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Process Control


Yokogawa Corp. of America

www.yokogawa.com
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AAASuite alarm-management system
Yokogawa has released a new upgrade to its Advanced Alarm Administrator (AAASuite, Version R1.20). AAASuite is a comprehensive alarm-management system that improves operator performance by minimizing nuisance alarms and providing timely notification of only necessary alarms, thereby preventing alarm flooding and enabling safe, stable and cost-effective plant operations. Version R1.20 includes an optional static alarm suppression function that facilitates equipment-based simultaneous suppression of alarms at start-up, shutdown, or upset of a plant. AAASuite R1.20 also enables the unlimited use of Yokogawa legacy controllers, which makes it suitable for systems that combine the CENTUM V, XL, and CS controllers.

Appeared In Issue: November 2006

The UT551 Digital Indicating Controller
The UT551 digital indicating controller allows users to acquire temperature, pressure and flowrate data and to make changes to controller settings via an Ethernet connection. It employs the Modbus/TCP protocol and is equipped with a 10BASE-T interface. A gateway function allows a PC or other host system to access non-Ethernet-enabled indicating controllers or peripheral devices by simply connecting them to the UT551.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

Kaif Digital

www.kaifdigital.com

wMPC Series Controllers
The wMPC Series controllers provide up to seven zone controllers in a single wall-mounted package. Input type can be individually configured for each zone from the keypad. Thus, a single unit can accommodate multiple sensor types (temperature, pressure, velocity, flow, volume, etc.) at the same time. Each zone has its own ramp and soak profile or a manual setpoint. Several control modes are available (on/off, PID and heat/cool), as well as multiple display modes.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

SymCom, Inc.

www.symcominc.com
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ISS-105 IS Super Cell
The intrinsically safe ISS-105 IS Super Cell can operate as a controller for eight different pumping configurations where duplex, triplex, quadplex and duplex SPS (separate pump stop) pumping methods are possible. It can indicate low, high and out-of-sequence alarms, and has a variablelag pump delay setting. When used as a five-channel relay, all five channels can be set to positive or negative logic with the possibility of two latched relays, and the fifth relay can be configured as a delay-on-make or delay-on-break output with variable time delay.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

Hedland Flow Meters

www.hedland.com
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Flowmeters and Controllers Handle Viscous Liquids
Flowrates of high-viscosity, non-abrasive fluids can be measured and controlled by the positive-displacement flowmeters and batch controllers comprising the HPD Series. Accuracy is ±0.5% at low flowrates, even under changing viscosity conditions.They utilize stainless steel gears and bearings, and the bodies are made of Type 303 or 316 stainless steel or high-strength aluminum. These units are available in 1/4-, 1/2- and 1-1/4- in. NPT port sizes for flows ranging from 0.003 to 120 gal/min, and can operate at pressures up to 5,000 psi and temperatures up to 400°F.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

Universal Flow Monitors, Inc.

www.flowmeters.com
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CalPoint-Flow and Temperature Measurement in One Unit
CalPoint combines a vortex shedding flowmeter and temperature transmitter in a single instrument. Repeatability is ±1% of actual flow and ±0.25% of actual temperature; accuracy is ±2% of flow. Temperature range is 32°F to 210°F, and readings can be displayed in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The meter is available in pipe sizes ranging from 3/4 in. to 2 in. for flowrates of 2.5–200 gal/min.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

Flowserve Corp.

www.flowserve.com
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The explosion-proof Logix 3200IQ and the intrinsically safe 500si series
The explosion-proof Logix 3200IQ and the intrinsically safe 500si series use piezo technology and inner-loop feedback to quickly set up and calibrate diaphragm- or piston-operated valves without additional handheld devices, software or configuration/ calibration tools. The 500si series is available in two models — the 510si for analog applications and the 520si, which, like the 3200IQ, uses the HART communication protocol.

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

Kernco Instruments Co.

www.kerncoinstr.com
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the model 3679N
Enclosed in a standard 1/4-DIN watertight housing, the model 3679N features two on/off relays for pH or ORP, automatic-temperature-compensated (ATC) pH readings, and a shorting plug selectable to pH or ORP. It also has selectable hysteresis settings for customized control and isolated 4–20-mA current output that can be used as a proportional output. The operating ranges are 0.00–14.00 for pH (with an accuracy of ±0.03 pH units) and –1,999 to +1,999 mV for ORP (with an accuracy of ±0.1% full scale).

Appeared In Issue: April 2005

GE Fanuc Automation

www.gefanuc.com

VersaMax Micro 64 control system
The VersaMax Micro 64 control system provides a flexible and scalable automation solution through a wide range of input/output expansion modules, a variety of communication options, and multiple operator interfaces. A common software programming and tag database for the operator interface and controller shortens engineering development time and simplifies troubleshooting. A user-friendly memory module can be connected to the controller to download the latest program changes without the need for a personal computer. Software allows interfacing with a Palm handheld device, enabling the user to monitor/change data, view diagnostics, force on/off, and configure machine setup from the PDA. An abundance of memory — 48k of user ladder logic programming and 32k of data registers — enables the system to solve complex applications requiring multiple program storage and large data storage for faster setup/changeover or system monitoring. More than 25 discrete I/O expansion options and six analog I/O expansion options are available.

Appeared In Issue: April 2006

Schneider Electric, North American Operating Div.

www.schneider-electric.com

Advantys OTB distributed input/output system
With an expandable block-type architecture, the Advantys OTB distributed input/output system is well-suited for small and medium-sized islands of distributed I/O. This allows it to be placed closer to the sensors and actuators it controls and reduces wiring time and costs. The Advantys OTB platform includes three communication bases for the various types of fieldbus, CANopen, Ethernet TCP/IP or Modbus RS-485 serial lines. Each communication base is 55 mm wide and has 20 I/O — 12 to 24 VDC inputs, six relay outputs and 2 to 24 VDC solid-state outputs. Expansion and interface modules enable configurations of up to 123 digital I/O and up to 48 analog I/O channels, or a mixture of both.

Appeared In Issue: April 2006

Emerson Process Management

www.emersonprocess.com
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SCU multi-controller
Compatible with existing HART-compliant 2-wire or 4-wire units, the SCU multi-controller enables operators to view data from, and program, up to 15 ultrasonic level transmitters (ULTs) from a central control room. The SCU has an integrated LCD panel that accommodates a wide variety of display functions, including tank content visualization using echo analysis of the ULT. Output options include 4–20 mA and relays that are programmed via a six-button keypad in an IP65 enclosure.

Appeared In Issue: April 2006

ROC800-Series Remote Operations Controller
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

Control Co.

www.control3.com

Traceable Lab Controller
The Traceable Lab Controller controls any appliance plugged into the back of it. In the time-of-day mode, it can be programmed for up to 224 on/off switchings per day. In the countdown mode, it turns on/off to the second. In the repeat mode, it continually cycles equipment on/off at any two unique time intervals. Three independent timing channels can be used to count down and alarm, count up (stopwatch mode), or count down repeat (repetitively alarm at a specific time interval). The Traceable accommodates times from 1 s to 100 h. Each controller comes with a serial-numbered Traceable certificate from the company’s ISO 17025 calibration laboratory accredited by A2LA, indicating traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.

Appeared In Issue: April 2006

Rockwell Automation

www.ra.rockwell.com
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Allen-Bradley SLC 500-Series controllers
New features of the Allen-Bradley SLC 500-Series controllers include improved messaging over Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)-based networks and enhanced security capabilities. Instruction updates allow generic CIP commands to be initiated in devices, such as drives, that communicate on Ethernet/IP, ControlNet and DeviceNet networks, simplifying the programming, configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting of explicit messages. A new firmware release includes a secured processor capability through Rockwell Software RSAssetSecurity, which enables the RSLogix 500 programming software to configure a processor so that it will be more secure against unauthorized access. A new Read Program Checksum (RPC) instruction can help determine whether online edits have changed the program or verify that the program in the memory module matches that in the processor’s RAM. And, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) provides flexible IP address assignment for the SLC 5/05 processor Channel One Ethernet port.

Appeared In Issue: April 2006

Neptune Chemical Pump Co.

www.neptune1.com

500AR hydraulic diaphragm metering pump
The 500AR hydraulic diaphragm metering pump is designed with an automatic air-release (AR) valve for use with chemicals that off-gas at room temperature, such as sodium hypochlorite. A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) head design minimizes internal space and eliminates areas where gas can accumulate. All ports slope upward to vent gas through the top of the pump and away from the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) diaphragm. The PVC AR head can be specified on any of 500E series pump with capacties up to 9 gal/h (higher-capacity pumps purge gas naturally). All Series 500 models have a micrometer dial that allows manual adjustment over a 10:1 turndown range. Automatic control options include pneumatic or electric stroke-length adjustment and variable-speed drives.

Appeared In Issue: August 2006

Scott Specialty Gases

www.scottgas.com

“Design & Safety Handbook for Specialty Gas Delivery Systems”
The new 4th edition of the “Design & Safety Handbook for Specialty Gas Delivery Systems” explains principles of operation and recommended safety and maintenance procedures for gas-handling equipment, including gas cabinets, pressure regulators, manifolds, flash arrestors, annunciators, and many other components. It provides guides for sizing of distribution lines and for determining compatibility of typical gases with common materials of construction. A manifold specification worksheet, diagrams of standard cylinder valve outlets and connectors, and tables detailing characteristics and physical properties of gases are included. The handbook is available as a downloadable pdf document with internal links, or as a print document.

Appeared In Issue: August 2006

Vanton Pump & Equipment Corp.

www.vanton.com

Technical Bulletin TL-173
A customized spent-chemical pH-neutralization system for handling corrosive waste streams at a petrochemical plant in China is described in Technical Bulletin TL-173. The brochure explains the reasons for specifying thermoplastics for the treatment tank (polypropylene), pumps (polypropylene), and pipes and fittings (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, CPVC) in this packaged system, rather than the stainless steels and exotic alloys originally considered. These reasons included initial and installation costs, product availability, and maintenance related to the pH variations involved with the highly acidic and alkaline waste streams, sudden temperature changes, and anticipated harsh outdoor conditions.

Appeared In Issue: August 2006

Invensys Process Systems

www.invensys.com/ps

InFusion enterprise control system (ECS)
A 16-page brochure describes the InFusion enterprise control system (ECS), said to be the world’s first industrial system thatprovides a true enterprise view. InFusion combines capabilities from across Invensys with advanced enterprise information and integration technologies from Microsoft and SAP to reduce integration costs.

Appeared In Issue: September 2006

Mikron Infrared, Inc.

www.mikroninfrared.com

M7500 infrared camera
The M7500 is a fixed-installation infrared camera with 320 ¥ 240 resolution. Producing superior images and temperature measurement (±2°C) for many long-wave applications, the camera handles mid-wave, too. Spectral tuning enables the M7500 to be configured for its specific application, including that where high-temperature capability (200°C–2,000°C) is desired. The M7504 version of the camera offers flame-filtering capability for furnace/kiln monitoring. Both models have advanced, maintenance-free electronics and industrial-grade protective packaging. Data are transferred from the camera to software, in real-time, through a 100 Base T Ethernet connection.

Appeared In Issue: September 2006

Optek-Danulat, Inc.

www.optek.com
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Optek Model AF26 dual-channel absorption sensor
The Optek Model AF26 is a dual-channel absorption sensor designed to automate manual processes and offer increased control of inline applications. It precisely measures color and concentrations, and can be used in a variety of industrial processes.The AF26 sensor uses light at wavelengths of 380 to 1,100-nm and is available in a wide variety of line sizes, process connections and wetted materials. Construction is Type 316 stainless steel,to accommodate applications ranging from clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) to extremely high-pressures (up to 325 bars), high-process temperatures (up to 464°F), and can meet all hazardous area classifications. The optical windows are made of single-crystal sapphire and provide superior resistance to all abrasive and corrosive media.

Appeared In Issue: September 2006

Airmar Technology Corp.

www.airmar.com

Model LB100 Ultrasonic WeatherStation
The Model LB100 Ultrasonic WeatherStation meets the growing need for real-time, site-specific weather information. An all-in-one weather sensor calculates apparent wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air temperature, relative humidity, dewpoint and wind-chill temperature. An internal compass and global positioning system are optional features; when both are included, true wind speed and direction can be calculated, which enables more accurate estimates of fugitive emissions flowrates. This enables the facility to employ the most-effective control technology. Also, the WeatherStation has no moving parts to wear out or break down.

Appeared In Issue: September 2006

Analytical Technology

www.analyticaltechnology.com

A15/81 system
The conventional method for measuring sulfide concentrations in water is to use analyzers that employ selective ion electrodes (SIE) for sensing. While providing adequate sensitivity, poor-quality samples make fouling of the analytical system a major concern. The A15/81 system overcomes this problem by employing a polagraphic H2S gas sensor that never comes into contact with the sample; only the gas stream containing the stripped H2S reaches the sensor. The device provides extremely high measurement sensitivity down to low parts-per-billion levels.

Appeared In Issue: October 2006

Flowserve Flow Control, Limitorque Actuation Systems

www.limitorque.com

ValveAnalysis
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

Honeywell

www.honeywell.com

Business FLEX200
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

IntelliLogger
The IntelliLogger is a portable data-logging system with network-enabled data collection and retrieval for remote monitoring. HyperWare-II drop-and-drag programming enables the system to quickly creates program by connecting a series of program and process icons. With built-in Ethernet and web-serving capabilities, the new insrument allows the monitoring of equipment and the presentation of logger-acquired information via a web browser. IntelliLogger allows the automated dissemination of data through features such as web-presented data and control, data FTP actions, email of alarms and data, and web pages.

Appeared In Issue: October 2006

Logic Beach

www.logicbeach.com

Meriam Process Technologies

www.meriam.com

DPC Manager
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

National Institute of Standards and Technology

www.nist.gov

ionic solvents data
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

Parijat

www.parijat.com

HMI/SCADA system
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

Sulzer Chemtech

www.sulzerchemtech.com

Sulcol 1.0
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

Viscotek

www.viscotek.com
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Automated Relative Viscometer (ARV) system
The Automated Relative Viscometer (ARV) system is configured for the determination of relative, intrinsic, inherent, specific and absolute viscosity, as well as molecular weight. It features a dual-capillary viscometer designed specifically to measure the viscosities of dilute polymer solutions, a vortex-integrated module that provides fully automated sample preparation and sample delivery.

Appeared In Issue: October 2006

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

www.yokogawa.com

ProSafe-RS controllers
With an eye on the capital-intensive oil, natural gas, and petrochemical markets, this instrument maker has added optical remote control to its ProSafe-RS controllers. This new feature enables closer integration with the company’s Centum CS3000 R3 production control system. Typically, an instrument panel room and safety controller are installed in each process to monitor and operate safety field devices, such as emergency shutdown valves. ProSafe-RS’s optical remote-control function allows the instrument panel rooms and safety controller to be installed in a single location, for remote monitoring and operation. Safety field devices can be operated from the CS3000 R3 terminals. It is also possible to connect the ProSafe-RS system via HART communications with Yokogawa’s Plant Resource Manager software, an asset management system that integrates and manages maintenance information from field instruments.

Appeared In Issue: October 2006

ProSafe-RS version R2.01.00
ProSafe-RS version R2.01.00 offers improved security and smoothly integrates with the manufacturer’s Centum VP production control system. This distributed control system helps to achieve stable and efficient plant operations, which is important for performing controlled emergency shutdowns. ProSafe-RS restricts communications by controlling access to folders and the registry, preventing unauthorized access to the system. It is rated as meeting Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL3) requirements. It is suitable for use in the oil, natural gas, petrochemical and other process industries that use systems for emergency plant shutdown, fire prevention and fighting, and burner management.

Appeared In Issue: June 2008

Iconics

www.iconics.com

Alarm Analytics Module
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

CARON Products & Services

http://www.caronproducts.com
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Reach-In CO2 incubator
The ergonomically designed Reach-In CO2 incubator provides the ideal environment for small-to-large-scale, high-volume cell culture. This 30-ft2 chamber provides precise control of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2, and offers the latest technology in sensors, including infrared (IR) CO2. Control and uniformity parameters are said to rival any conventional benchtop incubator, providing maximum culturing space in a minimal footprint. This system controls humidity by monitoring and injecting water, thereby eliminating the need for humidity pans and the potential for contamination and corrosion caused by standing water.

Appeared In Issue: November 2006

Brentek International Inc

www.brentek.com

PTM-300 Series Pulse Timing Modules
The PTM-300 Series Pulse Timing Modules solve timing issues by providing precise timing control of proximity and photo-sensor output pulses in process control, conveyor and machine applications. The PTM-300 input circuitry automatically detects and determines signal polarity from any standard “open-collector” type sensor output, such as NPN (sinking) and PNP (sourcing). The timing module then produces a timed output with the same polarity. PTM-300U models include an LCD display and user controls for selecting the desired timing function (fixed pulse length, pulse extended, motion detection, etc.). Pulse timing is from 10 msec to 60 sec with timing resolutions of 1mS (from 10mS to 999mS) and tenth seconds (from 1-60 Seconds). Standard models operate from 10 to 30Vdc and provide real-time bi-color LED indication of the input and output signals’ polarities.

Appeared In Issue: February 2007

Selco Products Co.

www.selcoproducts.com

A5000 Digital Panel Meter
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

Mine Safety Applicances Co.

www.MSAnet.com

ModCon 75 programmable logic controller
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

Process Control Corp.

www.process-control.com

EXT Series Touch-Screen Operator Station
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

Schenck AccuRate

www.accuratefeeders.com

OP1 system
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

Macro Sensors

www.macrosensors.com

DMC Dual Channel linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) controllers
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

AutomationDirect

www.automationdirect.com/processcontrollers

SOLO temperature controller
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

Freeman Technology

www.freemantech.co.uk

Aeration Control Module
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

Bematek Systems, Inc.

www.bematek.com

Colloid Mill Lab System
The wet-process, Colloid Mill Lab System allows full control of residence time in the mill to achieve the desired viscosity control and uniform size of both emulsions and dispersions. It features a positive-displacement feed pump to produce a pressure drop across the rotor-stator gap, which yields smaller particle sizes with higher throughputs and greater uniformity. This laboratory system can produce uniform particle size reduction down to 1 µm with throughputs up to 300 gal/min and can be scaled up to full inline production with accuracies to 95%. The flowrate and the shear rate (which is defined by the rotor-stator gap and speed of the mill) provide full control over the desired temperature and product characteristics. Two variable-frequency drive controllers are included.

Appeared In Issue: April 2008

Gems Sensors & Controls

www.gemssensors.com

3100/3200 Series of pressure transducers
The 3100/3200 Series of pressure transducers offers an all-stainless-steel design that is less than 1-in. in diameter and weighs 32 g. Capable of withstanding high levels of shock, vibration and electromagnetic discharges, the transducers have pressure-sensing ranges from 0 to 30,000 psi. They have unique temperature-compensation technology that delivers outstanding temperature stability. They provide full-scale accuracy of 0.25%, and long-term drift limited to 0.1% of full-scale per year.

Appeared In Issue: April 2008

FilterSense

www.filtersense.com

B-PAC modular instrumentation and control system
The B-PAC modular instrumentation and control system (MICS) is a baghouse diagnostic controller that combines intelligent filter-cleaning Intelli-PULSE technology with pressure control, particulate monitoring and auxiliary sensing in a single easy-to-use system. It can operate as a stand-alone controller or networked with existing programmable logic controllers and distributed control systems. Its MICS platform provides configuration options for all types of baghouses and cartridge filters, ranging from low-cost basic devices to full process-optimization systems. Benefits include reduced maintenance costs, lower compressed air usage, energy savings, and maximum product recovery.

Appeared In Issue: April 2008

Tyco International, Ltd.

www.tyco.com

Westlock XR linear/rotary control monitor
The Westlock XR linear/rotary control monitor is a stand-alone field device that conveys critical information to process managers quickly and in a wide range of formats. Its patent-pending technology captures the variables required to develop a pressure-profiling baseline while the control monitor is operating. Designed to reduce nuisance alarms, the monitor’s logic provides more-meaningful alerts that enable users to respond to specific changes in process conditions. The monitor is calibrated, commissioned, signaled and maintained by an associated software package called XRa. Together, they provide performance comparison graphs in real time, either via a network, local RS232 port or wireless communication. This controller can provide emergency shutdown (ESD) monitoring and partial stroke testing (PST) capabilities that are time- and date-stamped. Its noncontact position sensor eliminates linkages, levers and rotary or linear seals while providing accurate and repeatable position control and feedback.

Appeared In Issue: April 2008

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

www.thermo.com

Nicolet iS 10 FT-IR spectrometer
The Nicolet iS 10 FT-IR spectrometer carries out an efficient analysis of both raw materials and finished goods. Integrated with OMNIC Specta software, the system allows users to identify individual components in a mixture from a single spectrum. Materials are identified rapidly and with complete confidence, which is backed by the device’s Spectral Performance Verification (SPV) feature, which regularly monitors the system’s accuracy and performance. This diagnostic can be performed overnight so that the system is ready for the next day. The spectrometer can be configured with the Nicolet iZ 10 module, which allows the simultaneous installation of two accessories, such as an integrating sphere or transmission compartment.

Appeared In Issue: April 2008

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms

www.gefanuc.com

Proficy Plant Applications Version 4.4 upgrade
The Proficy Plant Applications Version 4.4 upgrade includes several new features that are designed to help streamline a company’s problem-solving capabilities. The software’s model configuration tools expand its event detection and modeling subsystem. Its ability to correctly distribute information has been enhanced with improved run-time displays and reporting functions. This release supports VMware virtualization, Citrix remote desktop architectures, and Microsoft Server Clustering.

Appeared In Issue: June 2008

Newson Gale Inc.

www.newson-gale.com

Earth-Rite TELLUS static-grounding system
The Earth-Rite TELLUS static-grounding system monitors chemical processing operations that involve the handling, transporting or mixing of flammable and explosive products, including both powders and liquids. It is based on an intrinsically safe power supply unit controller, which is powered by 110 or 240 VAC and mounted in a safe location up to 350 ft away from the hazardous area. Within the hazardous area, an LED indicator remains bright green as long as the resistance of the connection to a designated ground exists and remains below 5 ohms, assuring the operator that there is no build-up of dangerous static electricity. An optional interlock mode will sound an alarm or initiate automatic shut-down procedures should the ground connection be lost.

Appeared In Issue: June 2008