Industrial Factory Automation

EPOS (easy to use positioning system) is being expanded again in a second generation. Several variants of the EPOS2 24/2 positioning controller permit the use of various brushed DC motors with encoder or brushless EC motors with Hall sensors and encoder up to 48 Watts. As with all other maxon motor EPOS products, the EPOS2 24/2 was developed specifically for commanding and controlling in the CANopen network. USB and RS232 are available as further communication interfaces. The variety of operating modes, such as position, velocity and current mode, means they can be used flexibly in automation technology, tool building and in mechatronic drive systems. There are also functions such as «Step/Direction Mode» for the incrementally controlled movement of the motor shaft or «Master Encoder Mode» for applying the drive as electronic gearing. Commanding through an analog set value voltage may replace conventional servo amplifier applications. The EPOS2 24/2 features outstanding motion contro...

Every single maxon motor clearly proves how high performance can be packed in a miniature space without efficiency and reliability falling by the wayside; for many years, every day, millionfold. How to fit 170 Watts of power in a Ø40 x 80 mm, palm-sized housing is being demonstrated by the new brushless direct current motor EC 40. The new EC 40 is characterized in particular by two things; high quality materials and superb technical data. In respect to materials, the motor features a neodymium permanent magnet, stainless steel housing and welded flanges. Even a glance at the technical data implies big things: very flat speed/torque gradient (about 3.7 rpm/mNm), mechanical time constant 2.1 ms, permissible speed 18'000 rpm, and efficiency 89%. The ironless winding offers extra quiet running and high stall torque. As all maxon motors, the EC 40 can be combined with a multitude of components, such as encoders or gears. As a new member, the permanent magnet brake AB 32 joins the maxo...

The successful series of brushless EC 45 flat motors gets an addition to the family. A completely newly designed 70 Watts version joins the family, pushing the already remarkably high power limit, once again. The new EC 45 flat 70 W displays a very flat speed/torque gradient and unifies novel features with proven characteristics: flange pattern, fixation and socket are identical to the existing EC 45 flat 50 Watt version. And nonetheless, the new 70 Watt motor delivers 38% more torque. The EC 45 flat 70 W possesses outstanding key data. Among others, it delivers a max. continuous torque of 130 mNm at an efficiency of up to 85%, thus making it the excellent choice for the use in self-contained drive systems as well as in industrial automation applications. The new EC 45 flat 70 W is available with Hall sensors and comes in four windings (24, 30, 36, 48 V). It can be combined with more than 54 different planetary and spur gearheads of series GP 42 C and GS 45 A. For control purposes, ...

The ESCON 36/2 DC is the first product in the new servo controller range by maxon motor and shows how user-friendly drive technology can be. The extremely compact, powerful 4-quadrant PWM servo controller offers efficient control of brushed permanent-magnet activated DC motors up to approx. 72 W. With its unsurpassed power density, it is the embodiment of the degree of miniaturization that is currently possible in the field of servo controller technology. It is hardly possible to pack more power, more functionality, more convenience and more protection in such small dimensions with today's level of technology. The ESCON 36/2 DC has excellent control properties and a very fast digital current controller with an enormous bandwidth for optimal motor current/torque control. The drift-free yet extremely dynamic speed behavior enables a speed range of 1 to 150,000 rpm. The little miracle provides a wide range of functions, with fully configurable digital and analog inputs and outputs. ...

congatec AG, a leading manufacturer of embedded computer modules, introduces the conga-CA6 module, which is based on the new Intel® Atom™ E6xx processor series and the Intel® Platform Controller Hub EG20 for COM Express Type 2. All components of this embedded design are specified for the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85°C, making the conga-CA6 an ideal solution for extreme applications. With a power consumption of less than 5 Watt and a compact size of 95 x 95 mm, the new computer-on modules are an excellent fit for applications in the medical and automation sector. In portable devices, long battery life as a result of optimized power consumption and battery management is a direct cost saving factor. Hyperthreading technology allows the logical division of the physical processor core for multi-processing with two separate processors. This means that safety-critical applications can run on a real-time operating system on a logical core that is separate from the graphical use...

congatec AG, a leading manufacturer of embedded computer modules, is giving the ETX and XTX form factors a viable future with the integration of AMD Fusion technology. Modules based on AMD Fusion processors deliver significant improvements with regard to performance and scalability. Intel’s discontinuation of the 855 chipset family left a major gap in the market particularly for ETX computer modules, which primarily affected the higher performance range of applications. This gap has now been closed by processor manufacturer AMD with the Fusion architecture. Fusion also opens up new perspectives for a wide range of innovative and graphics-oriented applications.congatec has integrated the AMD Fusion architecture into its product range of ETX and XTX COM modules, opening up new scalability options for this form factor to meet even the most demanding tasks. The company supports the Fusion architecture with two new COM modules: conga-EAF and conga-XAF. While conga-EAF is an ETX module, co...

congatec AG, a leading manufacturer of embedded computer modules, is guaranteeing a sustainable future and broad scalability for the ETX standard with the launch of the conga-EAF Computer-on-Module (COM). With a choice of seven AMD G-Series processors, the conga-EAF also offers the best price/performance ratio. Ranging from the AMD T56N 1.6 GHz Dual Core (L1 cache 64KB, L2 Cache 512KB x2, 18 W) multi-core processor to the AMD G-T40R 1.0 GHz (L1 cache 64KB, L2 cache 512KB, 5.5W) single-core processor with extremely low power consumption, the conga-EAF provides a perfect form-fit function setup for ETX. congatec is thereby granting all ETX applications a life-time extension into a second generation. A particularly noteworthy benefit of the new COMs is native PCI support. ETX applications are based on this primary data bus and therefore continue to rely on unlimited data transfer for the connection of PCI peripherals. Direct native 32-bit PCI support from the chipset has substantial adv...

congatec AG, a leading manufacturer of embedded computer modules, announces the expansion of its Qseven product line. The conga-QAF Qseven module, which is based on the AMD Embedded G-Series, is the first module to combine high graphics performance, dual core processing power and low power consumption in such a small form factor. It is therefore a perfect solution for cost-sensitive low-power control and visualization applications. The conga-QAF is available in two processor variants: AMD G-Series G-T40E 1.0 GHz Dual Core (6.4 W); and AMD G-Series G-T40R 1.0 GHz Single Core (5.5 W) with up to 4 GB of low power onboard DDR3 memory. The integrated graphics core with the Universal Video Decoder 3.0 for seamless processing of Blu-ray content via HDCP (1080p), MPEG-2, HD and DivX (MPEG-4) video supports DirectX® 11 and OpenGL 4.0 for fast 2D and 3D image display and OpenGL 1.1. LVDS. DisplayPort and HDMI graphics interfaces are provided. The AMD G-Series graphics unit can also be used for...

Two Powerstrip complete can drying systems are now in use at Carlsberg’s Northampton site. Cans of beers are dried at very high speed. The Powerstrips are being used after the pasteurising process, and before packing. Mild detergent based lubricants used to ease the passage of cans through the conveyor system can become concentrated on can tops due to evaporation of water. If moisture form the pasteurising process is left on the can, cans can then become subject to stress corrosion at the final packaging stage. To counter the problem, can manufacturers, beverage producers and major supermarkets have jointly agreed a new standard of dryness that ensures that the cans are in optimum condition. Secomak’s Powerstrip systems are the first to be able to perform this function at the high speeds required. High speed lines require special consideration with regard to the handling of the cans through the drying machine, and positioning of the airknives in relation to the can in order to meet t...

The modern production lines in the Food and Drinks Industry demand high speed drying which is quiet, energy efficient, reliable and easy to clean and maintain, whilst providing a level of dryness which is a challenge to the laws of aero-thermodynamics and physics. Any lay-person will understand the drying problems encountered with wet, glazed surfaces in the washing-up process and the dewatering and demisting of vehicle windscreens. In the industrial process, the time available for these drying operations reduces from minutes to hundredths of a second. With the increase in line speeds there is an increased requirement for a studied approach to container drying – it is now a specialist subject in its own right. Simply trusting to a crude compressed air or blower driven solution will not be enough as drying expectations increase. An investigation of drying equipment on food and drink lines will show that there are already many different approaches to drying problems. A canning factory ...

With the Ashcroft® isolation ring, the instrument is in contact with the fill fluid, not directly with the process flow.  Clogging or fouling is never a problem.  The Iso-Ring has a flexible inner cylinder, behind which is the fill fluid.  As process liquid flows through the pipe, it exerts pressure.  The pressure exerted by the fill fluid is then monitored by the instrument-sensing element.  A 360-degree flexible cylinder means no plugging, assuring reliable and accurate pressure readings.  A built-in threaded needle valve is provided as standard.  This permits the removal of a pressure instrument for calibration, repair, or replacement without shutting down the process flow. Adaptable to a variety of process conditions and applications, the Ashcroft® Iso-Ring can be used for protection of instrumentation such as pressure gauges, switches, transmitters, recorders and transducers.  The Iso-Ring fits between customer-supplied piping flanges like ...

The new Ashcroft® Model GC55 is a compact high differential pressure transducer, ideal for filter monitoring, HVAC hydronic cooling and heating systems and pump controls.  A three wire 4-20 mA or 1-5 Vdc output signal connects the transducer to external controls or data acquisition. The GC55 contains two polysilicon thin film sensors with welded Stainless Steel wetted components to accommodate wet or dry pressure media up to 300 psid.  A robust cast aluminum housing features a bright LED front panel display for local indication along with a button to allow the user to select between the dP value and the line pressure readings from either sensor.  The user also has the ability to re-range the transducer and set trip points for the on-board switch contacts. BENEFITS & FEATURES: Two sensor design is well suited for high dP ranges Robust aluminum die cast housing Bright LED display of pressure and switch status All Stainless Steel wetted parts Ranges from 75 to 30...

PLUS!™ Performance is available on eight different Ashcroft® pressure gauges, in a broad choice of service-types, sizes and configurations. When your pressure gauge's pointer is in constant motion, it's hard to take a meaningful reading. Common in many installations, pointer flutter is usually caused by pulsation from pumps and compressors or from the natural vibration of the equipment that it's attached to. So how do you fix the problem? Simply select Ashcroft® pressure gauges with the patented PLUS!™ Performance option. A lowerpriced alternative to liquid-filled gauges, the PLUS!™ Performance option brings new technology to mechanical pressure instrumentation. Longer-lasting and rock steady, PLUS!™ pressure gauges use an innovative pointer stabilization appliance within the movement to provide the dampening benefits of liquid-filled gauges in a dry configuration. Limiting pointer flutter also inhibits movement wear. With PLUS!™ Performance, you can expect your gauge to ...

The comprehensive line of Ashcroft® diaphragm seals will meet a wide variety of application or installation requirements.  Over 30,000 variations are possible with the types, connections and materials available. The top housing and diaphragm capsule are interchangeable with all Ashcroft® bottom housings. A fill/bleed connection is standard, which permits filling the seal and instrument simultaneously after evacuation and allows the fill to flow into the completed unit. A Viton O-ring , compatible  with all standard fill fluids, and a Teflon back-up ring provide a seal between the diaphragm capsule and the top housing. A thin Teflon PTFE gasket between the diaphragm and bottom housing assures a leak-tight corrosion resistant seal even at high pressure. Top housing and pressure instrument are removable. Continuous-duty design will prevent loss of process fluid if pressure instrument is removed or fails.   

The LTC®4227 offers ideal diode and Hot Swap™ functions for two power rails by controlling external N-channel MOSFETs. MOSFETs acting as ideal diodes replace two high power Schottky diodes and the associated heat sinks, saving power and board area. A Hot Swap control MOSFET allows a board to be safely inserted and removed from a live backplane by limiting inrush current. The supply output is also protected against short-circuit faults with a fast acting current limit and internal timed circuit breaker. The LTC4227 regulates the forward voltage drop across the MOSFETs to ensure smooth current transfer from one supply to the other without oscillation. The ideal diodes turn on quickly to reduce the load voltage droop during supply switchover. If the input supply fails or is shorted, a fast turn-off minimizes reverse-current transients. The LTC4227 allows turn-on/off control, and reports fault and power good status for the supply. The LTC4227-1 features a latch-off circuit breaker, while...

The LTC2870/LTC2871 are robust pin-configurable multiprotocol transceivers, supporting RS232, RS485, and RS422 protocols, operating on a single 3V to 5.5V supply. The LTC2870 can be configured as two RS232 single-ended transceivers or one RS485 differential transceiver on shared I/O lines. The LTC2871 offers independent control of two RS232 transceivers and one RS485 transceiver, each on dedicated I/O lines. Pin-controlled integrated termination resistors allow for easy interface reconfiguration, eliminating external resistors and control relays. Half-duplex switches allow four-wire and two-wire RS485 configurations. Loopback mode steers the driver inputs to the receiver outputs for diagnostic self-test.The RS485 receivers support up to 256 nodes per bus, and feature full failsafe operation for floating, shorted or terminated inputs. An integrated DC/DC boost converter uses a small inductor and one capacitor, eliminating the need for multiple supplies for driving RS232 levels.

The LTC®6946 is a high performance, low noise, 5.7GHz phase-locked loop (PLL) with a fully integrated VCO, including a reference divider, phase-frequency detector (PFD) with phase-lock indicator, ultralow noise charge pump, integer feedback divider, and VCO output divider. The charge pump contains selectable high and low voltage clamps useful for VCO monitoring. The integrated low noise VCO uses no external components. It is internally calibrated to the correct output frequency with no external system support. The part features a buffered, programmable VCO output divider with a range of 1 through 6, providing a wide frequency range.

The MAX11618–MAX11621/MAX11624/MAX11625 are serial 10-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with an internal reference. These devices feature on-chip FIFO, scan mode, internal clock mode, internal averaging, and AutoShutdown™. The maximum sampling rate is 300ksps using an external clock. The MAX11624/MAX11625 have 16 input channels, the MAX11620/MAX11621 have 8 input channels, and the MAX11618/MAX11619 have 4 input channels. These six devices operate from either a +3V supply or a +5V supply, and contain a 10MHz SPI™-/QSPI™-/MICROWIRE™-compatible serial port. The MAX11618–MAX11621 are available in 16-pin QSOP packages. The MAX11624/MAX11625 are available in 24-pin QSOP packages. All six devices are specified over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

The MAX4834/MAX4835 family of low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs) feature an accurate current-limiting switch with an integrated active-low FLAG or active-low RESET function. These devices operate from 2.5V to 5.5V and deliver up to 250mA of load current at a preset output voltage. Preset output voltage levels are 1.8V/2.5V/2.8V/3.0V/3.3V. The MAX4834/MAX4835 offer a programmable soft-start control function to eliminate false reset during startup. The MAX4834 provides an active-low FLAG function to notify the system when the load current exceeds the limit. The MAX4835 provides an active-low RESET function to notify the system when the output drops below the threshold. Additionally, reverse-current protection prevents current flowing from the output to the input. Other features include a low 90µA quiescent current, a 0.1µA shutdown current. The MAX4834/MAX4835 are available in space-saving 6-pin SOT23 and TDFN packages. Each device is specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temper...

The MAX16948 is a dual high-voltage, current-sensing low dropout linear regulator (LDO)/switch designed to operate with an input voltage range from 4.5V to 28V (45V load dump tolerant). The device provides phantom power over coax cable to remote radio frequency low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in automotive systems with a maximum current of 300mA per channel. The device also provides a fixed regulated output voltage of 8.5V or an adjustable 1V to 12V output voltage. The device can also be configured as a switch. The device monitors the load current and provides an analog output current proportional to the sensed load current. Accurate internal current limits protect the input supply against both overcurrent and short-circuit conditions. The device features an open-drain error output for each channel to indicate to the microcontroller (µC) when a fault has occurred. The device features short-to-battery protection to latch off the internal LDO/switch during a short-to-battery event. Durin...

The MAX2240 single-supply, low-voltage power amplifier (PA) IC is designed specifically for applications in the 2.4GHz to 2.5GHz frequency band. The PA is compliant with Bluetooth®, HomeRF, and 802.11 standards, as well as other FSK modulation systems. The PA provides a nominal +20dBm (100mW) output power in the highest power mode. The PA includes a digital power control circuit to greatly simplify control of the output power. Four digitally controlled output power levels are provided: from +3dBm to +20dBm. A digital input controls the active or shutdown operating modes of the PA. In the shutdown mode, the current reduces to 0.5µA. The IC integrates the RF input and interstage matching to simplify application of the IC. Temperature and supply-independent biasing are also included to provide stable performance under all operating conditions. The IC operates from a +2.7V to +5V single-supply voltage. No negative bias voltage is required. Current consumption is a modest 105mA at the hig...

In order to better serve its growing markets, Woodex Bearing Company is investing in a plant expansion and modernization project for production of its MECO custom-engineered shaft seals product line. At left, the Harrison Alpha 460T lathe makes its way out the door, to begin its journey round the back to the new, basement-level machine shop. The project will more than double the MECO plant floor space from 2000 to 5000 square feet and add a state-of-the-art vertical machining center (pictured below, left), power supply equipment and energy-efficient compressor (pictured at right). The company expects that the project will enable it to increase its manufacturing capacity significantly. Woodex Bearing Company has been the exclusive manufacturer of MECO custom-engineered shaft seals since 1984. MECO seals are used worldwide in bulk materials processing applications. Industries served include chemical, food, pharmaceutical, mineral, plastics, primary metals and pulp & paper. While co...

MECO AH seals are available for certain European explosive atmosphere applications, where EN 94/9/EC compliance is required. Use of packing glands in explosive environments is severely restricted, and many European processors are seeking ATEX-conforming replacements. MECO's AH-series seals can be furnished for a variety of ATEX applications in Equipment Group II, in Categories 2 and 3. The seal pictured at left, classified for Zone 22 operation, incorporates triboelectric protection and a water-cooling gallery which is isolated from the dry process. Ports for thermal monitoring are included. The same seal can be certified for Zone 1/21 operation with the addition of gas purge protection accessories. At MECO, we take the ATEX seriously. In accordance with EN 13463-1, as referenced in 94/9/EC, each MECO seal declared for ATEX service is individually run-tested to establish maximum surface temperatures under normal running conditions. Some seal manufacturers claim ATEX compliance, w...

MECO shaft seals is pleased to announce the newest member of our family: the HB Seal for screw conveyors. The HB seal replaces standard wastepack housings. It comes in five, C.E.M.A.-standard sizes for US inch screws, and in eleven standard metric sizes. All are built using one of a series of five housings, designed to fit standard, 4-bolt flange bearings. Additional size shafts, up to 4.07" (103mm) can also be accommodated. HB seal housings are available in hardcoat-anodized aluminum, type 316L stainless steel, or FDA Nylon. The MECO HB seal model is the best choice for sealing screw conveyors. The HB model uses full-contact, soft-faced mechanical shaft sealing technology, sized for C.E.M.A. and metric standards. The HB seal model provides the superior performance, durability and quality of workmanship that are hallmarks of MECO's many other, highly-regarded custom seals. Here's what maintenance managers are saying about their MECO HB series conveyor seals: From the Gyp...

The MPS50SL miniature linear positioning stage is perfect for the confines of the laboratory while retaining the high reliability required in production environments. It is an ideal choice for measurement, testing, alignment and component assembly in any space-constrained applications whether on the factory floor or in laboratory environments. The precision-ground ball screw or lead screw has excellent accuracy and repeatability, with ultra-fine positioning resolution capability of 0.1 micron. The DC servomotor is equipped with a rotary encoder and the crossed-roller linear bearings provide exceptionally smooth travel and payload capabilities up to 5 kg with a stage mass of just 0.85 kg. The MPS50SL is available vacuum prepped to 10-6 torr for applications in markets such as semiconductor manufacturing and inspection, optics fabrication, and military/aerospace. A breadboard mounting plate provides direct mounting to both English and metric breadboards. Any model can be mounted in an ...

ETLG Inertial Aerosystems announce that the 3 - Axis magnetic sensor hybrid HMC2003 has acquired traceability status. Each sensor is serialised and batch traceable and ETL’s ISO 9001:2008 quality management system records and tracks the data . Manufactured by Minneapolis based Honeywell Aerospace, this high performance, full 3-axis, surface mounted magnetic sensor is designed to measure low magnetic field strengths. Incorporated are three of the highest grade magneto resistive sensors with instrumentation grade electronics to measure the strength and direction of an incident magnetic field. The high bandwidth of this hybrid allows for anomaly detection of vehicles, planes and other ferrous objects at high speeds. The HMC2003 feature a 20-pin wide DIP footprint (25.4 x 19.05mm ), onboard 2.5 Volt reference, 6/15 Volts DC single supply operation, 40 micro-gauss to +/-2 gauss dynamic range and -40/85 degrees C operating range. A temperature compensation circuit maintains bridge sensitiv...

ETLG Inertial is introducing a new high performance range of digital quartz MEMS, single axis rate sensors designed for demanding military and commercial applications. Designated the SDD3000 the three models in this range are manufactured by US based Systron Donner Inertial (SDI). The three models have bias of 1, 3 and 10º/hour with calibration every 20 years. The sensor is based on SDI's proven quartz MEMS sensing element combined with advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology delivering excellent performance noise, bias stability, scale factor, linearity and vibration rectification. Able to deliver an unprecedented 0.01º/√hour angle random walk and class leading stability with respect to MEMS gyros these innovative products are ideal for stabilisation, precision pointing applications, instrumentation, motion sensing and GPS/AHRS integration. The SDD3000 outputs angular rate and BIT data continuously, and comes with two standard connection protocols RS-232 or RS-422 an...

Laird Technologies, Inc., a global leader in the design and supply of customized performance-critical components and systems for advanced electronics and wireless products, today announced that its CL400 Wireless Ethernet Bridge starter packs are now available for distribution. Optimized for point-to-point bridge connections, the CL400 starter packs include two CL400 units, a standard RJ-45 Ethernet jack, two 2.4 MHz omnidirectional antennas with 5 dBi gain, and an AC power adapter. The easy-to-use CL400 Wireless Ethernet Bridge provides outstanding data throughput and security for wireless applications in the M2M and industrial market segments with no configuration necessary. Users can simply plug in their Ethernet cable to apply power and have a wireless bridge at a distance up to one mile and speeds up to 11 Mbps, thereby extending the range of networks beyond the reach of traditional 802.11 access points. Pre-configured to communicate over a WPA2-AES encrypted secure 802.11 RF ch...

Laird Technologies, Inc., a global leader in the design and supply of customized performance-critical components and systems for advanced electronics and wireless products, today announced it has expanded its electrically conductive elastomer (EcE) product line with the release of its new EcE72 silicone gasket. Utilizing both conductive and non-conductive materials, the EcE72 gasket is a nickel/graphite filled silicone elastomer that affords excellent EMI shielding properties and conductivity. Consisting of pure silicone, the gasket provides a stronger environmental seal at temperature extremes. It is flame retardant (developed to meet UL94 V-0 standards), and mold and mildew resistant. “The EcE72 silicone gasket is a very cost-effect EMI shielding product. It is designed to meet UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements, and is mold and mildew resistant; making it ideal for outdoor environments,” said John Slagle, Laird Technologies Product Line Manager for North America and Europe - ECE,...

As one of the world’s largest oilfield services companies, Weatherford is only too aware that oilfield operations present unique challenges as the hazardous and remote conditions make it difficult to carry out daily operational tasks. Weatherford operates in more than 100 locations worldwide, with a product and service portfolio that spans the life cycle of a well – from drilling, evaluation, completions to well intervention. Photography and documenting images for surveys and reports is part and parcel of every day activities offshore. The ToughPIX 2303XP was well received by Weatherford staff who adopted the new digital camera in February 2011. The next-generation device is ATEX and American CSA certified to take images within Zone 1 IIC T4 and Class 1 Division I B, C, D hazardous areas. This latest version of the ToughPIX 2303XP camera is more streamlined than its predecessor and includes still and moving images in AVI format of up to 10 mega pixels. Encased in aluminium with an ul...

The use of ultrasonic devices for non-destructive testing (NDT) has become more common in recent years as equipment has increased in capability and decreased in price. Ultrasonic NDT devices work by creating a pulse of high-frequency sound, generally in the range of 2.5Mhz to 10Mhz, and then measuring the return, a process that makes it possible to measure and resolve anything from the simple thickness of a material through to corrosion and even weld or flaw inspection. The use of ultrasonic NDT devices is attractive because of their non-invasive nature. They don’t require a plant shutdown to obtain a measurement. However, deploying this kind of device within a hazardous (classified) location has implications for safe use that even NDT inspectors may not be fully aware of. As briefly outlined above, an ultrasonic device operates by combining the creation of a pulse or series of pulses of sound with measurements of the return of those pulses from target back to device. These pulses an...

Purafil's Odorcarb Ultra™ media was recently selected as one of Pollution Engineering's 2010 Editor's Choice Award winners in the Air Category. New products in varying categories were nominated and then reviewed by the magazine's staff. Pollution Engineering Editor, Roy Bigham collaborated with his staff to choose the winning products. He contends, “The Editor’s Choice Award was a new idea this year for us.” The July issue of Pollution Engineering features all of the winning products. Purafil ESD Sales Manager, Stephen Goss, says, “We are ecstatic to be considered, and ultimately, to accept this award. As the global gas-phase air filtration industry leader, we are committed to providing quality products such as Odorcarb Ultra along with valued-added services for our diverse customer base.” According to Bigham, “Based upon the 2010 Pollution Engineering Editor’s Choice Award entries, we decided to divide our selections into three categories and chose five that we thoug...

At 136 pages, the latest edition of the Kaydon Corporation Bearings Division slewing ring bearing catalog is the company's most comprehensive yet. Engineers can download a PDF version on our downloads page, request a free printed copy here, or call Kaydon toll-free at 800.514.3066. The redesigned catalog contains easy-to-use tables with updated specifications and dimensions for Kaydon's extensive line of slewing ring bearings, as well as load charts and cross-sectional drawings. It also features installation and maintenance tips, an expanded remanufactured bearings section and more reference information, including a handy English-metric conversion factors guide. The PDF version is especially user-friendly, with links that take the reader right to the page he or she needs. Both versions include a worksheet that can be sent to Kaydon for a free, customized application engineering review and recommendation.

HS Series bearings are efficiently designed, providing four-point contact in deep groove gothic arch raceways. With about twice the load capacity of Kaydon RK Series bearings (up to 139,900 ft-lbs) in the same envelope, they are ideal for medium-duty to heavy-duty applications such as cranes, aerial lifts, digger derricks, chute swivels, lift truck rotators, and industrial turntables. A rectangular cross-section gives the HS Series even greater stiffness than the lighter RK Series, which reduces distortion and allows lower internal diametral clearance. Kaydon HS bearings are available with internal gearing, external gearing or no gearing. Standard features include two fittings for lubrication and integral seals to protect against contamination. The new HS Series data sheet is available for download or by request from the Kaydon sales department, 231.755.3741 or 800.514.3066. Kaydon Corporation Bearings Division is a leading global manufacturer of standard and custom thin-section bear...

Renishaw, the Gloucestershire based engineering technologies company, will be exhibiting its new range of gauging and precision metrology technologies at Aero Engineering 2011 in Birmingham, UK, from 9th to 10th November. In Hall 20, Stand 302, visitors to Aero Engineering will be able to see Equator™, the first product in Renishaw's new gauging line, which is a brand new alternative to traditional gauging systems. Its patented low-cost design, unique in construction and method of operation, is capable of high-speed comparative gauging for inspection of high-volume manufactured parts. Equator has been conceived and developed by working closely with automotive, aerospace and medical gauging users, alongside their manufacturing machines. The result is a lightweight, fast and highly repeatable gauge that operators can use with ‘push-button' simplicity. Equator can switch between parts in seconds, perfect for flexible manufacturing processes or accepting parts from multiple machi...

Vortex® Valves North America will introduce the new Vortex® Titan Series Abrasion Resistant Slide Gate at the Gulf Coast Solids Handling & Processing Show, Booth 324, March 23 and 24, in Pasadena, TX. Vortex will also display a Mobile Display Unit (MDU) outside of the Pasadena Convention Center giving live demonstrations of Vortex’s air actuated valves and diverters. The valves in the MDU are fully functional and operational allowing tradeshow attendees to see how the valves operate. The Vortex® Titan Series Abrasion Resistant Slide Gate closes through a standing column of abrasive material and still has a dust-tight seal. The Vortex® Titan Series Abrasion Resistant Slide Gate is as robust as the Vortex® Aggregate Gate™, but has the superior dust-tight seal of the Vortex® Roller Gate. The new valve is the perfect gate for abrasive materials such as whole grains, coal, metal powders or minerals up to 400° F (204° C). The heavy duty frame is constructed of carbon steel with a bevel...

Vortex® Valves North America will display the Quantum® Series Orifice Gate™ and the Quantum® Series 2-Way Wye Line Diverter™ at Plast-Ex, Booth 2071, June 21-23, at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto, Ontario. The patented Quantum Series Orifice Gate is designed specifically to handle dry bulk solids in gravity flow, dilute phase, pressure or vacuum conveying up to 15 psig (1 bar), depending on size and modifications. Sizes for the Vortex Quantum Series Orifice Gate range from 2" to 14" (50mm to 350mm). The Quantum® Series Orifice Gate's™ blade and seal design allows the valve to self-clean on the opening stroke, which prevents material from packing on the valve’s internal seals. The patented Quantum Series 2-Way Wye Line Diverter is available in 2" to 12" (50mm to 300mm) pipe or tube. The diverter valve is specifically engineered to handle dry bulk solids in pneumatic conveying systems with vacuum or positive pressures up to 15 psig (1 barg), and can dire...

Over the past two years, Vortex employees in the UK and the USA have collected over 6,000 children's books for the Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. "It was quite a challenging effort," commented Travis Young, Vice President of Global Business Development. "We originally intended the books to be delivered to a local primary school in Moshi, but we found it difficult to communicate and get support. Luckily we found the great people at the Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre, as they have tremendous need for books and educational materials." The Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre in Pasua was founded in early 2009 by Edward Lazaro responding to the recognized need to provide care and shelter to an increasing population of orphaned children in the Moshi area. The Centre is a registered NGO (Charter #3959) that provides residency care for orphaned children as well as day care and community support for other children at risk. The Kilimanjaro Orphanage Centre curr...

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing, Peter M. Perez, of the U.S. Department of Commerce, stopped to tour Vortex Valves en route to the NEI ExportNow conference in Wichita. Perez was appointed by President Barack Obama to help U. S. industries succeed internationally by strengthening their competitive position in foreign markets and create more American jobs. Perez toured the Vortex facility and spoke with management about their concerns related to doing business globally. "With a wide range of highly engineered products, the challenge for Vortex in the global market place is to protect intellectual property," Russ Barragree, Director of Global Marketing said. "We are fortunate to have voice in the government from Mr. Perez, a person in the manufacturing sector experienced in dealing with these issues."

Our laser modulators for applications outside the laser cavity are available for a broad wavelength range. Outstanding features of the new model PM-C-BB phase modulator include its compact design and an economical price. It is specially designed for applications in metrology and interferometry. Thanks to its electrooptic crystal, cut at Brewster's angle, it is just as well suited for a broad wavelength range within in the laser cavity. For the best phase stability, we also offer a version with integrated temperature stabilization. A one-inch mounting adapter facilitates mounting, for example in a one-inch Lees or adjust.x mirror mount. The Pockels cells give you a large selection of crystal materials for wavelengths from 250 nm to 3 μm. Our BPC 8, with its KD*P crystal cut at Brewster's angle, enables very high transmission and is excellently suited for lasers with low amplification. A highlight of the Faraday isolators is the addition of the FI-488-3SC and -5SC models to our...

The compact size and highly accurate output of Macro Sensors CD 375 Series of miniature LVDTs make the linear position sensors ideal for providing displacement feedback in different robotic applications. Robots and robotic arms rely on sensors to determine range of motion or force applied to an object. Attached to a robotic arm, the Macro Sensors miniature LVDT linear position sensors detect position change when an actuator moves the robotic arm, providing an analog voltage signal, proportional to the amount of motion, to a controller that makes appropriate adjustments based on programmable set points. With the data provided by the sensor, the controller can determine when the robotic arm should stop or slow down. For example, on a pick and place machine, if the robotic arm exceeded its travel distance, it could drive right through the board it intended to populate. Macro Sensors miniature linear position sensors evaluate the robotic arm movement for optimum performance. In addition ...

Macro Sensors broadens its EAZY-CAL™ MMX Series of Mini-Module LVDT Signal Conditioners with a 4-20mA output model that supports process control and factory automation applications often requiring longer cable runs. This user-friendly, single channel signal conditioner is also available with a low noise 0-10V DC output. To reduce noise and to eliminate voltage drops in analog voltage signals, the market place has adopted an analog current (4-20mA) output as its standard. A 4-20mA current output allows the user to run longer cables from the sensor to the control system without the worry of noise being induced on the signal or having to calibrate out the voltage drop due to the impedance of the cabling. EAZY-CAL Mini-Module LVDT Signal Conditioners are quickly calibrated in mere seconds using two front panel push buttons. The elimination of repetitive null and span potentiometer adjustments associated with conventional analog based signal conditioners enables a faster and easier set up...

The MD 188 Series Sub-miniature LVDT Position Sensor serves as a critical component of a probe within an ophthalmic ultrasound system used to image the eye and tissues around and behind the eye to determine the presence of pathology. The Eye Cubed™, manufactured by Ellex Innovative Imaging (www.ellex.com), a global leader in the design and manufacture of ophthalmic laser and ultrasound systems used by ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat eye disease, uses sound waves to penetrate into an “opaque media” eye for examination when doctors are prohibited from viewing pathology directly due to an opacity of the cornea, lens or the vitreous gel that fills the eye. The Eye Cubed is used in conjunction with CT or MRI for imaging orbital tumors, optic nerve abnormalities, and to locate 'foreign bodies' that get lodged in the eye or orbit from accidents. Renowned for its unparalleled sensitivity and highest-quality image resolution, this diagnostic ophthalmic ultrasound technology fea...

Macro Sensors offers a complete “out-of-the-box” solution for linear position gaging with its new EAZY-GAGE Bundle. Combining spring- loaded, AC-operated LVDT position sensors with an EAZY-CAL™ Mini-Module LVDT Signal Conditioner, the EAZY-GAGE Bundle takes the guess work out of gaging applications by providing a fully calibrated and complete linear position gaging system ready for immediate operation. Ideal applications for the EAZY-GAGE Bundle include dimensional or position measurement in automotive factories, forges and foundries (large shaft TIR measurements), metal fabricating shops, paper and/or plastic film plants, industrial process automation applications and process control. The EAZY-GAGE Bundle provides an easy, cost-effective solution for operators without the equipment or ability to perform calibrations; those requiring an NIST traceable calibration certificate as well as field installations where calibration is not practical. “The “Bundle” also eliminates the need to s...

Teseq, a leading developer and provider of instrumentation and systems for EMC emission and immunity testing, announces the introduction of the aerospace DO 160 RF emission and susceptibility test application for use in Compliance 5 EMC test software. This dedicated application makes setting up and testing fast and simple. Preloaded example hardware configurations, limit lines etc. enable the user to quickly configure their hardware and select the particular test required. The new update supports both E and F versions of the standard including conducted and radiated emission and susceptibility, ensuring tests can be performed with a minimum of setting up. Teseq Compliance 5 RF Emission and Immunity test software is the definitive software environment for RF EMC testing, providing a sophisticated, fully featured RF EMC software package capable of performing all types of EMC emissions and immunity testing in standard and specialised applications. It is available in two versions, Compli...

Ultrasonic mixing reactors replace tank agitators and other dynamic shear mixers. The ultrasonic reactors are generally installed to mix two feed streams. Oil and methanol (with catalyst). For this, a crude pre-mix is pumped into the ultrasonic reactor, where the ultrasonic cavitation mixes and emulsifies both reagents within 5 to 15 seconds. This is an inline mixing process. When the mix exits the flow cell reactor, the glycerin will separate by gravity within less than 60 minutes. Alternatively, you can feed the mix into a centrifuge after several minutes of residence / reaction time. The inline mixing reduces the number and volume of tanks used for conventional batch processing. This improves capital utilization.

Excess methanol and catalyst are significant cost factors in biodiesel production. Hielscher ultrasonic reactors add cavitational shear to the mixing process. This gives you much smaller methanol droplets resulting in improved methanol and catalyst utilization. Therefore, less methanol and catalyst are required. In addition to that, the cavitation influences the reaction kinetics, leading to faster and more complete transesterification.

For industrial processing biodiesel production plants Hielscher offers the UIP4000, UIP10000 and UIP16000. These ultrasonic processors are designed for the continuous processing of high flow rates. The UIP4000 and UIP10000 can be integrated into standard sea freight containers. Alternatively, all three processors are available in stainless steel cabinets. The upright installation requires minimal space. Below you find recommended setups for typical industrial processing rates. ton/hr gal/hr 3x UIP4000 6.0 to 12.0 1920 to 3840 5x UIP4000 10.0 to 20.0 3200 to 6400 3x UIP10000 15.0 to 30.0 4800 to 9600 3x UIP16000 24.0 to 48.0 7680 to 15360 5x UIP16000 40.0 to 80.0 12800 to 25600