Features

ODU Express ensures rapid availability of the company’s standard products. Within 15 days, ODU can ship up to 15 modular connectors (ODU-MAC) or up to 150 metal circular connectors (ODU MINI-SNAP / ODU AMC) to its customers worldwide. Furthermore, this outstanding service belies the fact that most industries are currently experiencing supply bottlenecks and shortages of raw materials.

Vertical integration ensures delivery capability

Despite this precarious situation, ODU has managed to significantly reduce the delivery times for its standard products. This is possible thanks to the company’s high vertical range of manufacture of 75 %, as well as its various production locations, which support each other worldwide.

ODU Express even includes cable assembly

Express delivery is available for almost all modular connectors in the standard range, from manual connectors with housings to connectors for automatic docking. ODU’s metal circular connectors are also available with express shipping. Even complete standard solutions including cable assembly are available with only slightly longer lead times.

Voting is now open for the 2022 Instrumentation Excellence Awards so head over  to https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your selection. The nominations for the DAQ Product of the Year category are as follows:

• ADLINK Technology Inc., MCM-216/218 ultra-compact edge DAQ solution  
• Analog Devices, AD7768-1  
• Chell Instruments, nanoDAQ-LTR-32  
• Dewesoft, SIRIUS XHS  
• HBM, QuantumX  
• Kistler, KiDAQ Data Acquisition System  
• Yokogawa, DL950 ScopeCorder  

Voting closes on 25 August 2022, so visit https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your vote count for the DAQ Product of the Year Award. 

Two world leaders in gas detection and monitoring technologies for the offshore industry will present their latest innovations from a shared booth at ONS (Offshore Northern Seas) 2022 in Stavanger, Norway. Taking place on 29 August to 1 September, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) and Teledyne FLIR will be helping exhibition visitors to learn more about their solutions for the oil and gas market in hall 10, booth 1063.

One of the largest events of its kind, ONS 2022 will host more than 65,000 visitors from around 100 countries. With over 20,000 square metres of exhibition space across nine halls, there will be plenty to see, especially for any companies seeking reliable, high-quality, proven gas detection and monitoring technologies. Both Teledyne GFD and Teledyne FLIR will showcase a number of proven products that enhance safety and bring even more capabilities to the oil and gas sector.

Among the class-leading products on display from Teledyne GFD will be the GD1 hydrogen sulphide (H2S) laser detector. At the heart of this innovative device is a tuneable laser diode that eliminates environmental effects from sun, rain and fog. The fast and fail-safe laser needs no recalibration and can replace multiple standard detectors to cover the same risk. Well over 800 units have been deployed in the field since 2011.

Also in the spotlight will be the GD10P infrared gas detector with full firmware upgrade, enhancing the product’s performance in high demand mode SIL2 approved applications. In comparison with other infrared gas detectors, the new firmware adds further to GD10P’s differentiating factors, which include a solid-state infrared source and a 15-year warranty.

Elsewhere on the booth, ONS visitors will find the GD10PE infrared point gas detector, which is ideal when users need fast, reliable detection of low gas concentrations. With a measuring range of 0-20% LEL, the GD10PE is five times more sensitive than standard point detectors.

In terms of new innovations, the big announcement from Teledyne GFD at ONS 2022 will be the unveiling of a touch-panel controller for large sites seeking hassle-free gas detection that is simple to install and operate. A further feature is an improved events datalogger with full IIoT compatibility.

Another exciting innovation launching at the show is Spyglass™, a brand new range of flame detectors offering integrated high-definition CCTV video that facilitates the clear, rapid imaging of fire and people at unprecedented distances. When connected to a DVR/NVR, the rescue team becomes aware of the exact situation before entering the hazardous area. A range of high-capability models is available offering a selection of different detectors. Visitors should head for the booth to find out more.

Sister company Teledyne FLIR will present a number of complementary products at the exhibition, including the ground-breaking GFx320 OGI (optical gas imaging) camera for visualising fugitive hydrocarbon leaks at natural gas well sites, offshore platforms and liquid natural gas terminals. The safe way to ‘see’ methane leaks, the GFx320’s certifications allow surveyors to work confidently while maintaining safety.

Visitors to the exhibition can also discover the QL320 optical gas imaging system that allows surveyors to measure the leak rates of methane. This capability eliminates the need for secondary sampling with a toxic vapour analyser or similar tool. In addition, the QL320 does not require close contact with the gas in order to measure emission rates, making it a safer solution for quantifying difficult-to-measure gas leaks.

Another innovation at the show will be the FLIR GF77 uncooled optical gas imaging camera with interchangeable lens options that detect different gases, including methane and other hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the GF77 is capable of both gas detection and radiometric temperature measurement for thermal inspections.

A further product on display will be the GF343 optical gas imaging camera, which lets users see carbon dioxide leaks (as part of enhanced oil recovery programmes) quickly, easily and from a safe distance.

Any company seeking the latest detection and monitoring technologies to keep oil and gas operations running safely, efficiently and profitably, should look no further than the innovative solutions available from Teledyne GFD and Teledyne FLIR. ONS visitors are welcome to discuss their specific challenges and requirements with either company, both of which will have an experienced and knowledgeable team on the booth.

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has expanded its confocalDT range of confocal controllers with two new industrial-grade controllers for distance and thickness measurements on a variety of materials, including dark or rough surfaces. The confocalDT 2465 single channel controller and the confocalDT 2466 dual channel controller offer extremely high light intensity at high measuring rates up to 30kHz.

In terms of the size and performance of its product portfolio, Micro-Epsilon is a leader in the field of confocal measurement technology. The confocal measurement principle is designed for high accuracy, non-contact displacement, distance and position measurement against any surface: solid, transparent, polished mirrored surfaces, low reflective matt surfaces and even liquids. If a surface is transparent, a one-sided thickness measurement can be achieved with inbuilt correction for the material refractive index.

The confocalDT 2465 and confocalDT 2466 controllers are suitable for use with all confocal chromatic sensors from Micro-Epsilon. The controllers are extremely light-intensive, which enables good signal stability and therefore stable measurements, even on dark or rough surfaces. Very fast measurements are possible on shiny targets.

The confocalDT 2465 is designed for one measuring channel. With the confocalDT 2466, two measuring channels can be processed via one controller, which offers a price advantage for multi-channel applications. Measurement acquisition is synchronous and can be carried out while exploiting the full measuring rate for both channels.

Quite often, confocal sensors are selected when laser triangulation or other optical sensors are not accurate or stable enough on the surface being measured. In addition, confocal sensors have an extremely small spot diameter, typically a few microns and measure in the vertical plane, so do not suffer from shadowing of the reflected light. This also enables measurement into small bores and holes.

 Almost all industries benefit from this measurement principle as it can be used in both R&D and in-process measurements. In particular, the semiconductor, micro lens, automotive parts, medical, glass and MEMS industries use this sensor technology in many ways. 

Multi-peak versions

As with previous models, Multi-Peak controllers are also available for the confocalDT 2465 and 2466. These enable layer thickness measurements of up to five transparent layers. Integration and commissioning (interfaces, ASCII commands, parameter set up, etc.) are identical to the existing confocalDT 242x controllers, as are the controller dimensions.

Due to a user-friendly web interface, no additional software is required to configure the controller and the sensors. Data output is via Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS422 or analogue. Optional interface modules are also available which enable data output via Profinet or EtherNet/IP.

To ensure all medicines are produced to the highest quality, pharmaceutical manufacturers around the world are subjected to strict regulations. The problem is, monitoring the conditions in a manufacturing facility 24/7 requires high-end, often costly networking technology. Here Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing manager at remote monitoring instrumentation manufacturer Omniflex, discusses how temperature monitoring systems can be cost effective, reliable and compliant with regulatory standards.

Installing devices for electronic record keeping — for example, temperature sensors that monitor laboratory conditions — can be an expensive process. Companies previously opted for manual auditing on paper records, rather than overhauling a laboratory’s electrical infrastructure, because the latter can be expensive both in installation costs and laboratory downtime.

However, the FDA’s standard operating procedures for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) now dictate that 24/7 data logging of lab conditions, including temperatures, is necessary to ensure compliance. Some study grants even require that records be kept in a 21 CFR Part 11 compliant system, which means access to electronic records is limited to authorised individuals, reducing the risk of data manipulation.

So, can you be compliant without spending lots of money?

A financial trade-off

It’s true that your temperature sensors will only gather data from one point in a room, fridge or freezer. Therefore, for a clearer representation of the temperature conditions in a laboratory, you may need multiple sensors installed throughout. This can be costly, particularly if you are monitoring a large facility.

Many technicians choose to monitor temperatures readings manually, using a clipboard and spreadsheet. However, manual methods rely on staff constantly being onsite, placing unnecessary pressure on them as they juggle maintaining laboratory conditions and fulfilling their normal responsibilities. Furthermore, manual record keeping can only reflect conditions at the time of reading. Staff are unable to immediately identify problems that arise between recording intervals.

For example, if the temperature of a fridge were to fluctuate while a lab is unmanned, valuable research assets being stored could become comprised. Pharmaceutical companies may then find themselves paying the price of larger labour costs to replicate experiments, as well as the costs of wasted research materials. In a worst-case scenario, if they are not complying to GLP, they could be financially liable. Therefore, companies must be cost-effectively keeping records that are reliable, compliant and cannot be manipulated.

Monitoring made simple

Temperature monitoring systems can be cost-effective, easy to configure and install onsite and have a wide temperature coverage. For example, manufacturers can place plug-in sensors around a laboratory, in dry storage, fridges and freezers for continuous data recording. Using a cloud-based network, one DIN rail mounted controller can support up to 80 sensors, which feeds the data back to a temperature monitoring station.

An example of this set up is the Teleterm mLC8 mounted controller networked to Omniflex’s microLAN system. Each mLC8 device has eight microLAN ports, each one capable of sharing a two-wire cable for supporting ten sensors. Because wiring is kept to a minimum, installation is easy, non-disruptive and can be fitted into the existing infrastructure.

This technology is more cost-effective and efficient than manual equipment monitoring, helping companies save on manual labour and reducing the risk of damaging research materials. However, to be fully compliant to FDA 21 CFR Part 11, which suggests any manual recordings could be manipulated, pharmaceutical companies must consider archiving chronology of all operating parameters.

For remote temperature monitoring, Omniflex’s Data2Desktop system provides this. Installed using GSM services, Data2Desktop records a 24/7 repository of temperature data that users can access remotely through standard web browsers with designated logins for auditing or post-event analysis. The system can also send out real-time SMS or email alerts in the event of an abnormal temperature variation to help protect critical research assets.

Voting is now open for the 2022 Instrumentation Excellence Awards so head over  to https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your selection. The nominations for the Cases & Enclosures Product of the Year category are as follows:

• Hylec-APL, DEDSS Stainless Steel Series  
• Protechnic, EXOcase  
• Rittal, VX SE  
• ROLEC, profiPANEL  
• Spelsberg els UK, GEOS  

Voting closes on 25 August 2022, so visit https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your vote count for the Cases & Enclosures Product of the Year Award. 

Voting is now open for the 2022 Instrumentation Excellence Awards so head over  to https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your selection. The nominations for the Calibration Product of the Year category are as follows:

• Additel, ADT60Ex Handheld Pressure Calibrator  
• Beamex, MC6-Ex  
• Fluke Calibration, 8588A  
• IndySoft, Calibration Management Software  
• Keysight Technologies, U9361 RCal  
• Rohde & Schwarz, R&S FSMR3000  
• TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, NEL-SURE  

Voting closes on 25 August 2022, so visit https://instrumentationawards.co.uk/vote/ to make your vote count for the Calibration Product of the Year Award. 

Heilind Electronics Europe, a leading global distributor of connectors and electromechanical components, has leased a new warehouse and office complex in Silesia, Poland’s industrial heartland bordering Czechia and Slovakia.

“The new facility will serve our customers based in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania better, by ensuring agility and reliability of our operations. Increased stocks mean our customers can get the goods they need even faster”, comments Grzegorz Kułach, warehouse manager at Heilind Electronics Europe. “The site will also create substantial employment opportunities in the vicinity”.

Heilind distributes connectors, relays, sensors, switches, thermal management and circuit protection products, terminal blocks, wire and cable, and insulation and identification products.

Looking to find ways to keep improving water quality, the managers of the Royal Parks have installed a continuous water quality monitor; an ESNET (Environmental Sensor NETwork) system from the company Meteor Communications.

The Serpentine is monitored by the Environment Agency which collects samples for bacteriological analysis every week between May and September. However, the ESNET continuous water quality monitor was installed to improve understanding of the factors affecting water quality.

Covering an area of around 16 hectares, the Serpentine was created in 1730 by the wife of George 2^nd, Queen Caroline. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook in the 1730s, the lake’s water was later pumped from the River Thames. Today, water is pumped from two boreholes from within Hyde Park.

The water quality monitoring system was installed in February 2022, measuring key parameters including Blue/ Green Algae, Chlorophyll, Temperature, Conductivity, pH, Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen. Measurements are taken continuously in real-time with updates every 30 minutes to the MeteorCloud™ web portal, with instant alerts for any issues that may influence bathing water quality. “The ESNET system will provide essential data for the future management of the lake,” explains the Royal Parks’ Dr Pawel Szynkarczuk. “We need this empirical data to better understand short- and long-term trends, as well as the factors affecting water quality. For example, a key advantage of a continuous time-series dataset is the ability to correlate water quality incidents with potential impact factors such as ambient temperature and heavy rainfall.

“The Environment Agency’s laboratory tests are more focused on bathing safety, whereas the wider variety of parameters monitored by ESNET will provide greater insights into the factors affecting water quality generally. The ESNET system will therefore allow us to make informed decisions, whilst also enabling us to measure the impact of any improvement measures.”

Water quality improvement measures currently include litter/debris removal as well as aeration at 24 points around the lake. However, the large population of wildfowl in Hyde Park is the likely cause of any water pollution; with raised nutrient levels during summer being an area that is carefully monitored. The water quality challenges presented by the wildfowl are compounded by Park visitors feeding the ducks and geese by throwing food into the water. Raised nutrient levels during summer are therefore carefully monitored, and an initiative is underway to try to alter visitor behaviour. “We have a campaign entitled ‘Help Nature Thrive’, which is designed to discourage overfeeding – it’s not good for the birds and it certainly isn’t good for water quality,” explains Assistant Hyde Park Manager, Ian Nightingale. “In the past, we have had to address raised nutrient levels on two occasions by dosing the water with a modified bentonite clay which binds with free reactive phosphorus. While this method appears to be effective, it is expensive, so the provision of continuous monitoring will enable us to fully evaluate the cost/benefits of any future water quality improvement measures.”

The ESNET system has been installed at the Environment Agency’s water sampling point, adjacent to the lake’s bathing area, and the water quality sensors are built into a compact water quality sonde which is permanently located beneath the water surface. In order to maintain the highest levels of accuracy, the sonde is routinely swapped out with a pre-calibrated sonde by Meteor Communications.

The entire system runs on very low levels of power, with a small solar panel meeting the power requirement of the entire ESNET system. “This is very important,” explains Meteor MD Matt Dibbs. “These systems are usually installed in remote locations for customers such as the Environment Agency and utility companies; frequently these sites have no pre-existing power or communications capability.

“We were recently consulted by the Environment Audit Committee and provided them with a live demonstration; explaining how ESNET systems are monitoring UK rivers and providing alerts when potential pollution incidents could threaten bathing water quality. We hope that the Serpentine ESNET system will deliver similar benefits; helping the Park managers to improve the lake’s water quality.”

In terms of process control in hygienic applications, the tried-and-tested solutions are often preferred, thanks to their proven performance and guarantees they provide. ENILBIO, the National School of the Dairy Industry and Biotechnology in France, has chosen the universal control head Type 8681 from Bürkert to ensure the homogenisation of the control on one of its sites. Harmonisation of the 330 control heads led to simplified commissioning and maintenance, maintaining the long-term relationship between ENILBIO and Bürkert.

ENILBIO has the mission of training professionals and students from the agri-food industry with a major focus on the dairy sector and assuring the production of certain products such as cheese and beer. As such, the equipment employed in the company’s site is essential to the quality of its training and process verification.

As part of the renewal of its fleet of control heads, ENILBIO wanted to ensure the decentralised automation of hygienic valves and improve management of the automated processes by moving from wired communication to ASI (AS-Interface) communications, to better control its production activity.

The tender process was concluded with Bürkert delivering the solution to homogenise control of the entire site, thanks to a single product, the Type 8681 universal head, which offered all the benefits expected by ENILBIO. These include improved automation of hygienic valves with a solution that integrates into the existing system, automatic configuration, instant visual diagnostics and even good cleanability of the product through a hygienic kit that can be adapted to the pneumatic actuator.

Bürkert’s products offer protection class 3 in accordance with DIN EN 61140, an ASI protocol, a robust inductive rod made entirely of stainless steel for longer service life, a visual indicator of the valve status that can be seen from 100 metres and even personalised training for the technical team, as well as for trainees.

For more information contact: sales.uk@bukert.com