Advertorials

Accurately measuring the usage of expensive industrial gases such as argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and helium, is easy with the new SD range of high-performance flow sensors from ifm electronic. And because they maintain high accuracy over their full measuring range, the new units also function as an invaluable aid to leakage detection. Typical applications include bottling and packaging machines in the food industry and welding, cutting or soldering processes in which protective gases are used.

An important benefit of the new monitors is that, in addition to flow rate, they measure flow quantity, pressure and temperature. In many applications, this means that they eliminate the need for additional sensors, saving money, minimising complexity and reducing the number of control system I/O channels needed.

The sensors feature an IO-Link interface which provides access to all measured values and which can also be used for parameterisation and for simulating the operation of the sensor before putting it into service. A colour display provides convenient local indication of the measured values, and the sensors also provide conventional analogue and switching outputs.

ifm electronic offers its SD flow sesnors for gas consumption measurement in two configurations. The first is for use with argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and air. To ensure maximum accuracy, it is pre-programmed with the characteristics of each of these gases and it can be supplied in versions to measure flow rates from 0.05 to 225 Nm³/h. The second configuration is specially adapted for use with helium and available in versions to measure flow rates from 0.05 to 10 Nm³/h.

All versions have excellent dynamic performance with a T09 response time of 0.5 s, and all can be used with media over the temperature range -10 to +60 ºC.

The wait is finally over. Lucky visitors to our stand at The Materials Testing Exhibition earlier this month, were first to see the much anticipated, new Cygnus Ex-certified product in the flesh. Now, it’s time to reveal what the new Cygnus 1 Ex Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is all about!

This rugged, IP67-rated, intrinsically-safe instrument is specially designed to take reliable thickness measurements in Zone 0 Explosive Atmospheres, including;

• Oil and Gas
• Mines
• Chemical Plants
• Fuel Depots
• Road Tankers
• Oil and Gas Tankers
• Explosive Atmospheres
• Hazardous Storage Tanks

What is special about this launch?

Like its predecessor, the Cygnus 1 Ex is the only one of its kind in the world certified Intrinsically Safe to ATEX, IECEx, UKEX for Zone 0 and NRTL for Class 1, Division 1. But the Ex takes a giant leap forward, offering impressive new selectable features including live A-Scan, comprehensive data-logging and manual measurement mode, which brings Cygnus’ Intrinsically Safe offering up to speed with Cygnus’ most advanced gauges.

First of all, the 3 measuring modes that we are familiar with amongst Cygnus’ surface range, designed for varying levels of corrosion, multiple materials and through-coat measurement capability, are now built into this new gauge and available to hazardous and explosive environments.

Measurement verification and recording are also far more advanced. The addition of Live A-Scan and B-Scan allows precise measurement verification with on-screen visuals via the large 3.5” outdoor-readable display, and the comprehensive data-logging feature ensures seamless data analysis and report generation.

You’ll find the entire gauge, from how it sits in your hand, to collecting and storing measurements, is entirely geared towards the best user experience, making inspection quick and easy, despite the challenging environment. Four new function keys are purposely integrated to maximise ease and speed of control, four dynamic screen views aimed to suit user requirements, and a user access feature to prevent access to protected features.

Why are Intrinsic Safety and Ex certification significant?

Carrying out inspections with testing equipment certified to a suitable protection level is vital to ensuring the testing operation does not jeopardise the safety of hazardous environments. It is important to understand which is the correct equipment, and where to use it.

For equipment that contains electronic components including batteries, the intrinsically safe protection concept ensures that under both normal uses and with applied fault conditions, no arc or spark can be generated, and no component can heat up enough to cause an explosion.

Some intrinsically safe design criteria,

• The output energy at the terminals is limited so a spark cannot ignite an explosive atmosphere.
• The equipment must be anti-static and not be able to hold a static electricity charge.
• Voltages must be electrically ‘clamped’ to safe levels.
• The use of redundant safety components.
• If a battery or component fails, it should not produce high temperatures that could be incendiary.

In both IECEx, ATEX and North American NRTL systems, intrinsically safe equipment can be used in any Zone or Division with the correct equipment protection level.

Under the IECEx and ATEX systems, explosion-proof/flame-proof equipment cannot be used in Zone 0 areas, regardless of equipment protection level.

Most importantly, only equipment that has an Ex Certificate (ATEX/IECEx/UKEX/NRTL) can be considered for use in Zone 0/1/2 areas.

In the USA, equipment that only has a MIL-STD-810G, Method 511.5, Procedure I test pass CANNOT be used in Zone 0/1/2 areas.

The Cygnus 1 Ex, like all Cygnus products, is manufactured in the UK and is the only Zone 0 (Ga, Ma) Certified UTG available today (for ATEX/IECEx/UKEX/NRTL). To PRE-ORDER, simply visit www.cygnus-instruments.com, call +44 (0) 1305 265533 or email sales@cygnus-instruments.com. Quote INST22 fo­r 10% off a gauge.

None more so than in the UK’s food & beverage industry, within which we are seeing a mini ‘Automation revolution’ as the amount of Robots being installed increases exponentially year on year. While we may still be some way behind our European counterparts, the gap is closing rapidly; currently the integration within the UK food & beverage sector is second only to the UK automotive industry.

In 2021 the compounding effects of Brexit, minimum wage increases and COVID-19 triggered an influx of companies seeking help to automate their food & beverage processes; we are now seeing the realisation of those systems and the ‘early adopters’ are beginning to reap the benefits.

There are many reasons why companies look to adopt automation: to increase throughput, reduce wage bills or reduce the risk of injury. In the UK, until very recently, there has been an overarching connotation that robots reduce the number of available jobs. Interestingly this ideal doesn’t seem to exist elsewhere in Europe and there are several rationale to prove this is not the case… perhaps to be discussed another time.

Throughout the UK though one thing is clear, that low cost, transient labour has all but dried up. We have seen the tone of the industry shift dramatically – it is now no longer a question of improving processes. More often than not we are trying to help companies maintain productivity when they can’t find the staff at all.

Employees are a business’s most important asset. Those valuable workers should be utilised as effectively as possible. KUKA Industrial robots continue to prove themselves as an important tool to negate the dull, dark and dangerous jobs, that no longer meet the expectations of a qualified UK workforce.

So where within your process chain could you be using robots? End of line packing and palletising is probably the most common place to find a robot. As a long standing, tried and tested application, many companies see palletisation as a low risk, low cost, high return, first step into robotics. Palletisation can be considered as a ‘non-value-added task’; if you think about it, is your product more valuable because a person has packed it? probably not.

Many of these palletising systems are standardised, or iterations of a standard solution. It doesn’t really matter what your product is: bags, boxes, tins… a few simple changes to a gripper and most palletisation systems will suit.  This has allowed for further evolution in the industry; leasing and rental options.  I’ve recently worked with one of our system partners to lease a palletising system to a company in South Wales. Not only is their using a robot for the handling of 25kg bags of animal feed much safer, but the monthly leasing costs are far less than the equivalent monthly wage. Not least to say staff are much happier having been redeployed to higher skilled tasks and not having to manhandle bulky bags of feed all day.

This is just one example of automation delivering success. Whatever your factory, process, or product, there could likely be a robotics success story for you too.

Pulsating flow systems can be seen in process applications where the velocity profile of the flow undergoes dramatic cycling changes as compared to normal steady flow conditions. Such conditions are common in blood flow monitoring, medical, and chemical dosing systems where peristaltic or diaphragm pumps are used.

Following Titan Enterprises’ published technical paper that discussed how to mitigate the effects of variation in flow velocity, here we look at the types of flow meter systems that give the best results with pulsing flow rates.

Neil Hannay, Titan’s Senior R&D Engineer, says: “Pulsations in a flow line are commonly caused by the pumping element: diaphragm, peristaltic, solenoid or piston pumps can all induce significant pressure and flow pulses.” Neil continues: “If this pulsation rate is not taken into account, errors in flow measurement will be seen. This can be most erroneous with electronic flowmeters as aliasing can occur.”

Compensating for Pulsating Flow

Few flow meters can measure these fluctuations accurately so removing the pulsations as near to the pump as possible is recommended to achieve the best results. Using advanced electronics, Titan’s Atrato^® and Metraflow^® ultrasonic flowmeters are able to accurately measure pulsating liquid flow that is less than 10Hz. To accurately measure pulsating flows above this frequency, inline pulse dampening is required to improve the effectiveness of the flow system. If it is not practical to install a damper, a length of flexible hose may reduce the undesirable effects of pulsations.

How Different Types of Flow Meters Compare when Faced with Pulsating Flow Conditions

Pulsating flow is always challenging to measure accurately. However, with consideration of the system design and flowmeter performance characteristics, successful flow measurement is possible.

Read the Pulsating Flow technical article in full. Visit Titan Enterprises’ website for further information on the Atrato^® and Metraflow^® range of ultrasonic flowmeters or contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or sales@flowmeters.co.uk.

To meet the increasing call for improved user and patient protection according to the IEC 60601-1 as well as the ever-growing cost pressure and demand for high robustness, the ODU MEDI-SNAP® range has been extended to include three new styles of receptacle. The IEC 60601-1 standard requires the highest level of protection from electric shock of devices and their interfaces to provide patients and users with the greatest possible safety. Due to increased clearance and creepage distances the highest standards of the IEC 60601-1 can be full filled (2 MOPP / 2 MOOP).

In addition, the new GA receptacle type also stands out due to its robust design. An additional sealing system has been designed to meet the IP68 standard even in unmated condition providing ingress protection from water and dust which pass a consistent challenge in demanding industrial and medical applications.

For further details, to request samples or to receive a quote please contact us: www.selwyn.co.uk Email: Interconnect@selwyn.co.uk Tel: 01732 765100

The unprecedented global demand for energy, coupled with failures to invest in energy grid infrastructure, and power generation has increased pressure on energy networks which is further compounded by the growing reliance on renewable energy.

Power interruptions to factories, buildings and data centre demonstrate that when the power goes off unexpectedly, and the backup processes fail, the result can be catastrophic in business terms. Understanding the key variables and specific goals for individual organisations or customer requirements will provide a clear decision making process to guard against harmful business energy failures.

UPS (uninterruptable power supply) is one of the key components in any environment where continuous electrical power to IT equipment is mission critical.  According to MarketWatch, between 2019 and 2025 the market for Uninterruptable Power Supplies is set to expand to $13 billion, a CAGR of 3.98%. Even in countries, such as the UK, which have highly secure energy grids, they will experiences major grid failures – National Grid Outage. More recently, energy producers have outlined potential power rationing over the coming months.

Backup for a Future

Backup electrical generation or storage systems, diesel generators and battery UPSs, are the conduit to successful operational continuation. UPSs provides the short-term power to essential systems to ensure data or processes can continue to operate while the generator sets power up to offer longer-term energy supply to the facility.

The time between utility power failure and the IT load transitioning to the UPS is critical and milliseconds count. Power interruption longer than 20ms will probably result in an IT system crash, a power break of up to 60 seconds will result in an ITE restart process that will seriously affect electrical, ITE and operational applications.

Improvements in UPS technology is evolving their capabilities. Rapid development of higher speed processors and storage at the server is also changing the need for backup energy requirements. Although IT applications resilience and the customers risk tolerance will dictate the capabilities of the UPS. Therefore, organisations and customers must clearly recognise their requirements before deciding the UPS platform to support this. Hyperscale data centre applications are designed so that only 1-2 minutes of battery runtime is needed, and colocation sites typically require 5 minutes of runtime, while factories and enterprise will have their own specific requirements.

In Enterprise or Edge computing environments where generators are unavailable, more time to safely and securely shutdown servers and other equipment maybe a critical requirement. However, over-provision of UPS providing extended runtimes, where backup generators are available, could be an unnecessary capital cost.

Image 2 – Enhanced User Experience

Critical IT Load Support

It is essential to select UPS that are suitable for the IT load they are supporting. Primary concerns are the ITE running critical loads. Therefore, a key factor is UPS unity power factor. Systems such as Panduit’s SmartZone™ UPS, have a unity power factor of 1. So for example, today’s modular capabilities allow a customer’s 100kW IT load to be supported by 5X 20kVA, or a single 100kVA UPS dependent on preferred configuration. However, not all UPS are made equal. There are UPS with unity power factor <1.0, possibly 0.8, which impacts the UPS requirement for the critical load supported. Modular UPS components are a solution when combining legacy UPS products in an environment that is upgrading to higher power rated ITE racks. The modular capability allows for additional UPS kVA to match the upgraded rack kW, reducing overall cost and improving energy efficiency.

Image 3 – 5-10kVA Display

Lithium-ion batteries are now clearly established in the market and will deliver more capabilities to the users as the technology becomes embedded within the key applications. Compared to lead-acid, Li-ion batteries offer longer lifecycles, reduced weight, compact footprint, and lower cooling requirements, which is highlighting its potential in small data centres, factories, and edge environments.  Their capacity for higher amounts of energy in smaller devices, at a factor of between 2 to 3, with twice the life, and cooler running reducing the requirement for specific cooling systems offers the possibility of eliminating the need for separate battery rooms offering greater space utilisation.

However, for the time being, the latest UPS’s deliver increased efficiency, reliable power protection and backup power for computer IT and other critical equipment. Modular systems allow for hot swapping, providing the platform for faster maintenance, and removal of old or faulty units when required to ensure optimum capacity and immediate power is available.

To continually meet the growing backup power demands of Enterprise, data centres and Edge IT equipment, the latest UPSs provide excellent electrical performance, intelligent battery management, enhanced intelligent monitoring, secure networking functions and long lifespan for lithium units. Integration with cloud based DCIM solutions, such as, Panduit’s SmartZone™ provide support for management, monitoring, control, and alerts across the wider environment including Power Chain, Environmental, Cooling, Security, IT Asset and Connectivity infrastructure. Changing technology invariably creates challenges to reduce outages, and UPSs remain a critical element in organisation’s best practice.

For a wide range of additional UPS information: www.panduit.com

Panduit’s SmartZone Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) family delivers simple to install and use, highly efficient and reliable power. Combined with SmartZone DCIM software they provide intelligent systems and environmental alerts, consistent power protection and backup for critical computer ITE.

The SmartZone UPS family offers excellent electrical performance, intelligent battery management and long lifespan, with lithium-ion units offering 97 percent efficiency. Compliant with ENERGY STAR® 2.0, EMC, and safety standards, guarantees the Panduit’s UPS meets the continually growing power demands of data centre, enterprise, and Edge IT equipment.

The rack-mounted SmartZone UPS family focuses on high reliability, power density, efficiency, and secure manageability. This UPS range offers models with various power ratings, configurations, and battery types to meet application specific needs, and includes 1-3 kVA, 5-10 kVA and 10/15/20 kVA online double conversion units, equipped with powerful and maintenance-free batteries. For larger systems the UPS can be configured as 3-Phase In/3-Phase Out high-density UPS, or as 3-Phase In/Single-Phase Out high-density UPS.

All SmartZone UPS units offer a 79mm (3.5-inch) touch screen colour display. The screen auto detects the UPS mounting orientation and auto rotates to support horizontal in-rack installation or vertical tower installation.

www.panduit.com/smartzoneups

+44 020 8601 7200

Interchangeable sensor heads minimize downtime by allowing a single system to be re-configured for a variety of measurement criteria

Advanced Energy’s expansion of its Impac^® Series 600 of pyrometers sees a number of new modular sensor heads that support a wide range of wavelengths and temperature ranges. The Impac IS 600, IGA 600, IGA 600/23 and IN 600/5 sensors complement AE’s leading non-contact temperature measurement portfolio for steel and glass manufacturing applications.

A modular, flexible and cost-effective pyrometer platform, the Series 600 is designed to simplify the installation and maintenance of industrial manufacturing processes. Its multi-point measurement capability enables improved uniformity and process control required for critical manufacturing steps. The ability to easily and quickly replace or add a new sensor head in the field reduces downtime and lowers total cost of ownership.

By providing highly accurate, multipoint temperature monitoring and control, the Series 600 equips customers with real-time data analysis, improved control and repeatability.

Impac Series 600 pyrometer with four sensor heads (optional)

Single and multi-box architectures are available with up to eight individually customizable pyrometer heads in one system, eliminating the need to set up multiple systems saving cost and effort. Alternatively, customers can choose between three converter boxes as well as a Profinet interface.

The long wavelength IN 600 is best suited for non-contact temperature measurement on non-metallic or coated metallic objects. The IS 600, IGA 600, and IGA 600/23 use short wavelengths for measurements of metals, ceramics, or graphite. The IN 600/5 is specifically designed to measure the temperature of glass surfaces.

The modular concept allows for various combinations of system components: converter box, sensor heads, and multi-sensor box. The standard configuration includes an electronic converter box, a sensor cable, and a removable sensor head to allow for easy exchange. Each converter box can connect up to two sensor heads or up to two optional multi-sensor boxes that connect up to four sensor heads each. To ensure maximum flexibility, the system allows for any combination of the available sensor heads, even with different wavelengths, which is currently a unique feature in the marketplace.

Modular system-architecture allowing up to eight different measurement spots

The converter boxes provide an optional display for temperature measurement and parameters directly in the instrument, eliminating the need to connect to a computer to change the settings.

Different sensor heads cover temperature ranges between -40 to 2500°C and operate in spectral ranges between 0.7 to 14 μm for extended applications. The IS 600, IGA 600, and IGA 600/23 short wavelength digital pyrometers are well-suited for the measurements of metals, ceramics, or graphite while the IN 600/5 is specifically designed for the measurement of glass surfaces.

A wide range of communication protocols, accessories and electrical connection cables (up to 10 m length!) allow for flexible installations of this pyrometer series.

Contact:
info@aei.com

www.advancedenergy.com

With the new LW2720 radar level sensor from ifm electronic, accurately measuring the level of liquid media in large tanks and vessels is no longer a problem; this innovative sensor has a measuring accuracy of ± 2 mm at ranges up to 10 m. In addition, it is fully certified for use in hygienic areas, making it an ideal choice for food and pharmaceutical applications, including those that involve CIP and SIP operations.

The ground-breaking LW2720 measures levels using an FMCW radar-based system operating at a frequency of 80 GHz. This provides stable and accurate non-contact measurements that are unaffected by changing pressure, temperature and the presence of steam or condensates. In addition, the 80GHz operating frequency of the sensors provides a very narrow beam angle that gives a reliable level measurement even in applications where agitators, stirrers and scrapers are present.

Compact and very easy to install and commission, LW2720 radar level sensors are readily parameterised via their integral IO Link interface, which can also be used to check settings and to monitor measurements. As well as the IO Link interface, the sensors can be configured to provide either one analogue output and one switching output or two switching outputs. This wide range of output options facilitates integration with almost any type of control system.

All stainless construction and IP rating up to IP69K ensure that LW2720 sensors will provide long reliable service even in demanding environments and applications. They can be used with media over the temperature range -40 to +150 ºC, and a pressure rating of -1 to 8 bar. To complement these sensors, ifm offers an extensive range of accessories, including hygienic mounting adaptors, and pre-terminated M12 connecting cables.

ESI Technology Ltd designs and manufactures pressure transducers and transmitters for the aerospace, defence, oil & gas, subsea, medical, automotive, marine, process and general industrial markets. 

ESI’s Product innovations include

• Silicon-On-Sapphire Sensor Technology
• GD4200 USB Transducer; Designed for the monitoring and recording of pressure data
• HI6000 Digitally Compensated Transmitter; Capable of withstanding a consistent compensated temperature range of -25°C to +135°C., and up to 150° for limited periods

In 2021 ESI also launched 2 more product lines; The RS-485 Series, and a Hydrogen compatible pressure measurement range, offering yet more capability to ESI’s product scope.

What is Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) Sensor Technology?

Incorporated throughout the ESI range, SOS combines Silicon and Sapphire to create a very durable sensor. Because the silicon is grown onto the surface of the sapphire it is incredibly stable and exhibits virtually no hysteresis. With its outstanding insulation properties, the sapphire protects the strain gauge from electromagnetic pulse radiation, and allows the sensor to operate over a very wide temperature range without loss of performance. It can endure high over pressures and provides superb corrosion resistance. The excellent elasticity of the sapphire ensures high repeatability which is a highly desirable characteristic for sensors.

Advantages of SOS

• Titanium pressure diaphragm is welded to titanium threaded pressure port; no o-ring seals
• High accuracy
• High resistance to over-pressure and pressure transients
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Stable at elevated temperatures
• High sensitivity 10mV/V to 20mV/V
• Pressures from -1 bar to 5000bar
• High pressure HP range is machined from single Titanium piece

Hydrogen Compatible Pressure Measurement

One of ESIs most recent range of pressure measurement solutions, the H2 range is compatible with Hydrogen based environments, and is available in a general industrial, high pressure and high accuracy variant, as well as a digital transducer, available with a combination of ATEX and DNV-GL certification on selected models.

What is Hydrogen Compatibility?

Samples of the materials used in the manufacture of the range were tested based on ISO 11114-2:2017 in accordance to the European Regulations EC 79/2009 and EU 406/2010 to determine an “embrittlement index” of the material when placed in a saturated environment over extended periods of time. Results have provided a pass rating to the compatibility of the material against Hydrogen.

The Material

The pressure diaphragm and threaded pressure port are machined from a specialist Titanium alloy specifically designed to withstand harsh and demanding environments. This, along with the non-oil-filled sensor and high integrity stainless steel housing results in a robust and versatile unit that offers excellent media compatibility across a range of environments.

The Hydrogen range also benefits from the same Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology used throughout the ESI brand, providing outstanding performance, stability and highly accurate pressure measurement.

Applications

Hydrogen is already used in a growing variety of industries, and although the Oil & Gas sector still remains the predominant source of energy supply and usage, there are significant efforts being made to find an alternative.

Applications for ESIs H2 range include;

• Hydrogen storage
• Hydrogen production
• Hydrogen re-fuelling
• Hydrogen engines
• Marine propulsion
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Laboratory environments
• Industrial applications

Introducing the RS-485 Series….

The ESI RS-485 series of high performance transducers has been developed due to an increase in demand from our clients and offers pressure measurement solutions through digital, high accuracy communication. The range features a general purpose, high pressure and subsea variant.

Providing a half-duplex digital RS-485 output signal and 0-5V analog output, the range provides high stability, repeatability, and a communication distance of up to 1,200m. With proprietary RS-485 protocol, each unit can operate up to 32 devices on the same BUS, reducing the need for expensive cabling. The range also benefits from excellent noise immunity, making it perfect for use in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and industrial environments.

The use of Silicon-on-Sapphire sensor technology also provides outstanding performance and gives excellent stability over a wide temperature range.

Applications for ESIs RS-485 series include;

• AUV/ROVs
• Hydraulic systems monitoring
• Oil, Gas and other Process liquids
• Industrial environments
• Medical and Laboratory testing
• Aerospace
• Refrigeration, pneumatic, compressor, HVAC and engine monitoring systems.

For more information on ESIs expansive product range please visit our website www.esi-tec.com or contact our office; call 01978 262 255 or email sales@esi-tec.com