Industrial Ethernet switches with PoE+.

Harting has extended its Ha-VIS eCon range of industrial Ethernet Switches by incorporating high-performance Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) for the supply of power to industrial devices such as vision camera on production lines.

The new devices offer a complete integrated solution for stable, high-bandwidth data communication and reliable power transfer in a single device, while reducing cabling effort and costs at the same time. With a data transfer rate of 1000 Mbit/s simultaneously on all ports and with the support of PoE+, the Ha-VIS eCon series enables the efficient and future-proof design of equipment, systems and plants.

Over and beyond the PoE/PoE+ standard, Harting is also offering the new switches with an integrated DC/DC voltage converter. In this case the switches can be supplied with 24 V instead of the 48/54 V usually required. This provides users with more flexibility in the connection of end devices and the expansion of the network, saves on components such as power supplies, and reduces assembly time and space.

Thanks to their compact dimensions, the Ha-VIS eCon family of switches of will fit into any user application. The eCon 2000 range of flat switches has up to 16 Fast Ethernet ports while the eCon 3000 slim design range has up to 10 Fast Ethernet ports to offer economical and industrial options to expand network infrastructures. Full Gigabit switches are available with up to 7 ports for applications with high data throughput. With over 200 switch models, users can select the combination of performance characteristics and port configuration that fits their particular requirements.

Additionally, Harting stocks a complete range of mounting brackets for the eCon 3000 range that provide vibration- and shockproof installation.

System-wide automation development software.

The speed and efficiency of industrial control and machinery automation projects is enhanced significantly with a major new release of ABB's integrated development toolsuite.

Automation Builder 1.1 provides an integrated development environment for solutions using the spectrum of automation components - including PLCs and safety PLCs, motion controllers, drives, robots and HMIs - substantially reducing software complexity and cutting time to market and cost of ownership.

"Software complexity is the number one project issue today for most automation OEMs and system integrators. Automation Builder gives automation developers and owners the means to simplify control engineering and standardize on a single development platform for all projects - regardless of scale," says Armin Wallnhoefer of ABB.

Among many new features, the latest release of ABB's software extends the data exchange capabilities with electrical planning and engineering software, with a new bi-directional interface to the widely-used EPLAN Electric P8. Electrical automation and PLC design data may be imported, modified and transferred back to the electrical CAD environment - eliminating any need to manually enter data and thereby ensuring synchronization of signal identification between the two software environments.

The release now includes a comparison function that allows engineers to see what might have changed since they last looked at a project, and the ability to use profiles of previous development tool versions for compatibility.

Support for new hardware includes the ability to program the latest member of the well-known AC500 PLC family - the PM595 CPU - programming ACS880 IEC61131-3 programmable drives and the DCT 880 thyristor power controller, and developing motion control systems with ABB's new MotiFlex e180 servo drives or the ACS580 general-purpose drive.

Another important new element of the software is the introduction of an easy-to-use download and licensing system. ABB offers three licensing options: a basic version suitable for first time PLC users and engineers working on smaller-scale automation, motion and drive projects - this is available at no cost; a standard version which supports integrated engineering of advanced and complex systems including the use of safety PLCs; and a premium version.

The premium version incorporates C/C+ programming tools, E-CAD interfaces and other high level features for optimal productivity and easy collaboration, and simpler management of engineering data on large-scale projects involving thousands of I/O points.

With Automation Builder 1.1, users may also automatically update the suite of software tools to the latest versions using a 'one click' mechanism, and a single license covers all of the software packages included.

ABB has also introduced many usability improvements to further enhance the user’s productivity. These include simplified drop-down menus, drag-and-drop features on the object tree, an improved device repository with search and filter functions, a powerful list editor for AC500 I/O mapping, and a re-worked help system - to name a few.

Software development is the most expensive element of the vast majority of automation projects. By providing a unified development environment for the complete scope of automation projects, ABB is helping application experts, software and hardware engineers to focus their time and effort purely on developing the application, and not waste time on the myriad of interfacing issues that can arise when building solutions using many different types of automation devices. ABB estimates that the Automation Builder environment can reduce development engineering effort by around 30% for medium complexity projects, and deliver even higher savings on large-scale projects! This is particularly the case for projects involving many different types of automation components.

Automation Builder provides powerful PLC development resources in the form of the standards-compliant IEC 61131-3 development environment, and ABB's Panel Builder tool for creating HMIs. The software suite also includes tools for configuring and programming the latest generation of ABB’s safety PLCs - the AC500-S family - the RobotStudio tool for simulating and programming ABB robot applications, and the Mint WorkBench tool with its pre-built and tested libraries for programming ABB’s servo drives.

Explosion proof linear actuator. #PAuto @ExlarActuators

The Exlar® linear actuator line from Curtiss-Wright Corporation, has been expanded to include the EL120 explosion-proof linear actuators.

Their EL120 linear actuator meets ATEX requirements for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and are in conformity with the EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC as well as the IECEx Scheme. Additionally, it is rated for Class I, Div 1, Groups B, C, D, and T4 hazardous environments.

Features include
• Speeds up to 37.5 ips (950mm/s)
• Forces up to 4000 lbs (17kN)
• Strokes up to 18 inches
• Feedback configurations for nearly any servo amplifier
• Several mounting configurations
• Windings available from 24 VDC to 460 VRMS
• Completely sealed motor assures trouble-free operation
• ATEX Ex d IIB +H2 T4 Gb
• IP66
• CSA Class I, Div 1, Group B, C, D, and T4 hazardous environment rating
• IECEx CSA 14.0014X
Applications
• Valve control
• Damper control
• Gas turbine control
• Printing presses
• Engine test stands
• Fuel skids
• Paint booths
• Shipboard fuel management

The EL Series of linear actuators integrate a highly efficient planetary roller screw mechanism with a high torque servomotor in a single self-contained package. This highly robust design is engineered to provide reliable and precise operation over thousands of hours, handling heavy loads—even under arduous conditions.

These servo-electromechanical systems offer a clean, fast, simple, and cost effective replacement for hydraulic actuation and longer life alternative to pneumatic actuation. Superior servo-electric actuator reduces emissions, minimizes energy consumption (80% system energy efficiency), increased position control and accuracy – all leading to lower cost.

For process applications, the EL120 offers a unique combination of high speed, performance, and accuracy. High performance is achieved with respect to speed, linearity, load sensitivity, deadband, and temperature range. For gas turbines with variable guide vanes, the EL120 actuators provide precise positioning and feedback for fine tuning injector airflow to maintain CO and NOx emissions. In oil and gas applications, the EL120 effectively managed pressure drilling choke valves or any valve application that requires extremely fast response to the smallest command signal changes without overshoot, even when friction is present.

The Exlar EL Series provide, a superior and cost-effective solution even in the most severe and demanding environments.

Weighing terminals!

Siemens is upgrading its weighing technology portfolio to include two complete packages for standalone applications: The new weighing terminals Siwarex WT231 for non-automatic scales and Siwarex WT241 for belt scales combine weighing electronics and touch panel in a single unit. The two new weighing terminals can be set up as a standalone solution with the utmost speed and simplicity, and using an RS485 Modbus RTU interface they also allow integration into any commonly used control environment.

Siwarex WT231 for non-automatic scales
Due to its extensive diagnostic capability and limit value control, the Siwarex WT231 weighing terminal with integrated WP231 weighing module can be used in industries demanding a high degree of accuracy, for instance food and beverage production and the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Its primary applications include level measurement and platform scales.

Siwarex WT241 for belt scales
The Siwarex WT241 weighing terminal with integrated weighing module WP241 for belt scales offers not only a high level of measurement accuracy but also an array of supplementary functions. Six totalizers determine the required material quantity. In addition, a simulation mode for belt speeds and belt loads enables a fully fledged application test – even without the scale or speed sensor connected.

The two new weighing terminals are equipped with a 4 inch touch panel and a high-resolution TFT widescreen color display. These provide valuable support to users in the form of intuitive operation as well as rapid parameterization and commissioning. The IP65 protection rated stainless steel housing allows the new complete packages to be used without problems in a wide range of different industries: From food, pharmaceutical and chemical through to mining, cement production and steel making.

High speed strain gauge amplifier.

The SGA strain gauge amplifier, from Applied Measurements,  is claimed to be one of the most versatile amplifiers on the market. It has a wide bandwidthand wide input signal range working from extremely low level input signals from a tiny 0.06mV/V all the way up to 30.3mV/V, to give you an amplified industry standard output such as 0-5Vdc or 4-20mA and more.

This flexible device can be powered from AC or DC supplies giving you excitation for up to 4 strain gauge bridge sensors connected in parallel.

But surely it can’t be that simple?
Yes it is. The SGA amplifier’s non-interactive zero & span controls and variable low-pass filter allows you to fine tune the amplifier for any application.

Its improved waterproof IP65 rugged enclosure is robust making it ideal to use in industrial environments. And thanks to its improved enclosure it has quick release screw fittings allowing you to move the device quickly and easily.

Their SGA strain gauge amplifiers can be supplied ex-stock for NEXT DAY DELIVERY.  We can also supply theSGA amplifier fully-wired and calibrated to UKAS traceable standards with any strain gauge transducer.

Environmental monitoring equipment distributorship in Ireland.

OTT Hydrometry has appointed NVM Ltd as exclusive distributor for Ireland. Based in Drogheda, NVM will be responsible for sales and service in Ireland with immediate effect.

“We are delighted with this agreement,” says NVM Managing Director Noel Carr. “OTT products enjoy an excellent reputation around the world, and have a large installed base in Ireland, so, coupled with the introduction of OTT equipment to our existing clients, this represents an excellent growth opportunity for us.”

The OTT product range includes instrumentation for monitoring groundwater, streams, rivers, coastal water and meteorology. In addition to the OTT branded products, the range also includes Hydrolab water quality monitors and Adcon telemetry systems.

“Our business is focused on the accurate and reliable collection of field data, either manually or with logging and telemetry, so there is a good fit between our two companies,” Noel comments. “Our team have already received comprehensive training on the OTT instruments, dataloggers and telemetry systems, and we have invested in appropriate spares, consumables and calibration equipment, so we are now able to provide a full service capability.”

OTT Managing Director Nigel Grimsley says: “NVM’s appointment represents the conclusion of a comprehensive search to find our ideal partner. We have numerous clients in Ireland and have operated a local office with support from our UK based engineers for many years. It is vitally important for our customers to have a local contact for sales and service, so we are delighted to make this announcement.”

Motor protection relays!

WEG has launched a new series of highly versatile and efficient electronic motor protection relays to help engineers cut stock management costs and simplify design processes whilst ensuring high reliability according to international standards. The RW_E relays offer a wider adjustment range to suit a broad spectrum of motor powers and deliver 87% less power dissipation than conventional thermal devices, therefore providing enhanced energy efficiency, while ensuring the motor’s smooth running and enabling users to reduce maintenance costs and total cost of ownership.

The RW_E relays’ wide current adjustment range of 1:5 ratio between the lowest and highest settings allows the relays to cover an extensive variety of motor powers at rated operating voltages up to 690 VAC. This enables original equipment manufacturers to reduce their stock of spare parts and associated warehousing costs and invest less time in designing machinery to accommodate different relay models.

“In an increasingly globalized and competitive market it is common that machine manufacturers provide their customers with a wide choice of electric motors with a huge number of different models and output powers,” says Marek Lukaszczyk, European & Middle East Marketing Manager at WEG. “WEG’s solution means that machine manufacturers can now standardise their control panels, saving time.”

WEG’s new relays have ratings from 0.4 A to 840 A and protect electric motors for normal or heavy-load starting against overheating due to overload, phase drop-out or phase asymmetry. Powered by the motor’s current without any need for additional external power connections, the RW_E relays feature special thermal memory which precisely models the heat balance of the motor to ensure optimal protection.

The low power dissipation also makes a significant contribution to reducing heat load in switch cabinets and enables the replacement of corresponding equipment in switchgear sets approved to IEC 61439 without new certification.

The relays are just as easy to use as bimetallic motor protection relays, and feature manual or automatic reset after tripping. Trip classes 10, 20 and 30 for normal and heavy-load starting can be set easily on the front panel. This makes the RW_E motor protection relays suitable for a wide range of industrial applications and enables users to respond flexibly to changes in existing systems. The relays also include temperature compensation, which ensures consistently high trip accuracy from -20°C to +60°C without any restrictions.

The relays provide the highest levels of reliability worldwide and are manufactured and tested to the IEC/EN 60947 international standard (DIN VDE 0660) and UL 60947-4-1A (UL508) certification for the North American market. The RW_E electronic motor protection relays can be combined directly with WEG's CWM and CWB contactors to configure compact and reliable motor starter sets.

“These new relays fit our strategy of end-to-end energy efficiency throughout the drive chain, starting with energy-efficient IE3 to IE5 motors and extending to thermal protection by RW…E electronic relays, short-circuit protection by MPWi circuit breakers, and operational switching by low-loss CWB contactors,” continues Marek.