Automation.com Daily News

Meriam enhances M200 Smart Manometer

Enhancements include the addition of two differential pressure ranges, four gauge pressure ranges, and two absolute pressure ranges.

GE Intelligent Platforms updates PACMotion motion controller software

PACMotion 1.5 can now control up to 40 axes of synchronized motion at extremely fast loop rates, independent of the number of motion axes.

ABB gearless mill drive system to power SAG mill

Newmont Mining Corporation selects ABB to design three gearless mill drive systems for their new high-altitude copper gold project in Peru.

Alternative Vision announces Condor 1000 MS5 multi-spectral camera

Condor 1000 MS5 combines five sensors for imaging applications that require image capture of both the visible and near-infrared bands.

austriamicrosystems announces AS3940 multi-channel FSK transceiver

2.4 GHz transceiver has a built-in star network management protocol manager that is royalty-free and provides an easy to use protocol for self-management of all network functions. Price: $3.00

Flow-Cal to Provide Flow Software to DCP Midstream

Flow-Cal Enterprise software will replace DCP’s legacy measurement system as well as combine gas and liquid measurements in a single system.

Industrial Controls publishes controls catalog

The 1,200 page full color catalog covers HVAC Controls, Actuators, Pressure Gauges, Humidity Sensors, Temperature Assemblies, Analytical Instruments, Combustion Controls, and Automation Systems.

Meggitt announces model EM42AA pistonphone

EM42AA can be used as either a laboratory standard sound source, or as field calibrator for end-to-end system checks of complete acoustic measurement systems.

MSI IPC upgrades WindBOX III embedded computer

WindBOX III now has an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and the Intel GS45 + ICH9M chipset.

PBC Linear Announces Low-Profile Uni-Guide

LP Uni-Guide has hand-brakes for quick manual adjustment and positioning, extended carriages for enhanced load dispersion, and standard tap holes for mounting ease.

Thermo Fisher introduces Nicolet iS5 FT-IR Spectrometer

Spectrometer is for users seeking affordable and compact FT-IR spectroscopy to assist in their product assurance testing, basic troubleshooting and chemistry teaching.

Siemens joins Algae@Work Alliance Network

The Alliance Network develops and commercializes a bio-secure, scalable, climate adaptive and cost effective system to recycle industrial CO2 emissions.

Saelig introduces SGD 24-M 2.4" TFT color display

Display has built-in touch screen, dual analog inputs, alarm outputs and SPI and I²C bus capabilities, ready-made for creating a wide range of display instruments. Price: $95.

GE to develop water software for EPA

GE will develop a software-based platform based on Proficy software and PACSystems controllers that improves decision making capabilities across a water system.

As One to supply Catalyst software to HallStar

Catalyst xM and Catalyst PDC will provide specialty chemical producer HallStar with the ability to fully automate batch execution and electronic batch record management.

ABB to maintain pellet plant in Oman

ABB to provide project planning, commissioning and long term maintenance management at Vale’s iron ore and pellet plant and distribution center in Oman

Acromag releases two CAN bus modules

IP560 and IOS-560 CAN bus modules interface network network sensors and actuators to embedded monitoring and control systems.

Adeneo announces Windows Embedded Compact 7 BSPs for NXP MCUs

Board Support Package (BSP) for the NXP LPC3250 MCU run on Microsoft Windows Embedded Compact 7.

Avalue adds Intel Atom to Industrial Panel PCs

Models LPC-1005, 1205 and 1505 have the two-chip solution.

HSI Sensing enhances 11000 Series steel sensors

Proximity sensors are now more robust, less expensive, and all in one piece.

Lion Precision to develop valve sensor for NASA

Lion Precision will develop a smart sensor and the associated communication protocols to monitor valve position and wear.

Microchip announces PIC18F47J53 8-bit microcontroller

MCU provides up to 128 KB Flash program memory and 4 KB RAM, offering plenty of code space for the USB stack and application code. Pricing starts at $2.31 each.

PAS Publishes 2nd Edition of Alarm Management Handbook

PAS updated the book to incorporate ideas presented in the ANSI/ISA-18.2-2009 standard, including a summary of the standard’s scope, regulatory impact, requirements and other details. Price: $89.95

Stealth Computer releases KYBX-400 industrial grade keyboard

Keyboard with built-in optical trackball is environmentally sealed to NEMA 4, 4X, IP65 specifications. Price: $695.00

Theta and eLynx combine SCADA software

eLynx Technologies will integrate Theta’s XSPOC rod pump optimization and SCADA software with SCADALynx web-based SCADA application.

TM Robotics publishes free guide to robot payback

Called ‘The Formula for Automated Payback,’ the guide contains all the details needed to create a simple procedure that demonstrates payback on an installation.

Cognex announces DataMan 8000 Handheld ID Reader

DataMan 8000 Series supports both RS-232/USB and Industrial Ethernet communication.

Control See announces OPC Scheduler

OPC Scheduler lets users schedule events and tasks and make their maintenance activities easier than before.

DSPRobotics offers free FlowStone programming software

A free copy of FlowStone Graphical Programming Language for real-time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) can be downloaded online.

e-con announces e-WiB wireless module

e-WiB Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module works through SDIO interface and is bundled with Alioth Development platform.

Microchip sells 1 Millionth Development Tool

Microchip Technology announced that it sold its one millionth development tool during the 14th annual Worldwide MASTERs Conference,

Only 37% of manufacturing plans to increase hiring

Only 37 percent of manufacturing business leaders report that their companies will increase hiring in the next six months.

SAS Automation Introduces QSA 150T robot Tool Changer

Semi-Automatic Tool Changer provides accurate, repeatable mounting of robotic end-of-arm tooling.

Stellar introduces FT31XX CIP Pressure Transducer

FT31XX pressure transmitters incorporate a one-piece, non-welded diaphragm for process applications such as homogenizers, heat exchangers, filters, pasteurizers, etc.

TURCK enhances BIM-UNR Cylinder Position Sensors

Enhancements include NPN outputs and a combination mounting screw that grants users the flexibility of choosing an Allen wrench or a flat-bladed screwdriver for sensor installation.

AutomationDirect extends NITRA Pneumatics line

Additional products include AF Series particulate and moisture separation air filters and AR Series pneumatic air pressure regulators.

AutomationDirect Adds Air Conditioners

NEMA-rated Stratus air conditioners for enclosures are recommended for harsh environments, or when there are washdown requirements, heavy dust and debris, or airborne chemicals present.

ARC sees Long-Term Control Valve Growth

The current year, 2010, looks to be even more grueling for control valve suppliers as they continue to face soft global demand, this time without the support of a healthy backlog.

Magnetic Analysis expands to new plant

Magnetic Analysis is relocating to a larger plant at 103 Fairview Park Drive in Elmsford, New York. The move is scheduled for early fall of 2010.

Motoman announces MS80MS120 welding robot

The slim-profile MS80MS120 robot can be placed in close proximity to workpieces and other robots to create flexible, high-density layouts.

Techno Offers free LabVIEW Drivers

Drivers allow direct control through LabVIEW of the Techno motion controller for pick and place, dispensing, assembly, testing, drilling, routing, welding, inspection and general automation.

Visibility adds Warehouse Management to VisMoble software

VisMobile WMS is a real-time web application that enables shop floor inventory transactions to be run on any handheld device that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1.

Yokogawa Enhances Model EJX910A Pressure Transmitter

Enhancements include additional volumetric flow units and improved flow and test functions.

Yokogawa upgrades Real-time Production Organizer

RPO version R1.02 includes Workflow Composer VP, a newly released package that supports the use of Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN)

Kepware adds WITS support to DNP3 drivers

WITS drivers provide added security through authentication and additional data sets specific to the water industry.

National Instruments offers Educational Device for Engineering Students

NI myDAQ portable instrumentation device makes it possible for students to experience engineering outside of the lab, in their dorm room or anywhere they choose, at any time.

ASI introduces power supplies for DC motors

The 72-85 voltage output power supplies are designed for use with DC brushless motors.

Phoenix Contact introduces UM-PRO PCB housing

Made of halogen-free plastic, UM-PRO can be used in applications up to 100 degrees Celsius, well above the 60 degrees Celsius required by UL.

Beckhoff Introduces TwinCAT Solar Position software

Sun-tracking software calculates sun angles anywhere in the world at any time, without the use of sensors.

HMS adds Rockwell DF1 protocol support to Anybus gateway

Anybus Communicator gateways now support the Rockwell Automation DF1 protocol to fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet networks.

National Instruments Introduces PXIe-4844 optical sensor interrogator

PXIe-4844 is a two-slot 3U PXI Express module for fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors.

ABB adds PLC to IRC5 robot controller

Adding the AC500 PLC to the IRC5 robot controller eliminates the cost of a separate PLC cabinet and reduces the time associated with set-up and operation of robotic production cells.

Electromate announces YouTube Channel for Motion Control

The channel is populated with 80 product videos, training webinars and much more.

Electro-Sensors enhances TT420-LT temperature sensors

TT420-LT FM-approved temperature sensors now include a built-in conduit adapter and grease-fitting (zerk) tap.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Data Acquisition part 2

By Bob Judd, United Electronic Industries
Part 2 introduces and explains some of the less common or "second tier" I/O DAQ hardware, as well as Communications I/O standards and clock, sync and timing standards.

HIMA Americas signs UniversalPegasus as integrator

UniversalPegasus will become a System Integrator of HIMA safety products in energy-related applications.

RKC Instrument announces PF900 ramp soak controller

PF900 ramp soak 1/4 DIN process controller stores up to 1024 segments--99 patterns with 10 segments of 10 segments of up to 99 patterns.

Westermo introduces Data Lynx+ industrial Ethernet switch

Data Lynx+ includes WeOS operating system that provides increased switching and routing functionality.

Emerson to upgrade automation at pentaerythritol plant

The existing distributed control system will be replaced at Perstorp's plant in Sweden The project will be Europe’s first installation of version 11 of DeltaV.

ABB to power oil project in Abu Dhabi

ABB will design and supply a host of power equipment, including air-insulated medium-voltage switchgear and power transformers.

As One enhances Catalyst xM software

Enhancements to Catalyst xM version 1.7 include improvements to the Model Designer, Action Plan Designer, Server Manager and Portal Interface components.

ISA Announces Wireless and Networking Track at ISA Automation Week

ISA announced its Wireless and Networking Track at ISA Automation Week 2010, 4-7 October 2010, at the Westin Galleria, Houston, Texas.

Semiconductor Circuits introduces CPT7A DC-DC Converter

This open frame module provides 40W of 5V power @55C and 200lfm of airflow for distributed power architecture applications or a regulated intermediate bus converter.

Ethernet POWERLINK appoints two to its supervisory board

The Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG) appointed Christian Schlegel and Laurent Schmitt to its supervisory board.

IXXAT enhances CAN network Tool set

Enhancments include CBT2plus and CANobserver software for analysis and monitoring of CAN networks during development, manufacturing and service.

Eaton announces big Mineral Processing Clutch

Airflex 76VC2000 dual clutch system transmits rotary torque from high-speed electric motors up to 14,750 horsepower.

Siemon enhances MAX RJ-45 Ethernet Patch Cords

MAX RJ-45 cords are now available with flame retardant thermoplastic elastomer (FR-TPE), polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable jackets.

Siemens announces winners of Smartest Building in America

Grand prize winners are the Duke Energy Center, Charlotte, N.C., and the Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Rockwell Automation enhances FactoryTalk Pharma Suite Software

Enhancements include electronic batch recording (EBR) capabilities to reduce the amount of time spent on batch review after completion of the batch.

ISA Announces ISA100.11a Product Certifications

The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute announced certifications of six ISA100.11a wireless devices.

AVEVA enhances NET Portal project management software

Enhancements in version 4.5 improve the accessibility of objects and documents used in complex engineering projects.

AVEVA opens asset management software center in Norway

The centre will work with oil and gas owner operators to design and deploy asset management software solutions.

Aviel Electronics releases HN RF Directional Coupler

The HN coaxial interface is a high-voltage version of the N interface and is used in specialized applications.

Baumer introduces SXG Dual GigE Cameras

SXG Dual GigE Cameras are capable of transferring data as fast as 240 MB/s at distances up to 100 meters.

B&B introduces Zlinx Xtreme Wireless I/O Modules

Outdoor-Rated Radio Modems and I/O Modules are available in 900 MHz for long-range and 2.4 GHz for short-range wireless communications for serial or sensor data in harsh and remote environments.

Bud Announces NBF Series Plastic Enclosures

NEMA-rated waterproof plastic enclosures are ideal for wet and harsh environments.

Dresser Masoneilan releases ValScope-Pro valve diagnostic tool

The ValScope-PRO helps customers identify problems by providing a scientific evaluation of valves in operation.

RMT Robotics to Supply a fleet of AGVs to Korea

RMT Robotics will supply a fleet of ADAM intelligent AGVs to Hanwha TechM in South Korea.

Talk2M Enables wireless control of Robot Welding Machines

Sims Engineering Ltd is now able to remotely monitor and control an industrial robot welding machine using secure Broadband and 3G connections.

TCS Completes CSIA Certification

Tata Consultancy Services successfully completed the control system group audit for the period 2010 – 2013.

CAS DataLoggers publishes catalog

Included are data loggers that can measure temperature, humidity, voltage, current among other parameters.

exida certifies Emerson DeltaV SIS for safety per IEC 61508

exida certified the Emerson DeltaV SIS process safety system as Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 capable per IEC 61508.

Malvern Spraytec helps optimize furniture coating

Acroma used the Spraytec laser diffraction particle size analyzer to help optimize the application of water-based furniture coatings.

Substation Management and Reliability Conference targets senior executives

Delegates will learn how to align substation operations with NERC regulations and will be provided with updates regarding environmental initiatives.

CAS Data Loggers enhances PaintView Software

PaintView 2.6 works with an oven temperature data logger to provide zones for optimal paint curing, to pinpoint the location of uneven temperatures and identify opportunities to reduce energy usage.

Microchip offers free DC/DC Converter Reference Designs

Complete documentation—including software, Gerber files, MATLAB models, Webinars and application notes—can be downloaded for free from Microchip’s Web site.

Racine appoints Tracy Lagona National Sales Director

Previous to joining Racine Federated, Tracy was National Accounts Manager for MSC Industrial Supply.

Servo2Go.com releases AZX extended environment servo drives

AZX series servo drives can control brushed, brushless or voice coil motors.

Emerson to supply nuclear control valves to China

The valves will be used in the first of two AP1000 pressurized water reactors at the Sanmen and Haiyang nuclear power plants in China.

Phoenix Contact releases WirelessHART gateway

RAD-WHG/WLAN-XD connects up to 250 WirelessHART field devices, converting HART data to Modbus TCP or HART UDP for easy integration into almost any host system.

ABB opens wind power factory in India

The factory will supply wind power generators, a crucial component in wind turbines, for the growing Indian and global markets.

Siemens offers green online tools

The site delivers useful content and applications aimed squarely at helping customers advance the sustainability of their buildings.

ASI announces Stainless Steel Cable Glands

Used with applications where water is present or used in a hose down procedure, the type 303 stainless steel cable glands are corrosion resistance.

Siemens upgrades Sinamics S120 CU320-2 drive control unit

The Sinamics S120 CU320-2 control unit now comprises up to six servo or vector axes per control unit.

ISA Announces Energy Track Sessions at ISA Automation Week 2010

The Energy Track will explore the Smart Grid, alternative energies, and plant retrofits; and bring to light those technologies and techniques which can make or break the profit line.

SICK announces WL27-3 Reflex Array photoelectric sensor

Applications include leading edge detection of irregularly shaped objects, such as products with tapered edges, bagged product, warped boards, and packaged products.

ZTEC Instruments signs rep in Rocky Mountains

Technical Marketing Specialists in Greenwood Village, CO, will handle New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.

CimQuest updates .NET libraries for Logix controller family

INGEAR NET.LOGIX software provides an alternative to OPC-based driver software for Visual Studio .NET developers.

ISA Announces Automation & Control Track at ISA Automation Week 2010

The Automation & Control Track offers in-depth sessions focused on everything from the basics of temperature, pressure, level, and flow to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and distributed control systems.

Rockwell Automation introduces PlantPAx Logix Batch software

The application is based on ISA-88 standards and provides controller-based recipe management and control capability.