Instrumentation & Automation News articles from November 2004

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from November 2004

November Automation Excellence Awards.
November 1, 2004... This month's Automation Excellence Awards go to Keyence Corp. of America's CZ-V20 RGB digital fiberoptic sensor, Opto 22's ioProject 6 Automation and Data Acquisition Software suite, and Beijer Electronics' EXTER series t HMIs. Go to page 24...

Vibration transmitter.
November 1, 2004... The Intelligent Vibration Transmitter is a signal-conditioning module that monitors machine health by trending the vibration of the machine. It converts traditional accelerometer signals to 4-20 mA data for use in existing PLC/DCS networks for...

pH/ORP sensors.
November 1, 2004... Model 871PH pH and ORP sensors include a continuously reusable Ryton or CPVC body with interchangeable measuring electrodes, reference junctions and electrolytes, all of which are replaceable in the field. Foxboro Measurements and...

Pressure calibrator.
November 1, 2004... BetaGauge 321 Dual Sensor Pressure Calibrator provides 0.025% FS accuracy on both internal, isolated, stainless steel pressure sensors. It supports up to three simultaneous measurements in any combination, including three pressure measurements....

Level sensor.
November 1, 2004... The TLS 100 capacitive level sensor detects the presence or absence of liquids at a chosen level within plastic tubes, rubber hose, and small glass or plastic pipes. The sensor is simply snapped onto the tube at the level you wish to monitor....

Automation on the move.(Pool's Reflections)
November 1, 2004... There was a lot of activity at last month's ISA Show in Houston. Not only was attendance up from past years, exhibitors were displaying many new technologies and solutions to the audience that were truly innovative. Off the show floor,...

Pump Bypass Valves: protect chemical processes.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This line of thermoplastic Bypass Relief Valves automatically diverts flow in case of an obstruction in a piping system. Series RV is designed to protect pumps from "deadheading", which occurs when another valve is closed in the system and flow...

Fiber optic encoder: 100% passive sensing design.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The MR312 ZapFree[TM] Rotary Encoder is an entirely passive, fiber optic incremental rotary encoder. There are no integral electronics within the encoder housing and the all-optical design requires a single optical fiber connection. Downstream,...

Bi-metal thermometer: for severe pulsation and vibration.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This dampened metal thermometer provides the benefits of liquid-filled in a dry configuration and is suited for environments where severe pulsation and vibration occurs. The silicone-free thermometer eliminates potential leaking se fills...

Conductivity sensors: built-in signal conditioning.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The PEEK electrodeless conductivity sensors with built-in signal conditioning can be used with this company's WGI controller. Four ranges of conductivity are offered: 0.1 to 1 mS/cm, 1 to 10 mS/cm, 10 to 100 mS/cm, and 100 to 1000 mS/cm. ...

Wireless transceiver/receiver set: wireless solution for level measurement.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This integrated wireless transmitter/receiver set can be part of an integrated solution for harsh environments, hazardous Class I, Div. 2 areas. Modules are available as a transmitter/receiver pair and come factory programmed, calibrated and...

Liquid level sensors: now with slave LCD interface terminal.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This company's digital MG Series liquid level sensors are now available with the CL01 Slave LCD interface terminal. The CL01 provides at-a-glance level, temperature and interface measurements simultaneously from the DDS interface. MTS...

Motion controller and digital servos.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The PACSystems[TM] DSM324i combines the motion features of the DSM314 controller with a fiber optic command interface to the Bi series serves. It can control up to four axes and is capable of solving complex single- and multi-axis motion...

I/P converter: advanced electronic closed loop.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The Type 140 I/P converter features fail to zero output pressure on signal failure; advanced electronic closed loop; IP66 housing to meet demanding environmental conditions; and vibration immunity. Type 140 has comprehensive hazardous area...

Level sensor: replaces mechanical float switch.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... Leveltrack[TM] is an electronic "floatless" sensor that detects level without any moving parts. Designed to replace mechanical float switches, the sensor determines level by measuring the point of dielectric contrast that occurs at the level...

Ethernet connectivity solution: connectors, cable assemblies and switches.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This full range of Ethernet connectivity solutions includes connectors, cable assemblies, hubs and switches that are specifically designed for harsh environments on the factory floor. The Metal Max[TM] R J45 connector is a metal bayonet style R...

Multi-turn encoders: Devicenet[TM] technology.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The latest addition to the "Kubler by TURCK" line of Fieldbus absolute encoders is the DeviceNet[TM] multiturn encoders available in standard 58 mm diameter (Model 5860) for shaft style units and 90 mm diameter (Model 9080) for the hollow shaft...

IEEE-488 controllers works with testpoint, labviews, etc.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... These two IEEE-488 (GPIB) controllers come with CEC 488 driver software that has been updated and backward compatible with existing applications. The CEC USB-488 is a full-function IEEE-488.2 controller that can be used with any Windows...

Loop isolators: eliminate ground loops and block high voltage shortages in equipment.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... The 30T series of multi-channel isolators provide a solution to eliminate ground loops, filter signal noise, and block high voltage surges. These inch-wide single/dual-channel isolators receive 4-20 mA input and provide fully isolated 4-20 mA...

Fiber optic amplifiers: available with analog output.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... The SUI6 Series Fiber Optic Amplifiers are now available with analog output (1-5 Vdc) proportional to the intensity of incoming light. These DIN rail-mountable units deliver scanning in a 10 mm profile package and a sensitivity selector...

Signal converter; three-way isolation for industrial automation and machine control panels.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... This DIN rail-mount universal signal converter offers three-way isolation while translating one control signal into one to three simultaneous output signals (current, voltage and/or PWM). Used in industrial automation and machine control...

Trends in data converters.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... Our world is a rapidly changing place with technology bringing people together, and data available in new ways every day. Computers continue to become more involved in our daily lives, and industries rely more heavily on the power and...

Thermocouple converter: changes Type K input to Type N output.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... This head-mounting thermocouple converter is designed to change Type K (Chromel-Alumel) input to Type N (Nicrosil) output. Mounting in a standard DIN B connection head, the Type T82000-NK provides a simple method of switching to the more stable...

Custom interface modules: interface to any connector with any terminal block.(Data Converters, Amplifiers & Interfaces)
November 1, 2004... These custom interface modules allow you to interface to any connector with any terminal blocks and any circuit. They allow the customer to develop a connector interface system to meet any application and product requirement. Overvoltage...

Free 2005 NI measurement and automation catalog.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The 2005 Measurement Catalog from National Instruments features new product information, comparison charts, key specifications, and related Web links to ni.com, including: * NI LabVIEW 7.1 graphical development environment *...

Free NI diadem evaluation software.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... National Instruments DIAdem software is an interactive data analysis, report generation, and data management tool specifically designed for engineers and scientists. To learn more about the professional report generation and powerful visual...

Free sound and vibration measurement resource CD.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... Request the new NI Sound and Vibration Resource CD to learn how you can acquire, analyze, and present sound and vibration with 24-bit acquisition hardware and the open analysis capabilities of NI LabVIEW. The CD offers trial LabVIEW analysis...

New PCI data acquisition technologies for industrial control.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The new digital I/O and analog output modules extend the reach of PC-based data acquisition to mission-critical industrial applications, and they are powered by NI-DAQmx software technology for dramatic improvements in I/O performance and ease...

Industrial measurement and control brochure and resource CD.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... National Instruments Industrial Measurement and Control Brochure and Resource CD provides information on how National Instruments hardware and software tools deliver advanced functionality and reliability for industrial applications such as...

Thickness detection probe for nonferrous metals.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... Model DS 160 single probe, Double Sheet Detector monitors nonferrous metal thickness of aluminum, foil, copper and stainless steel with its single probe. The single probe permits inspection on one side of the product where a dual probe system...

Timer: large display with 3 channels.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The Traceable[R] Big-Foot Timer with 3 channels signals drying and incubating times in the lab or plant, helps catch test results, and alarms for appointments. The timer allows simultaneous programming of three different activities from 99...

Solenoid valves: actuate movement on large process valves.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This Valve Actuation Series of solenoid valves is designed for applications in which solenoid valves must actuate the movement of larger process valves to control the flow of liquids or gases. The Series includes the 7300 and 2300 lines, which...

Ball valve with electric actuator.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The 130 series of electrically actuated ball valves uses the EA21 actuator that comes equipped with integrated emergency manual override and automatic adjustment of voltage and frequency for on/off or process control applications. The valve...

Industrial computer 1U rack mount chassis: for small embedded boards.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... The MiniMorph 19 universal industrial-grade 1U rack chassis is designed to accommodate a wide range of small form-factor embedded computing solutions. Unlike conventional IU server racks designed for use in controlled environments and with...

Trends in bus-compatible boards.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... Bus-Compatible boards are developing more quickly every day. Technologies are moving faster, and a shift is on the horizon. AGP bus has moved to 8X and it's believed to be the last AGP generation. Serial-ATA is penetrating part of Parallel-ATA...

CompactPCI single board computer: embedded Pentium M; for harsh environments.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... The F9 Pentium-based single board computer, for harsh industrial environments, is a one slot 32-bit CompactPCI System Controller based on the Pentium M (LV) with frequencies up to 1.8 GHz or the Celeron M (ULV) processors with clock speeds up...

Embedded PC: new EPIC[TM] (Embedded Platform for Industrial Computing) form factor.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... The XE-800 is a single board computer (SBC) on the new EPIC[TM] (Embedded Platform for Industrial Computing) form factor. The EPIC form factor is designed for system manufacturers who need consistency and standardization in a mid-sized SBC. The...

Single board computers: allow OEMs to build rugged applications.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... The LittleBoard[TM] 550 SBC (single board computer) is an EBX-compatible embedded PC that allows manufacturers and integrators to design systems that are both rugged and low cost. You are offered a choice of 300 MHz Via Eden[TM] ESP 3000, 533...

Single board computer: EPIC[TM]--compliant board, I/O intensive.(Bus-Compatable Boards)
November 1, 2004... EPX-C3 single board computer supports 9 different functions with I/O expansion options via PC/104 modules. Powering this SBC is a 733 MHz VIA C3 processor that will operate from -40[degrees] to +85[degrees]C without a fan. The board measures...

Ethernet device servers: for industrial use.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The SSE-400D and DSE-400D ethernet device servers, for industrial use, are equipped with one (SSE) and two (DSE) serial ports that can be software configurable for RS-232, 422 or 485 operation. The new models include a multicasting mode. ...

Profitnet IO development kit: printed license conditions.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The PROFINET IO Develop Kit enables manufacturers to develop and sell their own branded PROFINET IO devices. The kit consists of a CD ROM and the printed license conditions. Each kit contains a single license, permitting both the development...

Pressure gauge: high/low switch contacts.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The Accu-Switch mechanical pressure gauge offers high/low switch contacts. These gold plated contacts can be wired directly to electrical circuits to provide operational alarms or can be used to stop/start a variety of electrical equipment,...

HMI software create manufacturing intelligent portals & dashborads.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... PortalWorX[TM]Version 8 is a visualization solution for this company's Manufacturing Intelligence software suite, BizVix[TM]. It allows users to create and manage custom manufacturing and business portals for real-time, historical plant and...

Embedded systems rack up performance in industrial applications.(Hot Trends In Automation)
November 1, 2004... Conventional rack systems built around motherboards or slot PCs are frequently housed in enclosures ranging from 4U (6.8" high) to 12U or higher. These systems are often optimized for high-speed data communications and blade server...

Temperature transmitter uses IEEE 1451.4 sensing technology.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The Series DX DeviceNet[TM] Temperature Transmitter is a 4-channel, DIN-mounted unit that uses IEEE 1451.4 smart sensing technology for collecting, converting and broadcasting temperature sensor data over a DeviceNet[TM] network. Each...

Servo controller/driver for NEMA 17 and 23 step motors.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The SilverDust servo controller and driver module for NEMA 17 and 23 motors is used with a high resolution encoder and 2-phase microstep motor to create a precision 4 quadrant servo system. The controller and driver module achieves 3.5 amps...

Portable power monitor measures true motor power and more.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... This portable power monitor measures true motor power and gives you information such as mixture viscosity, tool condition, pump or fan flow and optimum federate. By using Hall Effect Sensors, the portable power cell can measure 3 phase, single...

Smart flue gas analyzers for high-particulate, corrosive applications.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... AMETEK Thermox close-coupled, convective-design analyzers can be specified for oxygen and combustibles measurements, oxygen and methane, or oxygen, methane and combustibles. All can operate in corrosive environments, at flue gas temperatures to...

Rugged multi-gas analyzer measures up to five species simultaneously.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Model 932 multi-gas analyzer monitors multiple chemical species, to allow precise control of a wide range of chemical and petrochemical processes. Proprietary, high-resolution, dual-beam, dual-wavelength UV technology with pulsed UV lamps...

New Solfrunt[R] advantage pressure gauges offer liquid-filled performance in dry, solid-front gauge.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... These new gauges from AMETEK U.S. Gauge use a unique, self-contained movement-dampening capsule that minimizes the effects of shock and vibration while eliminating the need for periodic filling or fluid replacement. These solidfront, 41/2"...

Self-contained oxygen analyzer improves combustion efficiency; eliminates need for control unit.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... This oxygen analyzer uses zirconium-oxide technology to measure excess oxygen in flue gas, giving you the ability to improve burner efficiency. All electronics for the WDG IV/IQ Smart Flue Gas Analyzer are in the sensor itself, eliminating any...

Differential pressure transmitter offers continuous measurement of process pressure; years of service.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Model 831 TD differential pressure transmitter from AMETEK U.S. Gauge features all-stainless-steel construction, fixed pressure ranges from 6 psi to 500 psi, with an accuracy of [+ or -]0.5% of span (BFSL), including linearity. These rugged...

Industrial ID readers: for part tracking applications.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... This suite of industrial readers readers and a fixed-mount reader that run IDMax[TM] software for part-level traceability applications. The DataMan 6400 and DataMan 6500 hand-held readers, and the In-Sight 5110 fixed-mount reader, all combine...

Trends in vision sensors.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... "The clear trend is towards more intuitive and user friendly user interfaces, combined with more powerful and robust algorithms. DVT's introduction of Intellect software in September 2004 is a good example of the trend towards increased...

Vision sensor: detects date code defects.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... The F210 CF date verification vision sensor monitors printed codes for readability and rejects packages with unreadable, incomplete or missing codes. At the same time, it alerts operators of the defects so that corrections can be made before...

Luminescence sensor: discriminate targets in any orientation.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... The UVX 300 is a UV luminescence sensor that offers an alternative to vision sensors for detecting targets. The UV sensor detects the application of seals, grease, adhesives, paper labels, and other materials, for quality assurance and...

Infrared camera: increased temperature range programmable image capture mode.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... The IR FlexCam[R] Pro infrared camera features an extended temperature measurement range up to 600[degree]C for higher temperature applications, as well as programmable image capture to allow the user to pre-program the camera to take scans at...

High-speed camera system: multi-head, captures high-speed events.(Vision/Imaging Systems)
November 1, 2004... The MotionXtra HG-TH camera offers a multi-head, high-speed digital imaging solution. The small tethered camera heads fit into hard-to-reach locations for capturing high-speed events in R&D environments. The system can feature one to four...

Coriolis flowmeters: universal signal module, dedicated mass flow chip.(Flowmeters)
November 1, 2004... The SITRANS F C MASSFLO Coriolis flowmeters deliver information for liquids or gas flows through a pipe, monitoring both mass flow, volumetric flow, density and process temperatures and can be used in a variety of applications including dosing,...

Mass flow transmitter: in-line; 0 to 2350 SCFM.(Flowmeters)
November 1, 2004... Series 534FT In-Line Thermal Mass Flow Transmitter offers built-in inlet/outlet piping reducers/ expanders and immunity to upstream/downstream flow disturbances caused by elbows, valves and line size changes. It eliminates the need for field...

Air/gas: for air, compressed air and nitrogen gas.(Flowmeters)
November 1, 2004... The ST50 air/gas flowmeter measures the flow of air, compressed air and nitrogen gas in line sizes from 2 to 12 inches. There are no moving parts and is an insertion-type flowmeter designed with a fully temperature-compensated thermal flow...

Flowmeters/batch controllers: for high viscosity fluids.(Flowmeters)
November 1, 2004... The HPD Series of positive displacement flowmeters and batch controllers are designed for high viscosity non-abrasive fluid applications including oils, greases, polyurethanes, solvents, chemicals, additives, lubricants, and fuels. Due to the...

Flow computer: for Allen-Bradley And Schneider Electric platforms.(Flowmeters)
November 1, 2004... This flow computer is designed for Allen-Bradley's ControlLogix, SLC and PLC platforms and Schneider Electric's Quantum processor and allows integrated process control and flow computer capabilities in a single-slot, in-rack solution. These...

Stainless Steel Panel PC: detachable LCD monitor and modular computer.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The ARP-1717AX Panel PC with NEMA 4X Stainless Steel Bezel Mount 17" LCD has been added to this company's line of Panel PCs. The modular computer unit is detachable and easily removed from the display for easy maintenance and upgrade. ...

Weighing system: for hazardous areas.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... The ID7sx intelligent intrinsically safe FM and ATEX-approved force restoration weighing system comes with a complete suite of software to monitor, record and control process data achieved during the weighing process. It is designed for Class...

Flow switches: monitor fluid systems.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... With port sizes up to 3/4", the FS-480 Series flow switches are aimed at monitoring fluid systems with higher flow rate. This inline flow switch will also accommodate fluid pressures to 1000 psi. The FS-480 is suited for processes that push...

Pressure-reducing regulators: consistent delivery pressures.(Product News)
November 1, 2004... Ten new models of pressure-reducing regulators are being offered to deliver pressures to processes and equipment. Available in a variety of piston-type and diaphragm-type designs, all models feature a captured inlet gauze-type filter and fine...

The IQ[TM] Radar level device for accurate measurement in liquids and slurries.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Siemens IQ Radar Level device uses advanced pulse radar technology to provide reliable measurement in Liquids and slurries up to 20 m (66 ft). The IQ Radar instrument features a compact design and robust construction. It is virtually...

Pointek[TM] CLS 200 for reliable level detection.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Pointek CLS 200 provides accurate, reliable Level detection in applications with liquids, solids, slurries and interfaces. The unique design provides a high Level of chemical and physical resistance, as well as reliable signal...

Pressure transmitter features premium diagnostic capabilities.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Siemens SITRANS[TM] P, DSIII Series pressure transmitter incorporates software that provides diagnostic capabilities including, high- or low-signal Limit alarms; peak value registers, and two programmable "watchdog" timers that alert the...

The AiRanger[TM] SPL monitors level in bulk solids or liquids.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Siemens AiRanger SPL provides accurate, reliable level monitoring in a single vessel up to 60m (200 ft.). It is suitable for both bulk solids and Liquid applications. The system consists of an AiRanger SPL monitor Linked to a...

Smart valve positioner features premium diagnostics.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... The Siemens SIPART[TM] PS2 Series valve positioner, with premium diagnostic capabilities, now includes as standard, an actuator Leak test. The PS2 continually self-diagnoses system changes and optimizes tuning parameters in order to maintain...

Loop controller for a wide range of process control applications.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... Siemens Model 353 Process Automation Controller is a standalone, microprocessor-based industrial controller designed for a broad range of process applications. It can serve as a simple single-loop controller or as a multi-loop controller with...

RGB digital fiberoptic sensor uses a new sensor design for color differentiation.(November Automation Excellence Awards)
November 1, 2004... Keyence Corporation of America recently introduced the CZ-V20 RGB digital fiberoptic sensor that integrates illumination optics and receiver circuitry in the sensor head. This "hybrid structure" employs three separate, high-intensity RGB LED...

Automation and data acquisition software suite offers PID control plus subroutines for SNAP Ethernet-based I/O & control systems.(November Automation Excellence Awards)
November 1, 2004... IoProject[TM] 6 is a new integrated set of software applications and utilities for developing control programs, operator interfaces, and data acquisition systems for Opto 22 SNAP Ethernet-based I/O and control systems. IoProject is a...

Configurable, scalable HMI solution called EXTER uses Window CE.NET and ensures data integrity.(November Automation Excellence Awards)
November 1, 2004... Starting off with 5 different model types the new EXTER series HMIs consist of 2 keypad and 3 touch versions. The touch panels come in 6.5 10 and 15" resolution TFT displays, with the keypad versions being available in 6.5" and 10" TFT...