E.ON Tests Guided Wave Radar From Emerson

An E.ON power plant has successfully trialled a guided wave radar (GWR) from Emerson Process Management. When setting up the test, E.ON instrument manager, Per Lundmark, decided to additionally test a GWR instrument in parallel with the existing pneumatic displacer. E.ON needed a level transmitter that was not affected by steam or turbulence and could follow very rapid changes in the water level. Per Lundmark installed an electronic displacer and a Rosemount 5301 GWR, both in parallel with the old pneumatic displacer.

When Per Lundmark and his colleagues reviewed the measurement results after a few months of operation, they found that the electronic displacer and the Rosemount 5301 GWR followed the exact same variations in the level, but with a difference of 11 per cent. On further investigation they discovered that the new displacer had an offset of 11 per cent, probably due to the fact that it had been calibrated at the factory for a higher temperature. In addition, the chambers are installed at a distance from the hotwell and the temperature in the chambers, while not known, is lower than that in the hotwell.

This temperature difference did not affect the GWR, but, because the displacer was calibrated at a different temperature, its accuracy was significantly affected. The Rosemount 5301 GWR measured correctly and with high accuracy throughout the entire test. One of the key features of GWR is that it is unaffected by the temperature at which it makes a measurement, which is particularly important in this application, as the comparison with the electronic displacer showed.

Furthermore, the response time of the GWR was faster than the response time of the displacer, which is useful in an application such as this where there are very rapid level changes. The GWR also enables the use of a PID-regulator to improve the level control during disturbances. Other advantages of the Rosemount 5301 include a stronger signal due to Rosemount’s signal technique, which provides a stronger echo and higher readability in difficult operating conditions, and compliance with the SIL 2 safety standard.The head-to-probe connection has no wires and so is easy to replace without removal of the probe. The company will test in the Orebro plant for a further 12 months or more before it has sufficient data to support the replacement of the existing pneumatic system.

Sharecat’s scope of work also includes facilitation of the spares-management process. Developed in cooperation with industry users, Sharecat solutions speed time to first oil and gas by increasing the quality and accuracy of the supply-chain information handed over to plant operations. Sharecat solutions have also been shown to improve procurement processes by as much as 90 per cent and cut inventory costs by 20 per cent, according to the company.

Airborne Amplifiers Target Flight Tests

Endevco has launched a series of compact, lightweight, rugged airborne amplifiers, designed for use within demanding flight-test applications. Operating from an onboard aircraft DC-power source, Endevco airborne amplifiers are designed for use with piezoelectric microphones and accelerometers. The Endevco 2680M-XXX is a charge amplifier offering dual outputs – one biased and the other unbiased – both of which are adjustable with a common gain control.

Units are available with an optional low-pass filter. Endevco model 2685V is a voltage amplifier for use with Isotron (IEPE) accelerometers, providing a constant-current power source to a transducer’s integral electronics while maintaining a two-wire connection. The hybrid microcircuit construction of the Endevco 2680M-XXX and 2685V series allow them to be offered in a rugged, compact package with low power consumption. Units have an output voltage proportional to input acceleration or sound.

Amplifier sensitivity is not significantly affected by input-cable capacitance. Use of modular construction techniques permits versatility in gain and filter choices. Accelerometers recommended for use with Endevco series 2680M-XXX and 2685V airborne amplifiers include Endevco model 7255A Pyrotron accelerometer; Endevco model 2271A/AM20 cryogenic accelerometer; the thru-bolt mounted Endevco model 2221F accelerometer; and the Endevco model 2510 piezoelectric microphone.

For seamless interface with a data-acquisition system, two supplementary outputs, an analogue voltage output and a RS422/485 serial output are supplied. The enclosure is manufactured from recyclable and flame-retardant (VO) materials with front-panel conformance to IP65: NEMA 4. The DTI Series can be implemented into simple, measurement-only applications, as well as those requiring digital communications, alarms and mathematical functions.

The menu-driven software, also supplied, enables fast and flexible setup from the front panel or via a serial-communications link. Built-in, comprehensive alarm functions for the DTI Series makes them particularly suitable for monitoring, switching and control functions. The hysteresis facility prevents noisy signals from switching alarms erroneously, with high and low deviations facilitating control around a set point. On and off delay times can be set with individual alarms, configured as latching or non-latching depending on user requirements.

The DTI Series is suitable for use with most Sherborne Sensors gravity-referenced inclinometers, as well as other manufacturers’ products. An integral 12V DC power supply is intended to provide excitation voltage for MEMS-based inclinometers. Bipolar voltage-supplied inclinometers may be also powered via Sherborne Sensors’ XT-0102 or XT-0103 series power-supply modules. The DTI Series can also be supplied as a completely calibrated tilt-monitoring system, including the inclinometer.

Photoelectric Sensors Have Basic Optic Function

Datasensor has introduced the S2Z Series Photoelectric Sensor Basic Line In A Maxi Format, suitable for harsh environmental applications. The series features basic-optic-function completeness, availability of timing versions, IP67 mechanical protection and terminal-block connection for easy installation. The S2Z series is available in four basic-optic-function models: through-beam up to 50m, polarised retro reflex up to 7m, diffused proximity up to 1m and background suppression up to 2m.

All the models are available in V DC from 10 to 30V and in V AC/V DC free voltage from 24 to 240V versions. A version with timing function adjustable from 0.1 to 5sec is also available. SPDT-relay and bipolar-transistor NPN/PNP open collector outputs are also offered. Terminal-block connection simplifies and speeds up installation, and the heavy-duty plastic housing guarantees resistance in severe working conditions.

Lee Produces Plastic Composite Compression Springs

A suite of compression springs produced in a plastic composite has been launched by Lee Spring. The LeeP springs have been developed in response to customer requests for springs that combine the strength of metal with the special attributes of high-performance engineered thermoplastics. Manufactured in Ultem PEI resin, which is produced by Sabic Innovative Plastics, different formulations will be used to meet or exceed performance criteria.

LeeP plastic composite springs will be available in a variety of standard sizes and six colour-coded strengths: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet (strongest). Custom design options to meet precise performance requirements will also be offered. Plastic composite springs offer stability of physical and mechanical properties up to 170C (340F), high strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance. They are nonmagnetic, offer dielectric insulation, low flammability and can be recycled. They are also RoHS and Reach compliant.

Applications are expected in medical products and apparatus, imaging and X-ray equipment, food processing and packaging machinery, as well as in the aerospace, marine, electronics, electrical, water purification, chemical, automotive, semiconductor, instrumentation and communications sectors. Lee Spring has responded to the challenge of miniaturisation by introducing Bantam Mini compression springs and will soon announce the availability of smaller-sized products within its stock spring range. Designed to combine strength with corrosion resistance, the smallest Bantam Mini spring features a wire diameter size of 0.102mm (0.004ins), and the range extends up to 0.140mm (0.0055ins) in standard outside diameters of 0.635mm (0.025ins), 1.016mm (0.040ins) and 1.448mm (0.057ins).

To meet the performance needs of a potentially diverse range of applications the springs are manufactured in Elgiloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy known for its high strength. It is said to be 10 per cent stronger than Type 316 stainless steel and exhibit better corrosion resistance. Elgiloy also performs well in temperatures up to 454C (850F) and is nonmagnetic. Applications areas could include medical devices and pharmaceutical delivery products, plus petrochemical processes, aerospace and marine industries. Custom designs will be offered in Elgiloydeg as well as other alloys.

Barcode Readers Have Ultra-Compact Housing

The Matrix 200 2D and linear barcode readers are supplied in an ultra-compact industrial housing. Designed to cater for several market sectors, Matrix 200 is available in two housing styles – straight or with a 90deg window – all equipped with WVGA image sensor, serial and USB interfaces. The Matrix 200 allows flexible mounting and positioning in narrow spaces.

Matrix 200, with its high-resolution image sensor, advanced lighting system and decoding libraries, provides high reading performance and reliability on a range of code symbologies, as well as damaged and low-quality barcodes. Due to the X-Press interface, available in all new Datalogic Automation products, installation and maintenance are said to be easier than ever.

A multi-function push button allows setting of all relevant functions such as test mode, aiming, automatic imager calibration and code setting. The rugged full-metal construction, IP65 protection class and a maximum working temperature of 50deg make Matrix 200 products suitable for industrial applications.

Ceramicx Brands Infrared/Quartz Heating Systems

Ceramicx is investing in an extensive programme of branding and promotion for its next generation of infrared and quartz heating elements and systems. Frank Wilson, managing director, said: ‘By the time we exhibit at the international plastics industry fair in Dusseldorf in October 2010, we will have badged 75 per cent of our factory output with our full Ceramicx brand, traceability and internet back up.

Ceramicx heating technology is used in plastics thermoforming lines and for other industrial and consumer uses. The company is deploying product laser-marking systems for the project. Ceramicx’s chief product lines are infrared heaters, infrared ovens, quartz heaters and ceramic heaters. The company is primarily concerned with heat work – all of which is derived from its solar system.

Enviro Monitors Vehicle Emissions For Authorities

Enviro Technology and the University of Leeds’ Institute of Transport Studies are collaborating to provide bespoke vehicle-emissions monitoring for local authorities. The service spotlights fleet characterisation and provides emissions profile information on a per-vehicle basis. Benefits include the ability to identify the abundance and significance of high-emission vehicles, as well as segmentation of data by vehicle type, age and emission standard.

Data is gathered by Enviro Technology’s Accusan system. The system uses remote-sensor technology to measure NOx, CO, CO2, HC and the ‘smoke factor’ of transport on a real-time, per-vehicle basis. Coupling this with an automatic number-plate-recognition camera ensures detailed information is captured for each vehicle passing the monitoring station, without the driver needing to stop. Measurement and analysis are typically carried out over a one- to four-week timeframe, providing comprehensive information for vehicle-emissions management strategies.

Capacity can run up to 18,000l/hr and higher. At the core of the unit is a high-pressure-rated coil tubular heat exchanger, Tetra Vertico, which handles pressures up to 350 bar and enables higher in-pipe velocity and lower system volumes. The technology reduces fouling in the system as the product is less likely to stick to surfaces and burn, reducing cleaning time and enabling longer running hours.

Lower product losses and cleaning volumes translate into reduced waste, simplifying waste handling and lowering environmental impact. The higher pressure in the unit also makes it less sensitive to variations in product viscosity than conventional equipment. The hygienic design of the Tetra Therm Aseptic Visco unit maximises food safety, with the fewest possible welds and easy-to-clean surfaces. Advanced automation ensures total production control and full traceability, while reducing downtime and the risk of human error.