Instrumentation & Automation News articles from December 2003

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from December 2003

December Automation Excellence Awards.
December 1, 2003... This month's Automation Excellence Awards go to Cognex Corp.'s new vision inspection software tool, RAE Systems' wireless solution for industrial environments, and Yokogawa Corp. of America's CENTIUM CS 3000 R3.4 integrated production control...

Flowmeter.
December 1, 2003... CDI 5200 thermal-dispersion flowmeter uses a novel mounting design to facilitate installation in existing piping systems and simplifies flow measurement in compressed-air systems. The user drills two, 3/16" holes in a pipe and clamps the meter...

DeviceNet station.
December 1, 2003... The FDN20 DeviceNet station connects every pushbutton to a DeviceNet[TM] network. Simply drill a hole in the center of the bottom of the pushbutton. A DeviceNet[TM] eurofast[R] connector is then inserted into the hole. It is now ready for...

Ethernet switch.
December 1, 2003... The Modular Managed Switch (MMS) makes industrial Ethernet set-up easy and requires no complex IT programming. Simply plug in the needed modules, configure the browser-based interface, and the expandable switch is ready. With a head station and...

Suspended solids system.
December 1, 2003... The MSM300 suspended solids measurement system is designed for use with low-density sludges up to 20,000mg/l (2% suspended solids). Comprised of a control unit and a choice of infrared sensors, the MSM300 offers a solution for monitoring of...

Bad news: trademark counterfeiting good news: CSA and gowlings step up to the plate.(Pool's Reflections)
December 1, 2003... Did you know that over the last 5 years, U.S. Customs has seized and destroyed electrical products worth over $4.5 million? All of these products carried illicit trademarks and safety marks. The potential consequence of these products coming...

Hand held computer: Microsoft[R] Windows[R] CE.NET 4.2 operating system.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... The JETT[TM] ce hand computers features a Microsoft[R] Windows[R] CE.NET 4.2 operating system, Intel[R] Xscale[TM] Technology processor, sunlight readable display with touch screen technology, and a variety of interface capabilities. It comes...

Industrial computer: for space limited applications.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... The I-Station[TM] industrial computer is designed for harsh environments where space is limited and full-blown computing power is required. It operates on Windows[R] platforms and offers a 15" flat panel, touch screen display viewable under...

Wall-mount computer: for mission critical applications.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... The Microbox-5824 wall-mount industrial computer is designed without the need for disk drives, fans or moving parts making it suited for mission critical applications such as temperature monitoring and process control in industrial...

Not all computers are created equally.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... In today's tough economic times many purchasers of industrial computers have opted for the lowest cost product available. In many cases the choice is even a commercial or desktop type product Industrial Computers are designed for just...

Industrial controller: for machine automation and industrial control.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... The Qcard is a 2" x 2.5" single board computer that fits any hand-held or space-constrained application and cuts the cost of space-constranied application and cuts the cost of acquisition and control. It sports a 16 MHz Motorola 68HC111F1...

Handheld computer: for harsh environments.(Industrial Computers)
December 1, 2003... The MIG[TM] handheld computer is equipped with Microsoft[R] Windows[R] CE.NET and is suited for a range of wireless information collection and management needs in real-time. It can withstand vibration, shock and water splash. Enclosed in a...

Uninterruptible power supply: 5000/6000VA system protects mission critical applications.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... This single-phase 5000/600VA uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a double-conversion online UPS that protects mission critical applications from power anomalies, which could result in data loss, corruption and process interruption. The...

Programmable power supplies: allow direct connection to network/Internet.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... ePower series of programmable DC power supplies incorporates Ethernet/Fast Ethernet connectivity for high-speed, low-cost integration. The power supplies do not require a computer to communicate with any PAN, LAN, or WAN, WiFi or Internet...

Multi-zone controller: saves space; increases heater life.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... The Max VI[TM] Multi-Zone Power Controller features a combination of isolated bonded-fin heat sinks and fan cooling that provide better heat dissipation in a smaller space and provides up to 450 amps of control power in a footprint of just...

Trends in power supplies.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... We at MGE are encouraged by the recent trends in power systems where business continuity, system integrity, and case of service have become critical design standards. Facility and IT managers now understand the inherent reliability gains...

Industrial power supplies: Class I, Div. 2 hazardous areas.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... The family of QUINT G2 power supplies is now approved for use in Class I, Div. 2 hazardous areas. In addition, two of the company's power supplies and a diode redundancy model are approved for ATEX. Zone 2 hazardous areas. The power supplies...

Redundant DC power systems: failure alarm circuits included.(Power Supplies)
December 1, 2003... These modular redundant DC power systems eliminate the hassle usually associated with combining power supply outputs for redundancy. All you need to do is plug in the two cables and connect ac power and the load. Input switches and fuses,...

Contactors and overloads: currents up to 900 amps.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The CGT Series is a family of rugged contactors and overloads for switching currents up to 900 A. All contactors are available with a wide selection of coil voltages. Interlock and wiring kits are available to turn two standard contactors into...

Fieldbus segment protector: protects fieldbus devices.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A new fieldbus segment protector connects non-incendive and general-purpose fieldbus devices to a fieldbus trunk. The segment protector provides short circuit and overload protection for up to eight spurs. The unit mounts inside sale areas or...

Ultrasonic distance sensors: tailored for difficult applications.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The 942-T Series software programmable ultrasonic distance sensors provide advanced programming features, making them easy to install and operate. They are designed for applications that require the sensors' functionality to be tailored to...

Wallmount box enclosures: protects against high-pressure washdowns.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A line of enclosures is specifically designed for applications where high pressure washdowns are required. These products provide protection and satisfy IP69K, a rating that provides protection against the ingress of dust and against...

Panel meter: bargraph/digital 1/8 DIN unit.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The DIN-BAR is a bargraph/digital 1/8 DIN panel meter designed for vertical and horizontal mount. It is NEMA 4X front panel compliant and is 5" deep with screw terminal connectors. It has 51 automatic tricolor segments that change colors, dim,...

Tachometer/encoder: high-resolution industrial uses.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A rugged cost effective industrial grade tachometer/ encoder addresses the inherent weaknesses of the more frangible optical encoder counterpart. The P9500 encoder series is intended for high-resolution industrial applications and functions as...

Hydrogen Sulfide analyzer: enables fast corrective action when H2S IS detected.(Chemical & Gas Sensors)
December 1, 2003... The general purpose PPA4230-GP Hydrogen Sulfide gas analyzer provides the measurement of Hydrogen Sulfide in gas streams such as reformer recycle gas and ethylene/propylene plants providing refinery solutions. It utilizes lead acetate paper...

Gas leak detector: combustible cases as low as 50 ppm.(Chemical & Gas Sensors)
December 1, 2003... Model CO52 flammable gas leak detector displays flammable gas levels at 100, 1000, and 10,000 ppm. The backlighting on the display automatically switches on in low light areas. An audible indicator increases pitch tone as the concentration of...

Gas analyzer: SO2, NO, NO2, NH3.(Chemical & Gas Sensors)
December 1, 2003... The GM31 gas analyzer can be used for emission measuring, monitoring and control in flue gas desulpherisation plants and NH3 slip control in DeNOx plants. It provides direct gas measurement in a duct therefore providing undelayed calculation of...

The price performance arena of gas and chemical sensors.(Chemical & Gas Sensors)
December 1, 2003... The gas and chemical sensor market is all about price and performance. Companies are working to improve the performance of low cost sensors in the areas of selectivity, reliability, drift, and power consumption. Simultaneously, high...

Gas analyzer: on-line rapid multistream sampling system.(Chemical & Gas Sensors)
December 1, 2003... The VG Prima B gas analyzer is based on a scanning magnetic sector mass spectrometer and can be supplied in a number of different enclosures, including ingress protection at various levels, corrosion resistance and hazardous area options to...

Gas sensor.
December 1, 2003... Model S4000T is an intelligent gas sensor designed for hydrogen sulfide monitoring applications. It features long distance remote monitoring, 3-digit display, and a 4-20 mA output. Fault codes are also available for troubleshooting and...

Instrument Platform.
December 1, 2003... The 994 Integrated Instrument Platform (M2C2[TM] Intelligent) is enclosed in a 3/16 DIN panel-mount NEMA 4/4X package, supports four advanced technology universa! I/O ports, three networkable local/remote communication serial ports, data...

How are you benefiting from your HART-smart devices?(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Iam sure that there are a great number of you that are taking advantage of the benefits your HART-smart installed devices give you and your plant. But for some of you, I suspect, you have overlooked the resources your HART devices can provide...

Multichamber reference cell ensures measurement accuracy of electrochemical sensors: new Sentinel[TM] electrochemical sensor/transmitters with built-in Pre-pHault[TM] Technology alert process engineers of progressive electrode poisoning or degradation before there is a measurement failure.
December 1, 2003... The failure of the sensing elements within an electrochemical sensor is as inevitable as death and taxes. In operation, electrode elements are routinely exposed to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals ranging from high pH liquids like...

Remote system: shutdown for tank farms.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... This remote closure shutdown system is designed to help meet NFPA 58 requirements for emergency shutoff in bulk tank farms from a remote location. The NFPA 58 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code requires emergency shutoff and product containment at...

Moisture analyzer: for gaseous ammonia.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... Using laser-based technology, this moisture analyzer measures UHP levels of moisture in gaseous ammonia. The moisture measurement technology is governed by Beer's Law. Therefore, by measuring the intensity of the laser before and after...

Leak test system: simultaneously locates and calculates the leak rate.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Falcon Leak Test System simultaneously locates and calculates the leak rate in process control applications. It uses a patent pending Intelense technology with sensitivity to 10(-5) sccs and is a cost effect solution that bridges the gap...

Micro process automation controller is designed for small- to medium-size applications.(Featured Products)
December 1, 2003... ControlWave Micro joins this company's family of process automation controllers as a Space-efficient package for small-to mid-size applications. It offers a wide temperature operation from -40 to +70[degrees]C for remote sites and very low...

Hygienic line of coriolis flowmeters meet CIP and surface finish demands of pharmaceutical, biotech, and food and beverage industries.(Featured Products)
December 1, 2003... Micro Motion[R] H-Series all-hygienic line of Coriolis flowmeters responds to the needs of the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food and beverage industries and is designed to be drainable, cleanable and have improved surface finishes. This line...

Pulse radar level transmitter senses distances up to 100 feet.(Featured Products)
December 1, 2003... The SmartWave self-adjusting pulse radar level transmitter, for distances up to 100 feet, adjusts microwave pulse amplitude and its width to a target distance and target reflection properties. The receiver changes its sensitivity with the...

Controls for heating tracing.
December 1, 2003... Heat tracing is used for two main purposes with widely varying requirements for control sophistication. The simplest application is for freeze protection: A heating cable is run along a pipe to keep the contents from freezing in cold weather....

Types of heating cables.
December 1, 2003... Serf regulating--Self regulating heating.cable provides the most versatility in heat trace designs and applications, and is the type most often used for freeze protection. Constructed of a semiconductive heater matrix extruded between parallel...

Platteville, Wisconsin: a wireless pioneer with a capital M.
December 1, 2003... Located in a fertile farming area of Wisconsin, left untouched by Ice Age glaciers, Platteville was settled in the mid 1820's by lead miners. Prior to this time, the area was inhabited by the Winnebago Indians. When a white trapper, Emmanuel...

Pressure regulators: liquid and gas control.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... This line of pressure regulators for liquid and gas control is available in a wide range of flow (Cv 0.025-5.0) and pressures 0-10,000 psi. The regulators are designed to handle corrosive applications such as severe continuous sampling,...

IR thermometer: for surface measurements.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... The Traceable[TM] infrared "point-and-shoot" thermometer gun takes less-than-a second temperature readings of any surface. Range is -20 to 420[degrees]C and -4 to 788[degrees]F with a resolution of 1 [degrees]. Accuracy is 20 to 100[degrees]C...

Enclosure accessories: window kit and handles.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A line of Type 4X rated 316 stainless steel accessories for new enclosure applications and for upgrading existing enclosures includes 316SS deep-hinged window kits and 316SS Powerglide handles. The window kit provides protection, visibility,...

Flowmeters: patented balance system.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The PROline Promass 83 I line of Coriolis flowmeters measures the rotational force exerted by fluids flowing through an oscillating measurement tube. Measurement of these forces is used to calculate mass flow and density. They use the torsional...

Ethernet remote I/O kits: three basic combinations.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... Ethernet Remote I/O Kits are designed for this company's modular DL205 and DL405 PLCs. Available in three basic combinations to fit many Ethernet Remote I/O applications, the kits reduce the cost of implementing Ethernet Remote I/O when...

Touchscreen: three-color led screen.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The GT-01 is a 3" touchscreen that has a three-color LED backlit LCD screen with 384 KB of memory. The userfriendly programming software also supports bitmap graphics, true type fonts, key switches, function keys, lamps, multiple message texts,...

Flow meters: measurement air and compressed gases.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... EZ-View flow meters are available to measure air and other compressed gases in addition to the traditional line of oil and water. The units are constructed of high-impact polysulfone plastic. Thye contain a minimum number of moving parts,...

Multi-parameter controller: internal language displays.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The 8900 Multi-Parameter Controller has international language display capabilities and enhanced signal integrity for long distance cable tons connecting to remotely located sensors. Designed to perform as an all-in-one controller, the 8900 is...

Device management solution: now industrial IT enabled.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... Meriam's Complete Device Management Solution[TM] which consists of a suite of hardware and software products including the MFT 4000 series multi-function tester, the MFC4100 series multi-function communicator and the DMS (Device Management...

Data acquisition board: performs DSP measurements easily.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... DT Measure Foundry/RT-Streaming is this company's test and measurement application builder that is designed to eliminate difficult and time-consuming coding and compiling. This embedded DSP real-time measurement solution can stream data to a...

Mobile test and measurement system: uses palm-powered PDA plus software.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... The mDAS-2233 data acquisition system is a complete sensor-based data acquisition system that runs on the ruggedized Palm-Powered Meazura handheld. It runs this company's conncetion software to provide a complete PDA-based instrument for test...

Trends in test and measurement.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... "In today's competitive market, process and manufacturing engineers are required to quickly develop manufacturing validation test for new products developed by design engineers. Many manufacturing engineers in process and discrete manufacturing...

Documenting process calibrator: more device-specific calibration support.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... A comprehensive upgrade has been made to the 744 Documenting Process Calibrator to support many more transmitters from leading manufacturers. The 744 Process Calibrator offers integration of multifunction calibration and HART communication...

Dead weight force calibration system: calibrates load cells for advanced material testing machines.(Test & Measurement, Calibration Equipment)
December 1, 2003... This Dead Weight Force Calibration System is designated to calibrate load cells used in inn advanced material testing machines and can be used as a primary force standard to ensure accurate load measurements. Capable of applying up to 222 kN...

Quick assembly fittings: for pneumatic applications.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The Minimatic Push-Quick Fitting line offers easy tube insertion for quick assembly of pneumatic circuits. PushQuick fittings provide a simple method of connecting pneumatic components to each other while accepting both flexible hose and stiff...

Wireless transmitter: self-calibrating unit.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The BlueLynx Model BLM-TX is a selfcalibrating, wireless sensor link designed to replace cable and conduit in predictive maintenance process monitoring and data acquisition. The compact unit collects analog signals from up to four 4-20 mA...

Industrial Ethernet switches: open hardware platforms.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A line of industrial Ethernet switches is available with rugged, cost-effective, field mountable control platforms. The open hardware and software building blocks are provided for use in demanding real-time industrial control and automation...

Universal analog module: compact I/O module.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The 1769sc-IF8u universal analog input module is designed specifically for use with the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and MicroLogix 1500 platforms. The 1769sc-IF8u is a solution for high density and mixed analog input applications. This...

Wireless design kits: configure applications before deploying them.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... The upgraded 900MHz and 2.4GHz Design Suites are new kits that include t all the tools necessary to help OEMs set up, test and configure their wireless applications before deploying them. Each wireless integration kit includes a loop-back...

Distributed measurement system: wireless monitoring of chemicals and gases.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... The CS/DS50 distributed measurement system provides wireless monitoring for chemicals and gases. A Windows[TM]-based software package provides for landline or GSM cellular tandem communications (with antenna). A local serial port is available...

Wireless process management system: now includes multiple field units, base radio and wireless instrumentation software.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... The recently introduced integrated wireless process measurement package is now offering additional components for the system. Designed for applications such as long term monitoring of variables in remote locations and short term gathering of...

Wireless monitoring system: with alarm notification.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... This wireless remote maintenance, monitoring, control notification system allows field, plant and to collect, access and easily view data from their monitored equipment 24-hours a day, any Internet-connected PC or Web-enabled device, via a...

Trends in wireless communications.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... "Ethernet, long the mainstay of office networks, is gaining traction on the factory floor. In fact, many manufacturers are now sending Ethernet data wirelessly to avoid expensive installation of cabling, conduits and cable trays. Even for...

Embedded wireless module: Direct replacement for RS232/422/485 wiring.(Telemetering Systems & Wireless Communications)
December 1, 2003... The Wi.232[TM] embedded wireless module combines a wireless FSK transceiver with a protocol controller to create a transparent wireless solution for wire replacement applications. It is designed as a direct replacement for RS-232/422/485 wiring...

High-bandwidth front end: robust, portable unit.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The DiSC6 is a robust, portable unit offering high performance and precision in a rugged, compact unit designed for both laboratory and mobile applications. The DiSC6 is a flexible, high bandwidth front end for online PC data acquisition and...

Test software: through entire product lifecycle.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... SigmaSure suite of web-architected software modules perform real-time capturing, aggregating and analyzing functional test results and quality data across globally dispersed organizations through the product lifecycle. Test and diagnostic data...

Smart sensors: eliminate control units.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A new gas smart Sensor line eliminates the need for a control unit, providing the necessary intelligence for proper operation, alarm, and calibration in the sensor. These features simplify installation because no interconnecting cable is...

Electronics enclosure: curved sloped surfaces.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The AG-85 is an off-the-shelf electronics enclosure that features stylish, curved, and sloped surfaces for visual and functional enhancements. It has a removable end panel, making it suitable for mounting multiple connectors, LEDs, or jacks. It...

Wireless solution brings online monitoring and industrial Ethernet data management to manufacturing.(December Automation Excellence Awards)
December 1, 2003... RAE Systems Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, is offering a total connectivity monitoring solution for industrial environments such as refineries, power plants, paper/pulp processing and process industries. The solution consists of the Area PORT, a wireless...

New addition to the CENTIUM 3000 integrated production control system is targated for small-scale plants.(December Automation Excellence Awards)
December 1, 2003... To The CENTIUM CS 3000 R3.04 is the latest version of the CENTIUM CS 3000 R3 system. This version is specifically engineered for features the announcement of the Fieldnetwork CS 3000 R3.04 is designed for Class 1 Div II areas and to 30 I/O...

New software tool takes geometric pattern matching to a new level in vision inspection.(December Automation Excellence Awards)
December 1, 2003... A new software member to the PatFlex[TM] family of geometric pattern matching for machine vision systems has been introduced by Cognex. Corp. PatFlex is a sottware tool that enables vision systems to locate an object, feature, or pattern whose...

Measurement and automation catalog.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... The National Instruments catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools. You will find everything you need from product...

Pocketsize "direct access" products.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... A new free pocketsize "direct access" website directory for bargraphs, DPMs & counters, wireless, and transmitters. From generic to Mil-Spec & nuclear in a 56-page booklet. Hundreds of models, Thousands of configurations. Otek. 877-BAR-OTEK....

High temperature thermocouples.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... NANMAC Corporation has expanded its line of high temperature thermocouples. New thermocouples include tugsten coated molybdenum sheathed units for continuous use in carburizing or graphite furnaces at over 2000 C! Also, a new ceramic sheathed...

Temperature sensors & instruments.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... Bulletin TS-103 describes a complete range of RTD's, thermocouples, and transmitters for precision sensing in OEM and user applications. The 120-page bulletin includes industrial probes and accessories, stator and bearing detectors, HVAC/R...

Pressure sensors & transducers.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... Kavlico's capability brochure highlights 20 of their standard and custom sensors, transducers and transmitters for flow, level, differential, absolute and gage pressure measurements. Typical product specifications and features are noted as well...

Piezo electric alarms.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... Floyd Bell's new 108dB @ 2 FT. Ultra series, solid state, environmentally secure piezo electric alarms are typically 12 dB louder and 1000 Hz lower (2000 Hz center frequency) than any alarm of its size. Diameter is only 1.42". Continuous, beep,...

Linear position transducers.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... Catalog describes both low cost OEM models as well as rugged environmentally sealed models for the toughest measurement applications. Use catalog selection guide to determine which linear position transducer is most suitable for the...

Digital panel meters.(Literature Review)
December 1, 2003... Selco delivers a high-visibility, lowpower metering solution with its family of Loop-Powered Digital Panel Meters and compatible TZ-41 Transmitter. The displays and transmitter do not require a power supply and simply run off the input signal,...

Flow sensor: paddle wheel design.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The UB45-A Series flow sensor uses a paddle wheel design to measure continuous flows of solidfree liquids. A choice of three body materials and several connection options allows the use of these meter bodies in ncutral and slightly aggressive...

Wireless controllers: new RTU series.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... A new series of RTUs, called Autolog GSM-PLC, are suitable for level control applications, water treatment, and as indi vidual RTUs with full controlling capability. They can also be used for environmental measuring and collecting data from...

Current-to-Pressure Transmitter: approved for gas application.(Product News)
December 1, 2003... The IPX2 Current-To-Pressure Transmitter has Factory Manual Intrinsically Safe, Non-Incendive, Explosion-Proof,and DustIgnition Proof certifications. It can be installed at gas gathering stations, compressor stations, pipeline feed...