Instrumentation & Automation News articles from May 2005

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from May 2005

Photoelectric sensor.
May 1, 2005... RETROSMART[TM] photoelectric sensor senses clear or translucent, full or empty bottles and containers without false signals or chattering. It also senses shiny metal containers without proxing, clear webs of plastic material or shrink wrap, and...

Thermal Imager.
May 1, 2005... The ThermoView[TM] Ti30 Thermal Imager is specifically intended for infrared predictive maintenance (PDM) at industrial sites. It full supports thermography inspection routing. A technician plans an equipment inspection route, performs a first...

Programmable controller.
May 1, 2005... The Enhanced Baby Bear PLC on, a Chip[TM] has 5 digital inputs and 5 relay outputs, expandable to 250 I/O. There is a dedicated communication port for connecting this company's EZ Ladder software running on a PC. An optional second...

Hot trends in automation.
May 1, 2005... Alarm management in plants can reduce injuries, prevent environmental harm, cut loses in production, and reduce damage to equipment. It also can lower the amount of nuisance alarms that plague plant operators. This month's "Hot Trends In...

Industry events: the new standard.(Pool's Reflections)
May 1, 2005... Trade shows have dramatically changed from a decade ago. Although major trade shows in the automation space still exist, such as National Manufacturing Week and ISA, a new standard has emerged in the U.S. The "Vendor Sponsored Events" as I call...

Tuning wizard.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The RMC100 multi-axis motion controller comes with a "tuning Wizard" that simplifies the process of computing optimal gains for closed-loop motion control. The "tuning wizard" helps select appropriate gains for a position axis. The RMCWin...

Pressure/temp switch.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... A 10-ampere, 280 Vac solid-state relay switching output has been added to the One Series electronic pressure and temperature switch product line. Joining the 2-wire models powered by a PLC for low current switching, the new One Series 4-wire...

Ethernet switches.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The EISB_M B-Line series of Ethernet switches will expand a network's capabilities by providing up to 24 ports of connectivity in 1.75" DIN-rail space. In the same physical space, these switches can be scaled down to 16 or 8 ports depending on...

Trends in data acquisition systems.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... Smaller, inexpensive, and networked--these three words can summarize the future of industrial data acquisition systems (DAS)! Already, there are "shoebox" sizes and smaller "6 inch cube" sized DAS products available and sell for less than...

USB-based data acquisition modules.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... Series KUSB-3100 USB-based data acquisition measurement modules offer an alternative to ISA, PCI, and PCMCIA data-acquisition cards. The Series consists of five different multi-function modules that cover a range of applications. It offers USB...

PCI data acquisition card.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... The PCI-1747U analog input DAQ card has 64 analog input channels, 16-bit resolution, and a 250 kS/s sampling rate. It can run at 250 kS/s even when different ranges are used on its 64 channels. For engineers that have been without critical...

Data acquisition memory enhancer.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... The PACSystems[TM] Control Memroy Xchange increases data acquisition capacity, even in the harshest electrical noise environments. It writes data to shared memory, and this technology automatically broadcasts the data to all other nodes on the...

Data acquisition software.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... DAP Measurement Studio (DAPstudio) software Version 1.5 is designed for building systems to run on the company's Data Acquisition Processor Boards. This new version introduces tools for each step of the design process. The new version has tools...

Data acquisition SBC.(EDITORIAL SPOTLIGHT: Data Acquisition)
May 1, 2005... Based on a 486/586 core, the SBC4495 single board computer features a controller in a 4.5" x 6.5" EPIC-standard footprint. Eight channels of 14-bit A/D with simultaneous reads and eight channels of 14-bit D/A provide a temperature-compensated...

Alarm management: you need it. Do you have it: uncontrolled alarms can do more harm than good, overwhelming operators during emergencies in stead of informing them. Alarm management helps bring order out of chaos.(HOT TRENDS In Automation)
May 1, 2005... The life of a plant operator is not always easy, and one of the things that can make it difficult is all those alarms going off. International standards say that one alarm every five minutes for every operator is acceptable, and one every ten...

Color recognition sensor.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The PD12 fiber-optic-based true color recognition sensor includes a microprocessor-controlled amplifier that uses a complex algorithm to store and analyze up to four separate colors. Using a teach-in process, the PD12 employs an RGB principle...

Temperature/process controller.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The enhanced SERIES SD 1/32 DIN panel-mount size single display PID temperature/process controller has an optional countdown timer that supports timed temperature/process control, as well as on/off timing for a variety of external devices such...

Surge protection devices.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The D-LAN family of surge protection devices protects sensitive data and Ethernet networks certified to Cat 5e interface requirements. They keep damaging transient voltage and current away from sensitive data equipment, thereby improving...

Industrial weighing systems.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Designed for use in harsh industrial environments, the ID7sx weighing system includes a complete suite of software to monitor, record and control process data achieved during the weighing process. It is specifically designed for use in Class I,...

LVDT controllers.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The DMC-A2 Dual Channel AC-LVDT Controller and the DMC-D2 Dual Channel DC-LVDT Controller perform arithmetic calculations between two channels for T.I.R. measurements or differential measurement for use in production lines to automatically gage...

Wireless serial servers.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Nport W2004/W2150/W2250 Wireless Serial Device Servers bring traditional serial devices into the WLAN era. Nport W2004 devices are designed for system integrators to connect up to four RS232/422/485 devices to a host computer via a high-speed...

Handheld computer.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The JETT[R]ce and JETT[R]RFID line of handheld computers is tested to IP65 rating, which means that they are completely dust-tight and can withstand exposure to jets of water. The JETT[R]ce and JETT[R]RFID feature a Microsoft[R] Windows[R]...

Leakage current meter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The TRMS Clamp-On Leakage Current Meter Model 565 is designed to measure low AC currents, which are typically leakage currents in ground conductors. Low currents are measured using the 60 mA and 600 mA ranges. Leakage current measurements up to...

Flowmeter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The Coolpoint[TM] vortex shedding flowmeter, with a totalizing capability, measures and monitors flows of water and low viscosity fluids such as water-based machine coolant and water/glycol mixtures. The meter has a scaled pulse output as a...

Trends in signal conditioners.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... "Industry studies show that almost a quarter of the total cost of deploying an industrial I/O system is spent on system setup," says Francisco M. Tacoa, Weidmuller's North American Electronics Marketing Manager. "Configuring signal...

Signal conditioning modules.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... The 786 Series signal conditioning modules are designed for circuits that can convert 0-10V, 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA signals into an isolated 0-10V, 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA signal. Safety is enhanced with an isolation rating of 4 kV. The 786 Series can...

Signal conditioner.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... The LVC-2412 single-channel DIN-rail mounted modular signal conditioner supports LVDT, RVDT or half-bridge inductive sensors. Designed for out-of-the-box use, the signal conditioner can be specified to work from either 24 Vdc for operation with...

Signal conditioning instrumentation.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... This family of programmable signal conditioning instruments includes a series of basic conditioning blocks, panel meters, and a front-end system for industrial end-users and system integrators. Each 5D module is a self-contained, configurable,...

PC-programmable signal transmitter.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... The TMZ PC-Programmable MODBUS Temperature and Signal Transmitter accepts a direct signal from a variety of sensors and analog devices including RTD, thermocouple, ohms, mV, current, voltage and potentiometer. The unit coverts the inputs to the...

Temperature transmitters.(SPECIAL PRODUCT REPORT: Signal Conditioners)
May 1, 2005... Here are five new temperature transmitters. Two of the transmitters feature a narrow-profile DIN rail-mounting, allowing several modules to be stacked in a small space. Model 9100D is HART-compatible and Model 7600D is PC-programmable,...

Digital panel meters.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The "Data View" series of digital panel meters is designed to display measurement of current, voltage, power and frequency. The units connect to virtually any system to provide control functions with a wide selection of relay and analog output...

Seismic event sensors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Models SA107LN and SA107LNC seismic event sensors are single axis sensors designed for use on seismic and low-level frequency motion studies. Ranges are available from +/-0.1g to +/-2g. Both models are dual and tri-axial versions and like the...

Wireless modems.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... NL900 and NL2400 stand-alone, spread spectrum wireless modems can be set up in minutes to virtually cut the cables between RS232/RS485/RS422 devices, says the company. They can be used to upgrade wire terminals to cordless operation in...

Proximity switches.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Size M8 analog sensors have a sensing range from 0 to 4 mm. They provide temperature stability between -13[degrees]F to +158[degrees]F. The extended sensing range means that you can use this small sensor in applications that previously required...

Oxygen transmitter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The SBX1000 flue gas oxygen analyzers integrate an oxygen probe and field electronics into a single package for optimizing the fuel-to-air ratio at process temperatures up to 1300[degrees]F It inserts directly into the flue gas duct with no...

Wiring system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... This wire/cabling system solution reduces high frequency electrical ground "noise" to zero when used in conjunction with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) or with products containing IGBT switching power supplies. Designed to allow grounding...

Liquid level sensors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Madison-Omni[R] continuous liquid level sensors have a graphical LCD display and a separate red light that serves as a visual alarm when the programmed parameters are outside the preset ranges. The set of programmable options for the devices...

Synchronous motors.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The XCE Series Hazardous Duty Synchronous Motors satisfy ATEX standards for use in potentially explosive atmospheres as defined by CE directive 94/9/EC. These motors have a flameproof enclosure with a maximum surface temperature of...

Gas chromatographs.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Model 700 process gas chromatograph provides real-time compositional data in typical process applications for refining, ethylene and olefin processing as well as flare gas analysis and gas turbine control. It offers single- or dual-detector...

Multi-gas, PID meter.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The DirectSense TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) monitoring kit measures TVOCs, along with other Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Parameters. It comes with a 10.6eV PID sensor for ppb range or ppm concentration range measurements of TVOCs....

RTD & TC calibrator.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The Model 525 RTD & TC calibrator covers all temperature curves including eight RTD curves, four different PT 100 curves, Cu10, Cu50, Ni110, Ni120 and ohm and eight TC Types, J, K, E, T, R, S, B, N and mV. Custom curves are also available. The...

Trends in pressure sensors.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... Electronic pressure switches are designed to solve reliability and adjustability problems by combining programmable settings, solid-state circuitry and self-diagnostics. Some incorporate advanced features like plugged port detection, nuisance...

Pressure sensors.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... The PT270DN pressure sensors are now available with DeviceNet outputs. They can now be integrated into DeviceNet control systems for digital control and pressure measurement accuracy. Using a 4 byte polled I/O message for a pressure signal, the...

Pressure sensor.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... Model 2450 pressure sensor offers a reduced operating range of 0 to 10 psig, making it suited for a range of liquid level applications including monitoring of tank levels for UPW storage, chemical batching, and effluent storage. Built-in...

Pressure transducers.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... Two models of Swagelok[R] industrial pressure transducers electronically monitor system pressure in analytical and process instrumentation applications in the chemical, petrochemical, power, oil and gas, and other general industries. The...

Pressure sensors: the HPX Series pressure sensors are suited for applications using non-corrosive, non-ionic working fluids like the air and dry gases found in altimeters barometers and pneumatic control.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... The HPX Series pressure sensors are suited for applications using non-corrosive, non-ionic working fluids like the air and dry gases found in altimeters barometers and pneumatic control. There are two different package configurations: DIP (Dual...

Fluid power pressure switches.(SENSOR PRODUCT NEWS: Pressure Sensors)
May 1, 2005... The Herion 33D pressure switches, with a typical 100 million cycle life, are available in electro mechanical and electronic variants and can be used in both pneumatic and hydraulic environments. Operating pressures for the pneumatic version is...

Computer-On-Module.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... This Computer-On-Module is based on the MPC8540 Power QYICC III RISC processor from Freescale (formerly Motorola). The BrainEB8540 Computer-On-Module (COM) offers fanless computing power with a multitude of I/O connection options at minimum...

Surge protection devices.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The MA13100 Series of surge protection devices includes a full product range for coordinated surge protection to IEC 61312 and is rated according to IEC 61643. The Series offers three classes of protection. There is a Class I lightening current...

Proximity sensor.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The OPB720 Series proximity sensor consists of an infrared LED and a photodetector, packaged in a miniature plastic housing. The sensor's maximum range is preset at the factory, depending on the design requirements. Objects as small as 0.08"...

Corrosion-resistant blower heaters.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The HD3D corrosion-resistant blower heaters are designed for comfort heating and freeze protection in harsh, corrosive, dirty and wet environments such as found in waste water treatment plants, food processing plants and foundries and dairies....

Trends in industrial computers.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... With historian collector functionality added to a CE-based industrial computer, companies can collect key process data points--both locally and remotely--for a fraction of the cost of traditional technologies. With an open architecture, a...

Flat panel computer.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... The Wolverine 15" sunlight-readable, corrosion-resistant computer for harsh industrial environments is HAZLOC approved. It offers a NEMA 4, environmentally-sealed enclosure and has Class 1, Div. 2; Zone 2; CE; UL; ATEX 3 approvals and operates...

Industrial computer.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... The GX-1200[TM] industrial computer combines a 12" color display with a Windows CE platform. The Windows[R] CE platform resides on a 32 MB Compact Flash drive. Windows CE runs with minimal DRAM and fits on a 32 MB solid state drive. An option...

Industrial PC.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... The APC620 Automation PC can be used as a central PC-based control unit or as a higher-level system based on networked controllers. It is available in two chip set versions. The APC620 with an Intel Pentium M processor is available for...

Mini PC.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... The C63xx mini format control cabinet PC with the smallest variant measuring 3.7" x 7.7" x 8.9" can not only handle PLC tasks, but also offers all the operating and communication options of a PC with its Intel Celeron and Pentium III processor...

NEMA 4 Panel PC.(PRODUCT SERIES: Industrial Computers)
May 1, 2005... This NEMA 4/12 Panel PC features a 15" sunbright 1750-nit display, suitable for use in brightly lit areas. Powered by a choice of a 1 GHz Pentium III or 850-MHz Celeron[R] processor, it also offers a 9.5" PCI expansion slot and network-ready...

Embedded modem.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The XE2422SM, XE5690SM and the XE5692SM embedded modems not only come in through-hole versions but also surface-mount versions. The surface-mount versions include User Transferable FCC Part 68 Registration, low power operation, small size and...

Pressure gauges.(PRODUCT NEWS)
May 1, 2005... The 1120 pressure indicator and the 1220 pressure indicating switches allow process control technicians to see local pressure and control processes even if power is lost at the plant. Typical applications include differential pressure...

Emission and combustion management technologies are combined in the 9060E Zirconium oxide flue gas analyzer.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... [E.sup.C][M.sup.T] Incorporated, in conjunction with Teledyne Analytical Incorporated has designed a real-time, combustion efficiency monitor for commercial boilers, called 9060E. Billed as an inexpensive solution for monitoring boiler...

AC drives create a consolidated approach to drive management.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... SINAMICS[R] family of AC drives lets you select, start up and configure the right drive for any application at any power range (120W to more than 1 MW), using the same software for every drive in the family. The SINAMICS G110 is a compact,...

X20 System is a complete control solution as well as remote I/O system.(EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMATION)
May 1, 2005... X20 System, from B&R Industrial Automation Corp., is a complete control solution as well as a remote I/O system designed for automation tasks in machine and system manufacturing. It can be added to any standard fieldbus to expand existing...