Control Systems

Wireless monitoring hardware has been announced for NI’s InsightCM, a solution for online condition monitoring with full access to data and customisation with the InsightCM Software Development Kit. The new wireless devices automate the otherwise manual process of route-based data collection.

It has been announced that PLC Next Technology now offers users even more flexibility for individual requirements with PLC Next Controllers from Phoenix Contact. The interfaces of the PLC Next Controllers can be adjusted using expansion modules. These expansion modules are then connected to the left side of the controller. 

At Ligna 2019, digital solutions and service concepts for efficient plant operation will be presented by Viessmann, for industry, commerce and local authorities at Ligna 2019 from 27th to 31st May in Hannover. Alongside service, the main focus is on new digital solutions for optimum plant operation and cutting-edge engineering. The Industrial Systems Division of the Viessmann Group will be exhibiting in Hall 26, Stand G 27.

Industrial workers can now more easily use the data from their equipment to predict production issues and improve processes with their existing automation and control skill set. The new FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI module, formerly known as Project Sherlock, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect production anomalies and alert workers so they can investigate or intervene, as necessary. 

FAST/TOOLS R10.04, the latest version of Yokogawa Electric’s real-time operations management and visualisation software. It is released for sale on April 18 as part of the OpreX Control and Safety System family. A highly flexible and scalable supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) solution FAST/TOOLS R10.04 is suitable for use in everything from smart IoT-enabled applications to enterprise-wide integrated operations spanning multiple sites and subsystems.

The Mobile Systems Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation has released its Electro-Hydraulic Pump System (EHPS) for high power lifting applications in the construction, materials handling and mining markets. The new integrated solution provides the opportunity to realise fuel cost savings of up to 50% and gives the potential for customers to downsize or remove the diesel engine, therefore creating an optimised, highly-efficient, completely electric vehicle.

Cooling units are playing an increasingly important role in Industry 4.0. Smooth communication between cooling units and associated cloud-based systems is opening up opportunities for new applications. Essential to these applications are IoT-capable devices such as the cooling units and chillers in the Rittal Blue e+ range. By Karl Lycett, Rittal’s Product Manager for Climate Control

Communications between industrial control devices have minimal protection today. This leaves them vulnerable to threats like malicious tampering and incidental system changes that can stop production or injure workers. New solutions from Rockwell Automation deliver built-in security based on security standards to protect control-level communications and overall system integrity.

The control of industrial processes can be a complex operation involving multiple valves, sensors and controllers which means there are many considerations when looking for opportunities for process optimisation.  By Greg Wainhouse, UK Water Segment Manager at Bürkert.

Bürkert has released the latest update to its FLOWave flowmeter, which offers greater functionality and widens its appeal for the pharmaceutical sector as well as food and beverage applications. The list of new capabilities includes the ability to detect different fluids, which will open-up new applications in many areas.