Abstract
Endress+Hauser Shows Strong Growth
Measurement specialist Endress+Hauser (http://www.uk.endress.com) reports that it has enjoyed strong growth in 2012. Operating worldwide, the company has achieved record-high figures in net sales, employment, profits and equity, despite ongoing global economic uncertainty. Moreover, the Reinach, Switzerland-based group (with its UK headquarters (HQ) sited in Manchester), expects this positive trend to continue in 2013.
Klaus Endress, CEO, said ‘2012 was not an easy year’ at the recent presentation of the financial results in Basel, Switzerland: In some markets sales dropped, but in many others the group recorded growth. In the end we only just missed our ambitious targets.
The company increased net sales by 11% to almost 1.7 billion euros, while the operating profit (earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)) increased by 10%, ultimately reaching 273 million euros. Because of a higher tax rate, net income rose by only 3% to 183 million euros, which is – says the company – ‘nevertheless a new record’.
Endress+Hauser’s development was broad-based across all customer industries, and showed growth across all regions, with exceptionally good developments in the Americas. The strongest sector growth was seen in the oil and gas and the power and energy industries, followed by the chemical, food and beverage, life science and water and wastewater industries. Key drivers were megatrends such as energy, resources and efficiency, food, water and demography.
Sensors & Instrumentation 2013 Is Open for Registration
Registration is now open for Sensors & Instrumentation 2013, the United Kingdom’s only dedicated show for the sensors and instrumentation market. This important event for the Institute of Measurement & Control’s Interface readers will be held in Hall 3, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham on 25 and 26 September.
Confirmed exhibitors so far include Dewetron, Infratec Infrared, Instruments Direct (Services), Michell Instruments, Techni Measure, Optris, Rose Plastic UK, Lemo UK and many more. In addition, many leading experts will be speaking at a seminar suite during the event.
The show will cover the following areas: automation, calibration, cases and enclosures, condition monitoring, control systems, data acquisition, displays, environmental analysis, flow and level, gas detection, inspection and measurement, instrumentation and thermal imaging.
Those wishing to visit can register now for free at http://www.sensorsandinstrumentation.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Kathy Ambrose on 01622 699129.
Laser Scanning Microscopy for Precision Metrology
New from Olympus is its new LEXT OLS4100 three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning microscope. This offers a faster and easier approach to optical metrology, combining optical precision with the intuitive operation of a digital interface.
The microscope has a number of significant advantages over traditional stylus-based contact approaches to surface inspection, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy, while avoiding sample damage.
Samples of a large range of sizes are easily analysed, and navigation around the sample is straightforward even at higher magnifications, as a wide-field area map display of the sample under low magnification is always visible.
Additionally, the field of view has been expanded, with updated image stitching functions. A single image is seamlessly made from many individual captures, which can then be viewed and measured in either two-dimensional (2D) or 3D. The boundaries of the stitching area can be automatically detected, or the exact area can instead be manually specified by tracing around a sample of any shape.
Image acquisition is faster and more flexible, and a variety of scan modes are available. Imaging through many layers is now also possible, using the new multi-layer mode.
For more information, go to http://www.olympus-ims.com/en/metrology/ols.
Olympus Europa’s new LEXT OLS4100 threedimensional (3D) laser scanning microscope offers a faster and easier approach to optical metrology MAC500452.indd
Handbook Combines Leak Detection and Testing Expertise
Complementing Pfeiffer Vacuum’s successful Vacuum Compendium is the new Leak Detection Compendium, a handbook that accompanied the recent launch of the ASM 340 leak detector.
Leak detectors, leak detection systems and a variety of leak detection methods are described, illustrated with graphics and photos. Many tips from leak detection practitioners assist readers with individual applications. Tables provide useful aids for converting units and helping with other tasks in everyday leak detection work.
The company says that the handbook, which is available in English and German versions, is easy to understand, and is geared towards the practical user.
Go to http://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.de.
Showing the new Pfeiffer Vacuum leak detection compendium
Monitoring Trace H2O in Process Liquid Product
Applied Analytics (http://www.a-a-inc.com) offers an online infrared (IR)-based solution for monitoring trace H2O in process liquid product in a wide range of applications.
To date, Karl Fischer Titrations has been the default technique for measuring trace amounts of moisture in liquid samples. While remaining specific to water, flexible for a wide range of applications and well-studied, accuracy, however, is one philosophical and subjective question that remains to be addressed. Operating a lab with Karl Fischer (KF) analysers, users can quickly find themselves asking how they know that they are gathering representative samples consistently, and whether the surroundings could affect their measurements.
Also, is it possible to isolate operator error, maintain analyser stability and use just enough reagent to have the precise data required? How many samples can be taken in one day? What is the best response time achievable, and is there an alternative to perform this measurement on process?
Applied Analytics’ online IR solution capitalises on the large absorbance bands that give water its unique spectral fingerprint. Its advantages are claimed to include fully automated measurement, an instant response with streaming moisture in liquid data ranging from percentage concentration levels to parts per million, no consumables are required for reaction and a one-time calibration with a zero-offset technique provides flexibility when choosing a proper zeroing medium.
The MCP-200 is a dedicated analyser designed for such work. It uses non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology with no moving parts to perform the measurement.
Brilliant 3D for Mobile Devices from Nano Plastic Film
A plastic filter, having about 500,000 lenses engineered onto its surface using nanoimprinting technology, can provide mobile device users with brilliant, distortion-free, 3D content, yet it is less than 0.1 mm thick.
This new innovation from Temasek Polytechnic (TP; http://www.tp.edu.sg) and A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering’s (IMRE; http://www.imre.a-star.edu.sg) is thought to be the first ever glasses-free 3D accessory that can display content in both portrait and landscape mode.
Complementing this filter are Apple iOS and Android, which allow users to play 3D content through its filter, in both landscape and portrait formats. The applications also allow 2D pictures taken using mobile devices to be converted into 3D. The team that developed the filter will be releasing a software development kit that enables game developers to convert their existing games into 3D versions.
The team is also exploring using the same technology for security access tokens to decode personal identification number (PIN) sent online as an inexpensive and portable alternative to rival bulkier and more expensive battery-operated security tokens.
Source: http://www.a-star.edu.sg.
Advanced Analytics Improves Manufacturing Yields and Quality
CAMO Software (http://www.camo.com), which specialises in Multivariate Data Analysis (MVA) software and solutions, says that the need to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product safety and sustainability is leading to powerful tools – traditionally used by analytical groups – being transferred to the plant floor. This can result in fewer failures, less variability, higher yields and higher product quality.
MVA is the investigation of many variables simultaneously, to understand relationships existing among them. Until recently, the technique was mainly used in laboratories and technical groups, rarely being applied to production processes. This, however, is changing as manufacturers are realising that the masses of data collected during production operations offer great insights to improve product development and process performance.
Manufacturing processes are typically highly multivariate (many variables that are usually interactive), they require many measurements, but most Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems rely on univariate methods. These only look at single variables, one at a time. Univariate statistics tend to fail when analysing complex systems because they cannot detect relationships between the variables. This is often the cause of process upsets.
Multivariate analysis tools allow manufacturers to better understand process behaviour and implement more robust control strategies. This enables them to run processes closer to limits, use lower cost components, reduce energy use, reduce cycle time and minimise waste and rework.
CAMO’s solutions allow multivariate models to be developed by Technical Service groups or CAMO’s consultants, and then to be applied to real-time production processes. The solutions can be used standalone to analyse offline data; connected to databases or scientific instruments, such as spectrometers; or integrated with control systems for use by process operators.
Download CAMO’s free e-book Multivariate Data Analysis for Dummies at http://www.camo.com/par/MVA-for-Dummies.
Bosch Rexroth Forms Stand-Alone Pneumatics Company
Bosch Rexroth (http://www.boschrexroth.com) has created a new independent pneumatics company, located in Cirencester, which will be called Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics Ltd. While continuing to actively support Bosch Rexroth’s core drives and controlling customer base, the new company, which will have separate management, IT, and business support functions, will deliver pneumatic solutions to customers in new markets, such as medical technology. It will also provide specialist pneumatics support, consultancy and solutions.
Bosch Rexroth says that the new independent company’s status in the United Kingdom mirrors global pneumatics structure. Stuart Cheyne, General Manager at Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics commented, Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics will continue to have a close relationship with Bosch Rexroth in the UK, supporting its industry sector-based multi-technology approach to market along with its regional sales structure.
He concluded, We have a very strong pneumatics proposition for the UK market with a team that is focused solely on delivering pneumatics solutions which are closely aligned to this highly dynamic sector. We are confident that the stand-alone company will be able to build upon an already strong position in the UK market.
Sound Advice on Workplace Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the biggest occupational health problems facing the United Kingdom. It was reported that 19,000 cases were caused or made worse by work between 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 – despite it being fully preventable.
Leading UK supplier of safety equipment and products, Arco, has developed an Expert Guide designed to provide guidance on managing and preventing hearing loss in the workplace. It goes together with the company’s comprehensive range of noise detection and hearing protection products that are aimed at helping businesses keep employees safe at work. The products include ear plugs and muffs, high-noise communication systems and validation solutions.
After preventative measures have been taken, protective equipment will help to protect workers from residual risks, but to help businesses, Arco’s training division, Arco Training and Consultancy, has partnered with noise measuring expert company, Cirrus Research plc, to provide a 3-day ‘Noise Assessment and Principles of Application’ course. It is suitable for people having responsibility for undertaking noise surveys, and/or are considering buying noise measuring equipment and covers noise for a diverse range of industries.
For further information, go to http://www.arco.co.uk/hearing.
HMI in the Hand Is Mobile Too
The new mobile app from Pro-face (http://www.proface.eu) called ‘Remote HMI’ allows users to monitor and control up to 100 on-site human–machine interfaces (HMI) on a single smart phone or tablet. It can do this anytime and anywhere.
Using this app, available for mobile devices running Google Android or Apple iOS, on a smart phone or a tablet computer can make the operator’s work much more efficient. Time is saved by no longer having to walk to the operator panel to control a machine, to receive alarms or to check production status. Actions that previously required a number of staff for large machines, or long-distance applications, can now be easily accomplished by fewer operators.
The app can run in synchronous mode to display only the same screen as displayed on the HMI. In asynchronous mode, the user can display different screens on the smart phone or tablet without changing the screen on the HMI itself.
Pro-face Remote HMI is supported by all networked GP4000 HMI models that have an Ethernet port.
Waveform Monitor Boasts HDMI/HDCP Connection
Tektronix (http://www.tektronix.com) has expanded its waveform monitor and rasterizer product range with new WFM/WVR5250 and WVR5250 models.
Until now, there has been no way to monitor the video signal quality output from set-top boxes (STBs), Blu-ray players and other consumer devices with high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) outputs. Most video and audio content provided through the HDMI connector on consumer devices such as STBs and Blu-ray players is encrypted, using high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) for copy protection, and only certified HDCP compliant devices can provide the necessary decoding.
The WFM/WVR5250 and WVR5250 devices, the company claims, are the only products in their respective classes to offer HDMI-HDCP inputs that enable broadcasters, operators and equipment manufacturers to directly monitor the quality of the video and audio output of set-top boxes (STBs) and Blu-ray players.
This capability makes the HDCP compliant WFM/WVR5250, it is claimed, the most comprehensive, compact and portable video and audio test tools available for acquisition, post production and compliance monitoring. It allows users to have direct access to the data they need to assess the quality of the signal output by any consumer device that uses HDMI interfaces. This is essential for users trying to objectively measure the customer quality of experience and compliance to broadcast and regulatory standards as seen by viewers.
For more information, go to http://www.tek.com/baseband-video-test-solutions.
The new WFM/WVR5250 and WVR5250 waveform monitors from Tektronix
Huge Latin American and Indian growth potential for RFID tagging
The benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID), which include better inventory management, improved operational efficiency, reduced labour, enhanced supply chain visibility, information accuracy, higher sales and better customer service, have spurred the technology’s adoption in various applications across verticals.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.autoid.frost.com) - called ‘Global Passive RFID Market’ - finds that the market earned revenues of more than £1.96 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach £7.64 billion by 2018.
The report also indicates that implementation of item-level tagging will further boost sale volumes and lend momentum to the global passive RFID market.
Frost & Sullivan finds that RFID vendors are investing in R&D to create innovative, robust, error-free, multi-functional and efficient solutions, which together with growing end-user awareness on the technology’s returns, will drive the global RFID market.
Commented Frost & Sullivan Measurement and Instrumentation Senior Research Analyst, Ram Ravi: “The implementation of item-level RFID, which will provide complete automation, ensure visibility of various supply chain processes, and enable the identification of counterfeit products, will encourage pilot projects, and thereby increase sales. Item-level tagging will also heighten demand for tags and hardware and add to market revenues.”
Free Web Seminar on Testing Power Semiconductors
Keithley Instruments is offering a free, web-based seminar entitled ‘Testing Modern Power Semiconductor Devices Requires a Modern Curve Tracer’. This event, which is available for on-demand viewing, will discuss the curve tracing challenges posed by today’s power semiconductor devices. It is also aimed at teaching viewers how to perform both current–voltage (I-V) and high-voltage capacitance–voltage (C-V) measurements with a modern parametric curve tracer.
The seminar examines a variety of topics:
The role of traditional curve tracers in testing power semiconductor devices;
The market drivers for modern power semiconductor devices;
How source measure unit (SMU) instruments can be configured to create a modern parametric curve tracer;
How to perform high-voltage C-V measurements with a modern parametric curve tracer.
The company recommends this seminar for engineers, physicists and scientists involved in the designing, testing or manufacturing of power semiconductor devices.
To register, go to http://www.keithley.com/ws/1388
Taking H & V manufacturing to a higher level using RFID
RFID journal reports that the manufacturer of heating and ventilation (H & V) equipment has used RFID technology to make a highly efficient plant still more efficient.
UTC Climate, Controls and Security at Carrier – the US manufacturer and distributor of HVAC systems – has taken a highly efficient, highly complex, vertically integrated manufacturing operation and made it even better.
The factory makes a wide range of products, and a unit is completed every five seconds. In such a high-speed environment, the company has applied many lean manufacturing techniques, and has been recognised for manufacturing excellence.
However, in 2009, the company conducted a trial of RFID technology on a production line, to confirm that every tag could be read every time – and there could be no exceptions.
Testing showed that 100% reads were possible, so the company went ahead with the project to improve safety and efficiency in shipping, streamline assembly, make it error-proof and build an infrastructure that would support future factory enhancements.
On an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, payback took less than two years.
Wireless Provides Safer, More Efficient Terminal Ops
A new OneWireless Terminal Solution has been launched by Honeywell (http://www.honeywell.com). This brings together a portfolio of wireless-enabled products, services and productivity tools tailored for terminal operators, and it enables oil and gas terminal operators to increase their productivity while also complying with stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) regulations, all at significantly lower cost than wired technology, claims the company. Ray Rogowski, global marketing director, said, There is constant pressure on terminal operators and owners to improve productivity, efficiency, safety and security with limited capital and operating budgets. The OneWireless Terminal Solution helps enable customers to achieve these goals within their budgets. In a competitive industry, terminal operators are investing in tank automation to meet new safety regulations as well as continuously looking for ways to manage costs. Wireless-enabled tank gauging is less expensive, at about half the cost of the wired alternative.
OneWireless Terminal Solution includes ISA100-compatible Honeywell Enraf SmartRadar FlexLine, the highest-precision wireless radar gauge available, it is thought. Requiring no external wireless module, the FlexLine’s integrated radio sends tank-level measurements securely and wirelessly to the central control room. The FlexLine is also used as a data concentrator, collecting data from local tank instruments and sending it wirelessly through the same ISA100 network.
Also included are extra applications, such as mobile productivity tools (Field Advisor, Mobile Station and Experion Mobile Access), which help with the adoption of operator-driven reliability (ODR) programs. They also enable operators to complete activities more efficiently and safely. Other applications include wireless fixed and portable gas detectors and wireless video.
All of these applications can be tailored to offer either ISA100-only coverage or ISA100 and Wi-Fi coverage, and the OneWireless Network can implement Wi-Fi and ISA100 instrumentation coverage in a single network. Honeywell said this can help achieve an extra 25% cost savings in material, installation and maintenance costs over other wireless solutions.
Contracts Awarded for Innovative Ocean Robotics
The next generation of ocean-going robotic vehicles will be developed by two cutting-edge technology companies, working with the United Kingdom’s National Oceanography Centre. ASV Ltd of Portchester and MOST (AV) Ltd of Chichester have won contracts under the Government-backed Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) to develop the vehicles – known generically as Long Endurance Marine Unmanned Surface Vehicles – that will carry out sustained marine research over long periods.
When developed, the vehicles, which operate on the sea surface rather than at depth, will be invaluable platforms for gathering scientific data from the ocean over periods of several months. A wide range of sensors to take measurements beneath and above the ocean surface, together with satellite navigation tools, communications for command and control and for data transfer to shore, are all readily available. The vehicles will demonstrate several feasible technologies to provide the energy necessary for long deployment.
The Technology Strategy Board (http://www.innovateuk.org) and Natural Environment Research Council jointly funded the programme with supplementary funding of additional elements from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The SBRI programme has moved into the second phase with ASV and MOST (AV) selected on merit from the five companies that won Phase 1 awards to manufacture working prototypes of their proposed vehicles. To demonstrate capability as part of the year-long programme, the vehicles will be extensively tested.
Book Gives Guidance on Process Industry Functional Safety
A new publication from Rockwell Automation (Companion Company) (http://uk.rockwellautomation.com) examines the principles and standards relating to safety in process applications and discusses how to implement effective solutions. Process Safebook 1 – Functional Safety in the Process Industry provide an overview to functional safety and guidance in the application of IEC61511, the process industry–specific implementation of IEC61508.
IEC61508 has already been hugely influential and will continue to be the basis of modern safety standards and legal frameworks. It is, therefore, essential that personnel having responsibilities at any stage of the life of a safety-related system should understand it, which is the reason for this publication.
It covers the safety management of electrical, electronic and programmable electronic systems throughout their lives, from concept to decommissioning, and brings safety principles to the management of systems, and safety engineering to their development.
At its core is the principle that, in safety planning, safety goals based on risk assessment should be set, and then the rigour of management and processes should be appropriate for meeting them. This makes the standard goal-based rather than prescriptive, and means that compliance with the standard does not exonerate users of any blame in the event of a safety problem.
Originally aimed at sales engineers and designers within Rockwell Automation, this internal handbook has now evolved as a published book to customers and system integrators. It has been written in such a way that it clarifies the terminology and jargon and uses simple language illustrated with examples taken from Rockwell Automation’s own experience.
News in Brief
Demand for industrial gearboxes/geared motors to fall
The market for industrial gearboxes and geared motors in the collective region covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is expected to decline by 4.2% this year as economic troubles continue to take their toll, according to the new report entitled ‘The World Market for Gearboxes and Geared Motors’ from IMS Research, now part of IHS (http://www.ihs.com). The EMEA market for industrial gearboxes and geared motors will fall to an estimated £3.2 billion by the end of 2013, down from the record-high level of almost £3.4 billion in 2011. This stemmed in large part from the recession afflicting the Eurozone, which deepened in the second half of 2012.
ARC’s European industry forum dates set
ARC Advisory Group (http://www.arcweb.com) will host its European Industry Forum (EIF) on 5–6 March 2014 at the Mercure Hotel, Amsterdam. The EIF complements ARC’s successful forums around the world in United States, India, China and Japan, as well as the well-established Process Management Academy (PMA), which the organisation has hosted in Germany and Belgium for the past 9 years. In 2014, ARC will extend the focus of the European Industry Forum to address a broader field of industry topics of interest to end users in process, hybrid and factory automation. This new Forum will cover new challenges in cyber security, a look at the landscape of new, integrated engineering environments, optimising energy efficiency, and excellence in process safety.
Waterproof thermometer ideal for food processing
The new Therma 20 Plus waterproof thermometer from Electronic Temperature Instruments (http://www.etiltd.com) can be submerged or washed under a running tap, making it ideal for food processing and food preparation applications where cleaning is paramount. The thermometer, housed in a robust, waterproof, white ABS case (IP66/67 protection), which uses electronic circuitry, designed for reliability and ease of use, and also features a large easy-to-read, backlit liquid-crystal display (LCD) measuring temperature from −39.9 °C to 149.9 °C (0.1 °C resolution). An auto-power off facility automatically turns the instrument off after 10 min, maximising battery life. A wide range of interchangeable negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor probes can be used.
Weighing it all up online
Organisations seeking information about weighing could profitably take a look at the new Avery Weigh-Tronix website (http://www.averyweigh-tronix.com). The company claims that it is simple to use and navigate, and the product selector enables users to find the right weighing solution for their needs quickly. A product comparator tool then allows visitors to the website to compare products by their key features. Product literature is also simple to find along with a range of supplementary information, including details of complementary products and accessories, specification sheets, case studies and videos.