News

RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents, has placed sustainability as a priority in a €65 million expansion of its distribution centre (DC) in Bad Hersfeld, Germany. The installation of a major solar energy system on the roof of the new 9,000 m² building, which is due for completion in August 2021, is capable of generating 750 kWh of photovoltaic (PV) capacity daily to convert solar radiation directly into electricity, providing energy to the RS site and feeding power into the grid.

Since the first PV panels were put in place at the end of July, the site at Bad Hersfeld, which will become the largest of the company’s 12 global DCs once the expansion has been completed, has resulted in significant solar energy production levels. In August 2020, for example, the first full month after the system was commissioned, when sunshine hours were at a peak, solar cell production generated more than 25% of the extended site’s entire energy consumption

Debbie Lentz, President Supply Chain at Electrocomponents, commented: “This investment in solar energy is an important step towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. On many days of the year, we can now be entirely energy self-sufficient at our Bad Hersfeld DC, utilising a 100% clean, renewable energy source.”

In addition to generating sustainable energy to power the RS site, the solar cells have been connected to the power grid since November via a local electricity provider for the feed-in of surplus energy.

“I am delighted that we are using the latest technology in every area of the project,” added Debbie Lentz. “In the case of photovoltaics in particular, it is clear how the most modern solutions not only benefit us as the operator of the DC but also create a very practical connection between ecology and economy. The times when economic requirements and those of the environment were often irreconcilable are over, thanks to technical innovation.”

The expansion of the RS Bad Hersfeld DC will almost double the existing warehouse space at the site, with capacity to stock more than 500,000 products at this location alone. This will result in even faster delivery times to customers across the EMEA region and provide enhanced supply chain reliability.

The launch of ABB’s CEMcaptain will help shipping comply with the sulphur emission regulations that were enforced in 2020, and keep in check their CO2 footprint.

In January 2020, the low sulphur and nitrousoxide emission limits in the International Maritime Organisation regulations became effective worldwide. CEMcaptain is a powerful emissions monitoring system from ABB designed to help the maritime industry meet these new regulations and become more sustainable. Its measurement and digital capabilities increase on-board safety, provide process optimisation and substantially reduce ownership costs. By consistently achieving 98 percent and more uptime, the new system not only requires less maintenance effort but also saves time otherwise spent on handling non-compliance issues.

Designed with busy mariners and a regularly changing crew in mind, CEMcaptain is a multi-component analyzer system that continuously provides real-time data offering reliable measurement of emissions with the highest stability. Operating in even the harshest of conditions it integrates analyzer modules and sample handling components in a standalone cabinet, making installation easy.

Equipped with ABB’s renowned Uras26 non-dispersive IR gas analyzer, CEMcaptain simultaneously and continuously measures sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in line with regulation requirements. Each analyzer has two separate gas paths to allow for continuous CO2/SO2 measurement of separate streams, with up to four different components per analyzer module.

“Our solutions are driving the evolution of sustainable shipping, paving the way to a zero-emission marine industry. ABB has more than 60,000 Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) installed in over 100 countries that help monitor our environment,” said Stephen Gibbons, ABB’s Head of Product Management in Continuous Gas Analyzers. “We draw on 60 years of experience in emissions monitoring to provide this support in concrete terms. CEMcaptain has been combined with innovations in on-site and remote digital services. The result is a solution that provides the industry with a digital toolbox that increases regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.”

Fast fault reporting, diagnosis and repair are achieved via the on-site and remote digital services which help operators get closer to 100 percent availability for their gas analysis instrumentation. Dynamic QR codes are integrated into the ABB CEMcaptain system display panel. All relevant diagnostic information can be collected from the analyzer via a scanned code and transferred to ABB support. This means that maritime instrumentation technicians can send real-time information to an ABB service expert to get immediate guidance on appropriate maintenance. ABB Ability™ Remote Assistance with secured connectivity direct to ABB support is also offered for real-time solutions to problems. These features reduce the costly training of changing crews as well as the number of experts required on board. They also increase on-board safety by reducing crew exposure to emissions.

CEMcaptain GAA610-M is approved by all major classification societies (DNV GL, ABS Group, Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas, ClassNK, Korean Register).

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has officially opened its state-of-the-art Mechanical Test Facility (MTF).

The MTF provides industry with a turnkey capability to evaluate, characterise and adopt new materials and products that demand a high level of assurance derived from test data. This allows businesses to innovate with new material applications, support substitution of alternate materials due to supply chain issues or assess in-service products. The MTF will enable the early uptake of new materials and allow quicker product development, supporting industrial innovation that will align to the government’s green recovery programme, boosting jobs, generating economic impact, and developing new skills.

NPL has a wide range of world class materials expertise in the fields of advanced composites, metals, ceramics, additive manufacturing and coatings. In conjunction with these capabilities, the MTF serves as a UK centre of excellence for research and commercial services providing materials assurance to UK industry.

The MTF is furnished with state-of-the-art test equipment from NPL’s partner Instron, installed in such a way as to address the current, emerging and future requirements of research and industrial application. Instron were the natural partner for the MTF due to the breadth of world-class mechanical test equipment they offer making it fit, not only for now, but for the future requirements of industry.

The MTF enables material suppliers, designers, end-users and process technology providers to evaluate, characterise and adopt advanced materials with confidence. Sectors benefiting include aerospace, renewables, oil and gas, marine, defence, construction, rail and automotive.

The digitalisation of the MTF ensures that NPL is at the forefront of materials data analytics and uncertainty analysis that can support virtual product assurance, enable variable fidelity simulation and innovative analysis processes. This digitalisation of the laboratory supports Industry 4.0 through the development of cyber-physical platforms to reduce the number of physical test iterations for materials assurance.

Offering traceability to national standards and extremely accurate readings over a wide range of loads, conditions and test methods, the MTF, combined with NPL’s experience in uncertainty of measurement, ensures confidence in results and is already being used to conduct projects under NPL’s Measurement for Recovery (M4R) programme.

Mark Summers, NPL’s Head of Advanced Manufacturing, said: “NPL’s mission is to provide the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life, and the opening of the Mechanical Test Facility is that mission in action. As businesses continue to face diverse challenges due to COVID-19, using this facility will help to support their recovery through innovation. It will also ensure businesses can contribute to the green recovery and net zero ambitions by helping them better harness the power of advanced materials technology.”

Graham Rogers, Managing Director of Instron Europe, said: “Instron is delighted to be the partner of NPL and this extends our existing 50 years relationship well into the future. This covers not only the supply of advanced Mechanical Testing Systems, but also collaboration in advanced testing technology and techniques to support innovation across UK industry.  The equipment selected by NPL represents the most advanced in the industry and particularly well suited to support the UK’s environmental ambition, through the use of lightweight materials, alternative energy sources and novel manufacturing techniques”.

MVTec Software, a leading provider of standard machine vision software, continues to steer a course for international growth despite the current uncertain market situation.

The Munich-based company has expanded its global distribution network by opening two new sales offices in France and Taiwan. For many years, MVTec has been represented very successfully in these important markets by its sales partners Stemmer Imaging in France and Photon-Tech Instruments Co. in Taiwan. The new offices enable the machine vision provider to further strengthen its on-site presence and provide both customers and local partners with even better support. In staffing these new points of contact, MVTec was able to attract experienced machine vision experts whose extensive market and application knowledge will help ensure successful operation and first-rate service.

Better local customer support

“The two new sales offices impressively confirm our commitment to steering a course for international growth. With a strong local presence, we can work hand in hand with our sales partners to serve our customers even better. This also enables us to address the specific requirements of local markets and customers more precisely,” says Martin Krumey, Vice President Sales at MVTec, regarding the further expansion of the distribution network.

PT Yokogawa Indonesia, a subsidiary of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, has received an order from PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a government-owned utility in Indonesia, to replace the existing control systems for the steamfield above ground system (SAGS) at the Lahendong geothermal power plant in North Sulawesi Province.

Powered by six generation units (1-6), the Lahendong power plant is capable of delivering 120MW of electricity, making it one of the largest geothermal power plants in Indonesia. In this project, Yokogawa will supply the CENTUMTM VP integrated production control system and a large number of wireless transmitters, pressure transmitters, and flowmeters for the SAGS of units 1-4.

In addition to supplying the systems and field instruments, the company will also manage the engineering, installation, commissioning, operator training, and oversee the integration of systems. When Yokogawa completes work on this project, both the SAGS and the power generators of units 1-4 of the plant will be controlled by Yokogawa’s systems. The newly integrated system will potentially allow the future enablement of Industrial-Internet-of-Things devices, facilitating further productivity and efficiency improvements.

Geothermal power plants can generate a stable supply of electricity throughout the year because they are not dependent on weather conditions. Also, as no fuels are burned aboveground and only minimal amounts of carbon dioxide are released, they are environmentally friendly. PGE is the fastest growing geothermal company in Indonesia, with 88% of Indonesia’s installed geothermal capacity operating in PGE working areas. The government is pursuing a variety of initiatives to support geothermal development, and aims to increase the country’s installed geothermal power generation capacity from the current 2100MW to 8000MW by 2030.

The equipment used in geothermal power plants must be robust and capable of operating in the presence of corrosive substances and gases. For such applications, Yokogawa provides highly reliable systems and instruments that support the remote monitoring, diagnosis, and adjustment of devices in the field.

Koji Nakaoka, a Yokogawa vice president and head of the Global Sales and Industrial Marketing Headquarters, commented, “In the Asia-Pacific region, Yokogawa has participated in dozens of geothermal power generation projects and we are excited to partner again with PGE. The implementation of our system for the SAGS will enable seamless integration to the power generating units and ensure more reliable operation. Geothermal potential in Indonesia is still large, so we hope through such projects we can continue harnessing geothermal power as a renewable energy source.”

To realise Yokogawa’s aspiration for sustainability, the company has established three goals to achieve net-zero emissions, ensure the well-being of all, and make a transition to a circular economy by 2050. Net-zero emissions can be accomplished through the introduction of renewable energy and efficient use of energy. The company has been recently recognised for its efforts in this area by the global non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious A List for both climate change and water security.

Ixthus Instrumentation has recently completed the comprehensive due diligence process for TRACEcertification and gained full approval from the world leading anti-bribery standard setting organisation. Initiated through its distribution partnership with Kaman Precision Products Inc., a world leader in high-performance and high-precision non-contact position measurement systems, TRACEcertification demonstrates Ixthus’ commitment to commercial transparency through its dealings with suppliers and customers alike.

As part of the certification process, Ixthus received TRACE’s comprehensive anti-bribery compliance training and a verified due diligence report is available from the TRACE Intermediary Directory.

Kaman Precision Products is a USA based designer and manufacturer of precision, inductive Eddy current position measurement systems that are widely applied in military and aerospace industries, and in many other challenging application areas. With ISO 9001-200 certification and Satellite Industry Association (SiA) membership, Kaman is also a leading sensor specialist for cryogenics, high-vacuum, radiation tolerance and other severe environment position measurement tasks. Ixthus Instrumentation has a long association with Kaman providing a complete UK-based, engineer-to-engineer consultancy and service across Kaman’s comprehensive product range.

Ixthus works closely with Kaman and, over several years, has developed a high level of application expertise for its non-contact displacement sensor technologies – providing comprehensive sales and support at component level or for complete instrumentation systems. Ixthus’ knowledgeable technical staff are on hand to assist with measurement solutions – from the first enquiry, to supply and to after-sales support.

South Coast Science has announced that Cranfield University has selected Praxis/Urban devices for use in a National Environment Research Council (NERC) funded project across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

The project is funded through the UKRI COVID-19 Urgency programme. It will provide much-needed analysis and insight into how to maintain the health benefits emerging from reduced pollutant emissions during the lockdown. Particulate matter data will be collected in four towns of different character and history: Bicester, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Luton.

Input from academia ensures a rigorous scientific approach

The first phase of the project involves close collaboration between Cranfield University, the University of Bedfordshire and Luton Borough Council, as the first particulate readings will be gathered from across Luton. Air quality monitoring in the town will allow researchers to understand the impact of current air quality on health inequalities for its residents.

In later phases, the project will gather air quality data in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Bicester. Collaborations with ongoing air quality studies in Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Luton are in development to share data and maximise findings.

Deploying an Air Quality Monitoring Network

The Praxis devices will provide air quality monitoring data to determine background air quality in the areas under study. They have been chosen for their high-quality data specification, which provides a sound context within which to evaluate other measurements.

The map pictured shows the locations of monitoring devices for the project. The green circle shows the reference site at Cranfield and the yellow circles show multi-species sensor nodes. These form the core Arc air quality monitoring network and will enhance measurements from Defra managed AURN (Automatic Urban and Rural Network) sites, which are shown as red circles.

New data gathered as part of this study will be made publicly available, allowing other interested parties to conduct their own analysis. As a manufacturer that values the principles of close collaboration in the pursuit of better outcomes for all, the South Coast Science open-source system invites participation at all levels from the general public, through citizen scientists and academics.

Neil Harris, Professor of Atmospheric Informatics at Cranfield University and project lead said: “According to Public Health England, poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. The plans for growth within the Arc, to boost the UK economy, are ambitious. Our study will help monitor air quality levels in the Arc and provide evidence on possible measures to mitigate the impact of future development on air quality.”

David Johnson, of instrument supplier South Coast Science, added “this is a high profile project and we are pleased to offer products that meet the research requirements. This measurement campaign is likely to be mirrored elsewhere in the coming months and years and now more than ever, policy must be based on robust data that can be relied upon to give context to other measurements.”

Powell Electronics, the supplier of connectors and more for high-rel applications including defence, aerospace and industrial, has signed a Pan-European franchise distribution agreement with P&P Technology, one of Europe’s leading and most trusted manufacturers of radio frequency and EMI screening products. As well as providing highly-effective EMC solutions, P&P also offers very fast turnaround on custom parts and competitive pricing.

Powell is stocking a broad portfolio of P&P Technology’s EMC products at state-of-the-art warehouse facilities outside Dublin, Eire. Included in the range are EMC gaskets which fit all standard connector profiles, ‘honeycomb’ EMI shielded vents and air filters, and filters produced using oriented wire in silicone rubber that combine excellent environmental protection with a high level of shielding effectiveness.

Commented Powell Electronics’ European MD, Gary Evans: “P&P offers one of the most extensive ranges of EMC filtering and shielding products on the market, offering high degrees of attenuation. They are also very responsive, offering fast turnaround and short leadtimes, and can be up to 30% more cost-effective that other producers.”

Added Lewis Richmond, Sales Manager for P & P Technology: “Most of our products are custom-fabricated so it is important that we have a distribution partner that is able to provide technical design-in support and be very flexible. With the opening of its new European HQ and warehouse, Powell is the perfect partner for P&P.”

Kistler‘s new press force sensor measures very small forces. The centrepiece of the product is a newly developed, highly sensitive crystal that guarantees extremely precise measuring results. This makes the 9323AAA ideal for use in challenging industrial environments.

The trend toward miniaturisation is unstoppable. Automotive parts, semiconductors, electrical components and medtech devices: in almost every industry, products now have to combine increasingly compact dimensions with higher performance. And that poses major challenges for manufacturers and suppliers, who have to achieve maximum accuracy when processing these high-precision lightweight parts.

Long-established force press sensor product family gains a new member

Exact force measurements play an essential role in the production of small components such as these. The Kistler Group has now responded to this need by adding a new model to its existing portfolio of force sensors. The new 9323AAA miniature piezoelectric force sensor was developed on the basis of the long-established 9323 product family. It offers an excellent solution for calibrating force sensors installed in production machinery.

Far higher sensitivity thanks to new quartz

With a sensitivity of -32 pC/N, the new sensor can accurately measure forces of less than 5 N. To achieve this, the measurement technology experts at Kistler have developed a new crystal. Kistler grows these crystals itself at its Winterthur headquarters, and they are installed in the tried-and-tested sensor cases of the 9323 product family. This gives the new sensor many of the same benefits as the established models, including proven insensitivity to lateral load and bending moment influences.

Ideal for use in highly dynamic production processes

No other product on the market can match the high-precision measuring range of the 9323AAA miniature force press sensor. This makes it the solution of choice for measuring very small forces in highly dynamic production processes where high accuracy is absolutely essential. The new miniature force press sensor is now available throughout the world.

To continue to provide customers in the CNC machining industry with vital data to help realise the benefits of Industry 4.0, global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has become a member of the umati community, alongside its existing role on the Standards Committee of MTConnect. As an active member of both these communities, Renishaw will support the development of common language standardisation for machine tools by publishing process measurement and part quality data. This will help customers improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and interoperability.

umati, or universal machine technology interface, is an open standard backed by the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) and the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA). Members of both organisations have worked together to develop a common information model, based on the OPC UA protocol, to simplify connectivity between equipment and software, and control data exchange between different machines.

“Renishaw offers a unique breadth of technologies that can be applied throughout the CNC manufacturing process chain,” explains Paul Maxted, Director of Industrial Metrology Applications at Renishaw. “Our technologies can collect data throughout the manufacturing process, from initial set-up to in-process measurements and final part verification. As an active member of the umati community we can provide this data to further develop the information model as a leading common standard for Industry 4.0. Publishing our data in umati will further improve interoperability between machines on the shop floor, providing users with valuable measurement information to improve quality and make informed decisions to continuously improve manufacturing operations.”

“Adoption of the umati standard into Renishaw’s manufacturing data platform, Renishaw Central, will provide enhanced connectivity between physical manufacturing processes and digital software,” says Guy Brown, Renishaw Central Development Manager. “As we work with the other umati members to help set the standard for data collection, Renishaw intends to help manufacturers clearly trace what is happening throughout the process chain, and more importantly, why it is happening.”

“Overall equipment effectiveness is a vital performance metric for our customers, but it is often misleading,” explains James Hartley, Applications and Marketing Manager. “If manufacturers do not have the quality metrics needed to calculate OEE, they are often set at 100 per cent — an inaccurate result that suggests processes are running efficiently. As a member of umati, we can help manufacturers to accurately measure OEE and optimise their process chains.”

Renishaw has supported automation and process control within the CNC manufacturing industry for over 45 years and recognises the value of data driven manufacturing to address current and future challenges to improve manufacturing efficiency.