Hybrid laser process gas analyser.

In the midst of increasing compliance demands for emissions monitoring and nitrogen oxide (NOx) measurement in industrial applications, companies now have the opportunity to move beyond costly consumables and complex gas sample treatment associated with ageing, legacy measurement systems.

Emerson’s new Rosemount™ CT4400 Continuous Gas Analyser is the world’s first purpose-built Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) and Tunable Diode Laser (TDL) analyser designed to help plants reduce ownership costs and report emissions accurately in environmental monitoring applications measuring standard components, such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and oxygen (O₂).

Optimised for cold and dry applications running at ambient pressure, the Rosemount CT4400 analyser offers the benefits of QCL/TDL technology, including high sensitivity, accuracy, improved stability, and low-drift performance in a configuration that allows fast, easy integration into existing plant infrastructure.

“Our customers are looking for a better way to measure emissions without the ongoing high costs or need for frequent calibration and complex sample preparation that requires NOx converters or ozone generators,” said Paul Miller, managing director for Rosemount Quantum Cascade laser analysers, Emerson Automation Solutions. “The Rosemount CT4400 Continuous Gas Analyser gives them an answer to their exact requirements in a configuration they can just plug into their existing systems and be off and running – at a lower cost than previously possible. The reduced complexity of the system over what most companies are used to, results in higher reliability and analyser availability with a lot less personnel time required.”

Because the system can hold up to four laser modules, it can measure up to seven application-specific gas components simultaneously, providing great flexibility in continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) applications. This simultaneous, multi-component analysis within a single analyser reduces the need for multiple analysers, and thus the cost.

At the heart of the Rosemount CT4400 is Emerson’s QCL technology, which detects gas molecules in both the near- and mid-infrared wavelength range. The system employs a patented laser chirp technique that enables detection of individual gas species, free from the cross-interference effects of other gas components in the stream, making the measurement highly accurate and stable down to sub ppm concentrations. This high performance ensures operators meet increasingly demanding regulatory requirements, while real-time reporting provides critical insight into process performance.

Due to its purpose-built design, which produces enhanced performance at a lower cost, the Rosemount CT4400 Continuous Gas Analyser ensures reliable detection and monitoring of gases and allows operators to avoid costly regulatory fines or unexpected shutdowns.

@EMR_Automation  #PAuto @Emerson_News

SCADA system integrator acquired.

HMS Industrial Networks AB has acquired 74.9% of all shares in the German company WEBfactory GmbH located in Buchen (D), a leading provider of web-based software solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things, IIoT.

Founded in 1994 as a system integrator within SCADA, WEBfactory released its first own software in 2000. Today, WEBfactory is a well-established software company with customers worldwide, primarily known for its i4 suite of software products. The i4 portfolio addresses IIoT-related customer challenges such as data collection, analysis and visualization, and includes the following main components:

• i4connected – a flexible IIoT platform that connects plants, machines, systems, and buildings digitally, enabling smart applications such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and energy management. KPI data from connected equipment is provided in real time, after which it can be processed, analyzed and integrated any IIoT/IT applications.
• i4SCADA – a web-based software which enables tailor-made data and process visualization related to machines, production plants and building management systems.
• i4BACnet – a web-based management and operations software for building management systems which is certified according to the BACnet standard.

“With WEBfactory, we add a very competent and future proof software dimension to HMS’ offering for IIoT” says Staffan Dahlström, CEO of HMS Networks. “The i4 software products will enable a straightforward path for HMS’ customers and partners to realize truly smart manufacturing and services. We are also excited about the synergies that can be achieved by using our Anybus, Ixxat, Ewon and Intesis hardware products to feed data to the i4 suite from devices and machines in manufacturing sites and buildings.”

“We are very excited to become part of HMS. Together with HMS’ complementing industrial hardware and software technologies, we will be able to provide very attractive solutions for IIoT, ready to be integrated into any 3rd party IT/IIoT system.” says Bernhard Böhrer, CEO of WEBfactory GmbH.

• WEBfactory GmbH, including its fully owned subsidiary in Romania, employs 27 people and is expected to have sales of €2.5 million in 2019. The acquisition will have a limited impact on HMS’ earnings per share in 2019. HMS has acquired 74.9% of all shares in WEBfactory. The remaining 25.1% is owned by CEO Bernhard Böhrer who also stays as managing director. The deal is expected to close on April 1st, 2019.

@HMSAnybus #PAuto #SCADA

Early detection of wear!

A condition monitoring system based on Harting’s MICA Edge computer  system is being used for the early detection of wear in the overhead conveyor systems used in production lines in the automotive and other industries. The failure of individual support frames in these conveyors can lead to the stoppage of entire production lines, but the MICA-based system detects wear at an early stage and thus prevents unplanned downtime.

Overhead conveyor systems in production lines transport components or subassemblies through individual assembly sections. Worn rollers or damage to drives can lead to the failure of individual support frames, which inevitably leads to a bottleneck of the entire production line due to the serial guidance of the overhead conveyor. To prevent failures, the Harting monitoring system offers a solution for digital condition monitoring of the supporting frames. Here, creeping wear is detected and a warning of a potential failure is issued in good time. The system helps reduce unplanned failure of the overhead conveyor. Maintenance costs can also be significantly reduced by condition-based maintenance. The goal is to achieve higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of the suspended conveyor. Since the condition-monitoring solution is designed to retrofit to existing systems, it is also possible to extend the lifetime of legacy systems.

The system consists of two highly sensitive sensor boxes and a MICA Edge computer which directly evaluates the sensor values and transmits them to the control system via an integrated Wi-Fi function. The sensors continuously detect vibrations on the rotors, the frequency of the motor current, the motor current, and the temperature of the drives. If a threshold value is exceeded, the moving-state monitoring set sends a message to the operating equipment via the control system. Affected supporting racks are taken out of service in a targeted manner and serviced.

The condition monitoring set can be retrofitted for all types of transport systems with slow moving components, such as escalators, elevators and conveyor belts. Thanks to the IP 65/67 protection class of the sensor boxes and the MICA, the system can be operated without problem in numerous ambient conditions.

• The monitoring solution was developed in close co-operation with an automobile manufacturer and FormsMedia, a company in the MICA.network partner network. 

@HARTING_Group #PAuto @hartinguk 

Gas analysis appointments.

Servomex has enhanced its service and support for customers around the world with two new senior appointments.

Based in Houston (TX USA), Shelley Moore (left) becomes Global Head of Systems, responsible for maintaining a customer-focused approach to its systems delivery.

Shelley will also ensure Servomex sites follow best practice procedures, providing consistent, high-quality customer service at Servomex centers around the world. She will also retain her existing role as Site Leader for the Houston center.

Based in Crowborough (GB), Mark Calvert becomes Global Head of Service, responsible for the co-ordination of Servomex’s service teams around the globe.

He will ensure that customer support and service delivery are provided quickly and effectively, maintaining a consistent, high-quality approach worldwide. Mark previously held the role of Service Manager for the EMEAI region.

Servomex Global Operations Director, David Cantillon said: “Shelley has proved herself as an effective leader over the past year. She has encouraged a culture of continuous improvement among staff, while leading by example.

“Mark has demonstrated highly effective management of the entire EMEAI region over the past year, enhancing the provision of our expert support to customers. His knowledge of Servomex products and applications, along with his extensive customer support skills, will be a great advantage in this role.

“I am confident that Shelley and Mark’s appointments will help to drive Servomex’s business to reach its full potential and meet the current and future needs of our clients.”

@Servomex  #PAuto #USA #Britain

Measuring engine emissions.

As a developer and manufacturer of gas analysers since 1977, Signal Group staff possess a high level of knowledge in the sampling and analysis of gases in industrial processes and emissions. The company is therefore able to help in the development of international test standards, and was recently invited to make submissions to the SAE E-31 Aircraft Exhaust Emissions Measurement committee.

James Clements
MD Signal Group

Signal Managing Director James Clements travelled to Germany in response to an invitation from the committee to deliver a presentation on the measurement of engine emissions. Specifically, he was asked to discuss the advantages of hot vacuum chemiluminescence in comparison with cold non-vacuum chemiluminescence and other techniques.

Heated vacuum chemiluminescence is the reference method for monitoring NOx (combined NO and NO₂), and James described the advantages of this technique in comparison with others. In particular, he explained that chemiluminescence under vacuum offers higher sensitivity with minimal quenching effects, and a heated reaction chamber facilitates the processing of hot, wet sample gases without condensation. The detection method is continuous with a fast response time making it ideal for real-time reporting applications.

Over 1,800 SAE standards are used in the development of a typical aircraft, helping to improve product performance and safety; promote global market acceptance of new technologies; reduce costs; and decrease time to market. The SAE E-31 Aircraft Exhaust Emissions Measurement committee addresses all facets of aircraft exhaust emissions measurement – tools, methods, processes, and equipment. It is responsible for standardizing measurement methods of emissions from aircraft, including isolated combustor systems. The group is comprised of four subcommittees dedicated to creating, preparing, and maintaining all relevant specifications, standards, and requirements for aircraft exhaust emissions measurement.

Following the presentation, the committee will decide which method would be ideal for NOx measurement (hot-wet, or cold-dry chemiluminescence) and include it in the next standard for aircraft engine emissions measurement. James was also invited to be part of the committee and to take part in future discussions.

 @GasAnalysers #PAuto @SAEIntl  @_Enviro_News 

A first in cybersecurity!

Emerson  has received the industry’s first ISASecure® System Security Assurance (SSA™) Level 1 certification for cybersecurity. This certification, for the company’s newest DeltaV™ distributed control system, is the latest step in Emerson’s commitment to help provide secure digital transformation solutions for customers.

The certification, issued by industry consortium ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI), independently certifies that Emerson’s DeltaV distributed control and safety systems are robust against network and system attacks. DeltaV, an advanced automation system that simplifies operational complexity and lowers project risk, provides smart control capabilities for key industries in oil and gas operations, refineries, chemical plants, power and life science facilities.

“The world’s leading industrial manufacturers are leveraging transformative digital technologies and methods to improve production reliability, safety and overall performance while focusing intensely on cybersecurity,” said Peter Zornio, chief technology officer for Emerson’s Automation Solutions business. “We are committed to helping our customers securely optimise their operations across the globe in an environment of increasing cyber threats.”

The ISA cybersecurity certification is designed to help the industry navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and recognise products with enhanced cybersecurity measures. ISASecure SSA Level 1 certification covers the most critical standards of the automation industry’s leading family of standards, ANSI/ISA 62443 (IEC 62443).

“ISA developed the ISASecure cybersecurity certification to give asset owners confidence in their industrial control systems and to promote supplier best practices that protect automation systems and the operations they control,” said Andre Ristaino, managing director of ISCI. “Emerson is taking a leading role that we hope other vendors will follow in further protecting personnel and processes alike from today’s increasing security threats.”

 @EMR_Automation #PAuto #ISCI @Emerson_News

Sales & Field application engineers required!

Anglia Components is expanding its sales and engineering teams as it continues to outgrow the market and deliver on its plan to hit £100 million by 2022. The company is actively recruiting sales professionals and Field Application Engineers.

Jaqui Fretwell

Commenting, Steve Rawlins, CEO said, “We have a growing base of customers and need to expand our team as our business grows, adding further exceptional people to maintain our high levels of customer service. Right now, we are seeking additional Field Sales, Field Application Engineers (FAEs), and Head Office personnel. We are working closely with our customers and helping them address changes in the market as we leave the EU and new regulations emerge. The market values our solutions-oriented approach which is having a very positive effect on our business.”

Jaqui Fretwell, Business Development Director added, “Additional sales people are a particular need for Anglia, and we have three open positions in the South of England at the moment, for example. The most important requirement for us is people with the right attitude. It doesn’t matter if they don’t have previous sales experience. We have a very different approach and are happy to provide any training required. Some of our most successful sales people have been buyers with the ambition and enthusiasm to move round to the ‘other side of the desk’.”

In 2017, Anglia announced a five-year plan to reach £100 million, and it is developing its infrastructure, inventory and tools in place as it grows towards these targets. Its’ growth is based on exceptional service delivered by exceptional people.

Steve Rawlins continued, “We’ve found that customers who export have done particularly well recently benefitting from the realistic valuation of the pound. We’ve taken several initiatives to help them stay successful and address the changes that are coming as we leave the EU. For example, customers using the Anglia 80/20 inventory management system can hold increased levels of inventory at no cost, ensuring that they are well provided with essential components to maintain production without drawing on their own company capital.”

Anglia is the Britains’s largest independently owned component distributor with a turnover of £67.1 million in 2018. It was the country's fifth largest component distributor in 2018 according to the electronic component supply network (ecsn).

@angliaComponent #PAuto #Britain