News

Measuring conductivity in smaller sized production facilities especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries demands the most compact, yet robust sensors and the new Baumer PAC50 process sensors meet these critical requirements. These ultra-compact sensors set new standards and are based on the proven performance and durability of their ‘bigger brother’ the Baumer AF14/5 conductivity sensor.

Due to continued requests from customers for increasingly smaller components to fit into tight production lines these sensors feature a housing measuring just 60mm, with the potential for reducing the display size even further down to 32mm x 25mm. IO-Link is also a standard feature.

Despite their compact design the sensors deliver high temperature stability up to 140ºC allowing them to be specified for permanent use, even in CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilisation-in-Place) systems. Their robustness and durability is largely due to an innovative one-piece sensor tip design which means optimum resistance to strong and or frequent temperature fluctuations, compared to other sensors which typically feature a two-piece tip.

Experience shows that many sensors have lower temperature limits (typically 100ºC) and lower resistance to chemicals. This is why PAC50 sensors have a sensor tip made entirely of high-performance plastic polymer or ketone (PEEK) which offers much better resistance to chemicals and higher temperatures. Another important feature is the all stainless steel sensor housing with all parts laser welded ensuring optimum resistance to all ambient conditions outside the pipe.

PAC50 in its H version complies with EHEDG (European Hygienic Equipment Design Group) hygiene standards as required for many food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications. They are also 3-A certified and all media contacting parts are FDA certified.

Like other Baumer sensors, IO-Link is a standard feature allowing the collection of secondary data, such as temperature for process monitoring and communication to control devices. This means users can quickly and easily parameterise the sensor prior to and during operation – even when the sensor is integrated via an analogue interface. Furthermore, to optimise flexibility the dual channel feature allows users to operate the PAC50 via analogue or digital channel, or even both in parallel.

Designers of residential electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will now be able to reduce the cost of complying with regulations by using chokes that exactly meet their requirements.

E-mobility Growth

E-mobility is a rapidly growing market and regulatory compliance is essential for charging stations. Development of the new RV Series choke from Schaffner is backed by the company’s decades of expertise as a global leader in electromagnetic solutions that minimise electromagnetic interference (EMI) and filter out noise. The new choke has been created to offer superior levels of performance when dampening and attenuating noise.

Offering Choice

By offering a broad range of specifications and performance choices, the RV choke enables designers to minimise costs. Costly over-design can be avoided through being able to select a solution that mitigates noise just below regulatory limits.

For different environments, the new RV Series offers the choice between ferrite (RV8140 & RV8540) and nanocrystalline (RV8141 & RV8541) core technology. Each current rating comes with eight different performance/size options, four of them designed for vertical (RV8540) and four for horizontal (RV8140) mounting.

AC and DC Applications

The four windings of the new choke are typically installed as three phases and neutral. For DC applications on the vehicle side the same choke is used – two windings of the choke are connected in series providing very high attenuation and protecting the vehicle from disturbances.

The new RV Series is designed for power ratings up to 30 kW with rated currents from 16 A to 50 A per phase at 60 °C ambient temperature. In terms of certification, the RV series complies with UL/IEC 60938-1/-2 and UL 1446. Other features of the new choke include low magnetic leakage flux, excellent winding insulation and low parasitic capacitance.

Residential Charging Market Demand

Felix Wedel, product manager at Schaffner, explains: “When designing residential EV charging stations, it is vital to be able to identify any potential electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) challenges and to deal with them as early as possible in the design process. This sector of the EV charging market is especially vibrant, so we are delighted to be offering a new and smaller product for power ranges up to 30 kW.”

Wedel adds: “Designed in response to market demands, this new RV series will save designers a considerable amount of bother during the certification process by giving them the tools to comply with all the relevant specifications and regulatory standards. A significant advantage for design engineers is that with this large choice of performance levels they are no longer restricted to using only a choke that is available. Now they can choose the one that fits perfectly to their technical requirements and avoid unnecessary costs. That is why it is important that EV charging station designers talk to Schaffner engineers very early in the development process to keep their costs to an absolute minimum.”

For more information, visit the Schaffner website at schaffner.com

How can the chemicals sector reach decarbonisation targets? On-Site Energy Ltd will be showcasing its expertise for scaling back carbon emissions at the industry’s leading exhibition ChemUK 2023 on the 10^th-11^th May at the NEC in Birmingham.

With net-zero 2050 in mind, the chemicals sector is one of the hardest to decarbonise due to its reliance on gas to reach process temperatures. Mitigating CO₂ emitted from use of gas isn’t straightforward. But there are fresh, innovative solutions for improving energy efficiency, which can have a substantial impact on a business’s operating costs and carbon emissions, as well as enhancing energy security.

Meeting On-Site’s dedicated team of experts at Stand B72 could open the door to your business unlocking its sustainability potential. Aptly situated next to the sustainability stage at the show where visitors to ChemUK can also attend a discussion panel which includes David Kipling, CEO at On-Site Energy, as a thought leader. David will be speaking from 15:00 – 15:15 on Wednesday 10^th May on stage 3.

He will be explaining On-Site Energy’s holistic, and data led approach to overcoming the challenges facing chemical manufacturers regarding energy costs and CO₂ footprint migration. Adopting opportunities for energy recovery and delivering local energy production can help to transform utility efficiency.

Other industry concerns that David will be addressing are the barriers preventing organisations from delivering energy and carbon reduction projects (longer payback, limited project management bandwidth, competition for capital) and how these issues can be resolved.

He said: “ChemUK will be an exciting show. We aim to build new relationships with chemical companies looking to reduce emissions and costs. We’re thrilled to be exhibiting as well as joining other keynote speakers on stage. There are bound to be lively discussions generating much food for thought among the audience. We don’t bite, so come and have a chat.”

Chemicals are key for almost every other manufacturing industry so sustainability cannot come at the expense of financial viability. It’s a journey to net zero, particularly for a business with complex processes that rely on gas. On-Site can develop a pathway to 2050 with access to innovative technology.

Solutions to lower emissions in the chemicals sector include heat recovery and reducing reliance on the grid. On-site electricity generation also brings a number of key benefits. A local energy source is more efficient than the grid so can help stabilise operating costs and makes forward budgeting easier. Another advantage is energy security and autonomy, vital for long-term prosperity.

On-Site are able to offer these measures on a zero capex, off-balance sheet financial model whereby they fund the planning process, concept design, construction, and ongoing management of the equipment without any capital outlay required from the customer. This is key in enabling projects that would have otherwise been shelved due to bottlenecks such as a lack of available capital or limited project management resources.

On-Site Energy will be on Stand B72 at ChemUK 2023 at the NEC Birmingham on the 10^th-11^th May.

Anritsu has expanded its Field Master™ MS2080A, a multi-functional spectrum analyzer that combines nine instruments into a single solution, to operate up to 6 GHz. With extended frequency coverage, the MS2080A addresses growing congestion in the 6 GHz spectrum caused by rapid growth in satellite services; cellular, commercial and LMR networks; radio location services; and industrial scientific and medical networks. The compact and portable spectrum analyzer provides insights into interference and intermodulation that degrade network performance through its best-in-class performance and features, bringing distinct benefits to base station installation and maintenance (I&M) applications.

At 6 GHz, the MS2080A features fast sweep speed of 45 GHz/s for greater insight over wider spans. It also has advanced user features, such as AM/FM audio demodulation, and best-in-class RF performance, including +/- 1 dB amplitude accuracy. Additionally, it supports a cable and antenna analyzer, power meter, and 5G/LTE analysis to make it an ideal general-purpose instrument that addresses measurement requirements for legacy and emerging wireless networks.

Options Expand Measurement Capability

Simultaneous with the launch of the MS2080A 6 GHz frequency model, Anritsu announces a new AM/FM modulation quality measurement option for all instruments in the Field Master family. The option enables full characterisation of broadcast transmitters, as required by national regulators and transmitter owners. It provides a single screen display of RF spectrum, audio spectrum, and audio oscilloscope, alongside modulation quality and distortion values.

An optional real time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) provides real-time spectrum analysis with 2 µs probability of intercept (POI). The RTSA has up to 40 MHz analysis bandwidth and DANL of <-150 dBm, making it well-suited for capturing intermittent and digitally modulated signals that can be hard to identify. Spectrograms allow irregular and drifting signals to be captured, recorded, and displayed.

The MS2080A conducts a full range of measurements for 5G FR1 radios to support I&M of 5G New Radio (NR) and LTE base stations. Gated sweep analysis for transmitter quality measurements to accurately verify FR1 carriers with 100 MHz bandwidth is provided. The MS2080A offers full-channel, power-based, and 5G/LTE modulation quality measurement-based coverage mapping for accurate Over-the-Air (OTA) testing.

Rugged Design for Any Environment

The MS2080A is a highly durable analyzer that performs in the most challenging environments. It is the only instrument in its class to provide 5 watts of continuous RF input overload protection, preventing costly damage to the instrument’s front-end when used close to high power transmitters or in high signal level environment.

A large 10-inch 1280 x 800 resolution display meets the demanding IK08 specification for direct knocks and drops. Common functions are always accessible from the MS2080A display, and side menus collapse to maximise graphical results.

A soft case provides IP52 environmental protection to safeguard the instrument during transport or rain. Weighing less than 4 kg, the MS2080A is small, compact, and easy to carry.

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

Arrow Electronics will exhibit at PCIM Europe with a 105m² booth alongside the company’s presence in the Sensor + Test show, which is co-located with PCIM.

Continuing the ‘Power for Everything’ theme at PCIM, Arrow will showcase all its core technologies that enable innovative power designs. Arrow will show how the company and its suppliers support the realization of differentiated power system solutions based on their full system design and deployment capabilities.

Arrow’s presence at both shows will reflect its involvement in many of the most significant megatrends in the sector, including smart energy management, electrification applications, and autonomous machines. Supported by one of the industry’s largest line cards, Arrow is able to help its customers deliver the latest technology while gaining efficiency and cost savings.

At Sensor + Test, Arrow will present an overview of applications including battery and power management systems, autonomous machines, environmental and energy solutions, smart vision systems and AI in the context of an ecosystem shown across over 30 demonstrations. Data acquisition capabilities are becoming ever more important across many applications and markets. Sensors are the entry point for most of this data, and the quality of the input is dependent on their performance.

Arrow will highlight products from its extensive sensor portfolio as shown in its Sensor Guide, available to download here: https://www.arrow.com/en/ipe/download-area/sensor-guide.

Farnell has launched a new eBook called The Innovation Experts – Series 2: Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing. The eBook shares the views of global experts including Omega, Schneider Electric, Advantech, ABB, Red Lion Controls and Eaton on the advancement of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and related technologies.

The eBook provides exclusive insights for panel builders, systems integrators and designers, industrial and electronic engineers including those involved in maintenance and repair who want to stay up to date with the latest trends, products, tools and applications for Industry 4.0.

“Industrial automation and control technology is growing rapidly with the increasing number of connected devices through the IIoT. Although many of our customers believe Industry 4.0 is complex and challenging to implement in brownfield sites, there is a magnitude of off-the-shelf hardware and software solutions entering the market, allowing engineers to create new products and systems that can dramatically improve factory efficiency,” says Simon Meadmore, Vice President of Product and Supplier Management at Farnell.

“We interviewed experts from some of the largest industrial equipment manufacturers around the world to uncover how they have introduced new technology into their manufacturing facilities, and that of their customers to improve performance and generate positive return on investment. We hope the breadth of technical insights shared in this eBook will help our customers to break down barriers and adopt new technology to enable innovation.”

The eBook offers valuable insights for those planning new digitisation projects to design and maintain industrial equipment, robotics and smart factories. Key topics include:

• Upgrading to Industry 4.0 using new and existing measurements – Omega Engineering provides expert advice to help process and manufacturing companies adopt Industry 4.0 principles by embracing digitisation. Omega shares innovative ways to upgrade existing facility systems with critical solutions to capture real-time information on the factory floor. Companies will learn about edge monitoring and control, how to identify new mechanisms to analyse big data and why it’s important to run critical pilot project evaluations before committing to full system installation.
• Aligning sustainability, business strategy and partnerships with Industry 4.0 – Schneider Electric provides an exclusive overview of the company’s innovative approach to developing new technology solutions for the IIoT, including how key learnings are passed directly onto customers. Engineers and facility managers will be empowered to make smarter and often autonomous decisions that can streamline processes and accelerate the transformation to digital success.
• Integration is the gateway to unlock Industry 4.0 – Advantech explains how a long-standing policy of embracing open architecture has enabled new approaches to asset integration, energy management, digital transformation, real-time monitoring and analysis. Companies will learn about the need for strategic business partnerships and the importance of embracing a new generation of engineers to maintain a competitive edge.
• Achieving process automation with design and analytics – Eaton showcases how companies can achieve process optimisation with innovative design and big data analytics to predict needs, inform smarter decision-making and generate new efficiencies. Eaton uncovers the challenges and strategic benefits of using new technologies to embrace Industry 4.0 principles and build digital factories for optimal performance.
• Harnessing Industry 4.0 to build a better future – ABB provides detailed insights on how to increase end-to-end transparency and visibility with digitisation. ABB provide real-world examples to showcase how significant improvements in safety, productivity and cost reductions can be achieved with Industry 4.0. According to ABB, companies must establish strategic partnerships and share common goals for increasing productivity in a safe and environmentally sustainable way, with corporate responsibility becoming a critical factor in the new industrial era.
• Using edge intelligence and integrated systems to create an IIoT framework – Red Lion Controls showcases how companies can leverage edge intelligence and integrated systems to access valuable process and automation data to improve operations. Barry Turner shares his views on the key requirements to build an IIoT framework and highlights the critical need for convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).

Extended versions of all interviews featured in The Innovation Experts – Series 2: Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing are available as a podcast. Listeners can play back the series on all major podcast providers, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or visit Farnell’s https://uk.farnell.com/the-innovation-experts-podcast

Responding to the growth of increased automation, smart manufacturing and robotics driven by the IIoT, Farnell has invested significantly over the last 18-24 months to build a comprehensive industrial automation portfolio, which includes the latest solutions from global suppliers including Festo, Omron, Mitsubishi Electric, Control Techniques and Siemens. Farnell’s in-stock industrial automation range includes 550,000 interconnect products, more than 400,000 passive components and over 100,000 electromechanical products.

To download the new eBook: The Innovation Experts – Series 2: Industry 4.0 and the Future of Manufacturing in English and German, go to Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

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.

Latest research from Cambashi indicates that the industrial machinery industry is currently facing several challenges, including a shortage of skilled labor, and disruptions throughout the supply chain.

These challenges are impacting the operational efficiency of manufacturers, leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness. If suppliers to the machinery industry can address these challenges, they will have a competitive advantage. 

“Cambashi employment data shows over 25 million people are employed in the machinery industry,” said Joe Brooker, Industry Analyst, Cambashi. “To keep up with the changing demands of the industry, the machinery sector must ensure its employees are equipped with new skills, particularly in the areas of design, data processing, and additive manufacturing. These skillsets will become crucial as the industry transitions towards a blend of traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques and new, additive methods.”

In addition, the industry is facing major disruptions in the supply chain, says Cambashi, which are making it difficult for manufacturers to secure the materials and components they need to produce their products. An unpredictable supply chain makes it more difficult for manufacturers to plan their production schedules, which is leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness.

“To address the challenges facing the industry, manufacturers must invest in digital transformation initiatives that will improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance competitiveness,” added Joe Brooker. “Digital transformation involves the integration of digital technologies into all areas of a company’s operations, but manufacturing and logistics will be two of the greatest beneficiaries.”

One of the key digital transformation initiatives cited by Cambashi that manufacturers can invest in is Industry 4.0, which involves the integration of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics into the manufacturing process.

Joe Brooker concluded: “Software vendors who are selling into the machinery industry are best placed to deal with the challenges and maximise the opportunities in these markets by being well prepared and able take advantage of tactical industry intelligence. Updated in real time by industry experts, this intelligence provides the latest information from across the globe. In addition, people who are responsible for employees’ professional development should make use of training services that lead to industry certifications and proof of expertise in the industry.”

For more information visit https://cambashi.com/machinery-industry-insights-and-market-research/