Machine vision USB3 camera.

Featuring the Newest Sony Pregius Sensor Generation, Pregius S, the Latest Blackfly S Model Provides Significantly Higher Resolution, Superior Imaging Quality, and Low-Light Performance

FLIR Systems has announced the availability of the new FLIR Blackfly S visible spectrum camera module, the first to integrate the Sony Pregius S IMX540 sensor with 24.5 MP at 12 FPS in a USB3 camera. The combination of the Blackfly S feature set with IMX540’s high megapixel (MP) count and fast imaging enables engineers and researchers from biomedical to semiconductor industries to inspect more in less time and with fewer cameras required.

“OEM machine designers, engineers and researchers rely on FLIR for high quality, full-feature machine vision cameras,” said Paul Clayton, General Manager, Components Business at FLIR Systems. “With this latest Blackfly S model, we continue the tradition of combining the best technology with world-class support to empower our customers to achieve their objectives faster and at lower costs.”

With a new backside illuminated (BSI) 2.74 µm pixel, the Pregius S sensors nearly doubles the pixel density of earlier Pregius sensors while taking advantage of lower cost and more compact lenses. Delivering 24 MP, 12 FPS Sony Pregius distortion-free imaging of fast-moving targets, the Blackfly S enables faster production lines even for very detailed inspection. The Blackfly S also delivers high quantum efficiency and low read noise allowing shorter exposure times, and therefore less powerful lights are required resulting in lower lighting costs.

The FLIR Blackfly S BFS-U3-244S8M/C-C is available for purchase globally today in color and monochrome versions through FLIR and authorized FLIR distributors. FLIR will also release additional Pregius S sensors on GigE and 10GigE interfaces later this year. To learn more about the Sony Pregius S, visit: https://www.flir.com/discover/iis/machine-vision/pregius-s/. For Blackfly S specifications, go here for the Color and Monochrome versions.

@flir #PAuto #MEpax

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

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

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

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

@krohnegroup @PhoenixContactV @PhoenixContactU  #PAuto #Oil_Gas 

Analytics and live remote assistance to improve productivity and safety.

Emerson Integrates Augmented Reality into Plantweb™ Optics Software, Enhancing Remote Collaboration and Workforce Effectiveness

A not uncommon scenario. Most of the workforce has retired, leaving more than 40% with less than 5 years experience. They have a corporate training of course but most of the training still occurs on the job.  Augmented reality (AR) thus becomes the augmented brain of this retired workforce who are no longer here…Ideas, knowledge, and methods they used can be put into the system and extracted out when and where a problem arises. 

A large plant will have many different systems on a site and difficulty in accessing personnel or information. Again AR can be of inestimable value in such a situation in guiding maintenance engineers to the site of a problem.

In the food & drink and other sectors where hygienic practices are of primary importance, ready and easy access to information or procedures is essential. AR is ready and able to provide this at a click.

These are just three possible applications where augmented reality can be of assistance in ensuring the smooth running of a plant in the 21st century.

Emerson have introduced augmented reality (AR) technology to its Plantweb™ Optics asset performance platform, delivering enhanced access to real-time diagnostics and analytics, as well as live remote assistance, to industrial plant workers responsible for maintaining and optimizing plant equipment. With AR technology integrated into Plantweb Optics, companies can improve productivity, collaboration and operational performance, without being limited by shortages of skilled workers or travel restrictions.

“Successful digital transformation programs that lead to Top Quartile performance have people and work practices as a key focus. Adopting innovative technology like augmented reality and institutionalizing best practices enable workers to add more value than ever to operational and business performance,” said Stuart Harris, group president for Emerson’s digital transformation business. “With these new Plantweb Optics technologies, customers can experience significant improvements in equipment reliability and the safety of their facilities.”

Plantweb Optics leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning analytics and data contextualization to provide real-time visibility into plant reliability and operational performance. Unlike standalone AR solutions that require custom engineering, AR is integrated into Plantweb Optics, providing immediate access to a wealth of data and translating into easier, less costly implementation and a faster return on investment. For use by manufacturers in the life sciences, food and beverage, chemical, metals and mining, power and water, pulp and paper and energy industries, Plantweb Optics is part of Emerson’s award-winning Plantweb™ digital ecosystem of technologies, software and services.

Augmented reality for Plantweb Optics transforms the way field technicians accomplish complex tasks through enhanced situational awareness, live remote assistance and analytics delivered in context of the plant. As a field technician walks an industrial plant with a mobile device, Plantweb Optics uses spatial computing technology to map assets and provide technicians with critical maintenance information relevant to their location. Plantweb Optics overlays real-time analytics, equipment health status and technical support documentation on their field of view, so technicians can safely resolve issues sooner.

The augmented and virtual reality market is projected to grow annually at 40% from 2017 through 2025, according to multiple research reports. Much of this spending will come from manufacturers around the globe using AR technology to help upskill their workforce for digitalized operations.

With live remote assistance, field technicians can be virtually shadowed by experts, either on-site or off-site, from Emerson, their own company or another service provider. Experts can talk, type or augment the technician’s mobile display with graphics to guide the next action. Live remote assistance enables technicians and experts to collaborate for safe troubleshooting and repairs, regardless of location and without travel costs. Live remote assistance sessions, best practices and notes from experienced engineers and step-by-step troubleshooting procedures can be logged into a knowledge library for use by all engineers at a site. The knowledge library is a resource for companies to standardize procedures and ensure engineers of all experience levels understand an asset’s history and are using best practices for safe, efficient operations.

@Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Augmented reality

Irish university scholorships named after semiconductor pioneer.

The University of Limerick (UL) and Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) have announced two scholarship programs in honour of Peter Real, ADI’s late chief technology officer (CTO) and UL alumnus. The scholarships will be awarded to students in the United States who are pursuing a PhD and undergraduate degrees at the University of Limerick.

The late Peter Real

The Peter Real Analog Devices Bernal Fulbright PhD Scholarship will be awarded in partnership with the Bernal Institute at UL and the Fulbright Commission. The scholarship will fund post-graduate PhD research with a focus on scientific, biomedical or ecological disciplines and enable a US citizen to complete a fully funded PhD at UL over a period of four years.

“I am delighted to see that the multinational semiconductor company Analog Devices has decided to further invest in our strong partnership under the prestigious Fulbright scheme, targeting cleantech and health research that is critical for Ireland’s economic recovery,” said Luuk van der Wielen, Director of the Bernal Institute.


The Peter Real Analog Devices Scholarship for undergraduate students, which will award €5,000 each to three students, are merit-based and students who are accepted to UL with top academic grades will be considered. The funds are designed to help support cost-of-living expenses, including room and board. Scholarship funds will be awarded to one student in each of the following categories:

1. A student studying science or engineering
2. A graduate of a Boston, Mass.- area high school in honour of ADI’s global headquarters location
3. A student pursuing a general UL undergraduate degree

“These scholarships will truly benefit the next generation of students who wish to study at UL and broaden their cultural horizons,” said Josephine Page, Director of International Education, UL.

Harvey Duthie, UL Foundation’s CEO said, “We thank Analog Devices for its generous support. Through these scholarships, we look forward to welcoming many more American students to UL.”

The scholarship program’s namesake, Peter Real, received a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Systems from the University of Limerick (formerly the National Institute for Higher Education) in 1981. Mr. Real enjoyed a successful engineering career including serving as CTO of ADI where he led and defined the company’s technological vision. He held strong ties to both the United States and Ireland, having worked at ADI in both countries. In 2019, Mr. Real was posthumously recognized at the University of Limerick’s Annual Alumni awards for his outstanding contributions to science and technology.

“Peter was an engineering industry giant, holding nine patents and having deep experience across different engineering roles, mentoring many future engineering and business leaders. Throughout his career, Peter nurtured technology development at UL as well as in the United States and advised many research bodies across the globe,” said Martin Cotter, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Digital Marketing at Analog Devices and a close colleague of Mr. Real’s for many years. “When we thought about how to recognize Peter’s contribution to our company and to the industry, it was a natural decision to fund scholarships that represented his personal and professional relationships with the United States, Ireland and the University of Limerick.”

@UL  @ADI_News #Education #Ireland

Multi-channel interface communications.

HMS Networks has extended its Ixxat® PC-interface portfolio with the multi-channel interface CAN-IB 640/PCIe that offers four channels each for CAN-FD/CAN and LIN connectivity.

Modern automotive systems and complex industrial applications often include several parallel CAN and CAN-FD networks which must be connected to test, monitoring, and/or control systems at the same time. With the multi-channel Ixxat® CAN-IB 640/PCIe interface, HMS makes network connectivity and integration straight-forward and cost-efficient for users. Featuring four channels for CAN-FD/CAN and LIN connectivity respectively, the CAN-IB 640/PCIe covers the needs of most applications with only one card. And, if even more connectivity is required, several CAN-IB640/PCIe cards can be operated in parallel – a feature supported by all Ixxat CAN interfaces, enabling smart and scalable networking for users.

The CAN-IB 640/PCIe is an active PC-interface with a powerful onboard microcontroller system, which is able to read, timestamp and filter large amounts of data in real-time. The network connection is done via two D-Sub 9 connectors, which are galvanically isolated to protect the interface card and the connected PC system.

All Ixxat CAN interfaces come with extensive driver packages for Windows and Linux, including SocketCAN. The drivers allow easy and fast development of customer-specific applications, most notably since all Ixxat PCI-cards can be interfaced from the application in the same way. This enables very flexible and versatile switching between different types of Ixxat PC-interfaces, e.g. USB, PCIe, PCIe Mini, and Ethernet, without needing to adapt the customer application software each time. A simple monitoring tool for Windows is included in the scope of delivery, but HMS also offers numerous additional analysis and configuration tools for different purposes and use cases.
In addition to the proprietary driver packages, standardized APIs such as the J2534-Passthru or D-PDU API, are available as options, simplifying connectivity to 3rd party tools which use these standardized APIs.

@HMSIxxat #TandM 

Simplifing bakery machinery measurement.

When a British subsidiary of a multinational food and beverage equipment manufacturer looked to upgrade and simplify an automated dough thickness adjustment option across its range of biscuit baking machinery, they turned to Positek Limited and its P103 series LIPS® short-stroke linear position sensor to provide precise measurement of the gauge roller gap position.

The gauge rollers form the dough into a flat sheet of the required thickness in a continuous process before the biscuit shapes are cut out prior to the baking process. The dough sheet thickness control is not only important for consistent quality and material costs but also needs to facilitate different product to be produced, so fast changeover times are important. The previous sensor, an older LVDT type, required a special electronics module to convert its signal to suit the machine’s PLC and all components needed a good deal of electrical calibration to compensate for the non-linearity of the electrical response before changeover. Furthermore, a relatively long overall length and large diameter for the previous LVDT sensor made the gauge roller assembly somewhat bulky.

Positek’s P103 series short stroke linear position sensor with LIPS® technology is ready-calibrated to the exact travel required so can be directly installed into the machine for each set of paired gauge rollers with no need for extensive and costly setup. Positek’s LIPS® technology is based on inductive coils and uses a unique custom integrated circuit to produce an accurate analogue output signal. Its standard two-wire 4-20mA output directly interfaces with the PLC and greatly simplifies the previous wiring arrangement. With a linear response to within ± 0.25% of the travel range and extremely low temperature coefficient error, the sensor has improved the accuracy and long-term signal reliability resulting in reduced machine recalibration and maintenance requirements. With no need to incorporate adjustments in the PLC, installation and commissioning is now faster and less complicated.

The sensor’s mounting flange face provides convenient mechanical interfacing and is used as the reference for factory calibration, so when installed on the machine the only adjustment required is setting an initial mechanical datum for the roller gap using a Vernier gauge screw. The P103’s housing diameter is just 35 mm and, with the output calibrated to the measurement travel required, the short-stroke linear position sensor’s nominal length remains compact with no unwieldly overhanging components for the gauge roller assembly. Its stainless steel construction and IP65 sealing (IP67 on request) and wide operating temperature range of - 40 to +125 °C is a perfect fit for food and beverage applications.

The P103 series is generally available with spring loaded or a free running plunger and is part of a wide range of linear, rotary and tilt sensors utilising Positek’s LIPS® technology which is characterised by excellent EMC, vibration, shock and environmental specifications. The comprehensive range includes ATEX, IECEx, and CSA certification across many product lines with wide use in intrinsically safe, hazardous, automotive, and submersible measurement tasks as well as general industrial and scientific applications. Through the range optional voltage and current output alternatives are available along with custom electrical and mechanical modifications.

Positek Ltd is an ISO9001:2015 certified designer and manufacturer and part of the Variohm Group of companies.

@Variohm @positekltd #PAuto #Food

Oil & gas industry data storage systems analysis.

Seeq Corporation has announced the availability of Seeq connectors to CygNet enterprise SCADA and WITSML data storage systems. Seeq’s comprehensive set of applications for analyzing process manufacturing data include Workbench for easy to use advanced analytics, Organizer for publishing insights in reports and dashboards, and Data Lab for accessing Python libraries. Seeq applications empower engineers and subject matter experts to rapidly investigate, collaborate, and share insights to improve operations and business outcomes.

According to CygNet, their SCADA platform is designed specifically for the oil & gas industry, provides a quick launch that collapses deployment time, saves millions of dollars in implementation costs, reduces IT project risk, and delivers the industry’s fastest time to value. Customers using Seeq together with CygNet will be able to achieve faster insights with predictive, diagnostic, and descriptive analytics.

Wellsite Information Transfer Markup Language (WITSML) is an industry initiative to provide open, non-proprietary standard interfaces for data transmission from rig sites to the offices of operators, oilfield service companies, and integrators. It is also used to share information among partners, vendors, and government agencies.

“Seeq connectivity to these oil & gas industry data sources will help companies tap advanced analytics for data-based decision making at a critical time in the industry,” says Will Knight, Global Lead for Seeq Partner Programs. “The need for innovation is tremendous, so we appreciate the efforts of our system integrator partners, such as TIGA, to assist customers in unlocking the value in their data.”

TIGA, based in Houston, Texas, is a system integrator with a deep understanding of the specific challenges of oil & gas customers seeking insights in untapped silos of data. “We help our clients use CygNet and Seeq to capitalize on their data to drive innovation, transformation and cost savings in their organizations,” says John Miller, President of ​TIGA. “Furthermore, the WITSML connector will enable access to the operational data landscape, driving value and savings for our clients.”

The opportunity for operators using Seeq with WITSML systems is extending the value initially gained from initiatives to aggregate and visualize well data. Seeq support for WITSML empowers end users by overcoming the lack of time and tools for engineers to complete more advanced investigation and analytics initiatives. Process engineers and subject matter experts will now be able to analyze current and past drilling, completions and well intervention campaigns, for example to perform root cause analysis on equipment failure and optimize performance

All of the browser-based Seeq applications—Organizer, Workbench, and Data Lab—connect to a shared Seeq server to enable collaboration, access connected data sources, and enable administrative control. For example, graphics created in Data Lab may be viewed in Organizer Topics, data modeled in Workbench may be accessed by Data Lab users, and Data Lab algorithm results are available for use in the other Seeq applications.

"Seeq continues to release compelling analytics solutions for customers in process manufacturing and Industry 4.0 engagements," comments Janice Abel, Principal Analyst at ARC Advisory Group. "The need for the faster and better insights provided by Seeq is a consistent requirement for customers investing in IIoT and Smart Manufacturing."

Seeq announced in December, 2019, it had achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status and that its advanced analytics solution was available in the AWS Marketplace. Seeq is also available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application on Microsoft Azure and in the Azure Marketplace. In addition to AWS and Microsoft Azure support, Seeq partners with many process automation vendors to support on premise deployments by connecting to systems sold by OSIsoft, Siemens, GE, ABB, Honeywell, Inductive Automation, AVEVA, AspenTech, Schneider Electric, and others.

@SeeqCorporation #PAuto #SCADA #MEPAX