Instrumentation & Automation News articles from June 2005

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from June 2005

Mass flow controller.
June 1, 2005... This universal flow control system is a module that allows users to monitor a system of four flowmeters or flow controllers from anywhere an Internet-connected PC is available. Controllers are connected using their 0-5 Vdc output. ...

Wireless system.
June 1, 2005... This multi-channel wireless base radio station allows up to sixty field transmitters to communicate with up to four receiver base radios. It is available with 4-20 mA, pressure, and temperature inputs and can be ordered battery-powered, AC or...

Power supplies.
June 1, 2005... RHINO[TM] line of power supplies includes several metal and plastic housed switching supply models. RHINO PSM series switching DC power supplies are available in 12 or 24 Vdc adjustable output models. Features include a redundancy module, a...

Hot trends in automation.
June 1, 2005... "Saving Energy and Money with High-Efficiency Motors and Drives" is the title of this month's Hot Trends in Automation. The article will discuss ways to make motors more efficient and match them more effectively to their loads. Electric motors...

The metamorphosis of mission-critical proprietary process control systems.(Pool's Reflection)
June 1, 2005... Sleepy Lima, Ohio is sleepy no more. Last month the Fieldbus Foundation held a press event at a BDO plant in Lima to demonstrate how FOUNDATION[TM] fieldbus H1, High Speed Ethernet (HSE) and Flexible Function Block (FFB) technology, integrated...

PXI Controllers.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Two PXI Controllers, the NI PXI-8195 and NI PXI-8196, use the Mobile Intel 915GM Express Chipset for extended memory. The PXI-8196 embedded controller uses the power of a 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium M 760 Processor. The PXI-8195 includes a 1.5 GHz...

Fuse terminal blocks.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The HMFA.2 line of DIN-rail mount fuse blocks can be used with PLCs and other micro-controllers, which require a fuse on the input and output. They use spring clamp terminations and have the capability of accepting the standard blade type fuse,...

Multifunction calibrator.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... MicroCal 2000+ 2-channel multifunction calibrator for lab and fieldwork is accurate to 0.0035% rdg. It includes the Calpman Plus Software for automatic calibration and documenting in compliance with ISO 9000. MicroCal 2000+ measures mV, V,...

Mass flowmeters.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... FlowStream[R] OFS Series of mass flowmeters measure mass flow of air and clean, dry industrial gases including nitrogen, argon, helium, hydrogen, natural gas and carbon dioxide. Using a Laminar Flow Element, the flowmeters read full-scale flow...

Hybrid switchboard meters.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... DUAL-VUE line of hybrid switchboard meters features an analog moving point for trend information and an LED display. They are suited for upgrading existing power or control panels or for new indicating applications. The meters are available...

Trends in operator interfaces.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... As more information becomes available from industrial devices, control engineers and maintenance personnel can utilize this data to quickly identify problem areas and schedule preventive maintenance. With requirements to display more...

Touchscreen HMIs.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... New models have been announced for the Silver Series touchscreen HMIs. The Silver Series Enhanced models still include Ethernet and compact flash ports, while the Silver Series Classic models offer the same features of the enhanced models but...

Programmable display.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... The GT-11 programmable display with 3-color backlight allows You to specify the background color with red, green or orange for each screen so that conditions can be easily recognized. Display resolution is 240 x 96 dots. The 4"-wide touchscreen...

Operator interfaces.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... The V7 Series operator interface panels connect to virtually any PLC, as well as a range of temperature controllers, variable frequency drives or motion controllers. Ethernet, serial and several field bus network communication protocols are all...

Flat panel monitor.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... This line of 15" flat panel monitors now includes a higher temperature range, up-scaling to SXGA resolution and more touchscreen options. Other features include a 400 nit brightness, an 85 degree full viewing cone and up and down scaling to...

Touchscreens.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Operator Interfaces)
June 1, 2005... IntelliTouch Super Flat Profile (SFP) touchscreens use this company's pure glass surface wave technology to achieve a flat front surface and narrow borders around the active touch-sensitive area. They also have a flat cabling system. Designed...

Vision sensor.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The In-Sight[R] 5403 machine vision sensor is a 2-megapixel vision sensor that captures full-frame, 1600 x 1200 images at up to 15 frames per second for highly detailed inspection of fast moving objects. The increased resolution of the sensor...

Accelerometer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Designed for high shock and vibration environments, the LCA-100 30 g Series accelerometer features nonlinearity better than 0.05% and low vibration rectification. Used in missile controls, fatigue monitoring and performance testing, the...

Saving energy and money with high-efficiency motors and drives.(HOT TRENDS In Automation)
June 1, 2005... As the price of fuel continues to rise, and with increases in electric power rates sure to follow, the incentives for energy savings have never been greater, yet there are many opportunities for savings that companies have not embraced. One of...

Position transducers.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The TMI non-contacting transducers can be integrated into hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and are designed for continuous use at operating pressures up to 350 bar. They provide a direct and absolute measurement from 100 to 4500 mm with single...

Pressure transmitter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... TX200 all-welded 316 stainless steel pressure transmitter matches the requirements of process, utility, oil and gas industries. The airtight and watertight design is ideal for offshore platforms and applications such as well-head monitoring,...

Check valve.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... This all-plastic, corrosion-resistant wafer check valve prevents reversal of flow in larger size piping systems. It helps prevent damage to pumps, filters or other process equipment caused by backflow of the process media. These check valves...

Valve position sensor.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The NI 4-DSU35-2DNETX5-H1150 valve position sensor allows for connection to DeviceNet[TM] fieldbus networks and is used in tandem with an actuation kit to monitor the position of rotary actuators. It is compatible with standard M12 eurofast[R]...

Trends in smart transformers.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... A new type of transformer is hitting the market with increased flexibility and surge-protection savvy. A notch up from a normal transformer, these devices replace conventional linear transformers with a highly efficient switching power supply....

Power Management Software.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... Powerware PowerVision[R] Power Management Software version 4.0 for centralized power management has been tailored to meet the needs of both IT system administrators and facility engineers and is offered in two package options: network edition...

Power Supply.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... Model VSP12010 High Power Switching DC Power Supply is compatible with most computers via a standard RS232 serial port Future models in the family will provide communication via GPIB interface The power supply uses modern switch mode technology...

Uninterruptible Power Supplies.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... The Qunit Buffer and Quint DC-UPS Uninterruptible Power Supplies provide continuous operation of all 24V devices in electrical installations during power interruptions. This prevents unstable power grids from causing failures in international...

DIN-Rail Power Supplies.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... This PS line of UL Recognized DIN Rail Power Supplies with Power Factor Correction (PFC) have a Universal AC input and are suited for industrial and automation application. Voltage input ranges are from 85 V to 264 V on the single phase and 350...

Power Distribution Blocks.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Power Supplies)
June 1, 2005... These DIN-Rail Mountable Power Distribution Blocks are intended to distribute power, manage large wire sizes, and maintain finger-safe connections. They allow multi-pole assembly accommodating single, two and three-phase power feeds in a...

Wireless I/O modems.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Four HopNet wireless I/O modems include the HNIO-091R and HNIO241R relay modems, which operate at 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz respecitively, and the 900 MHz NHIO-091A and 2.4 GHz HNIO-241A analog/digital modems. The relay modems provide four 250 Vac 5A...

CompactFlash data acquisition.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The NI CF-6004 CompactFlash data acquisition device, slightly larger than a postage stamp, plugs into any PDA with a CompactFlash slot to create a handheld instrument with the processing and wireless communication capabilities of the latest PDA...

SPC software.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... NWA Quality Analyst[R] Version 6 is an upgrade to this company's SPC charting and analysis software. The new version enables manufacturers to easily analyze their process data to identify process improvements and execute quality initiatives...

Pressure gauge.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Ashcroft[R] Type 1134 pressure gauge includes a field-adjustable, low-cost switch option with up to two setpoints designed to measure low differential pressure. Dual side or back connections; panel mounting hardware; stainless steel case; and...

Magnetic cylinder sensors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... This line of miniature magnetic cylinder sensors incorporates Giant Magnetoresistive Technology (GMR) to provide high sensitivity to magnetic fields in pneumatic cylinders. The sensors are polarity independent and provide piston-piston...

Tank level transmitter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Model 360 tank level transmitter is designed to improve CIP/SIP recovery time. During a CIP process, temperatures exceed 180[degrees]F. Sensors generally require four to six minutes to recover before maintaining accurate readings. Model 360...

Process calibrator.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The 725Ex intrinsically-safe multifunction process calibrator is designed for use in explosive and hazardous environments such as petrochemical plants, oil platforms and refineries, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. It can measure or source...

Gas analyzers.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Titan-OL gas analyzers provide real-time, multi-component extractive gas phase analysis for on-line continuous multi-point analysis. The systems include an industrial FTIR spectrometer system, gas cells, sample manifold, valve control...

Trends in flow sensors.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... Advances in Coriolis flow measurement technology are opening doors for new applications for custody transfer. The new generation of Coriolis meters provides uninterrupted, accurate flow measurement with partially empty flowtube conditions, a...

Coriolis Flowmeter.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... TheCFT50 Digital Coriolis Mass Flowmeter has been certified internationally for custody transfer applications. It is certified by the Norwegian Metrology Service (NMS) for indoor, outdoor, and mobile measurement of mass flow, volume, and...

Inline flow switch.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... The FS-480 large-body inline flow switch delivers flow rates with minimal pressure drop. It is suited for processes that push more fluid through their systems and demand low-pressure drops. Designed to accommodate the semiconductor's move...

Magmeter.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... The Signet 2551 Magmeter, an insertion style electro-magnetic flow sensor, is intended for conductive fluid applications that contain particulates, solids and fibers. Designed with no moving parts to wear or foul, the flow sensor is designed to...

Air/gas flowmeter.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... The ST50 flowmeter, for line sizes from 2 to 24" (51 to 610 mm) is available with a wireless communication option. Utilizing a wireless IR technology built-in to the flowmeter and a standard, PDA, field technicians can obtain measurements, make...

Flow switch.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Flow Sensors)
June 1, 2005... FluidVision[TM] 4000 flow switch measures, monitors, transmits and displays flow rate, temperature and pressure all in one instrument. It measures flow rates from 0.06 to 60 gpm; temperatures from -40 to 140[degrees]C and pressure to 75, 100 or...

Proximity sensors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The TRIPLESHIELD[TM] CD46 capacitive sensors, in a thin-profile rectangular housing, offer a single pushbutton "Teach Mode" that allows the user to program the sensing range and output, eliminating the need for a potentiometer. The sensors also...

Solenoid valves.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The RedHat Next Generation line of solenoid valves accept both AC and DC voltages. The company claims that its 2-watt power consumption achieves the same performance as a 17-watt AC solenoid valve. Users can operate a solenoid solely on DC...

Waterproof mouse.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The AquaPoint[TM] waterproof mouse features a sealed, industrial silicone overlay and polycarbonate frame. Its optical technology allows it to function on most surfaces and the smooth surface button makes it easy to clean. IKEY Industrial...

Distribution box.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The D-Box distribution box allows computerized controls to be connected to sensors and actuators at the machine level quickly. Designed to reduce installation and troubleshooting time, the D-Box can be used with 8 mm, 12 mm or 8 mm/12 mm...

Trends in industrial automation software.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... "Production and processes are becoming more complex--as it is becoming common for a single line to incoroorate machine vision with synchronized motion control, high-speed digital measurements, advanced control algorithms, and vibration...

Data Historian Software.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... The latest version of Proficy[TM] Historian, Version 3.0 allows manufacturers to collect and aggregate real-time plant data from multiple sources and identify the root causes of undesirable events such as equipment failures and product quality...

DIN-rail project planning software.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... Clip Project 6.0 terminal block project planning software guides the selection process with pictures and specifications of this company's products needed for a DIN-rail assembly. A dimensionally accurate picture of a DIN-rail assembly with a...

Batch software.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... InBatch Premier and FlexFormula batch management software support Micrsoft[R] Windows Server[TM] 2003 and Windows[R] XO operating systems. Both leverage the Microsoft operating systems security model, which provides integrated security...

Data management software.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... DataNet OPC Professional is a Web-based data presentation and logging application that makes industrial information accessible to company executives. It serves as an interface between plant managers or company executives and their operational...

Batch software: RSBizWare Batch version 7.0 software is intended to improve security and audit capabilities with the ability to build signature templates, the addition of command verification policies, and expand functionality for process parameter limits, RSBizWare Batch supports configurable electronic signatures for both automatic and manual operations, a requirement for regulatory compliance and data security.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Automation Software)
June 1, 2005... RSBizWare Batch version 7.0 software is intended to improve security and audit capabilities with the ability to build signature templates, the addition of command verification policies, and expand functionality for process parameter limits,...

Sensor/actuator junction boxes.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The 757 Series IP67/68-rated sensor/actuator junction boxes are said to safely extend control cabinet functions into the field and locally on the machine or process. The Series is available in 4, 6, or 8 ports per box with either 4 or 5 poles...

Operator interface.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The QTERM-G55 panel-mount human-machine interface uses graphics and a keypad to interface with the user. The terminal can be equipped with two EIA-232, -422, or 485 serial ports; Ethernet 10Base-T or a Power-over-Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af)...

RTU/controller.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... The Micro-VersaTRAK micro-IPm Linux-based RTUs and controllers have a built-in mix of 14 discrete and analog I/O, 4 serial ports and a 10/100 Ethernet interface. The controllers are pre-loaded with open-source Linux and industrial IPm firmware....

Seismic accelerometer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
June 1, 2005... Model 3233A triaxial seismic accelerometer permits the measurement of three orthogonal axes simultaneously with a single unit. The hermetically-sealed 3233A features ground isolation and is constructed of welded titanium with thru-hole bolt...

Smart radar level gauge provides continuous measurement of solids.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
June 1, 2005... The Micropilot M FMR250 smart radar level gauge, for continuous level measurement of solids, measures the level of plastic pellets, corn, soy beans, cement, and fly ash under harsh process conditions. The harsh process conditions may contain...

Redundant level measurement system handles clean or dirty fluids, saturated steam, high temperature and high pressure.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
June 1, 2005... MagWave[TM] Dual Chamber Level Measurement System provides independent redundant measurements in a variety of oil, gas, petrochemical and power applications. Each MagWave system is custom-configured for the application. The second chamber can...

Enhanced Experion[TM] platform now offers embedded cyber security technology and reduced real estate.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
June 1, 2005... The Experion[TM] Process Knowledge System (PKS) R300 now offers embedded cyber security technology to help prevent denial of service attacks and message flooding at the control level. Additionally, it has an automated backup and restore product...