Modular system equipped for 10 Gbit Ethernet.

CombiTac combines power up to 300A, signal, thermocouple, coaxial, fiber optic, pneumatic and hydraulic connections in a single modular connector system, and is a natural choice in applications that require all-in-one space saving modular connectors that guarantee long life performance under the most demanding mechanical and environmental conditions.

The addition of the 10 Gbit module meets high speed CAT6A Ethernet needs in industrial applications such as data communication from machines/equipment to manufacturing control networks, machine-to-machine communications (M2M), and real time data sharing between facilities.

As part of the CombiTac product family, the 10 Gbit module not only achieves 100’000 mating cycles, it guarantees stable high quality performance from day one and beyond it’s expected lifecycle. The 10 Gbit module meets railway standard requirements of EN 45545-1, is vibrations resistant according to IEC 60512-6-4, and meets UL 1977 requirements up to 30 Vrms.

CombiTac Product Manager Martin Yiapanas explains: “For us at Multi-Contact, adding a 10 Gbit module to the CombiTac portfolio is not just about meeting high speed CAT6A Ethernet requirements in automation or process control environments. We need to be aware that we are dealing with harsh environments in industries where equipment is becoming increasingly powerful, smarter and modular, and where more robust and reliable connector systems are needed to meet the needs for better process time efficiency. Our 10 Gbit module, along with the rest of the CombiTac products, is all about constant and stable long life performance, even under the most demanding mechanical and environmental conditions.”

As a solution provider, we offer our customers worldwide A-Z assistance in designing their own 100% customized CombiTac connector, adapted to their exact technical and dimensional needs, and supplied with or without cable pre-assembly.

#multi-contact #PAuto 

Industrial force & weighing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

@VPG_BLH_Nobel #PAuto @VishayIndust

Automation technologies upgrades at largest refinery in US Midwest.

Emerson Process Management is providing process automation technologies and services to help BP further enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of its Whiting refinery in Northwest Indiana, (USA) – without the costly downtime often required for such projects.

The project to upgrade the process control system of two fluid catalytic cracking units is part of a strategic BP-Emerson automation upgrade programme. It follows BP’s earlier multi-billion-dollar Whiting Refinery Modernisation Project, which was one of the largest investments in BP history. Emerson also provided process automation for that massive upgrade, which helped BP boost its heavy-crude capacity more than four-fold.

“The ability to use our resources and experience from one stage of the upgrade programme on another stage helps BP manage project cost and schedule risks,” said Steve Sonnenberg, president of Emerson Process Management. “Our commissioning and start-up expertise developed in previous projects also helps BP safely and reliably improve performance without unexpected downtime, providing significant benefits to its customers that rely on a predictable supply of gasoline.”

The Whiting refinery is BP’s largest and a major supplier to the Midwest and other parts of the United States. One of the key benefits that Emerson brings is its experience managing “hot cutover” projects - upgrading units while the operation continues running, which helps BP maintain a secure supply of fuel for its customers. Catalytic crackers are primarily used to produce high octane gasoline in the refining process.

Emerson has already provided upgraded automation technologies for one of the cat crackers, implementing a new DeltaV™ distributed control system. Diagnostics available in the DeltaV system can help BP detect problems well before an unintended loss of operation, saving money and improving efficiency.

For the second cat cracker, Emerson will provide a DeltaV control system and integrated DeltaV SIS safety system. The integrated control and safety system will provide a common operations and engineering environment and access to extensive diagnostics across the unit. The complete automation upgrade also includes Emerson’s Fisher™ control valves and Rosemount™ measurement instruments.

 @EmersonProcess  #PAuto #Oil

Merger makes huge building automation entity.

Johnson Controls  and Tyco have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, will combine with Tyco, a global fire and security provider, to create the leader in building products and technology, integrated solutions and energy storage.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by both companies' Boards of Directors, Johnson Controls shareholders will own approximately 56 percent of the equity of the combined company and receive aggregate cash consideration of approximately $3.9 billion. Current Tyco shareholders will own approximately 44 percent of the equity of the combined company.

"The proposed combination of Johnson Controls and Tyco represents the next phase of our transformation to become a leading global multi-industrial company," stated Alex Molinaroli, chairman and chief executive officer, Johnson Controls. "With its world-class fire and security businesses, Tyco aligns with and enhances the Johnson Controls buildings platform and further positions all of our businesses for global growth. Through this transaction, we will also expand our ability to further invest globally, develop new innovative solutions for customers and return capital to shareholders."

"The combination of Tyco and Johnson Controls is a highly strategic, value-enhancing step that brings together the unique strengths of two great companies to deliver best-in-class building technologies and services to customers around the world," said George R. Oliver, chief executive officer, Tyco. "We believe this transaction will allow us to better capture opportunities created by increased connectivity in homes, buildings and cities. Joining forces with Johnson Controls pairs our leading established businesses with robust innovation pipelines and extensive global footprints to deliver greater value to customers, shareholders and employees of both companies."

Walt Boyes comments in Industrial Automation Insider:  "What this will really do is to make a huge building automation company. Here’s a nice graphic provided by Johnson Controls to indicate all the technological synergies. Note that there are signifi-cant Johnson Controls strengths, as well as Tyco strengths, and they appear to be throughout the building. There are a lot of over-laps with the world of process and factory automation, especially when the Internet of Things becomes a consideration." (IAI: Jan 2015)

Under the terms of the proposed transaction, the businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco will be combined under Tyco International plc, which will be renamed "Johnson Controls plc." Upon the closing of the transaction, the combined company is expected to maintain Tyco's Irish legal domicile and global headquarters in Cork, Ireland. The primary operational headquarters in North America for the combined company will be in Milwaukee, where Johnson Controls has been based.

Strategic Rationale
The combined company brings together best-in-class product, technology and service capabilities across controls, fire, security, HVAC, power solutions and energy storage, to serve various end-markets including large institutions, commercial buildings, retail, industrial, small business and residential. The combination of the Tyco and Johnson Controls buildings platforms creates immediate opportunities for near-term growth through cross-selling, complementary branch and channel networks, and expanded global reach for established businesses.

The new company will also benefit by combining innovation capabilities and pipelines involving new products, advanced solutions for smart buildings and cities, value-added services driven by advanced data and analytics and connectivity between buildings and energy storage through infrastructure integration. As a result, the new company will be able to better partner with its customers to help improve their overall performance and operations, enhancing the experience for their own customers in areas such as comfort, safety and accessibility. In addition, the combined company will have one of the largest energy storage platforms with capabilities including traditional lead acid as well as advanced lithium ion battery technology serving the global energy storage market.

• Johnson Controls is in the midst of a strategic transformation to become a top-quartile multi-industrial company with leadership in attractive spaces connected to core growth platforms in buildings and energy storage. This focus has resulted in significant portfolio changes over the past few years including the divestiture of its Automotive Electronics and Interiors and Global Workplace Solutions businesses, as well as the acquisition of Air Distribution Technologies and the formation of Johnson Controls - Hitachi joint venture. The company announced in July 2015 that it is planning to spin off Adient at the beginning of fiscal year 2017.

• Tyco has transformed from a diversified holding company to a streamlined operating company with a focused and leading portfolio in fire and security that will complement Johnson Controls' buildings platform. Tyco combines best-in-class products with a world-class installation and service capability delivered across a global network of branches. The company's core strengths include security and fire systems integration, commercial security monitoring, as well as fire, security and life-safety products.

• More details on financial side of this merger may be found here.

@johnsoncontrols #Tyco #PAuto #BAS

Comprehensive data centre testing.

Cressall is partnering up with its French sister company, Rentaload, to provide the British market with an effective means of load testing data centres. The collaboration comes as a response to the growing popularity of cloud computing and consequently, the need for reliable data storage.

Rentaload provides a range of load banks for a variety of industries - from oil and gas to the health sector. The company specialises in renting innovative rack-mounted load banks for the specialised testing of data centres. Cressall is now the UK contact for businesses seeking to rent load banks from Rentaload.

Traditionally, data centre load testing focussed purely on the data halls and back-up generators. Testing was often carried out on individual systems, even before the final infrastructure - such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or server racks - were in place. This testing method sometimes meant problems arose because elements of the data centres hadn't been tested together.

To address this issue, Rentaload supplies load banks that emulate servers, rack-mounted to provide an accurate perception of working functionality under normal operating conditions. This means they mimic the actual load on the HVAC system, automatic transfer switches and the electrical system. This allows the client to test the whole system under normal operating conditions.

Single phase rack-mounted load banks are available at 7kW and 11kW loads and free standing 21kW single/three phase mini-tower units.

"It's imperative for companies to test data centres at their full working capacity before servers are switched on," explained Mark Templeman, sales engineer at Cressall and representative for Rentaload. "You don't have to look back too far to see the consequences of downtime in data centres. It is what gave birth to tier certification. "Data centres are awarded different tiers of certification depending on their reliability and levels of redundancy in place. These certifications are awarded by an unbiased advisory organization, Uptime Institute and are categorised from one to four. Tier four recognises the highest level of reliability for a data centre. Using Rentaload's rack-mounted load banks to accurately test working loads on electrical, back-up and HVAC systems is an effective way of proving reliance and achieving tier certifications."

Retractable sensor assemblies ensure continuity in process.

The Cleanfit CPA875 and CPA871 sensor assemblies from Endress+Hauser allow pH, ORP, oxygen and NIR sensors to be installed or removed during operation. By moving the sensor from the measuring position to a service position, these retractable assemblies allow the sensor to be cleaned, calibrated or replaced without interrupting the process.

The Cleanfit CPA875 is ideal in applications in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industry where sensors must be removed for cleaning, calibration or maintenance on a regular basis, while the CPA871 sensor is ideal for applications in the water and wastewater and chemical industries.The retractable assemblies permit removal and installation, while protecting both the process and operating personnel.

In hygienic or sterile processes, the CPA875 assemblies are protected against contamination in accordance with international standards including EHEDG, ASME BPE, FDA, ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, CE/PED, EC VO 1935/2004 and Biological Reactivity (USP Class VI). In pneumatic operating mode, the CPA871 meets ATEX and CE/PED standards.

The CPA875 assemblies, along with their service chambers and process adapters, are certified by EHEDG for cleanability and sterilizability. This certifies that residual media is not only destroyed, but is also removed completely from the service chamber and the sealing surface. The service chamber and sealing surface thus remain free from product residue and microorganisms.

The design of the service chamber allows liquid media to drain freely and completely. The alignment of the inlet and outlet, as well as the flow configuration, ensures that solid built-up deposits are loosened and removed when cleaning. It is also possible to clean and sterilize the seals' contact surfaces. This ensures the sensor is free from contamination when it is reinserted into the process.
The CPA875 assemblies are available with single or dual service chambers. The front chamber in the double-chamber system can also be used as a protective barrier to the process. This chamber can be continually rinsed with water for injection, which ensures the cleaning solution cannot enter the process, even if the process seal is damaged. At the same time, this front chamber can be used to isolate the service chamber temperature from the process. The sensor can therefore be checked, replaced, calibrated, adjusted and cleaned with hot water or sterilized, all without influencing the process.

The Cleanfit CPA875 assembly has seals, process connections and couplings that make it suitable for use in food, pharmaceutical, life sciences and specialty chemical applications, while the CPA871 has similar options for the water/wastewater and general chemical industries. Materials in contact with the process medium are all stainless steel, while seals can be EDPM/FMP or Viton/FFKM, depending on the application. The immersion tube, process connection and service chamber can be stainless steel, titanium, Alloy C22, PEEK or PVDF, again depending on the application.

Both sensor assemblies are available with a manual or an automatic drive. The manual drive has a self-retaining thread to hold the sensor in any intermediate position, and can be used for process pressures up to 116 psi. The pneumatic drive can be used for process pressures up to 232 psi. In assemblies with a pneumatic drive, the service and measuring positions of the sensor are detected and reported to connected monitoring and control systems.

Installation Testers with FREE Current Clamp and data management software!

Until 30th of April 2016 or while stocks last, Fluke (UK) is offering a free current clamp to end users purchasing a multifunction installation tester, plus free data management software with the higher end testers. The Fluke 1650 Series of multifunction Installation Testers are designed for high productivity testing and verification of domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations.

The Fluke 1652C is the ideal tester for all domestic applications, covering all the basic needs for testing to the 17th Edition wiring regulations / Part P of the building regulations. The 1652C-CLAMPKIT includes a free Fluke 323 Current Clamp. The Fluke 1653B is ideal for professional trouble-shooters working in both domestic and commercial applications. The 1653B-CLAMPKIT/D includes a free Fluke 324 Current Clamp and free Fluke DMS Data Management Software. The Fluke 1654B is the complete tester for virtually all electrical wiring installations in domestic, commercial and industrial applications. The 1654B-CLAMPKIT/D includes a free Fluke 325 Current Clamp and free Fluke DMS Software.

The Fluke 320 Series true-rms Clamp Meters are engineered to produce noise-free, reliable measurements in the toughest environments. Designed to be long-lasting and easy to use, they are ideal for rugged, all-purpose use in residential, commercial, HVAC/R and light industrial electrical applications. Featuring easy-to-read displays and with CAT III 600V/CAT IV 300V safety ratings, all models measure true-rms AC voltage to 600V and true-rms AC current to 400A for accurate measurement of non-linear signals. The Fluke 324 and 325 models additionally feature a backlit display and capacitance measurements from 100 to 1000 microfarads. The 325 model further offers DC current measurements up to 400A, as well as frequency and resistance measurements for motor testing, and also provides a Min/Max function.

The Fluke 1652C, 1653B and 1654B Installation Testers show two measurements at once on a dual display. This can show PEFC/PSC and loop impedance results in parallel negating the requirement to run the tests separately, more than halving the test time of some loop testers. The Fluke DMS 0100/INST Data Management Software uses the 1653B or 1654B captured results for data recording, offers easy-to-use administration and reporting in compliance with BS7671 IEE 17th Edition Wiring regulations, and provides printing of test reports compatible with a range of standard certificate requirements.

All three models feature a high-current loop test which gives extremely fast measurements when testing in circuits where no RCDs are being used. They offer both non trip and the high current test so the user can select depending on the application. In addition there is fast voltage measurement between L-N, L-PE and N-PE using the mains cord, with no need to change measurement connections.

There is a PASS/FAIL indication for RCD test results, and a variable RCD current mode for customised settings. Requiring no separate batteries, a slim probe with test button supplied with the testers enables initiation of a test without the need to access or reference to the front panel when probing hard to reach points. An Earth Volt Touchpad detects earth voltages raised above 50V to indicate potentially dangerous situations.

The Fluke Installation Testers are compact, lightweight (less than 1.2 kg) and have a padded neck-strap to free testers’ hands for testing. For ease of use, a rotary dial clearly indicates which function is selected, and provides access to all functions in one place to avoid complex multi-level menus, so that even after a long period of non-use the tester remains intuitive to use. A large display with backlight uses clear symbols and has an exceptionally wide viewing angle for easy and safe readings.
All Fluke 1650B Series models have detachable standard 4-mm leads that can be replaced if damaged or lost, and require no customised special connectors. A Zero Adapter ensures easy, reliable and accurate test lead and mains cord compensation. The adapter can be used for all kinds of mains plugs and test accessories like probes and alligator clips.

@FlukeCorp  #Britain #TandM #PAuto