Software
A software plug-in enables valve diagnostics
A software plug-in that enables certain diagnostic tests to be run on its products is now available. ValveAnalysis works with Emerson Process Management’s AMS Suite to run the Ramp Signature test for the identification of leaks in tubing fittings, improperly aligned plugs and seats, loose linkage, broken actuator spring sand sticky spool valves. For the HDL test, the plug-in calculates the four standard diagnostic signatures — hysteresis, deadband, repeatability and linearity — by opening and closing valves. ValveAnalysis does not bypass AMS, thereby ensuring that a complete device history is maintained.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Flowserve Corp.
www.flowserve.com
Get process control without third-party software
This human machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisition (HMI/SCADA) system operates independently of third-party software. Instead, Microsoft Visual Basic.Net 2005 can be used to intuitively build HMI/SCADA applications that support an infinite number of tags or points. Net-managed applications can be deployed without a rental license. Programming is not required for display animations, because the system uses Microsoft native objects and allows users to create their own objects, as well.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Parijat
www.parijat.com
A software upgrade retrieves data from handheld devices
DPC Manager software is typically used to update this instrument maker’s handheld devices with new firmware and HART communication files. A new data management option adds documenting function to the utility. Users can now retrieve saved calibration results and HART configurations from the handhelds. The data can then be saved in csv format to spreadsheet applications, such as MS Excel.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Meriam Process Technologies
www.meriam.com
Look online for the latest data regarding ionic solvents
Chemical engineers can go online for up-to-date information on more than 200 ions and 300 ionic liquids. Thermodynamic, thermochemical and transport properties of pure ionic liquids, as well as binary and ternary mixtures can be found. A particularly valuable feature is a set of uniformly calculated uncertainties for each data point, making it easier to compare the quality of different measurements
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
National Institute of Standards and Technology
www.nist.gov
Two programs are merged to create new design software for tower internals
The next generation of tower internals design software package, Sulcol 1.0 merges two previously independent design programs, Sulpak 3.3 for rings and packings and Sultray C 7.0 for trays, into a single, robust and user-friendly design package. The program is based on thousands of actual applications in industrial columns and experimental data obtained from the designer’s own test columns. Customers can apply for a one-time download of the entire package from the company’s website.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Sulzer Chemtech
www.sulzerchemtech.com
This manufacturing execution system does some Windows dressing
Business FLEX200 is an updated version of this company’s manufacturing execution system (MES) software. Designed to help facilities link process automation and production schedules, the software supports international versions of Windows and provides tools to translate user interfaces into local languages. The supplier says the software can boost production by 3–6% and lower costs by 2–3%.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Honeywell
www.honeywell.com
Alarm management gets down to basics in an Excel environment
Customers using ReportWorX and AlarmWorX32 can now utilize standards-based alarm management, as well as reporting and analysis tools, within an Excel environment, the new alarm analytics module. The software meets OSHA specifications and provides 15 report templates for key performance indicators, including alarm distribution and cross correlations.
Appeared In Issue: October 2006
Iconics
www.iconics.com