29th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on DJB Instruments (UK) Ltd expand into Asia1,504
DJB Instruments UK Ltd is pleased to announce their expansion into the Asia region with the opening of the DJB Instruments (China) office in Shanghai, China.
The new office will be headed up by Kevin Li who has many years of experience in the Noise and Vibration marketplace working with companies such as MTS and Vibration Research. Kevin will be supported by a sales team all of whom have direct industry experience with vibration and accelerometer applications.
The opening of the China office is the first of a number of new announcements that form the basis of a major expansion for the British accelerometer manufacturer, this will encompass new products as well as new staff and further overseas office expansions.
DJB’s Managing Director, Neill Ovenden, said of the new office… “The Chinese market is the base of some fascinating research and development in many of our key markets, the new office will provide us with the perfect launch pad to integrate DJB’s unique products into these applications. We have already had an amazing response to our first exhibition in Shanghai in 2018 and we look forward to further events in Wuhan and Shanghai in 2019.”
DJB Instruments will be attending two major exhibitions in 2019, firstly the 6th China (Wuhan) Automotive Test Expo 2019 at the Wuhan International Expo Center 9-11 May 2019, this will be attended by the DJB team in China in addition to support from Dr Chang Shu from the DJB UK head office in Mildenhall, Suffolk, UK. The second event will be the Automotive Testing Expo at the SWEECC, Shanghai, China, 24-26, September 2019, this will also be supported by the DJB team in China in addition to support from at least 2 members of the UK head office team.
29th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Rittal’s new laser machining centre to revolutionise control panel production at engineering firm981
In a “UK first”, Hawarden-based electrical engineering firm, LCA Group, has switched its control panel operations from manual production to end-to-end automation, including laser-machining (www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d27sUtLL0U). The move is expected to transform its productivity and efficiency.
LCA Group, which recently came under new ownership, has invested in:
a Rittal Automation Systems 3D laser machining centre to revolutionise construction of its stainless-steel panels by automating processes previously done by hand
a Secarex cutting centre to cut DIN support rails, C rails and cable ducts
an Averex wiring centre to cut wires to the correct length before stripping and crimping them with wire ferrules
With Eplan Propanel software providing integrated 3D-modelling and computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities, the machining centre is programmed to manage measuring and machining to an extremely high degree of accuracy, processing panels in a fraction of the former time.
It allows LCA Group to service higher volume orders going forward, as well as rapid turnaround of bulk orders – including next day delivery.
“Our investment in this new Rittal Automation Systems machine is incredibly important for the growth of our control panel manufacturing and design business here in the UK,” said Alan Sheppard, Managing Director of LCA Group.
“It is a statement of intent in terms of our growth, as it means we now deliver more, faster, better, more efficiently, for customers across the world without compromising on the quality we’re famous for.”
LCA Group’s control panels are used across a range of industries including nuclear, food manufacturing, power generation, water and utilities, oil and gas and pharmaceutical companies.
“This new Rittal Automation Systems machine gives us capabilities that are way ahead of the curve on our competitors in the UK,” added Alan.
“Combine that with our new 3D CAD capabilities and we are immersing our customers in the design and build process like never before. They literally fly in and fly out of the designed products we build, and we can deliver them to their door within days.
“Not only that, but we now do one-off jobs or high volume, mass manufacturing of control panel boxes at the touch of a few buttons.”
Heath Grant, Rittal’s Area Sales Manager, advised, “LCA Group’s experience demonstrates how Rittal’s value chain can automate the whole process of panel building and design.
“We’re really keen to encourage UK companies to adopt technology which is revolutionising panel building and electrical engineering across the world.
“When it comes to processing panels, machining centres from Rittal Automation Systems, are light years ahead of the alternative, manual approach. They speed up processing by as much as 66 percent compared to the traditional hand-tooled method.
“Our online Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator shows how quickly the machining centre will take to pay for itself and we expect customers to be pleasantly surprised by what they find!
“In addition, our comprehensive range of equipment for professional workshop operation has provided LCA Group with fully automated end-to-end mechanical engineering. That’s everything from milling and laser machining, through to wire processing and wiring, cutting cable ducts and support rails, to panel handling and assembly. It’s so much faster, and the finish is consistently second-to-none.”
29th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Nordson EFD Performus X Fluid Dispenser1,291
Ideal for syringe barrel dispensing of glue, oil, grease, epoxy, cyanoacrylate, solder paste, and other assembly fluids, the new air-powered benchtop fluid dispensers deliver reliable dispensing control for general applications in the electronics, life science, consumer goods, and automotive industries.
The Performus X100 features a 0-100 psi (0-7 bar) pressure regulator for applying low- to high-viscosity fluids such as glue, oil, grease, silicone, sealant, cyanoacrylate, UV-cure adhesives, and dispensing paste such as SolderPlus® solder paste.
The Performus X15 features a 0-15 psi (0-1 bar) pressure regulator for greater control when dispensing low-viscosity or thin fluids such as solvents.
The housing acts as a faraday cage for improved EMI/RFI protection, and the unit features a chassis connection for grounding to shunt leakage current and enhance system electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
Both the Performus X100 and Performus X15 feature a Steady, Timed, and Teach mode of operation. The Teach function makes it simple to program the time required for the desired fluid deposit amount. Vacuum control keeps thin fluids from dripping between cycles.
The dispensers feature digital time and pressure display, and can easily switch between psi and bar units of measurement. A comprehensive selection of replacement parts make the units easy to maintain and service in the field. Performus X100 and X15 also feature an I/O connection and universal power supply.
18th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Keeping Up to Speed with EMC1,117
For producers of electronic equipment, clearly demonstrating conformance with EU technical legislation is an ongoing responsibility that does not end when the design is frozen, or when the product is successfully placed on the market. The EU’s approach to legislation is continually evolving, documents are regularly updated or superseded.
In the Know and Up to Speed
There is therefore a continuing need for information and education to help those responsible for ensuring product compliance to evaluate project risks and ensure appropriate regulations will be satisfied. Taking advantage of opportunities to learn, engage and network is another important element of the compliance teams’ toolbox.
With this in mind, Demystifying EMC has become one of the industry’s principal training events, attended by over 400 delegates in 2018. The event is hosted by Rohde & Schwarz, an EMC test and measurement expert, alongside a wide range of EMC training and industry partners.
The one-day seminar caters for groups as diverse as engineers currently involved in EMC test and suppression, quality and procurement managers seeking knowledge of the latest regulatory changes, and newcomers looking for their first introduction to the topic. The format also provides plenty of opportunity to network with peers and engage with industry experts.
Hot Topics in EMC
Now entering its fifth year, Demystifying EMC returns to the Silverstone Wing at the famous Northamptonshire home of the British Grand Prix, on Monday 28th January 2019.
The agenda comprises four streams and will cover university-level practical measurement and troubleshooting techniques, in-depth analysis of applications and noise-management knowhow, and several sessions examining engineering and testing in relation to the latest regulations.
There will also be focused presentations around the testing of medical devices for EMC compliance and describing the implications of the RED for automotive applications, and a look at the latest international EMC standardisation work by the IEC/CISPR.
In a Nutshell
The day is packed with training, education, and networking opportunities. It’s not only free to attend, but also counts towards Continued Professional Development (CPD) certification with The IET.
Registration period ends on Thursday 24th January.
18th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Client Solution Leads to Gas Meter Test Rig for Everyone1,234
When a client approached Chell Instruments with a specific challenge, our engineering team got straight to work. Using our industry leading expertise and experience, the ideal solution was developed for their gas meter calibration requirements.
Now, a version of the Gas Meter Test Rig (GMTR) we created is available from Chell for everyone wishing to test and calibrate domestic gas meters, including manufacturers and calibration houses.
The GMTR is a multi-channel bench-top system that allows testing of the functionality, accuracy, stability and leak integrity of up to four domestic gas meters simultaneously. It is compatible with older ‘diaphragm’ type positive displacement meters, as well as the newer ‘smart’ ultrasonic meters.
As you’d expect, the device contains high accuracy flow, pressure and temperature instrumentation and can generate any flow set-point up to 12,000 litres per hour, maintaining a low outlet pressure to prevent damage to the gas meters under test. For valid accuracy comparisons, the combined mass flow, pressure and temperature measurements can be used to calculate the true volumetric flow rate at each point of concern.
The system consists of a custom enclosure and a triple range flow manifold with pneumatically operated isolation valves. Featuring a captive vent, it can also be used for testing on flammable gases. Pipework and custom gas meter outlet blocks allow volumetric flow conversion for up to 4 gas meters in series.
The system has a 0.4%Rdg +0.2%FS mass flow accuracy. It utilises 4 pressure transducers and 4 PRT temperature probes, connected to custom fixtures in the interconnecting pipework. The on-board display modules provide mass flow control and display, pressure and temperature measurement display and valve control. Remote monitoring and control is also possible via the built-in webserver or via customer’s own software.
The GMTR is supplied with all parameters calibrated with ISO17025 certification, and is the latest flexible addition to our range of gas meter test systems, adaptable to your individual demands. For more information on this and other instruments and capabilities please call us on +44(0) 1692 500555 or email info@chell.co.uk
17th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on A growing exhibitor line-up for Sensors & Instrumentation Live1,081
The 10 year anniversary edition of Sensors & Instrumentation Live is shaping up to be the biggest in the show’s history. Taking place in Hall 2 at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September 2019, the show already has an impressive exhibitor line-up
A number of market-leading companies have already signed up to exhibit at Sensors & Instrumentation Live when it returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 25 and 26 September.
Covering a range of industry sectors, with equipment on display including sensors, flowmeters, signal conditioners and test instruments, Sensors & Instrumentation Live is the ideal event to source the right instruments to meet your requirements.
Already confirmed to exhibit at the show is Kistler. The company, with 60 years of deep application knowledge, is a global leader in dynamic measurement technology for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. The company’s piezoelectric sensor is at the heart of every measurement system from Kistler and, based on piezoelectric technology, the most important element of its measurement technology. Kistler tailors its services to its customers’ needs, focusing upon the complex current and future challenges in the areas of automobile development, industrial automation and in fields related to extreme environments. In addition, the company makes important contributions towards the further development of current megatrends, including electrified drive technology, autonomous driving, emission reduction and Industry 4.0.
Charcroft Electronics will also be exhibiting at Sensors & Instrumentation Live. Charcroft, with over 40 years of experience as an approved supplier to major OEMs and CEMs in the industrial, defence and other high-end sectors, is a specialist manufacturer and distributor of commercial, BS/CECC and Mil-Std Passive, Interconnect, Emech, Power and Hi-Rel Semi’s product lines. Charcroft is also a franchised distributor, including several major international franchises. With full franchises and approved distributor status for broadline and specialist manufacturers, Charcroft combines inventories of products for RoHS compliant and RoHS exempt applications.
Another company confirmed for the exhibition is BINDER. BINDER, based in Tuttlingen, Germany, is the world’s largest manufacturer of serial-production environmental simulation chambers for scientific or industrial laboratories. The company specialises in the perfect simulation of biological, chemical and physical environmental conditions in climate chambers or incubators.
Mantracourt Electronics will be exhibiting its instruments at the exhibition. The company designs and manufactures an extensive range of strain gauge measurement products for a wide range of industry segments. The instrumentation is designed for load cells, strain gauges, pressure sensors, torque transducers, flow sensors, temperature sensors, for signal conditioning, display and control using analogue, digital and wireless techniques.
DEWESoft’s data acquisition technology will be on display at Sensors & Instrumentation Live. DEWESoft produces instruments that are used in the most advanced labs all over the world for developing rockets and satellites ensuring fast worldwide communication, new safer vehicles and products that are improving our everyday lives.
Other companies who have already confirmed their presence at the 2019 exhibition include DSL, Techni Measure, Rheintacho, Shawcity, LPRS, Blubug and Trafag.
Engineering Symposium
As well as exhibiting its piezoelectric accelerometers (IEPE and Charge), dynamic pressure transducers and analogue signal processing instrumentation at the show, DJB Instruments, a British leader and manufacturer for over 40 years, is working with Sensors & Instrumentation Live to present CPD-accredited training that is driven by sensor innovation and the very latest in engineering. DJB will bring together a team of speakers from some of the UK’s leading technology and engineering companies to present a two day programme which provides a combination of technical training sessions.
The Enterprise Hub
The Enterprise Hub will explore the different opportunities that are available to manufacturers. Representatives from key engineering institutions and organisations will give a series of invaluable presentations, giving visitors an insight into topics including training, apprenticeships and standards. Attending the Enterprise Hub and Engineering Symposium is free so let the experts provide you with the guidance you need.
Innovation Showcase
The Innovation Showcase provides an assembly of the most cutting-edge products and solutions available from exhibitors. Visitors can get hands-on with devices and make sure they do not miss out on a single thing at the busy exhibition.
Colocation
The 2019 exhibition is colocated with the TCT Show, WNIE Live and IMHX providing more opportunities to network than ever before. The one ticket policy for Sensors & Instrumentation Live means that visitors only need to register once to get access to both TCT and WNIE Live.
If you would like to find out more information about the exhibition, please visit the Sensors & Instrumentation Live website. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about exhibiting at the event, please contact event director Louise Pudney (lpudney@datateam.co.uk).
17th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on What’s new in thermal imaging1,683
R-124 Compressor Unit
Detecting Gas Leakage from a Refrigeration Plant CompressorFLIR Systems reports how its GF304 optical gas imaging camera has been used to detect Freon R-124 gas leaks from a refrigeration plant compressor without interrupting or shutting down operations.
Most modern refrigerants are organofluorine compounds, and while they are not ozone-depleting, some blends contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Freon™ R-124 is a widely used hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) based refrigerant used in centrifugal chillers employed in food production, pharmaceutical storage and air conditioning.
FLIR GF304 optical gas imaging camera
Refrigerant gases such as Freon R-124 are highly toxic, environmentally harmful, and heavily regulated. By detecting R-124 gas leaks early, the plant operators avoided the need for costly refrigerant replenishment, loss due to spoiled product and limited any environmental impact. Moreover, the high sensitivity, handheld FLIR GF304 enabled inspectors to pinpoint and visualize the exact source of these invisible refrigerant gas leaks faster and more reliably than with using fixed sniffer detectors as well confirming effective repairs once complete.
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. For more information, go to FLIR’s website at www.FLIR.com.
Solving High-Speed Automotive Testing Challenges
High speed thermal image of automotive tire braking
FLIR Systems has published a white paper that discusses how new Infrared (IR) camera technologies are providing engineers and technicians with the tools they need to address the difficulties of high-speed automotive testing.
Product research and development on internal combustion engines, brake rotors and tires, and high- speed airbags are discussed as just a few of the areas that could truly benefit from high speed, high sensitivity thermal characterization testing. Measuring temperature on objects that are moving fast is challenging. Traditional forms of temperature measurement such as thermocouples are not practical for systems in motion. Non-contact forms of temperature measurement such as spot pyrometers lack the fast response rates necessary to take accurate readings on fast moving objects or to thermally characterize a high-speed target accurately. In addition, infrared cameras with uncooled detectors are also unable to measure temperature accurately at extreme high speeds.
Without the appropriate tools for adequate thermal measurement and testing, automotive design engineers can lose time and efficiency, and risk missing defects that lead to dangerous products and expensive recalls.
FLIR A6750sc SLS LWIR camera
The authors of the white paper discuss how in order to visualize and take accurate temperature readings on extremely fast-moving targets, you need a cooled thermal camera with a short exposure time and fast frame rate. This white paper explores thermal and quantum detector types, a camera’s ability to synchronize and trigger to external events, the importance of high sensitivity and the advantages of Longwave Infrared (LWIR) measurements.
The white paper concludes that next generation LWIR camera technologies may offer automotive engineers a solution. These cameras incorporate 640 x 512-pixel high resolution detectors that can capture images at a rate of 1000 frames per second. In addition, using Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) detectors, these cameras offer wide temperature ranges with a combination of great uniformity and quantum efficiency beyond that of traditional MCT and QWIP detector materials. These new technologies, plus the ability to synchronize and trigger remotely, give engineers and technicians the tools they need to address the difficulties of high-speed automotive testing.
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. For more information, go to FLIR’s web site at www.FLIR.com.
Thermal Cameras Provide Unique Insight into Material Properties
Composite inspection
FLIR Systems reports how its FLIR A6700 series thermal cameras with Lock-In, Transient, and Pulse capabilities can perform advanced inspections such as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) or stress mapping, resolving temperature differences as low as 1 mK.
NDT is widely used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. FLIR A6700sc series cameras can detect internal defects through target excitation and the observation of thermal differences on a target’s surface. Thermal imaging is a valuable tool for detecting defects and points of failure in composites, solar cells, bridges, and electronics. It is also a great tool for thermal mapping of stress when performing materials testing.
FLIR A6750sc SLS LWIR camera
Thermal non-destructive testing using a FLIR A6750 SLS longwave infrared thermal camera can detect internal defects through target excitation and the observation of thermal differences on a target surface. This camera is also proven to be a valuable tool for detecting voids, delamination, and water inclusion in composites.
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. FLIR’s advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. For more information, go to FLIR’s web site at www.FLIR.com
17th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Thermal Imaging Solution for Furnace Applications1,816
Thermal image of tubes with Regions of Interest added to monitor specific temperature points
Accurate temperature measurement in high temperature furnaces
The FurnaceSpection™ thermal imaging system from LumaSense Technologies is designed to continuously monitor the inside of high temperature furnaces used for refining, metals, and glass production.
It uses a radiometrically calibrated thermal imager to accurately measure product, refractory, and heat transfer surfaces inside the furnace. By monitoring the internal temperatures of the furnace in real-time, the process can be improved, and any abnormalities can be identified before they develop into serious problems or cause unplanned outages.
FurnaceSpection consists of an accurate 640 x 480 focal-plane array thermal imaging camera inside a rugged IP66 protective enclosure that is equipped with borescope optics, allowing the camera withstand the high heat and measure temperatures through the combustion gas and flames. Together these high-quality optics (either with straight or angled lenses) achieve a wide field of view and a resolution of more than 300,000 pixels, producing an excellent infrared image with precise temperature data.
If additional precautions are necessary, the enclosure can also be equipped with pressurized air or water for better cooling or be mounted on an automatic retraction system. The borescope optics are also available in a number of different lengths to suit virtually any application and monitoring need.
LumaSense FurnaceSpection system with a borescope lens and LumaSpec RT software.
Included with FurnaceSpection, LumaSense provides advanced control software allowing simultaneous data acquisition from multiple thermal imaging cameras that can be used for additional analysis, archiving, or integrating with the plant’s local network.
How FurnaceSpection Works
LumaSense Technologies has been developing industrial grade thermal imaging solutions for over 20 years and have deployed custom systems around the globe. With the help of our application engineering team, FurnaceSpection can be customized to monitor nearly any furnace. For example, some spectral filters can be used to avoid the negative influences caused by the burner firing. Alternatively, a different setup of the camera with another spectral filter can be implemented, to make the flame image visible.
A single system is usually enough to monitor a furnace, although additional cameras or pyrometers can also be integrated into the system if necessary. Experienced LumaSense field service engineers will mount the camera for the optimal view of the process through the furnace wall. The camera is connected to a nearby server (typically in the control room), which then connects to the LumaSpec RT software. The temperature data is streamed in real-time and can be sent to the DCS using OPC, Modbus, or IOs (analog and digital).
Thermal image of a melting tank with Regions of Interest (ROIs) drawn to monitor specific areas of the molten glass
Dedicated Market Applications
For glass melting tanks, to ensure that walls (refractory) remain intact and that the melting process is working at its optimum efficiency.
For petrochemical reformers, to ensure the reformer tubes perform optimally for their longest possible life cycle.
In metal annealing applications, to significantly reduce cycle times while at the same time improving quality and process repeatability.
Short-wave Thermal imaging Camera MCS640
Why Continuous Temperature Measurement Matters
At a cost of several thousands of Euros per furnace and re-tubing costs in the millions, a significant amount of capital can be lost if a furnace failure goes unnoticed or if the refractory linings are retired too early or too late. FurnaceSpection is a proven technology that provides critical insight for failure prevention and asset management. It helps operators monitor and control process temperature uniformity and extend the lifetime of the furnace.
17th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on The new Yokogawa WT5000 is the first of a new generation of Precision Power Analyzer1,739
Yokogawa Test & Measurement launches next generation of Precision Power Analyzer:
New WT5000 combines exceptional accuracy with stability, noise immunity and flexibility to meet the measurement needs of developers of energy-efficient systems –
The new Yokogawa WT5000 is the first of a new generation of Precision Power Analyzer that offers exceptional measurement accuracy of ± 0.03% combined with stability, noise immunity and plug-in modular flexibility to meet the measurement needs of today’s developers of energy-efficient systems.
In rapidly evolving industry sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy and energy efficient technologies, the need for reliability in testing to enhance safety, efficiency and performance has never been greater. Changing application needs and evolving international standards call for custom measurements and consistent accuracy, and in the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer, engineers have a versatile platform that not only delivers reliable measurements today, but is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
The WT5000 achieves the world’s highest measuring accuracy: ±0.03% of total at 50/60 Hz. As a result, it has become possible to evaluate the power consumption, loss, and efficiency of electrical and electronic devices. In particular, its wide dynamic current range is indispensable for tests on energy-saving designs.
One of the essential elements for determining the performance of a power measuring instrument is the A/D converter that performs analogue-to-digital conversion. In order to obtain the world’s highest measurement accuracy, the WT5000 uses an 18-bit converter with a sampling frequency of maximum 10 MS/s. As a result, it becomes possible to accurately capture waveforms from the latest high-speed inverter devices. It is very effective for stable measurement results.
While the WT5000 has the same dimensions as existing models in Yokogawa’s WT series, it incorporates up to seven input channels, allowing it to support applications that previously could only have been measured by synchronising several separate instruments. As a result, it offers considerable savings in installation space, communications overheads and cost-effectiveness. Further benefits result from the use of plug-in modular input elements, which can be swapped directly by the user.
The 30 A and 5 A elements, for example, can be switched for applications involving electric vehicles or fuel-cell vehicles, where developers are increasingly required to evaluate a number of different motors. Using the WT5000 equipped with the /MTR1 and /MTR2 options, it is possible to evaluate up to four motors simultaneously with one unit. Since these options allow the input of four channels, flexible measurement of the A, B, C and Z phases of each motor can be carried out.
With a 7 elements input capability, multi-system measurement is increased in harmonic measurements on 3-phase systems, for example. The WT5000 can carry out two harmonic measurement functions simultaneously, each at up the 500th order and up to 300kHz fundamental waveform. This makes it possible to measure the carrier frequency component from the rotational speed of the motor in the inverter drive and also to check the influence of the carrier frequency on the motor drive.
An increasing number of applications require the evaluation of larger-current devices, typical examples being electric vehicles and large-scale solar installations. In these cases, external current sensors are often used. An external current sensor input function is fitted as standard in the input element of both the 30 A and 5 A input elements of the WT5000. For much higher currents (up to 2000 A RMS) dedicated high-current sensors are available. Yokogawa AC/DC current sensor CT series is current output type in order to prevent noise influence.
For further information about the WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer please visit:
Yokogawa has been developing measurement solutions for 100 years, consistently finding new ways to give R&D teams the tools they need to gain the best insights from their measurement strategies. The company has pioneered accurate power measurement throughout its history, and is the market leader in digital power analyzers.
Yokogawa instruments are renowned for maintaining high levels of precision and for continuing to deliver value for far longer than the typical shelf-life of such equipment. Yokogawa believes that precise and effective measurement lies at the heart of successful innovation – and has focused its own R&D on providing the tools that researchers and engineers need to address challenges great and small.
Yokogawa takes pride in its reputation for quality, both in the products it delivers – often adding new features in response to specific client requests – and the level of service and advice provided to clients, helping to devise measurement strategies for even the most challenging environments.
The guaranteed accuracy and precision of Yokogawa’s instruments results from the fact that Yokogawa has its own European standards laboratory at its European headquarters in The Netherlands. This facility is the only industrial (i.e. non-government or national) organisation in the world to offer accredited power calibration, at frequencies up to 100 kHz. ISO 17025 accreditation demonstrates the international competence of the laboratory.
17th January 2019AdvertorialsComments Off on Digitalisation promises new possibilities for industrial measurement1,214
Remember when TVs were operated using analogue? Remember the vast difference it made when your television went over to digital – reception details like the picture quality, number of channels and less programme interruptions?
In the same way the movement from analogue to digital in the world of television has delivered immense benefits, industrial instrumentation has had its fair share of the same. Ease of communication and set up are just two. Others include familiar graphical displays which make it easier for users to operate their devices.
In this article, ABB’s Alan Hunt, Electromagnetic Flow Product Manager, explains the impact of digitalisation on industrial measurement.
Digital communications vs Traditional communications
Digital communications have overcome the traditional issues caused with analogue transmission signals regarding scaling – the mismatch between the transmitting range of an instrument and the input scaling range of the receiving instrument. Incorrect readings would cause operators to waste time looking for phantom measurements that could not be accounted for.
Digital values eliminate this problem. By sending zeroes and ones from A to B, the displayed value will always be a faithful representation of what’s happening in the process being measured.
Another advantage of digital protocols is that you can combine multiple different values into the signal – with traditional analogue only one signal could be sent at one time.
Data is king
Digital communications also enable operators to access rich diagnostics data which indicates whether an instrument needs servicing or not. An example is ABB’s AquaMaster 3 with WITS DNP3, which enables remote access to diagnostics and configuration changes. Any problems are automatically notified to an engineer, together with the time the issue occurred and the exact location of the affected device. This ensures engineers are only deployed when necessary, helping to save both time and money.
Have HART, you’re halfway there
Most instruments make a measurement, amplify it, convert it and then transmit it. In the past, there were possibilities of errors being introduced at each stage. Digital technology means that the measurement is converted into a digital signal as quickly as possible so that the possibility of errors creeping in is reduced.
Unable to completely upgrade your system to digital? It may be that your instruments include HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer). HART represents an ideal halfway house for organisations that would like to get more from their instruments without completely upgrading to a digital system. It works by superimposing a digital signal onto an analogue signal, which still relies on an analogue measurement.
Getting on the bus
Everyone has benefitted from the transition from electronic to microelectronic. In terms of bus-based systems, most top end industries have used or are using bus systems in some way.
The problem with bus-based protocols is their complexity. Making just one mistake anywhere when setting up a digital system could mean it won’t work.
A solution to this problem comes in the form of communication. Some engineers may be familiar with writing programs for PLCs but they won’t be familiar with instrumentation. Likewise, a lot of people who work with instruments are not familiar with PLCs. If these two distinct skillsets can communicate about their requirements, then companies can further explore the possibilities that digital technology can offer.
Living the future today
To predict future industrial technology, we should keep an eye on our private lives as it is likely it will follow suit, subject to careful analysis of the security implications.
In ABB’s own range of products, such developments are already apparent in products such as the AquaMaster4 with features such as Near Field Communications (NFC) technology which allows users to access their flowmeter remotely to obtain data and make configuration changes. The use of smart portable devices for instrument configuration makes setting up hard devices in the field faster, simpler and less costly.
With the inclusion of simplified Human Machine Interface, usability is improved, helping to make training and maintenance quicker. In addition, some instruments include Windows interface technology, making it easy to scroll through menus, change settings and navigate between data views.
Summary
Ultimately, digital technology is steadily helping to make life easier – so easy in fact that finding out more about the possibilities for accurate and reliable industrial measurement is as easy as just visiting.
Instrumentation Monthly Test | Measurement | Control
DJB Instruments UK Ltd is pleased to announce their expansion into the Asia region with the opening of the DJB Instruments (China) office in Shanghai, China.
