ditmahawatta

Metrohm Offers Half-Price Acid Bath Monitors

2009-11-05T04:14:01Z

Metrohm has a limited number of acid bath monitors for the plating industry available at less than half price. According to Metrohm, the 877 Titrino plus instrument can measure critical parameters in the plating industry, quickly and accurately.

Examples of analysis determined by these instruments include: chloride in an acidic copper plating bath; free boric acid and tetrafluoroboric acid in nickel plating baths; Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in chromium baths; cyanide and silver in a silver plating bath; and determination of HF and H2SO4 in same solution. This offer is strictly limited and is sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Digital Pressure Gauge Works In Hazardous Settings

2009-11-05T04:08:11Z

The Barflex gauge from the Baumer Group is a digital manometer with integrated data memory. The ATEX-version gauge, the Barflex 4Y, is suitable for use in rough and hazardous surroundings. It can measure the gauge and absolute pressure of almost all liquid and gaseous media in a range from 500mbar to up to 1,000bar and with an accuracy of up to 0.1 per cent of full scale. Used as a barometer, the Barflex displays the atmospheric pressure from 200hPa to 1,150hPa, with an accuracy of 1hPa.

The digital pressure gauge is housed in a splash waterproof epoxy-coated aluminium case and corresponds to protection class IP65. It is available in a stationary and a portable version and is suitable for measurements on site. Via a standardised infrared interface, the collected data can be transferred directly to a PC. The device automatically memorises minimum and maximum pressures recallable at the display.

The measurement of pressure deviations in a given time interval enables leak tests. The Barflex allows the calibration and verification of the correct operation of the installed devices as well as the verification of pressure switch and transmitter settings. It is suitable for applications in pneumatic, hydraulic and thermodynamic areas, such as in gas engines, laboratories or maintenance. The ATEX version can also be used for the petrochemical and gas industry, such as in gas underground stores, gas delivery installations or gas expansion systems.

IFM PMD Camera Sees In Three Dimensions At Once

2009-11-05T03:55:31Z

The Efector PMD 3D camera from IFM Electronic is the first industrial camera that 'sees' in three dimensions at once. The device integrates PMD (photonic mixer device) time-of-flight measurement sensing technology into a full-vision chip.

The image sensor has 64 x 48 pixels and each pixel evaluates its distance to the object, resulting in 3072 distance values. The image of the object on the matrix and the respective distance values give a 3D image. The geometrical characteristics of the object or the scene can be read from these values. With a built-in infrared light source, the PMD 3D Camera provides the user with real-time image data from as far away as 6.5m, comprising 3072 grey-scale and distance values.

The 30 x 40deg aperture means a large area can be viewed. Designed for OEM use, the O3D201 PMD 3D Camera utilises a downloadable software development kit that provides all tools necessary for the system designer to integrate the 3D information into the control system. It complements the O3D200 unit designed for end-user applications, where all evaluation is carried out internally. The device has digital and analogue outputs for the user to scale or configure and inputs for triggering or synchronisation.

For interface with the eventual users there are two pushbuttons alongside the 10-digit display. The housing is robust, die-cast zinc with polycarbonate optics, making it suitable for industrial use. The two connections on the housing use industrial-standard M12 connectors, maintaining the overall IP67 environmental protection rating. The 3D vision camera provides illumination, depth measurement and evaluation in one industrial housing.

Anvil Selects CDS Solution To Present CAD Online

2009-11-05T03:50:05Z

Catalog Data Solutions has announced that Anvil International has selected its Online Catalog and CAD Download solution to present its products with downloadable CAD models online. Anvil International manufactures piping connections and support systems.

RDP Transducers Give Direct Analogue Output

2009-11-04T18:26:11Z

RDP Electronics' rugged MTS R Series analogue transducers are suited to a range of industrial applications that require a direct analogue output for continuous measurement of displacement and speed.

The magnetostrictive principle permits absolute, contact-free position measurement combining various magneto-mechanical effects with precise speed measurement of an ultrasonic wave. Integral signal processing electronics accommodated in the sensor head can be selected for a range of standard analogue outputs: 0 to 10V, +/-10V, 4 to 20mA and 0 to 20mA. There is the option for user-configurable variations, for example to set to 1 to 9V over a portion of the nominal measuring range.

With linearity of +/-0.01per cent FS (+/-50um best) and 16-bit resolution of 0.0015 per cent (or 1um best), the R Series accuracy and repeatability of measurement. A hand-held programming device allows simple reconfiguration to be achieved.

Safety Shield Protects Against Fuel-Oil Spray Outs

2009-10-27T04:41:21Z

Allison Engineering has released a TUV-approved stainless-steel guard that protects against dangerous spray outs of flammable liquids and fuel oils from pipes and flanges. The Allison safety shield incorporates a steel band and an internal stainless-steel mesh that wraps around flanges and valves.

This mesh is designed to sit against the flange, between it and an outer steel band, and compresses against it to ensure that sprays or leaks are dispersed, while also preventing lateral spray. The mesh acts as a seal: it is 'pinched' in the middle to form a raised layer that squeezes in the small gap between the two flange faces.

The shield, which is TUV approved and has been pressure tested up to 50 bar, has a quick-release connection and does not require tools or knots to be tied, making installation and removal quick and simple. It provides effective spray control on most flange configurations - round, oval or square - and regardless of the flange gap, the internal stainless mesh adapts accordingly.

WT3000T Tests Transformers At Low Power Factors

2009-10-27T04:31:09Z

Yokogawa's WT3000T is a precision power analyser targeted at the needs of the power-transformer industry. It is based on Yokogawa's WT3000 and combines accuracy and long-term stability with the ability to carry out measurements at low power factors - a challenging area for transformer manufacturers. The WT3000T offers excellent accuracy at the low power factors that often compromise the integrity of transformer measurements.

It also has accredited calibration via VSL (the National Metrology Institute of the Netherlands), which guarantees that the integrated transformer measurement system meets the requirements of the IEC60076-8 standard covering power-transformer applications. At the standard commercial AC frequencies in the range 45-66Hz, the WT3000T offers an accuracy of better than 0.6 per cent at a power factor of only 0.01 (at 100V and 1A). It also provides six-digit resolution through the use of 32-bit RISC processing and high-quality 16-bit analogue/digital convertors.

The instrument's accuracy is also indispensable for additional measurements on capacitors, line filter coils or other power-factor correction circuitry used in the power grid. The instrument's accredited calibration certificate, provided at delivery by VSL, is based on tests performed at a frequency of 53Hz and at power factors of one, 0.5, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.001. Because of its high stability and precision, the WT3000T can itself be used as a calibration standard. The long-term stability of the WT3000T means that its recommended calibration interval is two years, offering additional benefits in terms of minimising downtime and saving money.

The WT3000T provides direct readout of corrected power under small load conditions according to the formulas in the IEC and ANSI/IEEE standards. The large (8.4in) colour LCD screen makes measurements easy to read. Clear on-screen indicators alert the operator when the voltage and/or current inputs of the power meter are overloaded, allowing the power to the device to be disconnected to prevent potentially costly damage.

Dynamic Rack Control Cuts Inventory Errors

2009-10-27T04:25:07Z

In large data centres most of the inventory is recorded using a spread sheet, a manual process that is time consuming and subject to human error. Rittal's Dynamic Rack Control has a 482.6mm (19in) rail that incorporates an RFID reader (aerial) mounted within the rack that lets the user easily manage and update the inventory. It can also determine capacity issues and manage maintenance schedules.

An RFID (radio frequency identification device) is a globally standardised technology for the contactless detection of objects in the room. An RFID system is always comprised of two components: a reader with an aerial (RFID mounting frame with reader), and a small microchip with an aerial coil on a substrate material (RFID tag). Rittal uses this technology directly inside the rack to log component population without contact and in real time.

In this way, a current overview of the components installed in the racks, separated according to device category, power consumption or form factor, is possible at any time. Each RFID tag has its own ID number. When a tag is attached to a piece of equipment, part of the registration procedure is that the installer has to identify the equipment for the receiver.

This information includes the physical dimensions, the weight of the equipment, power draw and also the maintenance details. Data associated with the tag helps the IT manager maintain inventory and 'balance' demand by moving equipment around and determining optimum rack-load rating in both power and cooling. With IT resources being further stretched under the current economic challenges, having any solution that saves basic data-centre.

Alliance Learning Introduces Learndirect Courses

2009-10-27T04:16:59Z

Alliance Learning has announced that it is moving its Learndirect courses to the Leigh centre to better facilitate the number of learners wishing to take a course. In addition to the move, the centre will also be introducing various new Learndirect courses.

The new Fire Awareness course is aimed at all fire safety professionals within the industry and is available on demand. Lasting approximately two hours, the course will address the potential risks in the workplace and actions for dealing with the different fire risks. The second new Learndirect course to be introduced at the Leigh site is the Fire Warden course.

Aimed at appointed personnel, the course covers all aspects of evacuation procedures, use of extinguishers and special regulations. The practical aspects of the Learndirect courses will remain at the Bolton-based Horwich site.

Beam Profiler Analyses Laser Sources

2009-10-27T04:12:07Z

Newport's LBP-HR laser beam profiler offers true 12-bit dynamic range and a high-resolution 1.4 megapixel CCD for detailed beam profile measurement and analysis of most laser sources. The LBP-HR is a software-driven laser beam diagnostics device with complete beam diagnostic measurement features, including a multi-measurement routine to increase signal integrity for higher accuracy results.

For continuous or pulsed laser beams, it provides an extensive range of graphical presentations and analysis capabilities of laser beam parameters such as beam width, shape, position, power and intensity profiles. The LBP-HR laser beam profiler includes an NG4, an NG9 and an NG10 attenuator that all thread into the camera aperture for power reduction of the input beam.

The LBP-HR communicates with the PC software via USB and is powered by the USB port on a PC; there is no need for and an external AC adapter. This system presents graphical and numerical information for interpretation of data in real time.

Dynamic Releases Checkmate Barcode Software

2009-10-27T03:56:53Z

Dynamic Systems, a software developer specialising in barcode data collection, has introduced a low-cost software suite for small to mid-sized manufacturers. Checkmate Manufacturers' Suite features WIP Lite, Job Costing with Time and Attendance, Stockroom Inventory Control, Toolroom Tooltracking and Capital Asset Tracking.

This new release allows the applications to share the inventory database and employee identification codes, thus making it possible to cost jobs and track important assets without time-consuming data entry. Checkmate can track and cost jobs, maintain an accurate account of inventory, gather payroll information and keep track of important tools in an integrated system. Barcodes are printed on work orders, badges and labels for tools and inventory.

Barcode scanners (either corded to a PC or portable) scan the bar codes during transactions to record the movement or use of the job or item. This information is transmitted to accounting, sales or purchasing to produce job-costing reports, employee-attendance information, parts reorder reports and more. New features have been added to the Checkmate software packages as well, including the ability to set min/max levels for the same inventory item in multiple locations and to attach five different items per record (such as a build of materials, manual, photo).

Signature capture on a portable terminal provides proof of delivery of tools or inventory items. Advantages of Checkmate include: reduction of late jobs, ability to identify bottlenecks, improvement in productivity, reduced employee frustration, accurate job costing, collection of employee hours for payroll, and better customer service.

Interface Boosts Interpolator Performance

2007-11-16T16:45:29Z

Delta Tau has added an EnDat feature to the ACC51 interpolator boards. These upgraded boards make it easy to connect quadrature encoders to PMAC controllers. EnDat is a bi-directional synchronous digital interface that was developed by Heidenhain to provide fast, reliable data transfer, yet needs only four signal lines between the encoder and the interpolator board.
The subsequent economy of wiring allows EnDat users to achieve significant cost reductions.

Savings of up to 50% have already been reported. The technical advantages of EnDat, combined with the performance of the 4096x interpolator chips used on ACC51 interpolator boards, gives encoder feedback a very high resolution. Importantly for engineers, this in turn leads to greatly enhanced velocity loop stability and much greater static and dynamic stiffness.

Currently the Delta Tau ACC51 boards implement EnDat Version 2.1, which provides power-up only via the serial interface, with subsequent positional information derived from sine/cosine data. In the near future support will be added for the recently released EnDat Version 2.2, which provides a fast serial interface for every servo cycle.

Interlock switch meets food industry needs

2007-11-04T17:44:27Z

Idem Safety Switches has released a compact, 316 stainless steel noncontact interlock switch to cope with the rigorous demands of the food, beverage and pharmaceutical environments. The Hygiecode SMC range offers a compact yet robust 22mm fitting, provides environmental protection up to 105C and is suitable for high-pressure hosing.

The housing is finished and sealed with a stainless steel back plate for extra mechanical and environmental durability. The switch offers a wide 14mm sensing distance, a high tolerance to misalignment, LED indication of switch status, anti-tamper coded magnetic actuation and 2NC 1NO switching circuits to cope with modern industrial control requirements. They will connect to most popular Safety Monitoring relays to provide up to Cat 4 EN 954-1 and SIL 3.

Flow Switches Handle Small Flows

2007-10-22T15:47:20Z

Nestec Services has developed, a range of flow switches has been developed to monitor the performance of chemical dosing pumps. These units allow for small flows, down to 50 mlitres an hour and will accommodate pulsating flows without producing an alarm signal. The product range has now grown to cover larger flows, high-pressures and specialist units for flameproof applications for offshore oil and chemical industries.

Able Instruments and Controls has acquired the Nestec range of flow switches and indicators to broaden its portfolio of flow monitoring solutions.

Miniature PCS Offer High Reliability

2007-10-01T15:11:24Z

With dimensions of 300 x 219 x 90mm, DSM Computer's B6, B2 and B1 Booksize PCs are suitable for use in industrial environments. The IPCs are used principally in thin-client applications such as POS/POI stations, in data networks or as office servers. In contrast to desktop PCs, they offer maximum reliability and operational security coupled with guaranteed long-term availability. The Booksize PCs based on Mini-ITX boards differ in processor power and interfaces.

They are available with the Intel Core 2 Duo for high-end applications, the Intel Pentium/Celeron, and the VIA-C7 processor as a low-cost variant.Interfaces are included for USB 2.0, LAN, VGA, audio, keyboard/mouse, PS/2, and serial and parallel interfaces.
Customer-specific adaptations can be realised using the two interface adapter plates located on the rear panel.

The Booksize PCs have a PCI slot. The most powerful model, the B6, also supports PCI Express.
Depending on the mainboard, a 3.5 or 2.5-inch SATA or IDE hard disk can be installed. Two CompactFlash memory modules can be integrated as an alternative. A regulated housing fan, and, depending on the CPU, an additional CPU fan, is provided.

Cables Meet CC-Link Specifications

2007-06-19T18:28:21Z

Belden, has released IndustrialTuff CC-Link cables. The new DataBus and DeviceBus cables are engineered specifically to meet the maximum performance specifications of Mitsubishi CC-Link. CC-Link is an open field-level industrial network protocol that provides for high-speed communication linking of a wide range of automation devices over a single cable.

Already an established standard in Asia, CC-Link is gaining rapid acceptance in North America and Europe, with a number of global standards organisations recognising the technology.
CC-Link technology is based on the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) available from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, which handles the complete data link and transport layers, thus assuring interoperability between devices. The Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturers Institute has identified CC-Link as an international standard for sensor/actuator networks (SEMI E54.12).

The new Belden CC-Link cables offer a robust construction, featuring foam HDPE insulations, overall Beldfoil and 78% tinned copper braid shields, 22 AWG (19x34) tinned copper drain wires, and red PVC jackets. Belden Part No 1348A (Mitsubishi Part No BA1SJ61-5) is a three-conductor data cable with 20 AWG stranded (7x28) bare copper conductors. Belden Part No 1349A (Mitsubishi Part No BA1SJ61-P) is a five-conductor data and power cable with three 20 AWG stranded (7x28) and two 18 AWG stranded (7x26) bare copper conductors.

Booklet Tracks Manufacturing Trends

2007-04-30T16:54:00Z

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has published the 2007 edition of its pocket-sized essential facts booklet 'Basic facts'. The tables and charts track the trends up to 2006 for major parts of the manufacturing technology sector, including metal working machine tools, metal cutting tools and tool/work holding equipment.

It draws together data on UK production to 2005, exports and imports for these products and also has details of UK foreign trade by product type and the leading trading partners.

For machine tools, there is also a summary of the UK's position in the world market and, more generally a chart which summarises the trends for investment by manufacturing industry in the UK.

The trends in the machine tool business are reported in our regular series of press releases, but it is worth noting that whilst exports of machine tools increased for the 4th consecutive year and the share of world exports was broadly unchanged, there was a return to a trade deficit during 2006 owing to an increase in imports as a result of the improved UK market.

For the other aspects of manufacturing technology covered in 'Basic facts' 2007, cutting tools, like the machines they are used on, have a small trade deficit, whereas the tool/work-holding sector has a trade surplus.

Copies of 'Basic facts' are available on request, free of charge, from the MTA.

Tiltmeters/clinometers cover 4-20mA range

2007-03-01T17:37:25Z

Inertial Aerosystems has released a new range of high-quality tiltmeters/clinometers with 4-20mA outputs. The 4-20mA range, which is generally accepted as a factory standard, consists of four models ranging from a slimline board to a deep-water model which is enclosed in a solid stainless steel case. All models have two-wire current loop circuits that can operate with long cables and no signal loss.

4-20mA systems offer immunity to noise that sometimes affect voltage measurements.

All products incorporate a 2500 ohm thermistor that can be used for temperature measurement.

At the top of the range, the Tuff Tilt 420 delivers repeatability of .0002 degrees in an IP65 enclosure.

The slimline board, available in horizontal or vertical formats, is ideal for mounting in tubes.

This versatile range has many applications in machine and turbine monitoring, engineering, manufacturing, processing, underwater movement, level measurement and the movement of building and soil structures.

Building Blocks Speed Simulation Setups

2007-01-22T02:42:55Z

A new addon for the VisSim dynamic simulation software system has been developed in a joint project between Adept Scientific and Visual Solutions. The VisSim/PowerPack adds significant functionality to Visual Solutions' core VisSim product, much of it in response to the wishlists of VisSim users. The VisSim/PowerPack is a collection of ready-made function blocks and utilities designed for users of VisSim, VisSim/Comm and VisSim/ECD. With it, users can calculate the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a square matrix, solve real and imaginary roots of polynomials, fit polynomials to data, perform principal component analysis, smooth input signals, solve systems of linear equations, sort vector input data and fit linear, cubic and parabolic splines to data.

It also allows users to read and write data via your computer's serial port (ideal for communicating directly with instruments); and to synchronise simulations on different computers. VisSim is a windows-based program for the modelling and simulation of complex nonlinear dynamic systems, combining an intuitive drag-and-drop block diagram interface with a powerful simulation engine. The VisSim product range is supplied and supported by Adept Scientific in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Scandinavia.

AC Tech Celebrates New Space, Ships Its Millionth Product

2006-12-13T18:08:44Z

The 250 employees at AC Technology Corp. marked a couple of milestones recently, completing the move into a 75,000-square-foot addition and manufacturing their millionth product. The company, which was started in 1983 in the former Draper Mill complex in Hopedale, manufactures variable frequency drives, which are used to control the speed of electric motors. About 40 percent of the company’s products serve the international market, company officials said. Darrow F. Hanesian of Fiskdale, director of product management, said the Douglas Street company shipped 40 drives a month in 1994.

Last month, it shipped nearly 15,000, he said. AC Technology has achieved growth by investing in automation, he said. And while the company has added to its payroll, it has managed costs, Mr. Hanesian said. “We had to hire a great deal of people,” he said. “We’ve done some good managing of labor costs and our production costs.” Peter G. Joyal of Northboro, vice president of manufacturing, said the company builds all of its products in-house, including products for Lenze AG, the German company that purchased AC Technology in 1999. Lenze is a privately owned, international group of companies that manufactures power electronics and motors.

AC Technology has a plant in Kansas that assembles power transmission parts made in Germany. The company started out making variable frequency drives for electric motors, but expanded into other electronic motion control devices, , Mr. Hanesian said. Applications for the company’s products include controlling the speed and other factors on a pitching machine and controlling the pumps on carwash equipment. The University of Maryland, for example, uses AC Technology products to control the temperature and fans in the campus heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. To accommodate expansion, last year the company sold one of its buildings and added on to the remaining 50,000-square-foot structure, for a total of 125,000 square feet, along with 12,000 square feet of basement space for the engineering department, Mr. Joyal said. The company gradually moved into the new space, completing the move in the spring.

The firm is profitable, but Mr. Hanesian declined to speak about its finances. In the first quarter ended July 31 sales were up 27 percent from the same quarter a year ago, he said. Mr. Hanesian said he expects the company will have $300 million in sales annually within five years. Most of the company’s U.S. competition has moved its manufacturing out of the country, he said.

“We’ve stayed ahead of the curve,” he said. “The way we were able to do it was to invest in research and development and automation. We didn’t spend when we didn’t need to, we invested wisely and we were not afraid to invest in our future. “We’re ahead of the growth curve, and we’ll spend to drive our growth,” Mr. Hanesian said. When competitors went through a few rounds of layoffs over the last five years or so, AC Technology seized the opportunity to snap up quality workers in a range of areas, he said. “When that happens, you’re letting good people go,” he said. “We went on a raid and got some good people in all areas.” The company held a celebration two weeks ago, with the production of its millionth product, a unit of the company’s new SMVector motor control. Mr. Hanesian said the company would continue to expand its product line.

“It’s a very fast-paced culture here,” he said. “That’s one of the main things that has kept us at the top.” Most of AC Technology’s competition is from multibillion-dollar companies with diverse manufacturing divisions, he said. “This is what we eat, sleep and breathe every day,” he added. “Each generation of electronics gets smaller, less expensive and has better parts.” Mr. Hanesian said the company still provides support and parts for its older “legacy” products. “It’s important for us to tighten up that contact” between customer service and users of the company’s products, he said. “While other companies are going to India (to provide customer service) and increasing that distance, we’re shortening it.” The company purchased 40 acres of land contiguous to the headquarters where up to 40,000 additional square feet of building space could be constructed, he said.

Newsvine

NEW TR2 Tru-Trac Accu-Coder Linear Encoder

2006-11-21T05:12:39Z

Backlash B-Gone! At last, a linear encoder solution with no back-lash or slippage. The NEW TR2 Tru-Trac Accu-Coder Linear Encoder is a versatile solution for tracking velocity, position, or distance in almost any application, featuring an integrated encoder with a rack and pinion gear assembly. Using the Rack and Pinion gear system, encoder readings can be obtained with repeatable positioning, providing excellent accuracy. Racks can be ordered in varying lengths, and with the accessory spacer block, multiple lengths of rack can be joined for easy installation. Due to the spring loaded torsion arm, which provides simple to adjust torsion load, the TR2 Accu Coder Linear Encoder has all the flexibility and maneuverability of the Original TR1 Tru-Trac. It has the ability to be installed in a horizontal, vertical, or upside down position.

The threaded shaft on the pivot axis is field reversible, providing mounting access from either side, and the durable conductive composite housing material will eliminate static build up. With so many configuration options in a simple integrated encoder solution, it is easy to see that the TR2 is on the right Track for success. EPC Accucoder Tru-Trac Mounting Bracket allows for a variety of mounting positions and makes installation of the Tru-Trac even easier. Spare Pinion Gears are available for zero down time.

Sunx Fiber Optic Amplifiers FX-400 Series

2006-10-10T16:12:41Z

Panasonic Electric Works Corporation Of America introduces a new addition to the Fiber Optic Amplifier line, the FX-400 series. A dual display, Sunx digital fiber sensor with an easy to use manual adjustment. Excellent for those applications that require simplicity yet demand accurate detection, fast response and longer sensing distance. It can be used just like any Photoelectric Sensor.

The dual display design allows the threshold value to be adjusted while looking at the real time light intensity without having to move to a mode operation function. A large potentiometer will allow most sizes of screw drives to be used for adjustment. The threshold can be adjusted accurately with slow rotation, 1 digit every 30 degree or quick rotation to expedientiate the change. The FX-412 Sunx fiber sensor has the potentiometer that can be turned by your hand without a screwdriver. The LED strength of the FX-411 Sunx digital fiber sensor is 1.5 times greater then that of other conventional models. Green, blue, as well as red, LED amplifiers are available, which is optimum for mark sensing. The FX-411 Series Sensor can be used in conjunction with the FX-300, LS and GA-311 series.

How Does A VFD Work

2006-08-22T23:07:55Z

You can divide the world of electronic motor drives into two categories: AC and DC. A motor drive controls the speed, torque, direction and resulting horsepower of a motor. A DC drive typically controls a shunt wound DC motor, which has separate armature and field circuits. AC drives control AC induction motors, and-like their DC counterparts-control speed, torque, and horsepower.

Application As An Example
Let's take a brief look at a drive application. In Figure 1, you can see a simple application with a fixed speed fan using a motor starter. You could replace the 3-phase motor starter with Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to operate the fan at variable speed. Since you can operate the fan at any speed below its maximum, you can vary airflow by controlling the motor speed instead of the air outlet damper.

Source: http://www.ctiautomation.net/How-A-VFD-Works.htm

New Generation of Idec Izumi Smart Relays

2006-08-01T19:13:19Z

IDEC IZUMI Corporation is excited to announce our next generation of SmartRelays. Improvements include firmware, hardware and software upgrades, as well as a new expansion module. Idec Smart Relays continue to provide the same high quality you expect, while offering new features to save you even more time and money. Idec SmartRelays have always been a great value. The modular and adaptable base modules are equipped with 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs. That means that the SmartRelay can expand up to 24 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs and 8 analog inputs. Available with an LCD for simple display and monitoring, or in a non-LCD version for OEM purposes, your choices go on and on. Programming can be done from the built-in LCD screen or with our WindLGC software, and communications are made even simpler with LonWorks and AS-Interface communication modules.

Latest IDEC SmartRelays are also UL/c-UL listed, CE certified, EMC compliant, FM approved for Class 1 Div 2 hazardous locations and C-tick compliant. But that's not all. The compact and expandable FL1D Idec SmartRelay is now even better than ever. The new PI controller enables you to control temperature, pressure or level with six predefined parameter sets, and with a fixed cycle time of 0.5 seconds. The new ramp function enables control of frequency converters with two analog speeds for adjustable acceleration and deceleration. The new analog multiplexer enables you to output four preset analog values for simple control. Each of these enhanced firmware functions offer fast and simple solutions to expand the area of your application instead of requiring a micro PLC.

New PS400 and PS500 Programmable Pressure Sensors

2006-07-31T04:04:19Z

TURCK USA Inc. introduces new programmable pressure sensors that combine high accuracy and performance with simple programming, resulting in an extremely user-friendly sensor. The PS400 and PS500 are easily programmed via three controls: two push buttons for scrolling through programming features and one recessed enter key. The menu is clear and concise to allow parameters such as set points, reset points, output functions, analog ranges, and a range of special options to be programmed with ease. The menu also includes an optional electronic lockout that disables the push buttons from functioning until the lockout is removed. The high accuracy Turck programmable pressure sensors are specified with a switch point accuracy of =+/- 0.5 percent, generally exceeding what is required by the machine engineering sector.

The combination of high accuracy and flexible programming often allows a single sensor to replace several conventional sensors (with varying sensing ranges) resulting in a significant reduction in inventory. These Turck sensors feature a large, bright 4-digit, 7-segment LCD display with a constant indication of pressure in either psi (pounds per square inch), bar, kPa (kilopascals), or MPa (megapascals). This display is tilted at a 45 degree angle, and can be inverted electronically for easy reading in a variety of applications. The Turck PS400 and PS500 pressure sensors are encased in compact, 34 mm diameter housing with various threaded connections for simple, versatile installation. The Turck PS500 series also features a process connection that allows the housing to rotate 360 degrees for optimal viewing prior to locking the sensor in place. The innovative PS400 and PS500 Turck Pressure Sensors were designed to tolerate tough applications. Stainless steel housing with an integrated stainless steel M12 eurofast connector enables fast and reliable installation. The sensors also offer a variety of stainless steel pressure connections including G1/4 and 1/4-18NPT threads. The TURCK PS400 and PS500 Pressure Transmitters are highly resistant to overpressure and burst pressure, yet they also incorporate a patented medium stop system that prevents leakage when these levels are exceeded, which immediately seals the sensor if the pressure cell has been damaged. All of these features were incorporated to create a pressure sensor ideal for use in virtually any application.