News

By Aaron Merkin, Chief Technology Officer for Fluke Reliability

Organisations have been dealing with a myriad of uncertainties affecting their business operations over the past few years, but are finally starting to see some stability in their operating environment.  While this stability is welcome, the key for most reliability and maintenance organisations as we head into the new year is resilience — having the strength and flexibility to weather the constant changes that have become the norm.

We see resilience taking many different forms in 2023, but the common trend seen in organisations is to use technologies to provide insights that improve operational reliability.

Resilience Powered By AI

We are seeing an increased need for businesses to proactively monitor a broader set of assets in order to achieve their overall plant reliability objectives. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) coupled with IIoT sensing technologies are one mechanism for organisations to expand their asset coverage. AI and ML systems are already processing huge amounts of data in real time, describing what’s going on, predicting asset faults, and even prescribing actions that need to be taken in order to solve issues at the earliest opportunity.

What we’re not seeing is AI totally replacing experts in the plant — evidence of what you might call the resilience of expertise. Whilst many predict fully automated processes in the future, we note that although AI may highlight an issue or condition that needs attention, ultimately there is still a human who is signing off on it before a work request is created. We expect to see more of this mixed model approach, where customers still employ the human expertise, but the experts can use AI to make themselves more efficient.

Cloud Adoption

Cloud adoption is not new — it has been a constant for many years — but it is an ongoing trend that is being utilised effectively by small and medium enterprises, especially those with multiple sites. As managers struggle to get IT support to deploy solutions, cloud technologies have been easier for them to implement in a facility without having to engage their IT department in a large-scale project. If you’re a maintenance engineer who has been tasked with improving the reliability of assets, deploying a cloud-based solution that doesn’t require IT support empowers you to solve the problem without having to coordinate with another team.

For operations with multiple plants and a breadth of employees working on separate operations toward the same end goal, cloud adoption is critical. Each team can collect and share data with their counterparts which in turn, breaks down operational / multi-site silos and therefore, informs decisions that positively impact asset lifecycles.

Supply Chain Resilience Remains Critical

Supply chain issues are still pervasive, but cloud-based solutions can be used to add resilience to future-proof against continued volatility in the marketplace. We are seeing improvements in supply chains as well as in parts availability, but still find that customers can’t necessarily get the spare parts as quickly as they need to, so they’re trying to make better use of their internal stores.

One benefit of a cloud solution is that you can easily aggregate information about multiple sites which allows organisations to have better visibility into parts and inventory. For example, rather than going back to a supplier for a part for plant A, you can go to plant B and take that stock.

Mapping out entire supply chains end –to-end to minimise exposure to risk helps mitigate uncertainty. For maintenance and reliability teams, inventory management solutions that offer data-driven insights will improve the overall efficacy of maintenance control.

Expert Constrained Companies Will Utilise Services to Close the Growing Skills Gap

Whether it be the great resignation or skilled talent retiring, it’s not news that the global skills shortage continues — call it the “new normal”. Talented people are moving around the industry or simply reassessing their work life balance and how their current business supports that.

In 2023, we expect companies to take greater advantage of in-built service offerings where experts can be on hand to advise full-time staff on maintenance and reliability programs to leap-frog the skills gap for permanent employees.

TT Electronics will be exhibiting at MD&M West, booth 3158, 7 to 9 February 2023, at the Anaheim Convention Center. In addition to its core offerings in power, connectivity, and sensor technologies, TT will again feature equipment and sensors that provide novel solutions and increased accuracy for surgical navigation, as illustrated by the Radwave Technologies Electromagnetic (EM) tracking platform. Demonstrations are available on request at TT’s booth.

TT’s EM sensor capabilities, developed at its medical device centre of excellence in the U.S., provide accurate device tip tracking technologies for products covering cardiology/EP, IR, neurology, ENT, ortho, endoscopy, robotic surgery, and a range of other procedural areas. TT’s continued drive to innovate has resulted in the development of its smallest EM sensors yet. These sensors, available in both 5DOF and 6DOF options in either solid core or hollow core configurations, offer reliable and accurate tracking of extremely small medical device instruments featuring miniaturised EM sensor technology.

“TT has long been a trusted partner for medical device and life science technology innovators. Our FDA-registered facilities in strategic locations around the world provide vertical integration and end-to-end solutions, enabling OEMs to accelerate time-to-market with delivery of ground-breaking products,” said Michael Leahan, Chief Operating Officer, TT Electronics. “We look forward to our annual attendance at MD&M West and the opportunity for our medical solution experts to showcase our latest solutions.”

TT will also highlight its wider medical technology solutions at the show, including EM sensor-enabled catheter and complex surgical tool solutions, implantable devices, medical grade power supplies, smart sensors, and passive components.

To learn more about TT’s extensive healthcare capabilities, click here to schedule a private demonstration at MD&M West or visit the TT Electronics team at booth 3158 during the show.

ABB has established a new regional operations centre for North America, bringing technology expertise closer to customers and building on its similar resources globally. An initial $1 million investment has been made for the new Mexico Technology and Engineering Centre (MXTEC) in the city of Merida, Yucatan, to help the technology leader to reach higher project delivery capacity and increase competitiveness.

The centre, located within the modern SkyWork building alongside a community of technology and cyber security companies, will be a go-to resource for ABB engineers and covers disciplines including automation, electrical and software engineering. It will mean an approximate 25 percent uptick in engineering capacity, with some projects involving commissioning of ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) at customer sites. Further competencies for supply chain, project management and sales support may be added in the future.

ABB’s move comes at a time when industrial companies are addressing their supply chains and either near shoring or near sourcing to ensure security and reliability of operations. Mexico is establishing itself as an emerging centre of excellence for communications, engineering, IT and manufacturing across industries, including automotive, process industries and energy. For ABB, it is well-placed for growth and will link ongoing operations in both North America and South America. 

Recruitment and employment of 30 engineers, mainly from the pool of local talents, is ongoing while ABB also establishes meaningful connections with Mexican universities. The newest employees have received training at ABB’s Czech Operations Centre in Ostrava and are now onboarding using a customised development program.

“Our aims for the Mexico Technology and Engineering Centre are to grow our engineering competencies and capacity to deliver projects with local resources in the same time zones as Mexico, the US and Canada, but also become part of a technology-focused community in Merida where people can stay for a long time and grow their careers,” said Michel Blondeau, Hub North America Operations Manager, ABB. “Its success relies on talents and efforts of our new local team, and we’re pleased to see them successfully onboarded and ready to complement our operations centres in Europe and India.”

“The opening ceremony in Merida provided an opportunity to meet with our implementation managers and the new crop of talents who will make this centre a success,” said Vicente Magaña, Process Industries, ABB. “The location and people have been carefully selected and as a business ABB can look forward to seeing engineering projects delivered in North America primarily using regional resources. We’re part of a burgeoning technology space in Mexico and have the chance to build as part of that community.” 

The new centre will initially serve ABB’s orders pipeline from process industries including mining, pulp and paper, battery manufacturing and metals.

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has earned a spot on Corporate Knights’ 2023 Global 100 list of Most Sustainable Corporations in the world for the 12^th time in the row.

Strong performance across climate and social commitments, such as sustainable revenues and investments, gender diversity and sustainability pay link have helped secure Schneider Electric’s peer group leadership position in this annual index compiled by the Corporate Knights sustainability research group. The Global 100 is based on a rigourous assessment of public companies with revenues over US$1 billion. Schneider Electric is the only one of its category to have been named a Global 100 every year since 2012 and was ranked as the world’s most sustainable corporation by Corporate Knights in 2021. 

This achievement follows a previous announcement of Schneider Electric receiving top Environmental Societal and Governance (ESG) ratings from Standard & Poor’s, CDP and Moody’s ESG Solutions for its sustainability impacts and best practices. For example, Schneider Electric’s Climate Strategy and its commitment to environmental transparency was one of the first to be validated in accordance with SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard mid-2022. 

Schneider Electric is also just one of 19 corporate recipients of this year’s Terra Carta Seal recognising global companies that are driving innovation, demonstrating commitment, and gaining momentum towards genuinely sustainable markets. The Seal is part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative which His Majesty King Charles III set up in January 2021 while he was the Prince of Wales to encourage the private sector to take more urgent action on climate change.  

“Kickstarting 2023 with these sustainability achievements is truly energising,” said Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Schneider Electric. “It shows that consistency, commitment and concrete impact don’t go unnoticed and serves as a reminder that companies like us and our Global 100 peers, make a difference at all levels, in business and through our environmental, social and economic impacts.”  

The award-winning Nineteen Group is pleased to announce the return of Manufacturing & Engineering Week in June 2023 www.mandeweek.co.uk. The week-long festival combines both live and digital events and celebrates the best that the UK industrial sector has to offer. The centrepieces of the week are four exhibitions – Design & Engineering Expo, Drives & Controls featuring AirTech and Fluid Power and Systems, Smart Factory Expo and Maintec that take place at Birmingham’s NEC.

Commenting on the news, Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group said, “We launched the first Manufacturing & Engineering week this year and I referred to our ambition as being about building a Hannover Messe type event. However, in 2023, with the incredible additions we have made I think Glastonbury is a more relevant reference point. Something uniquely British that celebrates creativity and original thinking both on a large scale on our ‘main stages’, the centrepiece exhibitions, or on smaller stages, or virtually, where cutting-edge technology can be demonstrated, or industry thought leaders can inspire through a series of topical sessions. It’s about bringing like-minded people together to create momentum and throw a spotlight on this vital sector, inspiring them and, more importantly, ensuring that it is a memorable and enjoyable week.”

Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2023 will address the most pressing subjects, as outlined by its impressive advisory council, that includes the likes of Rosa Wilkinson, Director of Policy, High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO, Make UK and Manufacturing & Engineering Week Chairman. Because of the broad range of areas covered the event is appropriate for a large-scale audience regardless of seniority. The sheer scale of the event guarantees that there are more than enough relevant activities for everyone.

The centrepiece exhibitions take place on 7^th and 8^th June 2023. Design & Engineering Expo allows all design engineers and product designers to access the latest technology whilst connecting with and learning from their peers. Whether it’s the latest CAD/CAM advances from established technology leaders or bleeding edge R&D prototypes from start-ups, the event will showcase them all, allowing visitors to discuss their technical challenges and find new solutions.

Maintec will inspire and celebrate the people, technology and tools used in the continual pursuit of uptime.

Reflecting the fact that the Industry 4.0 and IOT revolution have changed the working life of maintenance professionals beyond recognition, the event will showcase both the latest predictive maintenance, condition monitoring and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management) technology as well as the bedrocks of MRO (Maintenance Repair and Operations) including bearings and lubrication.

A new addition for 2023, following Nineteen Group’s recent acquisition of The Hennik Group, is Smart Factory Expo produced by The Manufacturer and The Manufacturer.com. The event has a wealth of thought leadership content and is built on extensive market research and sector analysis. The SME Growth Summit and Sustainable Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit are designed specifically to equip leaders with the right ideas, connections and examples they need to scale up their business. The Manufacturing Top 100 Awards will also run alongside these two events, which will publicly recognise the heroes of UK manufacturing and those who stand out for their contribution to changing the face of industry. The popular ‘innovation alley’ feature will also be back, a central area where technology start-ups showcase the latest breakthroughs that will change the landscape of manufacturing over the next 5-10 years. Smart Factory Expo replaces the previous Manufacturing Expo, further strengthening the focus on digital transformation.

Also added for 2023, following their acquisition in September 2022, are the Drives & Controls, Fluid Power and Systems and Airtech events. These will feature as zones in 2023 before returning as stand-alone events in June 2024. Drives and Controls is the ‘home of automation’ and with its sister events, will focus on the latest motor, drive, automation, power generation and transmission, compressed air and motion control technology. Supported by Drives & Controls magazine, visitors to the zone will be able to access an incredible variety of educational content, such as The Automation and Robotics Theatre, delivered as problem-solving case studies by their peers as well as recognised thought leaders.

Working together with Grace Gilling, Managing Director of Hennik Research, Haf Cennydd, who oversees the Manufacturing & Engineering Week portfolio said, “We are so pleased to have the addition of Smart Factory Expo and Drives and Controls, and its sister events incorporated within Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2023. The sheer scale of our ambition for Manufacturing & Engineering Week means that it will produce a momentum and a focus on the industrial sector that will benefit all. By bringing a large number of like-minded people, businesses and trade bodies together, we can effect real change in areas such as sustainability, the skills shortage, cyber security, energy costs, digital transformation and the supply chain.”

Businesses already confirmed include: Kimberly Clark; CRC Industries; Toyota Material Handling UK; Omron; Fluke; ifm; Ultimo Software Solutions; FLIR; Wurth Electronics; LG Motion and many, many more.

For more information visit: www.mandeweek.co.uk

Resolve Optics is a leading supplier of application optimised fixed focus and zoom lenses designed to enable high performance measurements in the ultraviolet (UV) waveband (200-400 nanometres).

To provide inspectors with an effective tool for non-intrusive verification of spent nuclear fuel, a global leader in nuclear safeguards technology asked Resolve Optics to design a wavelength corrected UV Zoom lens to enable its Digital Cerenkov Viewing Device to view a nuclear fuel assembly situated 13 metres away from the lens and through 10 metres of water. Spent nuclear fuel emits a faint UV (Cerenkov) light when gamma rays from fuel assemblies interact with electrons in the cooling pond water.

To meet the challenges of this demanding application – Resolve Optics designed the UV zoom lens to optimally operate from 10 to 55ºC. By incorporating a telescopic focus in the design, the novel lens can image objects from 3m to infinity. Miniature motors on the lens allow accurate remote setting of both zoom and focus functions. A filter slide was also incorporated in the design enabling the lens to be switched between UV (270 to 350 nm) and visible (400 to 700 nm) without the need for refocusing. The lens achieves high image resolution with low distortion throughout the zoom range without refocusing. A lockable C mount ensures the lens cannot come loose during operation.

The Digital Cerenkov Viewing Device equipped with UV Zoom lens provides a highly effective system that captures the Cerenkov image of spent nuclear fuel for analysis and comparison.

For further information on application optimised UV lenses please visit https://www.resolveoptics.com/uv-ir-and-swir-lenses/ or contact Resolve Optics on +44-1494-777100 / sales@resolveoptics.com

The commercialisation of the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) region is transforming space exploration and satellite communication at roughly 1,200 miles above Earth. For satellites to successfully operate and reach their destination it is essential to select components that can withstand the harsh space environment. Building on its existing radiation-tolerant portfolio, Microchip Technology has announced the introduction of its first commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) rad-tolerant power device with the MIC69303RT 3A Low-Dropout (LDO) Voltage Regulator. The new high-current, low-voltage MIC69303RT is a power management solution targeting LEO and other space applications. The device is available for prototype sampling in both plastic and hermetic ceramic to support the requirements of the mission.

The MIC69303RT is based on proven COTS devices making it easier to conduct preliminary evaluation and early development. Operating from a single low voltage supply of 1.65 to 5.5 volts, the device can supply output voltages as low as 0.5V at high currents, offering high precision and ultra-low dropout voltages of 500 mV under extreme conditions. The MIC69303RT is a companion power source solution for Microchip’s radiation-tolerant space-qualified microcontrollers such as the SAM71Q21RT and PolarFire FPGAs including the RTPF500TLS.

“MIC69303RT is Microchip’s first rad-tolerant power management device with a hermetic ceramic package, latch up immunity and 50 Krad total dose robustness,” said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip’s aerospace and defense business unit. “Microchip has over 60 years of space flight heritage in a comprehensive portfolio that allows customers to choose products designed to work together and accelerate their design processes.”

“This COTS rad-tolerant power management solution enables new design possibilities in space applications,” said Keith Pazul, director of marketing for Microchip’s analog power and interface business unit. “Customers can design their space system with confidence by selecting the COTS MIC69303RT space-qualified part to power Microchip space-qualified MCUs and FPGAs.”

Designed for harsh aerospace applications, the MIC69303RT is operational in temperature ranges from -55°C to +125°C. It is offered in 8-pin and 10-pin package configurations with radiation tolerance up to 50 Krad. The low noise of the output is critical to sensitive RF circuits, post regulation of switching power supplies and industrial power applications.

The MIC69303RT device is the newest space-qualified product by Microchip and is manufactured in compliance with the following MIL Class Q or Class V requirements: screening testing, qualification testing and TCI/QCI specifications. The plastic MIC69303RT is compliant with high reliability plastic quality flow derived from AEC-Q100 automotive requirements with specific additional tests necessary for space applications.

Teledyne will showcase their newest products and solutions at SPIE’s Photonics West exhibition taking place 31st January 31 – 2nd February 2023, in San Francisco, California.

Visitors to the Teledyne booth #1527 can expect representation from the businesses within its Imaging group, including Teledyne DALSA, e2v, FLIR, Imaging Sensors, Acton Optics, Judson,  Lumenera, Photometrics, and Princeton Instruments.

New products introduced include:

• Teledyne e2v has released its Hydra3D+, the first high resolution Time-of-Flight (ToF) CMOS image sensor to work in all light conditions without motion artefacts. It incorporates 832 x 600 pixel resolution and is tailored for versatile 3D detection and measurement.
• Teledyne FLIR will present its new Forge 5GigE area scan cameras. Forge cameras deliver the industry’s fastest frame rates with burst mode at speeds up to 10Gb/s and an impressive 500 MB image buffer for managing data transfer. Sensor lineup starts with 5 to 24 MP Sony Pregius S.  See a live demo.
• Teledyne Imaging Sensors will display the closed-cycle Catalina camera, which uses a dual pulse tube cooler to maintain continuous operations at 80K for the MCT sensor, providing a spectral response from 2.0 to 12.3 microns with a frame rate of 1610 Hz and a 128×128 pixel window size. This design provides the ability to manipulate integration times, frame times, and cold filters to meet the most precise testing requirements.
• Teledyne Photometrics will introduce the Retiga E20 high resolution, high pixel count CMOS camera, with ideal spatial sampling for lower magnifications. E20 is back illuminated for great light collection, and is excellent for long exposures due to its very low dark current. It has a compact form factor for easy integration in applications including chemiluminescence imaging, immunofluorescence imaging, high content screening, and low light device inspection.
• Teledyne Princeton Instruments will feature its COSMOS large format, deep-cooled, high performance CMOS camera designed and manufactured entirely within a single source. With proprietary LACera technology, the COSMOS offers greater than 90% quantum efficiency, up to 8k x 8k sensor sizes, and proprietary low noise architecture with up to 18-bit readout and fast frame rate of up to 50 fps full frame.

Additionally, Teledyne’s businesses will provide 10-minute flash talks in a presentation area at the front of the Teledyne booth. Stop by to learn more about hyperspectral imaging, imaging challenges in photonics, new technology and applications for CMOS detectors, requirements for thermal sensitivity, comparisons of 3D sensors, and more. Our product specialists will be available to discuss your specific requirements.

Engineers around the world can now download the latest instalment of Farnell’s popular online magazine e-TechJournal.

Interested readers can obtain a free copy of the digital magazine with a single click to learn how sensor technology advancements are facilitating smart industrial automation to enable rapid Industrial IoT.

To learn more about this, edition 4 of e-TechJournal offers detailed insight into:

•       The Advantages of Rapid Industrial IoT

•       Pressure Sensors: Design Considerations and Technology options

•       The Advantages of Digital Pressure Sensors in Industrial Applications

•       How To Simplify Your Next Thermocouple Design

•       Indoor Air Quality: Changing The Future With Smart Sensor Systems

Cliff Ortmeyer, Global Head of Technical Marketing at Farnell, and Editor of the e-TechJournal, said: “Today, sensors are vital to any modern-day Internet of Things application. They serve as the eyes and ears in an ecosystem of connected devices, gathering critical information about their surroundings that then allows them to make decisions.

“We understand that efficient manufacturing technologies, state-of-the-art automotive, innovative medical products, smart power supply systems, or user-friendly building services would not be conceivable without sensors and in this latest edition of e-TechJournal, our experts take an in-depth look at the essential role that they play.”

Interested readers can download edition 4 for free here and subscribe at all future editions of the e-tech journal.

Spelsberg’s Lifeline range of enclosures help ensure safety for up to 90 minutes in the event of a fire by enabling critical systems to continue operation. Protecting cable junctions, connection boxes, and distribution boards, the Lifeline enclosures allow alarms, lighting, and fire suppression system to operate even under flame and extreme heat. The lightweight, highly durable polycarbonate enclosures enable flexible wall-mount installation and retrofit in buildings and tunnels.

In the event of fire in a building or tunnel, the function of alarms, smoke detectors, and fire suppressant devices is vital. It’s also crucial for some safety systems to continue operation long after a fire has commenced. This includes water booster systems to supply extinguishers, as well as smoke and heat extraction systems, through to evacuation-able fire brigade elevator systems.

To protect the electrical supply to these systems, the enclosures that secure cable junctions, connections, and distribution boards, must provide a barrier to extremes of heat and flame for up to an hour or more. Concrete has traditionally been used as a barrier to encase electrical wiring, but the drawback is a lack of flexibility in installation, and subsequent retrofit.

Alternatively, Spelsberg’s Lifeline system provides up to 90 minutes fire protection in a flexible and highly durable enclosure that can be externally mounted on building or tunnel walls. This enables fast and straightforward installation and retrofit of fire-protected devices and cabling whenever required.

Spelsberg’s fire protection enclosures use heat and fire-resistant materials to achieve electrical functional integrity. Certified between E30, E60, and E90, this guarantees functional integrity of the enclosures for at least 30, 60, or 90 minutes, assisting continued electrical supply to connected devices and are tested in accordance with DIN 4102-12, the European Standard for fire resistance of electric cable systems required to maintain circuit integrity. They also hold certification from VDE, the German electrical standards and testing association.

Constructed from thermoplastic polycarbonate, which is non-conductive during fire or heat exposure, the enclosures also prevent the risk of short circuit. Within the enclosure, high temperature-resistant ceramic terminal block clamps ensure integrity of the housing structure. In the event of fire and the use of sprinkler systems or hoses, the enclosures are protected to IP66 preventing ingress from strong water jets. IK08 rating also means the enclosures provide high resistance to physical impact.

The Lifeline fire protection enclosure range covers cabling requirements including connections and junctions, safeguarded junctions with fuses, communication cables for signal and control systems, as well as heavy duty cable connections for tunnels with the Rapid-Box enclosure. All Spelsberg Lifeline boxes are pre-assembled to save time in installation, with only wall-mounting and wiring required. The cable and junction boxes are simply attached by a pair of pre-fitted lugs that allow 90° rotation and the terminal block can be set in a variety of positions.

“The Lifeline enclosures are designed to meet the stringent EU and UK regulations on fire protection for use in both buildings and tunnels,” says Chris Lloyd, Managing Director, Spelsberg UK. “While the boxes achieve this, providing protection for up to 90 minutes, they are fast and simple to install. The advantage of Lifeline enclosures for building and infrastructure managers, as well as electrical contractors, is that fire-protected connections can be quickly added, as and when required.”