Control Systems

Parker Hannifin has launched an open Ethernet-based networking communications module for its AC890 range of drives. For the first time, PROFINET makes the power, performance and functionality of the 890 family available to users operating Ethernet based process applications. In addition to supporting the seamless integration of all fieldbus systems, the module protects against unauthorised access, and ensures safe operation.

Interalia Communications, a leading designer and manufacturer of voice announcement solutions and provider of announcers to London Underground, is supplying an innovative audio and visual passenger information display system for installing on board Tyne & Wear Metro’s 90-strong fleet of trains. Part of Nexus’s £300m Metro: All Change programme, funded by the Government to improve Tyne & Wear’s public transport system, Nexus is investing £1.7m on Interalia’s passenger information system as part of its commitment to less able users of its system.

Machine building has become much more complex, and according to Baldor it's the software aspects of projects that are almost invariably the determining factor in successful outcomes.

Armstrong Optical Ltd, in keeping with being at the cutting edge of non-contact surface profiling technology, is pleased to announce the release a new optical controller to operate in conjunction with the Precitec Optronik GmbH range of non-contact surface profiling and thickness measurement systems.

Buck Systems, part of GEA Pharma Systems based in Birmingham UK is using Burkert to sub-contract supply pneumatic control systems for it’s leading edge powder processing plant equipment used in one of the world’s largest and most advanced tablet manufacturing plants in the Far East.

Electrical safety impacts the design of the simple Ethernet switch with the new Active GracePort from Grace Engineered Products. The current NFPA 70e electrical safety mandate severely regulates voltage exposure to workers, thereby making simple tasks like opening an electrical enclosure door for diagnostics very time consuming. The new Active GracePort is transforming the 30-minute task of diagnostics into a 30-second one, which greatly increases employee safety and productivity.

Ethernet Direct Corporation launches HMG-628GE-CD, an enhanced version of Industrial Managed Gigabit switch that comes with extended operating temperature of -40 to 80 deg C especially designed for mission critical applications like in military, power & utilities, mining, oil and refineries plus other areas with hazardous environments.

The new Calex PPT245 DIN-rail mounted controller provides a highly versatile alternative to panel-mounted instruments and greatly simplifies the measurement and control of processes using non-contact infra-red temperature sensors. It has a single analogue input which is configurable for up to eighteen different sensors/signals, two relay outputs, and a third output which can be configured either as a SSR logic signal or a 4 to 20mA / 0 to 10V analogue signal for control or re-scalable retransmission of the process variable or setpoint. The analogue output can also be used to adjust the emissivity setting on a Calex PyroEpsilon non-contact temperature sensor.

The ultra-fine control, accuracy and repeatability provided by Burkert’s CMOSens mass flow controller technology (MFC) has been instrumental in enabling Plasma Surgical to develop PlasmaJet, the first and only true plasma surgery system for surgical cutting and coagulation.

In the next five years or so, there is only one way for energy prices to go. UP! And UP! A solar hot water system will become a more and more commonplace sight in the future.