Control Engineering articles from October 2003

Control Engineering archives from October 2003

Better than payback.(Editorial)(the use of Net Present Value or Internal Rate of Return can be useful to engineers)
October 1, 2003... In the August 2003 issue, I discussed why it was so important for engineers to start "looking at things like an accountant." My point was that engineers today can no longer satisfy management by ensuring that their decisions are keeping...

CSIA breaks growth record with 200 members; expands services.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Exton, PA -- The Control and Information System Integrators Association (CSIA) reports that it surpassed 200 members with the largest six-month growth period in its history during the first half of 2003. This growth was spurred, not only...

Intergraph, TI settle patent lawsuits; H-P countersuit dismissed.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Dallas, TX -- In one of several recent patent litigation developments, Intergraph Corp. announced Sept. 10 that Texas instruments Inc. (TI) and Intergraph have settled their respective patent disputes, and will dismiss all claims and lawsuits...

Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) recently announced that it has acquired the Enclosure Protection Systems (EPS) division of Bebco Industries.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) recently announced that it has acquired the Enclosure Protection Systems (EPS) division of Bebco Industries. Bebco EPS features a portfolio of purge and pressurization panels and control units for hazardous areas....

Ultrasonic flowmeter shipments.(News)(Illustration)
October 1, 2003... Ultrasonic Flowmeter Shipments (worldwide total in millions of dollars from 2002 to 2007) 2002 $255.0 2003 $277.1 2004 $301.6 2005 $328.6 2006 $358.9 2007 $392.6 9.0% compound annual growth rate...

Mitsubishi, Toshiba integrating industrial electric, automation divisions.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Tokyo, Japan -- Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Toshiba Corp. recently unveiled their new joint venture company, which will integrate their businesses in industrial electric and automation systems for manufacturing plants. The 2,200-employee...

Emerson helps Alcan increase production capacity by 12%.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Austin, TX -- Emerson Process Management was recently selected by Alcan to help improve processing operations at its Alumina and Specialty Chemicals facility at the Jonquiere Complex (Quebec, Canada). The plant produces specialty hydrates,...

Adept introduces robots controlled from Allen-Bradley PLC.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Livermore, CA -- Adept Technology Inc. has introduced a new family of PLC-controlled robots that combine a selectively compliant articulated robot arm (SCARA) robot with a programmable logic controller (PLC) server. This solution simplified...

FTC challenges AspenTech's acquisition of Hyprotech.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Cambridge, MA -- Aspen Technology Inc. reported Aug. 7 that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed an administrative complaint challenging its May 2002 acquisition of Hyprotech Ltd. Previously a unit of AEA Technology, Hyprotech supplied...

Process automation market to surpass $58 billion in 2007.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Dedham, MA -- Despite poor growth recently, the worldwide process automation market is projected to grow at a 4.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years ant exceed $58 billion in 2007, according to a new study, "Total...

Correction.(News)(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2003... In the print edition of the Control & Automation Buyer's Guide, a supplement to Control Engineering, August '03, the entry for Honeywell Industrial Measurement & Control (p. 70) should have included product category references under actuators,...

Control Engineering Polska launched in September.(News)(engineers in Poland will be receiving Control Engineering Polska )
October 1, 2003... Warsaw, Poland -- Five thousand engineers in Poland began receiving a new publication, Control Engineering Polska, in September 2003. The new Polish-language magazine will be published 10 times per year by Media International LLC, under a...

Foxboro helps pulp mill switch over 1,000 I/O points in three hours.(News)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Foxboro, MA -- Invensys Foxboro reports that the world's leading producer of bleached eucalyptus pulp, Aracruz Celulose, recently set a new industry record by completing the physical switchover of more than 1,000 I/O points from a legacy...

To complete its transition into a pure analog semiconductor company and strengthen its finances, Intersil Corp. (Milpitas, CA) recently sold its Wireless Networking Product Group to Globespan Virata Inc. for $250 million in cash and more than 15 million shares of Globespan's stock.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... To complete its transition into a pure analog semiconductor company and strengthen its finances, Intersil Corp. (Milpitas, CA) recently sold its Wireless Networking Product Group to GlobespanVirata Inc. for $250 million in cash and more than 15...

To help system designers improve industrial network reliability, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI, Dallas, TX) has introduced its new Profibus transceivers that offer low signal distortion and are compliant with EN 50170 and TIA/EIA-485 standards.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... To help system designers improve industrial network reliability, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI, Dallas, TX) has introduced its new Profibus transceivers that offer low signal distortion and are compliant with EN 50170 and TIA/EIA-485 standards. TI...

To help manufacturers increase uptime and improve production efficiencies, Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, WI) has introduced assessment tools to help identify opportunities for process improvement in maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) practices.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... To help manufacturers increase uptime and improve production efficiencies, Rockwell Automation (Milwaukee, WI) has introduced assessment tools to help identify opportunities for process improvement in maintenance, repair and operations (MRO)...

Eaton Corp. (Cleveland, OH) announced Sept. 22 that it has renamed its Industrial and Commercial Controls business and its Cutler-Hammer organizational unit as Eaton Electrical.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Eaton Corp. (Cleveland, OH) announced Sept. 22 that it has renamed its Industrial and Commercial Controls business and its Cutler-Hammer organizational unit as Eaton Electrical. Due to its acquisition and integration of Delta plc's electrical...

SatCon Technology Corp. (Cambridge, MA) reports that it recently delivered a prototype power conditioning system (PCS) for a 75-kW fuel cell power generation unit at a petrochemical plant application, and adds that a second SatCon unit will be delivered to the plant later this month.(In Business)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... SatCon Technology Corp. (Cambridge, MA) reports that it recently delivered a prototype power conditioning system (PCS) for a 75 kW fuel cell power generation unit at a petrochemical plant application, and adds that a second SatCon unit will be...

Network processors: CAN or Ethernet?(technology Update)
October 1, 2003... Although any microprocessor with a network interface can arguably be classified as a network processor, any sophisticated processor should support one of the widely adopted communications buses such as Ethernet or CAN (Control Area Network)....

Accessible, organized, secure.(Editorial Think Again)(data-organization tools include Anderson, Chavet and Anderson(ACA))
October 1, 2003... Controls, automation, and instrumentation software can collect, analyze, and store vast quantities of myriad data types. Making data into information and presenting data securely for real-time decision-making will help make you a hero within...

PID: still the one: more than 60 years after the introduction of proportional-integral-derivative controllers, they remain the workhorse of industrial process control.
October 1, 2003... Negative feedback has been used to control continuous processes since the late 18th century. James Watt used a flyball governor to automatically apply more steam to his famous engine when its speed dropped too low and to throttle back the steam...

Turbine flowmeters: simple elegance: based on principles as old as human history, turbine flowmeter accuracy, repeatability, and reliability are enhanced with new technologies.(Flow Measurement)
October 1, 2003... Available in sizes to 12 in. (300 mm) and capable of handling process pressures to 10,000 psi (689 bar) and temperatures to 1,000 [degrees]F (538[degrees]C), turbine flowmeters are versatile enough for many of the world's industrial, chemical,...

XML delivers: hyped as a flexible, simple means of sharing data, XML implementations are proving the claims were real.(Data Exchange)
October 1, 2003... It's been more than five years since the World Wide Web Consortium (www.w3c.org) released XML (eXtensible Markup Language) version 1.0. Since then, countless articles have claimed that XML's simple, text-based format would change forever how...

Securing new horizons: security, wireless, numerous symposia topics, technical sessions, R&D updates, pavilions--and more than 500 exhibitors--will highlight ISA Expo 2003, Oct. 21-23 at Houston's Reliant Center.(ISA Show)
October 1, 2003... We can't see the future, but we can improve the probability of our survival and success with a little foresight, preparation, and willingness to explore new solutions. One way to do this is to attend ISA Expo 2003, Oct. 21-23, at the Reliant...

Stand-alone loop controllers make connections.(loop controllers Focus)
October 1, 2003... It's tough to stand alone--we all need to feel some connectedness. Increasingly, users say that's also the case with stand-alone loop controllers, as more use network protocols to connect elsewhere. Such findings are the result of a recent...

Automation strategy increases volume.(the voice of Experience)(Washington Quality Foods' Baan enterprise system automates through the use of interface software and InBatch batch management software from Wonderware)
October 1, 2003... What began as a Y2K update for Washington Quality Foods' Baan enterprise system became a transformation from manual to automated manufacturing processes. The path toward greater use of automation began for this 90+ year-old flour milling and...

Upgrade evaluation.(IT & engineering Insight)
October 1, 2003... A common problem for control engineers is how to design systems for long lifetimes, often 10 to 20 years, when using technologies that seem to change and become obsolete daily. The IT world has over 40 years of explosive growth and changes...

Electrical design software.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... AutoCAD Electrical software, an AutoCAD-based product optimized for electrical controls design and engineering, helps electrical engineers, designers, and detailers create better electrical designs, reduce costs, and shorten time to market for...

Panel PC with detachable unit.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... ARP-1717 Panel PC Series includes a detachable computer unit to allow for easier maintenance and upgrade. Panel PC features an intuitive touch-screen interface suitable for industrial environments and complies with NEMA 4/12 and IP65...

Exclusive: paperless recorder.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... SM 3000 paperless videographic recorder features up to 36 recording channels and IP66/NEMA 4X environmental protection. Suitable for a wide range of process applications, including food preparation, beverage, chemicals, water and wastewater,...

Small-sized transmitter.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... Model 2500 MVD DIN-rail transmitter requires only 0.03 [ft.sup.3] of control room space. It features advanced multivariable digital signal processing (DSP) technology, and provides output for mass flow, volume flow, density, temperature, and...

Inverter-duty gearmotors.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... Inverter-duty gearmotors are designed for use with adjustable speed controls. Line is rated at 3/8 hp, 230 V, 60 Hz, three-phase. An operating range of 10-90 Hz features a broad range of ratios in both right-angle and parallel shaft...

OPC server.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... OPC Server is designed to use existing protocols to connect OPC software directly to low-level automation devices. The server comes with a built-in DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) server that communicates with the same tag database used by the OPC...

Ultra-thin keyboard/pointing device.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... The "first of its kind" iKey SlimKey industrial keyboard in an AB8 polycarbonate case measures 0.8 in. (20 mm) in height and integrates a three button HulaPoint pointing device, eliminating the need for an external mouse. It has 102-keys,...

16-bit hybrid controller family.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... New 56F8300 16-bit Hybrid Controller Family combines DSP and controller functionality for applications including motor control, industrial networks, UPS, frequency inverters, protection relays, sensorless control, valve actuators, remote...

RFID, connectors combined.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... Smart Coupling Technology combines the power and control of RFID and wireless ID technologies with the reliability and ease-of-use of CPC connection devices. The result is the ability to obtain critical data to achieve control of fluid...

Flat-panel operator interface.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... IVC NP-600S flat-panel display is a low-cost, 6-in. operator interface with Microsoft Windows CE.Net. It features a 5.7-in., super-twisted nematic (STN) LCD color screen and an Intel StrongARM 1110 processor for low power consumption and high...

Dual-input transmitter.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... STT25T dual-input smart temperature transmitter is designed for critical processes that require high uptime and secure operations. Device accepts two temperature sensor inputs, either thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTD), or...

Beacon six-packs.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... 114 Series Compaxx beacons are light-duty, PLC-compatible signals less than 4-in. tall for either surface or conduit mounting. Designed to fit in all kinds of locations, the signals are sold individually or in convenient six-pack containers....

Steam-turbine controllers.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... 310SV and 320 controllers provide configurable control solutions for steam turbine applications. The 310SV provides automatic startup sequencing, speed control, and process control for a single-valve steam turbine driving a mechanical load....

Plug-in & spin drive.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... Aries Series of high-power, compact digital servo drives with plug-in and spin design requires no setup. Attach any Compumotor smart encoder motor to automatically configure the drive. Open architecture allows the drive to also be configured...

Gas flow computer module.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... MV156-AFC gas flow computer module for Rockwell Automation's ControlLogix platform allows integrated process control and flow computer capabilities in a single-slot, in-rack solution. Full-function device measures hydrocarbon gases, vapors, and...

Current transducers.(Products & software)
October 1, 2003... AP/APR Series current transducers feature split-core functionality, compact size, DIN-rail mounting, and quick-connect control signal wiring. Products rely on a patented sensing technique where current is sensed without the use of a traditional...

New isolated analog signal conditioning catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... New 230 page catalog of high quality isolated analog and digital I/O modules to protect and condition critical industrial data acquisition and control signal from RTDs, Thermocouples, and other sensor devices. Includes Instrument Class[TM] DIN...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... ACPower Distribution & Control Systems domestic/int'l configuration systems; OEM's & system integrators. Product is rack mounted & provides: circuit breaker protection, EMI/RFI filtering, spike/surge protection, remote power on/off,...

Flat panel display systems.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... New catalog features our newest and most popular line of flat panel computers, ThinClient and embedded systems, industrial and OEM monitors, industrial and rack-mount computer and monitors and custom designed systems utilizing latest...

AutomationDirect[R].(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... AutomationDirect[R] offers 3,500 brand name and private-labeled products through a new 1,300-page desk reference and Online Automation Superstore. The desk reference features product descriptions, technical information and price lists for PLC...

Flow measurement.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Data Industrial offers impeller type flow sensors for accurate liquid flow measurement in pipe sizes from 1/2" to 40". The latest brochure includes the new SDI Series. Patented SDI insert flow sensors offer single and bi-directional flow...

Thermocouples, make your own.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... DCC's HotSpot welding unit allows thermocouple wire to be formed into freestanding beads or welded to metal surfaces. The HotSpot provides a quick, simple, accurate, low cost means of fabricating thermocouples on a "when needed and where...

SmartImage Sensors.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... DVT SmartImage Sensors are easy to install, and include all the tools, function and flexibility you expect from a high-end vision system at a fraction of the cost. Simple enough for a technician to operate and powerful enough to handle most...

Free Encoder Application Handbook.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... This handy reference guide and tutorial explains the application of encoders for motion control. Full of diagrams and tables, the Danaher Controls handbook covers all encoder technologies, their different applications, their communications, as...

Precision encoders ...(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... EPC's new 104-page catalog features in depth descriptions of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand Encoders from Encoder Products Company. The catalog features a full line of incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide...

DAQ Designer 2003 configuration advisor.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Design a custom data acquisition (DAQ) system. DAQ Designer 2003 recommends the right software and hardware for your specific system and application, and is packed with hundreds of measurement examples to reduce your development time. You also...

New in 2003.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories Catalog 2011-170 page catalog featuring split-core and solid-core current transformers, potential transformers, electrical transducers for AC and DC applications, signal conditioners,...

Free embedded control guide.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Z-World offers low-cost, powerful Ethernet-enabled single-board computers, core modules and operator interfaces. Our 2003/2004 catalog is loaded with product specs, photos, and diagrams. Z-World's products are ideal for embedded systems, data...

Operator interface terminals.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... QSI Corporation manufactures rugged handheld and panel-mount operator interface terminals for OEMs, for vehicle and industrial applications. Products include character and graphics terminals that are program-mable, customizable, CE certified,...

Flat-Panel Computer Workstations.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Pro-Tech's expanded line of Industrial Flat Panel Display/Computer Workstations are described in this revised, 36 page, Profile Brochure. Products are rate NEMA 4 or 4X and include a 15.1" or 18.1" display and an integrated...

Cost effective logging of process data to CSV, Access, & SQL databases.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... OPC Data Logger saves you time and money with an easy-to-use tool for reading data from any OPC Data Access server and logging to text files, Access databases, or SQL server databases. Flexible setup options for controlling logging...

A.C. Current Sensors loop-powered.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... The 420 Series A.C. Current Sensors combine CT and Transducer functions in one compact unit. These sensors are metal cased to resist RFI and generate a 4-20 mA signal proportional to the amperage input. Units rated to 500 volts A.C. and never...

Complete automation solutions.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... POWER Engineers' Automation Group provides complete systems automation, integrating plant floor controls with enterprise business systems. POWER is a leading provider of engineering services, including instrumentation and controls, HMI/SCADA,...

General Purpose Relays.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Kuhnke's relay catalog summarizes general purpose relays and introduces some of the latest innovations in the relay field. Highlighted is Kuhnke's Modular Family of relays which include Universal 10A, tube type, Ice Cube and PCB interface...

New! DASYLab V6c is now shipping.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... With more power at every level, the easy-to-use data acquisition software for Windows-based PCs has added exciting new features, headlined by the Test Sequence Manager in the Full version. More documentation and display features enhance the...

Industrial Automation Network Guide-2004.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... New 184-page Network Products Catalog from Lumberg offers complete fieldbus systems connectivity solutions for DeviceNet[TM], Profibus-DP, AS-Interface and Interbus. Developed for design engineers and specifiers, this new catalog features full...

New Industrial Data Communications Products catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... New 68-page catalog contains specifications, applications diagrams, and installation instructions for Dataforth's extensive line of DIN and modular heavy duty limited-distance modems, rack mounted modem systems, and PC compatible serial I/O...

Electrical design software demo CD.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... Multi-media demo CD-ROM illustrates the functions of Promis-e electrical control system design software. Powerful AutoCAD add-on has schematic design functions including auto ID assignment, auto cross referencing and auto wire numbering. Built...

Industrial Ethernet product catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... New Ctrlink[R] catalog from Contemporary Controls[R] is a comprehensive guide featuring the Industrial Ethernet line--hubs, switches and media converters. Designed and packaged for commercial and industrial applications. Literature includes...

Your express lane for enclosures!(Product & Literature Showcase)
October 1, 2003... The most common NEMA Type 12, 4 and 4X enclosures can now be bought on-line, with ship-out in 24 hours! AD Products Co. (a subsidiary company of Berkshire Hathaway) offers UL and cUL listed Adalet 304 stainless steel, aluminum * and fiberglass...

Optical fiber gaining on copper.(back to basics)(Column)
October 1, 2003... The advantages of fiber-optic wiring and networks are well known. Optical fiber can move more data faster over longer distances than copper wire. Fiber is non-conductive, so it isn't affected by electrical noise, lightning, electromagnetic...