Ethernet-APL proves its value.

Expanded testing shows broad industry adoption.

Ethernet-APL has moved beyond readiness. Endress+Hauser has successfully conducted another set of load tests of a realistic PROFINET over Ethernet-APL setup. Two years after the last successful multi-vendor tests, the technology has proven its strength again in a realistic simulation.

The load tests were tailored to meet customer-specific requirements, demonstrating that components from various manufacturers can seamlessly work together to build a robust and reliable system based on PROFINET over Ethernet-APL. Requirements were defined from the end-user perspective by the global chemical company BASF. On the supplier side, devices from Endress+Hauser, Pepperl+Fuchs, R. Stahl, Phoenix Contact, and Samson were integrated into an Emerson control system and their interoperability was confirmed.

Ethernet-APL proves consistently high performance.
Two years after the first set of successful tests with other automation systems, Emerson DeltaV was in scope of the mass load test with nearly 240 Endress+Hauser measuring devices, including flow, pressure, temperature and level sensors, as well as positioners from Samson. They were tested in a ring topology consisting of Ethernet-APL field switches from Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact and R. Stahl. Emerson provided the control system DeltaV DCS including PROFINET System Redundancy (S2) support as well as the AMS Device Manager System.

The results spoke for themselves: Ethernet-APL performs reliably under full-scale conditions. The test scenarios on a network with the maximum number of devices successfully verified both, performance and reliability with the Pepperl+Fuchs switches. Key performance metrics - such as total net load and redundancy switchover times - met and even surpassed the required standards.

The field switches from Phoenix Contact were subsequently subjected to similar tests and were able to demonstrate their performance. The pre-series switches from R. Stahl were tested as well and based on the valuable results, the optimised devices will be now available for the market launch.

Gerd Niedermayer, Senior Expert Emerging Automation Technologies at BASF extends his gratitude: “Thank you to Endress+Hauser for the opportunity to conduct the scalability tests with our PROFINET-APL partners. With the help of their digital field devices, we are able to optimize diverse topics centering around engineering, commissioning and lifecycle in BASF plants and save CAPEX and OPEX costs.”

A technology with a bright future ahead.
“With the success of the recent scalability test, the cooperating companies have again proven that the multi-vendor infrastructure is open, future-proof and ready for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)”, emphasizes Harald Müller, technical lead of Ethernet-APL and director technology at Endress+Hauser Temperature+System Products. This gives planners and end users further evidence that Ethernet-APL is an enabler to create more flexible, efficient and cost-effective industrial automation systems, leveraging the full scale of benefits through digitalisation.

Karl Büttner, expert product manager system integration and marketing lead of Ethernet-APL at Endress+Hauser Flow, is proud and excited about the proven success of this technology: “Since 2023 we provide instrumentation for Ethernet-APL projects worldwide. Endress+Hauser is pleased with the successful launch of the technology, which helps our customers to digitalize their process plants.”

Endress+Hauser’s PROFINET support for Netilion is an additional step to support the Ethernet-based communication. It ensures remote access for example to process values and health diagnostics for all native and PROFINET-APL devices, ensuring high plant availability.

Ethernet-APL, already backed by a wide ecosystem, sees even more devices and manufacturers coming on board. The high market demand and worldwide successful implementations in the first medium-sized and large projects prove that Ethernet-based field communication in process automation has a bright future.

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@Endress_Hauser @Endress_IN @Endress_UK @Endress_US #PAuto #Ethernet

Plug and produce universal automation.

Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Automation Expert universal automation solution can now seamlessly deploy to Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Technology, a key milestone in the industrial world’s transformation to open, software-defined automation. Both share the same runtime technology, giving industrial operators new levels of engineering and maintenance efficiency due to simple application portability and interoperability.

Developed and managed by UniversalAutomation.org, an independent, non-for-profit association, the shared runtime execution engine, based on the IEC 61499 standard, enables an ecosystem of automation plug and produce software applications that are completely independent from the hardware on which they execute. This new software-defined automation means industrial companies can mix and match automation solutions and no longer be held back by closed and proprietary automation platforms, a problem the industry has been struggling with for a while.

EcoStruxure Automation Expert, a fully open and interoperable software-centric system was designed to decouple automation software from hardware and seamlessly integrate offers from different automation vendors, providing unprecedented freedom for industrial enterprises, and advanced agility and simplicity for industrial automation system integrators and OEMs. Industrial companies can now unlock Phoenix Contact PLCnext controllers with UniversalAutomation.org runtime so users can then develop and deploy applications to one or more PLCnext controllers using EcoStruxure Automation Expert.

Software-defined universal automation.
A confluence of significant market trends are making the shift to software-defined automation inevitable, according to industry analyst IDC in its recent perspective Software-Defined Industrial Automation: An Update.

“We've talked about this idea of software-defined automation for a few years," said Jonathan Lang, Research Director, Worldwide IT/OT Convergence Strategies at IDC. "We are now starting to see general availability of some of this technology, which means we have to speak more practically and prescriptively about the impact to organisations and how to best prepare for it."

“Collaborating with Schneider Electric has demonstrated the flexible and open nature of the PLCnext Technology,” said Andrew Vanderpool, Senior Project Engineer at Phoenix Contract and Co-Chair of the OPAF Technical Working Group. “We are excited to see how we can continue to collaborate and ‘enhance the automation thinking’ between universal automation and PLCnext Technology.”

“This deployment shows that automation solutions that work well across different systems are viable, providing greater flexibility in our fast-changing digital world,” said Fabrice Jadot, Senior Vice President, Next Generation Automation Solution Incubator at Schneider Electric. “No company can achieve the promise of Industry 4.0 alone. Today’s announcement shows that an extended ecosystem of partners working together with open architectures can positively impact industrial operations.”

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@SchneiderElec @PhoenixContact @PhoenixContactU  @Join_UAO @teamlewisglobal #PAuto 

Marking important anniversary.

Anglia Components has presented its franchised supplier, Phoenix Contact* with an engraved silver salver to commemorate the company's 100th anniversary. Phoenix Contact was the recipient of Anglia's inaugural Supplier of the Year award earlier this year, and last year Anglia itself celebrated its 50th anniversary.

LtoR: John Bowman, Marketing Director, Anglia; Colin Green, Managing Director & Gary Nelson, Sales and Marketing Manager, Device Connections, Phoenix Contact; David Pearson, Technical Director, Anglia; Frank Possel-Dolken, Chief Digital Officer, Phoenix Contact.

John Bowman, Marketing Director at Anglia, said, “One hundred years is an exceptional milestone in our industry, and a testament to Phoenix Contact's ability to maintain its core values of exceptional quality and service, whilst at the same time continually innovating and adapting to ensure that its products deliver the performance and features needed for today's electronic and electrical designs."

Accepting the award, Colin Green, Managing Director, Phoenix Contact UK, said, “Anglia is an exceptional partner, who themselves have a long track record in the industry. We were honoured to have been recognised as Anglia’s Supplier of the Year and are grateful for this additional recognition of the strength of our partnership with them."

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* A market leader in Device Connection Solutions and Terminal Blocks, Phoenix Contact has been in partnership with Anglia for 15 years.

@angliaComponent  @PhoenixContact @PhoenixContactU @NeeshamPR #PAuto #Components

Supplier of the year.

Phoenix Contact has been announced a the recipient of Anglia Components' inaugural Supplier of the Year award. A market leader in Device Connection Solutions and Terminal Blocks, Phoenix Contact has been in partnership with Anglia for 15 years. Its products are found in applications including industrial production, renewable energy and infrastructure.

LtoR: Neil Makinson, Field Sales Engineer, Phoenix Contact; Jaqui Fretwell, Sales Director, Anglia: Michaela Senior, Sales Director, Anglia; Gary Nelson, Sales & Marketing Manager, Phoenix Contact;  Karl Fazakerley, Product Manager, Phoenix Contact.

John Bowman, Marketing Director at Anglia, said, “We’re delighted to present this well-earned award to Phoenix Contact. As well as being our number one supplier in Terminal Blocks, the UK management team provides exceptional commercial, marketing and engineering support, proactively assisting us in boosting sales. A highlight of 2022 for Anglia was producing a joint marketing campaign for Phoenix Contact’s established COMBICON range of PCB terminal blocks and connectors, which are very popular amongst our customer base.”

Gary Nelson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Phoenix Contact, said, “We are honoured to have been recognised as Anglia’s Supplier of the Year. Strong distribution networks are key to our work, and Anglia’s relationships with its customers are second to none. The commemoration of Phoenix Contact’s 100th anniversary this year is a time to look back on our successes as a company, and this award is certainly one of them.”

Anglia’s introduced its Supplier of the Year award to recognise its suppliers' support in building new and existing customer relationships, as well as celebrating innovation and opportunity in its supplier base.

@angliaComponent  @PhoenixContact @PhoenixContactU @NeeshamPR #PAuto #Components

Rotary position sensors.

R2 series absolute angle sensors from Phoenix America provide accurate and environmentally robust 12-bit resolution position measurement with standard or user-specified output curves from 60⁰ to 360⁰ total range. Available in a choice of analogue or PWM output versions, this sensor’s completely non-contacting Hall effect design - comprising a compact reinforced nylon sensor housing and a separate magnetic position marker - offers exceptional durability and a practically limitless working life with operational temperatures from -40 to +125⁰ C. 

Especially cost-competitive for larger volume OEM applications and well placed for demanding heavy engineering, agricultural and construction equipment installations, the R2 series is available with full support from Phoenix America’s European-based sister company, Variohm EuroSensor.

The R2 series sensor housing is simply mounted via two slotted holes on a 38 mm PCD – allowing rotary adjustment for precise magnet alignment. Typical installation would include a shaft-mounted target magnet axially aligned with an approximately 1.27 mm air gap. Customer specific configuration can be accommodated on request. The sensor is powered from a 5 VDC supply voltage and interfacing flexibility is assured with a ratiometric output and a push-pull output stage that allows the use of pull-up or pull-down resistors. 

Standard or inverted output curves are available from +/-30⁰ to +/-180⁰ in 60⁰ increments with angle-proportional output across 0.5 to 4.5 VDC and with the 0⁰ mid-range point at 2.5 VDC. Custom and multi-slope output curves can be factory programmed to suit the customer’s application. Absolute output means no need for zero positioning or datum routines once the sensor is installed. The robust and durable build quality of the R2 is completed with a choice of cable lengths to 2 m and optional industry standard Deutsch or Metri-Pack connectors. Electrical protection includes reverse polarity, transient suppression and output short circuit.

R2 series absolute rotary position sensors are part of Phoenix America’s comprehensive range of magnetic-based sensing technologies that include magnetic encoders, speed and proximity sensors, sensor magnets, gear tooth sensors, hall commutators, magnet assemblies and more. Following its recent acquisition by the Variohm Group, Phoenix America’s unique range of sensor components are now fully available with complete technical support from Variohm EuroSensor. 

@Variohm @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Temperature monitoring, protection and sensing specialist acquired.

Variohm Holdings, part of the discoverIE Group plc, has advanced its strategic plans to expand both product portfolio and manufacturing competency with the acquisition of the German/Hungarian temperature control component manufacturer Limitor Solutions GmbH. With its main 2.700 m2 manufacturing site based in Pecs - Hungary and headquarters and warehousing facilities in Urbach near Stuttgart (D), Limitor Solutions has a fifty year history as a leading manufacturer of temperature based component technologies for thermal protection, regulation, switching and sensing as well as temperature timers, fuses and controllers.

Udo Angermaier, managing director of Limitor Solutions GmbH looks forward to the acquisition’s opportunities. “We are most excited to join Variohm Holdings, to work with the other members and enjoy the benefits of our combined forces and the capability for significant growth.” 

With a customer list that spans global electronics manufacturers such as AEG, Siemens, Kärcher and Philips, Limitor Solution’s temperature monitors, temperature limiters, thermal switches, controllers, temperature fuses and timers find wide use in electric motors and associated drives, inverters and generators, transformers, domestic and DIY appliances, as well as automotive, medical, scientific and industrial control equipment. The Company also manufactures other electrical and electronic components such as cable harnesses and power cables, printed circuit boards, pumps and other components for customers and its many commercial partners.

Limitor Solutions’ core technologies and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities extend to an extensive design and automated production capability throughout its product range. Manufacturing is supported with component assembly equipment, automated welding and soldering machinery, plastic moulding and encapsulating machinery, marking and printing equipment. Fully supported by 100 employees with highly trained, qualified and experienced sales, production and quality control teams, the Company has certification for ISO 9001:2015 quality management as well as ISO 14001:2015 environmental management approval.

Over the past few months and during these most difficult times the Variohm Holdings has purchased Phoenix America - the leading USA based magnetic encoder and magnetic sensor solutions specialist - as well as the present acquisition of Limitor Solutions. 

These new additions join the other Variohm Holdings’ members including 

• Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), 
• Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), 
• Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), 
• Heason Technology (motion control components and systems) and 
• Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies).

Variohm Holdings’ managing director, Graham Pattison, acknowledges discoverIE’s support and vision for the substantial potential in manufacturing capability and sales growth this latest acquisition brings. “This latest purchase demonstrates discoverIE’s belief in Variohm Holdings, providing even more synergy and paving the way for an increasingly compelling offer to our valued customers”.

@Variohm #PAuto #Components 

Basics of metering systems, flow computers and instrument validation software.

Phoenix Contact and Krohne are presenting the webinar series “Basics of metering systems, flow computers and instrument validation software” from June 19 to July 3. It is aimed at planners, engineers and operators in the oil and gas industry.

In a series of 8 webinars hosted by the Krohne Academy online, the basics behind (custody transfer) metering systems and associated processes such as flow computing, proving and master metering will be outlined. Furthermore, wet gas wellhead measurement and instrument validation software processes will be explained.

More information on the webinars can be found HERE. Participation is free of charge.

@krohnegroup @PhoenixContactV @PhoenixContactU  #PAuto #Oil_Gas 

Distribution blocks: Simply unpack, connect, and you're done!

The new PTFIX distribution blocks from Phoenix Contact can be used straight away without manual bridging, enabling space savings of up to 80%.

The 1.5 mm² and 2.5 mm² distribution blocks are available with various numbers of positions and can be arranged in series without loss of pitch, and they can be flexibly extended as needed.

The distribution blocks are also available with DIN-rail, direct or adhesive mounting, allowing you to flexibly build any application. Pre-treated or rigid conductors are connected quickly with the tool-free push-in direct connection technology. Transverse installation on the DIN rail and the compact design achieves space savings of up to 50%.

Distribution and power blocks with 6, 12, and 18 terminal points are available in eleven colours for clear, intuitive, and safe installation. The marking of all terminal points ensures a very clear wiring layout. The PTFIX distribution blocks therefore ensure flexible and cost-effective load and control current distribution.

@PhoenixContact #PAuto

Narrow surge protection!

With the Termitrab complete product range, Phoenix Contact now offers the narrowest surge protective devices on the market. They are suitable for measurement and control applications starting from an overall width of just 3.5 mm. This means that the protective devices can protect up to 572 signals against surge voltages on just one metre of DIN rail.

The integrated disconnect device ensures safe behaviour in the event of overload. It signals the status on each individual protective device mechanically without auxiliary power.

Optional remote signalling modules monitor the status of up to 40 neighbouring surge protective devices by means of a photoelectric barrier. Installation is simplified as a result: no additional wiring or programming is required for the protection modules.

Protective devices in a narrow design, products with protective plugs that can be tested, signalling, and optional remote signalling modules can be selected according to your specific requirements thanks to the tailor-made product range.

The surge protective devices are available with Push-in connection technology as well as screw connection. Versions are also available with innovative knife disconnection and for Ex applications.

@PhoenixContact  #PAuto 

Second generation industrial PC.

Phoenix Contact has introduced the 2nd generation of its successful Basicline industrial PC product line.

The new, affordably priced BL2 family includes box PC’s and resistive touch panel PC in several display sizes, all powered by the latest 7th generation Intel Core processors. All models are available with Windows 10 IoT and choice of several M.2 SSD sizes. A choice of 2 different performance models provides the ability to address a wide variety of automation, process visualization and control applications.

The various models in the BL2 family of industrial PC’s are designed, built and tested with the same stringent standards as other Phoenix Contact industrial PC products. The robust set of I/O, including RS-232/422/485 ports, USB ports, LAN ports and WLAN options make the BL2 models a solid platform for many IIOT (Industry 4.0) applications. All BL2 models are also passively cooled without the need for a fan. DisplayPort connections are also available for connectivity to external displays.

Phoenix Contact’s streamlined manufacturing process allows for fast delivery times of custom configurations to satisfy the customer specific application requirements. The rugged design and flexible configuration makes 2nd generation Basicline products suitable for a variety of applications. Phoenix Contact industrial PC’s, together with the wide array of other Phoenix Contact automation products, creates a complete, competitively priced automation solution.

@phoenixcontact  #PAuto 

Takeover strengthens IIoT and Industrie 4.0 offering.

The Taiwanese company Etherwan System Inc has been acquired by Phoenix Contact The company which is located in New-Taipei is a manufacturer for Ethernet communication technology in automation.

YT Yang, CEO of Axiomtek, with
Roland Bent, CTO Phoenix Contact

The takeover enriches the position of the Phoenix Contact Group in the area of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0, which was already strengthened by the take over of the Canadian Perle Systems  last Autumn (2016).

Etherwan was founded in California in 1996. The main site has been in New-Taipei in Taiwan for 20 years. Here, hardware components such as media converters and Ethernet switches for so-called “hardened Ethernet solutions” are developed, manufactured and sold by around 170 employees. Software is also included in the portfolio of the company. The US headquarters is located in Anaheim, (CA USA), where more than 20 people are employed.

Phoenix Contact and Etherwan have already been cooperating successfully for 15 years. The cooperation started with the development of a portfolio of products for the use of Ethernet in industrial communication. This successful cooperation will now be intensified in the joint undertaking in order to launch further product ranges acc. to the requirements of Industrie 4.0 and to develop the competence center of network technology of the Phoenix Contact Group together.

“Industrial communication is a key technology for the digitalization”, says Roland Bent, CTO of Phoenix Contact. “Etherwan and Phoenix Contact complement each other perfectly with their different strengths in different markets and different industrial industries. Now, we have achieved a global appearance and product portfolio to effectively conquer further markets.”

The corporate name remains unchanged; the same applies to the sites. In Taiwan, the close proximity to chip manufacturers, technology suppliers and other manufacturers is a great advantage.

The transaction is subject to approval by the local Investment Commission Taiwan.

@PhoenixContact  #PAuto @EtherWANSystems

Connector aids incorporation of automation software.

Maplesoft and Phoenix Integration have a new plugin that enables engineers to easily incorporate Maplesoft software products Maple and MapleSim into the ModelCenter workflow integration and automation platform from Phoenix Integration.  The plugin* allows engineers to take advantage of the reduced risk, improved designs, and shorter development times resulting from using Maplesoft’s engineering tools, along with the efficiencies that come from a process integration platform.

MapleSim, an advanced system-level modeling and simulation tool, enables engineers to take advantage of modern techniques in modeling and simulation. Maple is a powerful math software tool for mathematical computations and explorations. ModelCenter is a vendor-neutral software framework for creating and automating multi-tool workflows, optimizing product designs, and sharing engineering data and knowledge. It is used by leading organizations worldwide to reduce development costs, improve engineering efficiency, stimulate innovation, and design more competitive products. The new connector makes it easy to bring Maple and MapleSim into ModelCenter so they can be seamlessly incorporated into the ModelCenter-based engineering workflow.

A powerful application of this connector is functional verification of a system design by automatically testing MapleSim models against design requirements from Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) software tools, such as IBM® Rational® Rhapsody® or No Magic™ MagicDraw®. Engineers can directly connect the parametric design constraints, which are derived by the MBSE tool, to multi-disciplinary system simulations in MapleSim. When a change is made to the system parameters, ModelCenter calls MapleSim to run a simulation using the new parameter set. ModelCenter then checks the simulated results against the design constraints, and generates a report of the compliance test results. Any constraint failures are flagged, allowing the design team to make the necessary design changes very early in the process.

Other applications include using MapleSim and Maple for design space explorations, optimization, and development projects based on executable requirements, all inside ModelCenter.

“By incorporating Maple and MapleSim in ModelCenter using this new plugin, our customers will be able to reduce manual effort and increase the efficiency of many aspects of their development workflow,” said Paul Goossens, Vice President, Engineering Solutions at Maplesoft.

“Maple and MapleSim make great additions to the collection of engineering tools that can be integrated into ModelCenter,” said Scott Ragon, Director, Technical Business Development, Phoenix Integration. “They offer valuable benefits for modeling, simulation, analysis, and calculation management that customers can now take advantage of inside their standard ModelCenter workflow.”

* This connector can be freely downloaded from the Maplesoft website. Their products can also be integrated with other process integration platforms, such as Optimus® from Noesis Solutions. Contact Maplesoft for details.

@maplesoft #PAuto @phxmastermind

High-density multi-conductor terminal blocks.

Phoenix Contact has introduced their PT 2,5/S-QUATTRO terminal blocks. These four-position terminal blocks occupy the same amount of space as the company’s two-position terminal blocks. This allows for a high wiring density without sacrificing space across the DIN rail.

Up to four 12 AWG conductors can be connected in one feed-through terminal block. The terminal
blocks feature Phoenix Contact’s push-in connection technology, for quick, tool-free wiring of the
pre-assembled conductors. Ground terminals are also available in the same shape.

These multi-conductor terminal blocks also have a double function shaft for easy potential
distribution with plug-in bridges and large-surface marking options. Each current path can be
individually tested for the terminal blocks.

As part of Phoenix Contact’s CLIPLINE complete terminal block system, the PT 2,5/S QUATTRO
accepts standard accessories and marking products, which can reduce inventory costs.

@PhoenixContact #PAuto

New eLearning on Functional Safety (SIL) published

TÜV NORD, Krohne, Samson and Phoenix Contact publish a jointly created eLearning on Functional Safety (SIL). Designed for system planners and operators of industrial process plants, the new eLearning offers ten learning modules for the use of IEC 61508/61511 in safety-related systems. The eLearning is easily accessable. 

The learning contents are product-neutral and commercial-free and are based on the SIL seminar series that has been conducted as a collaboration between the companies since 2009 as part of the Krohne Academy. The partners have decided to publish the content as eLearning due to the high demand for further education on the topic of SIL.

The ten learning modules of the SIL eLearning build upon one another and provide an overview of the basic concepts and methods of functional safety. Following an introduction to the topic of "Safety in the Process Industry" other modules follow on hazard and risk assessment, safety requirements specification, aspects of engineering and design, generic data, requirements for sensor technology and final elements, the verification of SIL, and these are complemented by calculation examples and a module for start-up and modifications. At the end of each module the participant has the opportunity to check the knowledge gained by completing a short questionnaire.

Per successful completion of a module, a certificate is issued to each participant which can be downloaded as well as printed. If the participant has passed all ten modules, the participant gets a global course certificate.

• Krohne producta are marketed in Ireland by DWN Instrumentation.

Wireless to make splash at WWAC symposium!

Keynote speaker and technical program for the 5th Annual ISA Water and Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium

Wayne Manges addresses the 5th ISA-France Forum, June 2010

Wayne Manges, co-chair of ISA100 Wireless Standards Committee, certainly gets around. In mid June he addressed the ISA-France Forum on “Smart grids: automation, communications and cyber-security at the service of grid optimization”. This was the fifth annual ISA-France Forum and was held in Paris (F). It attracted over 140 participants.

Now we learn that he is to be the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual ISA Water and Wastewater and Automatic Controls Symposium (WWAC) in Orlando, (FL US), 3-5 August 2010. Manges, will review the first released ISA 100 standard and its potential impact on the water and wastewater industries. He will present on “WIRELESS IS NOW! Technologies, Standards, and Applications.”

Manges currently directs the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Wireless Program for UT-Battelle at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge (TN US), focusing on the needs of hard industries from DOE’s Industrial Technologies Program.

With 30 years at ORNL, Manges works extensively with steel, paper, and other industries, including water and wastewater, to bring robust, wireless technology to their markets, and is committed to the deployment of integrated systems that solve real problems. He has been declared a visionary for his early views on wireless applications and has published and presented papers around the world. He is also a contributing editor for Sensors Magazine.

He holds a BS in Education and Chemistry from California University of Pennsylvania, a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an MS in Natural Science from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee.

Manges’ opening-day keynote address will be followed by two days of technical presentations that focus on technologies, case studies, methods, and theory on water and wastewater processing, water collection, water treatment, SCADA, and more. Presentation titles include:

Improving the Availability of Lift Stations through Optimized Redundant/Backup Control, presented by Francisco Alcala and Jacob Moser, CDM

Real Time Visual Analysis and Monitoring of Feedwaters for Human and Industrial Consumption, presented by Paul O’Brien, J.M. Canty Inc.

Bringing Wastewater Treatment into the Twenty-first Century, presented by Chuck Saunders and Gary Szilagyi, Jacksonville Beach WWTP

Wireless Ethernet Technologies and Security for the Water Industries, presented by Mike Nager, Phoenix Contact

During exhibit hours, attendees will be able to view the latest controls equipment, as well as instrumentation to fit today’s industry needs, from industry vendors. Exhibitors include: Emerson Process Management, G Instruments, GE Sensing, MOXA, Phoenix Contact, Primary Flow Signal, Inc., and Spirax Sarco Inc./EMCO.

WWAC attendees represent public utility companies; water-technology companies; and automation-, processing-, and controls-solutions providers; and others.

Two ISA training seminars will be held in conjunction with the technical conference. These one-day technically focused courses include Industrial Flow Measurement Overview (EI10C), led by Wiley Montana; while Manges himself will lead Introduction to SCADA Systems Integration (IC30C1).

Quick connection technology for ProfiNet

The new RJ 45 plug connectors with Quickon fast connection technology for Profinet from Phoenix Contact allow four AWG22 wires to be quickly and reliably connected. The PNO Guideline specifies AWG22 wires to configure Profinet topologies.

Assembly using the insulation displacement technique requires no tools. The wires are simply inserted into the flap, cut off, and then contacted by pressing down the flap.

The new generation of plug connectors is already pre-assembled; this means that local assembly is no longer required and there are no small parts to get lost. Assembly is therefore easy to do on site – even under difficult conditions.

Favorably priced solution to visualize process flows

Today, simple and cost-efficient solutions are required for the automated operation of machines and plants: With its web panels, based on web technology, Phoenix Contact is offering a simple and favorably priced entry-level solution for the visualization of process flows of machines and plants. The new HMIs are suitable for operator control and visualization – especially for smaller machines where complex system screens do not have to be visualized.

All web panels use the simple, intuitive Web Visit development environment to visualize process flows. In this case, the compact control, for instance the ILC 130 ETH control, which is connected with the web panel, acts as a web server for data processing and visualization. Data can be displayed on the web panel connected via Ethernet using the micro-browser that is integrated in the panel.

The WP 04T web panel with 3.5” TFT touch color display and WP 06T with 5.7” TFT touch color display supplement the controls of the 100-type class to facilitate cost-efficient visualization. These devices can also be combined with other controls of the automation system.

EX i isolation amplifier with SIL and Zone 2 certs

Phoenix Contact has added two new modules to its range of safety-relevant applications: The repeater power supply PI-EX-RPSS and the isolation amplifier PI-EX-AIS correspond to the requirements of EN 61508 for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 and have been available since autumn 2009.

The modules, which are certified as associated intrinsically safe equipment, also have protection type EX n and can therefore also be installed as electrical equipment in Zone 2. This extends the options for users when it comes to flexible installation concepts.

Both modules belong to the pluggable PI-EX product line for potentially explosive areas according to protection type EX i – which permits efficient and versatile control cabinet solutions. Combination with the basic terminal block allows direct installation at the switching level of the control cabinet as well as pre-wiring of the modules, which are just 12.4 mm wide.

The required electronics can then also be subsequently plugged in. Alternatively, motherboards are available as additional basic elements, with which system cabling can be established.

User-friendly fieldbus communication via Bluetooth

With the new PSI-Bluetooth-Profibus set from Phoenix Contact, Bluetooth technology is used for wireless fieldbus communication with Profibus. The Bluetooth frequency-hopping technique particularly impresses in metallic environments technology and also shows its strengths when coexisting with other wireless systems.

A distinguishing feature of the set is that it enables devices to be started even more quickly, as there is absolutely no configuring to be done when establishing a Bluetooth connection. The Bluetooth converters are pre-configured for an invisible, password-protected point-to-point connection. After installation, the devices automatically connect themselves therefore permitting a wireless Profibus connection with data transfer rates of 187.5 kBit/s. By using a high-performance transceiver based on Bluetooth 2.0 technology, ranges of up to 150 m and more can be achieved.

With the set, complex Profibus connections to moving devices, which were previously only possible using costly drag chains, slip rings or other cable-based solutions, can now be quickly implemented at a favorable price.

Fieldbus gateways

The new AS-Interface gateways for Profibus-DP from Phoenix Contact set themselves apart by the fact that AS-Interface networks can be simply integrated into a Profibus-DP system. The devices have a rugged stainless steel housing with IP20 protection and have been designed for installation in control cabinets.

The gateways allow AS-Interface slaves to be operated with extended addressing and are specified according to the AS Interface specification 3.0. This means that they are downwards compatible to AS Interface slaves with older specifications. The new AS-Interface gateway for Profibus FLX ASI MA PB SF has a compact housing and can therefore be installed in control cabinets in an especially space-saving fashion.

The new AS-Interface gateway for Profibus FLX ASI MA 2 PB EF is designed as a double master to connect two AS Interface circuits and has an expanded functional scope. Among other things, Profibus settings for the gateway can be made and AS-Interface circuits configured – including user-friendly addressing of the AS-i slaves. Further, both AS-i circuits can be diagnosed in-depth via the gateway.