Control Engineering articles from April 2005

Control Engineering archives from April 2005

Manufacturing By the Numbers.(EDITORIAL)
April 1, 2005... To highlight the launch of Control Engineering's newest editorial department, "By the Numbers" (page 32), I decided to devote this month's column to a little number crunching. What began as a focused search to determine U.S. manufacturing...

Software bridges production-business gap.(EXCLUSIVE)(Dataworks Inc. introduces real-time enterprise decision support system Incuity )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Incuity software is a real-time enterprise decision support system from DataWorks designed for businesses that rely on automated production equipment. It integrates with existing control systems, data historians, business systems, and...

Wiring solutions simplify connectivity.(EXCLUSIVE)(Lumberg Inc. introduces a range of electric connectors and components )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Twenty-five new products have been added to the array of connectors and components from Lumberg Inc. Additions are part of a suite of wiring solutions said to help standardize application design. Standard and custom products include...

Wireless: are you ready?(SOAPBOXwireless technologies)(wireless technologies)
April 1, 2005... Wireless technology has taken over our everyday lives--from remote controls, to cell phones, to wireless Internet connections in our homes. The ease of deploying these technologies in our offices and homes has contributed to massive worldwide...

Tracking and tracing made simple.(INSIGHT)
April 1, 2005... New requirements for manufacturing IT usually come from new business processes or new manufacturing processes, but sometimes they come from new laws and regulations. Two new laws, the USA Bioterrorism Act "USA Public Law 107-188" and the...

GE Fanuc Automation agrees to Solaia patent license.(NEWS)(GE Fanuc Automation Americas Inc. )
April 1, 2005... Charlottesville, VA -- GE Fanuc Automation Americas Inc. reported March 9 that it has signed an agreement with Chicago-based Solaia Technology LLC, which reportedly gives broad rights to GE Fanuc Automation, GE, Japan-based Fanuc Ltd., and...

Automatic machine safeguarding shipments to Europe, North America in 2004.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The total European market for machine automatic safeguarding equipment is expected to increase at a 7.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from $752 million in 2004 to almost $932 million in 2007, while the safeguarding market in North...

U.S. version of European automation show debuts in May.(NEWS)(SPS Electric Automation America)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Atlanta, GA -- Debut of a special-interest exhibition and conference, SPS Electric Automation America, is set for May 24-26, 2005, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), IL. While based on the successful German show...

Intermec rejects claims in Symbol's patent infringement litigation.(NEWS)
April 1, 2005... Everett, WA; Holtsville, NY -- Intermec Technologies Corp. reports that Symbol Technologies recently filed a lawsuit in Delaware alleging that Intermec infringed Symbol's wireless communication patents. Intermec says it believes there is no...

Kontron buys Dolch Computer Systems.(NEWS)(Kontron AG)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... San Diego, CA -- Kontron AG reports that it has acquired Dolch Computer Systems Inc. For an undisclosed sum of cash from Siegel-Robert Inc. Dolch will take on Kontron's name and operate as a business unit of Kontron America Inc. Thomas...

Electronic Device Descriptions to be extended into OPC's Unified Architecture.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- Fieldbus Foundation (FF) reports that the OPC Foundation (OPCF) has joined an international cooperative team of the three leading fieldbus organizations--FF, HART Communication Foundation (HCF) and Profibus Nutzerorganisation e.V....

Mathsoft, SolidWorks integrate software to increase engineering accuracy.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Cambridge, MA -- Mathsoft and SolidWorks Corp. have formed an alliance to integrate their software, which will enable more complex engineering calculations, driving 3-D design and technology integration. This is expected to streamline users'...

Worldwide process automation growth exceeds 5%/year.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Dedham, MA -- The worldwide process automation market demands more automation equipment, according to recent research by ARC Advisory Group. The global "Total Process Automation" market is expected to grow at a 5.1% compound annual growth rate...

ABCO Automation integrates NI's PACs with Rockwell's PLCs.(NEWS)(National Instruments Corp.)(programmable automation controllers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- ABCO Automation reports that it's using programmable automation controllers (PACs) from National Instruments (NI) to seamlessly integrate testing and automation offerings into existing PLCs. By using NI's LabView graphical...

NAM survey finds exports increasingly crucial, qualified workers lacking.(NEWS)(National Association of Manufacturers )
April 1, 2005... Chicago, IL -- Thanks partly to expanding exports and despite a shortage of qualified workers, the U.S. manufacturing sector will likely grow as fast or faster than the nation's overall economy in 2005, according to two thirds of 976...

Transmitter enables predictive maintenance for Machinery Health.(NEWS)(Emerson Process Management Inc. introduces CSI 9210 Machinery Health transmitter)
April 1, 2005... Kennedy Space Center, FL -- A typical process plant houses 2,500 machines--60% of which are motor-pump combinations--and mechanical failures in these machines cause 43% of plant incidents. Real-time, online, field-based information is sorely...

Danaher buys PMA to bring European controllers to North America.(NEWS)(Danaher Industrial Controls Group)(Prozess und Maschinen Automation)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Chicago, IL; Kassel, Germany -- Danaher Industrial Controls Group (DICG) reports it recently acquired Prozess und Maschinen Automation (PMA) GmbH from Netherlands-based Geveke Industrial Group. For more than 75 years, PMA has manufactured...

Chromalox survey projects more control systems with built-in diagnostics, predictive maintenance.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Pittsburgh, PA -- Most active users of temperature and power control systems are planning to integrate digital control systems that include built-in diagnostic and predictive maintenance functions along with remote PC access, according to 150...

By the Numbers: to help quench engineers' numerical thirst.
April 1, 2005... 4.3% is the expected annual growth in the U.S. market for material handling equipment and systems, growing to $20.4 billion in 2008, from improved productivity, safety, and ease-of-operations in material handing robots and automated-guided...

Make your operations more efficient--and more profitable with ABB System 800xA extended automation.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... System 800xA provides a better way to achieve measurable productivity and profitability improvements. It extends the scope of traditional control systems to include all automation functions in a single operations and engineering environment so...

ROI < 1 year; gravy after that.(Think AGAIN)(return on investment)
April 1, 2005... Pick one: A or B. A. "Those people in our control engineering department are geniuses. They recommended and installed new sensors, networks, logic, actuators, and other hardware and software for monitoring and controlling our processes. I even...

Process safety what are the odds? Enhancing a safety system's ability to perform on demand requires improved diagnostic coverage, maintenance, and regular testing.(safety-instrumented system)(services of Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society )(Cover Story)
April 1, 2005... Within process plants, layers of protection (LOP) include relief valves, rupture disks, dikes, and a safety-instrumented system (SIS). SISs are specially engineered solutions that are continuously online and expected to instantaneously take...

Automation emerging in pharmaceuticals, biotech: about 1,000 exhibitors and more than 100 conference sessions will be joined by a Process Automation and Controls Pavilion and Rockwell Automation's partners pavilion at Interphex 2005, April 26-28, at New York's Javits Center.(INTERPHEX 2005)(Interphex 2005)
April 1, 2005... If some automation is good, then more will be better. That's how the nation's drug makers can increase product quality, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent process analytical technology (PAT) guidelines. It's also how...

Java in the factory: platform- and operating-system independence, reusable software, Web services, and industry standards attract Java's programming environment to manufacturing arenas. Yet, some real-time issues remain to be solved.(INDUSTRIAL SOFTWARE)
April 1, 2005... Newer technologies carry inherent potential to improve on what has gone before. A case in point is Sun Microsystems' 1995 introduction of Java software and programming language, ushering in advances like platform/operating-system independence,...

Pushbuttons, switches still compete in controls.(RESEARCH PUSHBUTTONS)
April 1, 2005... These days, the term "operator interface" conjures up thoughts of multiple touchscreens, color graphics, an air-conditioned control room, and a sprawling processing plant. Software-enabled control systems represent the latest in HMI technology,...

Clean power through harmonic mitigation: new design technologies enable mitigation at partial motor loads.(INSIDE MACHINES)
April 1, 2005... Harmonics are more of a concern today due to the extensive use of harmonic-generating equipment and because more equipment now being installed in stand-alone machines and processing lines is sensitive to harmonics. Harmonic distortion can...

10 considerations for direct part mark identification: accurate DPMI requires manufacturers to carefully assess processes, devices, and environment for reading the marks.(INSIDE MACHINES)
April 1, 2005... Many discrete manufacturers ensure quality control over production processes by directly marking parts with machine-readable codes and tracking those parts through their life cycle. This process is known as direct part mark identification...

Color recognition sensor.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... PD12 fiber-optic-based "true color" recognition sensor includes a micro-processor-controlled amplifier that uses a complex algorithm to store and analyze up to four colors. With a teach-in process, the unit employs an RGB (red, green, blue)...

Multi-axis motion control tool.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... RMC100 "Tuning Wizard" multi-axis motion control software tool speeds up and simplifies the computing of optimal gains for closed-loop control. Product helps select appropriate gains for a position axis. It guides the user through a...

Step-motor based hollow-shaft rotary actuators.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... DG Series rotary actuators come in three sizes: 60 mm (2.36 in.), 85 mm (3.35 in.) and 130 mm (5.12 in.). Output table of the hollow (through-hole) shaft devices allows direct coupling to the application load. A single-stage reduction gear...

Pressure transducer for tight spaces.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... AST4100 OEM pressure sensor addresses applications with tight space requirements. This 0.875-in. diameter device features stainless steel construction of the header and housing for use in corrosive environments and energy/water management...

Brush dc motors with skewed armatures.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Pittman brand Series 8000 brush-commutated dc motors feature 7-slot skewed armatures to minimize magnetic cogging (reluctance torque) even at low speeds. Family of brush dc motors comes in three lengths (2.070, 2.445, and 2.915 in.) and can...

Drive improves power quality.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... E7 18-pulse drive system (25-500 hp) is designed for HVAC applications that require low total harmonic distortion (THD). Product has lower THD and EMI/RFI emissions to meet or exceed existing power quality standards. Design limits THD at the...

Synchronous motors for hazardous locations.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Superior Electric XCE Series hazardous duty synchronous motors satisfy ATEX standards for use in potentially explosive atmospheres as defined by CE directive 94/9/EC. Motors have a flameproof enclosure with a maximum surface temperature of 100...

Complex control system eliminates downtime: Automated Control Technologies' innovative use of leading-edge automation technologies inspired readers of Control Engineering and design news to choose the company's redundant control tilt-tray sorting system as the winner of the 2004 extreme machines award, sponsored by Rockwell Automation.(EXTREME MACHINES: ADVERTISEMENT)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Any complex control system, or even a simple one for that matter, requires some degree of redundancy to minimize key failure points. Engineers at Tempe, AZ-based Automated Control Technologies (ACT) implemented redundancy in every hardware and...

7 lessons on working with Asia: understanding cultural differences can help engineers adapt behavior to optimize communication across cultures.(BUSINESS TIPS)
April 1, 2005... Working with your Asian colleagues presents greater challenges than working with Western colleagues. This is to be expected, as cultural and language issues complicate and slow things down. But your willingness to adapt words and actions to the...

Production execution, management software.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Proficy Plant Applications 4.1 is a major revision of the company's efficiency, quality, production, and batch analysis software. Package is designed to help managers in process, discrete, and hybrid industries gain insight into operations and...

Graphical operator control station.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... NX graphical operator control station combines a traditional controller programmed in ladder logic, operator interface, I/O connections, and networking into an integrated unit that runs on one software package. Controller embeds Ethernet,...

Intelligent servo converters.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Compact additions to the KE/KW Series of digital converter systems include an infeed and modules in the power range to 60 kVA. Using coldplate cooling, the units are mounted on a cooled backplane to reduce power requirements in the control...

Automation software enhancements.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... FactoryFloor 4.1 software is designed for use with Opto 22's process automation controllers, especially with Snap Ethernet I/O and Snap Serial I/O products. Latest version of the industrial automation software suite lets users develop powerful...

Symmetrical cable for VFDs.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Olflex VFD symmetrical cable is designed for use in large horsepower variable frequency drives. Large gauge (AWG), lead-free, and RoHS compliant cable has three symmetrical grounds, longitudinally applied copper tape shield, and a black PVC...

Ethernet switches need minimum space.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... EISB--M B-line Series of managed Ethernet switches provides up to 24 ports of connectivity in 1.75 in. of DIN-rail space. Switches can be scaled down to 16 or 8 ports depending on user application. Series comes in several models from all...

Web-based connections for plant operations.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... DataNet OPC Professional Web-based data presentation and logging application makes industrial information accessible to those who make executive decisions. Interface between managers and their operational systems uses OPC technology to display...

Industrial communication card.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... PCI-1610CU industrial-grade universal PCI communication card features four RS-232 ports with solid isolation and surge protection. Card is compatible with 3.3-V and 5-V PCI slots. Design provides 9-wired RS-232 signaling, 2,500 V dc optical...

Power solid-state relays.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... HIPpak power solid-state relays come in four models with a variety of easy and quick connections and are said to be smaller and lighter than similar standard relays. For power wiring, they offer direct connection by wire or tips. For control...

Compact motor starters.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... SCXi compact motor starter series provides starting and stopping control and basic motor protection against such malfunctions as overload, phase sequence and imbalance, motor thermistor, excess start time, shorted SCR, and supply faults. It...

Design miniature mechanical structures.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... EFAB Access promotes quick, easy, affordable design and test of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), microdevices, and microscopic mechanical parts. Combined effort of SolidWorks Corp., Microfabrica Inc., and Mosis gives users access to 3-D...

Wireless hazardous-location monitoring.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Explosion-proof wireless monitoring systems are designed for hazardous locations. Systems include ac and dc power versions for continuous monitoring and transmission of 4-20 mA temperature and pressure signals out of a Div. 1 area to a safe...

Development tool for mixed-signal arrays.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... PSoC Express development tool for Cypress' PSoC mixed-signal arrays lets system engineers develop microcontroller-based designs without using assembly language or C programming. Tool is said to enable new designs to be created, simulated, and...

Circular process recorder.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... CT7300 2-pen circular process chart recorder measures and records up to two process variables from a variety of inputs. Record and optional alarm settings can be configured to multiple recording applications. Battery back-up continuously...

Performance Management software update.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Updates to RtPortal, the visualization family of products within OSIsoft's Real-time Performance Management Platform, include a set of configurable, role-based thin and smart client tools. They are used to display critical operational metrics...

Abnormal conditions alert.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... PlantTriage automatically alerts technicians and engineers by e-mail if a controller or process area behaves abnormally. Software detects problems before they show up as an operator alarm, avoiding shutdowns. Alerts can be set up from a desktop...

Multi-channel measuring system.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Spider8 universal digital, multi-channel measuring system comes in two new versions: Spider8-01/55 and Spider8-01/30. Device measures force, displacement, pressure, and other suitable quantities using strain gages or inductive transducers in a...

Manufacturing software expands.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Visiprise Manufacturing 4.0 offers integrated corrective and preventive action (CAPA) capabilities, enhanced data customization options, dynamic routings, and full production site-to-site data transfer features. Latest release includes more...

Tool to reduce QC, production costs.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Quality OptiMiser analysis tool lets users harness data and make accurate quality decisions. Solution provides process, laboratory, and business analysis tools for industries that need to capture, calculate, or measure against a set of unique...

Power, data delivery to machinery.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Energy Chain Systems use modular separators to safely deliver data and power to automated machinery in many configurations, including side-mounted applications. Systems accommodate various installation designs and all forms of data cables,...

UPS wall/panel mount kit.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... S1K wall/panel mount kit for S1K Series off-line uninter-ruptible power system (UPS) offers safety, stability, and support unavailable from off-the-shelf brackets. It can be used to mount UPS in a control panel or wall mount, or as an...

Non-isolated point-of-load converters.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Volant family of point-of-load products now includes three new non-isolated NFA series dc-dc converters. Available with surface mount, open frame, PTH (pin through hole) design, converters have minimal size and footprint. Models 10A, 16A, and...

Real-time data monitoring.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Model 1621 value kit combines high-accuracy digital thermal hygrometer with LogWare III environmental monitoring software to provide real-time data viewing and recording. Package includes temperature and humidity logger, two sensors, sensor...

Ultrasonic analog sensor.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Virtu and Virtu 18 ultrasonic sensors now come with analog output. Dual mount, barrel-style devices have a range of 2-in. (50 mm) to 20 in. (508 mm) and are available with voltage or current outputs. Auto Slope function lets the user set the...

Analog array design tool.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... AnadigmDesigner 2 version 2.5 EDA tool for designing, implementing, and testing dynamically reconfigurable field-programmable analog arrays (FPAAs) adds flexibility to designing and prototyping such devices. Shrinking code size of configuration...

Ultra-low-pressure calibrator.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Micro-Cal Model 869 ultra-low-pressure calibrator is designed for air handling processes that require portable, high-accuracy, and low-pressure documenting calibration to certify pressure needs. Portable, compact, lightweight unit is suitable...

Trend notification software.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... LabSoft LIMS version 7.14 enhances data management with representative averaging and automatic trend notification features. Representative averaging feature lets users select the most meaningful data when calculating an average for multiple...

Baghouse automation systems.(PRODUCTS & software)
April 1, 2005... Baghouse automation systems include diagnostics, emission monitoring, and process optimization to provide complete information and control of the process. B-Pac Controls feature offers IntelliPulse pulse-jet cleaning to improve airflow and...

Thermal sterilization validation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration's current good manufacturing practices for the pharmaceutical industry relating to product quality and patient safety make validation of thermal sterilization processes a critical activity.(INSIDE PHARMA)
April 1, 2005... According to the U.S. FDA, process validation is defined as: Establishing by objective evidence that a process consistently produces a result or product meeting its pre-determined specifications. In thermal sterilization processes, "time at...

21 CFR Part 11 and systems assessment: key to complying with the FDA's electronic record-keeping regulation and reaping the associated benefits is understanding regulation requirements and the software to support compliant operations.(INSIDE PHARMA)
April 1, 2005... By establishing the criteria under which electronic records and electronic signatures are considered equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures executed on paper, 21 CFR Part 11 has given the pharmaceutical industry a universally...

New FDA initiative invites advanced controls: Process Analytical Technologies guidelines, issued in September 2004, are encouraging use of new technologies for design, analysis, and manufacturing control in pharmaceutical industry.(INSIDE PHARMA)
April 1, 2005... Officials from the U.S. FDA publicly asked technology experts in other industries to find performance-enhancing technologies that could help pharmaceutical manufacturers cut costs, improve product quality or speed to market, during the November...

Switches for level measuring applications.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Line of liquid level switches in PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for high-purity applications such as pharmaceutical products and food or beverage dispensers are also suitable where strict biosafety standards must be met. Chemically inert PTFE...

High purity ball valve.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Model SB7F forged high-purity ball valve, part of the CleanFlow product line, features self-aligning inter-locking ends and a "fine adjust" handle to ensure exact alignment. A-182 forged material has a controlled delta ferrite content of less...

Batch software targets regulatory compliance.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Enhancements to several modules of RSBizWare batch processing software are intended to help manufacturers with regulatory requirements. Version 7.0 is said to improve security, audit capabilities, and productivity with the ability to build...

Laboratory labeling system.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Labxpert laboratory labeling system labels vials, vial tops, slides, well plates, and other laboratory vessels quickly and easily. Unit features built-in lab applications including vial templates, one-touch time and date stamp, bar-coding...

Toroidal conductivity CIP sensor.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Model 225-08 clean-in-place toroidal conductivity sensor consists of a pair of wire-wound metal toroids overmolded with a special grade of PEEK (polyetheretherketon) material tested to U.S.P. Class VI biological reactivity tests standards,...

Pure, ultrapure water system.(PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2005... Direct-Q 3 system supplies pure (Type 3) and ultrapure water for basic applications, such as final glassware rinsing, and ultrapure (Type 1) water for critical applications, such as HPLC mobile-phase preparation. Reverse osmosis produces pure...

Historians vs. relational databases.(back to BASICS)
April 1, 2005... An important factor when considering implementation of historian software is recognition of differences between plant-floor data and the business environment. Many companies want to approach a manufacturing data archive in the same way they...