remote access via a website for viewing data and configuration. Custom text message and email alerts can also be configured for user-specified alarm levels.

“The Environmental DustTrak Monitor employs proven DustTrak technology that thousands of people use every day,” adds Josh. “However, now that affordable, ambient fine-particulate monitoring is available in a transportable, web-enabled instrument, the number applications for this instrument will be enormous.”

 @ashteadtech #Environment #PAuto

Angle-seat valve includes food contact applications.

The high performance ASCO valve line now comes fully certified to meet the requirements of European and USA food contact regulations.

The scope of ASCO's stainless steel angle valve range has been extended to food contact applications. The valves are provided with certification that confirms they meet the requirements of the relevant European and USA food contact regulations.

“By offering both certifications, with a full list of wetted parts and product labelling that confirms we meet the requirements of these standards, we are making sure customers can be confident in their choice “, said Benoit Stephen, Food & Bev Industry Manager. “Our angle seat valve range is proven in use across many industries. The addition of this certification means that our customers in the Food & Beverage industry can now transform their processes by taking advantage of the extreme reliability, flexibility and performance that this valve line offers.”

Fully certified to meet the requirements of the European (EC) 1935-2004 and the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CFR21 food contact regulations, the DN10 to DN65 valves can be used to control auxiliary fluids on food processes where the flowing media may come into contact with the food. In addition, the valves also comply with the (EC) 10/2011 standards for plastics material intended to come into contact with food, and are manufactured in accordance with the (EC) 2023/2006 standard for good manufacturing practice. Similar to many ASCO products the valves also comply with the RoHS 2 (EU) 2011/65 standard which restricts the use of hazardous materials.

The valves are robust in design, offer high flow and performance capabilities thanks to the angle seat design and are available with a range of options. Easy to size select and install, the pneumatically operated valves are available for on/off applications as well as where proportional control is required. The stainless steel angle valves form part of an extensive offering of Fluid Automation Solutions by ASCO.

@ASCOValve #PAuto @EmersonIndAuto 

Appointment at leading agency.

HHC Lewis is the marketing agency which organised the European press contingent at the recent Emerson User Group Meeting in Brussels.

Sam Hemphill has recently assumed responsibility as their new business account manager. He is responsible for generating new business opportunities within specialist technical markets, servicing client needs and key accounts, and collaborating with the agency’s creative and PR teams.

Sam said: “I’m focused on promoting HHC Lewis’ expertise in meeting the PR needs of technical, manufacturing and engineering clients, and securing new business for the company. I’m delighted to be joining such an esteemed agency and I’m looking forward to helping HHC Lewis continue to prosper."

Sam is a former graphic designer who has experience of working in the book publishing and marketing industries. He has worked in-house for trade magazine publishers and also in New Zealand for a marketing agency. Most recently he has worked in technical and online recruitment, and has successfully developed new business and managed key accounts within a number of engineering sectors.

@HHC_Lewis #PAuto 

Field replaceable SMA connectors.

Intelliconnect (Europe) has introduced a range of cost effective, field replaceable SMA and 2.9mm connectors providing solderless attachment to  0.141" (RG402) semi rigid cables and 2.9mm connectors for 0.085"(RG405) and 0.141" cables. Customers will find the main advantages of these connectors are assembly time saving, repeatability and performance.

Roy Philips, managing Director of Intelliconnect (Europe), commented, “Our new SMA and 2.9mm clamp connector series offers our customers an exciting alternative for assembling SMA connectors to semi-rigid cable with no loss in performance or reliability. Solderless assembly facilitates field replacement in the event of wear or damage to the connector.”

Their newly developed unique clamping technology provides similar I/L and VSWR results to standard soldered connectors. No special tooling is required and cable retention force is similar to soldered versions.

These stainless steel SMA and 2.9mm connectors have been designed for applications where reliability, durability, robustness and high frequency performance are very important. Typical applications include civil and military telecommunications, civil and military aeronautics, military equipment, space and measurement systems.

#intelliconnect #PAuto

Rugged push-button switch.

A new push-button switch which is not only IP 67 but also shows its high quality in the design has been introduced by knitter-switch.

It is designed for ruggedized industrial applications requiring waterproofing.

The new DPY 1 CB is an IP67 push-button switch with a stainless steel actuator and gold plated contacts providing highest quality. It is used on PC-boards with a hole diameter of 16 mm.

The DPY 1 CB is – as well as the complete wide range of standard DIL, tact, rotary encoder, toggle and push-button switches - available directly from knitter-switch and a number of distributors throughout Europe.

 #knitterswitch #PAuto 

#HM16 Augmented reality in various applications.

Those of us who attended the Emerson User Group meeting in Brussels recently,  will remember where a goggle like apparatus was placed on the head and using a game-like hand piece the engineer would be able to travel through a plant and see where various problems may be without any danger to him or her. This story on a presentation at next weeks Hannover Messe is another similar development.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT and the founders of its latest spin-off company – oculavis – will be presenting three new applications for personal imaging systems, also known as smart glasses, at the Hanover Fair: the “oculavis.4D-instructor”, “oculavis.pick” and “oculavis.share” software modules permit Augmented Reality (AR) functions to be used in production, logistics and service applications. Visitors to the fair who are interested in this development are welcome to come and try out the software themselves using a range of new models of the AR glasses such as ODG R-7 Smartglasses or Epson Moverio Pro BT-2000 in Hall 17, Booth C18. 

The oculavis-software, which runs on a conventional android operating system from version 4.0.4 upward, was developed by the Fraunhofer IPT and will be marketed to industry by oculavis, the up-coming spin-off company as from May 2016. 

The oculavis.4D-instructor software module permits animated instructions with 3D-CAD models to be generated and displayed on the smart glasses. This leaves both hands free so that even unskilled workers can assemble or test parts with which they are not yet familiar. The animations also make the instructions clearer and more easily understandable. By helping to train staff on the shop floor to in this way, smart glasses make a major contribution to accelerating ramp-up processes, particularly in the case of production with a number of variants or where there is a high level of staff turnover. 

The oculavis-place software module provides a so-called “Place-to-Augment-solution” for application in logistics: this means that the smart glasses provide the wearer with helpful information in the display as to where a certain part should be placed. This module extends classical pick-solutions applied in logistics to include an additional feature enabling the user to design and put in place swifter, more intuitive logistics processes. 

In the service sector, the oculavis.share software module supports videotelophony with new features such as bi-directional annotation, 3D-models and documentation options. When complex tasks are involved, an expert can intervene and instruct the user directly. A tool kit containing sample solutions and pre-defined approaches is on-hand to provide support. The software module thus helps to reduce travel costs and shortens plant and machinery downtimes. 

Trying the immersive training simulator at the Emerson User Group.

@FraunhoferIPT #PAuto