Product Digest - Process Control
Digital Panel Meter Is Easy to Use and Read
Using interchangeable PC boards, the modular A5000 Digital Panel Meter features seven output choices and 18 input choices. Output choices include none, HI/LO setpoint with 8-A relays, analog signal, RS-232C and RS-485; individually or in combination. Input choices include various ranges of DC voltage, DC current, AC current, resistance, temperature, frequency, strain and process measurement. Easily accessible front-panel membrane pads enable users to make quick setting adjustments. The high-visibility digital display provides consistent read ability for virtually any incoming signal, as shown via a 14.2-mm high, red LED for the main display and an 8-mm high, green LED subdisplay for setpoints. This industry standard 1/8-DIN size meter includes a 90–264-VAC or 9–60-VDC power supply, and can operate in temperatures from 0_C to 50_C and relative humidity levels from 35% to 85%. The unit’s conversion rate is 12.5 times/sec. Measuring 96 mm in length, 48 mm high, and 147.5 mm deep, the meter weighs approximately 0.450 kg.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Selco Products Co.
www.selcoproducts.com
Programmable Logic Controller Offers Modbus Communication
Specifically pre-programmed to work with the Ultima X Gas Monitor with X3 Technology, the ModCon 75 programmable logic controller (PLC) is a self-configuring and compact device that controls and displays up to 25 Ultima X3 Gas Monitors. This PLC offers Modbus remote-terminal-unit (RTU) output and an optional Ethernet interface. This controller also offers 75 sensors per trunk and dry-contact relays.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Mine Safety Applicances Co.
www.MSAnet.com
Touch-Screen Operator Station Is Safe and Secure
Versatile and easy to use, the EXT Series Touch-Screen Operator Station serves as a central control point for an unlimited number of Process Control blenders or gravimetric extrusion control systems. The station can be used as the sole point of control or it can be used in tandem with another station. Similarly, it can monitor and control a single line, or an entire facility. The Ethernet interface provides data access for recipe entry, system monitoring and operation. Alarms are designed with three severity levels and display the exact device location. Another security feature is password protection that prevents unauthorized access to system parameters and recipes. Remote capabilities allow the system to be integrated with an additional supervisory control system, with communications accomplished through either RS-422 or RS-485 serial links, or through RS-232 using a converter. More interface protocols include Modbus, Allen-Bradley DH+ (PLC-5), Profibus, EPCC, ASCII and SPI. Standard features include a sophisticated 32-bit microcomputer, standalone enclosure and 115/60/1 or 220/50/1 power setup. Optional features are customized electricals and a Profibus DP interface.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Process Control Corp.
www.process-control.com
Versatile Operator Interface Keeps Feeders in Check
Designed as a single feeder operator interface for the Schenck AccuRate DISOCONT control, the OP1 system provides users with operation, calibration, trending, and basic diagnostics. Initial startup is simplified by using the integrated tutorial provided with the OP1 system. Its graphical color touch-screen display features human-machine-interface (HMI) technology and multi-level password protection, which allows a supervisor to determine access for read or write parameters. The OP1 can be packaged within a panel mount unit with the DISOCONT control or configured independently inside a NEMA 4 type enclosure. Other features of the OP1 include four Mbytes of flash memory, four global-function keys, and a lighted LCD display.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Schenck AccuRate
www.accuratefeeders.com
Operate These Precise Controllers with a User-Friendly Graphical User Interface
These DMC Dual Channel linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) controllers can be used in a variety of industrial measurement and control applications within the petrochemical, power generation and manufacturing industries. Easily programmable, these controllers offer precise measurement for applications utilizing AC and DC inputs. A scrolling display on the controller actively guides users on what information is necessary for input. The DMC Dual Channel Controllers feature a graphical user interface that enables operators to quickly calibrate and set up the sensors, retrieve or send programs, and view and collect data remotely through a computer via an RS-232 or Ethernet connection. They have microprocessor-based logic and feature advanced software that provides digital position indication and cross-channel path and control functions for advanced monitoring, measuring and control requirements. The programmable input averaging, digital filtering and HI/LO-limit detection make the controllers especially suitable for Go/No-Go applications, such as process gaging and quality control.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Macro Sensors
www.macrosensors.com
Temperature Controller Adapts to Project Needs
Designed to simultaneously control both heating and cooling processes, the SOLO is a single-loop dual-output temperature controller featuring four types of control modes: proportional-integral-derivative (PID), On/Off, Ramp/Soak and Manual. The Ramp/Soak mode features 64 different levels. Depending on the controller model, the available possible outputs are relay, voltage pulse, current and linear voltage. Additionally, alarm outputs vary from one to three, with a selection from 17 types available during initial setup. This versatile controller is capable of accepting thermocouple, analog or resistive-temperature-detector (RTD) inputs. The SOLO features a built-in RS-485 interface, which uses the Modbus slave (ASCII or RTU) communication protocol. The panel size can come as 1/32 DIN, 1/16 DIN, 1/8 DIN or 1/4 DIN, and the 2 line 4 character 7-segment LED display is red for process value and green for setpoint. Selectable for both _F and _C temperature scales, the controller operates in a range from 0_C to 50_C. It takes thermocouple and platinum RTD sample rates at 400 ms/scan, with an analog sample rate at 150 ms/scan.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
AutomationDirect
www.automationdirect.com/processcontrollers
Aeration Control Module Operates at Very Low Air Velocities
The new version of the Aeration Control Module for the FT4 universal powder tester extends the operating range down to a low air velocity of 0.02 mm/s. Ideal for applications that are sensitive to the addition of small quantities of air, such as those involving the production of powder coatings, this controller allows fine control of air flow through a powder under test, enabling fully automated measurement of flow properties as a function of increasing levels of aeration. It can determine the flow properties specification needed to optimize production and achieve the required product quality.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Freeman Technology
www.freemantech.co.uk
Smart Wireless Controllers Improve Predictability of Remote Oil and Gas Assets
Featuring native communications capability for integration of wireless field networks, the ROC800-Series Remote Operations Controller enables oil-and-gas operators to improve asset predictability, manage remote assets more profitably, improve maintenance efficiency, and deliver cost reductions in asset construction time. Secure and robust, these units communicate with instrumentation at wellheads, pipelines, and other remote sites. Helping users improve safety and minimizing risk of dangerous environments, the controllers can communicate directly with any mix of up to 30 wireless temperature or pressure transmitters over a self-organizing mesh field network. Replacing costly and sometimes difficult-to-install wiring, this has significant cost benefits when used for monitoring process variables that may be located up to 200 m from the remote terminal unit. Smart Wireless monitoring points enable up to 90% installed cost reduction as compared to wired installations. Its predictive intelligence increases process availability, and eliminates unnecessary field trips for data retrieval, configuration changes and asset profiling. Through enabling online monitoring with deep-dive diagnostics and notification of potential problems, the system helps users prevent unplanned downtime.
Appeared In Issue: August 2007
Emerson Process Management
www.emersonprocess.com