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The success of large projects in the process sector relies on the collaboration of its stakeholders. Within this relationship, the role of the distributor is essential. The Petrochem Group, a major distributor in Ireland, has built a relationship with Bürkert to deliver valves and instrumentation components with optimum performance and value. This relationship also provides an excellent trade-counter service, ensuring knowledgeable staff with a firm connection to the equipment manufacturer.

 Across various sectors within the process industry, the key to building value is partnership. In markets from pharmaceutical manufacturing through to wastewater treatment, each stakeholder provides a unique contribution. As engineers responsible for project specification select from process equipment manufacturers, the role of the distributor is often integral to assembling the best solution.

The distributor is central to communication between the specifier on one side, which could be the engineering services provider and their chosen contractor, or an OEM with in-house expertise, and on the other side, the equipment vendor. An experienced distributor with the right engineering knowledge ensures that the specification is met as quickly as possible within time-constrained projects. Assuming the distributor is equipped with a broad stock, they also typically facilitate rapid product supply.

In Ireland’s process control sector, this is exemplified by the partnership between flow control specialist Bürkert, and distributor Petrochem Group, which has provided value to end users and OEMs, as well as contractors, for over 15 years. Originally founded to supply the petrochemical market, today the vision includes all sectors within the process industry including pharmaceutical, food & beverage, water treatment and biotech. Supplying tubing and hardware is a mainstay of Petrochem’s expertise, but to provide a comprehensive solution, this is combined with valves and instrumentation, the point where Bürkert integrates within the portfolio. 

“Among our biggest customers are contractors for large engineering firms who design and specify projects for the dairy and pharmaceutical industries. We also work on projects for some of the large multinational corporates based in Ireland, taking care of their process control requirements for office space and data centres,” says Petrochem’s James O’Driscoll, responsible for service to the company’s existing accounts.

“When it comes to valves, valve actuation, instrumentation as well as the control and measurement of pressure, flow and temperature, many projects have specialised requirements. This is where we rely on Bürkert’s knowledge to help guide the detailed specification,” adds James. 

Petrochem has a wide network of contractor relationships in Ireland as a result of the company’s broad ranging experience. When the distributor is approached for a new project, they typically engage with Bürkert’s engineering experts, dedicated to specific segments such as hygienic or pharmaceutical applications. This enhances advice provided by Petrochem in meeting a specification with specific expertise gained from working on applications around the world.

“A good example is a recent project working with a big engineering services provider that was specifying a water supply and wastewater control system to a tech corporate. Measurement of organic impurities was crucial. Our network and experience enabled us to initially source the opportunity, but Bürkert’s engineering expertise dedicated to this sector helped increase the value we could provide to the project,” says James.

Notwithstanding the partnership that enables Petrochem to involve Bürkert’s expertise, the company has extensive specification knowledge in its own right. From Petrochem’s 70-strong team across Ireland, the company has an in-depth understanding of valve and instrumentation integration.

“The importance of Petrochem, in terms of their sector knowledge and experience, is crucial,” says Bürkert’s Ireland Account Manager, Des McCarthy. “The close contact they have with contractors and OEMs, from dairies to chemical plants, and the understanding of the engineering challenges that this brings, is very important. With their technical know-how of valves and instrumentation, they can arrive at a very close specification that, if required, our engineers can fine-tune.”

With two large facilities in Ireland, in Cork and Meath, Petrochem is also able to carry a wide-ranging stock, enabling rapid availability for large projects. This also means that Petrochem can provide trade-counter sales to contractors. 

“As well as the technical support they provide, Bürkert is at the forefront of design and innovation, meaning that their products continually improve on accuracy and efficiency. Their designs are built to last, so this gives us confidence and helps create the trust we share with our customers,” says James. “Together, this creates a strong partnership to serve engineers at all levels across process sector projects.”

Smarter Technologies, a leading British provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions, has successfully completed a capability trial at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport on behalf of the UK MoD.  They used their proprietary Orion IoT Data Network to track mission-critical Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) improving effective asset management, mission assurance and operational efficiency.

HMNB Devonport is one of the Royal Navy’s three operating bases in the UK, which also happens to be the largest naval base in Western Europe.  Managing GFE on such a large and spread-out facility is challenging; even locating equipment quickly and reliably can be difficult.  The UK MoD wished to trial how modern technology could increase operational efficiency and effectiveness, save money and point the way to other asset-management opportunities.  Smarter Technologies, the only British provider of fully integrated end-to-end IoT solutions, was short listed for the trial via the UK Government’s Digital Marketplace and won the contract in an open tender using the Crown Commercial Services G-Cloud 12 Framework.  This is a simple and effective procurement process that speeds delivery, is well-suited to SMEs and enables customer benefits to be realised quickly.

The UK MoD selected 200 mission-critical pieces of GFE to be tracked, such as, large mobile waterfront assets including Yokohama fenders, brows, pontoons, mobile cranes and WISE hoists.  The trial also included specific tasks to facilitate the gathering of data to evaluate the system’s performance.  In just one day, Smarter Technologies had installed 14 of their Orion gateways, providing network coverage across the 650-acre site, before fitting Orion GPS tracking tags to selected equipment’s.  Smarter Technologies worked with UK MoD experts to ensure all necessary approvals and clearances were met for use in close proximity to common military hazards such as fuel and other MOD electronic systems.

The 15-week trial captured over 3.2 million performance records using real-time data available to view remotely ‘on demand’.  A key operational benefit found from using Orion to support GFE management during the trial was efficiencies of 65.66%, most notably evident in time saved on completing physical checks.  For example, the average time taken to physically locate and check items was reduced by over two thirds when using Orion, and all assets were visible in near-real time (every 30 seconds), via the platform.  Feedback from MoD users reported the system was intuitive to use and enabled quick access to critical asset data via Orion’s cloud-based technology.

Other enabling benefits of the system included the ability to monitor contractor performance as well as the ability to capture trends in equipment and fleet utilisation.  This contributed to better contract oversight and accountability, greater intelligent GFE planning and improved logistic efficiency.  Users were particularly impressed by the range, signal penetration, power efficiency and reliability of Orion, which is a unique low power ultra-narrow low band 433 MHz UHF radio system that out-performs its competitors in every facet, for use cases of this sort.

Matt Walker, Product Manager for Orion at Smarter Technologies, said, “Smarter Technologies have been leading the way in complex, high-value and global asset-tracking solutions for years – our solutions are tried and tested.  This trial is an excellent example of Orion’s versatile capability.  It is well-suited to a large and complex estate, such as Devonport, and provides the data insight needed to improve logistics and save money.”

The DD52R-E-RF wireless system – ELESA patent – was awarded with the “Special Mention” by the jury of the German Design Award 2023 in the “Excellent Product Design – Industry” category for outstanding design quality.

The German Design Award is the most important contest of the German Design Council. Over the past 10 years of activity, the contest has earned a prominent position among the most prestigious international design awards, with the aim of rewarding innovative design projects and products. An international jury composed of leading experts from all design disciplines recognises the winners with a high level of expertise in design innovation and a strong focus on the needs of their customers and the market.

Participation in the competition is upon invitation by the Council itself, which selects candidates from among products and services whose characteristics stand out, in a particularly brilliant way, for the general concept of the project, for sustainability, aesthetics, functionality and durability of the product.

The result of an ambitious project on which the company focused significantly from the start, the new system of wireless electronic position indicators is the latest evolution of a range of ELESA position indicators, which today has numerous solutions including mechanical or electronic indicators, gravity or positive drive.

The system consists of up to 36 electronic position indicators connected via radio frequency to an external control unit. Designed for manual positioning of drive shafts on “smart” machines where frequent format changes are required. Minimising set-up times and reducing machine downtime costs for format change translates into increased plant productivity, resource savings and increased efficiency. No need for connecting cables with a reduced environmental impact for a much less complex system. Unique of its kind, it allows you to save time and eliminate human errors during set-up in paperless mode.

This important new acknowledgment joins the other 43 awards for industrial design received by products in the ELESA range, testifying to the fact that listening to new market demands on the one hand and the pioneering spirit with which certain technological challenges are tackled on the other hand, are a constant commitment towards which ELESA has never compromised.

Brooks Instrument, a leader in precision fluid measurement and control technology, has earned a Supplier Excellence Award from Applied Materials, Inc., the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.

Applied’s Supplier Excellence Awards recognise the company’s top performing suppliers for outstanding technical and operational achievements in areas including quality, service, lead time, delivery, cost and responsiveness. Brooks Instrument received the award for Best in Class Performance.

“Applied Materials congratulates our Supplier Excellence Award recipients for achieving outstanding performance over the past year,” said Dr. Paul Chhabra, Corporate Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Applied Materials. “Having strategic relationships throughout the supply chain is more important than ever, and we thank our suppliers for their strong support and collaboration.”

Since 1946, Brooks Instrument has been a leader in precision fluid measurement and control technology. Providing instrumentation for flow, pressure and vapour delivery, the company serves customers in semiconductor manufacturing, fibre optics, thin film manufacturing, solar cells, LED, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceuticals, alternative energy, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical.

With manufacturing, sales and service locations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Brooks Instrument has the world’s largest installed base of mass flow controllers. Its broad family of products includes the brands UNIT Instruments, Tylan and Celerity.

For more information, please visit www.BrooksInstrument.com.

Anritsu Company announces that its Field Master Pro MS2090A real-time spectrum analyzer has been named the winner in the Network Test & Measurement category Fierce Innovation Award – Telecom Edition 2022. The Field Master Pro MS2090A was recognised by a panel of judges based on criteria that included the instrument’s ability to make a positive, innovative, real-world impact on the telecom industry.

The Fierce Innovation Awards seek to recognise the creators, makers, and doers of outstanding services and equipment unveiled in the past 12 months. It is intended to promote the competitive spirit and initiative to spark new design, development and distribution of inventive solutions; find revolutionary tech or services; and to acknowledge and honour the most visionary operators, service providers, and vendors for their commitment to next-gen business and consumer offerings.

Portable and lab-based hardware and software or centralised solutions for testing, management and maintenance of telecommunications networks were eligible for the Network Test and Measurement award. Judges evaluated all applications based on ease of use/ROI, effectiveness, technical innovation, competitive advantage, financial impact, and true innovation.

“Earning a Fierce Innovation Award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of our engineering and support teams who developed the MS2090A. Field Master Pro brings best-in-class performance into the field and addresses current and future testing needs in a wide range of commercial, private, and government use cases,” said Wayne Wong, Anritsu Product Marketing Manager. 

Product Outline

The Field Master Pro MS2090A delivers performance never previously available in a compact, handheld instrument. With continuous frequency coverage from 9 kHz to 54 GHz, the MS2090A is specifically designed to meet the test challenges of a full range of wireless technologies in use today, including 5G, LTE, wireless backhaul, aerospace/defence, satellite systems, and radar.

To meet emerging market needs, Anritsu recently introduced the IQ Signal Master MX280005A Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software that delivers expanded post processing measurements and analysis of IQ data files captured on the MS2090A. A comprehensive suite of enhanced functions in the new VSA software allows users to analyse the modulation of captured signals or replay the captured IQ data with enhanced resolution.

QSigma, a supplier of optical measurement solutions for industrial applications, has chosen 3D laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon for use on its Spring Measurement Solution (SMS), a measurement system for precise 3D measurement of coil springs and other manufactured components.

The SMS is used, for example, in the development of spring prototypes and for 100% inspection of series produced parts. The SMS automatically identifies the spring, evaluates the wire contour and determines the wire diameter, even if the spring geometry is subject to strong fluctuations. For comparative evaluations, an automatic centreline determination is performed. The resulting data can then be analysed and compared with a stored target geometry. Non-contact sensors from Micro-Epsilon are used in these high precision measurement tasks.

Converts data into 3D point clouds

The SMS is a compact measuring cell in which the spring to be tested rotates on a longitudinal axis. During rotation, two linear axes move a scanCONTROL 2950 laser profile scanner from Micro-Epsilon over the part in the horizontal and vertical directions. To achieve maximum accuracy, the sensors are optimally positioned using algorithms developed by QSigma. The laser profile scanner transmits the generated individual profiles to a computer via a Gigabit Ethernet interface, which converts the data into a 3D point cloud and displays it on a monitor.

The scanCONTROL 2950 laser profile scanner has a large measuring field in both the Z- and X-axis. This enables extremely high speed scanning of springs up to a height of 70 cm and radially up to 30 cm. This wide field combined with the scanner’s high point density and profile capture rate (up to 1,000 profiles per second) enables precise evaluation of the spring geometry and wire diameter. Due to the large Z-axis range of the scanner, both the spring path and the spring end can be detected automatically. As the scanCONTROL 2950 works almost independently of the surface type, even painted or powder-coated springs can be measured reliably.

The scanCONTROL 29×0 series of 3D laser profile sensors are designed for industrial measurement tasks where compact design and high accuracy are required. Due to their high resolution, versatility and excellent price-performance ratio, the scanners are particularly suitable for static and dynamic applications, for example, on robots. The scanners measure and evaluate a variety of geometrical features such as angles, steps, gaps, distances and extreme values.

For more information on the scanCONTROL 29×0 series of 3D laser profile sensors 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

Bowers Group will be exhibiting a range of connective metrology solutions at Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition in 2023. Visitors can expect live product demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity.

On display will be a range of Bluetooth enabled hand tools and height gauges working in conjunction with Sylvac’s Sylcom software, showing how connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Visitors will have the chance to see Bowers’ Made in Britain registered, digital external micrometer, DigiMic, which features advanced, built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Offering quick, simple, and highly accurate measurements, the DigiMic can be easily integrated into any Industry 4.0 / SPC system.

The latest addition to optical measuring systems from Sylvac, the Sylvac Scan S25T, will also be present on the Bowers Group stand. Using the latest Sylvac-Scan technology, this high resolution & high accuracy machine is ideal for rapid measurement of small cylindrical parts up to 26mm diameter and 200mn in length. Delivered automation ready, the Sylvac Scan S25T comes equipped with Sylvac’s renowned tilt axis, for comprehensive thread measurement, capable of measuring threads with helix angles up to 30 °.

The Venture XT, Baty’s highly flexible multi-sensor vision system will also be on the stand, demonstrating the latest Fusion Software release featuring lens error mapping and off-line vision/touch-probe programming from CAD. The combination of contact and non-contact measurements in the same automated inspection, combined with ease of use and graphical reporting make Baty’s Venture XT a cost-effective measurement solution for both production cells and QC labs alike.

Bowers Group Sales Manager Ryan Kingswell said: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing again, where we’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate our skills and capabilities as a full metrology solutions provider specialising in connectivity. In addition to our own manufactured products, we will also be demonstrating products developed by our partners which complement our entire service offering.”

Taking place in Farnborough from 7th – 9th February 2023, the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition is the UK’s largest regional manufacturing technology, electronics and subcontracting exhibition. Not only will there be thousands of engineering and electronics solutions on display, visitors will also have the opportunity to attend a full programme of free technical seminars.

Visit Bowers Group at the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Exhibition 2023 on stand L240.

Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division today announced a partnership with New Zealand-based Scada Systems, a global leader of industrial solutions for power generation and transmission as well as other markets. The companies will cooperate to reaffirm their position as industry leaders in electrical design for industrial applications.

Hexagon can now directly sell Elecdes Design Suite (EDS) to complement its current extensive industrial design and engineering software offerings. EDS, developed by Scada Systems, is a 2D and 3D intelligent electrical and instrumentation software solution.

Expanding needs in wind and solar power generation projects require an industrial wiring solution plus an instrument management system. Through the partnership with Scada Systems, Hexagon’s CADWorx Plant Professional solution addresses the full design needs of industrial projects – piping, structural and now including electrical and instrumentation.

“As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the need for solutions that address our clients’ full design needs, and help them plan, design and execute better,” said Peter van der Weijde, Vice President of Sales at Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division. “That’s why we are very excited to grow our relationship with Scada Systems. Through our combined portfolio, we provide a complete design and engineering solution for projects with electrical and instrumentation needs, and bring the full benefits of automation to our clients in industries like wind, solar, and hydrogen.”

Hexagon’s customers are leaders in adapting to global market trends, shifting to easily comply with new requirements in rapidly growing industries. Hexagon technologies help to plan, design and execute the evolving project landscape in power generation, and increased growth in transmission and distribution. Elecdes’ fit-to-purpose for electrical and instrumentation design along with Hexagon design solutions deliver greater automation to increase efficiency, reduce redundancy and improve accuracy of deliverables.

The Phoenix Contact Group has acquired Canadian company iS5 Communications Inc. based in Mississauga, Ontario. The provider of industrial network products specialises in services and solutions for critical infrastructure networks. Martin Müller, Vice President of Phoenix Contact, says: “The expertise of iS5 Communications Inc. enables Phoenix Contact to take a leading position in the market for critical infrastructure networks and to further expand the business together.” Cybersecurity and data analysis in particular are playing an increasingly strategically vital role in this field.

iS5 Communications was established in 2012 and currently employs more than 40 members of staff who specialise in bringing IIoT and IT together and who bring engineering expertise to the table. Phoenix Contact invested in the company back in 2018 through its venture capital company Phoenix Contact Innovation Ventures as part of its round of financing at the time. Building on this, product development and joint sales activities have already been initiated through the participation of Phoenix Contact USA Inc.

“We are really pleased that, with the Phoenix Contact Group, we have a strong global player on our side to further expand our business. Our existing cooperation in the fields of product and technology development will continue to grow as a result of the acquisition,” says Pino Porciello, Chief Executive Officer at iS5 Communications Inc.

Analog Devices, Inc., a global semiconductor leader, and Seeing Machines, an advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI-powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety, announced a collaboration in support of high-performance driver and occupant monitoring system (DMS/OMS) technology.

Long-haul driving and congested traffic are two scenarios where driver fatigue and distraction often occur and frequently cause accidents, resulting in injury or worse. New and sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are rapidly evolving to support safety across increasing, varied levels of autonomous capability.

The collaboration pairs ADI’s advanced infrared driver and high-speed Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link™ (GMSL) camera connectivity solutions with Seeing Machines’ artificial intelligence (AI) DMS and OMS software to support powerful eye gaze, eyelid, head, and body-pose tracking system technology that more accurately monitors driver fatigue and distraction. The combined solution will readily meet European Commission General Safety Regulations (GSR) and European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) requirements. It is also conducive to enabling future occupant monitoring features and a range of in-cabin camera placement options, previously unworkable due to challenges related to power efficiency, functional safety, hardware footprint, and image quality.

Semi-autonomous driving systems rely on in-cabin DMS and OMS to recognise and address driver fatigue and distraction. These systems must operate in all lighting conditions and require proper infrared lighting to ensure image quality on a frame-by-frame basis necessary for eye tracking in real time. The combined solution from ADI and Seeing Machines leverages ADI’s industry-first infrared driver for DMS and OMS, capable of delivering up to 100W of peak power in a compact and functionally safe solution. This allows for a non-intrusive, smaller camera module in a vehicle’s cabin.

Seeing Machines’ AI software interprets signals from the optical hardware, monitors and diagnoses the problem, and combines with ADAS features to enable output signals to warn drivers and vehicle occupants when necessary.

“Seeing Machines exists to get people home safely, and our work with ADI aims to support semi-autonomous driving with increased safety levels to deliver what we call ‘supervised automation’,” said Nick DiFiore, SVP and GM of Automotive at Seeing Machines. “ADI’s proven automotive-grade, near-infrared drivers and GMSL devices enable a sophisticated optical path to provide critical illumination and high-speed video bandwidth for real-world and real-time processing of interior cabin environments.”

“Cabin monitoring is complex and requires careful integration of infrared illumination, image capture, data processing, and algorithm layers to achieve a real-time response,” said Yin Wu, Director of Automotive Product Line Management at Analog Devices. “Together with Seeing Machines, we are supporting the automotive industry with pragmatic solutions to help reduce collisions and save lives.”

ADI’s Automotive Electrification and Cabin Experience Solutions

ADI’s innovations are making a positive planetary scale impact in automotive electrification and experience. By leveraging technology synergies across Automotive and Sustainable Energy, ADI aims to accelerate the transformation of mobility and the grid towards Net Zero emissions. ADI is also enabling the Digital Cabin and Safe Mobility revolution through its technology leadership in Audio Processing, Data, and Video Connectivity platforms which are advancing consumer applications and safety-critical ADAS in the vehicle. Our leadership in Battery, Power, and Energy Management solutions enables high performance, reliable, and safe operations across the entire electrification ecosystem—including EVs, Energy Storage Systems, the Clean Energy Grid, and more. With a focus on measuring and advancing sustainability at every step, our innovations in software and wireless technologies allow for localised real-time mission-critical decisions to enable Intelligence at the Edge.