News

In its 40th year, the 2022 Global Flow Measurement Workshop is sponsored by the Energy Industries Council. This year’s conference theme is “technical innovation on the road to Net Zero” and focuses on meeting the flow measurement challenges of greenhouse emissions obligations as part of the global energy transition.

The three-day conference is the single most important event in the global flow measurement calendar, drawing in delegates from across the globe:

• 25 – 27 October 2022
• P&J Live, Aberdeen
• Website: https://www.tuvsud.com/en-gb/gfmw
• Email: events.uk@tuvsud.com

Hosted by TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, the conference will feature innovative technical content from industry experts around the world, including the University of Oxford, Petrobras and Aramco. Workshops will explore the challenges faced by the energy sector as stakeholders throughout the supply chain address the energy transition.

Dr. Bruno Pinguet, Workshop Technical Committee Chair, said: “In today’s economic climate, if companies are not innovating then they quickly become outdated, as can be seen from the recent diversification of some major global businesses into the clean fuels sector. The Global Flow Measurement Workshop reflects the ongoing changes in the industry, as we focus on the energy transition and meeting the measurement challenges of net-zero greenhouse emissions obligations. Innovation drives growth and it is vitally important for industry to stay ahead of developments in technology, regulation and practice to deliver competitive advantage.”

Fluke Networks, a worldwide leader in certification, troubleshooting and installation tools for professionals who install and maintain critical network cabling infrastructure, has today announced a new limited time discount promotion on a range of bestselling copper and fibre testing solutions, with savings of up to £4,000.

The ‘No fuss. Just savings’ offer was developed in celebration of Fluke Network’s 30-year anniversary, following the launch of the company’s first cable tester in December 1992. Customers are invited to take advantage of exclusive savings on a wide range of products, with discounts of £800 offered on the DSX-602 PRO CableAnalyser through to £4,000 on the DSX2-5000QI-G-INT CableAnalyser.

The substantial discounts are available to all customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent states (EMEACIS). The offer is available for a limited time between September and December 2022 and is valid with purchases of qualifying products only made from Fluke Network’s authorised distributors.

Robert Luijten, Fluke’s Training Manager and Test & Measurement Expert said: “We are pleased to provide our customers with a limited-time discount on some of the most powerful and sophisticated copper and fiber testing solutions available in the market. Historically, Fluke Networks has provided loyal customers with great opportunities to move up to the next generation of testers with our popular trade-in programmes. Many customers have taken advantage of this over the years. However, our new ‘No fuss. Just savings’ offer no longer requires trade-ins. Customers can now enjoy no returns, registrations, or hassles – all they must do is contact their local distributor to take advantage of these great discounts.”

Resolve and prevent network connectivity faults

Fluke Networks range of testers for twisted pair copper cabling can locate connectivity faults quickly to minimise downtime and lost productivity. The testers provide accurate, error-free certification even in the most complex projects that may involve several teams, different media types and multiple testing requirements. The range can be used to test up to Cat.8 cabling that can support the transmission of data up to 40Gbps over balanced twisted-pair copper cabling.

The DSX is built on Fluke Networks’ modular Versiv™ cabling certification system that can cut cabling installation and maintenance costs by up to 65%. Cornerstones of the Versiv system are the intuitive Taptive™ Graphical User Interface for ease of use and error-free operation and the ProjX™ management system which ensure that all testing is carried out efficiently and correctly. The Versiv system was recently upgraded with a high dynamic range Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and an MPO fibre inspection camera.

Accelerate fibre testing and certification

Fluke Networks’ fibre testing tools are the preferred option for network cabling installers, architects, technicians, and engineers due to their rugged design, accuracy and ease of use. While fibre optics has become the preferred option for reliable connectivity within smart buildings, data centres and other networked environments, locating faults can be a lengthy and costly process. The Versiv-based OptiFiber Pro OTDR makes this easy. Thanks to the EventMap function, the tool automatically identifies events including connectors, splices, bends and splitters.

The CertiFiber Pro, another feature of Fluke Networks’ Versiv system, offers an optical loss test set with the fastest time to certify. This means two fibres at two wavelengths can be measured in just under three seconds, providing automatic pass/fail analysis to meet critical industry standards or custom test limits.

Depending on the modules that are inserted in the Versiv mainframes, the system transforms itself into a copper cable tester (DSX), fiber loss and length tester (CertiFiber Pro), an OTDR (OptiFiber Pro) or into a fiber inspection instrument with a camera (Fiber Inspector Pro or Fiber Inspector Ultra). All products feature the same user-friendly interface. Being able to operate and program different testers with a common user interface is unique in the industry. Moreover, the measurement data gathered by the different testers can be easily consolidated in a single report by a LinkWare-supported personal computer or a LinkWare Live cloud-based service. LinkWare Live enables Project Managers to manage jobs and testers from any smart device.

For more information about the ‘No Fuss. Just savings’ campaign by Fluke Networks, go to: www.flukenetworks.com/nfjspromoUK.

A Yorkshire engineering specialist is using digital technology to help deliver a 12% weight saving for crucial aerospace parts.

MetLase, which employs 30 people at its state-of-the-art facility in Rotherham, has worked with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to complete a series of research trials that are applying the use of smart positioning to ‘lightweight’ structural airframe components.

Using the power of its MetElements hardware and software framework, the company has implemented a series of specialised distance senor units to existing fixturing within a machine tool.

The eight sensor modules used low-cost ‘smartphone grade’ sensors and were also designed so that they did not interfere with the cutter path.

“The 7000-grade aluminium used in these types of airframe components is renowned for its internal residual stresses and its habit of warping during machining; especially if the component is thin walled, as this lowers the geometric stiffness of the final component,” explained Richard Gould, Business Development Manager at MetLase.

“We have a strong relationship with the AMRC, so used this collaborative partnership to work with its engineers to explore how sensors could be used in adjusting the machining process in real time, compensating for any warping as the part is being cut, and delivering better geometric accuracy in the final component.”

He continued: “Leveraging the power of MetElements, we were able to give live feedback about the component’s geometric condition during the milling process, with a 3D display created that showed how the component was distorting in near real-time (60Hz).

“The results of the trials delivered a 12% reduction in the final part weight due to the reduction in wall thickness.”

Daniel Smith, Technical Fellow in the Aerostructure and Landing Gear Team at the AMRC, added his support: “The project successfully demonstrated the power of adding sensing equipment to existing industrial processes, and the positive impact harvesting live in-process data can have when validating model data and ultimately improving the quality of the output component geometry.

“MetLase has been instrumental in the implementation of sensor technology throughout this project, working with us from the start and then supporting us with its own design, engineering, and digital manufacturing expertise.

“It has delivered several tangible results, but importantly has given us a solid use case on how industry could retrofit low-cost smart i4.0 sensing to existing off-the-shelf-machining equipment.”

MetLase has been embracing digital manufacturing since its inception in 2015 and now boasts a client base of tier 1s, primes and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) from the automotive, aerospace, Formula One, maritime and power generation worlds.

Stewart Lowth, Product Development and Innovation Manager at MetLase, concluded:

“MetElements gives us an adaptable platform for any connected technologies to communicate with each other, whether they are traditional industrial automation sensors or modern small-factor smartphone style sensors.

“Just like on the AMRC project, this digital flexibility allows the right sensing solution to be used for the right job; saving money for SMEs and large organisations alike.”

For further information, please visit www.metlase.com

Ian Bourke, has been in his role as Powelectrics Finance and Operations Manager for three years. We asked him to tell us a little about the changes he has seen during that time and his hopes for the future.

“So much has happened in 3 years! It’s hard to believe we’ve been through Brexit, Covid and war in the Ukraine, with all the challenges they have brought to businesses!

“Equally, that we have benefitted from massive investment and we have a fantastic team, which has enabled us to thrive through everything!

“Powelectrics is an incredibly robust and dynamic enterprise!

“My first year was mostly spent creating and refining finance and operational procedures to prepare us for planned growth. This is a continuous process, but the timing of that initial effort was perfect, hugely strengthening our ability to work remotely through Covid … though I’m delighted to back in the office now!

“A major investment by Quinn Venture Investments, in March 2021, brought us commercial insight and inspiration from Directors Peter Quinn and John Higham and enabled us to capitalise on increased awareness of the benefits of remote monitoring in our post-Covid environment.

“It has also funded a major expansion in human resource across all departments. I have taken great pleasure in recruiting and nurturing the careers of my Finance and Operations team members.

“These efforts have included helping young people get on the career ladder via the Kickstart apprenticeship scheme and making roles available to our local community of Ukrainian refugees, which has been particularly fulfilling.

“Simultaneous expansions in both the Sales and Development Teams have meant that Powelectrics are better placed than ever to develop bespoke digital transformation solutions, which has been a fascinating process for me. This isn’t my first role with Operational responsibilities, but it is by far the most technical and I am constantly learning.

“I really appreciate the way this joint role offers a truly holistic view of the business and that has helped me create the operational framework to deliver these sophisticated projects, from ensuring component supply in uncertain global markets, to having fantastic internal controls and records and guaranteeing an excellent customer experience.

“As part of this, I was proud to help Powelectrics complete our ISO9001 audit and gain ISO27001 for the first time.

“These are exciting times to be part of Powelectrics! We are enjoying a period of unparalleled success and expansion. My current project is to further expand the Manufacturing team in readiness for the larger scale roll-out of our new developments.

“I believe Powelectrics success has come from really listening to our customers and developing the IIoT solutions they need to cut costs, increase production, improve safety and security and meet strategic goals in extremely challenging times.

“Much of the bespoke development that has taken place can be adapted to other applications, so I am extremely confident that we will continue to grow and offer our customers the very best digital transformation solutions along with the very highest levels of quality and service.”

What can Powelectrics do for you? 

Please browse the Poweletrics web site and get in touch with any queries you have or applications you would like to discuss. +44 1827 310 666 sales@powelectrics.co.uk or use this contact form.

Global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, will attend The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) from September 12th to 17th, 2022 at McCormick Place, Chicago. Across three booths, Renishaw will demonstrate how manufacturers can use the latest metrology and manufacturing equipment to digitalise their processes. It will showcase its latest end-to-end solutions for additive manufacturing (AM) on stand 433239. Visitors can discover the benefits of part measurement, machine calibration and motion control at the quality assurance stand on booth 135509 and Renishaw will also encourage the next generation of engineers with its educational booth on stand 215321.

Renishaw’s AM stand, in booth 433239, will highlight how manufacturers can benefit from using AM in the production process. By showcasing its range of additive manufacturing systems, including the RenAM 500Q and 500S. Both systems feature high power 500W lasers have precise and accurate capabilities in one or four lasers to help minimise build time.

On booth 135509, visitors can explore the benefits of the latest Renishaw technologies for part measurement, machine calibration and ensuring quality assurance. For example, at IMTS Renishaw will showcase the latest version of Renishaw’s XK10 alignment laser system software, which allows users to perform point-to-point parallelism measurements. The stand will also include range of modular metrology fixturing to hold parts securely on co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs), Renishaw Equator™ gauging systems and vision systems and   new, ultrasonic thickness measurement using the multi-sensor REVO® system, as demonstrated on aerospace components.

“Attending IMTS enables visitors to realize our vision in action – how we enable the factory of the future today. Our innovative manufacturing technologies and expertise deliver on manufacturing precision, productivity, and practicality,” explained Denis Zayia, President at Renishaw Inc. “Renishaw is about to celebrate a significant milestone of supporting our customers for 50 years. As a world class manufacturer ourselves, we have faced the same manufacturing challenges as many of our customers. In those 50 years we have been able to overcome by implementing innovative strategies and products developed in house. Our consultative approach with customers allows us to share those experiences and offer them new perspectives.”

Additionally, Renishaw is participating in the Student Summit, a collection of educational booths for students to encourage them to consider an engineering career. On stand 215321, Renishaw will showcase its Equator™ gauge, which is used by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) to showcase its rapid gauging results. Renishaw is also providing educational packs to help students gain an insight into quality assurance and how important it is in the manufacturing process. Giving students the opportunity to learn about engineering technologies in person allows them to make an educated choice about their future career and engineering speciality. By exposing students to engineering throughout their education, the engineering industry can continue to attract a diverse group of people and make students aware it is a career choice available to them.

Register for the event at https://www.imts.com/show/reg and see Renishaw’s AM stand 433239 in the additive pavilion, its quality assurance stand on booth 135509 or its educational booth on stand 215321. Find out more about Renishaw’s engineering solutions on the website https://www.renishaw.com.

Spectris has completed the acquisition of Dytran Instruments, Inc., after the transaction received the required regulatory approval. As a result, Dytran will be integrated into the HBK business.

The acquisition of Dytran will broaden HBK’s existing sensor offering and further advance its ability to design and deliver custom sensing solutions with a fast turnaround.

California-based Dytran is a leading designer and manufacturer of piezoelectric sensors that measure vibration, force, and pressure. They also offer an advanced sensing line that includes 6DoF sensors, MEMS accelerometers, and digital smart sensors.

Dytran’s innovative products are used in product development testing and embedded monitoring solutions in space, aerospace, industrial, and automotive applications. Like HBK, Dytran sensors enable technology innovators to invent platforms and solutions of the future.

With its largest market in North America, Dytran will enable HBK to increase market penetration and build sales in the region. At the same time, HBK’s global presence will extend the reach of Dytran products and support worldwide.

With more than 75 years of experience in setting industry standards, HBK is the trusted expert in test and measurement. The acquisition of Dytran further brings innovation, agility, and customer-focused solutions to HBK.

Ben Bryson, President HBK, said: “I’m very excited to welcome Dytran and its employees into HBK. Together we will enhance customer processes and assets with sensing solutions. With a strong position in space, aerospace, and defence, we will bring additional value from our piezoelectric accelerometers, delivering higher customer intimacy and a broader product capability. The precision sensing sector is well placed to grow in a more connected and sustainable world and the addition of Dytran will support us to empower the innovators.”

Environment by Janis (only available from Lake Shore Cryotronics through QDUKI in the UK and Ireland) offers cryogen-free cryostats use both 10 K and 4 K cryocoolers, covering a temperature range of 1.5 K to 800 K. Choose from top- or bottom-loading designs suited for an extensive range of applications.

In addition to standard catalogue systems, Janis Research has complete custom design and fabrication capabilities. Their staff of physicists and engineers can design a system based on your specifications and requirements. They also maintain comprehensive records of previously built systems, and can often meet your requirements with an existing design.

LHe and LN₂ cryostats

The range has a full line of liquid helium and liquid nitrogen-cooled cryostats. Choose from continuous flow or reservoir cryostats, with many application-specific designs available. These include the …

SUPERTRAN CRYOSTAT CONTINUOUS FLOW CRYOSTAT

Features:

• <2 K to 500 K (700 K option) operating range (model dependent)
• Easily adaptable to an RGC4 recirculating gas cooler for cryogen-free operation
• Can use either LHe or LN₂
• Sample-in-vacuum configuration
• Variable temperature sample mount and holder, with temperature regulated with a calibrated sensor and external temperature controller for precise sample temperature control
• Can be fitted with optical or non-optical tails
• The optical version has 4 window sets for measurement from UV to IR
• Optional cabling for electrical measurements
• Choice of cryocooler to match performance and budget requirements
• FTIR, ESR, NMR, microscopy, compact, and ultra-high vacuum models are available
• Highly flexible transfer line (12 in bend radius)
• Easy sample access

Lake Shore Cryotronics offers 10 K closed-cycle refrigerator (CCR) systems in a variety of configurations. Standard models include optical, non-optical, compact, subcompact, and rotatable vacuum shroud. The CCS-150 to 350 cryostat range starts at just £10,000+, making these an accessible and affordable option for your lab.

SOME TYPICAL APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Cryogenic gas trapping
• Large sample volume (see Other configurations)
• Matrix isolation
• Neutron bombardment
• Neutron scattering
• UHV sample environment
• Vibration isolated systems for microscopy

Cryogen-free Cryostats

MODEL CCS-150

Standard, optical, sample in vacuum 10 K cryocooler with CTI cold head

The Janis CCS-150 is among the most versatile systems available for laboratory sample cooling. The system is equipped with f 1.0 optics and includes provisions for a wide variety of electrical connectors. Tapped mounting holes on the vacuum jacket and a sturdy refrigerator baseplate offer convenient mounting in any orientation. The CCS-150 is designed for measurements to 325 K.

The Model CCS-150 optical closed-cycle refrigerator was used in experiments mentioned in the following article, which appeared in APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 86, 081104 (2005).

• Effects of epitaxial lift-off on interface recombination and laser cooling in GaInP/GaAs heterostructures

MODEL CCS-350T

Compact, non-optical, sample in vacuum 10 K cryocooler with CTI cold head

The Janis CCS-350T is designed for experiments where optical access to the sample is not needed. This systems includes provisions for a wide variety of electrical connectors, and a sturdy refrigerator baseplate offers convenient mounting in any orientation.

The compact CCS-350T offers the same large 1.5 in diameter sample mounting area as the standard model, but with reduced radiation shield and vacuum jacket diameters.

Other configurations

Special CCS-350R 10 K matrix isolation system

Model CCS-350SR with handles

ALL Janis cryostats are customisable to suit researcher needs.

Find out more: https://qd-uki.co.uk/10-k-cryocoolers-sample-in-vacuum-systems/

Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in sensing and power semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy-efficient systems, today announced the completion of its previously-announced acquisition of Heyday Integrated Circuits (Heyday). Heyday is a privately held company specialising in compact, fully integrated isolated gate drivers that enable energy conversion in high-voltage gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor designs.

This acquisition brings together Heyday’s isolated gate drivers and Allegro’s market leading isolated current sensors to enable some of the smallest high-voltage and high-efficiency power systems available on the market today. Additionally, this acquisition is expected to increase Allegro’s addressable market for electric vehicles (xEV), solar inverters, datacenter and 5G power supplies, and broad-market industrial applications.

“The demand for simplified power management is increasing across the board, and high-voltage isolated gate drivers are fundamental for enabling technology for the future of high-efficiency power system designs” said Joe Duigan, Senior Director, Engineering and Business Development. “Together with Allegro’s market leading current sensors and Heyday’s isolated gate drivers we will be able to power the increasingly popular GaN and SiC MOSFET driven systems.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Heyday to the Allegro family,” said Vijay Mangtani, Vice President of Power ICs at Allegro. “This acquisition will greatly accelerate our efforts to deliver a market leading energy efficient technology platform for high-voltage designs in advanced mobility, clean energy, and motion control solutions.”

For more information about these products, including datasheets, sample availability, and pricing, contact an Allegro sales office.

Imagine the disappointment, if when you opened a cardboard case of 12 bottles of beer, you found that it only contained 11 bottles. Perhaps it would be even worse if the bottles were not drinkable because their caps were missing.

To ensure that consumers are not disappointed and that retailers do not complain or seek compensation, a high-speed packing line needed to include a final-inspection check. Ideally, this check would be after the lid of the corrugated cardboard case has been closed and sealed, to ensure what was checked, is what was dispatched. Therefore a system was designed using Contrinex long-distance inductive sensors which count and verify the position of bottle caps through the layers of cardboard on the top of each sealed case.

Application

Once a high-speed packaging line places bottles into corrugated cardboard cases, the placement and number of bottles in the case are verified, ideally, after they have had their lids hot-glued closed. This is done to detect if a bottle has broken when placed into the case, contaminating the machinery and subsequent packages. Bottles can also be absent or wrongly positioned, or a cap might be missing from a bottle.

Whilst a vision system could be used, this would need to be done before the lid of the case is closed, whereas verification of the closed case would be preferable and has the advantage of being implementable as a standalone unit after the packaging line.

The absence of a bottle cap in the correct position at the top of the case is a good indicator of a missing or shattered bottle. The challenge is to detect bottle caps through multiple layers of corrugated cardboard material of varying thickness and density.

Solution

Contrinex’s Extra-Distance ‘500 Series’ inductive sensors, available from PLUS Automation, are ideal, being robust and accurate. The highly reliable, IP67-rated, M30-diameter sensors have a chrome-plated brass body with a PBTP sensing face and vacuum-encapsulated electronics. They provide high reliability in hostile environments, and their 3x sensing distance of 22mm, provides a fully contactless operation for this high-speed packaging application.

An array of sensors is placed above the conveyor of the filled and sealed cardboard cases. For each lane of bottles in a case, an M30 diameter inductive sensor is mounted on the array. The non-embeddable inductive sensor was chosen as it most closely equates to the size of the bottle cap and yields the greatest sensing distance for the available target area and is sufficient to allow for minor variations in the height of the case as it passes under the sensor. The sensors are interfaced to a simple PLC controller that makes the logical decision to accept the package or reject and divert it. The long sensing distance range of the ‘500 Series’ inductive, not only ensures reliable sensing but also keeps the sensor at a safe distance from any impact, avoiding consequent downtime.