Instrumentation & Automation News articles from August 2004

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from August 2004

Temperature transmitter.
August 1, 2004... TMZ PC-Programmable MODBUS Temperature and Signal Transmitter accepts a direct signal from a wide array of sensors and analog devices and converts the inputs to the standard MODBUS RTU (RS-485) protocol ready for direct interface with...

Open channel flowmeter.
August 1, 2004... SmartSonic[TM] ultrasonic open channel flowmeter uses Narrow Beam Angle Technology for accuracy. The sell-contained flowmeter includes the sensor, signal conditioner, microprocessor, and totalizer in one unit housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure....

Photoelectric sensors.
August 1, 2004... The V18L series of laser photoelectric sensors in an 18 mm housing includes the Model VSE18L through-beam photoelectric sensor with a sensing range of 60 m (196.8 ft), Model VL18L reflex photoelectric sensor with a 35 m (114.8 ft) sensing range...

Industrial-grade monitor.
August 1, 2004... The FPM-2150G industrial-grade, stainless steel chassis, 15" panel monitor offers NEMA4/IP65 certification and mounts easily in a panel, wall, rack, desktop or VESA arm. A standard VGA connector makes it compatible with commercial workstations...

Hats off to ISA.(Pool's Reflections)
August 1, 2004... ISA has developed a certification program for automation professionals. Thumbs up to them! This sorely needed certification program addresses the new skills required by automation professionals whose job functions and technology expertise have...

Magflowmeter: for filling and dosing applications.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Type 8055 Full-Bore Magflowmeter is designed for filling and dosing operations, including data registration. This continuous or batch flow controller finds use in sanitary food/beverage processes, pharmaceutical manufacturing and water...

Corrosion detector: monitors localized corrosion.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The CorrTran Corrosion Detection Transmitters feature a two-wire loop powered 4-20 mA signal with HART protocol for real-time monitoring of corrosion. Through these signals, general corrosion or pitting of pipe or vessels can be detected. The...

Temperature controller: new power input choices, etc.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The newest version of the Series 59 temperature controller includes added power input choices, more sensor options, four different relay output options, alarm and time functions and a wider operating temperature capability. Used on industrial...

Wireless I/O communication system: explosion proof division 1.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The XANT explosion proof system allows a wireless I/O system to be safely installed in Division 1 areas. The wireless I/O transceiver/receiver system features a cast aluminum enclosure to house a transmitter and antenna. A receiver and antenna...

Ultrasonic sensor: built-in background suppression.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The high-speed RPS-400-6 ultrasonic sensor is intended for use for short ranges of 2 to 6 inches. It's small size of 0.75" x 2.00" x 1.5" makes it useful in tight locations. It will not be affected by changes in target color or material. The...

Thermal flowmeter: and temperature transmitter.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Model FT2 Thermal Flowmeter and Temperature Transmitter has 4 to 20 mA outputs for both gas flow rate and temperature. Additional outputs include pulse, RS-232, Modbus RS-422/RS-485, Profibus-DP, DeviceNet and Ethernet. The 2 x 16 backlit LCD...

Enclosures: DIN Rail Mount.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The DB Series of plastic, DIN Rail Mount boxes are suited for a variety of industrial control applications and can be used to house relays, power supplies, connection boxes and I/O controllers. The series includes eight different sizes with ten...

Circuit breakers: common mounting points.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The new Square D Powerpact 150A H-frame and 250A J-frame molded case circuit breakers are well-suited to a wide range of applications, providing a full compliment of field installable accessories, field installable trip units and improved...

Flow conditioner: in-line; air and gas flow.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Flow=Trak[TM] Flow Conditioners are designed as an economical solution to problems associated with monitoring air and gas flow in piping-constrained applications. It eliminates velocity profile distortions, swirl and temperature...

D-sub connectors: "unibody" design.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... A line of D-sub connectors has dust and water protection to IP67. The Environmental WD series has been improved by providing a new "unibody" design. The "unibody" design eliminates the need for adding sealants as a secondary manufacturing...

900 MHz transducer: one watt output.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The 900MHz AC4490-1W provides one full watt of output allowing for data transmissions of up to 115.2 Kbps across 20 miles line-of-sight. Priced at less than half the cost of similarly specified wireless, the one-watt transceiver modules and...

Formulation software: ethernet-enabled.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... FormWeigh formulation software combines inventory consumption, batch, calibration, and user data into one software package for manufacturers. The system aids end-users to close the information flow between warehouse and dispensing systems,...

Mass flow sensor: sub liter/min range.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Mflow200 mass flow sensor provides an accurate measurement of gas flows in the sub liter/min range with reportedly fast response times. It is fully packaged and ready to install. Three types of sensors are available. All three types exhibit...

Ethernet switch: real-time control.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Telemecanique ConneXium[TM] Ethernet switch meets the low cost, functionality, and performance requirements of today's Ethernet-based industrial sites. This new switch enables Ethernet-based sites to implement an Ethernet communications...

Stepper motor: fully integrated.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... ServoStep[TM] is a fully integrated motion control system designed around step motor technology and is the next chapter in this company's SmartMotor[TM] Technology. It features a high torque, 50-pole step motor, motion controller,...

Programmable Fieldbus Controller: new functions; double memory.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Ethernet TCP/IP Programmable Fieldbus Controller now has new functions such as double the data memory to 256kB, a new multi-tasking system, and the ability to complete on-line programming changes. Features include a 32-bit RISC processor;...

Sulfate Particulate Analyzer: measures ultra-low pollutant concentration levels in complex environments.(Analytical Instruments)
August 1, 2004... Model 5020 Sulfate Particulate Analyzer (SPA), and enhancements to this company's trace level monitoring series of gaseous analyzers team up to support the increasing need to measure ultra-low pollutant concentration levels in complex...

Moisture Analyzer: measures moisture levels in gaseous hydrochloric acid.(Analytical Instruments)
August 1, 2004... The Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) Moisture Analyzer is designed to measure low moisture levels in gaseous hydrochloric acid (HC1). This new, laser-based technology is now introduced to measure UHP levels of moisture in...

Trace oxygen analyzer: measure trace oxygen down to 500 parts-per-trillion.(Analytical Instruments)
August 1, 2004... LaserTrace is a multi-point, multi-species, multi-gas analyzer based on an emerging technology known as Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) that is capable of measuring trace oxygen down to 500 parts-per-trillion (ppt). Used to detect...

Trends in analytical instruments.(Editorial Emphasis)
August 1, 2004... "When it comes to analyzers, flexibility, functionality and reliability are essential. Our customers look for compact yet robust analyzers that are also scalable. We begin by specifying a small, field-mountable analyzer that is capable of...

Hydrogen Sulfide Analyzer: in-stream monitoring of natural gas streams.(Analytical Instruments)
August 1, 2004... Model 4400 In-Stream Hydrogen Sulfide Analyzer is used to continuously verify the Hydrogen Sulfide content of a natural gas stream. It helps the operator keep the H2S levels in natural gas collection lines at acceptable levels to help guard...

CO2 Monitor: user adjustable range.(Analytical Instruments)
August 1, 2004... Model 2015 "SPI Series" Digital CO2 Monitor uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) digital processing technology with temperature compensation for a stable and accurate output signal. Three model ranges of 0-2%, 0-20% and 0-100% cover the full...

Wireless radio modems: serial and ethernet types.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... AutomationDirect[R] and Cirronet[TM] Inc. have teamed up to offer Cironet's wireless radio modems. Two series of modems are available: The CR-HN series are 2.4 GHz FHSS wireless data modems. CR-HN radios are designed for SCADA applications (as...

Machine vision camera: Micro-system with high-end architecture.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The IMPACT[TM] T10 economical machine vision camera incorporates the architecture of high-performance machine vision systems, yet is designed as a low-cost solution for inspection systems. It uses next-generation image processing hardware along...

Washdown motors: severe, corrosive applications.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The DirtyDutyWD[R] electric motors are especially designed for the most severe and corrosive applications in the processing industry, and extreme applications that require intense high-pressure washdown. The motors have exterior surface coating...

Oxygen Analyzer: new coulometric sensor.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The DF-330 Oxygen Analyzer includes the new solid-state coulometric sensor. Measurement ranges from ppm levels to 100% are possible. In operation, a voltage is applied across the DF-300 oxygen sensor so that oxygen molecules can move through...

Pressure switches: completely solid state.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The PS98 Series solid state pressure switches feature a polysilicon strain gauge teamed with a custom ASIC to provide accurate, thermal-compensated pressure sensing. The sensing results are used to actuate a solid-state relay or transistor...

Ultrasonic transducers: small pipe clamp-on.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The DTTS small pipe ultrasonic transducers are designed to be used with this Company's Transit Time Flow Meter systems and allow flow measurements on closed pipe systems by clamping onto the outside of existing pipe systems. It accommodates...

Background suppression sensors: no setup programming.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... WORLD-BEAM[R] QS18FF background suppression sensors are available in preprogrammed models for 50 mm (2") or 100 mm (4") fixed-field sensing ranges where the sensors will only detect objects within their preset sensing range and ignore all...

Pneumatic valves: flexibility, configurability.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... VS series plug-in sub-base pneumatic valves are designed to make specification decisions easy for packaging, paper and printing, materials handling, machine tool applications. The glandless spool and sleeve valves offer 200 million cycles and...

Pressure transducer: for low pressure measurement.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The P356 pressure transducer is designed for low pressure differential/gage pressure applications and is available in pressure ranges of 0 to 0.5 through 0 to 5 psid/psig. The robust sensor has a brass 1/4" male NPT pressure port (high side)...

Temperature controllers: many types and sizes.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This broad line of temperature controllers is offered in many types and sizes and features +/-0.1% FS accuracy. They provide sealed front displays with two sets of LEDs for process value and setpoint, PID control, and accept all popular...

Data acquisition system: captures up to 64 inputs at 200 kHz per channel.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The AstroDAQ Xe PC-based data acquisition system can capture 8 analog signals directly to internal hard drive at a sample rate of 200 kHz per channel. Multiple AstroDAQ Xe systems can be stacked for synchronous data capture of up to 64 channels...

Handheld computer: now with 4 gigabytes of compact flash.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Handheld Byte Bucket[TM] handheld computer uses the "Little Guy" single board computer as its processor and now offers up to 4 Gigabytes of Compact Flash on board. The low-power handheld computer is configurable with A to D, digital,...

Digital camera: machine vision applications.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The CV-M4+ digital 2/3" monochrome progressive scan CCD camera is designed for a range of machine vision applications. It features 1392 H x 1040 V 6.45 micrometer square pixels, extended IR sensitivity, and 10-bit video output via Camera Link....

Custom cabinets: for gas detection systems.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This company has been certified by TUV Rhineland of North America as an Industrial Control Panel (ICP) manufacturer. The Industrial Control Panel program allows manufacturers who custom build or mass produce ICP's to apply a National Recognized...

Gas sampling system: removes damaging acid mists.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The GASS[Tm]-II Gas Analysis Sampling system is designed to prepare demanding gas samples for analysis. Developed specifically to remove acid mists that can damage analyzers, it also continuously removes coalescable liquids, water and...

Process controller: integral logic functionality.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The CALogix process controller differs from conventional panel mount controllers in that it is of a modular design mounted on a DIN rail. The base unit houses the CPU, power supply and RS-485 communications with Modbus RTU protocol. Up to 4...

Data acquisition board: 16-bit, PCI based.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The DaqBoard/1000TM series of 16-bit, PCI-based data acquisition boards are available for under $400. Features include synchronous analog, digital, and frequency I/O, extensive software support including Linux drivers and DMA bus mastering....

Devicenet[TM] temperature transmitter: IEEE 1451.4 smart sensing technology.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Series DX DeviceNet[TM] temperature transmitter is a four-channel, DIN mounted unit that offers IEEE 1451.4 smart sensing technology capable of collecting, converting and broadcasting temperature sensor data over a DeviceNet network. Each...

Sound/image analyzer: evaluates sound; visualizes acoustic radiation.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This integrated sound analysis and imaging system is fully integrated to reduce setup and calibration time when analyzing noise in products such as door panels, machines, etc. The system uses a Digital Sensor System (DSS) with a Digital Sensor...

AC drive: solves 480 volt installation problems.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The G7 adjustable frequency drive is said to deliver servo-like performance from an induction motor while also solving 480 V installation and reliability problems in a number of industrial applications. The AC drive comes with several control...

Integrated test valve assembly: visual monitoring of steam trap performance.(Valves, Actuators and Positioners)
August 1, 2004... With this integrated test valve assembly, you can visually observe condensate removal and monitor steam trap performance wherever steam heating systems and steam traps are used. Monitoring steam trap performance can help reduce costs related to...

Valve monitoring systems: for the process and automation industry.(Valves, Actuators and Positioners)
August 1, 2004... These Valve Monitoring Systems (VMS) are a combination of visual indicators and network communications designed to provide reliability and safety for your process valves. The systems are available in rotary or linear actuation with resin or low...

Ball valves: designed for pneumatically or electrically powered actuators.(Valves, Actuators and Positioners)
August 1, 2004... The True Blue Series of ball valves for corrosive and ultra-purity applications permits the same valve to be used for both manual and actuated service, without the need for special adapters or replacement. The water and dust-tight actuators are...

Flanged ball valves: Xtreme[R] advanced sealing technology.(Valves, Actuators and Positioners)
August 1, 2004... Jamesbury[R] flanged ball valves use an advanced sealing technology called Xtreme[R] to increase seat performance. Better recovery helps the seat material maintain contact with the valve ball for better sealing at high temperatures and...

Remote process actuation/control system: on/off pneumatic functions, Fieldbus connectivity.(Valves, Actuators and Positioners)
August 1, 2004... The AirLINE Type 8644 Remote Process Automation and Control System offers instrumentation and automation professionals on/off pneumatic functions, analog and digital input/output modules, and Fieldbus connectivity in a single, DIN rail-mount...

Tips for controlling an electric actuator with long cables.(Special Product Report)
August 1, 2004... In exceptional cases, operating an electrical actuator with long control lines can lead to potential shift/increase at the control inputs and GND due to electromagnetic influences. The following recommendations can effectively reduce these...

Embedded computer: C-programmable.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The QScreen controller[TM] is s a C-programmable embedded computer with a built-in graphical user interface (GUI) that is designed for embedded systems, scientific instruments robotics and portable data acquisition systems. Powered by a Hc11...

Touch panels: conductive polymer film.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This new line of resistive touch panels use a durable conductive polymer film that costs less to produce than conventional resistive touch panels and is able to withstand 200,000 pen inputs with no structural degradations or resistance...

Multigas detector: 4-gas instrument.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Solaris[TM] Fire Multigas detector is a 4-gas instrument providing simultaneous detection of CO2, O2, H2S and combustible gas. Weighing less than 8 ounces, it is comfortable enough to be worn all day. Encased in a rubberized armor that...

Toxic gas detector: MODBUS communications.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The TS4000 Intelligent Toxic Gas Detector is a microprocessor-based transmitter designed to monitor toxic gases or oxygen deficiency and provide status indication and alarm outputs. It offers long distance remote mounting up to 200 feet, dual...

Wireless modems: for wireless serial networks.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This line of telephone-enabled radio modems, XStream PKG-T, allow remote access to wireless serial devices via the public telephone network. They also allow remote wireless networks to automatically dial out to report time critical data at...

Single board computer: with support network booting over ethernet.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The SapcePC[R] PC/104 single board computer is now available with a software tool that enables you to reduce cost of ownership and simplify management of embedded network devices by accessing and booting from boot image files on a server. The...

Trends in load cells.(Sensor Product News)
August 1, 2004... "Applications for fast and accurate weight measurement such as filling, dosing, and check weighing are increasing as processes improve. Digital load cells offer unique solutions in advanced signal filtering and process control. Overall...

Embedded signal conditioner: for strain gauge transducers.(Force, Load & Strain Sensors)
August 1, 2004... CellMite 100 Embedded Digital Signal Conditioners can be directly integrated into a standard strain gauge transducer such as a load cell to transform it into a smart cell. CellMite is also available as a compact encased unit. CellMite generates...

Load cells: for process applications where risks are high.(Force, Load & Strain Sensors)
August 1, 2004... Two new load cells have been added to this company's line of load cells specifically designed for high risk process applications. The LD360s load cell can be used in high-cost bio-pharmaceutical sanitary CIP/SIP applications and is available in...

Torque sensor/indicator: measures bolt or nut wrenching torque.(Force, Load & Strain Sensors)
August 1, 2004... The combination SWS (Socket Wrench Torque Sensor) and file PHM-100 portable hand-held transducer indicator provides measurements of bolt or nut wrenching torques in either direction, so break-away torques can be measured. The PHM-100 has a Peak...

Force sensors: measure fast-rising, short-duration events.(Force, Load & Strain Sensors)
August 1, 2004... These piezoelectric force sensors are designed to measure dynamic force in compression, tension and impact modes. According to this company, unlike strain gauge sensors that are stable for measuring slowly changing or static loads, dynamic...

Load cell weighing assemblies: 650 to 11,000 lb capacity/module.(Force, Load & Strain Sensors)
August 1, 2004... LevelMount[R] load cell weighing assemblies for process weighing are available in two sizes of mounts. The patented LevelMount[R] can raise and lower a vessel while under load and without specialized tools. The load cell can be removed or...

Microprocessor Core Module: for embedded control applications.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The R108 Hypercore Microprocessor Core Module is designed to simplify integration and engineering of embedded microcontroller projects and reduce time to market. Based on Silicon Laboratories[TM] 8051 system-in-chip processor, the Hypercore...

Metallic enclosures: IP65/NEMA4.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... These wall mounted metallic enclosures are offer with eight single or double doors in sizes from 12" x 8" x 6" through 48" x 40" x 12" (HxWxD). They are manufactured from sheet metal with a thickness of 0.06", and are provided with a back...

Motion controller: new module, 6 servo axis.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Allen-Bradley 1756-L6x family ControlLogix controller now offers a SERCOS interface motion module. The module is designed for small, low-axis-count machines and provides control of three axes of ControlLogix integrated motion. Users can...

Batch Controller: for both liquid and gases.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Nova-Flow Batch Controller provides for both single and dual stage batching processes, for use on both liquids and gases requiring temperature, pressure, and compressibility compensation. Batching methods available include manual, auto,...

Trends in test & measurement.(Product Series)
August 1, 2004... As engineers integrate functional test and device handling automation in a single system, a data acquisition module not only needs to have high resolution and data throughput for functional test, but also needs to incorporate digital and timing...

Humidity calibration system: verify, calibrate, document humidity sensors.(Test & Measurement, Callibration Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The HumiLab[TM] bench-top NIST traceable humidity calibration system offers the ability to verify, calibrate and document humidity sensors used in applications in aerospace, automotive, electronic, plastics, chemical and food processing. It...

Acoustic pressure sensor calibrator: field or laboratory calibration.(Test & Measurement, Callibration Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Model 915A01 hand-held pistonphone kit provides field and laboratory calibration of high-sensitivity piezoelectric acoustic pressure sensors. This self-contained, battery-powered pistonphone generates stable and accurate sound pressure level...

Moisture/solids/ash analyzer: saves time in dry ashing test methods.(Test & Measurement, Callibration Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Computrac MAX 5000 moisture/solids/ash analyzer is designed to save time over traditional methods of dry ash testing. It test samples at temperatures as high as 600 [degrees]C in a compact footprint, reproducing high temperature results while...

Frequency counter: test and measurement modules for PXI platform.(Test & Measurement, Callibration Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The P635 8-channel frequency counter is the first product in a family of test and measurement modules for the PXI platform. It is a single-width 3U module with eight frequency measurement channels. This counter module can be used to monitor a...

Pressure Calibrator: intrinsically safe for explosive environments.(Test & Measurement, Callibration Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The 718Ex Intrinsically Safe Pressure Calibrator is certified as "intrinsically safe" and unable to release sufficient energy to cause ignition of flammable material for applications in petrochemical plants, oil platforms and refineries. The...

Photoelectric sensors: with separate amplifiers.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The F3 series of photoelectric sensors features a flat, thin and robust aluminum housing (IP67) 13.5mm x 13mm x 3mm, epoxy lens with glass cover, visible red light and 2 easy to mount mounting holes (for M3 screws). Through beam,...

Drives: enhanced performance.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The VLT 4152 and VLT 4352 110-250kW/150HP-350HP drives are new additions to the VLT 4000 series of drives. These additions to the line provide an optimized variable torque solution for industrial applications. Features include an average of 35%...

Nanovoltmeter: eliminates noice in low voltage measurements.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Model 2182A nanovolt-meter is optimized for making low noise measurements in research, metrology, nanotechnology, superconductivity, and other low voltage/resistance applications. When it is used in conjunction with this company's Models 6220...

Electromagnetic flowmeter: measurement of all conductive liquids.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Designed especially for the pulp and paper and metals and mining industries, the FSM4000 electromagnetic flowmeter measures all conductive liquids with a fast response and a noise free output. It is designed to solve problems in measuring...

Accelerometer: for high temperatures.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... 4000 Series high temperature accelerometers are suited for turbine monitoring, jet/combustion engine applications, flue gas atomizers, and experimental applications. Model 4002 has 20 pC/g sensitivity with a frequency response of 5 kHz (5%) and...

Industrial radio: supports RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The OS2400-485 frequency-hopping, spread spectrum industrial radio operates in the license-free 2.4 GHz band. Designed to succeed in high-interference environments, it can be configured to operate in point-to-point, broadcast or...

Pressure transducers: easy customization.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... MLH Series pressure transducers offers a wide range of pressure options and ease of customization for use in applications such as pumps and compressors, HVAC and refrigeration, measurement of hydraulic fluid pressures and off-road vehicles. It...

Industrial computer: rugged; wireless.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The RuggedNote portable industrial computer weighs only 5.9 lb. The configuration is wireless ready, includes a Intel[R] Pentium M processor with Centrino[TM] mobile technology, 256MB of DDR memory, PCMCIA/Cardbus, dual USB 2.0 ports and a...

Load cell simulator: eases scale troubleshooting.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The PVS-10 transducer simulator is designed for troubleshooting scale indicators and verifying proper setup. It is encased in a rugged ABS enclosure for use in the field. The vernier provides infinitely variable adjustment in coarse, medium or...