Software
Detection Algorithm Improves Data Analysis
LabSolutions Insight software for liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography analysis uses i-PeakFinder, an advanced peak-detection algorithm with high-precision automated peak integration. The software is intuitive and has an interface that allows review-by-exception to improve speed and efficiency of multi-analyte data analysis. It can be combined with application-specific method packages and databases for easy analysis of clinical toxicological compounds, pesticides, forensic toxicological substances, and environmental pollutants. The system supports bidirectional communication using the HL7 protocol. Technicians can flag data based on established criteria, further simplifying the data review process for a more productive and efficient workflow. Multiple monitors can display data in a variety of formats, in accordance with the user’s preference.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Control Platform Is Compatible with IIoT Software
The PAC Project Software Suite R10 adds eight new control commands that help to improve the functionality of the groov EPIC industrial controller. Users can assign public-access read-only or read-write permission to individual input/output (I/O) and variable tags used in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) data communications via MQTT/Sparkplug functions. The human-machine interface (HMI) programming uses the same tag name database as the real-time control engine. The groov EPIC’s control logic and I/O can be programmed with PAC Control, and PAC Display can be used to develop a Microsoft Windows-based HMI that would run on a separate PC. The groov EPIC’s I/O modules have LEDs that change color to indicate the health of the module and reveal data quality. The software suite incorporates real-time data, HMI, and data handling functions in the same system.
Opto 22
Automated Testing Software Improves Production Management
The Savigent Software Suite Version 7.0 introduces the evaluator framework as a way to exercise and test workflows and related systems. This framework allows users to easily create unit, system, integration, and regression tests for their workflow applications. The evaluators automate testing processes and can be used alongside a staging server to provide complete functional and system tests. They also enable simulated overrides to test boundary conditions or corroborate real data. Multiple evaluators can be grouped into a single plan so that testing can be automated and run regularly. Output (i.e., pass/fail status) is expressed in an easy-to-review chart. Version 7.0 also provides updates to the suite’s context-aware process data historian. The software supports both simple and complex development environments and can be set up for multiple users. Open connectivity to a wide variety of manufacturing assets enables better management of operations, so plants can operate more efficiently, effectively, and economically.
Savigent
Platform Speeds Automation System Design
This release of the Studio 5000 software suite has a new user interface that provides a common, modern look across all of its applications and helps engineers to improve productivity in the design and development stages of an automation project. Updates to several programming languages and the structured text editor make the Studio 5000 Logix Designer application easy for programmers with different levels of expertise to use. The tag-based alarm functionality enables engineers to add alarms to structures and manage them in a single environment. The View Designer application logs data and identifies trends for easier troubleshooting. The Architect application adopts an open data-exchange interface. The software system complies with IEC 61800-5-2 standards.
Rockwell Automation
Plant Operations and Maintenance
Conveyer Belt Cleaner Self-Adjusts
The Model LP is a heavy-duty single-blade belt cleaner designed to maximize cleaning effectiveness. This belt cleaner automatically self-adjusts after the initial installation. It is spring-loaded with rubber wipers that can remove a variety of materials ranging from construction materials such as rock, sand, or gravel to process materials such as beet pulp or wet wastewater treatment plant sludge. The Model LP is made of 80-durometer rubber, which provides long wiper blade life; 90-durometer urethane wiper blades are also available as an option. The wiper blade is easily changed when required. The mounting flange can be adapted to fit most conveyor rails, and a compact version fits in small spaces.
Conveyor Components Co
Process Control
Push-Button Switch Is Rated for Use Near Explosives
The EPS-1XPBMS-1XPB10 explosionproof double push-button switch includes a momentary switch that allows operators to temporarily activate machines or other devices. Because the momentary switch is active only when actuated, the unit is safe to use in environments containing explosives. This double push-button switch is sturdy and its durable construction withstands the wear and tear of harsh industrial environments. It is enclosed in a separate sealing chamber that has smooth double flanges mated with the chamber cover, and is mounted via stainless steel hex-head screws, making the joints flame-tight. The side rocker-arm push-button has lockout holes and includes an internal grounding screw. The housing is made of malleable iron and the face plate is made of cast copper-free aluminum alloy. It is rated at 10 Amps and operates on 600VAC at 60 Hz. The switch is certified for Class I, Div. 1 and 2, and Class II, Div. 1 and 2 hazardous locations such as chemical plants and oil refineries.
Larson Electronics
Multichannel Controller Can Be Monitored Remotely
The LQ800 multichannel controller operates with up to eight digital flow and level process sensors. It can detect pH, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, resistivity, dissolved oxygen, selective ion, turbidity, flow, level, and other parameters in varying configurations, and it can communicate with the company’s other sensors to provide more insight about a system. Built-in analytical calculations and data logging aid in automatic measurement conversions. The controller has a color touchscreen display measuring 4.6 in. wide by 3.5 in. tall, and its interface can be web-enabled for remote monitoring and activation from smartphones, tablets, computers, and personal handheld devices. Available as a 24-VDC- or 100/240-VAC-powered unit, the controller has 4–20-mA outputs, configurable relays, and Ethernet communication. Multiple controllers can be linked throughout a large plant. Designed for harsh environments, the rugged controller has a NEMA 4X/IP65 rating. It is suitable for use at temperatures of 15–130°F (–10 to 55°C).
ECD
Reliable Flowmeter Minimizes Leakage
Rosemount 8800 Series vortex flowmeters eliminate potential leak points to maximize process operating time and minimize unscheduled shutdowns. The flowmeters feature isolated sensors that eliminate the need to break process seals for flow and temperature sensor replacement. Because they have an all-welded, nonclogging design with no ports, gaskets, or seals, they require less maintenance. Wetted material options include stainless steels, nickel alloys, and carbon steel. Each flowmeter is available in wafer, flanged, dual, reducer, and high-pressure designs with optional multivariable output. Accuracy is within 0.65% volumetric flowrate for liquids and within 1% volumetric flowrate for gases. Internal temperature compensation enables cost-effective saturated steam and liquid mass flow measurement. Adaptive digital signal processing (ADSP) provides vibration immunity and flow range optimization. Simplified troubleshooting is available through device diagnostics and meter verification.
Emerson
Conveyor Control Unit Expands Functionality
Microcomputer-based electrical and software controls in the ECU-10 enable users to increase the number of functions they control in their conveying systems. In addition to basic conveying functionality, the unit can control the emptying of pipes and enable slow-speed conveying of fragile materials, and it allows additional level detectors to be used at feed and discharge points. More-advanced filter maintenance can be introduced, allowing multiple filter cleaning cycles to ensure filters remain clean and unrestricted at all times. The device has a user-friendly touchscreen where operators choose settings for functions such as emptying times, suction times, fluidization, and more. The unit can be connected to an overarching programmable logic controller (PLC) system that is controlling the entire manufacturing process in a facility.
Piab
Instrumentation
Durable Flowmeters Operate at High Temperatures
The ST50 mass flowmeter series provides precision measurements to increase the efficiency of processes that use industrial air blowers and dryers, such as the production of bulk catalysts, flavors, fillers, granules, particles, polymers, and powders. They provide a totalized flow measurement for dryer zone control based on thermal dispersion mass-flow sensing technology. Built-in temperature compensation ensures reliable measurement with almost no pressure drop and eliminates the need for external temperature sensors or flow computers. The flowmeters can measure air, compressed air, or nitrogen at rates of 0.75–400 ft/sec (0.23–122 m/sec) in line sizes of 2–24 in. (51–610 mm). They operate at temperatures of 0–250°F (–18 to 121°C). Process connections are available in either 1/2-in. MNPT or 3/4-in. MNPT in either stainless steel or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The meters are available with three field-adjustable U-length probes: 1–6 in. (25–152 mm), 1–12 in. (25–305 mm), and 1–18 in. (25–457 mm) for 2–24-in.-pipe sizes (51 to 610 mm). Instrument powering options include both 18–36 VDC and 85–265 VAC. All configurations are easily set up in the field with any standard laptop. The flowmeter’s electronics are housed in an all-aluminum, epoxy-coated enclosure that is NEMA 4X (IP66) rated. The rugged stainless steel sensing element with Hastelloy-C tips is designed for endurance in heavy-duty plant, outdoor, and field installation conditions.
FCI
Wireless Hubs Provide Long-Range Connectivity
The Anybus wireless local area network (WLAN) access points are industrial-grade infrastructure hubs for collecting data wirelessly from virtually any machinery or system. They are configured via a web-based interface and secure connections, and have a range of up to 400 m and a link speed of up to 300 Mbit/sec. Two models are available — one for IP30 applications, and one with an IP67 rating for use outdoors and in applications that require water resistance. The IP67 version supports power over Ethernet.
HMS
Data Logger Sports an Easy-Access Interface
The TCW210-TH temperature and humidity logger for remote environmental monitoring incorporates an Ethernet interface so that real-time data and charts can be monitored on a standard web browser without any additional software. All of the monitored parameters are recorded on internal flash memory. Each logger can be configured with up to eight sensors connected via either a 1-Wire interface or the more robust MODBUS remote terminal unit (RTU). The loggers utilize the ThingSpeak server, which allows four different parameters or sets of data to be processed simultaneously. They have an intuitive and easy setup process and can be used for environmental monitoring, industrial process data logging, and temperature and humidity monitoring in food and beverage storage applications.
Teracom
Miniature Laser Ensures Accurate and Precise Detection
A stainless steel body in either a rugged washdown or hygienic design allows the O300 miniature laser sensor to be used in food and pharmaceutical packaging plants. The hygienic design has no dead space and is easy to clean, and the washdown design is fully sealed for protection against high temperatures and pressures. The sensor is a Class 1 laser device safe for use under all normal operating conditions. The ability to focus to within 0.1 mm allows it to detect objects and gaps that are close together. It can detect reflective objects as small as 0.5 mm at a distance of up to 250 mm. A short response time of 0.1 msec allows for high throughput rates and fast processing. The exact alignment of the laser beam to the mounting holes guarantees detection with pinpoint accuracy. A user-friendly, tamper-resistant commissioning process ensures maximum reliability. Models that are EHEDG-certified, FDA-compliant, Ecolab-tested, and/or meet 3-A sanitary standards are available. An IO-Link interface makes the sensors appropriate for Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications.
Baumer
Laboratory Equipment
In-Tube Mixing Expands a Spectrometer’s Data Acquisition Range
This nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy tube with in-tube mixing allows researchers to run reactions for kinetic studies and reaction endpoint determinations without the need for costly instrumentation or equipment. The two-chamber borosilicate glass tube has an inner chamber with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tip that creates a positive seal when secured to the outer chamber, which separates solutions until the user is ready for them to be mixed. The tube allows a benchtop NMR spectrometer capturing kinetic data points to produce distinct spectra before and after a reaction. The setup is available for 7-in.- and 8-in.-long tubes, and the reaction monitoring system comes with an extra black phenolic cap for storage of solutions post-mixing.
SP Scienceware
Ion Chromatograph System Boasts Flexibility
The Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC System is a flexible instrument for ion chromatography (IC) that can accommodate a variety of column chemistries and detectors and be coupled with mass spectrometry. It can perform two different analyses concurrently with its dual-channel configuration, enabling users to develop, explore, and run different methods simultaneously. Proactive instrument performance monitoring minimizes downtime, and a consumables monitor tracks IC consumables automatically. IC columns containing micron-sized particles provide better resolution and reduce run times. The unit can monitor sample runs via a tablet interface available in 11 different languages, automate eluent preparation, and perform non-stop sample analysis.
Thermo Fisher
Plate Design Eliminates Cross-Contamination
Kinesis TELOS MicroPlates are optimized for the extraction and processing of small-volume biological fluids. The microplates’ modular 96-well design allows for flexibility in the number of samples handled. Fully or partially populated plates can be processed via vacuum or positive-pressure manifolds. In addition, the well outlet design ensures optimal collection plate penetration, eliminating the possibility of well-to-well cross-contamination. The plates can be incorporated into liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems, since their individual wells allow maximum interaction between the analyte and sorbent to minimize elution volumes. This is particularly important for sample volumes of 100 µL or less, to ensure minimal evaporation prior to analysis by LC-MS. The plates are available with 5-mg and 10-mg sorbent masses; the 5-mg plate allows elution volumes of 50 µL.
Cole Parmer
Pipetting Robot Achieves Error-Free Processing
The ASSIST PLUS hands-free multichannel pipetting robot employs the same electronic multichannel manual pipettes that users have already purchased from the company and are accustomed to. The system is compact and provides reproducible and error-free processing while eliminating repetitive manual pipetting tasks. It requires no dedicated personnel or complex programming and eliminates human error and interoperator variability. Variable tip spacing makes the robot suitable for tube-to-plate transfers and plate reformatting. It is compatible with volumes spanning from tube racks to high-capacity reservoirs and fits seamlessly into a variety of lab workflows. Operations can be programmed directly on the pipette or remotely using VIALAB or VIALINK software. The robot uses air displacement technology and operates between 5 and 40°C at up to 85% humidity. It measures 75 cm by 38 cm by 51 cm and weighs 25 kg, and it requires 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz power to operate.
Integra
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