Voltage regulator achieves cybersecurity approval.

Classification society DNV has granted ABB UNITROL® 1000 excitation system Cyber Security Type Approval - becoming the first automatic voltage regulator to achieve it. This facilitates maritime operators in meeting the new IACS UR E26 requirements more efficiently and contribute to the security of their vessels against cyber threats.

In the maritime sector, ABB UNITROL 1000 excitation system is used for a variety of applications on synchronous machines ranging from 100 kVA to 80 MVA. To help ensure resilience in the face of potential cyber threats, UNITROL 1000 has been certified as of November 2024 for compliance with the DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 (IACS UR E27), which is based on industry standard IEC 62443-3-3 security level 1. DNV, also known as Det Norske Veritas, is headquartered in Norway and is the world’s leading classification society, as well as a recognised advisor to the maritime industry.*

The primary purpose of a synchronous generator on a vessel is to supply the necessary electrical power for various on-board systems, including lighting, machinery, navigation, communication and propulsion. The UNITROL 1000 excitation system ensures stable control of the synchronous generator voltage, providing rapid response to load changes and maintaining required voltage levels, even in harsh environments. This reliability makes it a crucial component for efficient and consistent power generation, and safety of the vessel.

DNV type approval speeds up ship specific certification.
UNITROL 1000 is the first automatic voltage regulator to comply with the IACS UR E27 requirements, which involves “Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment”. The new certification is especially relevant for the maritime sector, which is currently accelerating its digitalization with more connectivity to onboard equipment. Digitalization brings many benefits but, at the same time, it can expose vessels to new cyber threats.

To reduce cyber risk, it has been mandatory for all new ships contracted from 1 July 2024 to comply with IACS UR E26 for “Cyber Resilience of Ships”. Having assets certified according to IACS UR E27 for the on-board systems provides important support for vessel owners, designers and yards in achieving full compliance with IACS UR E26.

Werner Pretorius, UNITROL 1000 Global Product Manager at ABB Energy Industries, explains the situation. “The main purpose of these standards is to lower the risk of cyber security threats and reduce downtime in case of potential cyber-attacks. To ensure compliance with regulations, each vessel must undergo a system evaluation by the classification society. With a Cyber Security Type Approval certificate, ABB simplifies the certification process for their customers, allowing them to focus on configuration and installation rather than re-testing pre-approved security barriers."

In line with IMO safeguards.
With the DNV certification ABB mitigates the occurrence of, and downtime caused by, cyber incidents due to potential cyber-attacks. Moreover, DNV accreditation supports vessel operators, offshore operators and marine OEMs in demonstrating the resilience of their systems. This not only streamline the certification processes but also enhances overall cyber security awareness. Additionally, DNV recognition aligns well with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) resolution MSC.428(98), which focuses on safeguarding power and automation systems on board ships, as well as ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data in remote connections.

Jarle Coll Blomhoff, DNV Head of Section for Digital Ship Systems, comments on the importance of gaining this security classification. “Adhering to IACS UR E27 and IEC62443 contributes to safer and more secure on-board systems and equipment, thus reducing the risk of power outages and other safety threats due to malicious attacks. We appreciate that ABB takes lead with ABB UNITROL 1000 system being the first of its kind to be DNV Cyber Secure compliant according to IACS UR E27 and supporting a more efficient certification process.”

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* More about DNV Cyber Secure Class Notation.

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation  @admiralpr #Marine #Cybersecurity

Validation for radio test station.

Hirokazu Hamada, the President of Anritsu Corporation has announced that Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has validated Radio Communications Test Station MT8000A. This is now supported by the Qualcomm® Development Acceleration Resource Toolkit (QDART) for testing 5G NR Sub-6 GHz small cells using the Qualcomm 5G RAN Platform.

Different 5G small cells, such as femtocells, picocells, and microcells, all have different coverage. Small cell BTS are used when requiring high data rates and density in indoor areas and crowded places, such as shopping malls and sport stadiums. The Qualcomm® FSM100 5G RAN Platform is a very capable 5G NR small cell solution that is used widely by mobile operators. The platform is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reuse their software and hardware reference designs across Sub-6 GHz and mmWave products.

The MT8000A test solution supports non-signalling RF tests of 5G NR millimeter wave (mmWave) and Sub-6 GHz base stations (BTS). The 3GPP TS38.141-1 and TS38.141-2 compliant all-in-one MT8000A test solution cuts test times and costs when manufacturing 5G BTS radio units (RU).

OEMs of small cell Sub-6 GHz (FR1) infrastructure can use the QDART and MT8000A to test small cells while taking advantage of unique MT8000A features, such as high-quality parallel testing of multiple DUTs.

By offering this high-efficiency platform for testing Qualcomm Technologies’ small cell modem chipsets, Anritsu is contributing to the development and spread of 5G radio access networks.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @Qualcomm #TandM

High-precision CoriolisMaster flowmeter certified for custody transfer.

ABB’s CoriolisMaster flowmeter has received recognition for its high levels of accuracy, gaining custody transfer standards approval. The flowmeter now offers a new custody transfer application approved under OIML R 117-1 and Wellmec standards and certified for the European Measuring Instruments Directive MID.*

Accuracy and reliable measurement are paramount in the transfer of expensive commodities such as oil and gas. Custody transfer is a highly regulated area which falls under both international standards and regional regulations.

The CoriolisMaster certification complements ABB’s Flow-X series of flow computers, a single hardware and software solution that connects to flowmeters, and to temperature, pressure and density transmitters as well as chromatographs to calculate the volume at standard conditions, mass and energy following international standards. The Flow-X aims for the highest precision to protect the interest of buyer and seller. Its analog inputs have an unmatched accuracy of 0.008 percent over a wide ambient temperature range.

“This certification places ABB at the forefront of custody transfer measurement,” said Frank Frenzel, Global Product Line Manager, ABB Process Flowmeters. “We have seen significant growth in this area in recent years, with increased demand for our Flow-X computers, and customers asking for a complete fiscal metering offering. Our CoriolisMaster has never been faster or more precise in its measurements. Certification confirms that it is ideally placed to meet customers’ need for precise measurement, joining the Flow-X computer for unrivalled accuracy in custody transfer applications around the globe.”

With its distinctive lean design, the CoriolisMaster has a small footprint which reduces on-site handling, commissioning and costs by being easy to install and using less pipeline than has been traditionally required. Extensive communication capabilities provide real-time data insights for instant action, and the inclusion of the ABB Ability™ Verification for measurement devices solution allows the performance of the meter to be verified at any stage either in-situ or remotely.

Even the smallest imprecision in custody transfer can lead to big financial losses, so the high accuracy of the CoriolisMaster makes it ideal for liquid mass flow measurement. With repeatability an equally important element, the stability of ABB’s CoriolisMaster in maintaining calibration across its lifecycle is an essential element. The flowmeter also eliminates the need for an additional inline density meter, making it invaluable for product quality assurance purposes, by providing direct density measurement and improving the measurement of liquid and gas flow composition.

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* The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is a worldwide, intergovernmental organization whose primary aim is to harmonize the regulations and metrological controls applied by the national metrological services, or related organizations, of its Member States.

@abb_automation @ABBgroupnews @OimlBiml #PAuto #Standards

Dual connectivity protocol conformance test approved.

The Global Certification Forum's (GFC) Certification Agreement Group (CAG) has approved the industry first Dual Connectivity Protocol Conformance test for Standalone (SA) 5G New Radio (NR) on Anritsu Corporation's ME7834NR Protocol Test Platform at their CAG#70 meeting held in April 2022.

NR Dual Connectivity (NR DC) allows a device to connect to two 5G NR serving nodes concurrently enabling higher throughput, better coverage, and improved latency and reliability.

This is the first test where NR SA is operated over millimeter Wave (mmWave), and sub-6GHz frequencies simultaneously. 5G devices can now take advantage of the wider reach of mid-band sub-6 GHz frequencies along with the high data rates supported by mmWave.

The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1 and have earlier been verified by Anritsu at 3GPP RAN WG5 (Radio Access Network Working Group 5). These tests have also been submitted to PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) PVG (PTCRB Validation group) for approval in the upcoming PVG#97 meeting.

The ME7834NR Protocol Conformance test Platform is registered with both the GCF and PTCRB as Test Platform (TP) 251.

The ME7834NR is a test platform for 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Test (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) of mobile devices incorporating Multiple Radio Access Technologies (RAT). It supports 5G NR in both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) mode in addition to LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, and W-CDMA. When combined with Anritsu’s new OTA chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR covers the sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G frequency bands.

@GCF_Certified @NapierPR #TandM #Communications

Footswitch suitable for medical use.

Herga Technology's Modular Base System has successfully gained UL- and IEC- 60601-1 medical product approval. In combination with Herga’s best-in-class medically approved electrical and Bluetooth® footswitches and puckswitches, this building-block platform now provides a globally unique solution for multipedal medical equipment footswitch selection and purchase. Renamed for medical switching tasks as the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, OEMs can be assured their complete multipedal switching module has medical approval on delivery - saving cost by reducing product design effort, simplifying their medical approval process and speeding time-to-market.

The Medical Footswitch Design Platform is an attractive and ergonomic solution for medical equipment manufacturers offering wide flexibility for application-specific switching. OEMs can easily accommodate their specific switching requirements for a single machine or range of machines with varying functionality through seamless range expansion. The base system consists of moulded thermoplastic single and double plinths that mechanically lock with joining spacers to provide electrical connections for 1-, 2-, 3- 4-, or 5- plinth configurations. Each single plinth can accommodate a single footswitch as well as one or two puckswitches.

Complementing the Medical Footswitch Design Platform, Herga’s IEC 60601/UL 60601 medically approved range of footswitches include the well proven 6226 series that can be selected with environmental protection options EN60529 IPX7 or IPX8 on request. Whilst the electrical ratings for each complete base unit are determined by the application, the typical electrical switching range for each footswitch is up to 3 A at 24V AC/DC with momentary function for SPST, N/O or SPDT. Medically approved 6241 puckswitches, 6244 haptic puckswitches and Otto switches can also be included with typical ratings of 0.1 A at 24V DC for SPDT/DPDT switching.

All of the electrical switching functions for the Medical Footswitch Design Platform are typically output via a single cable for straightforward machine connection, with flying leads and stripped cable cores or with a preferred connector as required, or alternatively via our closed network Bluetooth connection. A wide range of modular accessories may be included such as tubular steel carrying handles, open guards or roll bars. For improved operational safety, each footswitch may also be separated with a raised divider built into the joining spacer. Steel base plates are available for added durability. The switch components can be suppled in a range of standard colours and customer logos included. Additional options include LEDs, screen printing and USB connection. Fully customised base systems are available in OEM quantities.

The Modular Base System is also suitable for industrial and commercial machinery switching tasks where medical approval is not essential. Herga has developed a comprehensive range of standard variants that use the new modular base system to combine commonly specified 6226 series footswitches and single 6241 puckswitches. With a series of detailed datasheets including reference dimensions and ordering information available from the Herga website, this range covers straightforward selection in eight combinations that span a single footswitch to a multiple switch combination including 4x footswitch plus 4x puckswitches switch configuration. This range can of course include Herga’s medically approved foot and puckswitches switches allowing a fully medically approved product on-delivery.

@HergaTechnology #PAuto #Medical #MEpax

Industrial computer system certified.

Harting’s MICA industrial computer system has been certified as meeting the requirements of Microsoft’s “Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT” programme.

Microsoft’s certification process places certain demands on end devices which work with Microsoft Azure services. As a result, MICA has gone through a series of tests provided by Microsoft in order to evaluate the functionality of the hardware. The results have been validated by Microsoft, meaning that MICA meets the requirements of the programme.

The “Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT” programme is also intended to help speed up IoT projects with Azure by providing a set of available sensors and devices that are tested for usability and compatibility with the Azure IoT Suite.

Harting’s MICA (Modular Industrial Computing Architecture) is an edge computing device based on a modular open computing platform which can be customised as required, including the hardware, software and interfaces, making it compatible with the world of Integrated Industry.

MICA functions as a small, robust computing unit between physical devices and the higher-level IT system. It provides a cost-effective solution that allows users to run computing power at all levels as well as communicating with central IT systems and the cloud, offering fast data analysis and decision-making at the field level network edge along with storage and data-collection capability.

 @Harting, #PAuto @Azure

Valves comply fully with forthcoming regulations for marine industry.

Emerson has gained DNV-GL approval for its ASCO 551 and 553 series solenoid valves. This means that the valves comply with the soon-to-be-introduced (September 2017) worldwide regulations for ballast water treatment. From this date, all valves used for treating and managing ballast water aboard ships must comply with the new standard.

ASCO DNV-GL approved solenoid valves are available with aluminium and stainless steel valve bodies and with many solenoid options. This enables them to be used in safe areas and Ex zones. The 551 and 553 Series are certified for use in functional safety loops such as may be found on LNG vessels and tankers. This broad range of applications makes it easier to standardise on one solenoid valve, simplifying on-board maintenance. Emerson is the only supplier of their type to offer valves which are both DNV-GL and SIL approved.

DNV-GL approval combines two standards: DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and GL (Germanischer Lloyds). It is a global standard which means there is no need to purchase different solenoid valves depending on where the treatment plant or ship is being constructed. The introduction of the new standard is set to have a major impact on the ballast water industry. In total, around 70,000 boats worldwide will be affected by the new regulation, with 2000 more being built each year.

@ASCO_EU #PAuto @DNVGL

Approval for particulate monitors.

The TSI Environmental DustTrak™ Aerosol Monitors in Ashtead Technologies' fleet of particulate matter (PM) monitors have achieved MCERTS* approval.

"As evidence of the health effects associated with PM10 and PM2.5 exposure continues to mount, this certification provides assurance that monitoring data is accurate and reliable,” says Ashtead’s Josh Thomas. "An MCERTS certificate demonstrates compliance with the performance requirements of the Environment Agency, which means that these instruments will be ideal for monitoring PM from construction projects, traffic and industrial sources."

With a ‘cloud’ based data management system, the Environmental DustTrak provides users with easy access to real-time data on dust levels, with the optional addition of other sensors. Alarm conditions can be set by users so that text and email alerts are issued when threshold levels arise.

Available in three configurations, these MCERTS-certified models are capable of monitoring PM Total, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 mass fractions simultaneously. The latest version is equipped with a heated inlet, enabling longer run times, increased accuracy and the ability to measure in a wider variety of temperatures and humidity.

Summarising, Josh says: “Environmental DustTrak units are quick and easy to set up and run, with remote web-enabled access helping to lower operating costs, and MCERTS approval providing confidence in the data.”

* MCERTS is the British Environment Agency’s Monitoring Certification Scheme.

@ashteadtech #PAuto #MCERTS @_Enviro_News

Process controller gains EDSA certification.

The Control Systems Security Corporation Chartered Lab (CSSC-CL) has announced that it has certified a process controller from Azbil—the Harmonas-DEO DOPC IV—to the ISASecure^® Embedded Device Security Assurance (EDSA) certification.

DOPC IV, process controller.

The Control System Security Center (CSSC, President: Seiichi Shin), established by a collaboration of industry, academia and government organizations in Japan, operates an independent organization called the CSSC certification laboratory (CSSC-CL), which has been accredited to Guide 65 by the Japan Accreditation Board (JAB) to provide ISASecure certifications. The laboratory held a certification adjudication committee on 17 December 2014 and judged that the Azbil Process Controller DOPC IV met the required criteria to earn the ISASecure^® EDSA industrial automation and control systems (IACS) certification.

The Azbil controller is now registered as a certified device with the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) and is published on the ISCI-certified devices web page .

“We are pleased with industry adoption of the ISASecure IACS certification scheme,” stated Andre Ristaino, ISCI Managing Director. “ISASecure is the world’s first and only IACS IEC 62443 certification program using certification bodies independently accredited to Guide 65 by global accreditation bodies such as JAB and ANSI/ACLASS.”

About the Control System Security Center (CSSC) and the CSSC Certification Laboratory (CSSC-CL)
Two important missions of the CSSC and CSSC-CL are to strengthen the security of Japan’s domestic critical infrastructures and to boost the international competitiveness of Japan’s vendors who develop and export industrial control systems and devices. By offering the ISASecure cybersecurity certification locally, in the Tohoku Region of Japan, it is easier for Japanese vendors to achieve the globally recognized ISASecure cybersecurity certification for devices such as PLC and DCS.

More information about the CSSC-CL and ISASecure certified products can be found on the following websites in Japan and the US:

• CSSC-CL website URL：http://www.cssc-cl.org (Japanese version)
• CSSC-CL website URL：http://www.cssc-cl.org/en (English version)
• Main ISCI website URL：http://www.ISASecure.org/End-User-Resources.aspx

Tank gauging system has NMi and TUEV approval

Additional approvals certify custody transfer accuracy and overfill prevention of Emerson’s Rosemount® Raptor tank gauging system 

The Dutch Metrological Institute NMi, has approved Emerson Process Management’s Rosemount® Raptor tank gauging system for custody transfer accuracy, and the German DIBt / TÜV Nord has tested and approved the system in accordance with the rules for overfill prevention. These national standards with traceability to international standards are essential for customer confidence in the performance and safety of automation equipment like tank gauging.

The Raptor system is a complete tank gauging offering that includes high precision radar gauges, and temperature and pressure measurement instruments. The NMi certificate is written according to the current International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) requirements which require at least 1 mm accuracy for level. The approval means that the Raptor 5900 radar gauge with 0.5 mm accuracy can be used for automatic custody transfer operations within the Netherlands. 

The German DIBt / TÜV Nord has tested and approved the 5900 radar gauge in accordance with the rules for overfill prevention. DIBt is the institute responsible for certifying overfill protection equipment according to the requirements stated by the German Federal Water Act (WHG) concerning water protection. The Raptor 5900 gauge passed the comprehensive reliability test that consisted of 5,000 overfill situations over the temperature range -40 to +70 °C.

The Raptor 5900 radar level gauge has also been approved by metrological authorities for legal custody transfer in a number of other countries. The system has been certified for overfill prevention according to IEC 61508 international safety standard according to SIL 2 and SIL 3 requirements.

Marine approval for valves

Complete range of Fisher valves and digital valve controllers is certified for offshore oil and gas applications

Fisher® FIELDVUE™ DVC6200f
Digital Valve Controller 

Emerson Process Management’s complete range of Fisher® valves and FIELDVUE™ digital valve controllers has received Lloyd’s Register’s Marine Type Approval for process control applications within the offshore oil and gas production industry. This Marine Type Approval ensures that Fisher products can be installed in critical duties on ships, mobile offshore units and floating structures moored at a fixed point such as drilling rigs or platforms.

Lloyd’s Register is an impartial certification service that provides third-party verification of a product’s conformance to specific standards or specifications and to the use of appropriate, quality manufacturing systems. According to Ken Kleemeier, Industry Business Development Manager at Emerson, there is growing international awareness of the importance of third-party certification such as Lloyd’s Register, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

"Offshore oil and gas operators are very focused on equipment safety and integrity," he stated. "This focus extends to material sourcing, procurement and manufacturing activities, with the objective being that all equipment utilised in offshore vessels and installations meets rigorous industry operating and safety standards." Kleemeier went on to say, "Emerson is the first manufacturer to have a complete line of control valves and digital valve controllers Marine Type Approved by Lloyd’s Register."

Control valves and related instruments are typically installed in areas affecting the safe operation of the ship and its topside processing units. These applications are referred to as "classed duties," and the valves must be Type Approved for this service.

Prior to granting certification to the Fisher products, Lloyd’s Register personnel reviewed Fisher product designs to validate compliance with industry codes and standards. They also witnessed and reviewed documented product performance tests that confirmed the integrity and functional performance of the Fisher designs in production.

In addition to product Type Approval, multiple Emerson Fisher manufacturing sites met inspection and test requirements for Lloyd’s manufacturing approval.