Safety Controller.

Streamlines integration, offers superior safety and functionality.

Emerson has announced the new PACSystems™ RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller, designed to enable Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) strategies for infrastructure, fire and gas, burner management systems, and other emergency shutdown systems. The PACSystems Safety Controller is a compact, high-performance solution with robust security measures and a scalable architecture with 2,000 available I/O points, ideal for complex projects with evolving requirements.

“Adding the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller to our extensive portfolio of safety products, we continue to deliver tools users need to create compliant safety systems that are easily developed and integrated into sophisticated automation solutions,” said Daniel Smith, senior product manager with Emerson’s discrete automation business.

As project automation becomes more sophisticated and data-driven, OEMs and systems integrators need a range of more powerful hardware and software products to ensure compliance with standards and regulations for protecting workers, whether onboard a single piece of equipment or distributed throughout a much larger process.

A large 64-megabyte memory capacity and scalable digital architecture enables the PACSystems Safety Controller to support a diverse range of mission-critical applications. Using built-in industrial communications protocols, including OPC UA, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), and Modbus TCP, the RX3i CPS400 controller is ready to connect peer-to-peer and with higher level hosts, providing complete operational visibility. .

As a secure-by-design solution incorporating Secure Boot® and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) standard, the new controller delivers rigorous data integrity and protection against potential threats. Safety-certified function blocks and pre-configured templates simplify overall system certification in accordance with the IEC 61511 standard.

Available in simplex or redundant controller configurations, the RX3i CPS400 controller can perform all safety data messaging with duplex communications using the black channel principle over EGD, allowing standardized and reliable connectivity with Emerson’s PACSystems VersaMax™ SafetyNet I/O system. The platform is IEC 61508 safety-certified, providing a capable SIL2 simplified solution to help designers build appropriate protection schemes.

Developers can configure the new controller using familiar software tools employed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interfaces, and other automation elements, namely Emerson’s PAC Machine Edition development environment. As a unified tool chain with a user-friendly interface, the PAC Machine Edition suite streamlines development efforts so users can easily create complete and integrated automation, visualization and safety solutions for rapid startups and maximum operating efficiency.

---

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

PACs increase ROI for machine builders.

Emerson has released its PACSystems™ RSTi-EP CPE200 programmable automation controllers (PAC). This new family of compact PACs helps original equipment manufacturers (OEM) successfully meet customer requirements by minimising the need for specialised software engineering talent. CPE200 controllers will deliver large programmable logic controller (PLC) capability in a small, cost-effective, IIoT-ready form factor so machine manufacturers do not need to sacrifice performance for price.

To stay competitive, today’s OEM machine builders must provide equipment that is ready to support analytics and give end users competitive advantage through increased efficiency, speed and quality. However, as builders develop innovative solutions for material handling, life sciences and more, they can struggle to program and deliver machine control systems on time and within budget with the performance, security and flexible connectivity customers require. The CPE200 series solves these problems with security-by-design, open programming and open communications built in to simplify connectivity to external analytics software platforms while reducing cost and complexity for OEMs and end users.

“Gaining a competitive edge in today’s marketplace means having the flexibility to connect to the wide array of equipment end users employ as part of their proprietary processes, and supporting secure, open connectivity to allow easy access to on-premises and cloud-hosted analytics platforms,” said Jeff Householder, president of Emerson’s machine automation solutions business. “The CPE200 series controllers take advantage of Emerson’s cybersecure-by-design architecture, common programming capabilities, and IIoT readiness to provide options currently missing in legacy compact PLCs.”

The controllers offer open communications through native, pre-licensed support for OPC UA Secure and other common industrial protocols for flexible connectivity over high-speed Gigabit Ethernet. IEC 61131 programming languages and C, the world’s most popular and easiest-to-use programming language, help engineers write and run the high-performance algorithms that enable proprietary production strategies and advanced automation technologies.

@EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #OEM

Mini-Distillation Analyser.

ISL's latest version of its robust and portable micro-distillation analyzer, OptiPMD, has been intriduced by PAC. OptiPMD combines 15 years of experience with the latest technology to offer a user-friendly solution that significantly reduces the need for training. OptiPMD follows ASTM D7345, which is approved in more than 10 fuel specifications, including gasoline with up to 20% ethanol, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene and bio-diesels.

OptiPMD performs a physical atmospheric distillation in just 10 minutes using only 10 ml of sample. This allows faster decisions for process optimization and potentially saves millions in off-spec products.

It is designed to be a true "one-push-button" solution, with a fully automated test sequence, allowing minimal operator attendance. Simply prepare the sample and load into the analyzer. Type in a sample ID, select it from the pre-loaded options, or scan it with the barcode reader. Then, just press START to run the sample. The results can be stored, printed or shared via ethernet, LIMS or with a USB drive.

The fastest way to perform a distillation of petroleum products, this analyzer saves between 25 to 35 minutes per distillation, compared to D86 analyzers.

The robust design and compact size makes it ideal for mobile lab applications. It also includes the highest safety standards including an optical flame detector, a built-in fire suppression system, and quality control functions, which allow users to enter specification limits by product.

The unit is compliant with: ASTM D7345, IP 596 and in perfect correlation to: ASTM D86, D1160 (biodiesel B100), ISO 3405 & IP123. It's also included in 10 ASTM fuel specifications as an alternative to D86 for product certification and compliant with international fuel specs in Canada, Mexico, Chile, India as well as Def Stan 91-091 for jet fuel.

#PAC #PAuto 

Sulphur/Total Nitrogen Analyser.

The next generation elemental analyser, “ElemeNtS”is the successor of PAC's “MultiTek” .

Launched under their Antek™ brand, ElemeNtS is the most advanced, modular, analytical system available for the detection of Total Nitrogen and/or Total Sulphur content in liquid, gaseous materials and LPG samples. Three configurations are available: ElemeNtS-N for Nitrogen analysis, ElemeNtS-S for Sulphur analysis and ElemeNtS-N/S for simultaneous Nitrogen and Sulphur analysis.

ElemeNtS positions itself as the best performing TS/TN analyser in the market, combining an extremely stable Sulphur and Nitrogen detectors with linearity up to 104.

ElemeNtS complies with key standard methods such as D5453, EN ISO 20846, D4629, IP490, DIN 51444, EN 15486, D7183, D7184, UOP 971, IP554, D7551, D6667, UOP 936, D5176.

The new generation Elemental Analyzer “ElemeNtS” displays exceptional sensitivity and allows simultaneous analysis of Total Sulphur and Total Nitrogen in hydrocarbon samples up to 30 ppbw, according to ISO 11843.

Featuring a 10” touch-screen, the ElemeNtS allows for direct queue control and diagnostics, along with a completely revamped IRIS based software platform make controlling ElemeNtS effortless. ElemeNtS also has an easy accessible front door to keep maintenance of the instrument hassle-free.

The ElemeNtS is delivered completely turnkey and as such is factory tuned, calibrated & validated. Other benefits include documented methods as well as two year warranty on hardware and applications.

#PAC #PAuto #Laboratory

Fuel Analyser.

PAC has officially launched the OptiFuel, a top of the line FTIR Fuel Analyser. The new OptiFuel provides superior precision and portability with expert service and support worldwide. The unit comes in a rugged yet elegant design with a friendly user interface, which makes it ideal for refineries, pipelines, terminals and mobile labs.

For more than 20 years, PAC has been at the forefront of infrared (IR) fuel analysis with its PetroSpec products. Now we are combining the best of our GS PPA, TD PPA and QuickSpec capabilities into one analyzer and adding the latest FTIR technology into the most robust fuel analyzer in the market.
Every OptiFuel comes with more than 50 different calibration models built using hundreds of global fuel samples following ASTM E1655. Calibrations can easily be cloned and transferred to additional units. Unlimited additional properties can be added or updated quickly per user-defined requests.

Key features: • Compliance with ASTM, EN, and ISO methods • Updatable factory calibrations • Intuitive interface requires minimal user training • Complete connectivity with network printers, LIMS systems and USB drive • High resolution FTIR with ATR flow cell • Extensive support network through our offices and distributors worldwide • Unmatched warranty on critical components

PAC has already sold more than 40 OptiFuels around the globe. Schedule a demo or get a quote from your local representative.

Diesel fuel analyser.

The Phase Technology DFA-70Xi, from PAC, is the world’s first 4-in-1 analyser that tests diesel fuel viscosity, density, cloud and pour point.

The multi-function DFA-70Xi automatically performs all four critical tests in less than 25 minutes. With just the touch of a single button, the analyser delivers real-time results via a 15” color touch screen display.

The DFA-70Xi is completely self-cleaning, without the need of solvents. The otherwise time-consuming, tedious task is totally avoided, freeing laboratory staff to concentrate on other job duties.

Using its own self-contained thermoelectric cooling and heating systems, the DFA-70Xi does not require an external liquid bath as commonly found with conventional viscometers. There are no glass tubes, thereby eliminating the risk of injury and contamination.

The DFA-70Xi offers the best measured repeatability and reproducibility of any comparable automatic or manual test method. Kinematic viscosity is compliant with ASTM D7945, with perfect correlation to ASTM D445 and IP 71. Cloud point is compliant with ASTM D5773 and IP 446, with perfect correlation to ASTM D2500 and IP 219. Pour point is compliant with ASTM D5949, with perfect correlation to ASTM D97 and IP 15. Density complies with ASTM D4052 and IP 365.

The new DFA-70Xi combines versatility and convenience with the proven reliability and precision Phase Technology analyser users have enjoyed for decades. The new model includes all the standard data exporting capabilities, including easy connection to LIMS systems.

The DFA-70Xi can also be configured to include the capability of testing freeze point of jet fuel. An optional 48-position autosampler is also available.

#PACplc #PAuto, #Transport 

Sulphur Chemiluminescence Detector.

PAC’s AC Analytical Controls is launching the next generation SCD (Sulphur Chemiluminescence Detector), “SeNse”, to the market.

SeNse SCD positions itself as the best performing SCD in the market, combining an excellent stability with a 0.3 pg/s S sensitivity as key specifications, without using oxygen. SeNse uses air instead of oxygen.

SeNse also displays excellent linearity, has a superb selectivity and a true equimolar response that easily outperforms any FPD/PFPD.
It is a total redesign of the Antek 7090 SCD. Completely new optimized ceramics, electronics, and a true constant flow (by pressure point) in the detector base allow for ultra-stable baselines, providing ultra-low lower detection limits. The SeNse also provides the ability to execute GC maintenance (e.g. changing insert or septum) without switching the detector off, significantly reducing instrument downtime.

The large touch-screen and automatic leak check routines make controlling SeNse very simple. SeNse is independent of GC or Chromatography Data System. For now, it can be mounted on Agilent 6890/7890A/B systems, with different platform support to be added in near future.

The SeNse complies with key standard methods such as ASTM D5504 and D5623.

#PACAC #Laboratory #Pauto

Next generation freezing point analyser.

The next generation of PAC's ISL FZP 5G2S, "the world’s leading Freezing Point Laboratory Analyser."

The new OptiFZP offers improved productivity with proven reliability and accuracy. The user-friendly interface on a 7” color touch-screen allows users to start a test with just the touch of a button and view a real-time graphic display of the test, improving customer experience and accelerating lab productivity.

The patented built-in cooling system, unique detection cell, and automatic cleaning help lower the cost of ownership, while producing accurate results up to -100°C (-148°F) in under 15 minutes. The new model includes all the standard data exporting capabilities (USB, RS232, network printing) as well as LIMS connectivity through the IRIS platform.

OptiFZP offers superior correlation to the manual method with excellent sensitivity to contaminated samples. This proven analyzer is compliant with ASTM D7153 and IP 529 and has perfect correlation to ASTM D2386 and IP 16.

@PACexpert #Laboratory #TandM #PAuto

An automation and controls industry first - PAC Project.

Opto 22 has announced immediate availability of version 9.5 of PAC Project™, a Microsoft® Windows®-based integrated software development suite for industrial automation, process control, remote monitoring, and Internet of Things applications.

About PAC Project The complete list of PAC Project components: PAC Control—an intuitive flowchart and scripting control programming software application for developing control programs that run on SNAP PAC controllers. Ideal for sequential control, batch and process control, PID loop control, and more. Using the built-in scripting language OptoScript™ simplifies complex math, conditional branching, and string handling. PAC Display—a human-machine interface (HMI) development application used to create graphical interfaces to monitor and operate a control system. Support for alarm management, recipe handling, operator logging, real-time and historical trending, multimedia, and unlimited tags puts PAC Display on par with competing HMI development applications costing thousands of dollars more per seat. PAC Manager™—a configuration and maintenance tool used to set up and inspect controllers and I/O data in real time. EtherNet/IP Configurator—a configuration tool for establishing communication between an Allen-Bradley® PLC system and intelligent remote SNAP I/O. SoftPAC™ (included with PAC Project Professional™ or available separately)—a software-based programmable automation controller for PC-based control. OptoOPCServer™ (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)—an OPC 2.0-compliant server used to consolidate and publish SNAP PAC System™ data to OPC-aware clients, including third-party HMIs such as Wonderware’s® InTouch, Intellution’s® iFix™, and Iconics’ GENESIS32™ and GENESIS64™. OptoDataLink™ (included with PAC Project Professional or available separately)—connectivity software used to enable bidirectional data transfer between the SNAP PAC System and enterprise databases—such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and MySQL—without brokering the data through an HMI.

The most significant addition in this version is new firmware for Opto 22 programmable automation controllers (PACs) that includes an HTTP/S server with a RESTful API, providing developers with secure, programmatic access to control variables and I/O data using any programming language that supports JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). This new capability closes the IT/OT gap, allows for rapid Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) application development, provides for secure data exchange using open Internet standards, and reduces time to market in machine and system design.

The addition of a secure RESTful server and an open, documented API to a programmable automation controller (PAC) is a significant, ground-breaking industry innovation, because REST architecture and associated technology are intrinsic to the Internet of Things and paramount to web and mobile-based application development. Opto 22’s implementation of REST directly into a commercially available, off-the-shelf industrial PAC is unique in the market and places the company as the first and only industrial automation and controls manufacturer to offer this industry-changing technology.

Other features found in this new version include new tools to develop modular control applications with nested subroutines, new debugging tools to reduce development time, support for a worldwide installed base of legacy Optomux® I/O systems, and integration of third-party systems and protocols with the IIoT. To provide enhanced security and auditing for HMI access, PAC Project now offers sophisticated user groups and data rights, as well as the ability to embed video directly into HMI windows.

An Industry First
PAC Project 9.5 provides updated firmware for Opto 22 SNAP PAC S-series and R-series controllers that enables a secure HTTPS server on PAC controllers. Combined with a RESTful open and documented API, this new version allows developers to write applications that access data on the PAC using the developer’s programming language of choice with the well-known and widely supported JSON data format. This new capability allows software and IoT application developers to decrease time to market, reduce the development learning curve, and eliminate layers of middleware for secure Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Firmware version 9.5 for SNAP PAC R-series and S-series PAC-R and PAC-S controllers enables REST endpoints for both analog and digital I/O points as well as control program variables including strings, floats, timers, integers, and tables. REST endpoints are securely accessed using the new, fully documented RESTful API for SNAP PACs. Names of RESTful endpoints are derived from a configured PAC Control program strategy file and are therefore unique to each PAC’s program and I/O configuration.

Client data requests are returned in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format, enabling PAC controllers and I/O to be used with virtually any software development language with JSON support, including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby, and many more. Database support is also available for database tools that work with JSON, like MongoDB®, MySQL®, and Microsoft’s SQL Server®. With the release of PAC Project 9.5, developers are no longer tied to a specific manufacturer's software development environment. They can use the development environment and language of their choosing to write new software, create web services, and build Internet of Things applications.

RESTful data from PACs is secured using TLS encryption over HTTPS connections authenticated using basic access authentication (Basic Auth). RESTful data access can be restricted to read-only use, or allow reading and writing to I/O and strategy variables. The HTTP/S server is disabled by default and must be configured and enabled to operate, preventing unwanted or unauthorized access to the controller over HTTP.

Also included in this release are two Node-RED nodes, used for communicating with SNAP PAC controllers through the RESTful API with Node-RED, a visual tool for wiring up the Internet of Things. Node-RED is an open-source, graphical, flow-based application development tool designed by the IBM® Emerging Technology organization that makes wiring up APIs, represented as “nodes,” simple and easy to do. Node-RED is particularly useful for developing IoT applications that interact with cloud-based platforms and APIs, such as IBM Bluemix®, IBM Watson™, Amazon’s® AWS™ IoT, AT&T® MX2, Microsoft Azure®, and Google Cloud Platform™.

• More information on working with the new RESTful server for Opto 22 PACs, reviewing the open and documented RESTful API for SNAP PAC controllers, and using SNAP PAC Node-RED nodes.

@opto22 #PAuto 

Process viscosity analyser.

ViscoSure from PAC, combines the proven oscillating piston technology with tight temperature control, to provide viscosity analysis with unmatched precision. With internal temperature control without using the traditional external oil bath, the ViscoSure requires little to no maintenance bringing maximum instrument uptime and low cost of ownership.

The fast and reliable measurements allow for precise and continuous adjustment of the process, while maintaining a high correlation with ASTM D7483 and ASTM D445 test methods.ViscoSure

Performance, reliability, and precision are critical for viscosity measurements in bottom of the tower applications. ViscoSure is the only viscosity analyzer designed specifically for these complex applications:

• Asphalt: (135°C): With its fast cycle time, it replicates lab results in real time, avoiding the process of sending material to the slop tank to be adjusted and retested.
• Heavy Fuel Oil (50°C): ViscoSure helps refiners reduce overblending of costly diesel.
• Lubrication Oil (40°C/100°C): ViscoSure makes it possible to fine-tune the process performance to improve output, reducing the bottleneck that can occur on the dewaxing unit of a lubricant line.

The patented sample conditioning system (SCS) optimizes the instrument’s performance and protects the analyzer from process disruptions which reduces downtime.

“The ViscoSure is a game changer, when it hits the market, particularly in the black products. such as asphalt, it will make an impression” says Alex Lau, chairman of ASTM’s Coordinating Subcommittee on Quality Assurance and Statistics.

#PAC #PAuto 

Flash point measurement.

PAC’s Herzog OptiFlash is the result of 50 years of experience in automated flash point measurement. It is designed to perfectly meet today’s expectations on user convenience, quality and safety.

OptiFlash Small Scale uses very low volume samples to accurately detect flashpoints for petroleum products, biodiesels, solvents, chemicals, paints and varnishes, food and beverages while complying to the leading global standards such as ASTM D3828, ISO 3679 and ASTMD7236 (Ramp Method).

With the OptiFlash’s intuitive user interface and built-in automation, users can now easily start a test by just following the instructins on the screen and get a result within 3 to 4 minutes. The very low required sample volume of only 2 or 4 ml can be easily injected with a syringe or pipette. The OptiFlash Small Scale models can detect flashpoints from -30°C to 300°C.

Soovo Sen, PAC’s VP of Engineering explains “The OptiFlash Small Scale is the latest addition to our OptiFlash product family, which also contains Optiflash Pensky Martens, OptiFlash Tag and OptiFlash Abel. They all follow the utmost quality and safety standards”

 #PAC #PAuto 

Ellipsometer launched.

A revolutionary ellipsometric jet fuel thermal oxidation heater tube scanner has been launched by PAC. The new OptiReader provides pass/fail results with a full 2D and 3D thickness map defining maximum deposit thickness and volume.

Results are not only fast, but also highly precise and accurate. The user interface is so simple it doesn’t require any training which saves time and money.

The numerical heater tube scan provides a unified test report with results from JFTOT & OptiReader. Its high-end design includes a 10.8 inch color touchscreen for an easy one-touch button operation. The testing method is proven to be better than the ASTM D3241 requirements.

The full mapping is completed in less than 10 minutes which saves the operator valuable time in the lab while minimizing the possibility for human errors.

OptiReader's accurate fast results, and data integration capabilities make it the best in its class.

Density meter.

VIDA™ is in compliance with ASTM D4052, ASTM D5002, ASTM D5931, ISO 12185, ISO 15212-1, DIN 51757 and JIS K2249-1 international standards

The VIDA™ 80H by PAC is a fully automated reliable density analysis meter that works on an advanced osciallating stainless steel u-tube technology that offers an incredibly simple and easy approach to obtaining highly reliable density measurements.

VIDA Density MeterVIDA™ 80H is user-friendly, easy to set up and use and fully automated, so it doesn’t require a highly-trained operator. Designed to be a true "push-button" solution, it is powered by smart software that automates every step of the test sequence – from sample injection to data reporting - allowing minimal operator attendance.

The meter is equipped with a patented auto injection and bubble dectection technology that delivers highly accurate and repeatable density measurements on wide range of fluids from industrial to food & beverage and pharmaceutical/medical products. The advanced cleaning system employed on VIDA™ reduces cleaning time by as much as 10%.

Advanced laboratory instrument data integration software.

PAC has announced the latest version of its advanced laboratory instrument data integration software, IRIS Software v2.0. IRIS Software provides customers the advantage of connecting their PAC laboratory instruments, locally or worldwide, and managing these instruments, including gathering and analyzing test data, as well as communicating results. This latest version includes several feature enhancements which make it easier to use and install, as well as more compatible with typical LIMS systems. “IRIS Software was designed to meet our client’s needs for increasing lab efficiency by providing the same software to manage numerous instruments," said Eef Klok, PAC Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing. “To help our customers maximize efficiency, we have been continuously adding new plugins to IRIS. We currently offer 15 of the most frequently utilized PAC lab instruments, including the Herzog OptiDist, ISL PMD 110, AC Analytical Controls® Reformulyzer® M4, and ISL VIDA. “ With the enhanced installer and configurator, it is now more straightforward and intuitive to install the software and configure the connected instruments. In addition, a new instrument discovery dialog makes it easy for users to find all the instruments connected to the software. IRIS is fully compatible with the latest revisions of MS Windows®.

ASTM D7345 microdistillation method for aviation fuels!

PAC’s ISL PMD 110 Complies to Newly Included Method

ISL PMD 110 from PAC, is now approved for use in the ASTM Reference Standard D1655 for Aviation Fuels. ASTM recently added ASTM D7345, the PMD Method, to the jet fuel reference standard, D1655 as an alternative to ASTM D86. ASTM D7345 is the “Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure (Micro Distillation Method)”. Based on an innovative micro-distillation method, the PMD 110 determines the boiling range characteristics of any commercially available petroleum product, including light and middle distillates, in less than 10 minutes and using only 10 ml of sample. Thanks to its compact, robust, and portable design, the PMD 110 is easily installed in mobile or on-site laboratories. The PMD 110 is in perfect correlation with ASTM D86 (groups 0-4), ISO 3405 (groups 0-4), IP 123, and D1160 (for Biodiesel B100). With its automated features, such as built-in calibration, automatic sample detection, and an automatic pass/fail notification makes the PMD 110 one of the easiest distillation instruments on the market.

Suite of integrated software components launched!

Industrial automation manufacturer Opto 22 has announced PAC Project 9.4, an upgrade to its PAC Project suite of software applications and utilities that provide control programming, HMI development, OPC connectivity, and database integration. This latest PAC Project upgrade supports Opto 22’s new HART protocol SNAP I/O modules, adds the option of logging HMI data to SQL and other ODBC databases, and uses Unicode (UTF-16) text to support Asian, Middle Eastern, and other languages in an HMI. Also, all PAC Project software components now work on PCs running Microsoft Windows 8.1. PAC Project is part of the Opto 22 SNAP PAC System, an integrated system of hardware and software for industrial control, energy management, remote monitoring, and data acquisition applications.

HART SNAP I/O Module Support

PAC Control, PAC Project’s flowchart-based programming application, and other PAC Project components add support for Opto 22’s new HART protocol SNAP I/O analog input and output modules. HART is the most widely used digital communications protocol in process automation, and process engineers and other end users can use new HART-specific commands in PAC Control to exchange status and command data with HART “smart devices” such as field-mounted process transmitters and analyzers. Data from smart devices can be incorporated into a control system just like the analog, digital, and serial signals received from other SNAP I/O modules. This information can be used by the automation system as well as other enterprise systems to increase uptime, improve productivity, and enhance safety.

Database Data Logging and Unicode Support

PAC Display, PAC Project’s HMI development and runtime application, can now optionally write data from trends, historic logs, and operator logs to an ODBC database. This makes realtime control system and plant-floor data readily available for ERP (enterprise resource planning), MRP (manufacturing resource planning), and other business systems. Supported databases include MySQL, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft SQL Server. Database data logging is only available in PAC Display Professional.

PAC Display also adds support for the Unicode (UTF-16) text standard, which expands the languages that can be used in a PAC Display HMI. On-screen objects such as trends, windows, buttons, and labels can now use text from many different languages, including Asian, Middle Eastern, and other languages with non-Roman character sets. Data logs that record information from trends, alarms and other sources can also use these character sets.

All PAC Project software components now support Microsoft Windows 8.1 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions). Microsoft Windows 8.0 is not supported.

Pricing and Availability
PAC Project 9.4 software will be available September 22, 2014. PAC Project 9.4 Basic is free for download or with purchase of any SNAP PAC controller. It includes control programming and configuration software, HMI development and runtime applications, and an EtherNet/IP communication tool. PAC Project 9.4 Professional is available at a list price of $999 USD and adds a software-based controller for PC-based control, an OPC server, an application for exchanging controller data with enterprise databases, and functionality for upgrading from Opto 22 legacy hardware. PAC Project Professional is required for controller redundancy.

Individual PAC Project Professional software components—PAC Control Professional, PAC Display Professional, SoftPAC, OptoOPCServer, and OptoDataLink—are also available separately at a list price of $399 USD each. All PAC Project components, both Basic and Professional, come with free training and free product support.

Flash point instrument improves safety and ease of operation while meeting global standard!

PAC has released its next generation flash point instrument, the Herzog OptiFlash Pensky-Martens. PAC has over 50 years of experience in developing automatic flash point analyzers for petroleum products, biodiesels, solvents, fluxed bitumen, food, and beverages. This newest edition is enhanced by being simpler to use, easier to clean, and safer to operate. The OptiFlash detects flash points up to 400°C and complies to leading global standards, such as ASTM D93, ISO 2719, EN ISO 2719, IP 34, JIS K2265, and GB/T 261.

With the OptiFlash’s intuitive user interface and built-in automation, users can now easily start a test without having to spend time doing manual tasks like installing the flash point and temperature sensors, as well as installing the test cup for each test. Its innovative design also makes it much easier to clean allowing the user to not only disassemble the cup cover without any tools but also to clean highly viscous samples, like bitumen. This improves the reliability of the test results significantly since customers can now run a quick clean before running any new sample.

“Determining the flash point of a product can be a dangerous test to run just due to its nature. With this in mind, PAC made sure to instill the highest safety standards into the new OptiFlash. With its ultra fast optical flame detector, the OptiFlash is the only instrument that can now detect a fire or even small flames in an extended range around the test cup,” says Eric Schellenberger, PAC President.

This new instrument replaces the previously released PAC flash point instruments, the Herzog HFP 339, Herzog HFP 360, and ISL FP93 5G2.

Vice-president of sales for Asia Pacific appointed & office opens in Shanghai!

PAC recently welcomed Samuel Wong as the Vice-President of Sales for Asia Pacific. Mr. Wong has over 25 years of sales experience in the oil and gas, marine, power generation, and transport industries.

He joins PAC from AMOT where he was the Director of Sales for Asia Pacific since 2006. In this role, he had consistent revenue growth and also built out a commercial organization in China that supports its Asia Pacific customer base. Prior to joining AMOT, he worked for United Development Hong Kong, Daewoo Hong Kong and MAN Diesel & Turbo Hong Kong in various executive sales positions with increasing responsibility.

“I am excited to join PAC and help support the growth in Asia Pacific. I plan to focus on improving overall customer experiences and help our customers identify and solve the challenges in this dynamic Asia Pacific market, " said Mr. Wong.

In addition, PAC will be opening a new technical facility in the pilot free trade zone of Shanghai, China in October of this year. This first class facility will be our center for our regional customer training and also serve as a manufacturing and distribution center for our instruments and spare parts to better support our Asia Pacific customers. This new facility is in addition to our sales office at United Plaza in Shanghai.

“We are pleased that Samuel joined PAC. His experience in building local organizations in Asia Pacific is going to be important for our growth in that region. As a first step in building out an organization, we are opening a new technical facility in Shanghai. From our two Shanghai locations, we will be able to fully support our customers and channel partners for all their needs, including sales, customer service, service, and operations, which will enable us to provide better service and quickly respond to our customer base in the region,” says Eric Schellenberger, PAC President.

Revised method for kinematic viscosity!

The ISL Houillon Viscometers, the VH1 and VH2, from PAC, comply with the recently released revised version of ASTM D7279-14 Standard, “Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids by Automated Houillon Viscometer”.

The new revision of the standard extends the scope from lubricating oils to include distillates (e.g., base oils, formulated oils, fuels, and biodiesel) and also adds a new precision at 40°C and 100°C, established through an interlaboratory study.

Our customers can now run their distillate oil samples on the VH1 and VH2 while complying with ASTM D7279. Requiring less than 1 ml of sample, the Houillon approach is applicable to both transparent and opaque samples, while needing less manpower to run. Since the kinematic viscosity results are produced within 60 seconds, the ASTM D7279 method has proven to be ideal for rapid testing of in-service engine oil conditions.

In addition to small sample size and fast analysis, the ISL Houillon Viscometers are easy to operate, flexible due to the capability to accommodate one or two solvents for cleaning, and robust in construction. Finally, the single-bath design, including 4 Houillon tubes, combined together with advanced automatic features, enable the simultaneous run of up to 16 tests.

High performance connected automation architecture enhanced!

GE Intelligent Platforms has added one more solution to the company’s high performance connected automation architecture with the expansion of its high availability control platform. PACSystems® High Availability with PROFINET System enables companies with mission critical applications across a broad range of industries including Power, Transportation, Water & Wastewater, Mining, and Oil & Gas to maximize uptime, capitalize on flexible configurations no matter the distance between CPUs and I/O drops and fully utilize the intelligence that exists in their systems for faster decision-making. The new system’s high availability architecture includes PROFINET communications to dramatically lower total cost of ownership and simplify configuration, maintenance and operation of mission critical facilities and operations.

PACSystems High Availability with PROFINET

“In today’s connected world, companies must increasingly rely on automation architecture that is redundant, flexible, operates in remote configurations, and provides for information insight to boost reliability,” said Bernie Anger, General Manager for GE Intelligent Platforms Control & Communications Systems. “With PACSystems High Availability with PROFINET, we have dramatically simplified the complexity and reduced the cost involved with a high availability control solution. This helps companies achieve new levels of performance and confidence in the continuous operation of critical facilities and processes.”

GE’s high availability control solutions enable companies to meet or exceed their critical facility and operation uptime requirements. The systems focus on the customer needs of simplification and speed – simple configuration and fast execution of the process.

PACSystems High Availability with PROFINET provides a single point of connect for system configuration. All remote I/O nodes, whether they are 100 meters or up to 10kms from the controllers, can be configured from one central location. With built-in Ethernet switches and built in media conversion, the solution provides for point-to-point plug-in connectivity. Removing the need for external media converters and Ethernet switches results in reduced cost and setup time. In addition, the user can employ their cable of choice on a node-by-node basis based on the environment and distance, which also reduces the setup time. Also essential to reducing setup time is the system’s name based configuration. This feature allows a user to set up a system, mirror it with a command to the second CPU and then they are good to go.

“This is the ‘triple play’ of lower TCO,” continued Anger, “fewer external devices to purchase, fewer external devices to configure, and fewer spare parts to maintain. This can eliminate up to 30% of the cost of the installation with recurring savings throughout the solution’s lifespan.”

Standards-based systems like PACSystems High Availability with PROFINET provide multiple levels of real time control. PROFINET delivers the broadest coverage for discrete and process applications and the best performance for mid- to heavy traffic. In addition, it boasts a high adoption rate among vendors for an ecosystem of PROFINET-enabled devices that make it the Ethernet standard of choice for mission critical purposes.

The system’s high speed failover feature is especially important in a process where “stale data,” data that is not inclusive of everything that has happened in the process because a sensor did not read while the process was switching CPUs, could mean a breakdown that resulted in contaminated product – water, oil, gas, etc. High speed failover means that the user is running on latest system inputs, which translates to better production quality.

And, users can conduct system maintenance without taking the system offline, saving time and money. Users can schedule device checking, such as a valve not opening correctly based on flow commands, without taking the entire pipeline control down. Flexible diagnostics supply important data regarding the network topology and the status of all devices. This facilitates cross-vendor, location-specific diagnostics and connects to the Proficy Software suite for turning data into information.

“Connected machines, connected data and insights, and connected people are must-haves today,” concluded Anger. “The industry has to support this shift from hardwired legacy systems to a streamlined architecture that is easier to use and maintain, provides greater insight and ultimately delivers more value.”