News

Resolve Optics is a leading developer of custom optical modules – design optimised to perfectly match your application. An optical module is a system of optical components that does more than just transmit a single image. For example, in interferometry – an optical module may use beamsplitters or prisms to create many images from a single image.

Rob Watkinson, sales manager at Resolve Optics said “As a developer and supplier of custom lenses and optical systems to leading camera, sensor, and optical instrument manufacturers our aim is to help these customers keep at the forefront of the markets they serve through ongoing cooperative developments and providing continuous support.

He added “One such customer is Specialised Imaging – technological market leader in ultra-high-speed imaging and ballistic range cameras. Their SIM family of ultra-high-speed cameras are used by research laboratories around the world. These state-of-the-art cameras can capture up to thirty-two images at one billion frames per second enabling analysis of even the most fleeting of phenomena. To help the SIM camera range remain the ultra-high-speed multichannel imaging camera of choice for researchers working at the edge of what is possible and solving new applications challenges – Resolve Optics recently supplied a third generation ultra-high-speed camera optical module that is not only more user friendly but also provides improved state-of-the-art performance”.

In this latest development a key objective was to make it easier for Specialised Imaging to precisely align their sensors with the eight ports on the ultra-high-speed optical module. To provide this enhanced ease-of-use facility Resolve Optics developed a new sensor mounting system that enables easy adjustment of the whole port in x and y planes. This new adjustment system allows users of SIM ultra-high-speed imaging cameras to align their systems significantly quicker and with much more accuracy than was previously possible.

Managing Director of Specialised Imaging – Wai Chan commented “I am pleased to say that the Resolve Optics optomechanical design team has again risen to the challenge and designed a new and improved optical module that meets all of our specification needs of our SIM cameras.”

For further information on design and development of custom optical modules please visit https://www.resolveoptics.com/optical-modules/ or contact Resolve Optics on +44-1494-777100 / sales@resolveoptics.com. For further information on ultra-high speed imaging cameras from Specialised Imaging please visit www.specialised-imaging.com.

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced an all-in-one, direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) module with market-leading 2.3k resolution, and revealed an early design win for the world’s smallest 500k-pixel indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) sensor.

“ToF sensors, which can accurately measure the distance to objects in a scene, are driving exciting new capabilities in smart devices, home appliances, and industrial automation. We have already delivered two billion sensors into the market and continue to extend our unique portfolio, which covers all types from the simplest single-zone devices up to our latest high-resolution 3D indirect and direct ToF sensors,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, General Manager, Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “Our vertically integrated supply chain, covering everything from pixel and metasurface lens technology and design to fabrication, with geographically diversified in-house high-volume module assembly plants, lets us deliver extremely innovative, highly integrated, and high-performing sensors.”

The VL53L9, announced today, is a new direct ToF 3D LiDAR device with a resolution of up to 2.3k zones. Integrating a dual scan flood illumination, unique in the market, the LiDAR can detect small objects and edges and captures both 2D infrared (IR) images and 3D depth map information. It comes as a ready-to-use low power module with its on-chip dToF processing, requiring no extra external components or calibration. Additionally, the device delivers state-of-the-art ranging performance from 5cm to 10 meters.

VL53L9’s suite of features elevates camera-assist performance, supporting macro up to telephoto photography. It enables features such as laser autofocus, bokeh, and cinematic effects for still and video at 60fps (frame per second). Virtual reality (VR) systems can leverage accurate depth and 2D images to enhance spatial mapping for more immersive gaming and other VR experiences like virtual visits or 3D avatars. In addition, the sensor’s ability to detect the edges of small objects at short and ultra-long ranges makes it suitable for applications such as virtual reality or SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping).

ST is also announcing news of its VD55H1 ToF sensor, including the start of volume production and an early design win with Lanxin Technology, a China-based company focusing on mobile-robot deep-vision systems. MRDVS, a subsidiary company, has chosen the VD55H1 to add high-accuracy depth-sensing to its 3D cameras. The high-performance, ultra-compact cameras with ST’s sensor inside combine the power of 3D vision and edge AI, delivering intelligent obstacle avoidance and high-precision docking in mobile robots.

In addition to machine vision, the VD55H1 is ideal for 3D webcams and PC applications, 3D reconstruction for VR headsets, people counting and activity detection in smart homes and buildings. It packs 672 x 804 sensing pixels in a tiny chip size and can accurately map a three-dimensional surface by measuring distance to over half a million points. ST’s stacked-wafer manufacturing process with backside illumination enables unparalleled resolution with smaller die size and lower power consumption than alternative iToF sensors in the market. These characteristics give the sensors their excellent credentials in 3D content creation for webcams and VR applications including virtual avatars, hand modeling and gaming.

First samples of the VL53L9 are already available for lead customers and mass production is scheduled for early 2025. The VD55H1 is in full production now.

Pricing information and sample requests are available at local ST sales offices.

ST will showcase a range of ToF sensors including the VL53L9 and explain more about its technologies at Mobile World Congress 2024, in Barcelona, February 26-29, at booth 7A61.

The demand for high-accuracy meters in flow measurement has indeed grown over the years, driven by various factors such as stricter government regulations and the need for more precise measurements in critical applications.  Manufacturers of flow measurement devices like Titan Enterprises are continually investing in research and development to introduce new technologies that enhance the accuracy and performance of their flow measuring instruments. This includes innovations such as improved sensor technology, advanced signal processing algorithms, and enhanced calibration methods.

An important aspect to Titan Enterprises’ R&D is reviewing the performance of our flowmeters and delivering improvements in product design and materials that improves both the accuracy and repeatability (reliability) of these flow measurement devices.

“A high-quality flowmeter, carefully produced with a design and construction to tight tolerances and with high-quality materials as well as low wear and fatigue characteristics, is a precise meter with a quantifiable value of repeatability.” (R.C. Baker, 2016).

Repeatability and Accuracy are distinct terms used to define the performance and quality of a flowmeter.

So what is Repeatability?

The standard description is the flowmeter’s ability to produce the same result on repeated runs under identical operating conditions. Repeatability is often something that the design of the instrument defines and without excellent repeatability, a flowmeter cannot have good performance.

At Titan Enterprises we set our calibration rigs to record a certain number of pulses depending on the type of meter. The flow rigs accurately interpolate the rig and meter pulses and will not accept a reading unless it is within pre-set limits, usually set at 0.1% of repeated points. Repeatability is expressed as a ± percentage.

Repeatability can deteriorate at low flow rates so manufacturers may specify this value as a percentage plus a constant uncertainty value, or as a percentage of full-scale reading, rather than a percentage of measured flow rate.

Titan’s highly repeatable small turbine flow meters are successfully employed in batching processes and dispensing applications particularly within the food and beverage, chemical, medical and laboratory sectors. They have excellent repeatability (±0.1%) making them ideal for dosing systems and can be calibrated in-situ.

What is Accuracy?

Accuracy of a flowmeter relates to the quality of the measurement device and how close a measured reading is to the true flow. It is generally accepted that Accuracy is used as a qualitative term, where Linearity and Uncertainty measurements are the quantitative terms defining the accuracy of a flowmeter.

Linearity is usually defined by stating the maximum deviation of the reading over a stated flow range (e.g. ±1% of flow rate). It is the ability of the flow meter to remain within specified limits over its entire flow range determined by its design. The standard way of expressing linearity is error of reading.  A frequently used alternative in some industry sectors is percentage of full-scale deflection or FSD.

Measurement uncertainty is the level of potential error in calibration, i.e. the range of values within which the true values lie with a specified probability. It is accepted that there is always a margin of error in any taken measurement and this uncertainty is quantified as a ± percentage.

Accurate flow rate measurement is influenced by an array of variables, including pressure, temperature, density and viscosity of the fluid. All of these factors are typically included in a calibration record. The very best calibration houses claim a measurement uncertainty as good as ±0.02%, though more typically ±0.1% when these factors are properly controlled.

The following images illustrate the relationship between repeatability and accuracy:

Overall, the trend towards higher-accuracy flow meters is likely to continue as industries evolve, and the demand for precise measurements in critical applications grows. This evolution is driven not only by regulatory requirements but also by the ongoing pursuit of process optimisation, efficiency gains, and improved product quality across various sectors.

Visit Titan Enterprises’ website for further information on flow measurement or to discuss specific technical applications, please contact Titan Enterprises on +44 (0)1935 812790 or email sales@flowmeters.co.uk.

With the launch of its next-generation DT80 distance sensor, SICK has revised the standard for measurement precision in countless industrial applications in a compact and robust device.  Equipped with high-performance time-of-flight measurement technology, the SICK DT80 1D laser distance sensor achieves unparalleled accuracy of +/- 2 mm with a resolution of 0.1 mm at ranges up to 80 metres.

The SICK DT80 laser distance sensor uses a class 2 eye-safe laser to detect, measure and position on natural targets with no reflector. SICK has developed the DT80 with simple commissioning and versatile integration in mind, fitting even the tightest of spaces in both mobile and stationary machinery. With a robust metal housing, the DT80 delivers resilient performance despite challenging environmental conditions, such as mechanical vibrations, strong ambient light or extreme temperatures.

“Raising the Bar” in Distance Sensing

“SICK’s development programme for the DT80 laser distance sensor has perfected our time-of-flight measurement technology and raised the bar in this class of mid- to long-range distance sensing,” explains Nick Hartley, SICK’s UK market product manager for distance measurement. “Achieving the best possible precision and repeatability is a constant challenge for many industrial measuring and positioning tasks.

 “When engineers can trust the DT80’s repeatable performance, their mobile transport vehicles can operate without interruption and the need for adjustments. Accurate measurement is equally critical in diverse machine operations to ensure product and process quality. Ensuring minimal deviations reduces rejects, saves waste and reduces scrap.”

Outstanding Range and Precision

The outstanding precision and range of the SICK DT80 give it broad scope across factory automation and logistics, both indoors and outdoors. In factory automation, the DT80 is expected to find uses in production line measurement and monitoring, bin and stillage level sensing, position monitoring of moulds, coil monitoring and length measurement, e.g. in metal or wood processing. It can be used in automated transport vehicles and forklifts, e.g. for height detection of forks. The DT80 can also be deployed for precise vertical positioning of cranes and hoists, as well as on special-purpose, municipal and industrial vehicles.

Simple Set-Up and Commissioning

The DT80 will accurately detect an object that has up to 90% remission at a distance of 80 metres. For objects with extremely dark surfaces and only 6% remission, it still achieves an impressive range of 14 metres. The SICK DT80 can be configured in a variety of combinations of distance and remission, helping to streamline inventories and make servicing more efficient.

Setting up the DT80 is quick and easy using the icon-supported colour display. Four on-sensor LEDs also show the sensor’s current status and settings. Alternatively, the DT80 can be configured using SICK’s HTML-based SOPAS engineering tool or using IO-Link.

Industry 4.0 IO-Link Connectivity

As well as enabling easy configuration, the DT80’s IO-Link connectivity enables data to be transferred and exchanged between sensors, actuators and OT control systems. Using an IO-Link-Master with OPC UA, data from the DT80 can be exported into on-premise and cloud-based analytics and remote diagnostics software, e.g. for condition monitoring.

At only 65 mm x 33 mm x 57 mm (HxWxD), the SICK DT80 is one of the most compact laser distance sensors on the market.  Its cast zinc housing, durable PMMA sensor window, IP65 and IP67 protection and high shock and vibration resistance, ensure it operates reliably under the harshest industrial and environmental conditions.

Since its housing and connectivity concept mirror SICK’s other DT distance sensors, users can easily upgrade to the SICK DT80 to take advantage of its greater precision and range.

www.sick.com

InfraTec provides thermographic solutions for various fields of the automotive industry:

https://qd-uki.co.uk/thermography-in-automotive-industry/

• Reconcile thermal behaviour of components with their standard behaviour
• Non-destructive testing allows precise and efficient quality control
• Integration into complex text solutions through interfaces to LabVIEW and MATLAB
• Analysis instruments for fast-rotating objects, such as tires or brakes

Non-Destructive Testing Saves Time and Money

The ultimate marketing tool for presenting cars’ safety are, certainly, crash tests – one of the worst testing methods for engineers and controllers since, in the course of this process, the device under test will be destroyed. Thus, neither further tests can be carried out nor is it possible to remedy any deficiencies of the product.

Thermal imaging helps to make defects visible without damaging the device under test on its testing. Therefore, functions of catalysts as well as electric systems of cars and motor assemblies can also be tested with the help of infrared camera systems.

Moreover, defects and deficiencies of multiple products for the automotive industry are only to be detected through temperature changes. Thus, heated seats and window heating can be tried and tested for their functionality by applying infrared camera systems.

Automotive Industry Case Studies

Tyre Inspection with Thermography

Mechanically stressed car components like tyres are a continuous issue for quality inspection and related R&D improvements. At Bridgestone Corporation in Hofu (Yamaguchi prefecture in South Western Japan) new test procedures for off-the-road tires for constriction and mining vehicles (OR tyres) had to be developed to meet the literally growing scale of performance concerning the carrying capacity.

Read the Case Study here

Combination of Digital Image Correlation and Thermographic Measurements

The combination of measuring results from the digital image correlation (ARAMIS, DIC) and temperature measuring data from infrared cameras permits the simultaneous analysis of the thermal and mechanical behaviour of test specimens in the materials and components testing field.

Read the Case Study here

Inline Process Control for Quality Assurance of Weld Seams

Miscellaneous welding tasks in steel constructions currently have a low degree of automation, resulting in a high amount of manual work and employee-dependent quality levels. As art of the 3dStahl collaborative project, a 6-axis robot, equipped with a welding machine, was attached upside down to a wall-to-wall wire rope hoist kinematics system in order to automate joining processes involving small quantities or even individual parts such as large-scale objects (lock gates, bridges).

Read the Case Study here

Integrate Thermographic Solutions by InfraTec

Based on a great number of applications, especially in the automotive sector, InfraTec integrates multiple requirements directly into infrared cameras, respectively into the software package IRBIS® 3. High thermal resolutions, fast frame rates and the integration of infrared camera systems into complex test environments within the scope of National Instruments LabVIEW are only a few examples.

In order to test fast-rotating objects, such as brakes or tires, InfraTec has developed a special solution and software IRBIS ® rotate. Thermal behaviour of diverse braking materials or specific forms of disc brakes can be analyzed at full speed with the help of the infrared camera series ImageIR®.

Read the Case Study here

Quantum Design represent InfraTec in the UK and Ireland.  Find out more about us at www.qd-uki.co.uk

For more information about InfraTec please visit here or contact Luke Nicholls on luke@qd-uki.co.uk or call 01372 378822.

METCASE has launched elegant new TECHNOMET-CONTROL aluminium enclosures for electronic control systems, panel PCs and HMI electronics. They are specifically designed for mounting on standard VESA brackets/arms, walls, machines and round poles.

TECHNOMET-CONTROL is ideal for indoor applications such as industrial machine control, test and measurement, point-of-sale and security equipment. It is suitable specifically for Siemens TP displays but can also house other manufacturers’ touch screens and displays.

The modern cohesive design features diecast front and rear bezels which fit flush with the case body. Snap-on trims hide all the assembly screws. The enclosures are easy and cost-effective to customise in any size, with plenty of space for connectors.

The recessed front panel protects displays/keypads.  At the rear VESA MIS-D 100 mounting points are provided for fitting to an off-the-shelf VESA control arm or wall bracket.

Inside, the assembly extrusions have M3 holes and guide rails to hold internal plates, and the rear panel has M3 PCB pillars. All the case panels are fitted with M4 threaded pillars for earth connections.

TECHNOMET-CONTROL is available as standard in four sizes from 230 x 180 mm to 420 x 300 mm and is just 95 mm deep. The standard colour is traffic grey A (RAL 7042) or traffic grey A/traffic white (RAL 7042/9016). Custom colours are also available on request.

Accessories include front panels, internal mounting plates, wall mounting kits and a pole mounting bracket (for poles ⌀50 mm or larger).

METCASE can supply TECHNOMET-CONTROL fully customised to individual requirements.

View the METCASE website for more information:

https://www.metcase.co.uk/en/Metal-Enclosures/Technomet-Control.htm

METCaSE ENCLOSURES

Tel. (01489) 583858

Email: sales@metcase.co.uk

Improve product temperature accuracy with the SMT172 digital temperature sensors from MMS Electronics Ltd. The SMT172 sensor provides clinical-grade temperature measurement accuracy (0.1°C) with fast response time to temperature changes. The SMT172 is a digital ultra-low power, factory calibrated, high accuracy temperature sensor with pulse width modulated output signal. PWM output sensors have high noise immunity <0.002 ºC. Easy to interface and measure on PCB or at spot when extending cable length. Duty cycle output is proportional to the measured temperature. Inaccuracy of the T018 package sensor is ±0.1 ºC between -20ºC to 60ºC, ±0.25 ºC between -10ºC to 100ºC. Max temperature +130ºC. Supply voltage 2.7V to 5.5V. This is the most energy efficient temperature sensor with an average current of < 60µA or 220nA based on 1 measurement per second. Consuming less power than PT100 sensors and easier to interface than RTDs. The ultralow power consumption also minimises the self-heating effect.

The SMT172 sensor is designed using the most recent advances in silicon temperature sensing, sophisticated IC design techniques are applied with high-precision calibration methods. The pulse width modulated output is proportional to the measured temperature value. A measurement of eight consecutive pulses or multiples of 8 is recommended. There may be a variation between each pulse but the average is very precise and stable. A simple calculation of the duty cycle returns the sensor temperature. Only one input pin on a microprocessor is required to connect to the SMT172 sensor. No analogue circuits or analogue to digital converter is required, reducing design complexity, power consumption and system cost.

MMS Electronics Ltd has the SMT172 sensor available in TO18, TO92, TO220, SOT223, SOIC-8 and a 7mm robust stainless steel probe with 5 meter cable.  The wide range of packages allows the designer to pick a sensor suited to the application. Application are found in biotechnology, medical, humidifiers, dialysis, sterilizers, wearables, IOT, refrigerators, freezers, solar panels, heat pumps.

The SMT172 temperature sensor presents the temperature data in the frequency domain. Sensors that work in the frequency domain have many advantages in comparison with analogue output sensors namely: a high noise immunity, high reference accuracy, wide dynamic range, simplicity of coding, multiplexing and interface.

Most frequency-to-digital conversion are usually performed by a low-cost microcontroller, but when very accurate measurements over a wide dynamic frequency range are required these bring design problems. To overcome these problems MMS Electronics supplies the UFDC-1, UFDC-1M-16 and USTI fully digital frequency-to-digital converters for use with any sensor or transducer with a frequency, period, duty-cycle, interval, PWM , phase shift or pulse number output. The frequency converters are perfectly suited to any applications where frequency-time parameters need to be measured with highest resolution and programmable accuracy. 16 programmable modes to measuring frequency, period, duty-cycle, pulse, count or rpm. The relative error, non-redundant conversion time and accuracy (1 to 0.0005%) is programmable. RS232, SPI and I2C interface.

MMS Electronics Ltd is introducing a new compact PLC series from DISPLAY VISIONS. These innovative controllers are designed to be particularly communicative, the central control unit already has a colour touchscreen display integrated and can address up to 50 remote satellite displays. This makes these PLCs ideal for a wide range of AV, home and industrial applications, where it is important to be able to visualize process data, enter parameter data, and control the system from multiple locations. The PLC central control unit, “PLC-Core”, is simple to use and displays your measurement and process data on a brilliant 2.8 inch IPS display with a PCAP touch panel to enter control commands and parameters. The PLC-Core is networked with the satellite display units automatically. For this, the PLC-Core has Ethernet capabilities and an RS-485 interface, it can also communicate wirelessly via Wi-Fi.

The core has eight digital inputs, 4 analogue inputs (4-20 mA and 0-10 V) and 4 relay outputs. Depending on the complexity of the input and output data, satellites with different display sizes are available, from a 1.5″ display to the 10.1″ panel. The measurement values and parameters are updated automatically. The satellites automatically synchronise with the core in real time and are individually configurable. All touch and display functions are programmed with the free Windows tool “PLC Designer”. Various housings are available for the satellite terminals EA PLCS043-DS.

MMS Electronics Ltd is based in Leeds and is the authorised UK distributor and stockist for the 2,000 plus display products from Display Visions GmbH. Call us about your application and learn how these innovative controllers can be used. Sample orders for the sensors and displays can be placed directly from the MMS Electronics web shop.

MMS Electronics Ltd

Tel 01943.877668

www.mmselectronics.co.uk

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

Thermocouple Connectors

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

Bi-Metal Thermometer Temperature Gauges

Bi-Metal Stainless Steel Thermometer with bottom or back entry and ‘any-angle’ versions available. Temperature Ranges from -20°C to 200°C.

Thermocouples

We offer an extensive range of Thermocouples, in numerous sizes all in IEC or ANSI colours. Products include Mineral Insulated, Fine Wire Versatile, Fabricated & Specialist Thermocouples together with a range of moulded-on Thermocouples.

Thermocouple Cable / Wire

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

L60 Thermocouple & Fine Wire Welder

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

High Temperature Sensors

Ceramic thermocouples for furnaces, kilns and other high temperature applications available in types K and N with recrystallised Aluminous Porcelain sheaths, rated to 1400°C.

Handheld Temperature Sensors

A selection of IEC, ANSI & JIS Hand Held Temperature Sensors to suit your specific application. Includes the Ergonomic Style range with IP67 rated ‘shark tail style’ handle which contains an antimicrobial substance to kill microorganisms, making it ideal for the food industry or applications where cleanliness is paramount.

M12 Industrial Automation Sensors

An M12 industrial automation temperature sensor with a Pt100 class A 4 wire resistance thermometer detector (RTD) with a measuring range of -50 to +250°C.

The Sensor features an industry standard 4 pin M12 A coded instrument connection, suitable for new industrial process control & automation applications and field replacement of sensors.

Hermetically Sealed Wire Thermocouples

An IP67 wire thermocouple that is hermetically sealed for use in corrosive or wet environments.

This versatile multi-purpose sensor has been specifically designed for use in and to protect against corrosion in harsh or wet environments. It has a quick response time and can be easily cleaned. The impermeable PFA insulated flexible wire thermocouple provides exceptional resistance to oils, fluids, gases, and chemicals and is electrically isolated.

Screw In Thermocouple Temperature Probes

Screw in type K temperature sensors with a measuring range of -75 to +250°C and 1m PFA flat pair lead wire.

Available with process thread options 1/4 BSPP, 1/2 BSPP & 1/4 & 1/2 NPT for direct mounting into vessels, pipes, tanks, or ducting for liquid or gas temperature measurement. With standard diameters of 3 & 6mm diameter 316 Stainless steel sheath and standard lengths of 50, 100, 150 & 200.

Thermometer Kits with Meter

Products include the HVAC Standard and PRO kits, Type K general purpose thermocouple kit and two multi-purpose kits with optional moulded on probes or hand-held temperature probes. Catering Kit also available with High Accuracy Chef Thermometer and optional Type T probes.

Can’t find what you need? Call or email our technical sales team on +44 (0) 1243 871 280 or sales@labfacility.com for help with product selection and technical support.

iCenta were called to consult on a number of flow applications on board a multi-million-pound new generation of catamaran hybrid passenger ferry. They will operate on the Thames, and there will be a new ULEZ style charge for River vessels, where Tower bridge will become the region for charges to apply. Far Eastern Ultrasonic flowmeters were installed, and shipyard needed help analysing the data.

An early start was required as the ferry was built on the Isle of Wight. After finding ourselves in East Cowes, we nipped on another boat to get over to West Cowes and started our work.

The application was for diesel fuel consumption on as common rail engine (so flow and return) and cooling water for both the batteries and the diesel engines. There was a diesel/electric power plant in each of the 2 hulls, so that was 4 measurement point per hull, so 8 in total. The battery cooing fluid was a drinking water / glycol mix and flowed around a heat exchanger, whilst the diesel engine cooling was raw sea water, drawn up and passed through a strainer. The pipe was Nickel Copper alloy, DN25 (fuel lines) DN50 and DN100 line sizes for the two cooling circuits.

In terms of the diesel flow, a gear flow meter was installed, but Paul Gentle noticed that it was sized incorrectly and one of the correct sizes would be required. A precision OVAL FlowPet 5G gear meter from Japan was selected for the task of flow measurement from the diesel common rail engine.

Next the cooling circuits were surveyed, and the existing ultrasonic sensors were installed not below deck, but below the lower deck – within the bilge. Access was extremely tight; the space was about 60 cm at its largest point and a person could not turn around down there. After a safety gas monitor check, iCenta staff disappeared into the bowels of the boat armed with the ultrasonic meters which were set-up and the sensors installed. It is in such applications where a quick setup and small meter is a definite advantage.

Precision Flow DP 190 on raw sea water intake.

Limited access on DN50 cooling pipe, using Metri Pro-Lite with Precision Flow rail!

Precision Flow sensors (Metri rail)!

Both the Metri Pro-Lite and the Precision Flow PD190 measured the flow well, but it was found that as the engine approached full power, a great deal of entrained air did become mixed into the engine cooling pipe, which is bad for ultrasonics, and many technologies and of course air will not make an efficient heat transfer medium. The ultrasonic flowmeters showed themselves (due to entrained air) that on the diesel engine cooling circuit, a different flow technology was required. This remains a natural strength of iCenta, we have all the flowmeter technologies, so we can honestly recommend the best flowmeter technology choice and we get a chance to represent the very best instrument from around the World. Initially we thought that it was a good application for ultrasonics, but as the environment was hot and access was very limited, it was felt that really a more traditional invasive flow meter was a better choice. The ultrasonics did however give us insight into the flow conditions. In fact, a combined Doppler – Transit time flow meter is available Precision Flow from iCenta, and this would have been a good application. The new Metri Pro-Lite was easy to use and it a great spot-checking tool for many industries.

The Metri Pro-Lite has built in graphical diagnostics – a useful feature when monitoring on unusual fluids.

After the trial, the new meters were correctly specified and sized, so the overall solution involved Oval geared meters and C-Mag Comac Cal 316L Magnetic flowmeters.

Saying farewell to the Red Funnel passenger ferry after a great day of flow measurement testing.

With a library of  18, 00 designs  we can offer a solution to most OEMs   requirements.Product range is found in typical systems  as

AUTO SAMPLING and DISPENSING

BIOTECNOLOGY         CHROMOGRAPHY

MEDICAL SYSTEMS    DRUG DELIVERY

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Specific products include

SOLENOID VALVES    CRYOGENIC SOLENOIDS

MINIATURE ISOLATION       FLOW CONTROLS

GENERAL PURPOSE SOLENOID

PTFE VALVES AND CONTROLS

MODULATING CONTROL VALVES

PRESSURE REDUCING AND REGULATORS

METERING PUMPS

Please forward  your  application  requirements to

ESE bv Netherlands    esenl@fastmail.com