Control Systems

Twenty and 35kW output classes have been added by Rittal to its portfolio of refrigerant-based IT cooling solutions, meaning it can now offer a cooling solution from three to 55kW. The portfolio also includes a world first: a 35kW hybrid version that will utilise indirect free cooling where conditions are suitable, making it highly energy-efficient.

The Type 8619 multiCELL controller from Burkert is a popular choice for delivering multi-channel measurement and control for a range of sensors. Now the benefits for process control systems have been extended with the addition of Ethernet connectivity, which will reduce installation time and greatly improve the connectivity of the control network.

  The electronic SATK32 heat interface unit (HIU) from Altecnic, has passed the BESA test. This UK test standard for HIUs is seen as an important step in improving the overall performance of British district heating schemes.

IBASE Technology has announced the MAI602-M4D80 motion control system that can be used in various factory production applications such as automated optical inspection, semiconductor wafer handling, packaging and material handling systems. The MAI602-M4D80 is powered by 7th/6th Gen Intel Core i7/i5/i3 desktop processors and has a 4-axis motion control PCIe card that meets the performance and positioning accuracy requirements of high-performance servo/step motors.

The automation of process control systems is very important for improving efficiency and reliability. In the majority of cases, this can be achieved quite easily, but in situations where the whole atmosphere poses a potential risk, finding the best solution can be quite a challenge. Paul Hobden, Bürkert UK ATEX solenoid valve champion, looks at the challenges surrounding process control in potentially explosive atmospheres and how they can be overcome.

A vertical lift of 300mm, high stability, and low cost are just some of the features of the AT20-300 Motorised Vertical Lift Stage from Optimal Engineering Systems (OES). This high load, 50kg, vertical lift stage can reportedly be easily integrated into almost any application. The large 400x200mm stage has a pattern of threaded mounting holes. 

Thermal engineering specialist, GRE, is playing a key role in the development of South Korea’s smart energy market following the £1m export of a fully bespoke ultra-pure water cooling system to one of the country’s largest smart energy producers.

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networking Protocol) is the world’s leading protocol for networking HVAC, lighting, security and other systems commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, and IDEC Corporation has launched built-in support for the BACnet/IP building automation protocol by its family of MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLCs.

Mitsubishi Electric’s latest Linear Transfer System (LTS) with Smart Carriage technology can increase productivity and flexibility, while maintaining plant safety and improving responsiveness. The line transfer solution, combined with the Smart Carriages, provides an intelligent transport system for the integration of production and packaging lines.

Industrial gear units are drive technology heavyweights which need to handle large torques. Due to the large forces involved, small defects which are not detected in time can quickly result in complete breakdowns. This would not only be expensive, but also disastrous, major plant components would remain at a standstill until a replacement was delivered and installed.