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These sensors have been designed for both the Test & Measurement and OEM markets.

Our position sensor range now includes rotary, linear potentiometers, LVDT’s RVDT’s, joysticks, inclinometers and string pots.

To register your interest and to discuss requesting a sample visit www.strainsense.co.uk/contact or call 01908 305 960

StrainSense – Making sense with sensors
Stratford Business Park
Falcon Drive
Old Straford
Milton Keynes, MK19 6FG

www.strainsense.co.uk

01908 305 960

Lascar’s EasyLog range of data loggers is a comprehensive family of sensors allowing users to monitor a variety of parameters including temperature, humidity, voltage, current, carbon monoxide and events. Users can choose from a variety of platforms to program their loggers and download data including USB, WiFi, Bluetooth and GSM. Combining robust hardware design with simple, easy-to-use configuration and download software, the EasyLog range has a monitoring solution for multiple applications, complexities and budgets.

Flexible USB Communication

The EasyLog USB family communicates via the USB port in any PC or laptop and stores up to 32,000 readings. Using free Windows software for set-up and data download, users can choose a logger name, sample rate, alarms and start mode before recording. After data has been collected, it can be graphed or exported to Excel for further analysis.

The EasyLog GFX range brings a more advanced feature set to the monitoring of temperature and humidity. As well as an increased memory of up to 250,000 readings, GFX sensors also have an on-board display showing real-time trend graphs and data summaries. An on-screen menu allows for users to start, stop and restart their loggers in the field.

Bluetooth connectivity

The EL-BT range measures and stores up to half a million readings using Bluetooth technology to set-up and download data on any Android phone or tablet. The EL-BT app guides users through both set-up of the unit and data download. Downloaded data can then by saved, uploaded or emailed.

Utilise GSM for remote comms

The EL-SMS range uses the GSM network to send summary monitoring data via SMS to users who need a comprehensive overview of any monitored environment but can only access devices remotely. Once programmed, these devices can be left in the monitored area sending text messages to a mobile phone in the event or an alarm breach or left to communicate daily, weekly or monthly summaries.

Your data. Anytime, anywhere

For users who wish to use their WiFi network, the EL-WiFi range allows users to remotely save data from their sensor to either a host PC or Lascar’s FilesThruTheAir Cloud site. Both interfaces provide remote access to the stored data and real-time alerts of alarm conditions. The Cloud-based service adds email alerts, access to data and the ability to change settings from any web-enabled device, limitless data storage, multiple sites in one account and multiple user access with assigned account privileges.

For more information, call Lascar’s sales team on 01794 884567 or visit

www.lascarelectronics.com

A tank overfill protection system is a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) application that provides an additional layer of protection over the basic tank gauging (control) system. As with all SISs, the actual Safety Integrity Level (SIL) needs to be established for the particular tank at the storage facility, taking into account all the operational risk factors, but typically these functions are SIL 1 or SIL 2.

It is important that the instrumentation used in the SIS is totally independent from that which is used in the tank gauging system so that it does not suffer interference from the latter or be subjected to common points of failure. It is expected that the overfill protection function automatically shuts off the input feed to the tank by isolating the pump and closing the input valve (ensuring that any resulting pipeline pressure surges are suitably dealt with).

SIS is a good fit for tank overfill applications because tank level sensors can be degraded over time due to their exposed position both inside and outside the tank. As such, it is beneficial to use devices that have different characteristics from the tank gauging sensors for the SIS overfill protection system.

Why Logic Solvers Are a Logical Choice
People often assume a logic solver has to be a safety PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to be employed in, for example, a tank overfill SIS. But in many cases a discrete logic device for each loop, which avoids the complications and expense of a complex programmable solution, is a sensible option. One of the objectives of functional safety is to engineer the protection layers so the complexity of safety-related functionality is minimized. This includes designing the overall concept for the minimum number of safety instrumented loops, avoiding the unnecessary use of more complex technology and reducing interdependency between loops and keeping safety and non-safety functionality separate.

Apart from the obvious savings in cost from a simpler architecture, perhaps the biggest gains with this approach are unseen. Consider that this straightforward approach avoids the development cost of application programming (plus associated costs such as of software maintenance, upgrades, configuration management, and back-ups) and the need for specialist competence in operation and maintenance of the programmable platform. Installation, validation and commissioning of complex programmable systems also require specific competence and procedures, which can make the functional safety management (FSM) system more onerous to set up and maintain.

Many safety-related applications in the process industry, such as tank overfill, are ideally suited to one or more single loop logic solvers because they are small scale, isolated, or located in remote locations. As mentioned, the simplified architecture of this approach can reduce the cost of hardware, software and procedural overheads.

Choosing sensors, logic solvers and final elements for any Safety Instrumented Function (SIF) requires a step by step analysis of the equipment’s failure data and applicability to the safety related function.  As you see in the Table 1 below, each piece of equipment that will assist in the SIF has to be evaluated to ensure that it’s applicability meets the necessary requirements spelled out by the IEC 61508/61511 functional safety standards.  The full white paper has detailed examples that help guide a safety practitioner through the process of implementing a SIL 1 and SIL 2 tank overfill protection system.

This is based on a larger white paper published by Moore Industries-International, Inc.. You can download the full paper here.

http://www.miinet.com/WhitePapersandArticles/TechnicalWhitePapers.aspx

The Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger simplifies power and energy monitoring and enables you to produce simple load studies for your company’s complete facility, individual pieces of industrial plant or office departments. Simple energy surveys can be produce before and after energy saving equipment or methods have been introduced. If you are looking for support with your energy monitoring requirements then please contact our Power & Energy experts at the Test Tools Shop.

At just £1,699+ VAT and save £151+ VAT against the Fluke RRP £1,850+ VAT 

Read our expert review.

What the Power & Energy Test Tool Team like about the Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger.

If you are looking for an easy to use solution for logging energy consumption and other power measurements then the Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger is the perfect choice. Measurements and trends are displayed on the ‘Meter’ screen and from here using the touch-screen you can quickly verify the connection are correct before logging commences.  The ‘Power’ screen turns the Fluke 1730 into a three phase power meter for instantaneous values or live load profiles. Finally the ‘Logger’ screen introduces an option to log voltage, current, frequency, total harmonic distortion plus power measurements, you can also apply an energy cost function to display energy consumed in real money! Data can be downloaded directly to a PC using the USB lead supplied alternatively when a USB stick is connected the unit prompts the user to transfer data to the memory stick. The software is supplied with the unit on a USB stick or alternatively it can be downloaded from the Fluke website and it’s easy to install!  The software allows you to investigate measurements more closely and produce simple test reports that can be customized with your company details or logo and then saved in pdf format.

Do you have a few questions that you would like to ask the Power and Energy experts from the Test Tool Team? 

Simply click here and post your question, a Test Tools Team expert will get right back to you.

The Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger introduces a new simpler way to monitor and understand electrical energy consumption. Discover when and where in your facility energy is being consumed, from the service entrance to individual circuits. Profiling energy usage across your facility helps you identify opportunities for energy savings, and provides you with the consumption data required. Fluke’s new Energy Analyze software package allows you to compare multiple data points over time to build a complete picture of energy usage, which is the first step to reducing your energy costs.

The Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger is also very versatile and easy to connect to the mains power with the power lead supplied or alternatively its operating power can be derived directly from the measured supply. The unit’s power pack clips neatly to the back of the case but can be removed if space is a premium and re-connected via extension cables supplied. There are four voltage terminals to accommodate various systems from single to three phase & neutral, and three i1730-flex 1500 Thin Flexi Current Probes are also supplied and these are powered directly from the Fluke 1730.

Key Features

• Fast and easy recording of key power and energy variables such as voltage, current, power factor plus active, reactive and apparent power.
• Simple to use and set up with clear bright touch screen display for convenient infield assessments of live and recorded information.
• Comprehensive logging of all measurement values with the ability to store up to 20 separate logging sessions.
• Simple user interface and intelligent verification functions indicates correct connections and set up before logging begins. Setup is simple to configure on site via the front panel controls.
• Two power option include DC power pack with connection to mains via supplied power cord (100V to 240V AC) or via the measured circuit (100V to 500V AC) using safety piggy back leads supplied with the unit for connection to AC power port on DC power pack and measurement connections.
• Two USB ports one for connection to PC and the other for connecting USB devices for fast, simple download of recorded data.
• Compact size able to fit in tight storage spaces for long term monitoring, supported by specially designed flat voltage cables and thin flexible current probes powered by the unit all help to make the installation so much easier.
• Fluke’s new Energy Analyze application software is simple to use and allows you to produce simple energy reports.
• Complies with EN61010 Safety Standard.
• Highest Measurement Safety Category CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V.

Test Kit Includes

Fluke 1730 Three-Phase Energy Logger plus Three-Phase Voltage Lead Set, 3 x i1730-flex 1500 Thin Flexi Current Probes, Stackable Plug Lead Set 10cm & 2m, 4 x Croc-Clips, AC Power Lead, DC Power Lead, USB Cable, Lithium-ion Battery Pack, C1730 Soft Case, 4GB USB Flash Drive (Includes User Manual and PC Application Software – Fluke Energy Analyse).

At just £1,699+ VAT and save £151+ VAT against the Fluke RRP £1,850+ VAT

To check out the full range of products offered by the Test Tools Shop please just click on the link below.

www.testtoolsshop.com

Test Tools Shop

Tel:    01543 469517

Unique Quick Release technology allows full change outs of wetted parts within seconds, reducing downtime for greater productivity.

Nordson EFD, a Nordson company (NASDAQ: NDSN), the world’s leading precision fluid dispensing systems manufacturer, introduces the xQR41 Series MicroDot™ needle valve. The valve features a 60% smaller form factor than standard valves, an exchangeable modular design for greater customization and process control, and a Quick Release (QR) clasp that allows easy removal of the fluid body to replace wetted parts in seconds. The new valve expands manufacturing opportunities for multiple applications and industries, especially those related to wireless devices, sensors, mobile phones, and other high-end electronics.

The xQR41 valve’s small profile of 66 mm length x 23.7 mm diameter (2.60″ x 0.93″) enables multiple valves to be mounted closer together for greater output per batch, increasing production throughput. Ideal for automated assembly processes, the needle valve can dispense in tighter spaces and at more complex angles. Weighing only 141.4 g (5.0 oz), the xQR41 valve reduces the tooling payload. This not only means faster actuator arm movement and improved positioning stability, but also reduced tabletop automation (TTA) motor and belt wear. The xQR41’s small form factor also results in a smaller wetted path, resulting in less retained fluid volume, which minimizes fluid waste. It can be fed from a variety of reservoirs, syringe barrels, external cartridges, or tanks.

The valve’s unique QR clasp secures the fluid body to the air actuator and can be removed with a turn of a thumbscrew – no tools required. No longer is it necessary to remove the entire actuator or valve assembly from mounting fixtures. Full change-outs take seconds, not minutes. This is especially important in applications with fluids that have a curing time where the wetted part must be removed as quickly as possible and returned to operation.

The pneumatically-operated, adjustable valve applies precise micro-deposits as small as 150 µm (0.15 mm) (0.006”) of low- to high-viscosity fluids onto a substrate. The xQR41’s exchangeable modular design can be configured with stroke adjustable or non-adjustable cap, BackPack™ valve actuator, low-profile mounting block, and 90° air and fluid inlet fittings. The fluid body can be aligned and locked at 360° intervals to accommodate mounting, positioning, and fluid inlet alignment needs. It can be installed on many automation platforms.

“With rapid interchangeability, a smaller form factor, and infinite configurability, Nordson EFD’s new xQR41 MicroDot needle valve not only offers new possibilities for fluid dispensing, but it also saves time and costs and increases productivity,” said Claude Bergeron, product manager, Nordson EFD.

For more information visit Nordson EFD on the web at www.nordsonefd.com, www.facebook.com/NordsonEFD, or www.linkedin.com/company/nordson-efd, email europe@nordsonefd.com  or call  +44 (0)1582 666334, .  .

The growing trend towards non-contacting absolute sensors for linear and angle position measurement continues with a number of technologies which each provide application dependant advantages. As well as the obvious benefits of longer working life and reduced maintenance that such wear-free sensors bring, these technologies can be relatively diverse in terms measurement range, resolution, accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, other factors such as electrical and mechanical interfacing, performance in hostile environments and overall price vs. performance are also varied.  This article discusses three alternative non-contacting sensor types from Variohm EuroSensor’s German distribution partner, the sensor and transducer specialist Novotechnik.

Inductive position transducers

Novotechnik’s LS1 series inductive position transducers feature the NOVOPAD non-contacting inductive absolute measurement principle and with a small 18 x 18 mm cross section are offered as a wear-free alternative to small rod-type linear potentiometers. The robust and durable technology has an exceptionally long service life potential – in excess of 100 million operations – and can be used in the most extreme environments such as steering and position display or feedback for agricultural machinery or construction equipment. An integrated signal processing function provides an absolute current or voltage output signal with a measurement range from 25 to 200mm in a choice of integrated return spring or with a backlash-free ball coupling for push-pull use. Full range repetitive accuracy is better than 0.025 % and the combination of 12 or 13-bit resolution and linearity to +/- 0.1 % makes the LS1 series a good choice for high precision use. An integrated teach-in function with a status LED provides a useful calibration feature that can be built into the customer’s machine set-up without additional equipment, and the inductive sensor technology is unaffected by magnetic fields. Cable and connector versions are available

Magnetostrictive position transducers

Novotechnik’s TP1 series covers standard linear measurement ranges between 50 mm and 4.5 metres and is available with a choice of a guided position sensor or a contactless system which uses a floating sensor for completely wear-free mechanical use. The NOVOSTRICTIVE technology is ideal for long travel range position display or feedback and can provide a 1 micron resolution and linearity to 10 microns over its full range. With up to IP68 protection and high resilience to shock and vibration, the sensor can provide a more rugged alternative to glass scale encoders, for instance for machine tools. Variants of this technology can also be used for in-cylinder positon feedback for fluidpower applications. The TPI has extremely high resistance to interference and is available with analogue current and voltage interfaces as well as SSI and Novotechnik’s own DyMoS^® protocol which can provide velocity as well as position information. This flexibility maximises use and versions are also available with an incremental quadrature interface that can replace backlash- and hysteresis-prone rotary encoder solutions for long linear movements.

Non-contact multiturn rotary sensors

In the past multiturn angle sensors have used gearing for the rotation counter which is subject to wear and backlash or have relied on continuous power-on or battery back-up to maintain positional information in memory. Both these principles have proven to be unsuitable for industrial or automotive use – being too expensive, too large or too complex for the application. Novotechnik has developed a new absolute non-contacting principle that combines a single turn angle detection and a separate turn detection in a compact package which is able to measure angles across multiple turns with high resolution and accuracy. The GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistance) technology is used in its RSM2800 series sensors, providing analogue, SSI and SPI interfaced electrical angle measurement from 720° up to 5760° in 360°steps (2 to 16 turns). With independent linearity to +/- 0.03 %, GMR is a true power-on system where absolute position value is non-volatile. Two-channel versions are also available for redundant safety-relevant applications. The compact and robust sensors have a nominal housing diameter of only 30 mm with straightforward two-hole mounting and push-on or slotted shaft coupling. The sensor is particularly suited to automotive engineering for electronic drive and steering systems as well as packaging and printing machinery or demanding angle measurement applications as a more robust and longer life solution for wirewound potentiometers or optical encoders.

www.variohm.com

Thermocouple & Resistance Thermometer Sensors

A new, comprehensive brochure from Labfacility features detailed product information and technical guidance on a wide range of temperature sensors and probe assemblies & installation fittings.

Thermocouple configurations range from fine wire, high sensitivity types to heavy duty industrial assemblies and include special designs for plastics machinery, surface & air temperature sensing and furnaces. Mineral insulated and fabricated constructions are offered.

The comprehensive selection of mineral insulated thermocouples features 0.5mm sheath diameter versions in addition to 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 3.0mm and 6.0mm. The 0.5mm diameter thermocouples combine low thermal mass and fast response to temperature changes with durable construction; they are highly flexible and their use minimizes process intrusion.

The range of high accuracy, high quality Type K, handheld thermocouple probes suit various surface and penetration applications.

Probe and tip configurations include high sensitivity surface contact sensors with straight and right angled probes for alternative process access and a rugged, heavy duty penetration probe. Applications include machinery and packaging temperature sensing, frozen product temperature sensing and any requirement for accurate surface temperature measurement up to 900 ^oC.

The 1.5m coiled cable is terminated in a “moulded on” miniature connector; cable and connector are IEC colour coded. The type K thermocouples comply with IEC584.

Platinum Resistance Thermometer configurations include mineral insulated and fabricated assemblies for scientific and industrial applications, special designs for air and surface temperature sensing and high precision sensors.

A wide range of Platinum Resistance thin film and wirewound sensing elements are offered in Pt100 and Pt1000 versions and with a comprehensive choice of tolerance classes.

The brochure includes thermocouple wire colour codes and a short-form catalogue of the entire Labfacility product range.

Labfacility is an ISO 9001 company; the brochure is available on request via www.labfacility.com

Labfacility Ltd

Bognor Regis Tel: +44(0)1243 871280

Sheffield Tel: +44(0)1909 569446

info@labfacility.com

HBM – a market leader in the field of test and measurement – is pleased to announce the new FIT7A Digital Load Cell, specifically designed to meet the needs of demanding requirements of weighing in modern manufacturing lines will be on show on the HBM stand E26.

Suitable for use in a very wide range of production environments which require dynamic weighing, sorting, filling and dosing, the robust FIT7A load cell offers manufacturers high precision and processing speed.

Based on the very latest HBM strain gauge technology, the innovative new sensor features class C4 accuracy per OIML R60 and a maximum scale division Y of up to 25,000 and addresses the problem of bottlenecks, which can often slow down production rates.

In comparison to existing sensors which are only able to handle up to 100 weighings per minute, sophisticated new technology incorporated within the FIT7A means that it is now possible to perform 180 weighings per minute, therefore dramatically increasing production speed and reducing costs.

Even with such increased rates, accuracy remains key with the FIT7A.  The FIT7A offers increased precision and can perform accurate measurements under temperature fluctuations and in dynamic applications which means load cells can be installed on multiple production machines in a variety of production environments.

More economical than existing sensors, which are based on Electromagnetic Force Compensation (EFC), the new FIT7A from HBM is expanding the market for machine manufacturers by enabling them to develop completely new machine types and new market segments.  This is particularly important for sensitive markets with a necessity for precision and a growing need to achieve the lowest possible overfilling in product packaging.

Compatible with corresponding HBM software PanelX, which combines support for the configuration process with an intuitive user interface, HBM also provide a downloadable free professional software package, AEDPanel 32: version 3, to provide diagnosis and analysis of measurement data, as well as debugging and bug-fixing.

The FIT7A load cell will be on show on the HBM stand E26, at the Sensors & Instrumentation show, NEC on 30^th September & 1^st October, which is co-located with PPMA.

For more information, please contact HBM on +44 (0) 208 515 6000 or visit www.hbm.com

The latest generation of Rotronic Intrinsically Safe temperature and humidity sensors and measurement transmitters are now ATEX certified for temperatures up to 85 °C, Zone 0/20. This higher temperature limit makes them suitable for an even wider range of applications and installations where there is a risk of explosion due to dust or gas in the environment. The HygroFlex5-EX Series was developed for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, grain & sugar, petrochemical and oil & gas industries.

Conforming to the latest standards, the HygroFlex5-EX measurement transmitter is galvanically isolated, an intrinsically safe power supply and barrier are not required. Stainless steel interchangeable probes are available for all applications.
 

Significant features of the Rotronic ATEX Certified HygroFlex5-EX Series

*  Interchangeable stainless steel probes certified for Zone0/20
*  High ATEX certified temperature limit of 85 °C
*  Probe types available for all applications
*  No intrinsically safe power supply required
*  Galvanically isolated, no ‘clean earth’ required
*  Wall and duct mount transmitter versions
*  Two analogue outputs, moisture values available
*  Sensor alarm – outputs can be set high/low
*  Robust aluminium housing, IP 66 rated
*  LC display option with keypad

HygroFlex5-EX Technical Datasheet – click here

Contact Chris Fox at Rotronic to discuss any project or application requiring ATEX certified humidity/moisture and temperature sensors for measurement and process control.
Tel: 01293 571000

Email: instruments@rotronic.co.uk

Web: www.rotronic.co.uk

Michell Instruments will be showcasing its latest range of relative humidity transmitters for industrial applications at Sensors and Instrumentation. As well as being flexible for use in a wide range of processes, the HygroSmart 280 & 290 series includes an interchangeable sensor that allows routine maintenance to be made in just 30 seconds for most models.

At the heart of each instrument is the new HygroSmart I7000XP. This sensor is fully replaceable, and, because all the calibration data is incorporated, makes routine maintenance and recalibration as easy as changing a light bulb. The I7000XP uses Michell’s latest polymer capacitive sensing technology, the H8000 tile to provide reliable accuracy of 1% RH.

The HygroSmart 280 & 290 series features a number of configurations, designed to suit different applications. This includes duct-mount, wall-mounted and remote sensor versions each with optional displays for easy interrogation and configuration. New software also allows easy access to all configuration settings and data collection from a control room. The units can each be configured by customers to suit specific needs including outputs, units and alarms.

Visit Michell Instruments at Sensors and Instrumentation on stand C22 to find out more and see the rest of the range.