Advertorials

Hydro International launches its new monitoring and telemetry logger to help engineers to monitor and collect even more data for water flow, level, quality and weather in remote locations or where there is no power supply.

The new Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 105 (FL105) is a major step forward in improving performance and usability from the previous Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 100 model (FL100). The FL105 uses a 4G modem that supports Long-Term Evolution technology (NB-IoT and CAT M1) and is based on the faster ARM processor. It also has 32 channels for sensor inputs, double that of the Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 100.

The new logger offers improved user interface, including protected Wi-Fi access, allowing engineers to configure the FL105 logger. Where available, the Wi-Fi can be used to transfer data to Timeview^® or to your own server via FTP.  Its new design keeps wiring and components isolated so that the battery or SIM card can be switched out safely.

Phil Collins, Sales Director, Europe at Hydro International comments, “Our new Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 105 is a major step forward for the industry in improving performance and usability for engineers when recording water flow, level, quality and weather on-site. The 4G modem and protected Wi-Fi access provides users with the functionality to stay connected and record vital data from remote sites or those with no power supply, which will provide invaluable efficiencies.”

Looking to upgrade?

Engineers can easily upgrade FL100 models at existing sites to the new Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 105 as it is compact enough to fit into the standard pole top enclosure. Get in touch to discuss upgrading your FL100 to a FL105.

Find out more about how the Hydro-Logic^® Flexi Logger 105 can help you better understand the water environment with more and better data.

For processes where accurate temperature control is essential and deviations could have costly implications, the new TCC self-checking temperature sensor from ifm electronic provides an invaluable added level of assurance. The sensor continually monitors its own performance and, if an internal failure occurs or excessive drift is detected in measurement accuracy, it gives a visual warning and sends an alert message to the plant control system so that immediate action can then be taken to minimise the impact of the problem.

The TCC temperature sensor maintains an accuracy of ± 0.2 K across its whole measuring range of -25 to +160 degrees C and offers exceptional measuring stability between calibrations. It also uses IO-Link technology to ensure that the measured results are delivered accurately to the control system, even with long connecting leads and in noisy electrical environments. These features, together with the self-checking functionality, make the new sensor an excellent choice for use in even the most demanding and critical applications.

The TCC sensor has a translucent end cap that is illuminated green in normal operation. The sensor continually checks its own performance against an internal reference, and if deviation outside a pre-set tolerance range (which can be adjusted from 0.5 to 3 K) is detected, the end cap illumination changes to red, giving the user an instant and highly visible warning of the malfunction. Simultaneously, an alert signal is issued via the IO-Link connection. The same actions occur if the sensor detects a serious internal malfunction.

TCC self-checking temperature sensors from ifm electronic have stainless steel bodies and an IP69K ingress protection rating. They can be used at pressures up to 160 bar, and are available in versions with installation depths from 30 to 550 mm.

https://www.ifm.com/gb/en/shared/product-news/2019/sps/calibration-check-technology-the-temperature-sensor-that-checks-itself

Contact:  Gemma Anderson, ifm electronic ltd, Efector House, Kingsway Business Park, Oldfield Road, Hampton, TW12 2HD, UK

Email: marketing.gb@ifm.com Tel: +44 208 213 2222 Web: www.ifm.com/uk

Sensor Technology has launched a new range of non-contact torque sensors based on a full four element strain gauge bridge design, complementing its existing non-contact sensors that use surface acoustic wave (SAW) detection.

Designated the TorqSense SGR510/520 series, the new units have a 250% overrange reading capacity, allowing sudden spikes in torque to be measured and recorded accurately. The design also compensates for any extraneous forces, such as bending moments, inadvertently applied to the sensor, improves sensitivity and has a wide temperature tolerance.

The bridge is essentially four strain gauges glued onto the shaft that is to be monitored in a square formation set at 45deg to the axis of rotation. Thus, when torque is applied to the shaft two gauges are stretched into tension and two go into compression.

A rotor mounted ultra-miniature microcontroller, powered by an inductive coil, measures the differential values in each strain gauge and transmits them back to the stator digitally, via the same coil. The SGR510/520 series transducers then use state of the art strain gauge signal conditioning techniques to provide a high bandwidth, low cost torque measuring solution with high overrange and overload capabilities.

“This design gives the TorqSense SGR510/520 several significant advantages over conventional torque sensors,” says Mark Ingham of Sensor Technology. “Firstly, it eliminates the sort of noise pickup and signal corruption associated with slip ring and other analogue methods of transferring torque data from rotor to stator.”

Mark explains that external noise pickup into the wiring is virtually eliminated due to the short distance between the strain gauge elements and the rotor’s measuring circuits. Further, multipoint calibration reduces any linearity errors within the sensor.

He goes on to say that the large functional overrange capability allows the peaks of a torque signal to be captured faithfully without any clipping when operating the sensor close to its full-scale rating. This, combined with a mechanical overload capability of over 400%, make the SGR510/520 series torque sensor a very robust torque measuring solution.

The measuring range of the SGR series is 1Nm to 500Nm (with models up to 13000Nm available shortly), accurate to +/-0.1% and  with a  resolution to +/-0.01% of the transducer’s full scale The digital transmission between rotor and stator  cuts out all cyclic fluctuation of the signal due to shaft rotation and generates a digital sample rate of 4000 samples per second.

Other features include an optional adjustable moving average filter, power supply range from 12VDC to 32VDC, user configurable analogue output voltages, a choice of RS232 communications, USB interface, CAN bus interface, external Ethernet gateway, and LabView virtual instruments.

“For ease of use there is a built-in test function,” says Mark, who summarises the new  TorqSense SGR510/520 with: “Most torque sensors require the use of slip rings to transfer torque readings from the rotating shaft to the static readout. These are noisy in use, slow and fiddly to set up and, as wearing parts, are not always reliable.

“Our TorqSense ranges operate without slip rings, using non-contact signal transfer instead, so these problems are designed out at a fundamental level. The new SGR510/520 series will be suitable for torque measuring, testing, feedback control of drive mechanisms and process control applications.

What are the main advantages of the new SGR sensors?

Greater immunity to bending effects, and a fully functional over-range reading capability up to 250% of the transducer’s rated torque.

Will you be maintaining the SAW product range?

Our SAW products already in the field have lifetime guarantees, which we will continue to support. The new SGR range is designed to meet almost all technical needs, so we expect its to become a popular first choice

Is accuracy an issue when measuring torque, which can vary by the second?

The best accuracy class for SAW sensors is +/-0.25%, but with full bridge strain gauge and microcontroller we can achieve accuracy of +/-0.1%. This meets the needs of most current industrial applications, and indeed for most test and research applications. The new SGRs will be even more accurate, making them suitable for the most demanding applications and enabling test engineers to take their findings to the next level, thus improving the state of the art

How do they compare on price?  

We will be marketing the new range at the same price as our existing products

What sectors do you expect to be keenest on the new products? 

R&D and Quality Assurance applications will benefit from the improved accuracy, so we will probably see them most excited. Some of the industrial data capture applications are also keen to improve accuracy. We expect that over the next few years most applications will come to expect greater accuracy

Focus on Temperature Sensors

This month, Quantum Design UK and Ireland are really focusing on what sets Lake Shore Cryotronics Temperature Sensors apart and why you would want to choose them over cheaper alternatives.

• The best for INDUSTRY
• Lake Shore’s Sensor Offering – a comprehensive guide
• OUR OPINION: The best temperature monitor line for industry

If you have any questions,  please contact our resident expert, Josh Hook (josh@qd-uki.co.uk), who would be delighted to run through your applications and requirements.

Lake Shore is able to measure the lowest temperatures available for a PRT – down to 14K

PT-100 platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) are an excellent choice for use as cryogenic temperature sensing and control elements in the range from 30 K to 873 K (-243 °C to 600 °C). Over this temperature span, PRTs offer high repeatability and nearly constant sensitivity (dR/dT).

Discover Lake Shore Platinum RTDs

Sensor Overview

Lake Shore offers an extensive range of cryogenic temperature sensors. The following sensor summaries compare the performance and features of these sensors. For the full summaries and Sensitivity/Resistance graphs, click and download the Temperature Sensor Selection Guide.

Download the Temperature Sensor selection guide

Cernox ®

Specifically designed by Lake Shore for the demanding requirements of cryogenic applications, Cernox thin film RTD sensors offer extremely consistent high-resolution measurements over a wide temperature range. Due to the materials used and the physical structure of the chip, Cernox sensors are inherently resistant to magnetic-field induced offsets and damage by ionising radiation. This makes Cernox the first choice for any traditional cryostat system.

Cernox Page

Silicon Diodes

Silicon diodes are an excellent general purpose sensor with a wide operating temperature range, from 1.4 K to 500 K. With their adherence to a standard curve, silicon diodes are interchangeable. This makes them less complicated to operate and maintain. Silicon diodes have excellent accuracy and resolution below 30 K, making them an outstanding choice below these temperatures. Above 30 K their sensitivity is reduced. Due to orientation dependent magnetic offsets and a high susceptibility to ionising radiation, silicon diodes are only suitable for purely cryogenic environments. A number of mounting options are available for the silicon diode package. This gives the user flexibility in attaching the sensor to the optimal measurement location of a given experiment or environment.

Silicon Diodes Page

Lake Shore can match sensors to read within 0.1K of each other at liquid nitrogen temperatures

GaAlAs

Gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) diode cryogenic temperature sensors lack the standard curve and interchangeability attributed to silicon diodes, however, they are particularly well suited for low to moderate magnetic field applications at low temperatures. Being a single junction direct band-gap device, GaAlAs sensors are effective in moderate magnetic fields up to 5 T. Though sensitivity is poor above 50 K, the GaAlAs sensing element exhibits high sensitivity (dV/dT) at low temperatures and a wide useful temperature range of 1.4 K to 500 K. Cernox or silicon diodes would be preferable in most setups. However, in magnetic field-enabled systems with maximum temperatures above 420 K, GaAlAs sensors may be the best choice

Gallium Aluminium

 Rox™

The Rox family are all ruthenium-oxide RTDs, but have quite different characteristics. In general, these are low-temperature sensors with useful maximum temperatures of 40 K or less. Most Rox™ sensors are consistent enough to be considered interchangeable, with two accuracy bands available with each sensor model. Rox sensors are not suited for environments with ionizing radiation and also experience measurement shifts when exposed to magnetic fields, though these shifts can be compensated for. Four different Rox sensors are offered, each of them with different attributes suited to varied but specific environments and applications. Of the Rox models available, the RX-102 A is the most popular due to their interchangeability, low price, and sensitivity at liquid helium temperatures

Rox Page

Platinum

Platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) are very popular due to their low price and are useful in higher temperature systems with operating ranges from liquid nitrogen temperatures (77.35 K) to many hundreds of degrees Celsius, the only sensor capable of reading higher being thermocouples. Lake Shore’s 100 Ω PRTs adhere to the ISO standard temperature curve but have also been characterised for viable operation down to 14 K, making them the lowest temperature PRTs available. Above 70 K, PRTs offer high repeatability and nearly constant sensitivity (dR/dT). Platinum resistors are also useful in magnetic field environments where errors approaching one degree can be tolerated. The physical material used in PRTs withstands ionising radiation. Users may trade accuracy for price with PRTs as they can be purchased fully calibrated, partially calibrated, or uncalibrated.

Platinum Page

Lake Shore can also offer non-magnetic packaging options

Namely, the PT-102 and PT-103 variants of the sensors

Did You Know?

Lake Shore uses controlled-purity platinum – sensors ensuring uniformity between devices from one device to another.

Learn more

Simplifying large-scale cryogenic temperature measurement

The 240 Series offers a convenient, modular input solution for precision monitoring of cryogenic temperature sensors in large-scale applications employing distributed PLC-based control.

Further Reading:

• More about the 240 Series
• Native fieldbus integration
• Built-in temperature conversion
• Simplifying sensor excitation 

Discover the Lake Shore 240 Series

Discover Cernox^® thin film resistance cryogenic temperature sensors 

Lake Shore Cryotronics are represented in the UK and Ireland by Quantum Design UK and Ireland.  Found out more and visit our website www.qd-uki.co.uk or email info@qd-uki.co.uk.

omlox is the world’s first open locating standard!

omlox paves the way to industry 4.0 and supply chain transparency by unifying all locating technologies in one open, interoperable standard. While supporting location technologies like GNSS, 5G/LTE, WIFI, RFID or BLE, omlox has a specific emphasis on ultra-wideband (UWB), as THE rising star in the field. omlox specifies an open ultra-wideband system, that ensures complete hardware interoperability, and which enables multi-purpose infrastructures, e.g., for multi-site asset tracking and AGV navigation. By means of lightweight APIs and flexible operation setups, omlox can be easily integrated into existing software and hardware scenarios. Retrofit and future proof – with omlox there is no conflict.

omlox architecture – a holistic approach for locating systems

The omlox standard is comprised of two main elements:

• omlox hub: A lightweight middleware that provides standardized interfaces to location data and location services – across technologies and vendors.
• omlox core zone: An open ultra-wideband system, that facilitates a plug-and-play, real-time tracking of hardware from multiple vendors.

Both elements of omlox already provide great value and flexibility while setting up a locating system or using location data for industrial use-cases individually. But the combination is even more powerful – especially in real-time use-cases on a shopfloor or in a warehouse.

Ultra-Wideband

ultra-wideband (UWB) is >THE< rising star of location technologies, being integrated into smartphones, laptops and cars these days. UWB is a radio technology that uses short impulses on a broad frequency band. This approach is very robust when it comes to reflections on metallic surfaces and allows for very fast and precise computation of location. But in an industrial setup UWB is even today a very fragmented landscape with small vendors that provide proprietary technologies.

This is about to change with omlox!

By specifying the wireless interface, how UWB-enabled devices like tags, tools or AGVs should communicate with an UWB infrastructure, an interoperable setup can be achieved. One omlox core zone can service multiple use-cases and can locate hardware from multiple vendors. This allows for a much lower total cost of ownership and a faster return on investment.

omlox hub

An omlox hub is specified as a lightweight locating middleware with very easy to use APIs. It allows for seamless access to location data and services – no matter which location technologies are been used.

Software vendors and integrators do not have to implement custom interfaces for different vendors anymore. Location-technology providers can benefit from a wide array of existing software.

An omlox hub is built on very powerful software concepts and functionalities:

Roughly twenty years after the introduction of industrial digital technology, film still exists, but the investment into digital gives better returns every day.  The initial cost of converting to digital is expensive, but recurring expenses are virtually gone and the price of film and film processing is increasing. Yes, the capital expenditure approval process can be challenging but the return on investment has been proven by even small volume film users. In addition to decreasing costs, switching to digital increases speed of technology, improves image quality and manipulation and saves time and labour.

When millions of pounds are spent each year on consumables such as; film, processing equipment, processing chemicals, water, and disposal fees. Reducing cost at X-ray is a key target area for cost reduction. Another large variable for cost reduction is associated with labour. A company moving into digital radiography is normally unsure of the labour savings based on finding the correct equipment to increase throughput and production needs. For example, in castings, a digital system with CNC motion is key for cost savings. A midsized casting of around 20” cubed went from 2 hours on film, exposed to reaching the film interpreter, to 20 minutes with digital. A different casting, 3 to 4 times larger, took about 6 hours from exposure to interpreter compared to 1 hour and 15 minutes on digital.

Digital technology allows for easy measurement, reporting, software analysis, and visualization not available in an analog system.  With the Digital Detector Array (flat panel detector) as the imaging medium, the drawbacks of film have now been eliminated. In the digital era, we now have significant choices, both in terms of X-ray tubes and detectors. You may choose a system with lower spatial resolution with the minimum magnification required to allow for maximum part coverage.  You also have a choice of higher resolution with less part coverage per image, or a system with multiple tubes or detectors for both.  When tubing welds were reviewed on film, they were the same size (1 to 1) if in contact with the film. This made review slow to interpret due to size and need for an optical magnifier. With digital radiography we use geometric magnification to enlarge the tube weld image, and increase spatial resolution to find small indications. This speeds the interpretation portion, making the correct accept or reject decision easier.

Another important consideration between film and digital is the archival requirement.  In many industries image data must be held for an extended period of time such as the life of an aircraft, service of a pressure vessel, etc. Some companies have warehouses full of exposed film costing tens to hundreds of thousands of pounds per year. Liability on such storage is high, as a strong storm or power loss could destroy years of records. Of course there is a cost associated with digital storage as well, but those costs are no longer comparable.  In addition, a piece of film cannot be sent via email in moments like a digital image can, but the value is much more. Viewing a ten year old image takes a few mouse clicks and fidelity is not a factor.

There are obvious advantages of switching from film to digital technology but ultimately, digital radiography still has some hurdles to overcome when we review the issue of indications in the 2D perspective. With a 2D image we’re only able to measure the lengths, widths, or diameters. We need a 3D perspective in order to truly and accurately know all aspects of the indication and its orientation within a product.  Computed Tomography (CT) technology allows you to focus on seeing the true indication and its location.  CT is simply a collection of 2D radiographs while rotating the part normally 360 degrees. Proprietary algorithms are then used to reconstruct the 2D projections into a 3D CT volume, which will allow you to view and slice the part at any angle.  3D CT virtually eliminates interpretation errors and opens the door to many capabilities; some not available with any other technology.

North Star Imaging’s facility in High Wycombe, UK houses NSI’s most versatile system, the X5000 series, capable of digital radiography and computed tomography with a scanning envelope of 0.8m x 1.2m.  The system has both 225kV and 450kV capabilities and hence can cover a very wide range of applications. The company offers advice and support to customers wanting to develop application specific solutions and supply inspection services.

Typical inspection service requests are for internal and external measurements, visualisation of internal defects such as voids and/or porosity, surface reconstructions for reverse-engineering and the ability to perform failure analysis in a non-destructive manner.

To see a demonstration of the capabilities of NSI’s Digital X-ray and Computed Tomography equipment, contact Guy Tolley at gtolley@4nsi.com or 07557 034195.

Email info@isotech.co.uk to request your free copy

Isothermal Technology Ltd (Isotech) are offering a limited number of free reference cards with essential reference data for those working in temperature calibration. The laminated cards include the Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometer Tables (IEC 60751 Ed2 2008), tolerance classes, thermocouple colour codes and other useful data.

The giveaway takes place in Isotech’s 40^th Anniversary Year. Founded in 1980, the company has become a world leader in temperature metrology. Isotech can help with both temperature calibration services and the supply of high accuracy temperature measurement and calibration systems.

Our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory can calibrate your temperature standards to the lowest uncertainties with many of our clients being other calibration laboratories. Isotech has the lowest uncertainties of any privately owned laboratory.

Other instruments available include Isotech’s range of Portable Dry Blocks and Liquid Baths that cover the temperature range from -100°C to 1200°C whilst larger laboratory Cryostats, Liquid baths and Furnaces cover from -196°C to 1300°C.

For Primary Temperature Standards, most commonly used in National Laboratories, uncertainties are little as 70 millionths of a degree, 0.000 070°C, 70 µK. Isotech manufacture and supply ITS-90 fixed points from the triple point of Argon at -189.3442°C to the freezing point of Copper at 1084.62°C.

Isotech reference thermometers include both thermocouples and standard platinum resistance thermometers, SPRTs, as well as a wide range of award-winning digital readouts. If you need to measure to 0.01°C, 0.001°C or < 0.001°C, Isotech can help.

Isothermal Technology Limited info@isotech.co.uk |

https://www.isotech.co.uk/

The electromagnet-based VSM 8600 Series combines high sensitivity and speed for advanced measurement performance

More science, less time

VSMs have long been the benchmark for characterising magnet properties in material science laboratories.

The 8600 Series vibrating sample magnetometer raises the bar for magnetometer performance and convenience. These VSMs combine high sensitivity (15 nemu), rapid measurement speed (10 ms/pt), and simple operation for more accurate measurements, faster.

8600 Series Features

• 0.15 × 10^-7 emu noise floor at 10 s/pt
• 10 ms/pt data acquisition rate
• 10,000 Oe/s field ramp rate
• Rapid, repeatable temperature option exchange
• High stability—±0.05% per day
• Fields to 3.26 T
• Widest available temperature range—4.2 K to 1273 K
• Includes fully automated FORC data acquisition software

Watch the 8600 VSM Video

Quick look with Brad Dodrill

Convenient operation

The entire 8600 Series system has been reimagined with a focus on clean, ergonomic design that simplifies the researcher’s interaction with the system. A motorised head brings the sample to a comfortable height for easy, one-handed exchange of the QuickLIGN™ sample rods. Temperature options include a cryostat, high-temperature oven, and single stage variable temperature insert. The combined temperature range of the options is 4.2 K to 1273 K. All three GlideLOCK™ options quickly slide into place and are auto-detected, with the software automatically displaying controls for the specific option. The magnet poles are also easily adjusted with the ExactGAP™ indexed positioning system that allows the pole gap to be set at one of six repeatable positions, eliminating the need to recalibrate after each change.

Flexible and adaptable

The system’s software simplifies control of the VSM. Standard predefined measurement routines are combined with configurable field and measurement loops to provide a flexible data acquisition environment. In addition, the software features an integrated scripting tool, which enables the user to extend the existing routines with an open-ended software scripting language that can be used to perform customised measurement protocols and interface with third-party lab equipment.

Performance driven

Compare the 8600 Series with the 7400 Series vibrating sample magnetometer.

Designed for FORC

The 8600 Series VSM offers the ultimate in measurement capability for researchers studying emerging low-moment magnetic materials, applying FORC analysis, or simply interested in making high-resolution measurements in less time.

The 8600 Series was created with first order reversal curve (FORC) measurement as a primary objective. FORC analysis precision is greatly enhanced by the high sensitivity of the 8600 Series. FORC also benefits from increased data point density, and the new VSM flies through complex FORC data collection sequences in a fraction of the time required on previous systems.

Lake Shore have recently taken FORC capability a step further with new Real-Time FORC (RTForc™) software, available for new and existing 8600 Series VSM customers as part of our 8600 V1.40 software release.

Enabling fully automated FORC data acquisition using the 8600 Series software, RTForc calculates and displays FORC distributions in real time, significantly reducing the time required by researchers to collect and analyse FORC data. In addition, users can change between the (Ha, Hb) and (Hc, Hu) coordinate systems, select smoothing factors (SF) and number of contours to be displayed, export the FORC diagram image, etc. Output data is compatible with FORCinel post-processing software.

Watch the RTForc video !  Read the Technical Note and download the free FORC measurements ebook

Application Note:  8600 Series Vector Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) – download now

This application note, written by Lake Shore Senior Scientist and VP Brad Dodrill, describes a vibrating sample magnetometer with the vector option (VVSM), or biaxial VSM. In addition to standard hysteresis loop measurements, it provides for measurement of the angular dependence of the vector components of the total magnetisation, and also provides for indirect measurement of torque curves for anisotropy constant determinations.

Measurement Applications

The need to characterise new and emerging materials continues to push the limits of electromagnet-based VSM systems. The 8600 Series VSM steps up to meet the most demanding material research applications.

Extremely fast data acquisition cycles make the system ideal for research environments where rapid measurement results can accelerate the discovery of important new properties. QuickLIGN™ sample holders are offered for thin film, liquid, powder, and bulk samples, making the VSM an excellent choice for busy labs with varying sample measurement needs.

The high sensitivity of the 8600 Series VSM particularly benefits research into low moment materials such as ultra-thin magnetic films and multilayers, nanoscale magnetic materials, dilute magnetic semiconductors, and paleomagnets.  Find out more

Lake Shore Cryotronics are represented in the UK and Ireland by Quantum Design. 

Quantum Design UK and Ireland is part of the Quantum Design International (QDI) group.  QDI is a global laboratory equipment manufacturer. The company distributes scientific and industrial instrumentation through an international network, with subsidiaries in every major technological centre around the world.  QDI’s success in distributing scientific products comes from more than 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and distributing its own industry-leading materials characterisation systems.

Visit www.qd-uki.co.uk for more information.

For more information on the Model 8600 please visit https://qd-uki.co.uk/lake-shore/model-8600-series-vsm/ or email Shayz Ikram at shayz@qd-uki.co.uk to discuss your application in more detail.

Labfacility are proud to announce that in 2021 we will be celebrating our 50th birthday.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has made this 50th year anniversary possible.

Click below to watch our video:

Labfacility are the UK’s leading manufacturer of Temperature Sensors, Thermocouple Connectors and associated Temperature Instrumentation and stockists of Thermocouple Cables.

The Company has been trading since 1971 and is ISO 9001 accredited.

Quality and Service are key elements in the continued growth of Labfacility; technical support for both sensing and instrumentation is always freely available from our experienced technical sales teams.

Temperature Sensors

Labfacility manufacture a wide range of temperature sensors to suit your application. An extensive range of Thermocouples in IEC or ANSI calibration, PRT’s, Detectors, Environmental Sensors and Hand-Held Sensors / Thermometers are available to buy via our ecommerce website.

Bi-Metal Thermometer Temperature Gauges

Bi-Metal Stainless Steel Thermometer with bottom or back entry and ‘any-angle’ versions available. Use our custom configurator to send us your specific requirements, made to order.

Thermocouple Connectors

We are Europe’s largest manufacturer of thermocouple connectors and accessories in IEC, ANSI and JIS Colour codes. The full range of connectors are available from stock for immediate despatch.

Verigo Cold Chain Data Loggers

Labfacility are now UK distributors of the Verigo Cold Chain range of Data Loggers for monitoring temperature, humidity and food storage quality – Introducing the new Pod Range. Cold Chain Monitoring – Easier than ever. Save time, ensure quality, and increase visibility of your temperature-controlled logistics operations. NO wires or Wi-Fi required.

L60 Thermocouple & Fine Wire Welder

The Thermocouple Welder, manufactured by Labfacility, is a compact, simple-to-use instrument designed for thermocouple and fine wire welding.

Thermocouple Cable / Wire

We offer a wide range of thermocouple, PRT and extension cable / wire in stock for immediate despatch. Thermocouple cables are available in IEC or ANSI Colour codes. Insulation types include PFA, PTFE, PVC & Fiberglass.

For all sales enquiries, please contact us as follows:

Email: sales@labfacility.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1243 871280

www.labfacility.com

Maximum process reliability and constant product quality are maxims in the process industry. The increased usage of automation within this industry has had a significant effect on the nature of valves supplied into the sector.

Control valves will typically employ a Positioner to initiate a valve movement and a Position Transmitter to confirm valve position matches required position. On the other hand, an On/Off Valve will connect using a Solenoid Valve to allow a change in a digital output status in the PCS to operate the valve and Limit Switch Box to confirm the valve is in the required position.

In contrast, the Position Transmitter on a Control Valve has been largely overlooked and hence many control valves suffer performance issues.

The vast majority of Position Transmitter products currently available utilise a potentiometer, which have a number of limitations when used on valve applications. Potentiometers are susceptible to vibration, wear and liable to contamination from foreign particles such as dust, sand or water.

These issues, along with those encountered with other transmitter technologies are often not appreciated by the Plant Operator until the product is already in service and performance is not as expected.

Imtex Controls Limited, have recognised both the potential benefits to Plant Operators for using IVPTs on valves but also the severe limitations of the products currently available. For this reason, new ‘smart’ solutions are now being offered that solve the traditional issues of IVPTs and enable plant operators to maximise their returns from these devices.

The new generation of smart IVPTs employ more robust feedback mechanisms. For example, the Imtex NC transmitter range utilises inductive sensor technology in non-contact, solid state feedback devices that are both highly accurate and largely impervious to challenges presented by the environment in which they operate.

Traditional IVPTs are often tricky to calibrate, requiring the use of tools or a laptop to complete the setting of zero and span. Smart IVPTs simplify the calibration by allowing the user to calibrate through push buttons built into the transmitter unit. In addition, where the smart IVPT is equipped with the ability to interface with a digital protocol such as HART, the device might also be calibrated remotely.

Another benefit of Smart IVPTs is that they put intelligence in the field device. The ST-4312 NC Transmitter from Imtex Controls analyses the stroking speed of the valve every time it moves and compares this information with a stored ‘as new’ profile of the valve. The device is then capable of sending a warning signal via the HART communication interface, flagging when the valve has started to slow down by a user defined amount.

With the ever increasing need to improve plant efficiency and safety, Independent Valve Position Transmitters provide a simple and cost effective method to deliver these demands. By employing the latest generation of ‘smart’ IVPTs, plant operators are able to dramatically improve their efficiency and safety by gathering information on valves that permits targeted preventative maintenance.