Advertorials

Q.bloxx EC modules support the EtherCAT functions

With the EC Q.bloxx modules all the usual analog and digital inputs and outputs are available. 

The Q.bloxx EC modules support the EtherCAT protocol according to IEC61158. Electrically they use a LVDS interface that is implemented by a bus coupler. With a bus coupler up to 10 Q.bloxx EC modules can be addressed. The bus coupler has an additional USB configuration interface. All Q.bloxx EC modules have their own EtherCAT slave controller with distributed clock (DC).

In order to use the maximum sampling rate of Q.bloxx EC modules (module dependent up to 100 kS / s) is supported for XFC technology (eXtreme Fast Control Technology). In this case, up to 100 values ??can be transmitted in a polling cycle which are recorded equidistant from the module with a correspondingly high sampling rate and transmitted in the subsequent cycle. The oversampling factor can be configured for each module.
Thus, different sampling rates can be realized in a polling cycle.

A completely new feature, the functionality of all Q.bloxx EC modules now available with 3U and 1U also available in 19 “system.

www.gantner-instruments.com

Manchester University’s School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Sciences is leading world class developments in energy efficiency in the process industries. Researchers have incorporated TorqSense transducers into a test rig that is analysing losses in in-line mixers.

Efficient production is fundamentally important to success in the process industries, many of which serve global markets. While there are multiple elements of cost in the production processes, optimising energy consumption is seen as essential because improvements will repay dividends over many years.

The energy consumption involved in in-tank mixing processes is well researched and understood. But with in-line rotor-stator mixers the flow is often controlled independently of the rotor speed and collecting sufficient data to accurately model the process has to date required a large number of experiments.

Now researchers Dr Mike Cooke and T. L. Rogers at Manchester University have developed two simplified methods for obtaining the necessary information for particular stator-rotor mixers: one uses torque measurements, the other heat balance.

Dr Cooke explains that high shear rotor-stator mixers are widely used in process industries, including the manufacture of many food, cosmetic, healthcare products, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Rotor-stator devices provide a focussed delivery of energy, power and shear to accelerate physical processes such as mixing, dissolution, emulsification and deagglomeration.

“To reliably scale-up these devices from laboratory size to industrial scale we need to understand the relationship between rotor speed, flow rate and the energy dissipated,” he says. “The first step is to link the energy dissipation rate to desired process results.”

The scientists created two mixing experiments and set about measuring the torque profile and heat balance. In the first experiment torque was measured by a Sensor Technology’s TorqSense in-line torque meter fitted to the drive shaft.

There are two main sources of potential error when measuring the torque on the rotor shaft: time-based zero-drift and bending moments on the shaft, both of which are easily counteracted with the TorqSense. Other corrections also have to be made for bearing losses, temperature fluctuations etc.

TorqSense proved a good choice for this work because its non-contact operation meant extra drag forces were not added to the system and also allowed rapid assembly and disassembly during the experiments. It uses two piezo-electric combs which are simply glued to the drive shaft at right angles to one another. As the shaft turns it naturally twists along its length very slightly and in proportion to the torque, which deforms the combs changing their piezo-signature. This change is measured wirelessly by a radio frequency pick up and  used to monitor the torque.

Its data is output to a very user-friendly computer screen which uses graphics to aid instant interpretations and also automatically logs all data for later analysis.

In fact the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Sciences at Manchester University is a major user of TorqSense, having many installed on permanent teaching aids and various research rigs.

“The students like the readout displays, which look no more complicated that a car’s dashboard,” says Dr Cooke. “For us researchers, the ease with which they can be mounted and removed is a God-send in experiments where you are constantly reconfiguring the rig. Also their lack of slip rings means one less set of calculations to account for – and one less fiddly fixing task.”

The conclusion from Dr Cooke’s experiments is that the performance characteristics of in-line mixers can be easily modelled. This lets industrial users calculate their optimum energy consumption and tune their mixer drives accordingly. Power and cost savings will accrue during the whole production period, and make a valuable contribution to the company’s bottom line and green credentials.

www.sensors.co.uk

Moore Industries’ new SSX and SST Safety Isolators and Splitters provide reliable isolation and signal conversion for HART^® data in functionally safe process control settings. Part of Moore Industries’ FS FUNCTIONAL SAFETY SERIES, the two-wire (loop powered) SSX and four-wire (line/mains powered) SST have been certified by exida for single use in Safety Instrumented Systems up to SIL 2. They join products from Moore Industries such as the STA Safety Trip Alarm and the SRM Safety Relay Module that have been developed following the strict IEC 61508:2010 standards for safety-related applications.

The SSX and SST family protects safety systems by isolating an SIS from basic process control or monitoring systems so that disconnections or other failures don’t impact the safety system. It also has 1500Vrms of isolating capability to protect safety I/O cards and systems from surges, spikes and transients in the field. Standard 20V/m RFI and EMI protection stops damages caused by radio frequencies and electromagnetic interference.

Sending HART data is critical for diagnostic and preventative maintenance. While most isolators “strip off” HART data, the SSX and SST pass along HART data to asset management systems, programming devices or host systems. This lets site operators get the most out of their HART devices. In addition, the SSX stops ground loop noise and solves “bucking” power supply problems caused when two devices try to source power to the same loop.

The four-wire SST Splitter takes the input from one process signal and creates two identical, isolated outputs that can go to two different monitoring or control devices. It can also serve as a HART splitter to pass HART data to one or both independent outputs. This allows asset management systems to maintain a digital HART connection to critical valves and instruments. It also allows for handheld HART devices, modems or programming devices to easily configure remote field transmitters from control rooms.

The SSX and SST meet the high levels of reliability found in all products in Moore Industries’
FS FUNCTIONAL SAFETY SERIES. Along with its exida certification, comprehensive FMEDA-certified safety data is available on request. This information can be used by a functional safety practitioner to determine if the SSX and SST are applicable for use in their specific safety-related application.

The SSX/SST data sheet can be found at http://www.miinet.com/Portals/0/DataSheets/SSX_SST_Datasheet_Moore_Industries.pdf while more information on Moore Industries’ FS FUNCTIONAL SAFETY SERIES can be found at http://www.miinet.com/safetyseries/.

For more information, contact Moore Industries-International, Inc., 16650 Schoenborn St., North Hills, CA  91343, U.S.A.; Telephone: (818) 894-7111; FAX: (818) 891-2816; E-mail: info@miinet.com; Web Site: www.miinet.com.

Analytical hire panel service offers flexible temporary measurement solution for power and water plant operators

ABB’s Measurement and Analytics Service business has introduced a new analytical panel hire service.  Launched at IWEX 2015, the hire panels provide a flexible solution for the measurement of selected key parameters in potable water treatment and power generation applications, with unlimited lending periods and full technical support.

There are currently three options each for use in power and water industry applications.

For power, the panels can be used for cation conductivity measurement, silica measurement and sodium measurement.

For water, there is the option of panels for measurement of aluminium, turbidity or ammonia.

All of the panels are supplied with a comprehensive array of equipment providing accurate and reliable measurement.

01480 475321

moreinstrumentation@gb.abb.com

Increased Switching Distances, IO-Link and ASIC Technology Perfect the Product Range

With its new generation of inductive sensors, wenglor sensoric GmbH is presenting an innovative technology which will revolutionize the entire product segment. The new sensors are distinguished by up to three times the switching distance specified in the standard and installation directly next to each other thanks to weproTec, as well as reliable ASIC technology and error output. The new product range isn’t just racking up high scores where performance is concerned, but rather in the area of intelligent networking as well: thanks to the IO-Link interface, selected sensors can be easily integrated into networks and are thus ready for demanding Industrie 4.0 applications.

PPMA Show – Hall 5 Booth C75.

wenglor sensoric ltd

Tel: 01536 313580

Web: www.wenglor.com

Now available from Martindale Electric is the latest non-contact voltage indicator, the TEK101, designed specially to discriminate between adjacent live conductors where standard voltage indicators struggle. The high resolution capability of the TEK101 improves safety and saves time on-site.

The TEK101 is a pocket sized, non contact voltage indicator which conforms to CAT IV 1000V safety regulations.  Simple to use, the TEK101 offers voltage detection from 180V to 600V AC by generating both an audible alarm and bright LED visual indication.  The TEK101 features an extended tip with optimised sensitivity to discriminate between individual adjacent live conductors and gain access to confined and hard to reach spaces.

The new non contact voltage indicator from Martindale Electric incorporates a unique built-in proving device to continuously self check the tester is correctly functioning, thereby eliminating the need for a separate proving unit.  This integral self test facility activates the sensor in the tip of the testers at 50Hz, as well as checking the battery and LED, to ensure the entire circuit and not just the indicator LED is tested for complete safety.

Suitable for a range of residential, commercial and industrial applications, the TEK101 features a compact design, making it ideal for carrying in your pocket – ready whenever you need it!

Supplied in a rugged and ergonomic ABS housing, the TEK101 indicator from Martindale Electric, leaders in safe isolation, is supplied with battery and Martindale’s comprehensive two year guarantee.

For more information, please contact Martindale Electric on 01923 441717 or visit www.martindale-electric.co.uk

Fluke has introduced a Current Clamp Meter measuring 4-20mA DC that wirelessly relays measurements to other Fluke Connect™ enabled master units or the Fluke Connect mobile App. The Fluke a3004 FC Wireless DC Clamp Meter is a fully functional current clamp meter which measures 4mA to 20mA signals without “breaking the loop”. It is ideal for use by process control technicians and for industrial technicians maintaining PLCs and controls, as well as in automotive and HVAC applications.

The Fluke a3004 FC Wireless 4-20mA DC Clamp Meter features a detachable clamp with extension cable for measurements in tight locations and can be used as a standalone meter or as part of a system. A logging function enables the recording and saving of up to 65,000 measurements. It is suitable for measurement of 4-20mA control loops, 4-20mA signal measurements, testing analog input/output signals and other low level DC current measurements.

The Fluke Connect system allows maintenance technicians to wirelessly transmit measurement data from Fluke test tools such as the Fluke a3004 FC to their smart phone for secure storage on the cloud, thus enabling access by any team member in the field. Maintenance technicians make better, faster decisions when they have field access to maintenance records and when they can review measurements in real time with team members and supervisors who may be in different locations. Fluke Connect facilitates access to records by all team members wherever they are and at the same time increases the safety of technicians working with energised equipment.

The Fluke Connect app can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. More than twenty Fluke tools connect wirelessly with the Connect app, including digital multimeters, infrared cameras, insulation testers, process meters, and specific voltage, current and temperature meters.

For more information on all Fluke products, please visit: www.fluke.co.uk

No contact. Extremely accurate. Fast

• Dispenses a wide range of low to high viscosity fluids
• Can apply consistent shots as small as 2 nanoliters at speeds up to 150 dots per second
• Combine high production speed with exceptional accuracy and process control
• Ideal  for high-speed, high volume applications that require many small, precise fluid deposits.
• The valve nozzle does not contact the substrate, ideal for applications where controlled amounts of fluid must be applied on surfaces that are not perfectly flat, such as printed circuit boards.
• Eliminates the contact with the substrate and  the need for vertical Z-axis movement and precise height positioning, which can significantly increase production speeds.
• Huge range of possible applications: electronics (bonding cell phone speakers with UV-cure adhesives), life sciences (attaching needles to medical syringes), and precision mechanical applications (jetting small amounts of grease on micro gears).
• Easy to set up on Nordson EFD’s automated desktop and in-line dispensing systems three or four axis for simple programming of dots, stripes, arcs, compound arcs and patterns on different planes.
• The NEW modular version now available featuring interchangeable components to accommodate particular fluids and applications

Nordson EFD – Dunstable – U.K. – phone +44 1582 666334

e-mail: europe@nordsonefd.com

Catalogue Request

DEWESoft have just announced a new on-line facility available for all engineers, technicians and students wishing learn or to enhance their knowledge of data acquisition techniques, sensor applications and software analysis. Enrolment is at pro.dewesoft.com and is FREE, so anyone can join the process, which is split into individual courses with each course followed by an optional quiz, which evaluates the student’s knowledge. Success at each quiz results in certificate and with 10 certificates a DEWESoft Pro T-shirt is awarded. Each quiz can be completed in stages at the users discretion and provides the opportunity to review specific parts of the course. For full details go to pro.dewesoft.com

Rugged IP67 EtherCAT DAQ system

DEWESoft launches KRYPTON, a NEW range of data acquisition modules with Ethernet connectivity and compatibility with existing DEWESoft products. KRYPTON modules are truly plug-and-play, requiring no setting of IP address and operate over 100m between modules in a distributed system, allowing each module to be located very close to the sensor, thus reducing unwanted cables.

8 channel & 16 channel thermocouple modules provide 100Hz sample rate and support a wide range of types. Voltage modules are available with 4 channels and 8 channels sampling at 100KHz with 24 bit resolution. A three-channel strain gauge module with internal bridge completion is also available

NEW Data Acquisition System for the Transport Business

In almost all areas of transport, from the train, automotive or aircraft manufacturers to the transport system operators, the need for accurate, engineering measurement systems has never been greater. Frequently, the need to take portable measurement equipment into remote locations requires battery operation and rugged construction, whilst retaining the full measurement capability of a laboratory-based system.

Performance of the transport vehicle or system is key and measurements will involve gathering data from many different types of transducers, such as Strain Gauges, Accelerometers, Load Cells, Thermocouples, Pressure Transducers and of course Voltage and Current. A typical measurement application is often referred to as Road-Load Data collection, which involves measurement of vehicle structure, suspension system, steering and other parameters during operational use and this data is used to optimize vehicle performance.

GPS positioning is also often used in conjunction vehicle data recording as it provides engineers with valuable information related to the measurements being taken at any one time and if this is also used with video then the complete picture is available, with GPS, Video and Data, all synchronized.     

Measurement Applications

Dewesoft have developed a number of application-specific measurement packages for the transport industry, such as Power Analysis, applicable to the Rail Industry with hardware data acquisition measurement systems capable of recording many channels of voltages up to 1.4KV

Video recording whilst acquiring data has been used in many railway measurement applications around the world and one of the most interesting is videoing the pantograph whilst acquiring data from the electrical contact, so engineers can examine exactly what is happening when contact is broken.

Measurement Innovation

Using the very latest dual core ADC technology DEWESoft have been able to develop a new data acquisition system called SIRIUS which offers a range of input channel configurations, all with 1kV isolation and dual-core 24bit-200kS/s ADC technology which means that the smallest and largest signals can be captured simultaneously without worrying about the input measurement range.

SIRIUS is also available in 16 channel slices and a new model is now 1MS/s 

Dewesoft UK Ltd

Tel. 01367 871000

Email. sales.uk@dewesoft.com

www.dewesoft.com

Dynasonics have developed a comprehensive range of simple-to-fit, ultrasonic clamp-on liquid flow meters with portable, hand-held and fixed models for pipes from 13mm to 5000mm in diameter.

Dynasonics meters simply clamp on to the outside of pipes and do not contact the internal liquid, technology that has inherent advantages including: zero pressure head loss, non-invasive installation, no moving parts to maintain, no fluid compatibility issues, and a bi-directional measuring range at very low and high flow rates.

The most advanced model from Dynasonics is the DXN™. Incorporating innovative hybrid metering technology the DXN™ can automatically switch between transit time and Doppler modes as needed and can be provided with a heat energy feature. With a colour touch-screen interface, internal data logging, USB connectivity and advanced signal processing the DXN™ is an indispensable tool for energy audits.

The TFXL™ is the economical option offered by Dynasonics that provides accurate and repeatable bio-directional flow measurement readings of clean liquids using transit time technology. Featuring a LCD display, 4-20mA analogue output and USB port, this model comes with novel integrated pipe mounting sensors for smaller pipes or with remote transducers for small, medium and large pipes. The free Windows-based software allows users to easily configure and view data. The TFX Ultra™ incorporates all the features of the TFXL™ but with additional features including Modbus or BACnet communication, a rugged aluminium enclosure and optional heat energy measurement.

The DFX™ uses the Doppler technique to measure flows of liquids containing suspended particles or aerated liquids. Doppler flow meters can easily accommodate a variety of what are considered ‘difficult’ flow measurement applications such as sewage, slurries and wastewater. The UFX™ is Dynasonics hand-held, battery-powered Doppler model, the unit employs a non-invasive transducer, which is placed on the outside of pipes.

For advice on choosing the most suited Dynasonics model for the required application contact Bell Flow Systems.

Contact Details:

0800 027 7786

sales@bellflowsystems.co.uk

http://www.bellflowsystems.co.uk