Industrial Factory Automation

The Amp Netconnect business unit of Tyco Electronics has launched a range of fire survival fibre-optic cable. Designed for use in installations such as tunnels, subways and other mission-critical areas where signal continuity during a fire is required, the cable combines rodent resistant glass yarns with an inner universal low-smoke zero-halogen (ULSZH) jacket, corrugated steel tape armour (CST) and an outer ULSZH jacket. The cable is tested in accordance with IEC60331-25: circuit integrity, and is able to maintain a signal while being subjected to flame temperatures of 750C for 90min. The Amp Netconnect fire survival cable is compliant with the following standards: IEC 60794 - optical fibre cable; IEC 60331-25 - circuit integrity: optical fibre cables; IEC 60332 parts 1 and 3C - tests on optical fibre cables under fire conditions; IEC 61034 - smoke density; IEC 60754 - halogen acid gas emissions; ISO 11801 - generic cabling for customer premises.

Z-Communications has launched the CRO3450B-LF, a new RoHS-compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in S-band. The CRO3450B-LF operates at 3,449-3,451MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5-4.5VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -112dBc/Hz at 10KHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 8MHz/V. The CRO3450B-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 4.5dBm at 5VDC supply while drawing 20mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40C to +85C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -20dBc and comes in Z-Communications' standard Mini-16-SM package measuring 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.22in. It is available in tape and reel packaging for production requirements. The CRO3450B-LF is also ideal for automated surface-mount assembly and reflow. CRO3450B-LF is well suited for fixed wireless applications that require ultra-low phase noise performance.

Low Power Radio Solutions (LPRS) has provided ITV Technical Services with Easy-Radio wireless modules to connect remote television cameras used to film wild leopards in Namibia, Africa. ITV Technical Services has previously used LPRS Easy-Radio modules to control an unattended camera on a farm in Scotland for a documentary studying the psychology of cats. As with this new application, the 'cat cam' camera had to be set up and left unattended for many hours and a system was required to maximise usage of the camera's onboard video storage. This original system was triggered by an infrared beam detector and used the LPRS wireless link to remove the problems of running connecting cables in such a difficult environment. The designers at ITV Technical Services decided to increase the capability of the wireless communication system to control multiple cameras. Having additional cameras would allow filmmakers to cover more angles in the field and allow them to make cutaway shot

Ophir-Spiricon has brought out the PD10-IR-pJ Photodiode Energy Sensors, which measure very low energy, down to 30pJ. Part of the PD10 range of high-sensitivity silicon-laser sensors, the new devices extend the low-measurement capability to the NIR range, covering 800 to 1800nm. The PD10-IR-pJ sensors are designed for very low energy commercial and military applications, such as telecommunications and remote sensing. The PD10-IR-pJ range can measure very low energies, either single shot or repetitive, up to 10kHz. The devices use a 5mm aperture germanium photodiode to measure pulse energies in the 200pJ to 20nJ range, with the lowest possible energy measurement as small as 30pJ.

United Electronic Industries (UEI) has introduced the PD-AO-AMP-115, a 16-channel 115V analogue output buffer amplifier for use with the company's Cube and Racktangle I/O systems. Designed for applications where the standard +/-10V of most analogue output cards is insufficient, the PD-AO-AMP-115 is a 16-channel DIN-mountable accessory that connects directly to UEI's DNR-AO-308 and DNA-AO-308 cards. By setting the gain on the card and the external panel with the appropriate values, the output level of any channel can be set independently to levels as high as +/-110V. Software provided with the system includes support for all popular operating systems, including Windows, Linux, QNX, VxWorks and more. Windows/Vista software for the DNA/DNR-AO-308 is provided in the UEIDAQ framework. The framework provides a comprehensive, easy to use API that supports all popular programming languages and DAQ applications, including Labview, Matlab/Simulink, Dasylab or any application supporti

Laird Technologies has introduced its HDDA5W HD series high-performance dish antenna. Offering antenna-system engineers one of the best performing point-to-point backhaul antennas available, the HDDA5W dish antenna operates in the 4.9 to 5.875GHz band and is available in four different models with two different gains and two different polarities: HDDA5W-29 29 dBi single polarity (horizontal or vertical); HDDA5W-29-DP 29 dBi dual polarity (horizontal or vertical); HDDA5W-32 32 dBi single polarity (horizontal or vertical); and HDDA5W-32-DP 32 dBi dual polarity (horizontal or vertical). 'With wideband operation, and available in a number of configurations, the HDDA5W HD Series high-performance dish antenna provides excellent performance in point-to-point links operating over greater distances. 'They incorporate a rugged design contributing to a long operating service life in extreme environments and comply with ETSI standards,' said Quaid Rasheed, BWA antenna product manag

Imagination Technologies has added the PowerVR VXD391 to its video-decode IP core range. An ultra low-power, high performance 1080p HD hardware video decoder IP core with multi-standard multi-stream capabilities, VXD391 now features the most extensive range of standards supported by a single video decoder, essential for accelerating all forms of video content found on the internet today, including Real Video 8/9, On2 VP6 and Sorenson Spark. VXD391 supports MPEG-4 and H.264 profiles to enable customers to create a DivX-format compliant solution. VXD391 is capable of decoding full high-definition H.264 L4.2 (1080P60) and can simultaneously decode multiple streams to fully meet Blu-Ray and other multi-stream decode requirements. The highly parallel architecture of all VXD cores enables a typical H.264 high-profile HD stream to be decoded with a clock rate of just 70MHz. Imagination's HD video decoder range is already shipping in a range of markets, including: netbooks, personal a

Xilinx has released architecture for an extensible processing platform that it claims will deliver unrivalled levels of performance, flexibility and integration to developers of embedded systems. The ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor-based platform enables system architects and embedded-software developers to apply a combination of serial and parallel processing to address the challenging system requirements presented by the global demand for embedded systems to perform complex functions. The Xilinx Extensible Processing Platform offers embedded-systems designers a processor-centric design and development approach for achieving the compute and processing horsepower required to drive tasks involving high-speed access to real-time inputs, high-performance processing and complex digital-signal processing - or any combination thereof - needed to meet their application-specific requirements, including lower cost and power. A software-centric development flow is enabled by a processor-centri

Adlink Technology has brought out the Readyboard 740, a rugged EPIC single board computer (SBC). The Readyboard 740 integrates an Intel Atom Processor D510 (dual-core) or Intel Atom Processor D410 (single-core) with ICH8M chipset, on board SSD, H.264 hardware video decoder, networking and robust I/O in a small-form factor. It is suitable for applications in harsh environments that require high-end video performance, such as vehicle-computing platforms, self-service kiosks, digital signage and video surveillance. Adlink's Readyboard 740 provides multi-core computing power with integrated graphics and hardware HD video decoder. Featured are a 1.66GHz dual-core Intel Atom processor D510 or single-core Atom processor D410, one SO-DIMM for up to 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 RAM, and a Broadcom Crystal HD H.264 video decoder. Graphics capabilities of the Readyboard 740 include VGA, LVDS, DVI output and efficient high-definition playback (1920 x 1080). Conducted transient emissions and immunity

Polar Instruments has brought out a standalone automatic generator for impedance control and lossy line PCB test coupons. CGen 2010 builds on the proven technology of Polar's Speedstack coupon generator but adds the flexibility to directly import coupon data from manually created or scripted XML files, as well as from industry-standard layer stack-up tools and Polar Instruments' impedence control and lossy-line field solvers. CGen is the first coupon generator to automate the creation of lossy-line coupons for the emerging class of PCB trace-attenuation test methods. 'CGen 2010 coupon generator provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to in-house manual, scripted or automated coupon-creation processes, allowing any PCB fabricator or OEM engineer to create accurate coupons in minutes,' said Martyn Gaudion, chief-executive officer of Polar Instruments. A number of new features allow CGen 2010 to speed and simplify the coupon-generation process: real-time editin

Synopsys ' Designware Universal DDR Protocol and Memory Controllers both support the DDR2, DDR3, Mobile DDR and LPDDR2 SDRAM standards. The Designware Universal Memory Controller helps reduce both the latency and silicon area by up to 50 per cent compared with Synopsys' previous generations of DDR memory controllers, thus improving the DRAM interface performance and reducing overall chip costs. The Designware Universal Protocol Controller provides efficient DDR control and protocol translation for applications without the need for a multi-ported memory controller. Both controllers deliver memory-system performance of up to 2133Mbps, the maximum data rate of the DDR3 standard, and offer a broadly utilised DFI 2.1-compliant interface to the DDR PHY. Furthermore, the Universal DDR Memory and Protocol Controllers enable designers to easily integrate multiple DDR interfaces into one design, servicing a range of products spanning applications such as consumer electronics, mobile, n

Linear Technology has introduced the LTM4619, a complete dual step-down DC/DC Umodule regulator system, including inductors and Mosfets in a tiny surface-mount package. The LTM4619 regulates two output voltages ranging from 0.8 to 5V at up to 4A each, from an input supply of 4.5 to 26.5V (28V ABS max). The outputs are regulated with 180 out-of-phase operation to minimise input ripple current, thus requiring fewer input capacitors. This complete dual DC/DC system includes all the necessary components for two point-of-load regulator circuits: inductors, bypass capacitors, DC/DC controllers, compensation circuitry and power switches. All components are encapsulated and protected within a plastic surface-mount LGA (land grid array) package. Package dimensions are 15 x 15mm with only 2.8mm of thickness, providing a low-profile point-of-load regulator for more efficient air cooling in densely populated circuit boards. The LTM4619 is a simple single-part dual DC/DC solution in an IC form

Texas Instruments has introduced the CC430F513x microcontrollers (MCUs), which are supported by a rich developer ecosystem, offering complete and scalable hardware and software. The CC430F513x MCUs combine the ultra-low power MSP430 MCU with the high-performance, sub-1GHz CC1101 RF transceiver. The CC430F513x devices offer up to 20 MIPS performance in a small package (7 x 7mm) and support security options such as an integrated AES hardware module. TI is also expanding its LCD product offering with the CC430F61xx series of devices, providing developers with more options to meet varying design needs. With the capability to support multiple protocols and a broad frequency range, the CC430 MCUs, along with the extensive third-party ecosystem, spur innovation in applications such as home and building automation, smart metering, energy harvesting, asset tracking and portable medical applications. Developers can also immediately jumpstart CC430 MCU-based designs with the EM430F6137RF900 an

Ant Industries has cut inspection times on complex parts by up to 83 per cent using Renishaw 's Revo five-axis measurement system fitted to a Metris co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM). In 2008, when aerospace subcontractor Ant Industries carried out a study on its production processes with the aim of making improvements, it was clear that inspection was a major bottleneck. Shaun Rowley, Ant's manufacturing and sales director, said: 'There were thousands of non-productive hours a year where parts were either in inspection or waiting to be inspected. 'These are expensive parts without any value being added,' he added. To solve the problem, the company purchased a CMM equipped with a Renishaw Revo five-axis scanning system. Ant produces more than 1,000 different machined parts, approximately 85 per cent of which are supplied to the aerospace industry, requiring a high proportion of final part inspection. The company has to offer the CMM inspection of finished parts

Keithley Instruments has released a tutorial CD that offers practical techniques for obtaining the most accurate and precise measurements possible. The company's 'A guide to understanding electrical test and measurement' CD is said to cover all aspects of measurement performance, including how to troubleshoot, how to connect and how to select instruments. The CD contains a range of application notes, white papers and webcasts on a variety of test and measurement topics. Instrument options cover digital multimeters, source and measure instruments, and function/pulse/arbitrary/pattern generators. Application examples range from accelerated stress testing to wireless device testing. This CD is suitable for those looking for specific information on instrument selection and setup, or on applications in multiple areas and industries.

Laser Lines offers the complete range of Synrad lasers, including the FH Flyer Marking head and Winmark Pro laser marking software. For this application, a black painted stainless-steel water bottle was marked with a complex company logo. The marking setup consisted of a Synrad FH Flyer marking head and a 25W laser controlled by Synrad's Winmark Pro laser marking software. The Flyer head was equipped with a 125mm focal length lens that provided a 180um (0.007in) spot size. This small spot size was required to mark the fine detail in the company logo. The resulting mark exposed the stainless steel underneath to create a high-contrast, shiny mark that was completed in a cycle time of 7.56sec per bottle.

ABB has launched the SVC Light (Static Var Compensator) with energy storage as its latest development within the Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) range. The technology combines SVC light with a scalable battery-storage technology - up to 50MW of power for 60min and more. ABB's SVC Light enables dynamic control of active as well as reactive power in a power system, independent of each other. Fast reactive power control means that grid voltage and stability can be controlled quickly. Active power control is enabled with dynamic energy storage by levelling out power fluctuations from intermittent generation sources such as wind and solar energy. This technology also facilitates load support and ancillary grid services, such as area frequency regulation. SVC Light is connected to the grid at transmission, as well as sub-transmission and distribution levels, using power semiconductors. The energy-storage system is based on Li-ion batteries combined with SVC L

Aaxeon has released the APC-100 1,000mW high-powered wireless 802.11b/g AP Client USB adapter. The adapter allows users to launch their IEEE 802.11g wireless network at 54Mbps in the 2.4GHz frequency. The APC-100 is also compatible with IEEE 802.11b wireless devices at 11Mbps. With its 1W radio, users are able to connect to networks up to 1,000m away. Users can configure the adapter in ad-hoc mode to connect to other 2.4GHz wireless computers or in infrastructure mode to connect to a wireless AP or router for accessing the internet. The APC-100 adapter includes a utility for scanning available networks and saving preferred networks that users are normally connected with. Security encryption can also be configured using this utility. Features: up to eight times faster than a USB 1.1 adapter ; high gain upgradeable; compact size for greater flexibility; compatible with USB 1.1 desktop and notebook computers; plug-and-play compatible with Windows 98SE, 2000, Millennium, Windows XP, Wind

At 16mm wide, Wago's 713 Series MCS Mini-HD Double Row Connector System is said to trim front-panel space by up to 40 per cent. The 713 Series is a low-voltage (150V/10 A (UL) and 160V/10 A (IEC)) wire-to-board connector for control circuits. A high-density design features rear-side Cage Clamp terminals, permitting factory or in-field wiring. For handling, the 713 Series offers exclusive locking, disconnection and marking features, with Select models carrying a dual-purpose lever that doubles as a lock and disconnection aid. An optional centered, strain-relief plate anchors conductors while acting as a disconnection handle. Wago also provides a standard catalogue suffix for direct pole marking. Cage Clamp provides hands-free wiring for conductors 28-16 AWG. Mating halves are protected against mis-mating, with additional coding available. Separated pin slots prevent damage and make the headers touch proof when unplugged (IP20). The 713 Series accommodates six to 36 poles in three

Maple Systems has announced a capability in its HMIs that allows them to be remotely controlled and monitored with laptops, desktop PCs, touch pads and mobile phones like the iPhone. Maple HMIs have a VNC (virtual network computing) server that makes remote access possible. This means that users can communicate with their Ethernet-connected Maple HMI via any device that has internet access and a VNC client capability. Maple Systems offers several sizes of HMIs with remote operational capability, including 7, 10.2, 10.4, 12 and 15in units. These HMIs come with bright high-resolution displays with 65 thousand colours (standard and widescreen), analogue touchscreens with infinite touch points; USB, Serial and Ethernet ports; and an option to configure in portrait or landscape mode.

Bridgelux and Molex have introduced the first LED lighting solution designed and priced to drive rapid and mass-market adoption of LED lighting technology. Bridgelux's Helieon Sustainable Light Module solid-state lighting features interconnect technology from Molex. It delivers to interior and exterior luminaire manufacturers effortless installation, interchangeability and upgradeability. At a volume price point at less than USD20 (GBP13.16) per unit and a lifespan of more than 10 years, Helieon is one of the industry's highest quality, most cost-effective solid-state lighting solutions and will change the way LED lighting solutions are used. Helieon also helps lighting manufacturers reduce energy costs and environmental waste for a sustainably designed lighting environment. Bridgelux and Molex, both leaders in their respective industries, joined forces to create a best-in-class and price-disruptive solid-state light module comprised of completely recyclable components. Heli

GPEG has announced that its latest TFT display is an ideal replacement for traditional 'dial type' needle instruments. The TFT uses the latest wide-viewing-angle technologies together with an anti-glare film to ensure that the unit is easily read from all viewing directions. The active area of the display is equivalent to the popular dial diameter of 58mm and is contained within overall compact dimensions of 75.0 x 75.0 x 7.6mm. With a surface brightness of 1,000cd/m2 and a high contrast ratio of 400:1 the display is said to be easily read in the majority of lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The resolution of 240 x 240 dots and pixel pitch of 0.24mm ensures that the on-screen graphics are of high quality. The module is designed to operate from -40C to +85C and will easily interface to popular 16-bit microprocessors. The TFT display is said to be ideal for applications in instrumentation, automotive and industrial equipment.

Multi-Contact has launched the BTP-HE range of bipolar plugs and sockets designed to ensure safe operation in harsh rail environments. Back-up devices such as batteries and battery chargers are required to operate in the harsh environments encountered in the rail industry. They can now be connected and disconnected in safety with Multi-Contact's touch-protected connectors. The BTP-HE range of bipolar plugs and sockets provide IP2X protection when unmated, giving protection against electrical shock during connection and disconnection. When mated, the assembly offers IP67 environmental protection. With a compact design rated at 1,000V and 200A, the connectors provide reliable operation for more than 500 mating cycles. The aluminium-housed connectors can accept 70mm2 or 95mm2 cables and are available in a variety of configurations. The socket section can be supplied in a DIN housing for panel mounting, or in versions for bracket mounting or for connection to an extension cable. Thr

Quicklogic has announced the verification of its Visual Enhancement Engine (VEE) and Display Power Optimiser (DPO) technology with OLED displays. VEE technology greatly enhances the viewability of OLED displays under challenging conditions such as low-brightness modes or bright ambient light by dynamically optimising video characteristics to provide a better user experience. Working in concert with VEE, Quicklogic's DPO technology allows for display brightness to be lowered, consuming less power and extending battery life. OLED display technology represents a growing share of the smartphone market. In addition to smartphones, OLED displays are being increasingly adopted for other handheld mobile devices such as notebooks, smartbooks and tablets that were formerly the domain of LCD displays. Quicklogic's VEE technology enhances this trend by providing a better user experience for mobile devices using OLED displays. The VEE technology enhances image and video quality by optimi

Sharp is supplementing its LED lighting portfolio with three Doubledome white, high-colour-rendering (HCR), high-performance LEDs. The Doubledome LEDs already provide suitable light for energy efficient lighting without secondary optics. The light conversion layer of the Doubledome LEDs is based on a two-phase development procedure especially developed by Sharp for this purpose. A layer of phosphorous for the conversion of white light is applied in a first step. The installation of the globe top made from transparent silicone in a second step makes light extraction possible without spreading loss. A high-quality ceramic plate serves as the LED carrier material instead of the plastic materials that are traditionally used. Sharp said this allows efficient heat dissipation and helps to keep the required cooling element small. The HCR LEDs reach the high colour rending index (CRI) value of 85 through the combination of blue LEDs with a blend of green and red phosphorous. The SMD LEDs fr

EMKA has introduced padlock versions of its 1107 and 1125 Swinghandles and slim-line 2100 programme. These are suitable for situations where a padlocking facility is required in corrosive environments and make life easier for specifiers/designers, fabricators and operators of specialist enclosures. Stainless-steel padlockable through-pillars, with reinforced polyamide bodies, provide a simple-to-fit solution as part of the structured EMKA system. These items complement the stainless steel EMKA L-handle with padlock capability and the quarter-turn key lock, which all accept standard UK hasps of 3/16 to 3/8in (4.76 to 9.53mm). European padlock sizes of 4.5 to 10mm are accommodated with appropriate variants. The ability to padlock cabinets with one or more locks for safety and security is important where high voltages or otherwise dangerous or sensitive equipment is housed.

Burkert Fluid Control Systems has launched the type 8690, 8691 and 8695 valve control heads, which provide a decentralised method of opening and closing process valves. The cost-down pressures inherent in all process industries mean that plant operators are constantly required to improve efficiency at the same time as ensuring repeatable product quality. In pursuit of efficiency, companies are prepared to invest heavily in new plant and equipment. However, in many cases, real savings and efficiency improvements can be achieved simply and at low cost by focusing on cutting energy use. With valves, pumps and fans used widely in food and beverage production, the possibilities for energy savings are considerable. Generation of compressed air, for example, is equivalent to about 10 per cent of industry's total electricity usage, rising to 30 per cent in some sectors. This highlights why companies have compelling reasons to pursue energy saving initiatives in this area. However, one a

Hi-Tec Spray is a UK distributor for Graco 's range of sanitary pumps, sanitary drum and bin unloaders and pressure washers. Where there is a material to dispense - from low-viscosity gravies to high-viscosity syrups and creams - HSL has the right pump for the application, whether it requires a simple double-diaphragm pump, a higher-pressure piston pump, shovel or check valve ram-mounted pump module. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant specifications can be met across the product range whether they are related to flow rates, fluid pressures, material viscosity or material container size or style. All equipment is designed as 'knockdown' without the need for tools to facilitate quick and efficient cleaning providing dwell-free pumping solutions. Hi-Tec Spray also develops a partnership with its clients to design and develop turnkey systems.

The Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (RWM 10) will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 14 to 16 September. The three-day show features an indoor and outdoor exhibition of more than 500 companies and organisations exhibiting and demonstrating the latest technologies and recycling solutions. Entry is free and gives visitors access to over 40 seminar sessions, offering legislative and financial advice and first-hand case studies of successful public and private-sector projects. The programme in the Local Authority Seminar Theatre (sponsored by SCA Recycling and Bywaters) will cover food-waste collection and recycling solutions for flats, and will reveal how councils are tackling commercial and industrial waste. In the Business Seminar Theatre, a full day will be dedicated to carbon and cost reduction through minimising construction waste, and retailers can find out how packaging design and procurement can help them to achieve zero waste without sacrificing profits. Energy

GE Intelligent Platforms has launched its Quad PAC redundant controller technology, offering a 'quad' redundancy-control solution said to virtually eliminate downtime risk. A quad redundancy-control system has four redundant controllers - a master controller and three synchronised backup controllers. It leverages Ethernet-based I/O that can arbitrate its I/O control from one of the four controllers. If the master controller or any of the system components fail, the system identifies the best backup controller to take over and provide the system with the most capability to withstand the next sequence of multiple or cascaded system failures. The Quad PAC application consists of two redundant pairs of GE Intelligent Platforms' PACSystems RX7i controllers working in unison, for a total of four RX7i controllers and their associated items (racks, power supplies, etc.). The controllers are connected via redundant high-speed fibre-optic modules, which provide synchronised logic

Igus has developed Chainfix saddle clamps for securely fixing cables within energy chains. The tensile strength of the Chainfix clamps is said to be around three times higher than that of standard clamps (3,500N instead of 1,000N). The narrow width and low height make the best use of limited space when mounted directly in the energy chain mounting bracket or through a separate C-profile rail outside the mounting bracket. Ribbed plastic saddles ensure a positive connection with the cables and thus secure strain relief. The cables remain clamped, even under very large pull, so that they cannot slip out. The company claims that it has also developed and optimised accessories for the quicker and more versatile installation of the strain relief clamps. The part number and correct direction of installation are marked on the top and the side of the Chainfix saddle clamps. This facilitates the identification of parts for ordering, whether the clamp is installed or not. The double saddles ha

NV Energy has installed GE Energy 's Bently Nevada Essential Insight.mesh wireless condition monitoring system to increase power plant reliability. No matter where an asset sits in the plant, the need to understand its health has become increasingly vital. While most facilities continuously monitor their critical machinery, their less-critical assets - often called 'essential assets' - cannot typically justify the expense of a traditional continuous monitoring system due to the installation costs of running wires and installing sensors. As such, these assets tend to be addressed with portable data collection programmes, where operators make rounds at monthly or quarterly intervals, manually collecting data. However, these data collection intervals are rarely satisfactory for essential assets and problems can progress from 'okay' to 'serious' from one data collection interval to the next. Or, in some cases, manual data collection is simply not practical or

Vega Controls has detailed an application that looks at the pressure monitoring of a rupture disc, the detection of leaks and how to prevent fissuring of the rupture disc. In the chemical and petrochemical industries, in particular on classified Seveso II plants, safety is the highest priority for engineers. The vessels, tanks and reactors are normally equipped with protection devices consisting of safety valves with rupture discs to avoid damage due to high- and low-pressure shocks. The condition of the rupture disc is often monitored with glycerin manometers installed between the safety valve and the disc. However, there are issues that this device is not able to transmit its measuring information and they are often not SIL qualified. They often have limited resolution in low-pressure ranges, which does not allow for a very precise set point. The implementation of a Smart pressure sensor with a ceramic cell allows it to measure very small pressure variations and so detect the slig

Panton McLeod has performed an underwater clean at The Deep aquarium in Hull , in order to remove sand and fine gravel from two inlet pipes leading to the facility's main water tank. The company used pumping equipment and knowledge from its work in the drinking-water sector to remove the blockages, including water-hammer techniques to dislodge some of the hard-to-reach debris. The work follows an inspection of the facility earlier this year, when the firm used its underwater camera equipment to inspect pipework leading into the tank for damage.

Sandvik Coromant and Precorp have reached a cooperation agreement with the aim of being a joint solution provider for composite machining. As partners, Sandvik Coromant and Precorp will provide products using PCD vein technology and carbide solutions, as well as application know how for the composite industry. The PCD vein technology incorporates a precision-sintered slot of PCD onto the cutting edge, improving the quality and efficiency of the tool.

HBM has developed its latest GEN2i data recorder for the demands of maintaining, servicing and commissioning industrial devices by ensuring it has compact dimensions and is simple to operate. The GEN2i is available with four, eight or 16 input channels to give maximum flexibility for demanding measurement tasks. The palette of input amplifiers ranges from insulated types with 200kS/s per channel via bridge and IEPE modules up to fast racks with 100MS/s that are suitable for fault tracing in electric systems or transient data acquisition during ballistic tests. The measurement data can be written directly onto the integrated semi-conductor hard drive at up to 20MB/s or temporarily stored at higher rates in the RAM of the measuring cards. The modular measurement data and transient data-acquisition software is based on Windows 7. The GEN2i comes with the standard version of HBM's Perception software to provide a dual operating concept. In mobile applications, the GEN2i can be opera

A manufacturer of extruded sections has invested in measuring systems from Ascona and deburring systems from RSA. The main target was an improved control of the dimensional accuracy of extrusions during regular extrusion-moulding process. The Ascona measuring system enables measurement directly in production at the press, since the system is encased for protection against vibration and dirt. Most complex shapes of extrusions can be measured within seconds, with an accuracy of +/-10um. The immediate correction of the extrusion-moulding process secures the production process and reduces the risk of pieces outside of determined tolerance. The RSA Rasamat system was developed for the deburring of aluminium extrusions and, in this way, superseded band processing. The deburring system offers the additional automation of the preparation of specimen and works with a surface brush that is equipped with segmented wire or nylon trimming, with double rotary motion. The segmented trimming prev

From 7 to 11 June, Mach visitors will be able to view Technifor 's marking and engraving solutions. Micro-percussion machines being demonstrated include the new-generation XF510p and the Propen P5000. Offering full integration, the XF510p is compact and offers fast marking on areas between 50 x 20mm up to 200 x 80mm. Designed to fit into the smallest possible volume, it is ideally integrated into production lines where space and accessibility are a concern. The P5000 uses micro-percussion technology to provide quality marking. Up to five high-quality characters can be marked per second within a 100 x 120mm area and the character size can be adjusted from 0.5 to 80mm. Easy to install, the P5000 requires no specific training. Manually adapted to the size of the part being marked - up to 300 mm high - by an ergonomic handle, the P5000 can mark all types of materials up to a hardness of 62 HRc. Portable marking solutions will also feature with the M120 and XF520Cp. The self-contained

Murex Welding Products ' Vodex manual metal arc (MMA) welding electrode is a general-purpose electrode with improved metallurgical properties. Vodex is a high-quality rutile electrode designed for horizontal, vertical and overhead welding of mild steel (MS) plate and pipe. It maintains the essential characteristics for good downhand or flat-position welding. It is suitable for mild and medium tensile steel plate and pipe and offers weld metal properties of 47J at -20C. The diameter range available is 2.0 to 6.0mm. The electrode holds EN 13479, CE approval for the structural steel users and a number of society approvals, including ABS, BV, GL and LR as standard. Product data sheets and electrode samples are available on request.

Cutwel's cutting tool/tool holder catalogue has been designed so that buyers, engineers and designers can select cutting tools and tool holders via a unique order code. Each of the seven sections lists the choice of tools available and contains a technical guidance section, showing recommended cutting data speeds and feeds, as well as areas of application. The catalogue has added link pages for ease of use and contains a number of additions, including a machine-tool-accessories section showing spindle tooling, VDI tooling, HSK, HSK ICTM and modular adaptors, as well as associated equipment such as ER collets, tap adapters, chucks and spares. The drilling section features the highest performance drill in the Cutwel range, the i-Dream - a high-feed-rate penetration drill - and the MQL, which is particularly suitable for drilling hole depths of 20x diameter. Both can achieve reamed tolerance hole dimensions. New products include: PCD and carbide grades PC8110 and NC9025 for HRSAs

K-Tek has announced a lower price for the LM80 laser transmitter for non-contact level measurement and positioning. The LM80 measures position over very long ranges, at distances up to 500ft (150m). The device also accurately measures level at distances up to 100ft (30m). All prices for the LM80 and LM80 with built-in laser pointer have been reduced by 30 per cent, putting this advanced technology in line with more traditional ultrasonic and open-air radar non-contact measurement techniques. With the LM80, virtually any surface can be accurately measured at any angle. No beam angle divergence means the transmitter can be narrowly focused over long distances without interference from its surroundings, such as internal structures. This technology is now available off the shelf and at commodity prices. The LM80 features an all-digital design that provides speed and accuracy in a compact unit. An advanced timing system and self-correcting signal-processing functions allow the device to

Herma, which makes self-adhesive labels and label machinery, is using Leuze Electronic's sensors in its new warehouse and logistics centre to detect, identify and protect. When Herma built a modern coating plant for its adhesive materials it also needed an exceptional intra-logistics solution. To support the newly constructed production hall, it built a high-bay warehouse for storing material on rolls, along with conveyor connections to the cutting machines and the packaging systems. The flow of materials starts at the goods-receiving area, where paper and foil rolls are unloaded from trucks and placed on the lifting table by a clamping truck. Precision positioning of the rolls is achieved using a BPS 34 barcode-positioning system that uses optical position determination, which avoids any mechanical wear and slippage issues and removes the need for reference points. A vertical conveyor then transports the roll to the interior of the goods-receiving hall where a fully automatic gr

Newport Corporation has launched a line of integrated XY stages built from industry-standard UMR linear stages and TRA actuators. The UMR-TRA XY stages are said to be compact, measuring 90mm in width and 38mm in height, including the base plate. The stages are designed for applications in confined spaces, making them suitable for a range of motion control tasks in research and industry. Beda Espinoza, product manager for Newport's motion products, said: 'UMR-TRA stages are compact and inexpensive motorised XY stages assembled from two UMR5.16 linear stages and two TRA actuators. 'To minimise the footprint, the actuators are parallel and, by using a mechanical lever, the action of one actuator is converted to perpendicular motion. 'The small stage base plate also features accessible mounting holes that facilitate direct mounting on optical tables or integration into custom systems,' added Espinoza. The UMR-TRA has 12.5mm travel and is available in English or met

PBC Linear 's Simplicity plane bearings have been installed into an automated, needle-free injection gun for mass livestock vaccination. Acushot, a veterinary design company, created the injection gun, which required a linear bearing system to absorb recoil. Colpitt Designs, a third-party engineering company, recommended Simplicity plane bearings for the task. Typically, handheld needle injections were used for vaccinating the animals in the stockyards and barnyards; however, with thousands of animals coming through production at once, successfully and safely supervising the injections was becoming increasing difficult. Acushot's new system eliminates needles, removing the possibility of an unsafe employee needle slip. The battery-powered injection unit also enhances sanitary conditions and can be used hundreds of times without risk of cross contamination to the animals. For a rapid prototype and possible added refinements to the design, Acushot turned to Colpitt, which worke

William Hughes is offering copper coils for use as part of trip fuse/circuit breaker mechanisms within domestic and commercial properties. When a current passes along the conductive copper, a magnetic force is created through the middle of the coil. In the event of a current surge or spike, the magnetic force increases so that a spring is pulled to trip the main switch. A small change to the copper coil can affect the magnetic force produced to suit different currents, making it a very efficient mechanism as there is no need to have different designs of any other standard parts. The copper coils are manufactured on standard Japanese-built CNC machines that have been subjected to extensive modification by William Hughes' engineers (including the manufacture of special tooling) to suit the products. The automated machines are fed with 3mm diameter copper wire that is coated with enamel. The coating is stripped from each end to reveal the conductive copper before coiling operations

Blue Diamond has expanded its range of high-quality components for the automotive aftermarket. Blue Diamond is now manufacturing bolts and fixings, nuts and locknuts, gaskets and static seals, springs, 'O' rings, circlips, oil seals, multi-component kits and many other aftermarket components. Items being supplied are reverse engineered from original equipment samples to ensure dimensional, material and performance specifications of matching quality. To measure complex engineering components to a high accuracy, Blue Diamond has invested in the latest multi-sensor co-ordinate vision system. This system produces 2D engineering drawings used for manufacturing. A desktop spectrometer incorporating the latest multi-element CCD array detector is used to analyse the metal content of any part and replicate it - allowing a complete manufacturing specification to be originated. Kits of parts - for example seals, circlips and bolts - can be provided and are available boxed and packed co

Tennant will showcase its new Orbio brand at the ISSA/Interclean trade fair for the cleaning industry, which will take place 26-29 April 2010 in Amsterdam. Following the success of Tennant's ec-H2O technology, a proprietary technology that converts plain tap water into a powerful cleaning agent, Tennant announced in February that it had established Orbio Technologies Group to expand this core technology platform into new categories, applications and market spaces. One Orbio technology - ec-H2O - delivers great cleaning results on Tennant scrubber-dryers. In addition to ec-H2O technology, Orbio has licensed a second technology to Activeion Cleaning Solutions LLC, for use on the Activeion IonatorEXPTM and IonatorHOMTM hand-held spray devices. In tests, this technology has been shown to kill 99.9 per cent of common household bacteria (including E coli, listeria and salmonella) and inactivate the H1N1 virus. Orbio's ec-H2O technology begins as water and ends as water, allowing i