Verify active and passive devices more efficiently and accurately.

Anritsu Company has enhanced its VectorStar™ vector network analyser (VNA) family with comprehensive spectrum analysis capability creating the world’s first single sweep VNA-spectrum analyser solution that supports 70 kHz to 220 GHz.* With the spectrum analyser option installed, VectorStar can conduct single connection VNA and spectrum-based measurements to create a more efficient and accurate testing environment to verify active and passive devices during the design, troubleshooting, or characterization stages.

The spectrum analyser option is compatible with all baseband VectorStar models – broadband and banded system configurations. Integrating VNA/spectrum analyser capability provides engineers with an innovative method to quickly transfer a challenging VNA measurement to the spectrum analyser – without changing the test setup or using multiple instruments. It is particularly beneficial for applications involving mixers and amplifiers, including those with multiple outputs or input-output comparisons.

Simultaneous, sequential S-parameter and spectrum analysis are possible with the VNA-spectrum analyser instrument. Spectral domain measurements of harmonics, spurious, other distortion products, and general frequency content can be made effectively with the single-instrument solution. It allows engineers to analyze VNA-like and spectrum-analyser-like response of a device under test (DUT).

The VNA-spectrum analyser solution is ideal for on-wafer measurements, as it leverages VectorStar’s inherent advantages of making a direct connection to an on-wafer device. Mounting and demounting of on-wafer devices, which can cause major errors in measurement, are eliminated with the solution. Power calibration can be conducted at the probe tip for greater accuracy and repeatability.

Engineers can also use the VNA source as a stimulus and any port as a receiver for scalar measurements. Using the multiple test ports on the VNA delivers multi-channel spectrum analysis that is synchronized with the internal swept signal generators. Spectrum analysis for broadband and banded is also available with Anritsu or other millimeter (mmWave) modules.

Two configurations are available in the spectrum analyser option. The standard VNA mode supports point-based spectrum analysis for faster measurements, making it well suited for known signal analysis. For unknown signal analysis, the solution can be configured with a traditional sweep-based spectrum analyser.

---

* This spectrum analyser (and other Anritsu products) will be on display at the European Microwave Week will be taking place in Milan, Italy between the 25 and 30 September 2022.

@AnritsuEMEA @Anritsu @NapierPR #TandM 

VOC Analysers for certification.

Signal Group has submitted both portable and fixed VOC analysers for MCERTS certification.

The 3010 MINIFID rugged, portable, heated FID VOC analyser has been designed to demonstrate compliance by hydrocarbon emissions measurements from multiple stacks or sites. The S4 SOLAR heated FID VOC analyser is a rack-mounted instrument for continuous monitoring, offering the accuracy and reliability that Signal customers expect, but with the additional benefits of a detachable tablet and software for RS232 or Ethernet connectivity.

The company’s stand (D11) at AQE 2022 will feature both instruments. Visitors will also be able to see the new S4 SOLAR XPLORE portable heated FID, and anyone with an interest in QAL2 audits will be able to see the 821s Gas Divider and the NOXGEN NOx converter efficiency tester. They will see first-hand, how an innovative detachable tablet makes emissions monitoring easier and safer – putting data where it matters… in the customer's hands!

@GasAnalysers @IET_online @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Environment

Data centre automation business enhanced.

ABB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with ATS Global^* to extend the reach of the ABB Ability™ Data Center Automation (DCA) business. The company has become a Global System Integrator (GIS) and will work with ABB to combine expertise and resources, testing the advantages and effectiveness of potential collaborations for data center customers and growing their respective businesses.

DCA is ABB’s industrial solution for on-premise and hybrid cloud environments. It is a controls, hardware and software solution for control, monitoring and optimization of data center infrastructure, with mechanical control in building management system (BMS), electrical power management system (EPMS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) capabilities in a single, ruggedized industrial solution.

ABB and ATS Global will jointly strengthen their distribution channels, improve industry knowledge and increase lead generation. ABB will gain representatives familiar to local standards, laws and regulations where it does not always have a presence. Over the long term, the two parties intend to explore new business opportunities for data center customers across a wide range of industries.

“Our client base, some with multiple sites across geographies, has increasing requirements for reliable automation in their data center facilities as their volume of data rises,” said Martin Matse, Global Business Development Manager, Data Centers, ATS Global. “Now we have the opportunity to deploy the same standard of ABB Ability™ Data Center Automation in all of our regions, enabling improved performance and competitive advantage through technology updates, optimization solutions and continual customer engagement alongside ABB.”

“The demand for reliable data center automation solutions and digital transformation expertise is continuing to rise,” said Madhav Kalia, Global Head of Data Center Automation at ABB. “ABB and ATS Global can work to our respective strengths and deliver complete solutions to customers in Europe, the Americas, across Asia and Australia. We are committed to aligning and growing with our new channel partner.”

ATS Global’s next steps with ABB’s industrial-grade, cyber-secure and digital-ready integrated automation solution follows the successful execution of more than 100 data center sector projects worldwide. The GIS will ensure fast mobilization for ABB and existing and new customers in ATS Global’s network, maximizing uptime and availability in customer facilities.

---

^* Founded in 1986, ATS Global, based in the Netherlands, is known for digital transformation and offers data center management and control services and solutions. The team’s expertise includes building, cooling, energy, capacity and billing. The company works with partners to ensure expert automation, quality and IT for customers.

@ABBgroupnews @ATS_Int #Automation, #PAuto #EurAsia

On-line natural gas analysis.

The new gas analyzer DynamiQ-X NG2210 from Sensirion, provides fast and accurate on-line monitoring of natural gas and delivers calorific values for composition control and custody transfer purposes. Meanwhile, the DynamiQ-X NG2220 performs the same analysis for natural gas containing hydrogen at concentrations as high as 20 % using only one carrier gas. The DynamiQ-X NG2210 and DynamiQ-X NG2220 can be integrated into many locations of the natural gas infrastructure, including natural gas city gate stations, blending stations, natural gas conditioning stations, offshore systems and power-to-gas systems.

With a volume of only 10 L and weighing less than 15 kg, the instruments are easy to transport and can be deployed anywhere for analyses, if local power and gas bottles are available.

The instruments can accommodate two or three gas chromatograph (GC) units working in parallel, each performing a different GC analysis under individually optimized conditions. Each GC unit contains a state-of-the-art microchip-based injector and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) combined with a proven microbore GC column and is set with optimal chromatography conditions. This configuration enables an accurate instrument as well as a very short analysis time of less than a minute.

DynamiQ-X is designed as a stand-alone working instrument that uses an integrated processor on a future-proof platform, so that it can carry out continuous monitoring. The instrument contains an easily exchangeable GC cartridge that allows fast local maintenance. In addition, a PC can be connected to the analyzer at any location via a network connection.

Sustainability and the facilitation of the energy transition are of global importance today. Qmicro by Sensirion has therefore developed the DynamiQ-X NG2210 and NG2220: as solutions to increase gas analysis capabilities and cover green gases, minimizing the total cost of ownership to gas distributors. The analyzers’ ability to store data for at least two years, also facilitates compliance with legislation and enables observation of long-term trends.

@sensirion #Energy #PAuto

Predictive maintenance of computers for IIoT.

Predictive maintenance of computers is critical to IIoT-Enabled systems says Johnny Fang, a Product Manager with Moxa.*

Businesses are striving to achieve intelligence at the edge of their industrial networks by deploying computers that can collect, process, and analyze data in unmanned or remote sites. The consequences are dire when these computers have a performance issue or run out of memory, therefore preventing them from performing their role efficiently, if at all. Industrial processes come to a halt, leading to huge financial losses. If an industrial process malfunctions because of a failure to detect and fix computer issues on time, it could also lead to accidents that result in employee injuries. For these reasons, computers used in IIoT- enabled systems must be treated as critical equipment that require a higher level of maintenance strategy than non-critical devices.

Traditionally, manufacturers have maintained their assets using manual processes that are time-consuming and resource-intensive. The IIoT brings with it a paradigm shift with respect to the operation and maintenance of industrial equipment. Now, instead of waiting for equipment to fail before fixing it, or scheduling time-based maintenance that sometimes leads to unnecessary maintenance of equipment and downtime, companies are adopting predictive maintenance strategies to stay ahead of the game. These same practices should be applied to industrial computers.

Predictive maintenance tools for a computer can keep track of any variance from expected behavior for key parts, such as CPU usage, CPU temperature, memory usage, and disk usage. Predictive analytics empowers users to explore potential root causes and apply appropriate remedies. By identifying issues early on and allowing repairs to be scheduled in an orderly fashion, predictive maintenance provides lead time to purchase parts for the necessary repairs and reduces the need for maintaining an inventory of key parts. Hard drives, processors and other damaged parts are replaced before failures occur, and since maintenance work is only performed when needed, production capacity is likely to increase as well.

The goal of any predictive maintenance program is to enable proactive access to data for each piece of critical equipment, enabling the monitoring of its realtime health status, analyzing historical trends, and planning maintenance downtime based on the data.

Predictive maintenance tools for industrial computers monitor its health in order to make repairs well in advance to maximize system uptime. The tools will feature a well-designed dashboard that helps operators keep an eye on key indicators such as CPU loading and memory usage, plus an alarm function to trigger audio or visual alarms and SNMP traps when parameters go over predetermined thresholds.

Additional tool capabilities that aid in predictive maintenance are:

• Easy-to-use remote monitoring functions
• A ready-to-use tool that runs on a Windows or Linux OS
• RESTful APIs that give access to key-part parameters.

Predictive maintenance in action.
Below are demonstrated the importance of predictive maintenance for rail, marine, and power segments using remote-site scenarios.

Railroads: In a metro transit system, computers are widely deployed in onboard control and video recording systems. Because space is limited on refurbished traincars, computing systems are often installed in places that are hard to reach and even more difficult to maintain such as cabinets, compartments under passenger’s seats, or on the ceiling. Having ready access to a computer’s current condition so that you can implement a preventive maintenance routine is an important aspect of ensuring a smooth transit system.

Marine Bridges: An electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is one of the most important systems on a ship’s bridge. An ECDIS system takes real-time information from sensors deployed on equipment, including speed logs, radar, wind stations, AIS, and gyrocompasses, into consideration when planning the ship’s voyage. It combines the data from sensors with information on dangerous areas or areas of special attention on the route to chart a safe course for the ship. Therefore, a reliable and durable computer is crucial for running the ECDIS system. Information on the status of the key parts of the ECDIS computer can be monitored by integrating the computer’s key-part data with the bridge system using monitoring APIs or by another means. In addition, an alert function can help provide warning messages when a parameter associated with a key part goes over a preset threshold. One example is when CPU usage exceeds a threshold due to system software errors. When this happens, an alert message is sent out so that the crew can deal with the problem.

Power Stations: Unmanned power stations are increasingly becoming the norm, and are often located in remote, hard-to-reach sites. A predictive maintenance tool is required to monitor, control and maintain critical equipment, including computers, in an unmanned substation so that it functions smoothly.

Built-in Maintenance tool.
Rugged industrial computers typically feature built-in proactive monitoring solutions that help reduce the costs of remote system maintenance and maximize system uptime. The computer's dashboard may graphically display CPU usage, memory usage, storage partition usage, operating temperature of the CPU and motherboard, and the redundant-power monitor, and trigger relay outputs to provide either visual or audio alarms, or send out SNMP traps. Most of these tools also provide for setting-up the threshold and time period for the key parts to monitor.

The relentless pursuit of excellence in the IIoT world has renewed an interest in predictive maintenance solutions that ensure higher equipment reliability and system uptime. Since computing systems are the pillars of the IIoT, implementing predictive maintenance for them is essential to realizing the full potential of the IIoT.

---

*See also Countries Investing the Most into Predictive Maintenance from Automation-com (15/8/2022).

@MoxaInc @OConnell_PR #PAuto #IIoT 

Sensor holder for disinfection and water treatment applications.

New Liquid Analysis disinfection sensors and accessories have been released by Endress+Hauser. These are for measurement in more applications, adding the CCS55D Memosens Free Bromine sensor, CCS58D Memosens Ozone sensor, and Flowfit CYA27 assembly to the product family.

The CYA27 assembly is designed to be freely configurable, accommodating a wide range of sensors, including disinfection, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. It also offers flow monitoring and diagnostic indicator options to ensure reliable measurement, covering a wide range of disinfection applications.

CCS55D Memosens amperometric Free Bromine sensor.
The Memosens CCS55D is a diverse solution for measuring free bromine in seawater, swimming pools, process and cooling water, fish farming applications, and more. The membrane-covered, low-maintenance sensor is built for stable and long-term measurement, while tried-and-true Memosens digital sensor technology ensures maximum process uptime.

With a growing global population and ever-changing environmental conditions, the demand for potable water is on the rise, and the need for seawater treatment is becoming increasingly important. Apart from desalination, systematic disinfection is an essential step and legal requirement in water treatment to protect people and systems from illness and harm.

Why measure free bromine in seawater disinfected with chlorine?
Potassium bromide, when dissolved in seawater, is present in the ionic forms of K+ and Br-. In seawater, the natural concentration of bromine ions (Br-) is very small, while the concentration of chloride ions (Cl-) is significantly higher—over 300 times the bromide concentration. Additionally, chloride ions have a much higher electron affinity than bromine ions, causing the chlorine to exist as standalone ions while the bromine combines with hydroxyl (HO+) in seawater to form toxic hypobromous acid (HOBr).

Therefore, when chlorine in its various forms—including sodium hypochlorite (bleach), calcium hypochlorite, and others—is added to seawater, the result is HOBr, not hypochlorous acid (HOCl), due to the presence of Br-.

Free bromine measurements are also made where bromine is used as a disinfection agent in fresh water, such as in swimming pools. With its wide measurement range options—from trace levels of 0 to 5 mg/L (ppm), on up to 200 mg/L—and a maximum measured error of ±2 %, or ±5 µg/l (ppb), Endress+Hauser’s Memosens CCS55D Free Bromine sensor is the ideal measuring solution for monitoring bromine levels in almost any application.

CCS58D Memosens Ozone sensor.
Numerous agents are used today for water disinfection, including chlorine—the most widely employed in the US—chlorine dioxide, bromine, and ozone. Worldwide demand for ozone, in particular, is increasing, and the Memosens CCS58D Ozone sensor supports this trend with inline measurement using the Liquiline transmitter and Memosens digital sensor technology platforms.

This sensor is capable of measuring ozone concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 mg/L, with an error of ±2 %, or ±5 µg/l. This range is ideal for monitoring ozone levels in drinking water, wastewater, and utilities to ensure efficient and safe disinfection.

CYA27 Flowfit assembly – maximum flexibility, safe measurement, and easy maintenance.
Endress+Hauser’s new modular Flowfit CYA27 flow assembly enables measurement of up to six parameters in process and drinking water, enabling adaptation to many process requirements. The CYA27 provides a flexible basis for the measurement of disinfection parameters, including chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, bromine, and further parameters of liquid analysis, such as pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. The assembly features a status light that provides clear indication of the measuring point’s operational state. This light can be used to display flow status, showing a red light if the flow is too low, or it can be connected to a transmitter’s alarm relay to indicate the NAMUR status of the measuring point. This informs operators of process conditions at a glance, helping optimize production and mitigate potential problems.

@Endress_US @Endress_Hauser @Endress_CA @EndressUK#PAuto @Endress_DE #Water #PAuto 

Excellence in the service of automation!

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the 2022 ISA Celebrating Excellence award recipients. The ISA honors and awards program is the Society's opportunity to formally showcase and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of its members, partners, and other automation professionals.

"The Celebrating Excellence awards endeavors to stimulate, enhance, encourage, acknowledge, and reward outstanding contributions to our society and the automation profession by providing an avenue for individuals to compete for recognition within established categories. The Honors & Awards Committee annually receives all award nominations for defined Society awards, reviews the candidate qualifications, and recommends to the Executive Board honorees for approval.

"Congratulations to our 2022 awardees for their outstanding achievement—a recognition well deserved!"

2022 Celebrating Excellence Honorees Excellence in Technical Innovation, Endowed by Honeywell UOP Uday Sheorey Nagpur, Maharashtra, IN For the design and development of a high-resolution micro tool for retinal surgery procedures Excellence in Corporate Technical Innovation BBA Canada Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, CA For the development of a new technology which auto converted existing camera feed into a sensor using computer vision and artificial intelligence Excellence in Technical Presentation Brad Carlberg Hoodsport, Washington, US For an outstanding article entitled The Autonomous Mill: Utilizing Digital Twins to Optimize the Pulp & Paper Mill of the Future Excellence in Education Cesar de Prada Moraga Universidad De Valladolid, Valladolid, ES For the development of CAD software, for teaching purposes, that has been used in various universities in Spain Mentoring Excellence Richard Tunstall Lee College, Baytown, Texas, US For his excellence in mentoring students and young professionals Excellence in Enduring Service Mary Cannon Houston, Texas, US For years of dedicated service and leadership to the Society and the ISA Houston Section Philip Evans Calgary, Alberta, CA For years of dedicated service and leadership to the Society and the ISA Calgary Section Excellence in Society Service Jose Salinas Mexico City, MX For his distinguished and dedicated volunteer service to the Society Division Excellence Water and Wastewater Industries Division Division Leader Excellence Simon Lucchini Director, Safety and Security Industries Division Calgary, Alberta, CA For his outstanding efforts and contributions as a Division Director for the Safety and Security Industries Division Section Excellence Spain Section Section Leader Excellence Hanumant Pansare Pune Section President Pune, Maharashtra, IN For outstanding efforts to increase the membership for the Pune section, who won the 2021 President’s Membership Challenge Standards Excellence Angela Summers Houston, Texas, US For dedication in the development of ISA standards and technical reports related to Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) Volunteer Leader of the Year Bradley Churchman Katy, Texas, US For outstanding service and leadership to the Houston section

@ISA_Interchange @ISA_SecEsp @isamexOficial @HoustonISA @ISACalgary #PAuto #Automation