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Modern road bridges are typically constructed using mobile cranes to lift prefabricated bridge beam onto support columns. Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinder jacks support the ends of each bridge section to enable accurate height adjustment prior to final positioning. Engineers require rugged sensor systems that detect the position of each cylinder accurately.

A specialist lifting company uses heavy-duty hydraulic cylinder-jacks to position prefabricated bridge sections during roadway construction. A bridge single section requires up to 20 jacks for accurate positioning, with each jack having a capacity up to 1,000 tons with a stroke up to 30mm (1.25 in). On-site conditions are harsh with cylinders exposed to water, mud and dirt, and may also be subject to mechanical shock and vibration.

The company requires rugged sensors that operate reliably and accurately in the demanding environment. Historically, engineers checked the position of each cylinder manually; this was both time-consuming and subject to human error. Previously trialled sensors were insufficiently robust, necessitating frequent adjustment or replacement, and had inadequate sensing distances.

A simple, contactless system must provide fit-and-forget operation with extended maintenance intervals. The sensors need to be mechanically robust and must withstand prolonged exposure to the harsh outdoor conditions of a construction site. An industry-standard interface is highly desirable to avoid the need for specialised control systems.

Rugged Extra-Distance inductive sensors from Contrinex’s 500 Series are ideal for this application. Highly reliable and rated to IP67, these units are robust and accurate. A one-piece M30-diameter chrome-plated brass body with PBTP sensing face and vacuum-encapsulated electronics make this device well suited to the hostile environment, and the sensing distance of 22mm allows fully contactless operation.

On each jack, a single sensor is fitted on a metal bracket that is welded to the side of the cylinder; a bearing plate, mounted on the end of the ram, distributes the load onto the bridge section. During operation, the ram extends, lifting the section; when it reaches the desired height, the sensor detects the position of a small metal target mounted on the bearing plate, halting the ram.

The sensor is configured with an industry-standard PNP normally-open interface, and connection to the jack’s hydraulic control system is via an integral M12 connector and PVC-sheathed cable; this allows easy removal and replacement during routine maintenance. The sensor is impervious to water ingress, mud and dirt; reliability has been excellent. Contrinex inductive sensors deliver a cost-effective solution that satisfies the customer’s requirements for a simple, fit-and-forget system. The sensors are available from PLUS Automation.

Megger has acquired the BALTO product line from STEVO Electric.

BALTO products, continually developed since their launch in 2003, are the technological leaders in testing the operation of DC high-speed electrical circuit breakers. These circuit breakers provide protection for electrical equipment and are frequently found in DC traction, rail and underground transportation where their reliable operation is critical to maintaining safe operation. They also have applications in photovoltaic systems and in the mining, marine and heavy industrial sectors.

The BALTO products extend Megger’s offering to the rail and Metro industry, which is transitioning to more electrification, digital communication and control. The products complement Megger’s portfolio of solutions in electrical test, measurement and diagnostics, which facilitate condition monitoring of electrical assets in supply utilities and throughout industry.

Dr Andrew Dodds, Group Director commented, “This acquisition continues Megger’s growth ambitions and strengthens the support the company is able to give its customers in network protection testing.”

Powelectrics offers 30 years’ experience in sensing and instrumentation, empowering the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) by connecting sensors to the cloud.

The company’s technology, combined with the highest quality third party instrumentation and software, is deployed across the world in many industry sectors.

Powelectrics strives to develop intuitive, ‘plug ‘n’ play’ technology, leaving customers free to focus on core business. The company  also has a proud history of partnering with specialist organisations who deliver cutting-edge application-specific Industry 4.0 solutions.

Offering ‘Purity Through Science’, Reynolds Contamination Control develop bespoke fluid contamination monitoring solutions for a range of industries, enabling component parts to work more efficiently through cleanliness.

Wayne Hubball, Reynolds’ Technical Director, explained: “At Reynolds we create levels of cleanliness monitoring previously only available to the elite organisations and activities such as aeronautical, aerospace and Formula One racing. Such IIOT monitoring combined with a holistic approach to reliability enables enhanced performance for longer. It empowers our clients and, of course, protects our planet. Cleanliness really matters – which is why we take it so seriously.

“Reynolds and Powelectrics are definitely on the same page when it comes to vision and the markets in which we operate. They supply tough, proven products – globally enabled – and provide great tech support. We’re working together on a couple of trial projects involving Powelectrics’ Metron telemetry devices and look forward to seeing how these perform over time.”

Reynolds have developed a sophisticated, cloud-based monitoring system called ‘The Link’ that allows OEM’s and end-users to connect to their assets via IIoT and allow full remote monitoring and diagnostics. They fully understand that the key to data collection is the experienced implementation of sensors.

Reynolds will be using Powelectrics Metron4 IoT hardware to channel sensor data into The Link.

Dave Oakes, Powelectrics MD “This is a truly exciting partnership, which combines Powelectrics’ world class expertise in connecting sensors reliably and securely to the cloud, with Reynolds passion and prowess in contamination control applications.

“Metron4 supports 2G & 4G, so it is ideally suited to Reynolds’ global customer base. Powelectrics MetronView cloud is a standalone platform, but also offers a common API, so sensor data may be collected by other platforms, such as ‘The Link’ for application-specific processing.

“Wayne is a visionary and we are confident that this partnership will deliver success in industries ranging from mining to food production, fuel, lubricant and filter supply, power generation and beyond!”

Powelectrics’ ‘connected sensor’ solutions are employed in many industries including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, Adblue, fuels, oils, LPG, lubricants, food and beverage, waste & recycling, landfill & leachate, agriculture, utilities, pumping and environment, rail and security.

To discuss any queries or applications with Powelectrics, please call +44 (0)1827 310 666 or email to sales@powelectrics.co.uk. 

www.powelectrics.co.uk

Interface Force Measurements are pleased to introduce the CLP range of load cells.

The CLP is an ideal choice for anyone that requires a compact, hermetically sealed tension and compression load cell with built-in signal amplification. The CLP can be used in the harshest environments, yet deliver accurate, repeatable results at a competitive price.

All CLP’s load cells feature:

• Full stainless-steel construction
• IP68 environmental protection
• Built in signal amplification with the choice of analogue or digital outputs
• M12 connectors and cables, rated to IP67
• Standard capacities are available from 200N to 5kN with 15kN and 20kN also available.

Naturally, the CLP is built to the high standards you would expect of a device with the Interface name.

Why not contact Interface for more information or to get a competitive quote?

Phone 01344 776666, e-mail info@interface.uk.com or visit the company’s website for more information on the CLP.

The UK based gas analyser manufacturer Signal Group has announced the appointment of Stephane Canadas as Sales and Marketing Manager. “In recent years we have invested heavily in product development, so this is a great time for Stephane to join the company,” comments Signal MD James Clements. “In many respects, our latest products are significantly ahead of other analysers on the market, so Stephane will be focused on expanding our global distribution network and explaining the advantages of these instruments to our rapidly expanding customer base.

“As an electronics engineer with 30 years of experience in instrumentation, working in product management, projects, sales and marketing positions for world leading automation and analytical companies, Stephane has hit the ground running at Signal, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Stephane says: “With my technical background and a career spent understanding the needs of engineers, I am hugely excited by this opportunity to exploit the impressive features that Signal has designed into its products.

“The new Series IV analysers, with removable screens and the latest communications capabilities, will disrupt the gas analyser market, and the prospect of QAL 1 approval for the Signal FIDs will be of great interest to any organisation with a need to measure VOC emissions.”

Born in France, but having lived most of his life in the UK, Stephane is bilingual and is particularly looking forward to developing Signal’s international operations.

Farnell is now shipping a new BBC micro:bit, designed to open up a new world of opportunities for the next generation of students. Extended capabilities include greater memory capacity, a faster processor and, for the first time, “out of the box” sound and touch capabilities. The updated pocket-sized computer also provides future potential for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the classroom, paving the way for children to experiment with some of the world’s most transformative technologies.

Farnell has manufactured and shipped more than five million devices since 2016, helping the Foundation reach an estimated 25 million children in more than 60 countries who have learnt digital creativity and computing skills. The micro:bit has been adopted by educational organisations around the world to support Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) learning programmes.

The Foundation worked directly with teachers and the community of micro:bit fans to drive the selection of updates, ensuring the updated micro:bit meets current and future requirements. One of the most requested enhancements was the addition of a built-in speaker and microphone to allow children to be creative with sound and music. As part of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation’s commitment to keep the device as cost-effective and accessible as possible, the updated feature-rich micro:bit is available at the same price as the original version.

The updated micro:bit is packed with new technology and improved features, including:

• Computing power – The main Nordic nRF52833 microprocessor runs at 64MHz with 512kB of flash storage (double the storage in comparison to the original micro:bit), and an eightfold increase in RAM to 128kB. The micro:bit also includes a discrete regulator that can supply up to 200mA of current to external accessories.
• Audio components – A MEMS sensor microphone and 9mm magnetic loudspeaker are partnered with a dedicated recording LED to indicate when the microphone is on, allowing teachers to engage with students around privacy and the impact of listening devices.
• Programming – Official micro:bit editors support both versions of the micro:bit simultaneously with a single download using a new type of universal hex file. For ease of use, if they are using features that are on both versions of the micro:bit, users will not have to select a device.
• Touch capabilities – The device includes a touch sensitive logo enabling users to take on new exciting tasks or expand previous micro:bit projects.
• Ease of use: a built-in sleep/off mode that means the board can be powered-down with batteries connected.

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation provides a range of resources for educators on micro:bit.org, including micro:bit classroom. Micro:bit classroom makes it easy to save progress and start again at the same point in the next lesson, monitor student progress in the classroom and download code into word to provide evidence of student progress – all making programming lessons easier to manage and more productive.

Gareth Stockdale, CEO of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, said: “The purpose of the micro:bit is to help children unlock their creative potential and learn how to shape the world around them. Learning coding and computational thinking can enhance their life chances in the 21st century. We have worked closely with our thriving community to make it even easier to get the most out of the device both inside and outside the classroom. Getting hands-on and experimenting with the micro:bit is critical to helping children better understand important technologies early in their development, and we aim to make this as fun, accessible and affordable as possible. Our partnership with Farnell has been key to the success of the project and we thank them for their continued support as we impact more young people around the world.

Lee Turner, Global Head of Semiconductors and SBC at Farnell said: “We are very proud of Farnell’s longstanding partnership with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, which has made a significant difference to the education of children across the world. As the exclusive manufacturer of the micro:bit, Farnell has worked closely with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation throughout the design and development process and managed supply chain to ensure availability of the board. We also continue to work with major educational organisations to support the introduction of the micro:bit into the classroom through bespoke country-wide programmes. The updated micro:bit signifies a major step forward and enables students to gain insight into an even broader range of technologies to support them as they prepare for careers in the digital economy.”

Farnell has worked with multiple educational organisations and governments to support strategic rollouts of STEM learning solutions into the classroom, and stocks a broad range of education devices that can be supplied in class, school and multiple-school quantities. Farnell can also offer support with provision and bundling of equipment for bespoke large-scale programmes similar to the Super:bit programme in Norway.

Farnell also provides a range of resources to assist educators and parents supporting children with STEM. The element14 Community’s STEM Academy provides a wealth of content and support for those looking to get started with the micro:bit. This dedicated online hub is designed for people who want to explore learning concepts and classroom-based design projects within the electronics and digital space. The element14 Community’s ‘The Learning Circuit’ series features a number of instructional videos which take viewers through different ways to learn and explore with micro:bit. These short videos teach users how to apply micro:bit to their designs and offer instruction and advice on bringing projects to life.

The micro:bit and a wide range of accessories are available to order now from Farnell in EMEA and Newark in North America. Search “Farnell micro:bit” for more information.

The automated coordinate alignment of the robot-compatible VeriSens XF/XC900 vision sensors from Baumer convinced the expert jury of the inspect award 2021. Out of nine finalist products in the online voting, the sensors were awarded first place in the category Vision. The award granted by the publisher Wiley-VCH every year honours the most innovative products in the field of industrial image processing.

The smart vision sensors scored high thanks to the intelligent calibration target SmartGrid. Chessboard application of the bit pattern allows for unique automated coordinate alignment. It not only eliminates the conventional hassle of manual “hand-eye” coordination but it takes only a few minutes to give “eyesight” to Universal Robots – at higher accuracy in parallel. In addition, the patent-pending SmartGrid supports automatic teaching of image rectification for image distortion correction in real time. A mouse click will suffice to eliminate any impairments by lens or mounting – without affecting the following processing time. Converted to world coordinates, VeriSens is receiving the scaling specifications directly via the SmartGrid. In addition, teaching of 3D orientation enables automatic adjustment to distance.

VeriSens XF/XC900 vision sensors essentially expand robot functionalities in image processing. Freely placed parts are precisely recognised and gripped even beyond fixed waypoints, objects will be reliably identified and sorted based on various feature checks which allows for reliable quality checks with robot precision.

Learn more at: https://www.baumer.com/c/42216

Tektronix has announced ‘Own the Future’, an education-focused initiative to place the company’s engineering products in the hands of student engineers, with an emphasis on the organisation’s entry-level portfolio. As a leader in the education and advanced research sector, Tektronix provides a variety of solutions for university engineering labs to meet the ever-changing curriculum landscape — from entry oscilloscopes for basic measurement, to digital multimeters, waveform generators, software and service plans. Classrooms and labs are where the world will meet its next generation of engineers, and Tektronix’s Own the Future initiative is dedicated to fostering that learning on industry-leading technology.

“Tektronix is committed to creating the test and measurement tools that help engineers innovate faster,” says Kristi Flores, chief marketing officer and vice president of global marketing for Tektronix. “Engineers perform imaginative work every day that impacts our world, and for many of them, the foundation of that innovation began in a university lab.”

While Tektronix and Keithley offer complete bench setups for mainstream solutions, the well-designed entry-level portfolio contains the critical components for engineering education. Own the Future bench solutions are available for all levels, from undergraduate learners to graduate programs. Based on customer feedback and university lab insights, these customisable solutions come in three recommended configurations: Fundamental Teaching Lab, Electronics Engineering Lab and Next-gen RF/Wireless Lab.

The Fundamental Teaching Lab bench configuration includes these fundamentals for an engineering education:

• TBS1000C and TBS2000B Oscilloscopes
• DMM6500 Digital Multimeter
• 2231A-30-3 Power Supply
• AFG1062 Arbitrary Function Generator

The Electronics Engineering Lab bench configuration enables students to learn advanced electronics with these tools:

• 3 Series MDO Oscilloscope
• TCP0030A Current Probe
• DMM6500 Digital Multimeter
• 2231A-30-3 Power Supply
• AFG31000 Arbitrary Function Generator

The Next-gen RF/Wireless Lab enables students to learn more challenging designs with:

• 3 Series MDO Oscilloscope
• 2450 Source Measure Unit
• 2280S Power Supply
• AFG31000 Arbitrary Function Generator
• RSA306B USB Signal Analyzer
• TTR500 USB Vector Network Analyzer
• TSG4100 Vector Signal Generator

A collaborative workspace outfitted with cutting-edge technology that’s applicable to all levels of students strengthens university engineering programs. These classrooms can serve students’ entire educational journeys and provide the experience needed for an advantage when entering the workforce.

“The Own the Future initiative provides education solutions for tomorrow’s engineers, taking the guesswork out of how to best design a bench to meet a university lab’s needs,” Flores says. “By using the same tools on campus that they will use in their first jobs, students can more easily explore the world of electronics and build confidence before using these tools as professional engineers.”

Industrial metrology specialist The Sempre Group and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) pioneer LK Metrology have announced a new partnership. The collaboration will enable the companies to bring productivity-enhancing digital quality solutions to the British and Irish automotive, aerospace, power generation, medical and precision engineering markets. The Sempre Group will now distribute LK Metrology’s full product range throughout the UK and will also launch the brand to the market in Ireland.

LK Metrology is a Derbyshire based CMM manufacturer with a long and pioneering history that includes many industry firsts. It supplies a complete range of premium bridge, gantry and horizontal arm CMMs for highly accurate and repeatable measurement, alongside multi-sensor CMM software to help automate inspection processes. Its products are used all over the world to control and improve component quality from design to quality assurance. After becoming an independent CMM manufacturer in 2018, LK Metrology was looking to expand its reach by partnering with a strong UK business. 

The Sempre Group was established to help British and Irish manufacturers improve productivity, reduce human error and demonstrate compliance in quality control. From its Gloucestershire facility, it offers a comprehensive suite of technology from a range of partners to enable it to suggest the best combination of systems and software for each individual measurement application. It also provides tailored solutions to help customers achieve specific outcomes. The company recently established a physical base in Ireland to help further serve its Irish customers and become Ireland’s leading supplier for metrology equipment, bespoke solutions and services.

“Sempre is a likeminded business, based on providing the right solution for each customer and we saw great synergy between our two companies,” explained Steve Shickell, sales, marketing and service director at LK Metrology. “We share the same goal to introduce the market to Quality 4.0 solutions that provide actionable information to enable manufacturers to improve their processes and performance. For example, providing true traceability through tiered supply chains to provide visibility, control and efficiency.”

“LK Metrology offers market-leading products, backed by its history as a true industry pioneer,” explained Jim Mangan, chief operating officer of The Sempre Group. “While the products do fill a gap in our product range, working together is about much more than shipping boxes. This partnership means we can provide the highest level of technical support and service to help customers meet their specific business objectives, be it reducing waste, improving yield or driving productivity. It is a pleasure to collaborate with such an esteemed British manufacturer.”

South Coast Science has been shortlisted in the Information, Data and Connectivity category for its partnership with Ricardo Energy & Environment. 

South Coast Science operates on the principle that air quality data must be validated in the field, not in the lab. Validation in the field requires more research time and expertise than a lab-based exercise, therefore it’s tempting to sidestep extensive field testing. Which begs the question – is it really such a big deal how the data is validated?

In short, yes! Consumer confidence and the future of the industry depends on it. Low-cost air quality monitoring is a nascent industry and to really gain confidence in the market and therefore traction, the quality of the data output must be assured. Instruments must produce data proven to be accurate, repeatable and reliable across a wide range of environmental conditions.

Air quality can be a contentious issue, therefore confidence in the data must be high and (crucially!) visible to all stakeholders to engage a local community, drive behaviour change and support effective decision making in a commercial environment.

The clear need for validation with field data doesn’t, however, reduce the scale of such an undertaking. This is where partnership with global engineering and environmental consultancy Ricardo has played a key role in developing robust data.

South Coast Science has always followed an open approach to product development. It’s a pragmatic response to the need for transparency to build trust in the market. It also makes sense to collaborate with an independent expert to test and validate (relatively) new technology and it pays dividends in understanding customer requirements, dividing the effort and sharing the rewards.

The rewards of the collaboration so far? A repeatable and field-tested validation algorithm. Customers using Praxis devices have access to raw sensor values, as well as the corrected data. They can be confident of the results returned by using an error correction model tested in locations worldwide and verified by experts in their field.

This ongoing validation work puts South Coast Science’s devices in an excellent position to lead the way in preparation for upcoming air quality standards. This would have been impossible to achieve without an ongoing collaboration with Ricardo, Alphasense and others like the United Nations Environment Programme.