Leadership strengthened at process solutions company division.

Axel Schwerdtfeger has been appointed as Executive Vice President of the Process Solutions company division of the WIKA group. As a member of the Management Board, he will also contribute significantly to shaping and executing the global business strategy of the measurement technology manufacturer.

Axel Schwerdtfeger

Axel Schwerdtfeger will focus on the strategic development of the company division’s product and service portfolio, including that of its affiliated subsidiaries. His priorities also include delivering innovative solutions with high added value for customers and driving continuous optimisation of business processes.

“Global megatrends such as digitalisation and decarbonisation are fundamentally reshaping business requirements – while simultaneously opening up vast opportunities for innovation and growth,” says Axel Schwerdtfeger. “With our broad technology portfolio, international orientation and strong internal collaboration, we at WIKA are ideally positioned to actively shape this transformation. I look forward to working with our customers to develop forward-looking solutions that deliver genuine added value.”

Prior to joining WIKA, Axel Schwerdtfeger served as CTO and member of the Executive Board at HAWE Hydraulik SE, a Munich-based manufacturer of mechatronic and hydraulic components and systems. Over 20 years, he held various roles at the international family-owned company with global subsidiaries, including a two-year tenure as COO of its branch in Shanghai, China. He holds a degree in industrial engineering.

“Axel Schwerdtfeger possesses a deep understanding of the industries and markets we serve,” says Alexander Wiegand, Chairman and CEO of WIKA. “He is also a determined leader. He will play a pivotal role in positioning our Process Solutions company division so that it is ideally equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

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@WIKANews #PAuto

Going for gold!

Valentine Gold Project is the largest undeveloped gold resource in the Atlantic Canada region.

Marathon Gold has agreed to a contract with ABB to design and commission the process and power control system for its Valentine Gold Project in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, moving the project another significant step closer to a timely startup. The order was booked in the third quarter of 2023.

Currently under construction, the open-pit mining and conventional milling operation will become a flagship project for Marathon Gold as its Valentine Gold Project represents the largest undeveloped gold resource in the Atlantic Canada region. The company projects an average production of 195,000 ounces of gold per year for the first 12 years of the expected 14-year mine life. The project remains on schedule to achieve mill commissioning in Q4 2024 and first gold production in Q1 2025.

“We’re very happy that ABB was selected for this project and we’re looking forward to working with the Marathon Gold team to keep it on track,” said Sachin Jari, Head of Mining, North America for ABB Process Industries. “It is set to become a very important gold mining operation in Canada and one that our experienced project team will make a positive impact on. They have decades of experience working with mining projects of similar stature in Canada and globally.”

ABB’s scope of delivery includes the design, supply and commissioning of the mine’s process and power control systems, both integrated under the company’s flagship ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS).

Additionally, by unifying these historically disparate systems under one common framework, mine operators can gain greater visibility across the operation, helping them find more ways to enhance safety, plant efficiency, staff responsiveness and profitability across the mining value chain. This integrated automation system will also be based on ABB’s Select I/O and Industrial Ethernet networks, which will help the project team mitigate any late changes or schedule delays to this project and simplify evolution of the mine’s automation systems through its various, planned production phases.

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@abb_automation @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @MarathonGoldMOZ @AdmiralPR #PAuto #Mining #Canada

Monitoring high-speed processes.

With high speed to new spheres!

When fast-moving scenes need to be captured in all their details, a high-performance transmission interface is essential in addition to the right sensor. With uEye Warp10, IDS Imaging Development Systems is launching a new camera family that, thanks to 10GigE, transmits data in the Gigabit Ethernet-based network at a very high frame rate and virtually without delay. The first models with the IMX250 (5 MP), IMX253 (12 MP) and IMX255 (8.9 MP) sensors from the Sony Pregius series are now available.

Compared to 1GigE cameras, the uEye Warp10 models achieve up to 10 times the transmission bandwidth; they are also about twice as fast as cameras with USB 3.0 interfaces. The advantages become particularly apparent when scenes are to be captured, monitored and analysed in all details and without motion blur. Consequently, applications such as inspection applications on the production line with high clock speeds or image processing systems in sports analysis benefit from the fast data transfer.

The GigE Vision standard-compliant industrial cameras enable high-speed data transfer over cable lengths of up to 100 metres without repeaters or optical extenders via standard CAT6A cables (under 40 metres also CAT5E) with RJ45 connectors. The robust uEye Warp10 cameras are initially offered with C-mount lens holders. IDS is already working on additional models. In the future, versions with TFL mount (M35 x 0.75) will also be available for use with particularly high-resolution sensors up to 45 MP. The cameras are supported by the powerful IDS peak software development kit. 

 @IDS_Imaging @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Service to process industry completely changed.

Process Insights Inc., has enhanced its customer support with the launch of GO Remote Connected Service (GO).

Joe Schwab, Chief Commercial Officer, Process Insights said, “GO Remote Connected Service has completely changed the way we help customers around the globe, providing a faster, more efficient and productive service as well as being able to identify problems before they become major threats to the facility."

GO is an intelligent, safe, fast, and efficient service that minimizes unexpected downtime, and provides reliable support around the clock, globally. Customers will benefit from this state-of-the-art service by being able to access industry-specific technical support from a team of experts from any device. Customers can use GO whenever it is needed, ensuring a timely response. Information is shared in real-time, and accessed via smart devices and apps, reducing travel time and costs.

The new service works on multiple smart devices, including Realwear. It is easily configurable and customizable to individual specific requirements. Operating remotely allows technicians to access real-time monitoring, analysis, and status of systems.

Traditionally, service would have been performed by technicians via an onsite visit, and only after the fault or total failure occurred. With the GO, a robust, safe remote service solution, now service technicians can access real-time monitoring, analysis, and status, easily to track service history, and download service reports.

This preventative maintenance solution means that potential major malfunctions can be identified in advance, reducing the need for unexpected shutdowns in industrial facilities, also sparing personnel and travel expense.

Utilizing Process Insights’ GO software, customers can track service history, download reports, schedule maintenance visits, track orders, view contract details, and manage deliverables. 

Download App.

Scott Fleishner, General Manager for Process Insights – The Americas, stated “we have best-in-class experts on hand to help with emergency support, as well as general advice and maintenance. This all leads to seamless, proactive support where and when needed, and affords our customers immediate access to our experts. It’s all about reducing downtime.”

@ProcessInsights @codacomms #PAuto 

Ultra-compact flowmeter.

The AF-E 400 ultra-compact electromagnetic flowmeter for utilities and industrial automation applications has been introduced by Krohne. It is specially designed to fit in applications with little installation space available, e.g. in cooling lines of welding equipment, bending machines and robots, or on chemical dosing skids. AF-E 400 matches the requirements of application areas in heating and cooling/temperature control, machine building of washing or dosing equipment, HVAC, and utilities and industrial automation applications in all process industries.

The company examined issues with products in this segment and developed the cost-effective ultra-compact flowmeter to be best in its class in terms of temperature range, accuracy, pressure drop and flow range: AF-E 400 features a stainless steel housing and is suitable for continuous use at +90°C/ +194°F liquid temperature, allowing for operation in very demanding cooling and hot water applications. The round bore reduction of the sensor makes the flowmeter more resilient in terms of increased pressure, ensuring high accuracy over a wide pressure and temperature range, and a high turndown ratio without risk of cavitation. The integrated temperature measurement eliminates the need for an additional sensor, minimising the intrusion points in the pipe and providing more data from the process.

AF-E 400 also features extensive self-diagnostics: the meter continuously monitors several critical aspects including low supply voltage, incorrect parametrisation, flow range exceedance, or short circuit on any of its outputs. Warning messages according to NAMUR NE107 alert the user via the rotatable full colour display or the communication outputs.

Due to the special design of its magnetic circuit, field strength and electronics, AF-E 400 is immune to crosstalk caused by magnetic field overlap of adjacent devices, and can be installed in series or in parallel up to a distance of 2 mm/ 0.08" from device to device without interference.

Nominal sensor sizes reach from DN6...25/ ¼...1¨ for flow rates up to 150 l/min/ 40 US gpm as standard, up to 500 l/min/ 132 US gpm on request. Output options include 4...20 mA, pulse, frequency, switch, IO–link or Modbus to provide operators with multiple sensor and application data for smarter factory automation. AF-E 400 is sold from stock and shipped within 48 hours.

 @krohnegroup #PAuto

Process sensors with digital communication interface. #Baumer #PAuto

Pressure sensor PP20H and conductivity sensor CombiLyz AFI now add on the Baumer portfolio of process sensors with digital communication interface.

Digital communication opens up many opportunities – but only sensors that reliably deliver precise measured values offer real added value by IO-Link. Well established and appreciated by many users, both pressure sensor PP20H and CombiLyz AFI conductivity sensor excel by outstanding measuring performance and IO-Link interface, but now they offer even more interesting features such as simple and fast parameterization- even during operation. This way, secondary data like different process data output simultaneously or diagnostic data only accessible this way can be communicated from sensor to controller or even retrieved from the sensor memory if required. Further to the digital interface, the sensors also provide one or more conventional analog outputs for maximum user flexibility.

Dual Channel enables analog as well as digital sensor operation or both at the same time - this way, Baumer process sensors such as conductivity sensor CombiLyz AFI and pressure sensor PP20H work both in conventional control topologies and digital IO-Link control environments. In process automation, the proven analog interface is helpful for sensor integration into existing control concepts. Nevertheless, in sensor commissioning, IO-Link advantages such as easy and fast parameterization or access to secondary data are a valuable help. For process control, parallel readout of conductivity or pressure value is enabled via 4... 20 mA analog output.

IO-Link provides access to valuable secondary data: process data including sensor temperature respectively process temperature of PP20H. Such information allow for interesting conclusions, e.g. unusual temperature rise in containers or pipes. And, such data are basic for predictive maintenance. CombiLyz AFI conductivity sensor delivers information on media concentration in addition to media conductivity. By doing so, the medium in process and its concentration is precisely identified. Pressure sensor PP20H delivers ambient pressure information in addition to process pressure. Therefore, the sensor can be deployed for both absolute and relative pressure measurement.

IO-Link allows for mutual and bidirectional sensor communication via the controller. This way, every sensor can utilize the measured values of other sensors to solve complex measuring tasks or for optimization of processes and production flow. Using conductivity sensor AFI for example, transmission of the measured temperature value would reduce response times of temperature compensation to 15 seconds or even completely circumvent them. In level detection in closed tanks, two fusioned pressure sensors enable direct indication of the filling level. The head pressure sensor transmits the measured value to the pressure sensor at the tank bottom for zero point adjustment. This way, the actual pressure is determined.

With CombiLyz conductivity sensors and PP20H pressure sensors now featuring this digital communication interface, Baumer further adds on their portfolio of IO-Link process sensors. And, solutions for flow and level detection using this digital communication standard are also available.

Improving workforce safety with shorter Training time.

Mimic™ Field 3D is an immersive training experience from Emerson, that is designed to help new and incoming workers gain a deep understanding of how changes in the field impact industrial plant processes. This virtual reality-based (VR) solution gives personnel simulated hands-on experience to prepare for any plant event, helping them make better decisions regarding operating changes and practise proper procedures before entering potentially hazardous plant areas.

In the coming decade, experts estimate there will be more than 2.5 million skilled jobs that go unfilled in the United States. There’s a clear need for organisations to seek innovative technology solutions to address this talent shortage quickly through innovative augmented reality and VR solutions like Mimic Field 3D. In fact, a recent survey found that 66% of companies plan to adopt these technologies by 2022.

Field operators typically train on physical equipment, which adds risks and costs, particularly during some of the plant’s most critical phases – start-ups, shutdowns, turnarounds and outages. Many organisations are seeking technology solutions to rapidly upskill new workers for high performance in the shortest amount of time.

“Emerson’s digital twin portfolio is changing how we prepare the future workforce. Our industry will become increasingly reliant on VR tools like these to address the growing skills gap and improve training effectiveness,” said Jim Nyquist, group president of systems and solutions at Emerson. “This advanced technology enhances training by offering a hands-on experience, which ultimately improves the safety of workers.”

This effort supports Emerson’s larger digital transformation initiative that provides software, data analytics, automation technologies, smart sensor and consulting services to help customers achieve Top Quartile performance – meeting performance metrics within the top 25% of peer companies. As part of Emerson’s Plantweb™ digital ecosystem, Mimic Field 3D empowers new workers to acquire knowledge and experience at a faster pace as they learn from each immersive experience, enhancing safety and overall operational performance.

The Mimic™ Field 3D immersive plant experience enables operators to learn about and interact with devices and assets in virtual reality prior to making a trip to the field.

#PAuto @EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis

Capturing and transmitting process automation knowledge.

The retirement of experienced engineers has long been of concern across the industrial sectors as companies have tried to find effective ways to capture and transmit vital knowledge to new generations of automation professionals.

The work of the ISA106 standards committee, Procedure Automation for Continuous Process Operations, is intended to provide a framework for building some of that knowledge into automated procedures. This is especially important for such plant procedures as startup, shutdown, product grade change and the like – as studies have shown that plants are particularly vulnerable to safety incidents caused by inexperienced operators performing unfamiliar manual functions during such key operations. This and all other ISA standards are available for download here- ISA Standards: Numerical Order.

ISA106 has completed a new technical report that describes work processes involved with automating procedures that monitor and control continuous processes. ISA-TR106.00.02-2017, Procedure Automation for Continuous Process Operations – Work Processes, applies to new process facilities as well as to control upgrades to existing facilities.

The technical report is not intended to instruct organizations on how to identify and justify projects or to provide the details of work processes, but rather to set forth a generic set of work processes that provides guidance for procedure automation project execution phases.

“The work processes used by end users are critical for the successful completion of capital projects and projects funded out of operating expenses,” points out Dave Emerson of Yokogawa, who serves as ISA106 editor. “The new technical report provides a guide to how end users’ work processes can be designed to account for the automation of continuous process operations.

“The report reflects the combined knowledge and foresight of engineers from many different end users, automation suppliers, and consultants. That knowledge can and should be used by owner-operators to improve their own work processes, by automation suppliers to improve products and services, and by consultants to help improve end users and automation suppliers to make the process industries safer and more efficient.”

To date, ISA106 has focused on the current state of the continuous process industries. The committee will now begin work on a requirements-based standard that will draw on the information developed it its earlier work.

•  One of the many benefits of ISA membership is free viewing of most ISA standards. Visit the Member Access to ISA Standards page for more information.

 #ISAuto #PAuto

Process instrument website!

Fluke® Process Instruments has announced the launch of a new website, combining its extensive global capabilities in industrial temperature measurement. The website was designed to reflect the company's core competencies and mission to provide the most comprehensive infrared temperature measurement and profiling solutions for industrial, maintenance and quality control applications.

"We wanted a website that projected our fundamental capabilities, including our ability to meet the challenges of industrial temperature measurement through a world-class customer portal," said Fluke Process Instruments Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Steven Moore. "This site accomplishes these objectives and accurately conveys our dedication to providing process instruments and solutions that assist our customers with making products that help the world function better."

Fluke Process Instruments brings together more than 150 years of experience in pioneering new technologies into one integrated company. By joining three recognized brand leaders – Raytek®, Ircon® and Datapaq® – it offers a complete line of infrared sensors, linescanners, thermal imagers and profiling systems for use in today's most demanding environments.

Fluke Process Instruments has consolidated multiple legacy domains into a single website with a new look and feel. Content and resources on the site are focused on industry and application-specific requirements, with solutions offered by type of technology.

Key features include: • Integrated Assets and Resources – Provides one-stop shopping with easily recognizable industry application solutions for IR temperature measurement and thermal profiling • Expanded and/or Refreshed Content – Increases availability of resources across the Fluke Process Instruments line and targets specific needs at each level of the customer journey • Intuitive Interface – Makes information easier to find, simplifies search functionality and contributes to an improved overall customer experience • Responsive Design – Simplifies navigation using any device (desktop, tablet and/or mobile) to keep pace with the new generation of industrial worker mobility • Greater ease-of-use – Includes top-level navigation with dropdown menus to put information at the visitor's fingertips, and provides links to relevant resources on each product page • More Focused Sector capability – Helps end-users from various industries quickly and clearly understand solutions tailored to their unique requirements • Improved Product Descriptions & Details – Offers concise specifications and visual images of the entire portfolio, with applications and products cross-referenced on individual pages

The company has developed this website based on recognized best practices and extensive voice of the customer (VOC) usability studies. The new site is currently provided in English, but will be updated to include German, French, Spanish and Chinese language versions in the near future. In addition, new Fluke Process Instruments social media sites will be coming soon!

@FlukeCorp #PAuto

Indicator with process filtering.

The INT4-P is the latest version of Applied Measurement's  INT2-P featuring improved process filtering from your pressure transducer, level transmitter or depth sensor. The INT4-P is directly compatible with the INT2 series as it features the same front panel designs, dimensions and connections, for easy integration.

The INT4-P meter displays physical variables, such as weight, load, force and torque, providing you with a 24V regulated excitation supply, capable of providing up to 40mA of current to power a wide range of sensors and transducers. Improved accuracy is guaranteed with its 10 point user configurable lineariser, which is a standard feature on the INT4-P indicator.

The INT4-P is easy to configure with its new single layer menu for a simpler setup. The readout is provided by a 6-digit LED display (also configurable with 3, 4 or 5 digits if preferred) coupled with an ultra-high resolution 20-bit A/D converter and highly stable strain gauge bridge excitation source which provides superb resolution and stability in any application. The front panel has a 7 segment window for displaying the measurement allowing decimal point and minus sign characters to be included and has 4 alarm annunciators to show the status of each alarm relay.

Peak and valley memories allow you to view the maximum and minimum recorded measurements. Also, the meter can give alarm outputs, scaled and isolated analogue output and isolated serial data retransmission, when fitted with option boards.

A lockout switch on the rear of the meter saves your configuration settings in non-volatile memory, which has a 10 year guaranteed storage period. When the lockout switch is set to ON, your settings cannot be accidentally altered.

@AppMeas #PAuto

Calibrator & DMM combined!

Addition of a simple module enables wireless connectivity to a mobile phone.

The 787B ProcessMeter™ which offers double troubleshooting capabilities by combining the power of an industrial safety-rated digital multimeter (DMM) and a mA loop calibrator into a single, compact test tool has been introduced by Fluke.

Based on the trusted measurement capabilities of the Fluke 87 DMM, the 787B adds the ability to measure, source and simulate mA with the accuracy and resolution you would expect from a Fluke mA loop calibrator, giving the ideal tool for troubleshooting and calibrating current loop applications. When it is fitted with a Fluke ir3000 FC module, technicians can wirelessly monitor, log, and share data from the field with their team using the Fluke Connect® mobile app.

The 1000V CAT III / 600V CAT IV safety-rated Fluke 787B ProcessMeter can source / simulate a 20mA DC current, providing a simultaneous mA and percentage scale readout for calibration purposes. It offers Manual Step (100%, 25%, Coarse, Fine) plus Auto Step and Auto Ramp. For troubleshooting purposes, it features true-RMS DMM capabilities to measure to 1000V AC/DC and 440mA AC/DC, as well as resistance and frequency (to 20kHz). It also offers Min/Max/Average/Hold/Relative modes, diode test and an audible continuity check.

When fitted with a Fluke ir3000 FC accessory, measurements can be wirelessly transmitted to the Fluke Connect app on smartphones or tablets and automatically uploaded to FlukeCloud™ Storage, eliminating transcription errors. Technicians can collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive™ video calls, increasing productivity in the field. Measurements from the 787B can be combined with measurement data from multiple Fluke Connect test tools to create and share comprehensive reports from the job site via email.

Technicians requiring the added functionality of a 24V DC loop power supply and a HART mode setting with a built-in 250Ω resistor should choose the Fluke 789.

@FlukeCorp  #PAuto #TandM

Rugged precision digital downhole data logger.

The Paine 328-12-0010 pressure and temperature data logger and digital transmitter from Emerson, is a high precision solution for process measurement and data logging in downhole drilling applications.

Downhole drilling operators must measure pressure and temperature to optimise drilling processes and ensure safety. These measurements are typically made with a variety of downhole tools, either mounted just above the drill bit to provide continuous measurement while drilling, or as separate tools inserted into the drill hole on a periodic basis. Once drilling is complete and production begins, these measurements are needed to optimise throughput, maximise uptime, and ensure safety.

In all of these applications, space is at a premium and high reliability is required. The environment is extremely harsh with high temperatures and pressures, corrosive drilling fluids, and high vibration. Rugged components with small form factors are required to support smaller tool sizes, along with increased pressures and temperatures as holes become deeper.

To address these issues, the Paine 328-12-0010 data logger/transmitter provides both temperature and pressure measurements in a small, rugged form factor. The transmitter measures pressure and temperature with full-scale accuracy of ±0.05% and is able to withstand operating temperatures from -40 °F (-40°C) to 347 °F (175 °C). The slim-diameter form factor of 0.51 inches saves critical downhole tool space.

Measured data can be transmitted via the built-in RS-485 digital data link. Using on-board memory, the device also provides data logging functionality, allowing it to automatically store large amounts of data for future analysis.

@EMR_Automation #PAuto @Emerson_News @HHC_Lewis 

Quick ship programme for process instruments.

Yokogawa Corporation of America has announced quick shipping options for process instrumentation and analytical products through its Quick Ship Program. Quick Ship aims to reduce lead times of warehouse-stocked product to ship within two days or less for customers in emergency situations and to prevent unnecessary downtime.

“Yokogawa's Manufacturing and Distribution Division, in conjunction with our product marketing and sales groups, is working diligently to provide our customers with quality product in the most efficient manner possible. The Quick Ship Program and our ability to assemble in the US allows us the flexibility to offer the vast majority of our standard US product offering in two days or less, thus reducing or eliminating process downtime for our customers,” says Rich Westerfield, Yokogawa Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution.

With product availability becoming an increasingly important issue facing the market, warehousing finished product is essential to guarantee on-time delivery and overall customer satisfaction. Yokogawa initiated the Quick Ship Program two years ago as a pilot program for limited product families to address the issue of the company’s standard 10-day lead-time from time of order. The program is now available in 2017 for all standard products, including pressure/temperature transmitters, flow meters and various analyzers.

“We were faced with the challenge of our products being shipped with a standard of 10 days because we incorporated the entire manufacturing process with our lead time,” says Steve Crews, Yokogawa General Manager for Customer Support, Global Logistics, and Warehousing. “We found that if we pre-built standard product to have sub-assemblies ready to go, we could shorten that lead time to meet a quicker ship date.”

Yokogawa’s 125,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility includes pressure, flow and analytical production lines. In 2016, several thousand pressure and flow transmitters and analytical products were assembled and shipped via the new program. The program incorporates the talents of more than 125 employees from various departments to ensure its success.

Since implementation, the standard lead time is now five days with the Quick Ship products being offered in two days. For the customer, this means they can expect reduced downtime in their operations and better cash flow, as they are able to receive a replacement product on a faster schedule. The quicker shipping options also allow a competitive advantage for Yokogawa.

“When we save the day, we earn trust with the customer so that we become a loyal and respected partner,” says Sam Hassan, Yokogawa Product Manager of Flow Products. “With a solid reputation, customers are likely to call us for any issues they may have in the future.”

The program is equally beneficial to Yokogawa. “When customers would request a product in two days that typically requires a two-week lead-time, we would have to negotiate from customer service to production control to manufacturing and back through that chain to get to the customer,” Steve says. “With an offering of two days, we’ve eliminated much of the back and forth so that it cuts down on order processing time.”

Immediate needs for products with lead times less than two days can be negotiated with the factory through the local sales representative if the two day lead time is not sufficient.

A demonstrated investment in the local marketplace is another important factor in the Quick Ship Program. Yokogawa’s process instruments are assembled in the US with local modification also available. US assembly allows local flexibility and investment in the local market. Yokogawa also manufactures and calibrates instruments in North America to expand the offering of quick shipping.

Yokogawa has made a series of other investments in its manufacturing facilities in an effort to support the Quick Ship initiative. Several adjustments were made to the way parts were kit for the sub-assemblies, which contributed to the overall faster shipping process. Time studies were conducted to evaluate how parts were moving back and forth from the storeroom to the production line. Yokogawa performed Quality Control Circles (QCC) on several of the production lines to eliminate wasted time, and ultimately helped to recognize the potential of quick shipping. The kitting process time was cut down by over 75%.

In conjunction with the Quick Ship Program, modifications have been made to the Yokogawa website to indicate eligible products.

 @YokogawaIA  #PAuto #USA

All new event highlights safety in process industry!

Program places emphasis on improving safety and security in chemical, petrochemical, and oil and gas processing

Click for Advance Programme (pdf)

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has released the advance program for its 2014 Process Control & Safety Symposium, featuring world-class presentations, paper sessions, panel discussions, tutorials, training courses, vendor exhibitions, and other value-packed activities—all designed to help process measurement and control professionals in chemical and energy processing and other process industry sectors operate more safely and securely.

Leveraging the global expertise of six ISA technical divisions, the symposium is expected to draw more than 200 registrants 7-9 October 2014 in Houston, Texas USA. Attendees will learn how everyday decisions can have significant downstream results—both positively and negatively—on plant safety and security as well as on key quality and efficiency metrics. Download the complete conference programme of the 2014 ISA Process Control & Safety Symposium (PCS) on the website!

An all-new event, the symposium brings ISA’s world-class technical content, training and exhibiting opportunities back to Houston in response to strong demand among the area’s automation professionals. Highlights include:

• Four targeted ISA courses, led by ISA’s globally recognized subject matter experts.
• Three keynote and invited speakers: Peter Martin, Ph.D., Vice President, Business Value Solutions, Invensys; Maurice Wilkins, Vice President, Yokogawa Global Strategic Technology Marketing Center; and Peggie Koon, Ph.D., 2014 ISA President and Vice President, Audience, Chronicle Media.
• An extensive, content-rich technical program. 
• An outstanding vendor exhibit demonstrating the latest technologies and solutions from 25 industry leaders.  
• A special feature is Vendor Night, to be held on the evening of Tuesday, 7 October, when the exhibit hall will be open to all automation professionals in the Houston area at no charge, and a reception, with cash bar, will be offered.

Attendees can choose from four industry-proven ISA courses (and earn valuable CEUs) encompassing the critical components of safety, security and wireless communications. Which will be held on the Monday (6th October).

New mapping: asynchronous and synchronous motors #PAuto

CAN in Automation (CiA) has released the CiA 402-5 specification. It defines a new mapping for Process Data Objects (PDO) suitable for CANopen devices, which are able to control asynchronous as well as synchronous motors. This takes into account that suppliers integrate position control and sequence control into one unit. For the user this not only convenient but also avoids the need of two configuration tools.

The first PDO is used to control the drive’s state machine and to confirm the state change request. The second PDO contains additionally the target position respectively the current position, and the third provides the target velocity or the current velocity. All these PDOs are predefined. The CAN identifiers are assigned automatically depending on the setting of the node-ID.

CANopen is one of the most used communication interfaces for servomotors. The internationally standardized CiA 402 drive and motion control profile (IEC 61800-7-201/301) specifies the CANopen interface for inverters, servo drives, and stepper motors. “With this PDO mapping superset, the user can control with the very same device asynchronous as well as synchronous motors,” explained Holger Zeltwanger, CiA’s managing director. “There is no need to configure the PDOs.”

Multichannel transmitter for water, wastewater & process.

Transmitter has EtherNet/IP connectivity for easy, seamless integration with Rockwell's PlantPAx Process Automation System.

The Liquiline CM44 multichannel transmitter features an integrated web server that allows the operator to remotely view diagnostic data, perform configuration, or access device parameters via any web browser. Data can be securely accessed and maintenance functions can be performed via Endress+Hauser’s FieldCare asset management system. It may be used for process monitoring in the water, wastewater, chemical, power and other industries.

Thanks to their Memosens® technology, customers can now use EtherNet/IP and one CM44 transmitter to access many parameters and accept inputs down to the sensor level including sensor condition and diagnostics. They also have the ability to configure up to eight Memosens digital sensors via remote access, including nitrate, spectral absorption coefficient (SAC), pH, ORP, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, free-chlorine and ion selective electrode sensors.

The modular four-wire transmitter is available in one to eight-channel versions and can be expanded at any time, and users can easily swap or mix and match any combination of sensors. The CM44 transmitter recognises the sensor and will begin operating immediately without rebooting the transmitter. Memosens protocol sensors can be pre-calibrated and the sensor-specific data is stored in the sensor.

With just a few clicks, an EtherNet/IP enabled multiparameter transmitter is enabled and ready to provide critical process information to a PlantPAx control system. Total process management is now possible, because operators now have the ability to integrate, configure and commission in minutes, not hours as with other networks.

Traditionally, devices measuring and controlling process variables rely on a process instrumentation network to transfer data, while other devices within the plant work on a completely different network. By improving this complex multi-tier networking strategy with one standard network architecture – EtherNet/IP – users have better access to real-time information. This improves the ability to monitor overall performance, troubleshoot out-of-margin conditions and minimise downtime.

The Liquiline CM44 multiparameter transmitter and all Endress+Hauser products built on the 4-wire, Liquiline platform, such as the Liquistation water sampler, are pre-engineered to integrate seamlessly with the PlantPAx process automation system, helping users simplify their network architecture, reduce deployment time, and facilitate connectivity from the instrumentation level to the business systems level. In addition to EtherNet/IP connectivity, the multiparameter transmitter has built-in connectivity to Ethernet, Profibus, Modbus, HART and 485 networks.

Together with Memosens and the EtherNet/IP technology, interoperability is assured – opening new possibilities for process monitoring, quality assurance, lowered operational costs and safety.

Process valves and actuators from Buerkert #PAuto

Bürkert’s modular ELEMENT system, which is setting new benchmarks for cleanline operation and cost reduction in hygienic process measurement and control, has been expanded to include process valves with orifice diameters up to 50mm (DN 50) and process actuators in sizes up to 130mm.

“The outstanding success of our modular, stainless steel ELEMENT system across all hygienic processing markets – pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverage and bio-medicals – has resulted in demands from users for a wider range of equipment types and sizes,” said Neil Saunders, Sales Manager of Bürkert UK & Ireland. “The new 50mm orifice sizes for the ELEMENT series valve range and larger actuator sizes are part of a wider programme to meet this demand, with other additions to the ELEMENT range coming on stream in the first quarter of 2013.”

The expansion of the ELEMENT valve range significantly expands the area of application for these valve types, enabling their use at higher medium pressures on pipelines with orifices up to DN 50. Included in the expanded range are the type 2100 angle seat on/off valve, the 2101 on/off globe valve, the 2103 diaphragm valve family, the type 2300 modulating angle seat valve and 2301 series modulating globe valve.

The major advantage for users of the expanded ELEMENT is that it is now possible to achieve greater plant standardisation by equipping many process systems with equipment entirely from the modular ELEMENT platform. The benefits of this approach are many. First, the ELEMENT valves and sensors reliably control fluids, steam, caustic solutions and chemicals, as well as abrasive or high-purity substances in the widest range of applications and process environments. Second, the stainless steel valves (IP65/67) are rugged, hygienic, and easy to clean and use.

Third, the special ELEMENT actuator design facilitates integration of automation units at all levels of the modular valve system, from the position transmitter to the electro-pneumatic positioner or process controller. This allows complete decentralised automation of even complex systems, with minimal expense for cables and hoses.

New venture launched by respected journalist

Process Industry Match (PIM) has been launched by Patrick Raleigh with support and guidance from a number of like-minded journalists and media professionals in the process industries.

PIM addresses the need for better dialogue and communication between investors, engineering firms, specifiers, integrators, suppliers and end users in the industrial process sector –  in Britain, Ireland and throughout the world.

Patrick Raleigh

To achieve this, the PIM Website and Newsletter majors on developments that enhance the performance of process facilities. There is, therefore, a particular focus on investment, engineering & construction and plant upgrade activities, as well as on new operational and maintenance programmes.

The editorial spans the key verticals – chemicals, energy, food & drink, life sciences, materials, oil & gas, pulp & paper and water – and technologies, including control & automation, instrumentation, field comms, pumps, valves, compressors, mixing, heat transfer and solids handling.

Based in London, Patrick Raleigh was previously editor of Process Engineering and is still an associate editor of that magazine.

He previously held senior editorial roles on a range of industry titles, including European Rubber Journal, Urethanes Technology, European Plastics News and Plastics & Rubber Weekly. His career includes several years as a section specialist at Derwent Communications, a leading company in the field of patent information.

Patrick's academic background is in industrial materials science. He is an MSc in Polymer Science & Engineering from the University of North London, and holds a degree (GradPRI) in Plastics Engineering, awarded by the Plastics & Rubber Institute (now within the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).

Valves can operate in closed media circuits

For water, air and neutral media 

The valve VZWF is one of a number of new Festo process solutions that now gives customers a one-stop-shop for Festo high productivity and quality automated systems. Festo’s process offerings also include ball, butterfly, and gate valves, and associated automated controls.

Festo has introduced the VZWF valve, a force pilot operated solenoid valve that can be used with water, air, and neutral media. This new valve utilises relatively small solenoids to control high pressures with large nominal diameters. The units can switch at pressures as low as zero bar and close automatically in the case of a pressure loss in the circuit. These valves can be applied in closed media circuits.

The VZWF series is suitable for applications in which the medium can be vented downstream of the valve into the atmosphere or a tank. The VZWF is used for gaseous and liquid material flows up to a maximum viscosity of 22 mm²/s. Actuation is supported by the pressure of the medium, which enables smaller coils to be used with lower power requirements to open the valve.

Applications for the VZWF valve include: filling systems (secondary circuit), water treatment, pipeline construction, steam boiler construction, liquid gas installations, hot water applications, heating circuits, power plant systems, petrochemical industry, pump systems, storage tank installations, and pneumatic automation systems.

“Gas and liquid valve solutions expand Festo’s process offering that already include lines of ball, butterfly, and gate gas only valves and automated controls,” says Steve Land, process industry segment manager, Festo. “Process valves provide OEMs and end users the convenience, quality, and dependability of a one-stop-shop for both discrete and process automation solutions from Festo. And Festo offers a host of online productivity tools that speed up time to market.”

Pressure/DP transmitter released in Nth America

The enhanced version of Yokogawa's DPharp EJA series pressure/differential pressure transmitters, one of its core sensor products was released earlier this month (May 2013). The release included local manufacturing capabilities in their Newnan (GA USA) facility to support the North American market.

Chet Mroz, CEO of Yokogawa Corporation of America, says, “The enhanced EJA provides great value to customers through its improved performance, longer stability period, fast response and built-in SIL safety capabilities while maintaining the same price of the original EJA design. We are proud to say Yokogawa still remains the only manufacturer to offer a digital pressure sensor which creates the foundation for the technological benefits our EJA and EJX series of pressure transmitters offer to users.”

While remaining in the same price range, the enhanced DPharp EJA series transmitters will now offer significantly improved performance and functionality, bringing great cost benefits to our customers. As standard features, they will have the same high-speed response and multi-sensing functionality available with the high-end DPharp EJX series.

Development Background
Pressure/differential pressure transmitters are typically used in the oil, petrochemical, and chemical industries to measure liquid, gas, and steam flow rates as well as liquid levels in tanks.

DPharp EJA series transmitters are compact, multipurpose sensors with a large installed base -five million units have been sold since this series was launched in 1994. The DPharp EJX is Yokogawa’s high-end transmitter series and has self-diagnostics and other advanced functions that help plants to reduce workload and improve maintenance efficiency.

Yokogawa has enhanced its DPharp EJA series transmitters to give them the same high response speed and multi-sensing functionality found in the DPharp EJX series. These enhanced transmitters retain the high measurement precision that is characteristic of all DPharp series products.

Yokogawa will continue to make enhancements to its sensor and analyzer lineup with the aim of strengthening sales and capturing the No.1 share of the global sensor market.

Product Features and Benefits
1. Multi-sensing
The enhanced EJA series transmitters will be able to simultaneously measure differential and static pressure. A single enhanced EJA transmitter will thus be able to measure both the liquid level and the pressure in a tank. Previously, this could only be done with two EJA transmitters.

2. High-speed response
The response time has been brought down to 90 ms, which equals the capability of the EJX series transmitters. Specifically, this is the time from the detection of pressure to the output of an electric signal. The faster response time will now allow the enhanced EJA series transmitters to be used in high-speed applications such as turbine steam volume control.

3. Compact/lightweight design with a larger indicator
The improved EJA series transmitters weigh 30% less and have indicators that are nearly twice the size of those on the non-enhanced version. Additionally, the optional ultra-low copper aluminum housing can provide much improved corrosion resistance over standard aluminum housings making it a suitable alternative to 316SS for offshore environments, but with more than 3 pounds of weight savings per device.

4. Safety standard compliance/certification
The enhanced DPharp EJA series transmitters now comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) IEC61508 international safety standard on the functional safety of electrical/electronic devices and are certified for use in safety integrity level (SIL) 2 applications as stipulated by the IEC. The enhanced EJA offers SIL capability as a standard feature offering users with mixed SIL and non-safety related applications lower CAPEX and OPEX costs through reduced spares inventory, simplified application engineering and device selection.

Major Target Markets
Process manufacturing industries including oil and natural gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, power, and water treatment

Applications
Measurement of pressure and flow rate of liquid, gas, and steam; measurement of liquid level, including hydrostatic tank gauging