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Showing posts from 2008

Parker Introduces Parfit Hydraulic Filter Elements

The Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin has introduced a range of hydraulic filter elements designed to eliminate the problems of equipment downtime and failure caused by fluid contamination. The Parfit elements are interchangeable with products from all other suppliers, giving end users the option of sourcing all filter elements from a single manufacturer. This approach can reduce stock levels and, as the Parfit elements are manufactured to high standards, can extend operating life. Suitable for use in a wide range of applications including industrial and mobile plant, test rigs, aircraft ground support equipment, steel and paper mills, the Parfit elements have been developed to allow both system designers and end users to meet current and future environmental regulations. In particular, the Parfit filter system uses a standard metal housing and replaceable element, which can be changed during routine maintenance, leaving the housing in place, and reducing both waste disposal a

Rotork IQPro Actuators Used By Skarvik 1 Project

Rotork has announced how it has supplied more than 80 ATEX-approved IQPro intelligent electric actuators with factory fitted Profibus cards for the Vopak Skarvik 1 project in Gothenburg. Skarvik 1 is a fully automated petroleum tank storage project 10 new tanks are being constructed and a PLC-controlled SCADA system installed to enable Class 1 hazardous products including petroleum to be pumped to and from any location on the site. Rotork's actuators will take on flow control duties throughout the site, operating gate valves on the tanks and on a new main manifold and pipe rack that will distribute the products around the plant.

Singula Now Handles Lossy Materials

Integrated Engineering Software has announced that the latest version of its Singula product for antenna analysis now handles highly lossy materials. Singula simulates the power loss that occurs as a result of the heat generation produced when lossy materials are exposed to electromagnetic waves The loss calculations can then be used by thermal analysis software to calculate the thermal distribution. Integrated's simulation software tools have been developed for engineers and scientists who design and model prototypes and need fast and reliable solutions. Utilising computer simulation during the design process helps reduce the cost and risks associated with physical prototyping. Singula analyses all antennas including wire, surface and dielectric. RFID devices and bird cage coils for MRI applications are also modelled using this simulation tool. Other applications for Singula include scattering calculations, microwave circuits and shielding for Electromagnetic Compatibility and I

SMAC Redesigns Corporate Website

SMAC has launched its redesigned corporate website. The site, divided into seven major sections, has been designed to provide current and prospective customers access to the information they're looking for quickly and easily. The navigation scheme has been standardised across the site so visitors can get to almost any page on the site directly from any other page. Particular attention was devoted to making sure most content could be accessed with a minimum number of clicks. Content on the site has been expanded, with more in-depth information about potential applications for SMAC's products, as well as case studies where moving coil actuators have helped solve engineering challenges. Streaming Flash video shows SMAC products in action and a new search function allows visitors to jump directly to any information they're looking for. Technical drawings for SMAC's actuators, controllers and other products can be readily downloaded. Distributors of SMAC's products w

GE Fanuc Scales Down Proficy Process Systems

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has released Proficy Process Systems in a 250 I/O size, single-computer offering targeted at smaller applications and OEMs. Proficy Process Systems is a fully-integrated process control system that can provide customers with improved quality and reliability, increased throughput, performance and efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership. The foundation of Proficy Process Systems is a contemporary hardware and software infrastructure that offers the benefits of traditional DCS and PLC/HMI systems, without many of the historic limitations of those approaches. Proficy Systems is also packed with control features including a comprehensive set of function blocks for advanced regulatory control. In addition, user-defined function blocks can be created for the freedom and flexibility to define control algorithms as necessary, which system integrators can lock to protect their intellectual property. Proficy Process Systems supports Foundation Fieldbus, P

Sound Dead Steel Reduces Gas Pipeline Noise

Sound Dead Steel (SDS) was contacted by the Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre (INVC) to assist with a noise reduction programme for Scottish Power. The power station's main gas pipe work is 400mm diameter, with a reduction to 150mm at the metering section Close microphone measurements indicated noise levels as high as 100 to 110dB(A) with the dominant energy at frequencies >500Hz. SDS clad the pipeline with Sonphonon sound dead steel, fabricated and fitted split boxes to encase the valves. After the final snagging was completed, the attached noise survey was carried out to determine the overall noise reduction for this project. The average noise reduction achieved within the GRF compound was approximately 8dB(A). The maximum reduction achieved was 16dB(A); this was adjacent the metering flow meter area. INVC noted that noise from adjacent cooling fans masked the full noise reduction benefits. Noise reductions on plain pipeline measured 19dB(A), which clearly shows the ef

Emerson Has Chambers For Control Instruments

Emerson Process Management has a range of high-quality chambers that allows external mounting of level measurement and control instrumentation on process vessels. The 9901 chamber range, which has been adapted and extended from the existing range of Mobrey chambers, offers a standardised fully PED (Piping Equipment Directive) compliant design in accordance with ASME B31.3, allowing customers to buy an integrated bolt-on instrument solution from Emerson, or simply a chamber for use with existing instrumentation. External mounting of level instrumentation is often preferred by users as it allows easy isolation of the instrument for routine maintenance or calibration, plus offers the additional benefit of acting as a stilling chamber for liquid surfaces prone to turbulence or fitting of instrumentation to vessels with internal structures such as tube bundles Using only certified and traceable materials, the 9901 series is manufactured using full penetration welds, with welders and wel

TURCK Unveils Motor Starter Economy Modules

TURCK has developed the BL20 motor starter economy module, which uses Swire technology to provide a daisy-chain connection from a single I/O slice to each motor starter via a ribbon cable. 'Swire technology provides plug-and-play connection, eliminating the labour required to hardwire motor starters to digital output points and auxiliary contacts back to digital inputs. 'By using this connection technology, it is now possible to control up to 48 motor starters on a single fieldbus node,' said Nick Clute, product specialist with TURCK's network and interface division. TURCK BL20 Motor Starter Module allows three-phase motor control to be connected to the same rack as standard I/O. In addition, with the Swire connection, motor starters can be mounted on separate DIN-rails within the same panel - pairing the flexibility of standard motor starters with the advantages of fieldbus control. 'When motor starters are on a fieldbus, the benefit is that they can be located c

Concern Over Wireless Incompatibility

Syed Tauseef Ahmad, research analyst for industrial automation and process control, Frost & Sullivan, describes why lack of interoperability in wireless is a concern. While there is potential for wireless deployment in factory automation, concerns about lack of operability plague this technology. People used to build their own systems or buy them from a single supplier. More plant automation has spurred the demand for wireless devices and systems for applications such as monitoring, alarm and telemetry. They are often customised on proprietary protocols but not based on a common standard or architecture. As a result, these devices offered from multiple suppliers are often not compatible with one another. End users are wary of becoming locked into a proprietary system that may hinder their future advancement. They are also cautious of investing in wireless when they are not confident of the benefits. Given that the end users will not be keen to replace the existing fieldbus insta

Verlinde Releases Hollow Profile Handling Rails

Verlinde has introduced a hollow profile for its range of handling rails in Eurosystem Alu aluminium. Intended for car manufacturing markets, this fourth profile, AL08, is intended for loads up to 500kg Eurosystem Alu is intended for setting up tailor-made handling systems for loads up to 2000kg. The AL08 profile will be the meeting point between the AL06 and the AL10 (which goes up to 2000kg). The lightness of the hollow aluminium profiles makes them easy to assemble. They can all be moved and positioned manually without hoisting equipment. The elements are bolted to each other, as are the system and the load-bearing structures, and do not require special tools. This makes the external groves on the profiles compatible with the Item standardised attachment system. The profiles are then manufactured by extrusion which gives them substantial geometric homogeneity. The profiles can be assembled without mechanical adjustment. The full handling system in hollow aluminium profiles is 50

Photonfocus Releases Pixel Professor Smart Camera

Photonfocus, a manufacturer of CMOS industrial cameras, has brought out the Pixel Professor CMOS Smart camera, featuring on-camera image pre-processing. The pre-processing in the camera enables the design of machine vision systems with distributed intelligence. Performing pre-processing on the camera reduces the vision system computer CPU load, meaning the vision system can run faster or use more sophisticated algorithms in the same time period, producing better results. The technology is scalable and can be fitted to a customer's application. The Pixel Professor supports common image pre-processing operations in pipelined processors, such as convolution and non-linear filters, histograms, erosion and dilation, adaptive thresholding, image buffers, image arithmetic, colour space conversion, look-up tables (LUT), triangulation and others. Setting up the pre-processing unit on the Pixel Professor is made easy with a simple graphical user interface (GUI). It allows for control loo

AC Tech SMVector Frequency Inverters

Our most technically advanced inverter drive continues AC Tech's tradition of innovative compact inverter design. The performance and flexibility make the SMVector an attractive solution for a broad range of AC Motor applications including: Food Processing machinery Packaging machinery Material handling systems Conveying Systems HVAC systems The SMVector Series can be used with 3-phase AC induction motors rated from 1/3 HP up to 30HP (0.25 - 22 kW) on voltages from 120V single-phase to 600 V three-phase. NEMA Type 1 (IP31) and type 4X (IP65) ¹ industrial enclosures allow mounting the drive close to the motor and the equipment operator. Filtered input versions of the SMV are available in NEMA 4X (IP65) models for compliance with the CE EMC directive. Programmable digital and analog I/O allow the drive to be configured for many application specific tasks such as multiple preset speeds, electronic braking and motor jogging to name a few. Like all AC Tech sub-micro dri

Instrument Driver Allows Interface With Sensors

National Instruments has released an instrument driver that allows users of NI Labview to interface with environmental monitoring sensors that communicate via SDI-12. SDI-12 is a serial-based communication protocol optimised for battery-powered intelligent sensors NI Labview is a graphical system design platform. With NI Labview SDI-12 Application Programming Interface (API) software, researchers, engineers and scientists can easily acquire measurements such as turbidity, dissolved oxygen, tank level, soil pH, conductivity and other critical environmental sensor measurements. The SDI-12 protocol makes it possible to communicate with a wide variety of sensors and recorders that are most commonly used in environmental data acquisition applications such as climate change tracking, water quality and testing, ecological research, soil monitoring, agriculture and weather analysis. Using the Labview SDI-12 API, researchers, engineers and scientists can connect traditional environmental da

M+P Upgrades SO Analyser

The SO analyser is M+P International's real-time analyser for noise and vibration measurement, analysis and reporting in the field and in the lab. The latest SO analyser Rev 3.3 supports M+P's new portable, fan-less 4-/8-channel VibPilot front-end with 24-bit resolution and USB 2.0 interfacing. Full support comprises all native sample frequencies from 1024Hz to 102.4kHz, input modes including AC/DC floating or grounded and ICP user selectable on each channel. Two tacho inputs with 32-bit high-speed up/down counters are included for measuring synchronous signals on rotating machines. A sound quality analysis module has been added to the new software revision. The basis of the SO analyser sound quality analysis is Zwicker loudness that provides standardised methods for this type of product refinement. The implemented functions, which are available both as online and post-processed analysis, can be viewed as 2D, 3D, or as colour maps (spectrograms) for further analysis. The SO

Pepperl+Fuchs Offers Corrosion Monitoring System

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the CorrTran Corrosion Data Logging System. This Division 2/Zone 2 system complements the CorrTran MV online corrosion monitoring transmitter, allowing users to access real-time corrosion data via Ethernet, USB, SD card, or locally via videographic chart recorder. The corrosion data logging system is packaged in a portable, stainless steel enclosure weighing less than 20lbs The transmitter outputs a 4-20mA HART signal that is used to scale the corrosion rate in a PLC or DCS system. The rate of corrosion can now be evaluated with all other relevant process signals. The corrosion data logging system includes Pepperl+Fuchs' KFD2-HLC-EX1.D HART loop converter. This device receives HART data from the CorrTran MV corrosion monitor and delivers three distinct 4-20mA outputs that represent general corrosion, localised corrosion and conductance. These three variables can then be recorded and displayed on a paperless data recorder that features a full-colour t

Saft To Showcase Energy Solutions

Saft are to exhibit a range of energy solutions developed to meet the dynamic needs of the telecommunications industry. Saft's main focus for the exhibition is on power backup systems that ensure maximum reliability and optimum total cost of ownership for the wide variety of remote or outdoor plants now playing a vital role in decentralised telecom networks. Key technologies on show will include the Tel.X maintenance-free nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery together with the Intensium range of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems. Saft has developed Tel.X to offer advantages for demanding outdoor telecom applications in remote areas. It is compact, light and takes around 15 minutes to install a 48V battery. Tel.X offers a service life of more than 20 years in normal temperatures and more than 14 years at 40C. In many cases the battery can be expected to outlive the installation, meaning it will not need topping up with water. Tel.X offers volumic energy density of up to 100Wh/L. It is

How To Choose And Use Ergonomic Hand Tools

Paul Holstein, COO of Cableorganiser.com, offers expert tips on what makes a hand tool ergonomic, and how to choose the right one for your body and the job. Drop into any hardware store or home improvement centre, and you're likely to find aisles full of tools labeled "ergonomic" But what exactly does that mean for consumers? Simply put, ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools, furniture, and other work-related implements that improve a worker's efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and risk of injury. Ergonomically enhanced tools can include helpful features like angled handles, padded handgrips and nonslip coatings. However, no matter how impressive a tool's design is, it's almost impossible for it to be universally ergonomic since human physiques and project applications vary greatly from one to the next. Whether you're shopping for ergonomic tools or just trying to select the right one for the job from an existing collect

Biodiesel Reactor Systems Are Ready To Run

BHR Group has completed development and installation of two intensified full size biodiesel reactor systems. Drawing on its chemical process design expertise in mixing systems, process intensification and scale up, BHR Group has completed development and installation of two intensified full size biodiesel reactor systems. Using its in-depth understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, kinetics, mass transfer, mass and energy balances BHR Group has ensured these units consume some 70% less power than batch systems. The subsidiary BHR Biofuels has successfully installed and demonstrated the process intensified reactors at a chemical plant producing biodiesel from waste and virgin oils. Both the esterifier and the transesterifier models were producing biodiesel (on specification) in-line with the EN14214 standards with all feed stocks. Dr Richard Jackson, BHR Biofuels Technical Director, explains: "The novel process intensification technology means that the Transesterifier rea

Torque Sensor Gets The Measure Of Steering

Steering wheel torque sensor fits in place of a standard steering coupler to measure the driver-applied torque on the system. The Techmor SW-1 steering wheel torque sensor is designed to accurately measure driver-applied torque on the steering wheel. This allows driver "feel" to be correlated with an actual value. A direct replacement for a standard steering coupler, this unit provides a millivolt output for torque applied in either direction. The SW-1 can easily be mated to the Techmor SG-1strain gauge amplifier for 0-5V output.

Lightweight Hose Is Ideal For Air Tools

The UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. PCL has launched a lightweight ultraflexible hose it reckons is the ideal companion for its range of handheld air tools Ideal for applications and environments where space is at a premium, yet complete freedom of movement is required, the UltraFlex air hose is a superb alternative to the traditional inflexible and heavy hose. Manufactured in a quality three-ply construction, using highly flexible PVC and polyester yarn reinforcement, the UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. UltraFlex also has a very good "memory", which enables bends and kinks to straighten out so that the hose can return to normal after use. Available with a blue cover and black inner tube in 30m coils, UltraFlex is a convenient and cost-effective piece of equipment designed to make life easier for the user. The UltraFlex Air Hose complemen

Tyre Pressure Monitor Has All Wheels Covered

System includes precision aerospace pressure sensors, transmitters, receiver and all necessary mounting equipment in a carrying case. The Techmor TP-1 allows accurate measurement of tyre pressures while on the track or the road Outputting at 4Hz, the TP-1 provides a smooth datastream that makes subtle pressure variations on track visible. A transmitter mounted to each hub sends wireless messages to a single receiver mounted inside the car. The pass-through titanium valve-stem sensor allows pressures to be checked and adjusted without removing hardware. Systems can be quickly installed on any standard Nascar hub and switched between wheel sets and cars with no extra equipment. Outputs are available in analogue, RS232 or CANbus. The system includes precision aerospace pressure sensors, transmitters, receiver and all necessary mounting equipment in a carrying case.

Clean GP To Be Technology Showcase

The TTxGP will provide an opportunity for innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow. The Institution Of Engineering & Technology (IET) is set to take part in a new chapter in racing history as it becomes the exclusive institutional partner involved in the world's first clean emissions Grand Prix The TTxGP, which will take place in June 2009 on the famous Isle of Man TT motorcycling circuit, will provide an exciting opportunity for leading global innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow. According to Robin McGill, IET Chief Executive: "The Isle of Man TT race is famous across the world and we are delighted to be part of this new chapter of racing history". "The IET is a global organisation, representing 150,000 members in 127 countries across the world and through this partnership we can co

Sola Hevi/Duty Constant Voltage Transformers

Sola/Hevi-Duty offers a broad range of transformers to meet many applications. These dry-type transformers are offered encapsulated, ventilated or non-ventilated, 600 Volt Class, isolation type, single and three phase, through 500 kVA. Indoor and outdoor models are available. General Purpose Transformers can be located close to the load. No vaults are required for installation and no long, expensive feeder lines are needed. Common applications include inductive and resistive loads such as motors, lighting and heating. Hevi-Duty general purpose transformers are manufactured to meet applicable industry standards, are listed in accordance with UL 506 and UL 1561 specifications and are classified as isolation transformers. The family of transformers includes: Distribution Transformers General Purpose Low Temperature Rise K-Factor Copper Wound Automation Transformers General Purpose Hazardous Location Buck-Boost Drive Isolation Industrial Control

Linear Guide Systems Are Easy To Specify

Design is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance. PBC Linear has a new line of cost-effective easy-to-specify linear guide systems. Integral V Technology systems feature a patent pending process that allows for tighter tolerances without additional cost. The design itself is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance. IV-T also has a growing number of configurations and a wide range of uses with custom orders available. This versatile product is yet another in a long line of innovative products in PBC's history. With the 20 different configurations already available - and more being developed each week - the IV technology is truly versatile in its application. Products in IV technology include snap-in, bolt-on, integrated and compact configurations. All of which allow for easy installation, and what really sets this product and co

Russians Sign Up For Emissions Assistance

Ricardo has received a contract from Gaz Group to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards. Gaz Group, Russia's largest automotive manufacturer of light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, cars, diesel engines, powertrain components and road construction equipment, has announced that it will award Ricardo the contract to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards. The contract win was secured in a competitive bidding process, and will see Ricardo co-operating with Gaz's OAO UMZ subsidiary. At present, UMZ-4216 engines manufactured by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are installed on Gazelle light commercial vehicles from Gaz Group. One of the engine's main advantages is its high torque at low speed, which gives the vehicle good acceleration and manoeuvrability in light commercial vehicle applications. The first phase of the upgrade programme will involve a detailed analysis by Ricardo of the technical feasibility of upgrading the UMZ-4216 engine to

Software Automates Publishing Process

InnoCielo Publisher and its modules make it possible to automate the publishing process, triggered by predefined document lifecycle events or on an ad-hoc basis. BlueCielo ECM Solutions has released InnoCielo Publisher 2008, the latest version of the optional Publisher add-on for the InnoCielo Meridian Enterprise ECM solution. InnoCielo Meridian Enterprise automates the rendering and publishing of engineering content. In the publishing process, engineering documents are rendered into universally readable formats and stored in a target system such as a Windows folder, an FTP site, Microsoft SharePoint, Documentum or InnoCielo Meridian Enterprise itself. InnoCielo Publisher and its modules make it possible to automate the publishing process, triggered by predefined document lifecycle events or on an ad-hoc basis. InnoCielo Publisher is used with InnoCielo Meridian Enterprise by companies such as Areva TandD Systems, Huntsman, Johnson Controls, Pfizer and Siemens in energy/utilities, ma

Pressure Indicators Preserve Safety

Jofra IPIs can be used as a calibration reference or in applications where high-accuracy pressure measurement is required, from safety valve checks to system pressure verification. Ametek Calibration Instruments' Jofra range of industrial pressure indicators (IPIs) is now ATEX and CSA-certified for use in potentially explosive environments in the field or in calibration laboratories. ATEX is the primary intrinsically safe standard in the European Union, while CSA refers to relevant Canadian and USA standards. Accurate to +/- 0.05% FS, the IPI can be used as a calibration reference or in applications where high-accuracy pressure measurement is required, from safety valve checks to system pressure verification. This new certification will allow the IPI to be used in any industry where there is a risk of flammable gases. These include oil refineries, offshore platforms, chemical plants, gas production plants, oil and gas shipping. Intrinsically safe Jofra IPI indicators are availa

Electrical Labels Are Free To Download

Software enables installers to print their own cable, patch panel and data jack labels using an office laser printer. Sharpmark's label printing software is now available free to download from the company's website. It enables electrical installers to organise and label their systems clearly and professionally. This allows maintenance and trouble-shooting to be completed quickly and efficiently with minimum downtime. Sharpmark software enables installers to print their own cable, patch panel and data jack labels using an office laser printer. There is no need for custom printers to produce clear, professional-looking labels that are durable and easy to read. Using Sharpmark software is intuitive and requires no training. It is preloaded with all the Sharpmark label part numbers and standard templates to fit components from many manufacturers. Users can also create their own job from scratch, selecting the part number and layout of choice. Sharpmark software has complex numb

Deal Accelerates Aerospace/Automotive Standards

LOTAR is working on long-term archiving of digital product data in the automobile and aerospace industry in order to save this data securely for years. Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe - Standardisation (ASD-STAN) and ProSTEP iViP signed a co-operation agreement on 1st July, 2008. The two standardisation organisations aim to release standards faster on an international scale for the automobile and aerospace industry with the support of the Long-Term Archiving and Retrieval (LOTAR) group. LOTAR is working on long-term archiving of digital product data in the automobile and aerospace industry in order to save this data securely for years. "Thus we are reaching a new quality in the area of standardisation ", said Gunter Lessmann, Director of ASD-STAN, which is based in Brussels. "In doing so we make sure that the working results of the LOTAR project can be transferred into standards on a European as well as international level at the same time"

Switch Range Suits Safety Applications

Moeller Electric T rotary switches and P switch disconnectors are suitable for use as main, maintenance and emergency-stop switches that can be locked in the off position with up to three padlocks. Moeller Electric T rotary switches and P switch disconnectors are available in ten different basic switch types with several mounting forms and both standard and customised contact configurations. This makes them a compact, convenient, dependable and cost-effective solution for virtually any application involving uninterrupted currents of up to 315A. Both ranges are available in versions with 400/415V AC23A ratings from 6.5 to 132kW and with uninterrupted current ratings from 20 to 315A. They are suitable for use as main, maintenance and emergency-stop switches rated to IEC/EN 60204 and IEC/EN 60947 and can be locked in the off position with up to three padlocks. They are available in their own enclosures or for mounting in control cabinets, either on the door or rear of the panel with a c

Students Race Low-Carbon Fuel Vehicles

Among the teams entering cars in the low-carbon fuel category are the University of Hertfordshire with a hydrogen-powered car and Oxford Brookes University with a parallel hybrid. Teams from across the world have entered the Formula Student competition, which is backed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and takes place at Silverstone the weekend after the British Grand Prix This year, for the first time, there is a category for cars powered by low-carbon fuel. Formula Student is aimed at building future engineering talent and there are five different classes that can be entered. Those taking part design and manufacture a single-seater racing car. Among the teams entering cars in the low-carbon fuel category are the University of Hertfordshire with a hydrogen-powered car and Oxford Brookes University with a parallel hybrid. Robin McGill, Chief Executive of the IET, said: "Environmentally friendly fuels are the fuels of the future and it's for this very r

Pressure And Temperature On The Record

The PRTC210 pressure and temperature recorder is compact, portable and easy to use. New from MadgeTech, the PRTC210 is a pressure and thermocouple based temperature recorder with a 0.125in NPT fitting. The external thermocouple channel allows for insertion into a pipeline with a compression fitting, and the 0.125in NPT can be connected to a female fitting. This provides an instant temperature and pressure response of what is flowing through the pipeline. The PRTC210 accepts thermocouple types J, K, T, E, R, S, B and N and is available with pressure ranges of 0-2, 0-6.9, 0-21, 0-34.5, 0-69 and 0-345bar. The device can measure and record 21,844 readings per channel and has a battery life of up to 2 years. The PRTC210 is compact, portable and easy to use. It can be started and stopped directly from a PC, and its small size allows it to fit almost anywhere. As with all MadgeTech products, the data are downloaded and viewed using the MadgeTech software. The PrTC210 is priced at US $649

Threadform Duplication Adds Life To Worms

Simon Chipchase explains his company's pioneering methods for replicating threadforms for worms and worm gears. Worms and worm gears have been manufactured since ancient times In modern times the profile or tooth form of gearing has been standardised for most types of gears. Helical or spur gear teeth can be defined in terms of pressure angle and NDP (or module for metric units). Worm gearing has evolved along a different path where pitch, profile or form and proportions of tooth size and height are somewhat arbitrary and determined by the manufacturer and/or the method of manufacture. When equipment is maintained and worm gears are replaced as matched sets then the threadform may not be an issue. But if owners or users of equipment need only one element or need interchangeable spare parts then there is a need to duplicate the original threadform. The article discusses a method where a sample or artefact can be measured in order to quantify the tooth geometry. The worm, wormwheel o

Image Sensor Resolves For Microscopy

The ProgRes C7 is suitable for any illumination technique in light microscopy and excels with high light sensitivity and natural reproduction of colours. The new ProgRes C7 from Jenoptik, equipped with instantaneous SXGA live image, mechanical shutter and 7Mpixel CCD sensor, records even the tiniest specimen structures in a precise and detailed fashion. The ProgRes C7 is particularly suited to macro shots in addition to microscopy applications. The instantaneous live image makes precise specimen positioning and focusing much easier. Thanks to the integrated shutter, it takes only a single shot to capture objects in motion and easily accommodates flash illumination techniques. Another advantage of the shutter is that it allows the camera to be triggered directly and precisely. Integration into automated process sequences or applications involving, for example, a motorised stage are made easy. The ProgRes C7 is suitable for any illumination technique in light microscopy and excels wi

Cables Handle Domestic And Industrial Jobs

YY, SY and CY flexible control cables are used as an interconnecting cable for measuring, controlling or regulation in control equipment for assembly and production lines. Anixter Components has added six new ranges of domestic mains and flexible control cables to its 2008/2009 product catalogue The range of mains cable includes industry standards such as 2192Y, 218Y and 318Y. The 2192Y range is available in 0.5 and 0.75mm2 conductor sizes and the 218Y and 318Y are available from 0.5mm2 to 2.5mm2. These provide power for many domestic appliances including lightweight portable appliances, such as radios and table lamps, as well as those supporting heavier loads such as washing machines, spin dryers and refrigerators. For industrial applications, there is a range of YY, SY and CY flexible control cables. These are used as an interconnecting cable for measuring, controlling or regulation in control equipment for assembly and production lines. The durable galvanised steel braiding on t

Toshiba Vacuum Contactors

In vacuum circuit breakers or vacuum contactors, current making and breaking is performed in the entirely sealed vacuum chamber. So, they poses various features such as (1) Excellent arc-extinguishing ability, (2) Less contact wear, and long life, (3) Safety, no fire or explosion hazard, (4) Less maintenance, (5) Compact and lightweight. Then the vacuum circuit breakers and vacuum contactors have been becoming major switching apparatus throughout the countries around the world.In 1965, Toshiba put the first vacuum switching devices in the market. Since then, various efforts have been made to increase their application fields. Regarding switching surge, analysis of generating mechanisms, measurement of the switching surge, development of the surge suppressors have been achieved. Based on those results this application guide was compiled. Toshiba Low & Medium Voltage Vacuum Contactors are all "low surge type". As contactors are mainly applied for a motor switching, low s

Robotic Jellyfish Demonstrate Swarming

Each AquaJelly is able to sense various aspects of its environment and function autonomously, but also has communicative faculties that enable it to co-operate with other members of the group. Festo and Effekt-Technik have developed a bionic jellyfish, known as AquaJelly, to demonstrate swarming behaviour. Each AquaJelly is able to sense various aspects of its environment and to function completely autonomously, but is also endowed with communicative faculties that enable it to co-operate with other members of the group and thereby behave as a system with a higher order of development. Festo has created the AquaJelly as part of its ongoing research programme into advanced automation. The company believes that by extending the principles of swarming behaviour to automation, many small autonomous or partly autonomous intelligent systems could work together to solve large-scale problems through strategic co-operation. The AquaJelly also provide a visually arresting demonstration of an

Ph Measuring System Simplifies Installation

The Burkert 8201 pH measuring system's enamelled stainless steel finish provides nonstick performance for maximised hygiene while pH values are measured. The 'fit-and-forget' design of Burkert's 8201 pH measuring system enables the sensor to stay in process, even during CIP purification. This feature saves users both time and cost, by removing the requirement for sensor removal, cleaning and recalibration. The nonbreakable sensor also obviates the problems of fracturing with glass sensors. Its enamelled stainless steel finish provides nonstick performance for maximised hygiene while pH values are measured. The hygienic design and robust, glass-free construction of the sensor mean that the unit is particularly suitable for use in high- end hygienic processes; for example, in the production of foods and active ingredients where the pH value of liquid mediums is measured. The 8201 provides long service life in these processes and high levels of accuracy with its ability

Alloy Resists Heat And Corrosion

Etching is a controlled corrosive process and Inconel has been developed with a high nickel and chromium content, specifically to resist corrosion. The Inconel 617 nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum superalloy offers excellent high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance It also exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, which to date have largely prevented the material being photo etched Etching is a controlled corrosive process and Inconel has been developed with a high nickel and chromium content, specifically to resist corrosion. Processing thin sheet Inconel by conventional means (punching and slitting) has always given cause for concern as parts tend to come out wavy and the material has a tendency to roll at the edges after processing. Now, thanks to this by the Precision Micro Technical Team, perfectly flat, precision parts can be produced from 0.006in Inconel sheet, economically and with outstanding repeatability.

Stainless Steel Housings Protect Proximity Sensors

The new additions to IFM Electronic's efector T series are probably the only all-stainless steel sensors with an operating temperature as high as 100C. FM Electronic has released inductive proximity sensors with housings made from stainless steel, including the sensing face. They suit the food industry, as they can be used in wet areas and survive aggressive cleaning and high temperatures The new additions to IFM Electronic's efector T series are probably the only all-stainless steel sensors with an operating temperature as high as 100C. The IFM devices suit true flush-mounting and normal spacing between sensors. Complemented by the IFM EVT range of M12 stainless steel food-grade connectors, these stainless steel sensors are available in M12, M18 and M30 versions with sensing ranges optimised on stainless steel targets of 3, 5 and 10mm respectively. These food-grade sensors carry IP ratings of both 68 and 69K.

Small Sensor Interface Provides Direct Connections

The digital output from the SX8273 allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers. Solid State Supplies has released an ultra-small sensor interface device that uses low-power ZoomingADC signal amplification circuitry to connect directly to a wide variety of pressure, temperature and magnetic sensors Enabling electronics to be co-located with the sensor, the digital output from the SX8273 sensor, whether it is magnetic, pressure or chemical, allows manufacturers of industrial pressure/temperature sensing equipment to provide a cost-effective and complete solution to their customers. Capable of operating from a single Li-Ion battery without loss of its 16bit precision, even with a depleted battery, the device features ZoomingADC, a 10bit preamplifier with a programmable gain of between 0.1 and 1000 and a 16bit ADC. The preamplifier delivers the highest possible gain, giving designers the

Epoxy-Resin System Resists High Temperatures

Cures to a tough, strong solid with excellent long term durability and chemical resistance even when exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Master Bond has developed a high-temperature-resistant epoxy-resin system called EP121CL for service up to 260C The two-component optically clear low-viscosity epoxy-resin system features high thermal stability, superior electrical insulation properties and outstanding dimensional stability for casting, sealing, potting, encapsulation and impregnation applications. Especially noteworthy are its mechanical properties of 83MPa in tensile strength, 119MPa in compressive strength, and its exceptional electrical insulation properties including, a volume resistivity greater than 30Tohm-cm, a dissipation factor of 0.020 at 1MHz and a relative permittivity of 3.34 at 60Hz. EP121CL is an elevated temperature curing epoxy resin system that passes NASA's low-outgasing test. It cures to a tough, strong solid with excellent long term durability an

Valves And Pumps Aid Medical Miniaturisation

Dan Schimelman explains how innovative miniature solenoid valves and diaphragm pumps enable advances in portable medical devices. Medical therapies are being driven to reduce hospital costs by administering treatments at home or even on the go. This demand has launched new generations of portable devices. Since most of these systems incorporate modules consisting of miniature diaphragm pumps and solenoid valves, these fluidic components need to be tailored according to the system criteria that best achieve the market demand objectives. Medical Device developers benefit from understanding how these components can be optimised to best meet their specific application requirements. Both employers and payers have exerted pressure to contain health care costs by shifting skyrocketing hospital care to less costly outpatient procedures. There is an increase of procedures that are being performed in an outpatient and ambulatory procedures that once were performed only on an inpatient basis.