Features

AW-Lake flow meters ensure ultraprecise metering of chemicals used to create foams utilised in commercial, industrial, and marine applications.

When used in professional spray polyurethane foam (SPF) equipment, AW-Lake JVM Series Positive Displacement Gear Flow Meters offer a consistent and ultraprecise method for dispensing chemicals that create the foam for smaller commercial projects such as taxidermy, boat manufacturing, and sound insulation products.  In operation, an SPF machine pumps chemicals from two multi-gallon drums through hoses to the nozzle of a spray gun to form the polyurethane foam. A pump within the spray foam equipment is not reliable enough to dispense accurate amounts of chemical.

Unlike pumps, the AW-Lake JVM Series Positive Displacement Flow Meters are not prone to drift, overspin, or media slippage under pulsation that results in ultra-precise chemical batching for the SPF machine over time. To ensure longevity and chemical compatibility, the positive displacement flow meter features a ball bearing design that works well in non-lubricating media, such as the chemicals used in this application.

City Fireboats Use AW-Lake Turbine Flow Meter to Measure Fire Retardant Foam

In another application, city fireboats are using AW-Lake Turbine Flow Meters and Transmitters to measure fire-retardant foam for extinguishing fires.  Fitted on foam lines, the AW-Lake TRG Turbine Meters provide feedback to the PLC on actual flow rate volumes.  AW-Lake’s RT-30 Flow Transmitters accept the turbine’s pulse input and display readings locally while providing a 4-20mA output signal to a PLC to control the opening and closing of the valves for the desired ratio.

AW-Lake’s TRG Turbine meters were ideal for this project due to their rugged stainless-steel body construction, material compatibility with the low viscosity fluid, and most importantly their compact size and small face-to-face dimension.

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has introduced a high temperature non-contact capacitive displacement measuring system to its already extensive capaNCDT range. The capaNCDT HT (High Temperature) measuring system is ideal for high precision distance, position, gap and thickness measurements in extreme ambient temperatures. The CSEx-HT sensors can be used in challenging ambient temperatures from -50°C to +800°C.

The capaNCDT HT consists of a capacitive displacement sensor with integrated coaxial cable and a controller. Due to its high temperature stability and exceptionally high linearity throughout its operating temperature range, the capaNCDT HT delivers high precision measurements under harsh environmental conditions.

Large measuring range

Four sensor variants are available to choose from, which cover measuring ranges from 1mm up to 20mm. The sensors are sufficiently robust to withstand extreme temperature conditions while providing the best possible temperature stability. The integrated 1 m cable (with drain wire acting as a ground) is extremely resistant to interference, which minimises signal interference caused by external electric or magnetic fields, for safe and trouble-free operation. Connection to the control electronics is made by use of an extension cable of either 1.4 m or 2 m length. 

The high-temperature sensors can be operated with the new high-performance capaNCDT 6228 controllers. A choice of two controllers is available. The DT6228 and DT6238 controllers both offer modular functionality allowing up to four sensor channels to be connected, with the DT6238 offering additional capability for EtherCAT communication and synchronisation of several 4-channel systems. The sensor system is calibrated at the factory before delivery.

Applications for the capaNCDT HT range from rail and automotive, where it can be used for disc thickness variation and gap measurements, to the glass industry, where gap or distance measurements can be made in the coating process or in the production of float glass, as well as the steel industry, where gaps or strain can be measured inline during the production process. The capaNCDT HT is modular and is easily expandable with up to four additional measuring channels.

For more information on the capaNCDT HT range from Micro-Epsilon, please visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk or call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email mailto:info@micro-epsilon.co.uk

At this year’s Foodex Manufacturing Solutions, ifm electronic is focussing on its ground-breaking Moneo IIoT platform on stand K89. This has been developed specifically to provide a convenient solution to the challenge of converting the huge amount of data produced by modern plant and machines into useful information that can be used to reduce downtime, optimise efficiency and cut costs.

IIoT is currently seen as a technology that has enormous potential, but IIoT solutions have the reputation of being costly and difficult to implement. The moneo system eliminates these problems by making it easy to implement powerful and scaleable IIoT solutions at modest cost.

At the heart of the system is moneo OS, which provides flow modelling and automatic alarm functions as well as facilities for managing all of the other moneo software modules. These include moneo RTM which can be used to implement fully customisable user interfaces presenting plant and machine information in numeric, graphical or dashboard formats; moneo configure, which offers powerful configuration and management facilities for connected IO-Link sensors and devices; moneo infopoint which collects data from connected devices; and moneo edgeconnect which allows easy and secure interchange of data with IT systems

In addition to learning about the moneo system and its benefits, visitors to the ifm stand will also be able to find out about the company’s newest and most innovative sensing products & our turnkey solutions support. Among these are the longer length conductivity sensors for use with Tri-clamp connections in CIP applications, self-checking temperature sensors that are ideal for use in critical processes, and radar level sensors that have a measuring accuracy of ± 2 mm at ranges up to 10 m, and are unaffected by changing pressure, temperature or the presence of vapours, steam or condensates.

Throughout the show, members of the ifm team with wide experience in process and packaging applications will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions and to provide advice on devising effective solutions for specific sensing and monitoring challenges.

The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has reduced its yearly operational costs by 20% and improved its service levels to customers by upgrading its maintenance capabilities with inspection equipment from Fluke, the global technology leader in professional electronic test and measurement tools and software. SEC’s value-based maintenance strategy, which was implemented in 2014, has transformed its maintenance routines with the use of Fluke Ti32 definition thermal imaging cameras and Ti400/Ti450 portable infrared cameras, leading to a reduction in power outages.

Thermal imaging capability

Infrared cameras are invaluable for detecting small temperature differentials and can demonstrate progressive heat changes over time, allowing maintenance professionals to detect critical issues before they become failures. Fluke has recently relaunched its popular range of thermal imaging cameras, Ti300+, Ti401PRO and TiX501, all of which offer the quality expected from Fluke products and industry-leading Lasersharp autofocus technology which allows users to get the images they require in focus every time. Designed with field use in mind, the cameras are rugged and able to be used with one hand for simple and easy operation. The built-in laser distance meter calculates and displays the distance to the designated target on the camera screen and snaps the image in focus. Most importantly, temperature readings from in-focus images will be highly accurate. Each tool allows the user to record imagery for reports and record notes to the device so there is no need to carry paper and pen.

Transition from CBM to value-based maintenance

With the implementation of Fluke equipment, the SEC has been able to transform its maintenance routines and improve the reliability of its networks. The thermal cameras have been instrumental in identifying hot spots and detecting temperature differences between phases, which have helped in reducing the number of unplanned outages. The use of precision acoustic imagers for corona discharge detection is expected to further enhance the company’s predictive maintenance strategy and help it achieve its goal of providing an uninterrupted power supply to its customers.

Increased reliability

Zakaria Al-Ramadhan, who has over 20 years’ experience at SEC and is the Distribution Engineering Specialist, says “Reliability is the key issue when supplying power. Customers pay the company to supply power with no outages, which is why minimising disruption to supply is the most important focus for us.”

As a result of the successful implementation of Fluke equipment, the SEC is planning to purchase more corona cameras and deliver training to more of its technicians.

In addition to the thermal imaging equipment, the SEC has also taken on a range of rugged hand-held maintenance tools, which have increased the efficiency of its maintenance teams and reduced downtime. These include 49 Fluke 1736 three-phase power loggers alongside nearly 1000 Fluke 376 AC/DC clampmeters, 470 Fluke 1507 insulation testers and 600 1ACII non-contact voltage detectors. The move from condition-based maintenance to value-based maintenance has not only resulted in significant cost savings, but it has also improved the sustainability of the company’s networks.

The SEC’s successful implementation of predictive maintenance has set an example for other utility companies both locally and around the world.

Teledyne FLIR has debuted the new G-Series, a family of high-tech, cooled-core optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras that can help leak detection and repair (LDAR) professionals seamlessly locate and document harmful gas emissions. The G-Series is designed to empower everyday users in the oil and gas, manufacturing, steel, and utility industries to spend more time prioritising leak repairs, and less time documenting them while gaining better insight into the severity of the emission.

The G-Series features seven camera models. All models are available with wireless connectivity to allow operators to automatically upload and store saved images and videos to FLIR Ignite cloud software while in the field. G-Series cameras provide easy compatibility with third-party analysis software, enabling operators to wirelessly share captured content with colleagues across the world for review, providing further analysis and processing. Quick-swap interchangeable lenses give users the flexibility to inspect from multiple distances.

Teledyne FLIR engineered the FLIR G620, Gx320, and Gx620 models to detect and accurately quantify hydrocarbon, fugitive gas, and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions in the oil and gas industry. With quantification now integrated inside the camera, there is no need to carry a second companion device while inspecting. Teledyne FLIR also added ATEX ratings, OOOOa sensitivity compliance, and an ergonomic rotatable touchscreen to ensure that professionals can get the job done safer and more efficiently.

The G306 and G343 models give utility inspectors superior image quality and advanced features to detect sulfur hexafluoride and carbon dioxide, respectively, to help maintain electrical equipment. The G346 and G304 provide an effective method to detect carbon monoxide or refrigerant leaks and potential issues that will improve safety and productivity within the plant environment.

“For the first time, the Teledyne FLIR G-Series provides unmatched user ergonomics with quantification in camera for the hydrocarbon models, adding seamless emissions measurement into the everyday leak detection and repair process,” said Craig O’Neill, Global OGI Business Development Director, Teledyne FLIR. “These new models represent a breakthrough in OGI with advanced features, updated wireless communication protocols, and a rotatable touchscreen LCD to maximise user efficiency in the field.”

The new G-Series will be available for shipment within the quarter. Visit www.teledyneflir.com/ogi for specifics on each model and regional support.

Farnell, is now supplying new PXI test and measurement bundles from NI.

Each high-performance bundle includes a PXI Instrument in a 5-slot PXI system that is controlled through a Thunderbolt USB-C port, making them an ideal, cost-effective way to automate high-quality measurements and testing with PXI. Direct connection to a laptop eliminates the additional cost of an on-board controller, providing an economic first-time investment into PXI. Each bundle includes one instrument, leaving four remaining slots to add instruments as testing needs evolve.

For more than 40 years, NI has developed automated test and measurement systems that help engineers solve the world’s toughest challenges. The company’s PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) are the industry-standard and can be used to build high-performance, mixed measurement systems for validation and production tests. Combining multiple box instruments into a sub-compact single system, without compromise on performance, PXI software connectivity offers scalability and flexibility that enables users to customise measurements and simplify test development.

NI’s software environment for PXI, which includes LabVIEW and TestStand, allows engineers to easily customise testing procedures and data acquisition, analysis, and reporting to meet their specific needs. PXI’s high performance, value, modularity and software connectivity has seen it deployed across many industries including automotive, aerospace, electronics, semiconductors, life sciences and more.

The architecture of the PXI platform enables users to easily add or remove modules to meet their specific testing requirements. The PXI bundles are based on common applications and configured so that the user can also customise for their particular application by adding modules that fit their requirements. PXI portfolio includes oscilloscopes, source measurement units, LCR meters, waveform generators, digital multimeters and more—that can replace traditional box instruments and with which you can integrate PXI switches in a variety of topologies. 

Key benefits include:

• Open industry standard: With more than 60 vendors offering PXI hardware, engineers have a wide range of options when it comes to selecting modules for their test and measurement needs.
• High performance: NI PXI hardware utilises the latest technology, incorporating powerful multicore processors, FPGAs, and other technology to increase measurement range and performance.
• Scalable: PXI’s architecture makes it possible to synchronise measurements across multiple modules or multiple chassis, enabling systems to grow as requirements change.

James McGregor, Global Head of Test, Tools and Production Supplies, at Farnell, said, “NI’s PXI offers unmatched modularity, flexibility and performance for creating custom test and measurement systems, allowing users to easily tailor their testing systems to their specific needs.

“These bundles are based on very common T&M applications yet allow the customer to add options to focus on the testing that is important to them.

“With a powerful software environment, users can rapidly develop, customise and confidently deploy testing procedures. This addition to Farnell’s portfolio expands and improves an already leading test and measurement range.”

The new NI PXI test and measurement bundles are now available from stock at Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

The UK’s largest distributor of scientific instrumentation, SciMed will host ‘Lubricants Seminar – Methods and Instrumentation’ at its office in Stockport on April 27, 2023. A key speaker at the event is the product manager at Koehler, Vincent Colantuoni, who will share details of new standard test methods for grease producers. Key topics at the seminar will include new ASTM test method developments for grease testing, lubricating oil analysis and information for lubricant additive manufacturers, blenders and base oil producers. Registration for the event is now open. 

The topics that will be discussed at the event are new ASTM test method developments for grease testing, key lubricating oil testing and automation, high-performance multiuser grease specification, ICP-OES and AAS for lubricating oil analysis and ED-XRF and WD-XRF methods for lubricant chemical manufacturers and blenders. There will also be a poster session featuring articles and information on various lubricant testing methods.

SciMed is the UK distributor for many leading suppliers of test methods for lubricants and greases, such as Koehler, RIGAKU, Analytik Jena and Setaram, and will use the seminar as an opportunity to share information on the new lubricant testing methods that grease producers should use moving forwards. Furthermore, attendees can see some of the instruments used for lubricant testing, which you can bring your own samples with you to try out.

“Koehler has manufactured the gold standard instrumentation for the petrochemical industry for almost 100 years and plays a key role in developing and improving testing methods and standards,” explained Paul Vanden Branden, director and product manager at SciMed. “We arranged this seminar to give our customers the chance to hear from the manufacturer directly about the latest testing methods and give them a chance to see some of the relevant instruments for themselves.”

The three speakers at the event will be Vincent Colantuoni, product manager at Koehler, Matt Allen, product manager at SciMed and John Austin, XRF applications specialist at SciMed.

To register for the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/instrumentation-for-lubricants-testing-seminar-tickets-547266457707 or view the event page on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/events/instrumentationforlubricantstes7034090887227826176/about/.

Renesas has announced new firmware for its industry-leading ZMOD digital air quality sensors. The latest firmware lets engineers configure the sensors to support various green air quality standards for Commercial & Public buildings, making them the first sensors in the industry to conform to the requirements of multiple global air quality standards. As commercial HVAC systems move towards autonomous monitoring of our air quality, these systems can now monitor and detect harmful gasses in indoor spaces. Support for environmental standards increases the value of end products and reduces the effort needed to qualify manufacturers for government incentives.

Renesas offers support for the Commercial & Public standards, as well as other environmental standards, through its ZMOD digital gas sensors. Both the ZMOD4410 indoor air quality sensor and the ZMOD4510 outdoor air quality sensor offer compliance with the standards. The ZMOD sensors offer customers the ability to configure the sensors through firmware with cloud-based connections. This enables both new and existing ZMOD customers to implement support for the building standards around the globe. A wide range of products can take advantage of this support, including HVAC systems, thermostats, smart appliances and smoke detectors.

“We are excited to see Renesas designing and producing sensors that align with green and healthy building standards,” said Stanton Wong, President, RESET International Standard, an organisation promoting data collection and continuous monitoring for buildings via standardisation. “As awareness of the health impact of environmental factors continues to grow, monitoring the performance of a building via sensors is the best way to understand and optimise for health in indoor spaces. We look forward to the technological innovations Renesas will bring to the industry.”

“Environmental sensors are a vital tool for ensuring the health and safety of occupants in public and commercial buildings,” said DK Singh, Sr. Director of the Sensor Solutions Business at Renesas. “By using our AI-enabled hardware and firmware platform, customers can easily implement advanced sensors that comply with various building air quality standards to provide a safer and healthier environment for people around the world.”

Key Features of the ZMOD Digital Gas Sensors

• Support for multiple standards for both indoor and outdoor air quality
• Firmware configurable for unique flexibility with cloud connectivity
• Artificial intelligence enables training of sensors
• JEDEC JESD47 qualification ensures 10-year product life
• Compensation engines support low-level part per billion (PPB) standard requirements
• Senses TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide

Winning Combinations

Renesas has combined the sensors with other compatible devices from its portfolio, including MCUs, power devices, and wireless connectivity solutions to create multiple Winning Combinations, including the Gas Sensor with Cloud Connection for Industrial Applications. Winning Combinations are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimised, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio to enable customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly. All Renesas sensors are part of Renesas’ Quick-Connect development environments to ensure rapid prototyping with minimal coding.

Pickering Interfaces, the leading provider of modular signal switching & simulation products for electronic test & verification, will showcase its Battery Management System (BMS) test demo on stand B42 in Hall 2 at Battery Tech Expo 2023 at The Silverstone Wing International Conference & Exhibition Centre at Silverstone Circuit, UK on 20^th April 2023.

The battery industry is going through a power revolution, with tech companies investing heavily in the next generation of battery development and energy storage. Now in its sixth year, Battery Tech Expo is the leading event for the UK’s battery industry, bringing together professionals from across the advanced battery technology and energy storage sectors. The event will showcase the latest products, technologies and services spanning battery management systems, EV batteries, battery storage, battery development, and commercial and mobile power devices. 

Outlining the BMS test demo, Paul Bovingdon, Simulation Product Manager at Pickering explains: “With increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), one significant challenge to be tackled is the effective testing and validation of Battery Management Systems (BMS). Using modular, PXI-based switch and simulation modules offers many advantages in BMS test, including flexibility to optimie the test system to meet exact requirements; simple modification to address evolving needs; and an open, industry-standard architecture that promotes system longevity and mitigates obsolescence, while providing seamless integration of multi-vendor instrumentation modules.”

The BMS test demo includes the following Pickering products:

• 41-752A-011 PXI Battery Simulator – simulates batteries in a stacked architecture
• 40-190B-002 PXI Fault Insertion – simulates cell shorts and broken wires
• 40-297A-050 PXI Precision Resistor – simulates battery load
• 42-297A-150 PXIe Programmable Resistor – tests BMS isolation resistance check
• 41-743-001 PXI Programmable Power Supply – simulates battery charger
• 43-920-001 PXI Embedded Controller
• 42-925-001 PXIe 18-slot Chassis

For more details, please visit: www.pickeringtest.com/bms

In addition to its BMS test demo, Pickering will also highlight the following products on stand B42 in Hall 2 at Battery Tech Expo 2023, UK:

• PXI & LXI high voltage switching solutions.
• PXI fault insertion, programmable resistor and thermocouple simulation modules.
• Supporting cables and connectors
• eBIRST Switching System Test Tools – designed to simplify system fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay.

Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of its manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support. Pricing and availability information is supplied on its website at: www.pickeringtest.com