Features

Is there a monitoring or metering product that you think is worthy of an award at this year’s Instrumentation Excellence Awards? If the answer is yes, then now is the time to nominate that product.

The Instrumentation Excellence Awards (IEAs) celebrate the very best from the world of test, measurement, sensing and control. The success of the inaugural award ceremony in 2022 has cemented it as a must attend event and an Instrumentation Excellence Awards trophy now represents a truly unique stamp of approval, opening doors for new business opportunities.  

The 2024 awards ceremony, organised by Instrumentation Monthly publisher Datateam Business Media, will take place on 24 October at the Grand Connaught Rooms and will once again take place alongside the Electronics Industry Awards, making it the night of the year for networking.

Entering the Awards is quick, easy and completely free of charge – so there’s no need to delay! To make your entry really stand out from the crowd, it is recommended that you try to include a comprehensive overview of the product or company that you have nominated. There is even the option to include supplementary documents like data sheets and images alongside your nomination.  

Nominations close soon so visit www.instrumentationawards.co.uk to make your nomination and to find out more about the Instrumentation Excellence Awards. 

DELTA LOGIC has released an update for the ACCON EasyLog data logger. The current version 2.7.0.0 includes support for TIA V19 and supports the latest firmware for CPUs of the Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers. Many other new features increase the already great user-friendliness of the logger and, last but not least, data security.

The ACCON EasyLog data logger from DELTA LOGIC is used in many Industry 4.0 applications: The software is specially developed for Siemens environments, it records and documents data from S7 PLCs. Version 2.7.0.0 of the data logger includes support for TIA Portal projects of the current version TIA V19: symbols can be imported both offline and online, and it is now also possible to download symbols from password-protected TIA PLCs. In addition, firmware versions 4.6.1 of the S7-1200 CPUs and 3.1.2 of the S7-1500 CPUs are supported.

In the previous versions of ACCON EasyLog, users already had a choice of different formats for the recorded data, including CSV and SQL, as well as transmission to an Arburg host computer system (ALS) for archiving. Thanks to the update, it is now also possible to pause the output in CSV and SQL based on time. Dynamic file names can also be assigned based on times or shifts (CSV file names and SQL table names). DELTA LOGIC has increased the length of the output text of UTF-8 strings to 65,535 characters per string.

More security for data and operating systems

Other version changes relate to data security: Operating systems older than Windows 10 are no longer supported from ACCON EasyLog 2.7.0.0 in order to meet current data security requirements. In addition, DELTA LOGIC has discontinued support for 32-bit operating systems for this software; the input module for SIGMATEK controllers is also no longer offered from the current version of the logger. ACCON EasyLog continues to offer a wide range of options and has been approved for the Windows 10, 11 and Windows Server 2022 operating systems from Microsoft, among others.

Free trial version available

ACCON EasyLog bears the typical characteristics of DELTA LOGIC’s Schwabenware: high versatility and speed with simple, extremely user-friendly operation. Installation is also uncomplicated and quick. DELTA LOGIC provides interested parties with access to a free demo version of ACCON EasyLog; details can be found online in the download section of the data logger’s product page.

Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics industry, has announced a significant milestone in partnership with Koh Young Europe (KYE). In 2023, Altus Group achieved its highest-ever annual sales figures for Koh Young inspection and measurement solutions, marking a new high point in the companies longstanding partnership.

In recent years, Koh Young has introduced cutting-edge technology, including the Alpha HS+, a 4-projector 3D AOI with digital light processing. This innovative solution provides customers with full 3D metrology capabilities, allowing precise measurements of components up to 25mm in height. Notably, since its launch, the Alpha HS+ has consistently outperformed competitors in head-to-head evaluations within the Altus region.

Koh Young’s global market share is approximately 50%, a testament to its industry leadership. However, in the UK, its presence is even more impressive, with a market share about 70%.

Michael Zahn, Sales Manager at Koh Young Europe, said: “Altus and Koh Young have been long-term collaborators in Europe. Our relationship has grown stronger over the years. In 2023, KYE achieved its best performance ever in the UK and Ireland. Considering the competitive landscape, Altus’ success in bringing on new clients is very commendable.”

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group added: ‘’It has been thoroughly enjoyable breaking a few records over the last years, and it is important that we continue to set new standards and keep looking to improve constantly. 

“Our team has consistently demonstrated an understanding of Koh Young’s technology over many years, allowing us to effectively showcase its value and win over new customers in a highly competitive market. While the field is crowded with lofty claims, we back up our words through rigorous evaluations, with the majority of our customers previously using other vendors’ equipment. Our record of consecutive head-to-head evaluation victories is a testament to our hard work. Seeing the influx of new Koh Young users reinforces that our commitment to excellence will continue driving growth.” 

A significant driver of Altus’ growth has been securing brand new customers for Koh Young solutions, with 50% of machines sold in 2023 going to facilities that had not previously used the company’s equipment. The benefits extend beyond Koh Young’s advanced individual products to their integrated data and software spanning the full inspection and measurement workflow. Rather than just traditional defect detection, Koh Young’s 3D measurement data empowers manufacturers to optimize yields and profitability through real process improvements across production lines – positioning their solutions as invaluable tools for comprehensive process control and yield optimisation. 

www.altusgroup.co.uk

Laboratory technology developer Technobis has released ReactALL, an innovative benchtop multiple reactor system for medium throughput experimentation, helping scientists tap into the under-utilized nights and weekends. Available globally now, ReactALL uses novel integrated automated sampling technology to accelerate chemical reaction screening, optimisation, route scouting, reaction profiling and kinetics. ReactALL addresses the gap between high throughput and low throughput screening to provide high-quality, data rich results with low material needs.

Technobis’ new instrument, developed with scientific input from Pfizer, uses proprietary SmartCap technology to sample, quench and dilute directly into commercial standard HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) vials. Reaction setup is fast, taking less than 30 minutes with ReactALL.

The system comprises five small-scale reactors, each equipped with fully automated sampling. Representative samples are immediately quenched, diluted, and transferred to standard HPLC vials on the ReactALL. The sample and dilution volumes are precisely controlled by the system for quantitative analysis. Wide bore tubing and streamlined pump-free fluidics assure robust sample transfer, even for heterogeneous samples. And the novel SmartCap™ sampling technology does not pierce reactor septa, so there are no pierced holes for losing solvent.

Accelerating in-depth chemical understanding is a key goal of the ReactALL. Such data-rich experiments can translate to significant time saving, and thus money. Screening reactions for the best reagents, catalysts and conditions; optimising reaction yield, selectivity and impurity control; mechanistic profiling; ReactALL obtains high quality results early in drug development to allow chemists to draw the right conclusions, as early as possible.

“A guiding ethos at Technobis is ‘Help research succeed’”, explained John de Kok, CEO of Technobis. “ReactALL will transform the way chemists conduct medium throughput research and in the pharmaceutical industry, which is close to my heart, bring medicines to market faster than ever before.”

ReactALL™ possesses multiple features that enhance reaction scientists’ investigation capabilities. Colour cameras, integrable Raman spectroscopy probes, provide crucial information on physical and chemical state changes, such as dissolution and precipitation, colour changes, and much more. ReactALL uses overhead stirring design specifically with the aid of Computational Fluid Dynamics to closely recreate mixing properties conferred by mechanical agitators, and poorly captured by magnetic stir bars.

“It’s essential that ReactALL fits into the lab of the future and industry 4.0 compatibility is key there,” said Stephan van Banning, chief technology officer at Technobis. “Our software engineers have enabled interoperability with pretty much anything you might want in your workflow.”

For example, ReactALL could run reactions and automatically take, quench and dilute samples into HPLC vials. A pre-loaded SmartCap can be loaded in ReactALL while a robotic arm could then transport your sample vial trays to the HPLC machine. The chemist would need only 30 minutes for setting up the reactions and the next day, they already have the HPLC data.

To learn more about how ReactALL can help your laboratory workflow step into the future, visit the launch page here:  https://www.crystallizationsystems.com/products/reactall

Following a successful launch of the T15 sensor range, Third Dimension, manufacturers of the GapGun and Vectro non-contact measurement tool, will demonstrate the new T15-V Sensor at Control 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany this April.

The T15-V sensor is compatible with both the hand-held GapGun and the automated Vectro devices. It measures a range of features including edge profiles, gaps, flush, welds and more, with exceptional precision and accessibility. With its optimised field of view and high flexibility of use, the T15-V sensor has unlocked even more applications for the GapGun and Vectro to support.

Francois Froment, CEO at Third Dimension explained, “Last year, the T15-M sensor was a huge success opening even more opportunities for GapGun and Vectro within the Aerospace, Automotive and Energy sectors. To meet industry demands, we decided to enlarge our T15 range further, with a new T15-V sensor.

Our growth momentum in 2024 is set to increase, alongside our in-house technical expertise and we are looking forward to taking a stronger-than-before presence at this years’ Control 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. I will host a company introduction on Tuesday 23 April and Wednesday 24 April at 10:00 on our stand – Hall 10, stand 1706, all those with an interest in metrology are very welcome to attend.”

The company, whose products are manufactured in the UK but sold globally, has a long and reputable track record of supplying non-contact optical measurement equipment and services to the largest names in aerospace, automotive and energy sectors worldwide. Their products enable OEMs, Tier 1s and Tier 2s to manufacture toward tighter tolerances, carry out quality checks quickly and keep an audit trail on all measurements, providing the assurance companies need to advance manufacturing.

Peter Bonnington, Chief Engineer at Third Dimension said, “We are looking forward to presenting the new applications GapGun can now support with the T15-V sensor head at Control 2024 this April.

Representatives from our network of distributors will also be available at our stand to speak with visitors about applications GapGun has supported and provide insight to global industry trends.”

Third Dimension will exhibit at Control 2024, the leading industrial quality assurance event in Stuttgart from 23-26 April, in hall 10, stand number 1706. To book a meeting with the Third Dimension team at Control 2024, email marcom@third.com.

Nozomi Networks Inc., the leader in OT and IoT security, today announced it has extended its partnership with Yokogawa Electric Corporation, to address global demand for managed security services and solutions designed to holistically satisfy the unique OT and IoT cybersecurity requirements of process manufacturers. Yokogawa will offer Nozomi Networks’ advanced solutions for OT and IoT visibility, network monitoring, and threat detection to customers worldwide as part of Yokogawa’s OpreX Managed Services.  Yokogawa will also resell standalone solutions from Nozomi Networks to customers who manage their security programs in house.

“With Nozomi Networks, our customers have access to the industry’s best OT and IoT network monitoring and threat detection fully supported by Yokogawa’s Managed Services,” said Katsunori Iijima, General Manager of Cybersecurity Management at Yokogawa Electric. “We’re pleased to extend a very successful relationship we started several years ago in Europe. Partnered with Nozomi, we are able to rapidly deliver deep OT and IoT cybersecurity expertise, using battle-tested solutions that our customers are demanding.”

“We are excited to strengthen our relationship with Yokogawa to help more organizations meet their growing need for critical OT and IoT cybersecurity solutions,” said Chet Namboodri, Nozomi Networks Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales and Development. “With an established track record of collaboration in the process industries sector, we firmly believe this partnership accelerates our joint mission to help protect process automation assets and networks around the world from compromise.”

Recognized as the market leader in OT and IoT security, Nozomi Networks is valued for superior operational visibility, advanced OT and IoT threat detection and strength across deployments. Nozomi Networks solutions support more than 102 million devices in thousands of installations across energy, manufacturing, mining, transportation, utilities, building automation, smart cities and critical infrastructure. Launched in August 2021, Nozomi Networks’ MSSP Partner Program is the industry’s first complete program for OT and IoT managed security services. The program fully equips MSSPs with Nozomi Networks’ award-winning OT and IoT cybersecurity solutions, expertise and selling resources. Customers gain the flexibility and maximum value they need when it comes to strengthening their OT and IoT security postures while balancing resource requirements.

As industrial organizations embrace an increasingly connected world, they must also prepare to defend against a growing number of digital threats and vulnerabilities. Manufacturers must be vigilant and able to quickly detect and respond to cyber security threats. Yokogawa is continuously investing in secure products, solutions, programs, organization, services and managed services as part of its commitment to quality, safety, security, reliability and sustainability, with highly competent and experienced resources worldwide. Such expertise not only ensures high-level protection during project design and implementation but is also inherent within Yokogawa’s highly adaptable lifecycle service and support business, ensuring ongoing safe and secure operations.

Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT UK announces the successful completion of Type Approval for its latest Manta NEO X band radar system, designed specifically for the commercial shipping market.

Issued by TÜV SÜD BABT, the Type Approval certificate confirms that the Manta NEO X band radar system complies with the Marine Equipment Directive for Shipborne Radar Equipment CAT 1 and CAT 2 with Chart Option. This approval encompasses the entire radar system, including the Kelvin Hughes radar display and software, Manta NEO X band radar sensor, and antenna. 

The Manta NEO X band radar delivers superior target separation and long-range resolution using CHIRP pulse compression and beam sharpening technology. Equipped with the latest technology, the Manta NEO solid-state X band radar ensures exceptional reliability and lower through-life costs eliminating the need for magnetron replacements. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of vessels, from workboats to large tankers and cruise ships. 

In extreme weather conditions, the Manta NEO X band radar system guarantees simplicity, visibility, and safety. Its solid-state technology enhances efficiency and enables rapid start-up. Additionally, compatibility with the renowned Kelvin Hughes Multifunction Displays ensures seamless integration and ease of use.

“Building on the heritage of the Kelvin Hughes Manta series, this Manta NEO radar system offers a combination of superior detection performance, versatility, high reliability, and cost-effectiveness,” said Adrian Pilbeam, Head of Radar and Naval Solutions at HENSOLDT UK. “Customers can expect significant benefits, making it the ideal solution for commercial vessels of all kinds.”

TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, will welcome another 10 students this year into its African Heritage Scholarship Program.

The $3.5 million program, now in its third year, is an investment in the company’s efforts to further diversify its workforce and bring new opportunities in the technology industry to top-performing Black and African American students in the United States.

“Inclusion is one of TE’s core values and the African Heritage Scholarship Program is a great example of how we are working to further diversify our teams,” said CEO Terrence Curtin. “I am excited to see the contributions of this new class of scholars, as well as the people who have completed the program and have chosen to begin their careers at TE.”

The students will complete three-month internships at TE sites throughout the U.S. Upon successful completion of the internship, the students will receive a scholarship of up to $22,500 for their next academic year, based on financial need, and will be invited back for a second internship at TE the following summer. The scholarship would then be eligible for renewal for a second year.

This year’s cohort of students join TE from nine top universities across the country: Howard University, Lawrence Technological University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina State University, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, Towson University, University of Memphis, University of San Francisco and Virginia Commonwealth University.

For more information, visit te.com/scholarships.

Monitoring and protection systems are playing an increasingly important role in the performance of turbines and other critical rotating machinery and the FREE downloadable guides published by SENSONICS are proving to be invaluable. As a condition monitoring and protection systems specialist with over 40 years of experience, Sensonics are in an ideal position to offer the best advice on monitoring systems.

Following the publication of ‘Specifying Seismic Monitoring & Protection Systems’ and ‘The Turbine Supervisory’ guides they have just published their latest guide ‘Specifying Overspeed Protection Systems’. Overspeed protection is a key requirement in the power generation industry where failure of the machine speed control loop can lead to damaging consequences. Applicable to steam turbines, gas turbines and boiler feed pumps, the implementation of independent monitoring and shutdown protection is essential to minimise this risk.

This essential resource is a must-read for professionals involved in power generation system design as there are a multitude of equipment configurations and methodologies that can be applied, depending on the application. The guide describes the various components that make up an overspeed protection system, along with the recommended best practice.

For your FREE copy, simply log on to: https://www.sensonics.co.uk/specifying-overspeed-protection-guide 

Is there a flow, level or control product that you think is worthy of an award at this year’s Instrumentation Excellence Awards? If the answer is yes, then now is the time to nominate that product.

The 2024 awards ceremony, organised by Instrumentation Monthly publisher Datateam Business Media, will take place on 24 October at the Grand Connaught Rooms and will once again take place alongside the Electronics Industry Awards, making it the night of the year for networking.

Entering the Awards is quick, easy and completely free of charge – so there’s no need to delay! To make your entry really stand out from the crowd, it is recommended that you try to include a comprehensive overview of the product or company that you have nominated. There is even the option to include supplementary documents like data sheets and images alongside your nomination.  

Nominations close soon so visit www.instrumentationawards.co.uk to make your nomination and to find out more about the Instrumentation Excellence Awards.