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Showing posts from November, 2010

Adda DC Axial Fan Suits Spot-Cooling Systems

Aerco has launched the Adda AS6038, a high-performance, DC axial fan built in the 60 x 60 x 38mm frame size for use in spot-cooling systems, medical instrumentation and desktop instrumentation. Operating over a supply voltage range of 5-13.2VDC, it delivers airflow of 41.83litre/sec (89cfm) at zero pressure. Built with a frame of UL:94V-0 plastic and a high-quality dual ball-bearing system, the AS6038 is polarity protected, has auto-restart and supplies any combination of fan fail rotation detection, speed sensor tachometer and pulse-width modulated control. Life expectance is 70,000hours at 70C and the operating temperature range is -10C to +70C at 65 per cent relative humidity.

DVD Check Valve Suitable for HVAC Applications

DVD Valves has launched the DVD swing check valve with dashpot, for use in applications or projects that have a risk of surge, such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The company claimed that if an application has a risk of surge, it is not wise to use standard swing check valves. This is because in case of a surge, water columns that are flowing back can hit the check valve fast, which can burst down the entire system. In the DVD check valve, the dashpot makes the door of the valve close very quickly until some critical point, leaving a small gap for some water to pass through the valve, and then slowly seals the door tight. The dashpot acts like a cushion in case the door shuts down suddenly. Using this solution, a small amount of water, which does no harm to the system, is let through the valve, dropping the surge. The check valve seals tight when surge conditions disappear. A key application for the product is HVAC systems. In addition to surge and wat

Strain Gauge Catalogue Comes in English and German

HBM's catalogue 'Strain gages and accessories' is now available in both English and German versions. The catalogue features HBM's range of strain gauges and their specifications on nearly 100 pages. A flow chart is included that requires answers to a few simple questions so that the best strain gauge for any application can be easily and quickly determined. In addition, the catalogue contains hints on how to correctly use strain gauges. In addition to detailed information about strain gauges, the catalogue provides details about accessories, such as adhesives, bonding material, cleaning and covering agents, which are needed for strain gauge applications. Optical strain gauges based on fibre Bragg gratings are among the features of the catalogue. These can be used for applications in potentially explosive atmospheres because their operation is based on light rather than electrical signals; similarly, electromagnetic interference does not impact on their operation. Op

Lens for Large-Format Cameras in Radiation Areas

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The Model 305 Fixed Focus Non-Browning Lens from Resolve Optics has been designed to provide high performance with large-image-format cameras and sensors used in environments subject to radiation. Measuring 30mm in diameter, the compact f2 lens delivers high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400-750nm. Manufactured from cerium-doped glass or synthetic silica, the Model 305 lens is able to withstand radiation exposure of up to 53 kGy (108 rads) and temperatures up to 55C without discolouration. To give a 40deg field of view in both the vertical and horizontal planes and 25 cycles/mm, the Model 305 lens is able to provide high optical performance for images up to 18mm in diameter. Available with a manual or motorised iris, the Model 305 provides a focus from 35mm in front of the lens to infinity. The lens meets the requirement, in nuclear vision and space research applications, for cameras to be radiation-hard and to cover a large image format.

Instrument Suited for Onsite Balancing of Rotors

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SKF has extended its Microlog range of portable data-collection systems with the introduction of an instrument that is suited for the onsite balancing of rotors. Suitable for electrical motor rewinders, the SKF Microlog Field Balancer will support single- or dual-plane balancing and, with its easy-to-follow menus, can provide a simple summary report of trial and balancing runs, prior to the engineer leaving site. The SKF Microlog Field Balancer ensures that machinery can operate at optimum performance levels and that operating costs are reduced. Using robust, high-speed data processors, the Field Balancer provides real-time display updates of vibration amplitude and phase angle, while calculating the optimum trial/correction weights as required. The handheld SKF Microlog Field Balancer incorporates SKF's proven balancing firmware, as well as the FFT analysis and bump test module to assist in confirming an out-of-balance problem exists at the outset, or by identifying other common

AMI Announces Polymers in Photovoltaics 2011

Applied Market Information (AMI) has announced that the second international conference on Polymers in Photovoltaics is set to be held on 12-14 April 2011 at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany. Photovoltaic manufacturing is still undergoing change in terms of technology and materials. Production costs per module need to come down to a more profitable level while maintaining durability and enhancing performance and functionality. The Polymers in Photovoltaics conference will discuss these issues. Speakers will outline the market situation and future prospects, as well as the latest developments in modules. A range of polymer materials is in use in solar modules in functions such as backsheets, silicon encapsulants, sealants and adhesives, and front sheets. Multilayer, multi-material structures are now common for backing sheets with different functions provided by each layer. Industry standards are being developed by bodies such as Underwriters Laboratories and TUV with flammability

Wika offers KSR Kuebler liquid level instruments

Wika Instruments has expanded its liquid level instrument range with magnetic level indicators (bypass level gauges), sight glass level indicators, magnetic float switches and level transmitters. The expansion follows Wika's acquisition of KSR Kuebler Niveau-Messtechnik. As a specialist in the provision of pressure and temperature measurement instrumentation, the addition of KSR Kuebler and Phoenix liquid level measurement instruments ensures Wika continues to meet customer requirements for complete application coverage. Wika has formed a level measurement technical support team at its UK head office to assist with all application and servicing requirements.

Intellisonde to Monitor Italy Water Quality

Intellitect Water has announced two distribution partnerships with Italian companies for the Intellisonde in-pipe water quality monitors. The Intellisonde is designed to provide water companies with more efficient access to drinking water quality data and will now be distributed across municipal and industrial sectors in Italy by Ast Analytica and Bimatik. Developed to continuously monitor in-pipe water within drinking water distribution networks, the Intellisonde is a small water quality monitor that can be inserted into pressurised pipes to monitor up to 12 parameters. The technology offers utilities the ability to monitor water quality in the many thousands of miles of pipes that carry water to industrial and domestic consumers. This reduces the cost of water treatment, improves water quality and aids the management of water distribution networks.

Emerson Offers SIL2 Vibrating Fork Level Switch

Emerson Process Management has extended the capability of its Rosemount 2100 series of vibrating fork level switches with the 2130 for safety integrity level SIL2 safety instrumented systems. This version features built-in fault monitoring/self-checking diagnostics and is suitable for high- and low-level alarms. Following third-party evaluation by Exida, the Rosemount 2130 has the required failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) report. As a result, companies in the oil and gas production, refining, petrochemical, chemical, and power industries can benefit from the virtually maintenance-free vibration fork technology while ensuring compliance with associated IEC industry standards. With several output types with a safe failure fraction over 90 per cent, the resulting FMEDA report shows SIL2 suitability. As per IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, the documentation provides safety instrumentation engineers with the required failure data and with proof test recommendations. With a f

Metal Detector for Use in Food Processing Sector

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Loma Systems has upgraded its IQ3 metal detector for the food processing industry with the addition of a global dual-line display panel to enhance the flexibility and functionality of the controls. The control panel is multilingual and is universal across all countries. The panel supports a range of languages and is therefore suitable for any food processor with a multi-cultural workforce. The dual-line panel has been designed to ensure that the operator can easily and quickly identify that the machine is inspecting the correct product. This eliminates the wrong product being inspected. Other key functions are always visible, such as threshold and product signal, which can be viewed simultaneously without pressing any additional buttons. The display also has a status indicator that provides a quick visual indication of the operating conditions of the machine by using the 'traffic light' red, yellow and green indicators. Additionally, if a button is active it is illuminated to

Dissolved Oxygen Monitors Improve Process Control

Analytical Technology has been awarded a three-year framework agreement by Thames Water, which will see the company install its optical dissolved oxygen monitors to improve process control. The company will install its optical dissolved oxygen monitors across multiple Thames Water wastewater treatment works in order to improve process control. During the bidding process, Thames Water was impressed by Analytical Technology's Q45D-ODO monitor's capability as well as the commercial services offered by the vendor. The company was required to meet a rigorous vendor assessment standard, which showed that the company had provided good customer support for its disinfection monitors already installed within Thames Water. Analytical Technology also demonstrated capital cost savings as well as project and whole-life savings, which will be achieved through lower maintenance and reduced cost for spares. Dissolved oxygen is one of the most critical parameters in the activated sludge proces

Porvair Filter Cartridges Control Oocysts in Water

Porvair Filtration has launched Cryptofil filter cartridges, designed to provide absolute control of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water used in the food, beverage and ultrapure water industries. The Cryptofil cartridge was developed after extensive research and has resulted in filter media with continuously graded fibre density, which enables progressively finer oocyst retention through the depth of the media. This graded density depth filtration mechanism, combined with optimised pleated pack configuration and resultant high surface area, affords high flow capability and good oocyst retention capacity. Cryptosporidium oocysts removed from the water flow are captured within the media and are not subject to release by system fluctuations. The voids volume of Cryptofil combined with advanced cartridge construction that can be steam, hot water or chemically sterilised results in a filter capable of retaining high concentrations of oocysts ensuring extended service life and reduced filtrat

Nahr-Engel Utilises Mettler Toledo Checkweigher

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Mettler Toledo has revealed that Nahr-Engel, a manufacturer of dehydrated potato products, is using product inspection technologies, including checkweighers, as part of its quality control processes. Nahr-Engel uses an S-series checkweigher to verify the weight of all products in its various lines of dehydrated potatoes. The company's newest equipment purchase is a Garvens XE3 checkweigher with a strain-gauge weighing cell, which checks whether the packing machine has inserted all three mashed potato sachets into cartons on the mashed potato flakes line. The XE3 checkweigher is the last quality control station at Nahr-Engel and automatically rejects all cartons with missing potato sachets. This completeness checking is done at a conveyor speed of up to 45m per minute, checking up to 100 cartons per minute. The compact checkweigher can rapidly verify the weight of cartons between 100-2,000g at an accuracy level adequate for checking completeness, in addition to being cost-effectiv

Scripting Language Enhances Jaz Spectrometer

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Ocean Optics' Jaz modular spectrometer is now available with Jaz Scripting Language (Jaz-SPL), enabling users to customise spectrometer data acquisition, processing and export functions. Jaz is a family of stackable components that share common electronics and communications. Included in the Jaz stack is a CCD-array spectrometer that can be optimised for a variety of measurements and a microprocessor with display. With Jaz-SPL, the power of its on-board microprocessor can be harnessed with scripts for simple data acquisition, processing and export of results to an SD card. An Ethernet-equipped Jaz can be remotely controlled by a PC, or the Jaz can run the script from an SD card with no need for a PC. As a reference point for starting new scripts, sample scripts and a programming language reference manual are included with the software. The modular design of the Jaz family, with user-selected grating and slit options optimised for a variety of application needs, allows it to be

Alpeco Delivers Pumps and Metering for Oil Trucks

Alpeco has revealed that it has supplied and fitted a pump and metering system to Wessex Petroleum for use on highly specialised oil delivery trucks. Exxon Mobil uses three main distributors in the UK to deliver products to a national network of trade and retail outlets; Wessex Petroleum is one of them. Wessex Petroleum delivers the Exxon Mobil lubricant products using two special road tankers, which are fitted with dual manifolds, two pumps, two LC meters with TE550 dual electronics registers and a central CPU, all supplied to the tanker manufacturer Magyar by Alpeco. The multi-compartment vehicles are designed to carry a variety of lube oil products, which are discharged to the customer through each of two hydraulically driven pump and metering systems. Cross-contamination between products is avoided through the use of a specially designed dual-manifold system and a pneumatic hose blow-down system, which can be activated remotely by the driver from the end of the delivery hose. The

Webpage Details Genevac Evaporator Systems

A webpage from Genevac brings together technological innovations, applications advances and references for evaporation and sample-concentration techniques relating to natural products research. The company said its evaporator systems are also used by researchers seeking to extract functional molecules from natural sources. Typically, investigations involve a primary solvent extraction of natural products that result in a large volume of crude extract. The crude extract is then often concentrated before being fractionated to isolate each component. The time-consuming concentration task has been revolutionised by the large-volume parallel-processing capabilities of the Rocket evaporator, according to Genevac. The process of natural product fractionation typically produces many samples from a single extract. These samples need then to be evaporated before storage or analysis. Examples of high-throughput evaporation and lyophilisation techniques using Genevac HT series evaporators for th

Transducers Assist in Development of Sheep Shear

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Torqsense transducers from Sensor Technology are playing a role in product development at Gloucestershire-based Lister Shearing, a supplier of animal-shearing and clipping equipment. The sensors, which are based on SAW (surface acoustic wave) technology, are being used by the company as an aid to evaluating the performance of miniature electric motors. To address motor-selection issues and, in particular, to assist in the development of a handheld sheep shear, Lister Shearing decided to set up a motor test rig that would allow the performance of motors from various suppliers to be compared quickly and easily. A key requirement for this rig was that it should be able to accurately determine the torque produced by each motor and its speed under a range of operating conditions. Torqsense sensors depend on surface acoustic wave transducers that comprise of two thin metal electrodes, in the form of interlocking fingers, on a piezoelectric substrate such as quartz. When an RF signal of the

Parker Gas Generators for Life-Sciences Sector

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Parker Hannifin has signed a strategic partnership with life-science analytical solutions provider AB Sciex to enhance its distribution network for its Parker Balston LCMS gas generators. Under the agreement, AB Sciex will resell, install and service the Parker technologies, allowing the company to penetrate the European and Asian markets. Parker has provided a comprehensive training and support suite to the AB Sciex field sales and service groups, forming part of a long-term programme for both companies to develop new technologies for the life-sciences sector. Parker's laboratory gas generators have been specifically designed to meet and exceed the gas flow, purity and pressure requirements of the latest generation of LC/MS instruments. Indeed, these systems deliver pure nitrogen for curtain gas, pure zero grade air as gas-1/gas-2 source gases and dry -40C dew-point air as source exhaust, at flow rates ranging from 12l/minute to 40l/minute. Although supplied as complete systems,

Vibratory Equipment Targets the Recycling Industry

Mogensen Raw Materials Handling is a specialist manufacturer of vibratory screens, feeders, conveyors, sizers and open-ended, non-clogging grizzlies known as Divergators for the recycling industry. Many recycling plants find it essential to use vibratory equipment somewhere in their processes to loosen, carry out preliminary separation on, spread and/or size the incoming materials. Examples of processes that would not be able to operate effectively without this sort of assistance include magnetic, eddy current, ballistic, optical-electronic and air separation, all of which are found in the recycling industry. According to Mogensen, within the recycling sector the processing of waste materials from the construction industry has shown the most marked increase in recent years. This includes the dewatering and sizing of sand and recycled aggregates, the sizing of wood products and glass, and also the screening of waste plasterboard following the banning in the European Union of consignin

Pollard Cuts Lead Times with ABX Turn-Mill Center

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Miyano has revealed how Pollard Engineering has used the 15-axis ABX-64 TH3 turn-mill centre to slash lead times and increase flexibility. The decision by the company to install the Miyano ABX has been rewarded on the production of the first four batches of hydraulic system components; lead times were reduced by completing components in a single operation and, as an example, a particular spool component that required 10 separate production set-ups is now produced in just two. The Miyano ABX has the ability to utilise its two upper three-axis turrets with the main 15kW and secondary 7.5kW spindles with a lower three-axis turret that can service either or both spindles in a cycle. This has allowed Pollard Engineering to increase its reputation with customers and attract more business. Mark Cummings, foreman of Pollard Engineering's machine shop, said: 'We have so far tooled up four very complex components, but one particular multi-featured hydraulic spool now combines 10 previo

Reach Delivery Service Enables Chemical Compliance

Reach Delivery International is to launch Reach Delivery to enable chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and downstream users to meet a key requirement of the EU Reach legislation. The service will enable manufacturers, importers, distributors and downstream users to guarantee the secure delivery and receipt of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and associated documentation when they ship chemical substances to customers within Europe. The launch, open to all companies worldwide, is scheduled for 10 January 2011. To comply with Reach, vendors are now responsible for ensuring the delivery of SDS and associated documentation to their customers and for keeping these documents up-to-date in the event of any changes or clarifications. Suppliers will no longer be able to simply publish these documents on a website or in a catalogue of SDS for customers to access. Sending the latest SDS in the post or by e-mail will be inadequate as companies will not be able to guarantee delivery, nor reco

Enterprise 10.2 Allows Project/Resource Management

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Planview has announced Planview Enterprise 10.2, a PPM offering that is designed to improve the interactivity, performance and scalability of enterprise-class project and resource management. This version continues the company's collaboration with Microsoft Silverlight 4 and includes a range of customer-driven enhancements. Using new Silverlight components, this version of Planview Enterprise delivers desktop-like performance while maintaining all of the advantages of browser-based applications. These features provide project managers with the power and capability to better manage their growing project and resource portfolios. The resulting high level of interactivity allows users to be more productive and gain more insight into their businesses. The release also includes a new interactive Gantt chart that allows users to quickly and easily modify project schedules and view complex information in a simple, graphical format. With Silverlight as its platform, this intuitive and r

Infrared Instrument Detects Hydrocarbon Gases

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Crowcon's IRmax is an ultra-compact infrared (IR) gas detector that delivers rapid, failsafe detection of hydrocarbon gases with very low power consumption. Said to be smaller and lighter than comparable IR detectors, the IRmax is easy to install in even the most inaccessible locations. Featuring dual-wavelength IR sensor technology in a rugged 316 stainless-steel package, IRmax is designed to operate in the harshest conditions in temperatures ranging from -40 to 75C. IRmax features Stay-Clir optical components that are treated with a highly durable coating that prevents faults due to condensation. Because IRmax contains no components for artificially heating optical surfaces, power consumption is reduced and the device requires only 1W of power - 75-90 per cent lower than conventional IR gas detectors, according to the company. IRmax detectors require smaller and lower-cost power supplies and battery back-up systems. In addition, low power consumption also means that longer ca

Parker Technology Controls Hydraulic Systems

Parker Hannifin has provided a range Iqan hydraulic products to demonstrate the application of electronic control in hydraulic systems at the National Fluid Power Centre. The Iqan technology has been set up to illustrate the power, flexibility and configurability of embedded controllers, as part of the Stage 3 Mobile Electro-Hydraulics Systems course at the centre. Formed as the commercial arm of North Nottinghamshire College in April 2000, the National Fluid Power Centre offers a range of specialist and bespoke training programmes that help keep engineers abreast of the ever-changing technology and best-practice procedures within the industry. Service engineers that work in the industry come to the centre for vocational training to gain extra skills that can be used to enhance performance and productivity in the workplace on a day-to-day basis. Among the Iqan products in use is an Iqan MD3 master display module, which is fully programmable for machine applications as a graphical use

Geo Kingsbury Introduces Hermle VMC

Hermle has added a machining centre to its range of vertical-spindle machines, which is applicable to the tool- and mould-making sector, the medical and aerospace industries, plus precision job shops. Sole UK agent, Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, said that the design of the C 22 U offers maximum flexibility, as the user can choose between three- and five-axis configurations, as well as different options for table, spindle, tooling, coolant delivery, swarf management and automation. The layout of the C 22 U is based on the manufacturer's gantry design with staggered Y-axis slideways, mineral cast bed for good vibration damping and, in the case of the five-axis model, a trunnion-mounted rotary table. Working envelope is 450 x 600 x 330mm in X, Y and Z, all linear axis motions being above the table. In the 'dynamic' version of the machining centre, acceleration of 15m/s2 (1.5g) to rapid traverse speeds of 50m/min are achieved in X, Y and Z. In combination with torque motors

Float Switches for Use in Hazardous Areas

JBJ is offering a range of hazardous-area float switches with type SDB-14 terminal boxes that have been Atex certified by the manufacturer. The 1E-AN1 and 1E-AN2 float switches have been Atex certified in accordance with the requirements specified within directive 94/9/EC. For more information on these products, refer to the pdf on the right-hand side of this page.

DSM Materials Suit Injection-Moulding Applications

DSM Engineering Plastics has introduced an additional five grades to its Ecopaxx range of bio-based, high-performance engineering plastics for high-tech applications. Ecopaxx is a polyamide (PA) 410 and belongs to the family of the long-chain polyamides. It pairs typical long-chain polyamide properties, such as low moisture absorption and chemical resistance, with high melting point and high crystallisation rate (typical for engineering plastics such as Akulon PA66 and Stanyl PA 46). Ecopaxx is bio-based and has zero carbon footprint; 70 per cent of the polymer consists of building blocks derived from castor oil as a renewable resource. The five new grades of Ecopaxx have been developed especially for injection-moulding purposes. Ecopaxx Q150-D is a general-purpose, unfilled injection-moulding grade. Potential applications include castor wheels, household equipment and so on. Ecopaxx Q-HG6 and Q-HG10 are glass-reinforced (30 per cent and 50 per cent), heat-stabilised injection-mouldi

SKF Ball Bearing Unit Boosts Engine Efficiency

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SKF has developed a ball bearing unit to improve turbocharger performance in a wide range of applications in automotive, marine, energy, construction and agricultural sectors. The Turbocharger ball bearing unit is said to cut fuel consumption by up to two per cent and reduce CO2 emissions by three per cent, in comparison with traditional plain bearing systems. With a minimum number of components, the compact ball bearing unit is said to be easy to assemble in order to reduce installation time and costs. This customised, precision product uses a double-row ball bearing design to minimise frictional losses and ensure higher running accuracy than conventional plain bearing units, as well as reduce turbo lag at low speeds, according to SKF. The unit incorporates wear-resistant ceramic rolling elements that can function at high temperatures and under poor lubrication conditions to generate lower centrifugal loads at high speeds, while also being able to withstand high thrust loads to maxi

Siemens PLM Software Speeds F1 Developments

Red Bull Racing has developed and manufactured its championship-winning car using product lifecycle management (PLM) software from Siemens. The software forms the digital backbone of the manufacturing process and enables new components to be designed at high speed on the computer, sent into production seconds later via a mouse click and then built into the vehicle. This speeds up development and improves lap times. 'Siemens PLM software plays an important role within the company feeding data from our design engineers to our manufacturing facilities,' said Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull Racing. In addition, Siemens is now reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the team's factory buildings and production systems in Milton Keynes, UK. Products manufactured within the F1 sector have to be developed and manufactured as fast as possible. Minimal changes in configuration can affect the entire performance of the car. During the brief periods between ra

JBJ supplies thermostats with Atex certification

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JBJ has announced that its TRI type thermostats are Atex certified by the manufacturer in accordance with the requirements specified within directive 94/9/EC. The thermostat's probe is protected on the TA model by an external sheath, while models TR and TS are protected by a double sheath - the internal one is for explosion-proof equipment while the external one is a watertight sheath. The 94/9/EC Atex directive is in accordance with the following standards: EN 50014 (1997) + A1 e A2, EN 50018 (2000), EN 50281-1-1 (1999) + A1. Type of protection include II 2 GD EEx d IIB+H2 T6 IP65 T85C and II 2 GD EEx d IIB+H2 T5 IP65 T100C. The ambient temperature operating range is -20C to +40C and -20C to +60C. For more information on these products, refer to the pdf on the right-hand side of this page.

RDP Develops Signal Amplifiers for LVDTs

A range of low-profile DIN-rail-mounted amplifiers from RDP Electronics have been designed to provide excitation and signal amplification for LVDTs and a wide range of other inductive transducers. The DR7DC strain-gauge amplifier is compatible with most full-bridge strain-gauge transducers. System engineering and earth loop problems are reduced thanks to full isolation between the DC supply side (9V to 36V) and the amplified output with low noise levels. Offering transducer excitation options of 1V or 3V RMS, at either 3kHz or 5kHz carrier signal excitation, there is a choice of a full range output of either +/-10V or 4-20mA from switched selectable input signal levels ranging from 20mV to 4V RMS. The DR7AC and DR7DC amplifiers offer thermal stability, with a dynamic response that is flat from static to 250Hz. Both models can operate from a wide range of supplies that includes batteries, road vehicle supplies and the usual factory 24V supply. Both the DR7AC and the DR7DC are packaged

Ansys Outlines Numerical Simulation in HEV Design

Ansys has announced details of the latest seminar in its live series, which will focus on the use of numerical simulation in hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV) design. Scheduled to take place on 7 December 2010 at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire, UK, the event will include keynote speeches on the emerging issues facing the development of HEVs, as well as a number of workshops to demonstrate how simulation can accelerate the design processes while saving costs. The seminar is aimed at automotive engineers, mechanical engineers and designers, package designers, semiconductor/component designers, engineering managers and product designers. It will highlight how comprehensive numerical simulation can help to understand, utilise and optimise the tight interplay of physics that occur at both the component and systems level of HEVs. The sessions will cover a range of areas including: electrochemistry and electrical-thermal interaction in battery packs; electric machine design; op

RDP Torque Sensors Aid Assembly Line Calibration

The Model 2133-300 Series reaction socket torque sensor from RDP's Lebow range is designed for torque wrench calibration applications. Suitable for production and assembly line use to set, measure and monitor torque of nuts, the sensor can be used in conjunction with conventional ratchet sets. Adaptable for portable use without the need for special adapter tools, the Model 2133-300 offers +/-0.1 per cent of rated output repeatability of torque measurements, with capacity ranges from 10 to 1,000ft/lb.

Rotork Provides Control System for Solar Plants

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Rotork has announced that its IQ intelligent electric valve actuators with Rotork Pakscan two-wire digital control systems are in use throughout solar-power plants in Spain. Rotork Iberia has worked closely with the Renovables SAMCA to integrate an IQPro actuation and control system at the recently completed La Dehesa and La Florida installations in the state of Badajoz, Spain. The decision to use Rotork's Pakscan P3 control system was assisted by its long range bus capabilities and the cost savings it can provide. Each Pakscan P3 master station can operate a bus loop of up to 20km in length with no deterioration in communication performance or the need for repeaters, making it suitable for the spacious environment of a solar-power plant. Rotork is now on site for a retrofit project on both of the plants' HTF (Heat Transfer Fluid) pipework. The HTF pipes carry the heat transfer oil between the parabolic mirrors, the steam plant and the power generation circuits. At each sit

A/V Jack SMT for Consumer/Industrial Applications

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Tyco Electronics has introduced the circular 3.5mm A/V jack SMT (surface-mount technology) for application in consumer/mobile devices as well as industrial and automotive industries. The product features a flexible platform design featuring 3.5mm A/V jack versions with or without collar (otherwise known as behind the shell), with rectangular or round collar, with or without switch, and so on. Other features include a minimised component count and use of low-cost contacts that make it cost-effective while enhancing the product quality.

Single-Board Computer Suitable for Control Boxes

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Aaeon has launched the EPIC-QM57, an EPIC single-board computer sized at 115 x 165mm to fall between the 3.5in SubCompact board and a Mini-ITX motherboard, suiting it to embedded-system developers. The EPIC-QM57's features make it suitable for industrial control boxes; industrial automation; transportation; test and measurement; security and defence; and government. It supports Intel Core i7/i5 processor with up to two 204-pin SODIMM sockets to support 8GB of DDR3 800/1066 system memory. For high-speed network communications, the device features the Intel 82577LM and Intel 82574L chipsets that support two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Moreover, this model deploys PCI-104 and PCIe/104 connectors as well as a Mini Card slot to offer flexible options for expansion. It comes equipped with rich I/O interfaces, including six USB2.0 ports, four COM ports, mouse, keyboard and eight-bit programmable digital I/O. In addition, two SATA connectors and one Type 2 CompactFlash socket are installed

Line Laser can be Focused without Tools

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Capable of being precisely focused without the use of any tools, the Flexpoint MV Focus line laser features a homogeneous power distribution and a counter screw to prevent accidental readjusment. It has a line width of 40um at a distance of 50mm or 550um at a distance of 1m. Power supply is via an industrial standard four-pin M12 connection and operating voltage is 4.5 - 30VDC. Using an internal power control, the brightness of the module remains unchanged within this voltage range. The laser is protected against reverse polarity and the housing is potential free, meaning other electronic components mounted on the same board remain unaffected. Fan angle (typically 5deg-90deg), wavelength (635nm-905nm) and output power (5uW to 100mW) can be adjusted across a wide range to meet customer's needs. To modulate and increase independence of ambient light or to dim the output power, the lasers can be equipped with a control wire.

MEMS Oscillator Fits Fibre-Channel Applications

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At Electronica 2010, IQD announced the availability of a high-frequency MEMS oscillator for applications such as fibre channel, Ethernet 10G, HDMI, SATAS and USB3. The IQMS-900 series MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) oscillator is available in a frequency range from 1 to 800MHz. The model can be factory programmed with either a LVDS (low-voltage differential source) or LVPECL (low-voltage positive emitter coupled logic) output. The plastic-packaged IQMS-900 series is available in two sizes: 7 x 5 or 5 x 3.2mm. Due to its MEMS technology design, phase jitter is typically 0.7ps at 200MHz. Two supply voltages are available - 3.3 and 2.5V. Frequency stabilities can be specified at +/-10ppm over an operating temperature range of 0 to 70C or +/-15ppm over -40 to 85C. MEMS technology is based on the process techniques of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) and, as such, can be produced on standard production lines in foundries that are more used to producing standard or custom

DC/DC Converter Runs from TEGs and Thermopiles

The LTC3109 is a step-up DC/DC converter and power-management IC that is designed to start up and run from millivolt input voltage sources such as thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and thermopiles. The device's proprietary auto-polarity topology allows it to generate usable power from input voltages as low as +/-30mV, enabling temperature differences as low as +/-1C to be harvested in lieu of traditional battery power. This makes it ideal for energy-harvesting applications in which the input voltage polarity is unknown or is subject to reversal. The LTC3109 uses two standard compact step-up transformers to provide a complete power-management solution. Its 2.2V LDO can power an external microcontroller and its main output is pin selectable to one of four (2.35, 3.3, 4.1 or 5V) fixed voltages to power a sensor, data-acquisition circuits and/or a wireless transmitter. A second switched output can be enabled by the host in order to power devices that do not have a micropower shutdown

Rotary Joints Enable High-Power Transmissions

Link Microtek has introduced a range of dual-channel rotary joints that offer low-loss performance and high power capability over the frequency range 1.5 to 40GHz. The AM-RJ-D series rotary joints can be configured with two waveguide channels or with one waveguide channel and one coaxial channel. The waveguide channels, which would generally be used for high-power transmissions, are available in waveguide sizes from WR28 to WR284, while the coaxial low-power receiver channels can be specified with frequencies from DC to 40GHz. Particularly suitable for use in satellite communications or radar applications, the rotary joints typically have a maximum insertion loss of 0.2-0.3dB, 60dB between the two channels and a power capability of up to 500W. Any standard waveguide flange can be incorporated in the design to suit customers' specific requirements and a range of coaxial connectors is offered, including SMA, N type and TNC. In addition, optional slip-ring assemblies are available

Silicone Coating Protects Electronic Circuitry

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Electrolube has launched DCA-HT, a modified silicone conformal coating that has been designed for the protection of electronic circuitry. DCA-HT is a flexible and transparent product that has been formulated to meet international approvals, including European and US defence standards. Electrolube has designed the coating to meet even the most demanding requirements, with an operating temperature range of -70 to 200C and a high resistance to most solvents, lubricants and chemicals associated with aerospace and automotive applications. It is also highly resistant to mould growth and UV light, and can be sprayed, dipped or brushed. The cured coating meets DEF-STAN 59/47 and IPC-CC-830 standards, and is RoHS compliant (2002/95/EC). Another feature of DCA-HT is its adhesion under all climatic conditions, including high altitude, decompression, moisture and salt spray, making it suitable for a range of applications. DCA-FD is a modified silicone conformal coating that will touch dry in 2

Powersolve Offers Single-Output Power Supplies

Powersolve claims that its PAK1500 and PAK3000 series of compact, single-output power supplies provide high power outputs and a host of features normally found on more expensive units. Both series comprise five models with outputs of 12, 15, 24V, 27V or 48V DC that are programmable for voltage and current via either an external resistor or voltage input. Voltage can be programmed over a range of 30-105 per cent and current from 40-100 per cent. Both models feature a universal AC input of 90-264V AC 50/60Hz and active PFC of 0.98 typical. The PAK1500 Series provides up to 1,500W from a 1.5U profile unit that incorporates features designed to make the power supply easy to use and easy for systems integrators to work with. These include remote sense function, remote on/off, power good signal, current sharing in parallel operation, output short circuit, overvoltage, overload, over-temperature and fan-failure protection. An auxiliary +5V DC/0.5A output is also provided, as are status LE

Butt Hinges Suited for Wall-Mount-Style Cabinets

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Polyamide versions of EMKA's 1056 series butt hinges are now available with cost reductions and are suited for wall-mount-style cabinets or machine-access panels. 1056 hinges in black polyamide come in 40 and 50mm sizes with stainless-steel pins to ensure smooth operation, even in corrosive situations. The hinges are complemented with EMKA's full range of spanner locks, wing handles and over 500 extruded rubber sealing door gasket profiles in EPDM, neoprene and PVC.

Flexray Device Manages Communication Traffic

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Austriamicrosystems has introduced the AS8223, a monolithic Flexray Standard V2.1 Rev B-compliant Active Star Device that manages communication traffic among four Flexray branches of the network. It is expandable to more branches through an Interstar interface. The four branches of the AS8223 operate as a Flexray receiver and transmitter, whereby one of the communication paths is operating as receiver while the others operate as transmitter. Additionally, the AS8223 comes with a host controller interface to achieve active control of the power modes and error diagnosis. An autonomous mode is entered automatically, in which the device operates without the need for a host controller. A communication controller interface is also built into the AS8223 to provide the standard transceiver functionality on the ECU using the AS8223. The AS8223 Flexray Active Star Device is tailored for automotive gateways with embedded Flexray Active Star functionality. Connecting several devices at its Inter

IP Core Suitable for Broadcom-Inclusive Networks

Lattice Semiconductor has announced the immediate availability of the HiGig MAC IP core for its low-cost LatticeECP3 FPGA range, for interconnecting multiple devices to operate as one logical network. Providing features such as quality of service (QoS), mirroring and link aggregation, the new Lattice IP core will allow designers to implement low-cost networks using Broadcom devices. The HiGig MAC ensures that the Media Access rules specified in the 802.3ae IEEE standard and HiGig Protocol definitions are met while transmitting a frame of data over Ethernet. On the receiver side, it extracts the different components of a frame and transfers them to higher applications through a FIFO interface. Compliant with Broadcom HiGig and HiGig2 protocol definitions, the HiGig MAC IP core has a 64-bit wide internal data path operating at a maximum frequency of 156MHz on the LatticeECP3 FPGA. The core provides XGMII and XAUI interfaces to the PHY layer and supports variable-sized packet transmissi

Kalrez Seals Ideal for Oil and Gas Industries

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UK sealing specialist Dichtomatik has announced the availability of the Kalrez 0090 perfluoroelastomer O-ring seal products from Dupont Performance Polymers. These products have been developed by Dupont to provide resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD) combined with broad chemical resistance, as experienced in the harsh environments of the oil and gas industries. As an official authorised distributor of Dupont Kalrez products, Dichtomatik can offer full technical support for customers experiencing sealing problems involving extreme temperature or pressure conditions combined with aggressive fluids. Dupont products are said to deliver durable and reliable sealing solutions for both down-hole and surface-level equipment such as packers, pumps and valves as well as many general chemical handling and processing applications. Kalrez 0090 has achieved the highest 0000 rating in the Norsok M-710 Rev 2 tests recently conducted in the UK by the Materials Engineering Research Laboratory (

Seminar Dedicated to UK Offshore Wind Industry

The National Metals Technology Centre (Namtec) has organised a seminar dedicated to the opportunities available in the offshore wind industry, set to take place on 8 December 2010. The half-day seminar will be held at Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield, and will begin at 08:30. It will start with an introduction by Alan McLelland from AEM Yorkshire to the offshore wind sector in the UK. Keynote speakers include industry figures working in the renewable energy divisions of Siemens Transmission and Distribution, Able UK, David Brown Gear Systems and the MTL group, along with representatives of Yorkshire Forward and Mainstream Renewable Power. The event will also provide an opportunity for manufacturers to network with other suppliers in the offshore wind industry to look at the opportunities for collaboration and to share best practice.

YSI Water Quality Monitors are Mcerts Certified

YSI has announced that its Professional Series of portable water quality monitors have been awarded an Mcerts certificate at WWEM 2010. The certificate was awarded following trials conducted by the Environment Agency of England and Wales (EA). Mcerts is the EA's monitoring certification scheme, which is designed to assure the quality and reliability of environmental measurements. Mcerts is comprised of a number of different schemes, one of which applies to instruments that are employed in the continuous monitoring of water, which includes samplers, flowmeters and online water quality monitors. YSI was presented with an Mcerts certificate for the 6 series sondes in 2008 and the new certificate expands the range of Mcertified equipment now available from YSI.

Detector Raises Alarm in Event of Water Leak

Deeter Electronics has launched a leak detector intended for raising the alarm in the event of a water leak in data centres, server rooms and building basements. The Deeter leak detector system comprises a leak detector controller mounted in a UL94-V0 flame retardant 35mm DIN-rail housing, and IP65 sensor heads, which can be connected in a daisy chain. The leak detector controller is available with a 230VAC mains input or a 24V (AC or DC) power input. It is equipped with a bank of six DIP switches, which are used to configure the leak detector outputs. Two output types are available: alarm on when a leak is detected with automatic reset when water is no longer present; and alarm on when a leak is discovered, latching on until the leak detector controller is reset by an operator. Connections to the leak detector controller are made via two sets of six screw terminals. The leak detector can detect and warn of system faults such as a break in any of the three leak sensor wires, no termi

De-Scaling Units Solve Mine Pipe Fouling Problem

Environmental Concept Services has revealed that its Enigma electronic de-scaling units have been installed on feed pipes at the Neves-Corvo copper mine to solve hard-water problems. The ore treatment is carried out by conventional crushing, flotation, grinding, thickening and filtration processes. The copper plant treats up to 2.2 million tonnes of ore each year, producing high-grade copper concentrate mainly for the export market. As part of the process, Somincor Mining Company - which operates the mine - need to store tailings pyrites in a 190-hectare dam, 3km from the mine itself and water from the dam is used in the industrial process. In order to balance the very high pH levels in the dam, between 10 and 20 tonnes of lime needs to be introduced into the system each day. As a result, three pipes of between 35cm and 40cm diameter feeding the industrial tank required constant chemical and mechanical cleaning. Various methods of cleaning had been tried, including injecting CO2 di

Workstation Allows Small-Batch Chemical Production

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The semi-automated RC1sp Small Scale Production Workstation enables the production of small batches of high-value chemicals for traceable, reproducible and more profitable reaction results. 'The RC1sp offers a safe and controlled way to produce building blocks, intermediates, pre-clinical batches and resin materials at the highest quality, even for the most sensitive and selective chemistry and precision-based business segments such as semi-conductors,' said Urs Groth, marketing communication manager, reaction engineering, Mettler Toledo. 'Consistency and quality in-lab ensures desired reactivity in downline processes,' he added. The flexible RC1sp workstation allows for partially or fully automatic processing. Manual process issues associated with round-bottom flasks and jacketed lab reactor setups can be eliminated. For safety under vigorous reaction conditions, the self-contained design reduces the risk of operator exposure to hazardous materials. The RC1sp's t

ETS Launches Particulate Measurement System

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Enviro Technology Services (ETS) has launched the FAI SWAM5a Dual Channel, a flexible particulate measurement system. Ambient particulate measurement is generally carried out in two ways, either by continuous automatic mass measurement using a monitor or by manual sampling and subsequent gravimetric weighing using a sampler. Particulates (especially the very small size fractions PM10 and PM2.5), along with NO2, present one of the biggest air pollution challenges. The FAI SWAM5a Dual Channel is Mcerts approved and meets the criteria for EN12341 and EN14907. It is a beta-attenuation mass monitor giving 24-hourly means, a gravimetric sampler in accordance with the EU reference methods and measures and samples two channels simultaneously - for example, PM10 and PM2.5 or PM10 and TSP. The sequential sampler enables up to 36 days unattended operation when set for 24-hour sampling (or 16 days if dual channel) and it can simultaneously sample and measure two size fractions together in one

Engineered Software to Showcase Pipe-Flo at Event

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Engineered Software is to present on topics related to fluid dynamics and showcase its Pipe-Flo product line at the Valve World Conference in Dusseldorf, Germany, on 30 November to 2 December 2010. Ray Hardee, chief engineer and chief executive officer at Engineered Software, will be presenting two back-to-back sessions. The first, entitled 'Comparison of Resistance Coefficient Calculation Methods for Various Valves and Fittings under Turbulent and Laminar Flow Conditions', will begin at 09:00 on 2 December. The information covered in this session is based upon research conducted during update process to Crane Technical Paper 410. The second session, which will follow immediately after at 09:30, is entitled 'Using Fluid Flow Simulation Software to Troubleshoot Problems with Control Valves in Operating Piping Systems'. The Pipe-Flo product line is used by designers and operators to gain a clear picture of their fluid piping systems. The program allows users to visualis

Landia Anoxic Mixers Gently Treat Activated Sludge

Landia has announced that it has completed the installation of more than 100 anoxic/selector POP-1 mixers as part of its framework agreement with Yorkshire Water Services. The single-source supply framework agreement, which was partly secured by a low-maintenance sealing system specially adapted by Landia to meet Yorkshire Water Services' requirements, has also seen the mixers meet all low-energy, reliability and anti-ragging impeller requirements. At the company's flagship site at Esholt near Bradford, 40 Landia mixers (all with stainless steel mounting equipment) have been put into successful operation, providing gentle treatment of activated sludge in continuous applications where sedimentation in anoxic or anaerobic tanks must be prevented.

Porvair System Used to Dry Oligonucleotide Samples

Porvair Sciences has announced that a manufacturer of ready-made oligonucleotides has standardised on its Ultravap Blowdown Station for the careful drying of its production samples. 'This important life-science customer has invested in five Ultravap systems in the US with two more on order and two to date installed in Europe,' said Steve Knight, sales and marketing manager at Porvair. 'For this customer looking to integrate a sample drying system into its production environment, the ability of the Ultravap to also automate dry down and store regularly used protocols was critical,' he added. Designed to quickly and safely remove solvents from 96- or 384-well plates, the Ultravap Blowdown Station is a versatile tool that is proven to optimise microplate sample preparation productivity. The Ultravap achieves high sample throughput through advanced evaporator head technology and a manifold design that directly injects heated nitrogen into each individual well of the micro

Fortress Simplifies Switchgear Interlocking

Fortress Interlocks has explained how it is able to simplify switchgear interlocking to protect personnel and plant in distribution systems. The company has extensive experience in ensuring that earth/ground switches cannot be closed on live busbars and that isolation procedures are strictly adhered to. Fortress recognises that creating a simple interlocking scheme is critical - no one wants to work with a system that is too complex to follow; operators will simply look for shortcuts. In many power distribution projects, key interlocks are often left to the last minute to source and fit, which can result in confusion on site during final commissioning. Larger projects also have the added complication of multiple switchgear suppliers who, unless key interlocks are specified, often supply their standard product, which can be awkward and unsuitable. Involving Fortress in the initial stages of designing the interlocking system saves time and money via custom-built key interlock systems t

Large-Area Filters Designed for Catalyst Recovery

Porvair Filtration has developed high-performance filters for the recovery and retention of valuable catalyst fines emitted or lost from industrial processes. For this application, the company can supply metallic and polymeric large-area (20m2) filter media in both cartridge (pleated) and element (cylindrical) forms with a variety of end hardware to suit any housing or vessel configuration. The metallic filters utilise sintered metal powder (Sinterflo P) and sintered metal fibre (Sinterflo F) with woven wire meshes where necessary. The ability to enhance or modify the filter media ensures performance criteria can be achieved to meet specific process conditions. Drawing upon specialist fabrication skills and techniques at Porvair Filtration is able to produce complete element or cartridge builds, along with the construction of complete tubeplate and vessel assemblies.

Controlyo Technology for Nucleation Control

An SP Scientific video shows how Controlyo nucleation on-demand technology can be used to control the nucleation of a product during freezing, such that the entire product nucleates at the same time. Using an example of freeze-drying samples in vials, the video illustrates how Controlyo technology enables the freezing step to be much more repeatable and allows potentially greater control over cycle optimisation. SP Scientific has signed a license agreement with Praxair to utilise Praxair's Controlyo nucleation on-demand technology, which provides pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with precise control over the freeze-drying process for drug developmental efforts. This technology was developed to specifically control the freezing step of lyophilisation. Freeze drying (also known as lyophilisation) is a method of drying products whereby the material is frozen (made chemically inactive) and then placed under vacuum while energy, in the form of heat, is added so that the ice