Articles and News

Automation.com, February 2012 By Mark Howard, Zettlex The term ‘tandem encoder’ refers to an encoder with at least two measurement axes but only one power input and one data output. A Tandem approach effectively spreads the cost of a single set of electronics across two (or more) encoders.

Automation.com, February 2012 By David Johnson, FBGS Fibre optic sensors for strain/vibration and temperature based on Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG) offer several crucial advantages to traditional electric sensor technologies. They are unaffected by electrical environments and they permit optical transmission of sensor signals over large distances.

Automation.com, February 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor These results of the Pharmaceutical Automation Roundtable (PAR) Emerging Technology Benchmarking Survey addressed major automation topics including DCS vs. PLC, Fieldbus Technology, Smart Devices, VFDs, PAT, APC, Wireless, Operator Interfaces, Computing Technology, Validation and Skills gaps.

The eLearning portal features 10 introductory courses on types, functions and general knowledge of factory automation equipment.

Bushell has 15 years of gas measurement and software development experience. He holds a BS in Computer Science from Texas A&M with a Minor in Business Administration.

Application note describes a viscosity test protocol that achieves viscosity measurement using only 20µl (microliter) of sample fluid.

Exida certified the Eclipse Model 705 Guided Wave Radar Transmitter as Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 capable per IEC 61508.

The 9-page Product Guide offers a comprehensive summary of all USB and Ethernet (LXI) data acquisition hardware and software solutions offered by the company.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Roy Freeland, Perpetuum Energy Harvesters are now readily available to power most low power wireless installations.

Video demonstrates how a Flow Switch can be configured to detect the interface of air, oil and water in oil/gas production operations, refining plants and storage facilities.

Vega level sensors are being used in the decommissioning of the Dounreay nuclear plant in north Scotland.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Gianni Minetti, Paradox Engineering Chemical plants struggle with growing complexity and are often instrumented for process control. Wireless sensors might not always be a viable option, while wireless transmission seems to be the best choice. So how to conjugate these two elements?

Started in 1982 by Jerry Winfield, WinSystems manufactures industry-standard PC/104, EPIC, EBX, SUMIT-ISM and STD Bus computer boards, I/O modules, and enclosures.

Carbide cutting tool specialist Ceratizit relies on a measurement system that uses Micro-Epsilon’s optoCONTROL 2500 sensor during production control of the cutting discs.

Website makes it easier for developers and OEMs to find, order and purchase sensing and control components for industrial applications.

Automation.com, January 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor Here are my thoughts on major automation and control trends in 2012. These opinions are based on a wide range of inputs from users, suppliers and industry consultants, and from attending numerous industry forums, conferences and trade shows every year.

Lindeman will work with ISA leaders to continue moving the Society toward meeting its strategic goals.

Pajonas, formerly senior vice president and president of the Flow Control Division, assumes the role of COO responsible for both the Flow Control Division and the Flow Solutions Group.

International Innovative Technologies is using in-line particle size distribution analysis systems in its low energy milling equipment.

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