Controls/Instrumentation/Instruments

Pressure Transmitter with Display

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:06:53 GMT

American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has released the AST46DS Explosion-Proof Pressure Transducer with Display with pressures from 1 to 20,000 PSI available. The AST46DS is a price-competitive transducer with zero function capability, voltage or 4-20mA output signals, and all 316L stainless steel sensor materials.The voltage output signal is ideal for oil and gas well site applications. With many SCADA / RTU sites powered by solar panels in remote locations, a pressure transducer with low current consumption is ideal to extend life. The AST46DS can operate as low a 8VDC and has current consumption with voltage outputs as low as 2mA.The AST46DS is also an excellent solution for offshore platforms.

The transducer housing has a special, layered paint suitable for NEMA 4X environments and salt spray conditions. Using 316L SS, the transducer is compliant to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.The AST46DS pressure transducer comes standard with a 316L stainless steel 1/2" NPT Male process connection. Featuring Krystal Bond™ Technology, the process connection has a large opening to minimize clogging and the thickest diaphragm in the industry. Additional material options include Alloy 718 and C276. Outputs of 1-5V or 4-20mA are standard. Users can cycle through the display modes of the output signal and six different pressure unit types (PSI, Bar, Mpa, Kpa, inches of water column, and kg/cm²). Additionally, users can re-zero the zero pressure reading through the push button display.

The AST46DS is packaged with various hazardous location approvals including Class I, II and III Groups A, B, C, D, E, F and G areas for explosion-proof and non-incendive applications. Each pressure transducer also features ANSI/ISA 12.27.01 single seal approval. For applications requiring CRN B31.3 approval, contact AST.

Remote Tank Level Monitoring System

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:47:28 GMT

Tank Cloud Remote Monitor is a cost-effective remote tank level monitoring system that enables users to monitor facilities and processes from anywhere with an internet connection, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using APG’s proprietary remote level sensors and modules, or any sensor with a 4-20mA output, Tank Cloud users can remotely monitor level, pressure, temperature, flow, pH and other process variables through an easy-to-use online interface.

“Getting real-time data can be a significant challenge for small and medium sized companies, as the process is plagued with expensive and proprietary equipment, complex programming and networking, and inefficient and costly cable runs,” says Chief Engineer Karl Reid. “The Tank Cloud remote monitoring system effectively removes all roadblocks to remote monitoring and data acquisition, and helps level the playing field for smaller businesses that need to monitor processes or specific parameters, whether remote or local.” Tank Cloud sensors and input modules connect to the user’s network via an Ethernet cable and transmit data via the user’s Internet connection, whether landline, cellular, radio or satellite. On APG’s intuitive Tank Cloud remote monitoring web portal, operators and managers have ready access to real-time and historical data, and can manage various alarms and set permission levels for various personnel. The system notifies all relevant workers of any alarms via email and text messaging.

“Tank Cloud implements the efficiencies of cloud computing, or internet-based software, to measurement applications. Cloud computing has proven to be a very successful and secure business platform that increases flexibility and reduces cost. Our Tank Cloud online data portal makes important process information readily available to remote locations in a timely and cost-effective manner. The interface is intuitive, easy-to-use, and fully extensible; hundreds and thousands of sensors could easily be monitored on this simple, yet powerful website,” explains APG IT Manager, Jeff Botts. To help users get the most from their Tank Cloud remote monitoring system in challenging environments, APG has introduced three new Tank Cloud-compatible sensing and display products. The robust MPX Series Magnetostrictive Level Sensor provides highly accurate and repeatable volume and level readings in harsh and hazardous applications that are prone to fouling or buildup. Designed to operate as a slave device, the MNU Series Ultrasonic Sensor can measure distance, level or volume from 4 in. to 40 ft. Lastly, the MND Modbus Network Display provides a local option to display readings from up to 10 sensors in the network; it can also be wired to a local Tank Cloud network, and can operate in master or sniffer mode.

Shaft Servo Mount Rotary Pulse Generator

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:12:28 GMT

Omega introduces its new series of shaft servo mount rotary pulse generators. The ZSD series features high precision accuracy, NPN open collector output and quadrature outputs with indexing. This series is ideal for applications requiring a miniature, high precision, low cost encoder, designed with all metal construction for years of trouble-free operation. Ideal for the Robotics industry.

Micro PLC

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:18:05 GMT

Toshiba International Corporation announces the latest addition to the V200 Series of Micro Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with the launch of the V200 Micro PLC CPU with Ethernet Port. The Ethernet Port provides client and server networking solutions while preserving the exceptional size and affordability of the V200 Series. The new V200 Micro PLC CPU (pictured right) features one Modbus TCP/IP Ethernet port, two serial com ports for peripheral connections and one USB port for programming.

As a server, the module can be programmed simply as intelligent I/O to a high level controller – only performing network control in the event of a network interruption. Client features of the port include master controller capability for small independent Ethernet networks. The V200 Series also includes native protocol for Toshiba’s Adjustable Speed Drives. The V200 Series is used for machine-control, process skid-control and in any island of automation. The controllers also are UL rated for Class 1 Div. 2 hazardous locations.

The advanced communications and instruction capabilities allow the V200 Series to be an ideal replacement for larger and more expensive programmable controllers. The V200 Series features small-type micro controllers suitable for both simple relay replacement and complex control applications. The instruction set ranges from simple ladder logic to double length math, for-next loops, logic operations, comparisons and other advanced program control operations.

Gigabit Router

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:59:57 GMT

Weidmuller announces the launch of two new Gigabit Routers that have been developed specifically for use in industrial networking solutions. These are designed to offer secure and reliable communication between Ethernet-based systems as well as higher-level networks. Weidmuller’s new routers provide the ability to communicate with machinery and systems with total peace of mind from anywhere in the world. With the steady increase in networking data and information, the advantages of Ethernet communications are progressively being used in the area of industrial automation technology. This capability allows data collection from the production level, over the office network and through to the Internet. Ideally suited for this task, Weidmuller’s routers offer ultimate performance via Gigabit performance on both Ethernet ports (LAN/WAN) to harnesses the benefits of standard Ethernet communication and industrial automation technology.Integrated "stateful inspection" firewall and additional security functions (e.g. NAT masquerading) provide the connected machine components are reliably protected against unauthorized access.

Additional features include the prioritization and channeling of network data traffic, IP address mapping to reduce IP addresses and the adjustment of IP address areas. In addition to their high-performance security features, Weidmuller’s Gigabit routers offer integrated VPN remote maintenance functions allowing secure Internet-based remote access to components and systems on the LAN network - either through wired access via the WAN port or wirelessly via the UMTS/3G interface. The "OpenVPN" open source technology and "IPsec" encryption can also be used for secure VPN connections, for both the client and server function. Weidmuller’s LAN and wireless 3G/UMTS versions come with an integrated Digital I/O for alarms and data triggers, as a bonus feature. Offering a wide operating voltage range of 7VDC to 36VDC and low power consumption, the new Gigabit router is ideal for battery/mobile applications. They are approved for real-time automation and information management systems and come with “Industrial IT Enabled” certification along with worldwide safety approvals like CE and cULus.

Cylindrical Photoelectric Sensors

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:52:53 GMT

Omron Automation and Safety has developed a new generation of M18 cylindrical photoelectric sensors that combine simple selection and installation with reliability, versatility, rugged construction and value for money. The E3FA plastic body and E3FB metal body sensors are suitable for applications in all industries from food and beverage production to material handling and logistics. Along with the straight-beam models, Omron also developed right-angle radial-beam plastic body E3RA and metal body E3RB models. Omron’s new photoelectric sensors offer high reliability, enhanced EMC protection, high ambient light immunity and robust waterproof housings, making them an ideal choice to meet the requirements of today’s users for non-stop operation.

The new sensors feature compact construction, allowing them to be mounted easily where space is limited. The bright red LED light source is clearly visible over long distances and provides an aid to alignment. Setting up the sensors is intuitive, and is made even easier with a large sensitivity adjustor for use with a standard size screwdriver. When the sensors are in use, instant visual confirmation of their operating status is provided by an LED indicator with a wide viewing angle. Omron’s E3FA and E3FB photoelectric sensors include through-beam versions with ranges up to 20 m, retro-reflective versions with ranges from 0.1 to 4 m, coaxial retro-reflective versions with ranges up to 500 mm and three models of diffuse-reflective sensors with ranges of 100 mm, 300 mm and 1 m. All types are suitable for flush mounting. While the standard models solve the vast majority of applications, the E3FA lineup also offers specialized models. These include background suppression versions for stable detection of targets with varying colors, limited-distance reflective types for reliable detection of transparent and shiny films, and types that are optimized for very stable detection of transparent bottles in dusty environments.

All sensors in the E3FA and E3RA lineup use high-power LED light sources for easy alignment and to minimize the effects of dirt, and all incorporate a pulse synchronization system to ensure maximum immunity to ambient light. They have extensive shielding for high electromagnetic noise immunity, and their robust impact-resistant bodies are fully sealed against liquid and dust ingress.

Ultrasonic Sensor

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:44:45 GMT

AutomationDirect’s ultrasonic sensor offering now includes additional 18mm and 30mm round plastic DC models available with discrete or analog outputs. The sensors are equipped with LED status indicators and a push-button teach feature for configuration of normally-open and normally-closed states for DC output models and for adjustable sensitivity on analog output models.

The IP67 rated sensors are available in two-meter output cable or M12 quick-disconnect styles and are available in ten output types: single PNP, single NPN, Dual PNP, Dual NPN, 4-20 mA only, 0-10V only, PNP and 0-10V, NPN and 0-10V, NPN and 4-20mA, and PNP and 4-20 mA. The UK1 series sensors, starting at $99, have 18mm barrel housings and a 15 to 30VDC operating range, and are available in four sensing ranges: 50-400mm, 100-900mm, 150-1,600mm, and 200-2,200mm. The UT1 series sensors, starting at $185, have 30mm barrel housings and feature 12-30VDC and 15-30VDC operating ranges, and have a 250-3500 mm sensing range.

Infrared Carbon Dioxide Gas analyzer

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:11:45 GMT

The brand new CEA 288 is a wall mounted infrared Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas analyzer with digital display readout contained in an extremely durable water and dust tight NEMA 4X enclosure. Ranges are available as low as in 0-10,000 ppm up to 100% Volume. The sample gas is continuously drawn into the unit through a built-in air pump. An external water and dust filter is also provided. The unit includes user adjustable audio/visual alarm with contact relay and available with 0-1 VDC and 4-20 mA outputs. An optional data logger can be connected for download to PC with included software and cables.

The CEA 288 is applicable for use in indoor air monitoring, food related industries, breweries, mushroom growing, greenhouse horticulture, welding, office ventilation systems, cooling systems, hazardous environments, laboratory and research projects, and various other applications where Carbon Dioxide need to be monitored and/or controlled.

Ultra-Small Photoelectric Sensors

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:47:54 GMT

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces R2 Series Ultra-Small Sensors - a complete family of ultra-miniature photoelectric sensors available in four sensing modes to suit varied application needs. These sensors feature a 24 mm x 7.5 mm x 11.2 mm housing, industry standard mounting footprint, a flush and wear-resistant antistatic glass lens and a 45° cable outlet to maximize mounting flexibility. Consequently, the R2 series can be mounted where other photoelectric sensors cannot – in extremely tight spaces and close to moving objects – to deliver high performance and reliable operation in a wide range of applications regardless of the color, texture or shape of the object(s) being sensed.

“The R2 series is the only nano-sized photoelectric sensor available today with Background Evaluation (BGE) mode. Utilizing a fixed background such as a conveyor or machine part as a reference, R2 series BGE sensors are a unique alternative to retroreflective sensors, reliably detecting objects without the need for a reflector,” says Pepperl+Fuchs Product Manager, Michael Turner. “Advanced thru-beam mode R2 sensors are equipped with a secondary emitter LED that provides a laser-like spot size for high-precision applications and eliminates the hassle of applying external apertures. The R2 series is also available in polarized retroreflective and background suppression modes.” Industry standard 15 mm mounting hole separation enables R2 series sensors to easily retrofit into existing applications. Threaded sensor mounting holes enable installation without mounting nuts to simplify installation and save time. This also negates the potential to lose or drop mounting nuts while installing a sensor in very small, tight spaces.

Radar Level Meter

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:45:46 GMT

KROHNE, Inc. introduces the OPTIWAVE 5200 C/F, a new 10 GHz FMCW radar level meter for liquid applications in up to a 30m / 98 foot measuring range. The cost effective 2-wire loop powered device measures level and volume in storage or process tanks with process conditions up to 250°C / 482°F and pressures up to 40 bar / 580 psi. for general purpose or hazardous locations. (Class 1/Div 1) Together with the recently launched OPTIFLEX 2200 C/F TDR level meter, the OPTIWAVE 5200 C/F has been designed and developed for use in SIL 2 safety-related systems according to IEC 61508.

The OPTIWAVE 5200 C/F electronics are compatible with a wide selection of antennas. The unique PP and PTFE Wave Horn antennas are process sealed by their antenna material instead of a traditional process seal construction with “O” ring gaskets. These gasket free antennas are ideally suited for extremely corrosive environments. The PP antenna can be mounted on process connections as small as 1 ½ inch. The metallic horn and waveguide antennas use a dual seal mechanism, which is a combination of “O” ring gaskets with KROHNE’s unique Metaglas process interface design, for a completely hermetic seal in highly toxic or explosive applications. Metallic horn antennas range in sizes from DN 80…200 / 3…8”.

The modular design of the housing with its unique bayonet locking system and antenna extensions ensures suitability for a variety of mounting positions and applications. To make the display screen easy to read, the quick coupling system permits 360° housing rotation. The housing can also be removed under process conditions. The remote converter version OPTIWAVE 5200 F features full display and configuration capability up to 100 m / 328 feet away from the antenna. Fully compatible with all installed KROHNE BM 70 flange systems, this new meter can also upgrade any BM 702 radar level meter with enhanced measurement performance and features and is compliant to newer requirements such as SIL and NAMUR guidelines. This new unit offers 4…20 mA with HART communication and PACTware DTM’s at no extra charge.