"Legal-for-trade" certified weighing.

The BLH Nobel brand of Vishay, has announced that its G5 Series panel mount measurement amplifiers (G5 PM Series) are now certified “legal-for-trade” via firmware upgrade, as per the very latest standards set forth by EN45501:2015 and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

In global commercial applications where product is sold by weight, a legal requirement exists for all associated weighing equipment, whether individual scales or a full pre-pack line, to be “legal-for-trade” certified. Such certifications confirm that associated instrumentation has undergone the necessary stringent testing to ensure its total conformance to uniform global accreditation standards. This further ensures that it is sufficiently accurate for its intended commercial weighing purpose.

With the BLH Nobel “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade, the G5 PM Series can now support all non-automatic weighing applications, in full compliance with EN 45501 and OIML R76 Class III or IIII single-interval industrial use criteria (NTEP approvals pending). The measurement amplifier offers secondary functionality as a long-term onboard data storage device, without the need for a stand-alone printer. Units can accept any traditional load cell input signal with a 0.4 μV minimum verification scale interval, and with maximum potential intervals set at 10,000. Initial device storage capacity exists for up to 50,000 individual text records, allowing for up to 500 separate files of 100 records each. Each file name is assigned a unique identification number for tracking purposes.

Other new functions afforded by the BLH Nobel G5 PM Series “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade include full language support in both English and Swedish, along with a modern and user-friendly visual indicator, audit trail counter, legal lock function, easy calibration, remote access with common field buses (setup via browser or keyboard), and associated trade and management task functions. The firmware upgrade also allows the G5 PM Series to serve as a next generation drop-in replacement for the now-obsolete Model TAD3. Model TAD3 was the brand’s previous indicator solution for legal weighing applications, with new G5 PM Series units occupying an identical footprint to that of the legacy model. The G5 PM Series is available with a full complement of standard and custom load cells from the BLH Nobel portfolio, along with full applications engineering and troubleshooting support. To obtain a copy of the correct firmware upgrade version for “legal-for-trade” compliance, please contact BLH Nobel.

Originally launched in February 2016, the G5 Series measurement amplifier combines standard interfaces, a modular design, and onboard integral web servers. It offers streamlined commissioning and calibration; reduced operations and maintenance costs; and advanced communication protocols for optimized system efficiencies, including remote diagnostics, parameterization, backup and maintenance functions. A recently released firmware upgrade (v1.3.0) added new capabilities such as flow rate calculation, enhanced diagnostics, excitation current measurement and supervision, updated Fieldbus data mapping, and an EtherNet/IP interface. The G5 Series is just one in a family of advanced process control instruments from BLH Nobel, designed to support the measurement requirements of comprehensive weighing systems.

Typical applications for the BLH Nobel G5 PM Series include process weighing and control, weighing force measurements, high-speed dynamic measurements, and factory automation. Expanded applications now afforded by the “legal-for-trade” firmware upgrade include coil weighing; steel plate commercial weighing; offshore fish farm pellet weighing; fine-grained concentrates weighing for the mining industry; and virtually any other commercial weighing application requiring EN45501:2015 and OIML certifications. Units are also fully CE marked.

For more than 40 years, the BLH Nobel brand of VPG has specialized in the design, development and manufacture of high-quality and high-accuracy process weighing and force measurement technologies and related control systems. BLH Nobel load cells maximize accuracy and minimize the effects of mixing, agitation, and temperature changes within critical process stages. BLH Nobel products and customized solutions are designed to comply with stringent requirements in the food and beverage, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment, process, mining, steel, and offshore industries. The brand further offers a wide variety of communication protocols for seamless integration within complex production lines. It also supplies system solutions, products, and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. Each BLH Nobel custom solution is derived from more than 40 years of engineering expertise, gained from across thousands of successful applications.

@BLHNobel #PAuto 

Weighing in with new website!

The BLH Nobel brand of Vishay Precision Group has launched a new mobile responsive website .

The fresh, new customer-friendly design of the site exemplifies the VPG brand's commitment to continuous quality improvements across all product and service offerings. This extends into website redevelopment which allows for the subsequent timely publication of high-quality, up-to-date technical product and market data, along with significant enhancements to onsite content search, to include both solutions- and applications-based findings. Direct communication links to sales and customer service may be found on virtually every page of the new site. Site translations into four languages, including French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Swedish, are planned for later this year.

Beyond these new features and functions, site users may now locate suitable process weighing and force measurement solutions directly from the homepage, via any one of six main sectional tabs: Markets, Solutions, Products, Case Studies, Support, and Contact Us. The Products tab allows the user to filter and sort by desired model features and parameters, with added benefit of a “related products” feed. The Support tab includes real-time access to product manuals and software downloads. An expanded News section includes real-time corporate announcements and technical notes, in addition to the very latest product releases. The Contact Us tab includes an interactive sales map, from which users may locate their nearest authorized sales representative via a series of dropdown menus, further organized by region.

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto @VishayIndust

Industrial force & weighing!

The BLH Nobel brand, of the Vishay Precision Group, has introduced the new G5 family of weighing instruments, the latest generation of the company's modular high-speed systems for industrial weighing and force measurement applications.

Featuring a new hardware platform with extensive communication capabilities, the G5 family increases speed and performance, offering intuitive operation, easy calibration and advanced diagnostics. Leveraging the flexibility of the BLH Nobel G5 units, industrial plants can easily meet today's complex application demands while adapting to tomorrow's evolving requirements.

These instruments support a wide range of industrial applications, including process weighing and control, force measurement, factory automation, high dynamic force measurement, and high-speed batching/blending systems.

Through a built-in Web server, the G5 instruments speed up setup and simplify parameter changes, enabling remote operation from any PC or mobile device with a Web browser and Ethernet connection. Weight and status are instantly displayed alongside other parameters and diagnostics information via user-friendly operator interface.

Within the G5 family, there are two different mounting options: a panel-mount version for 24 V DC or 115/230 V AC operation and a rail-mount version for 24 V DC operation only. The panel-mount version comes equipped with a 4.3-inch high-resolution color screen that increases visibility and enables easy navigation through parameter settings and menus. For operators who do not require a screen, the rail-mount instrument offers a powerful yet cost-effective alternative.

Many industrial communication interfaces are supported, including Modbus/TCP, Ethernet/IP, FTP, HTTP, Profibus, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Modbus RTU, as well as the traditional RS485 and analog outputs. Users can configure the G5 digital I/O signals according to their discrete control requirements. Software upgrades can quickly be made in the field using an SD card. Custom software designed to customer requirements for special applications is available upon request. Parameter backup and restoration is made easy via the G5's USB port, SD card, and internal memory.

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto @VishayIndust

Embedded loadcell for offshore! A first!

The BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems brands of Vishay Precision Group have released the LCAMP, a new embedded load cell transmitter for offshore applications.

The ATEX Ex ia IIC rated LCAMP transmitter is embedded in BLH and Nobel load cells. It is the industry's first such device that can be serviced and replaced in the field and that allows the transmitter and load cell to be replaced independently of each other without affecting system calibration. The unit output is two-wire 4 mA to 20 mA and supports HART protocol for calibration and system diagnostics of both the load cell and transmitter.

The LCAMP features a combined error rate of less than ±1% of RO, NAMUR compliant error signaling, an input voltage range of 10.5 V to 42 V DC, and IP 68 ingress protection when mounted in a load cell.

The unit is operational within a second from power-on. Fully-redundant units as well as other customizations are available.

The LCAMP connects through an M12 connector or a fixed-cable connection and is specified for operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.

New process weighing website

Features case studies, downloadable certificates and manuals, and G4 software updates

Vishay Precision Group has announced that its VPG Process Weighing product group has unveiled a new website for users of BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems equipment and applications. The new website features case studies, downloadable certificates, and downloadable manuals for both new and existing / established software versions. The newest addition to this software library is an updated version of the G4 Force Measurement standard software, which upgrades the G4 family of multichannel weight/force indicators to communicate via Ethernet/IP open communications protocol.

The new website boasts a collection of case studies that provide many real-world examples of the broad range of applications and systems built on BLH and Nobel products, both standard and highly customized, and the exceptional engineering resources brought to each installation. Case studies are available in German and English, with Chinese versions coming soon. New case studies will be added regularly.

Another new feature is the ability to download certificates and manuals for application instrument software (G4, TAD3), as well as other software types. Updated application software pages offer direct downloads of their respective manuals in the most recent version and offer access to manuals for older versions, as well.

The most recent software update accessible through the new website enables the G4 family of instruments to communicate with other industrial control systems and their components via the Ethernet/IP open communications protocol. This capability was previously available only in the G4 Weighing Standard software.

The new Ethernet/IP capability for Force Measurement Standard software enables users to access instrument configuration, maintenance, system information, and other functions in the same way as with the Weighing Standard program. The Ethernet/IP capability is available on devices running the latest version of the Standard software, including all Application Software versions building on it. With this addition, the full G4 software family for both application types gains a key communication feature for remote access and control.

Process weighing video

New VPG process weighing video highlights features and capabilities of G4 modular instrument for weighing and force measurement

The VPG Process Weighing division of the Vishay Precision Group,  has unveiled a new video highlighting the features and capabilities of the G4 modular high-speed instrument for weighing and force measurement and control applications. Based on more than 60 years of experience, BLH and Nobel Weighing Systems have developed the G4 for multi-channel operations and for today's communications requirements. The new five-minute, animated presentation provides a 3D view of the instrument, allowing users to see exactly how to set it up and use it.

Click pic to visit video page!

The video "G4: State of the Art Instrument for Weighing and Force Measurement" demonstrates the G4's easy-to-use interface and the optimal visibility provided by the unit's 5.7 inch color touchscreen and graphics display. Viewers can see how six different hardware modules can easily be added to or replaced on the instrument according to customer or application requirements.

By equipping the unit with single- or dual-channel modules — or two-channel, high-speed modules with sample rates up to 800 updates per second — the instrument can provide up to eight weighing or force measurement channels, all synchronized to improve performance in industrial environments. To increase I/O communication, the G4 can be equipped with I/O modules featuring eight digital inputs and outputs, in addition to a single or quad analog output for PLC-based control systems.

The G4's wide variety of communication interfaces for industrial applications are also highlighted in the video. USB, Ethernet, and Serial communication are standard on the CPU module, and fieldbus interfaces can be changed easily via a plug-in module. Ethernet with Modbus TCP and the Ethernet/IP protocol support process monitoring and control in addition to remote set-up by a browser application on a PC or mobile device.

The video concludes with a discussion of the G4's many weighing and force measurement applications, from single or multiple tank weighing to batching and web tension. Through the Windows® CE operating system, the VPG Process Weighing division can tailor software to fit the needs of any application for process weighing or force measurement.