Abstract
Emerson Completes Pentair Valves and Controls Acquisition
The global technology and engineering company, Emerson (www.emerson.com), has completed the purchase of the valves and controls business from Pentair plc for £2.44 billion (US$3.15 billion).
Headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the valves and controls business is a leading provider of valve solutions and services with nearly 7500 employees around the world. The business will be integrated into Emerson’s Automation Solutions platform.
David N. Farr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, ‘This acquisition enables us to continue to grow our global footprint in automation and expand our leadership position in key served markets such as chemical, power, refining, mining and oil and gas’.
‘By adding these highly respected products and aftermarket services to our portfolio, Emerson is better positioned to serve the needs of our global customers’, he said.
Mike Train, Automation Solutions Executive President, said, ‘Pentair’s valves and controls business fits extremely well with Emerson’s existing portfolio of Fisher control valves and regulators and Bettis actuators’.
‘The addition of market leading product brands such as Anderson Greenwood, Vanessa and Keystone creates the most comprehensive global valve business’.
Phoenix Contact Acquires EtherWAN
The global connection and automation technology firm, Phoenix Contact (https://www.phoenixcontact.com), is to acquire the Taiwanese company Etherwan System Inc. (www.etherwan.com), which is a manufacturer for Ethernet communication technology in automation systems.
Phoenix Contact says that this acquisition will enrich its position in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 sectors. This position had previously been strengthened by the late 2016 takeover of the Canadian Perle Systems Inc., which makes serial to Ethernet, fibre to Ethernet, input/output (I/O) connectivity, and device networking hardware products.
Etherwan’s hardware products include media converters and Ethernet switches for ‘hardened’ Ethernet solutions, but suitable software is also provided.
The aim now is to introduce further product ranges, especially to the requirements of Industrie 4.0, as well as to further develop the competence centre of network technology of the Phoenix Contact Group.
This transaction is subject to approval by the local Investment Commission Taiwan.
See a Study on Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
ARC Advisory Group says that the most noticeable, and probably the most important, industrial trend today is the proliferation of advanced analytics and machine learning. Examples include artificial intelligence, cognitive computing and the like.
As a result, the organisation has published a report concerning advanced analytics and machine learning.
The technologies have reached a tipping point and can now, says the organisation, deliver value in setting after setting. In turn, this fuels demand for smart connected sensors, digital networks, and other ways to collect and move data to the analytics systems – and vice versa. A crucially important question is, ‘Will the mass displacement of workers be on the horizon?’
‘Perhaps’, says ARC, which goes on to point out that in any case, these technologies will result in substantial change. The study covers a range of topics, including the IIoT and the ‘Great Digitisation’, survey results, plus comments and conclusions.
ARC Advisory Group clients can view the complete report at ARC Client Portal on Office 365 or Box.com. Alternatively, for more information, go to https://www.arcweb.com/about/contact-us
Prevention Can Be Better than Cure for Ageing HVAC
HVAC equipment coming to the end of its service life can mean expense and unplanned system downtime. But the expense of a completely new system can often be avoided, as Albion Valves Ltd. (www.albionvalvesuk.com), a leading UK valve supplier to the building services and air conditioning industry, shows.
The company believes that facilities managers can pre-empt potential issues with ageing HVAC systems by timely retrofitting. Such a retrofit, carried out in conjunction with taking preventative measures with HVAC systems, can ultimately mean less investment, less operation downtime and reduced ongoing maintenance issues.
Albion Valves’ Technical Specifications Manager, Paul Wightman commented, To upgrade a water system, it is not always necessary to tear out all the building infrastructure and pipework. It is entirely feasible for a modern, efficient system to be created using existing materials with a few strategic tweaks. This will result in saving money on energy for a fraction of the cost of a new installation, as well as achieving a short payback period via the savings.
He continued, For example, on a hot water system, engineers could consider updating to 2port PICV hydronic balance control, meaning only the water required is delivered to a specific location with no wasted energy. Hence, the four port constant volume system could be upgraded quite easily and cost effectively at each terminal unit to a variable volume system, offering significant savings – even on older installations.
Similarly, he pointed out, if the pipework is in good condition on a HVAC project, then the terminal units such as fan coil unit’s (FCU), over door heaters and internal water coils are likely to be equally sound. This is central to the delivery of the water service and may not need replacing. However, to boost efficiency and comfort performance, the controls may benefit from improving speed control on the fan – to optimise airflow over the coil – which can add years to the system’s service life.
A gunmetal safety valve by Albion Valves
Additionally, another simple measure to be considered to help avoid problems in the longer term is that heating systems could have thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) fitted on radiators. This would mean that the circuit closes down at optimum temperature, therefore preventing overheating and wasteful energy in terms of boiler gas consumption and circulatory pumping costs.
Building Management Services specifying technical products for retrofits should also consider installing on-off control valves on HVAC systems to help prevent unnecessary heating or cooling of any unoccupied rooms or zones within the building.
Solenoids are another invaluable and inexpensive preventative measure that can be easily fitted to increase the efficiency credentials of older systems, by preventing dripping taps, non-closures and leaks to save water.
An Albion Valves pressure independent control and balancing valve
Monolink by Albion Valves is a terminal unit connection, for use when space is at a premium
For the purpose of refurbishments and renovations, Albion stocks a comprehensive range of valve models and HVAC components commonly specified in older buildings.
Siemens’ Radio-Frequency Identification Now Supports OPC UA Open Interface
Siemens’ new V3 firmware release now allows the company’s Simatic RF600 radio-frequency identification (RFID) system to support the OPC UA open interface.
This is possible via the MindConnect Nano cloud gateway or the Ruggedcom RX1400 industrial Internet of Things (IoT) gateway with MindConnect – with project engineering taking place via a web interface in a browser.
In this context, the Simatic RF600 acts as a link between the real and digital world, and its platform-independent interface enables communication with products and software that support OPC UA.
Applications for linking the Simatic RF600 RFID system to the cloud include production, logistics and asset management, using, for example, data captured from RFID transponders. All captured data can be analysed and made available worldwide, creating key performance indicator (KPI) transparency for variables including plant availability, asset utilisation and energy savings.
In this way, the targeted optimisation of production processes and supply chains becomes simple, and this will improve plant efficiencies and production quality.
Go to www.siemens.co.uk/en/ for more information.
New Coriolis Flow Meter for High Densities and Viscosities
The RCT1000 Coriolis mass flow meter, the latest addition to Badger Meter USA’s growing product portfolio, is claimed to be especially suited to the precise measurement of high viscosity and contaminated fluids, aggressive media as well as high density gases while maintaining a wide turndown ratio.
The typical applications for these mass flow meters will include filling or dosing oils, solvents and chemicals and measuring adhesives or binding materials, coatings and hardeners, dyes, vitamins and other additives.
Acknowledged for their outstanding accuracy and versatility in measuring challenging flow applications, Coriolis principle flow meters have been used in a wide variety of industries and applications. They are true multi-variable instruments, which means that they provide simultaneous measurement of mass flow, density, temperature and volume flow.
A valuable feature is the lack of internal moving parts, so there’s little or no mechanical wear, resulting in a long operational life. So these meters offer low-cost maintenance operation – as well as flexible integration options.
The RCT1000 is, says Badger, capable of controlling equipment, such as valves and pumps with proportional–integral–derivative (PID) and batch control signals. The transmitter features a user-lock feature to prevent accidental activation as well as a local liquid crystal display (LCD) with optical buttons which allow the operator to navigate the display through the glass without opening the enclosure.
The Badger RCT1000 Coriolis mass flow meter from Bellflow Systems is ideally suited to the precise measurement of high viscosity and contaminated or aggressive fluids
For more information, email
IoT Sensor Finds Incipient Equipment Failures
Equipment manufacturers and users are using an RFID and IoT wireless system to capture sensor data about equipment. In this way, equipment problems can be detected just as soon as any loss in performance is seen – and usually well before actual failure.
Servicemax (https://www.servicemax.com), which specialises in field service technology, has – in partnership with software and services firm PTC (https://www.ptc.com) – provided an IoT system using RFID, satellite, long-range low-power (LoRa) RF or Wi-Fi technology to report when a piece of equipment starts to malfunction – sometimes before a user even notices the problem. In some cases, wired connections can be used in place of the wireless systems.
Called the Connected Field Service (CFS), it is in use by manufacturers, as well as utilities plus oil and gas firms.
As reported by RFID Journal, ServiceMax provides field service software and mobile applications for businesses that need to manage assets. The software is designed to manage data about each asset and its field service, as well as schedules for future services. It enables users to schedule services and track the parts and inventory used with that asset.
Sound Level Meters Help Compliance with Regulations
As noise regulations take on an even greater role in modern business, the new SP79 and SPC70 sound level meters from Martindale Electric (http://martindale-electric.co.uk) help organisations stay compliant with the HSE 2005 Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
This is crucially important today as employers now have the responsibility to ensure noise exposure and level limits are monitored and kept to a minimum. This also includes work places where the risk of noise may not be immediately obvious.
Designed for both industrial and office on-site measurement, the compact and lightweight Martindale SP79 is a user-friendly sound level meter featuring A and C frequency weighting and fast and slow time weighing.
Being light and compact, this instrument can be handheld for spot-checking noise levels. Alternatively, tripod mounting allows for longer term monitoring of min/max values.
The intuitive design allows quick, simple and effective screen navigation, while the large, high-contrast display also includes both digital and an analogue bar graph.
The robust SP79 complies with BS EN 61672-1:2003 and comes supplied with a detachable windshield and a durable carry case for long-term high performance.
Also available is the SPC70 Class 2 Sound Level Calibrator. As with any noise measurement equipment, the sound level meter must be checked against a calibrator before and after each use. The SPC70 is suitable for periodic testing of sound meters and verifying accuracy before and after readings, in accordance with national standards.
Industrial Shock Absorbers Self-Compensate
New from WDS Components Parts (www.wdsltd.co.uk) is a comprehensive range of industrial shock absorbers. Designed to help improve product handling in manufacturing applications and in automated package handling, these shock absorbers smoothly and gradually stop their movement without causing bounce-back or other unwanted effects. They therefore self-compensate for varying loads.
An industrial shock absorber is a small, spring-loaded hydraulic cylinder that absorbs the kinetic energy of moving objects, bringing them smoothly to a standstill. By pumping oil from one chamber to another at a flow rate that varies according to the load applied, the action absorbs smoothly. In contrast, a simple buffer or spring stop tends to cause the moving part to bounce back and forth before stopping, which could cause damage in the process.
Because industrial shock absorbers keep moving objects under full control, the operational speed of machines and plant can be increased while also providing smoother operation and less operator fatigue. Their smooth deceleration of moving parts leading to reduced wear, lower noise and extended equipment life, which reduces vibration, noise and shock loads, leading to reduced maintenance needs and a better working environment.
Adjustable shock absorbers have a single variable orifice connected to an adjusting wheel with a graduated scale. A few strokes after initial installation, the unit can be tuned to match the needs of the application. Once the absorber is set, the adjusting wheel can be locked using a removable key, while the scale allows simple, fine adjustment.
A selection of four of WDS’ adjustable shock absorbers
Some self-compensating shock absorbers by WDS
Industrial shock absorbers by WDS, which produces a wide range of such devices
WDS industrial shock absorbers are maintenance free and sealed for life, so are fit-and-forget items that can make a significant difference to overall productivity. They are available in two variations, adjustable and self-compensating, and come in a range of sizes and capacities.
The firm’s self-compensating shock absorbers are slightly more complex, using a double tube configuration to create the oil chamber. In use, hydraulic oil is forced though an array of small orifices in one tube as the piston retracts. The spacing and design of the orifices maintain a constant pressure on the piston throughout the full stroke so that deceleration is linear.
These new and robust steel adjustable shock absorbers have a working temperature ranging from −10 to 85 °C. Their stroke length varies from 15 to 50 mm.
Best Practice in Hydraulic Fluid Selection – A Reminder by Bosch Rexroth
Drives and controls specialist Bosch Rexroth (www.boschrexroth.com) has restated the importance of choosing correctly rated hydraulic fluids to optimise performance and safety in mobile applications.
The advice comes as the company issues its own Fluid Rating List recommending the most appropriate high-performance fluids for use with its hydraulic pumps and motors. This complements the requirements of international standards ISO6473-4 and ISO4006.
A vital component in hydraulic systems, hydraulic fluids perform many tasks, including power transmission, lubrication, and friction and wear reduction, as well as minimising the effects of heat and contaminants.
Kevin Follows, Technical Support Manager, Mobile Applications at Bosch Rexroth, explained, ‘There is an enormous range of hydraulic fluids on the market but not all of them are suitable for every application. Many are mineral oil-based but specifiers can also select from monograde, multigrade, anti-wear and fire-resistant oils’: The varying components of fluids perform a multitude of tasks in protecting the system, optimising safety, performance and longevity. However, each product is designed to function optimally under certain conditions and in tandem with particular components – so specifiers are advised to ensure that the correct product is chosen, or risk potentially costly and disruptive production issues down the line.
Kevin Follows lists viscosity, operating temperature, environmental factors, manufacturers’ recommendations and materials’ compatibility as the key criteria on which the fluid selection decision should be based.
For further information and to download Rexroth’s Fluid Rating List, visit http://bit.ly/2pc5rhi
Energy Producers Maximise Well Production Using IIoT-Enabled Software
Energy producers seeking to maximise production from proven reserves now have access to next-generation artificial lift optimisation solutions from Emerson (www.emerson.com).
Called Dynamic Lift Optimisation (DLO), this software allows producers to extract greater value from existing assets and reduce field decline rates by ensuring a field or platform is producing at maximum efficiency given current production constraints.
DLO software is one of the technologies featured by Emerson at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, USA. Using it, Emerson says that a typical site operating many wells can experience a 10% production improvement because it responds immediately to changes in the field operation, continually reallocating available lift resources.
The company claims that this software can ‘impact the industry at a critical time’. Energy producers aim to maximise the productivity of existing wells and offset the natural decrease in production from an oil well over time. As decline rates increase and wells produce less oil, energy producers are forced to find alternative methods to meet production targets, preferably without the added cost of drilling new wells.
DLO software dynamically adjusts lift gas flows or electric submersible pump (ESP) speed based on the most recent well test curves. Once configured, the application optimally allocates the available lifting power to the wells to maximise production, at the same time adjusting to changing conditions such as wells coming on or off or compressor trips. By contrast, traditional gas lift adjustments are typically handled manually and infrequently, resulting in missed opportunities and lower field performance.
Earlier versions of the software have helped oil and gas producers generate millions of dollars per year in increased production throughout the last decade. The new version is easier to implement and comes IIoT-ready allowing cloud-based infrastructure. The new graphical user interface enables production engineers to safely and securely access crucial field optimisation data from any location with an Internet connection.
This new IIoT-enabled Dynamic Lift Optimisation software dashboard from Emerson allows production engineers anywhere in the world, as well as site operators, to visually see the production (actual) versus optimum at each level of the hierarchy, from field to platform to well to completion
In addition to a new user-friendly web interface, the DLO software now uses the OSIsoft PI System – a highly scalable open data infrastructure and historian that provides a common data architecture from the plant floor to the enterprise level – making information available wherever needed for better business decisions.
Linear Transmission Engineering Gets Straight to the Point
The need for linear motion is increasingly common, especially in automated assembly packaging and robotics and also in diverse applications such as retail displays, sports equipment and many other areas. This has led to a plethora of different linear technologies, and finding a way through the maze can be daunting.
Matt Jones, a linear motion specialist at Drive Lines Technologies (www.drivelines.co.uk), offers a quick guide through the basics.
First, it is necessary to differentiate between driving and guiding. An actuator is a powered component that creates linear motion, whereas a guide is unpowered and used to keep other components ‘on the straight and narrow’. Often drive and guide are used together and it is important not to forget the importance of the guide, which can come into their own if there are (expected or unexpected) side or other loads that could upset the system.
Drives Lines has a wide ranging portfolio of linear products, plus the expertise to help engineers find the best solution for their requirements. There are some basic rules, then a project assessment, plus calculations relating to loads, speeds and so on. These form the basis of the selection procedure:
Guides. Ball bushings and linear shafting are generally used where a cost-effective solution is required in commercial and industrial applications. They can be used in horizontal, vertical and inclined orientations and generally the shaft has a circular cross section.
Ball bushings are effectively sleeve-shaped ball bearings designed to support a shaft over a section of its length. They can come with an end-flange or grooves for circlip mounting, in a thin walled variant and mounted within a pillow block housing.
The need for linear motion is increasingly common – this is a screw jack from Drive Lines
Similar to ball bushings, plain linear bearings and linear slides are also available. A range of liners and coatings provide solutions for difficult and harsh environments where traditional ball bushings cannot be used. Shock loads, high speeds and demanding environments are often best addressed with a plain bearing.
The accompanying linear shafts are precision ground and hardened. They are usually made from steel or stainless steel, although soft stainless steel and hard-coated aluminium shafts are also available for food and wash down applications.
A form of linear guide popular for mechanical handling and heavy load applications is the combined bearing and rail. This provides a cost-effective guide solution to lift systems, platforms, monorails and cantilever loads. The system combines a radial bearing to take out high moment loads and a smaller axial roller to eliminate side movement.
For automation, tooling and machine tool linear guidance, linear ball guides provide high precision, high capacity linear motion and can be extremely cost-effective. Based on a design of infinitely recirculating ball bearings, they provide equal load capacity in all directions, so guarantee smooth movement and accurate positioning.
2. Drives. Ballscrews enable cost-effective high-speed and high precision actuation for automation and industrial applications. Ballscrews offer high rigidity, minimal backlash, fast speed and positional accuracy. They can be supplied preloaded and are easy to install.
A linear guide system available from Drive Lines. Linear shafting is generally used where a cost-effective solution is required in commercial and industrial applications
A linear actuator available from Drive Lines
Drive Lines also offers high-performance linear actuators. These combine guide and ballscrew or leadscrew options and can be supplied with a drive motor to provide a one-stop fit-and-forget linear drive solution.
PCB Connector Push–Pull Interface on Saves Assembly Time
New to Harting (www.harting.co.uk) is a Push–Pull interface added to its M12 PCB angled D-coded connector. This not only enables direct Ethernet transmission from the cable to the PCB but also leads to considerable savings in assembly time.
The new M12 PushPull PCB connection comes in an angled D-coded female variant, which facilitates the use of space saving switches with Fast Ethernet communication at up to 100 Mbit/s.
The product minimises the need for additional wiring and saves assembly space as well as time.
The new connector typifies the growing trend towards miniaturisation in industry –not just in the development of smaller components but in the fact that these devices in turn can be used in ever-smaller installation spaces.
Harting’s new Push–Pull interface enables direct Ethernet transmission from the cable to the PCB
RFID Helps Gauge Salting Needs for Road
Hampshire County Council (HCC) has been using a smart winter service road-management system trial in which IoT technology automatically recorded road surface temperatures to enable de-icing treatment validation. It did this even when the road was very busy.
This new system, provided by Mayflower Smart Control (www.mayflowercontrol.com), uses infrared-based road surface temperature sensors in conjunction with Libelium solar-powered Waspmote Plug & Sense! platform ambient temperature sensors and included ZigBee-based RFID technology.
The technology was installed at five locations along 40 km of a high-priority gritting (salting) area in the Winchester section of Hampshire, and it was piloted throughout the 2016–2017 winter to determine whether road and ambient temperatures could be accurately captured in real time. The system was also used to determine whether the data so obtained could be used to make roadwork decisions – such as salting and gritting.
HCC wanted to see whether new, lower cost technology would help automate road condition data collection so that gritting could be provided as soon as it is needed – and in just the right amounts. Conventionally, county councils must check weather forecasts and conduct physical inspections to identify the need for road surface treatment.
HCC worked with Amey – its highways maintenance partner – to create this solution. While few sensors have been installed so far, a single Mayflower gateway unit can control up to 500 lighting control ZigBee nodes, so the system can easily be expanded using the existing Mayflower gateways.
Three-in-One Cable for Power, Control, Monitoring and Safety
The new CAN-Bus High-Endurance cable presented from HRADIL Spezialkabel GmbH (www.hradil.de) is a hybrid cable – comprising CAN-Bus, Ethernet Cat. 7 and a 300 V power supply – that has been specially designed for moving applications in extreme environments. Such environments might include factory automation machinery.
Typically, though, it will be used aboard heavy-duty machinery in open-cast mining and road construction work. Here, extreme mechanical conditions such as vibrations and high tensile loads conspire to make life hell for the cables.
Although this cable consists of three separate cables ‘rolled’ into one, it has a cross-section of just 23.6 mm. All three cable assemblies, the CAN-Bus, power supply and the Cat7 Ethernet cable are protected by their own jackets made from a special easy-glide material. Compared with other conventional single cables, it is also claimed to be far more resilient and durable.
The cable fulfils three different functions – in addition to real-time control via CAN-Bus and monitoring and safety tasks via Gigabit Ethernet, it can also supply motors and different applications with voltages of up to 300 V through six cores of 3 × 1.5 mm2 each.
HRADIL’s new CAN-Bus High-Endurance hybrid cable presented from HRADIL Spezialkabel GmbH (www.hradil.de) comprises CAN-Bus, Ethernet Cat. 7 and a 300 V power supply all in one
The CAN-Bus is a standardised real-time vehicle bus for serial communication, but has also now become firmly established as a field bus in automation and manufacturing settings.
ARC Reports on the Great Digitisation of Industry
ARC Advisory Group reports that the next several years will bring about the ‘great digitization’ of industry. This will touch, says the organisation, nearly every aspect of business as existing systems, jobs and business processes are instrumented, redefined and optimised with artificial intelligence.
This transformation will be widespread and far-reaching. Information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), engineering technology (ET), supply chain, asset management, services and customer-facing systems will all be affected. Discrete manufacturing, process industries, utilities, energy, infrastructure and more are already beginning the transformation.
The organisation’s report, entitled ‘The Great Digitisation of Industry: Current Progress and Outlook’, presents some data about how industrial companies are thinking about digital transformation.
If you would like to buy this report, go to https://www.arcweb.com/about/contact-us
Energy Saving Instrument Webinars Are CPD-Accredited
The third of Fluke’s series of free, scheduled, CPD-accredited webinars, running throughout 2107, is titled ‘Energy saving – a practical approach to energy efficiency?’ and is suitable for energy managers, electrical engineers and facility managers.
During the webinar, participants will gain an understanding of measurement of energy and how this can improve energy consumption in a facility to reduce energy costs.
Other topics covered by the CPD-certified webinar series include ‘Detecting electrical energy loss using thermal imaging’ and ‘Power quality – the good, the bad and how to measure’, which are aimed at personnel including electrical engineers, plant maintenance facility managers, energy managers, electricians and electrical contractors.
Each 45-min webinar concludes with a 15-min Q&A session.
The repeated schedule of dates and the means to apply can be found at www.flukeacademy.shuttlepod.org/UK-Seminars
Where Automation and Embedded Systems Meet
What do automation and embedded systems have in common? asks ARC Advisory Group, which goes on to say, ‘The short answer is: more and more’.
Why pose the question? The short answer to that one is the annual Embedded World trade fair, held every winter in Nuremberg, Germany – and ARC’s Insight into the market.
This event has become what is claimed to be the world’s largest show for the highly fragmented embedded community of suppliers, developers and users. While the embedded market is divided into thousands of different application areas, the focus on automation has grown sharply in recent years as suppliers put more intelligence into their field devices. This Insight looks at some of the highlights observed by ARC analysts.
The ongoing success of Embedded World has come about because of the growing influence of embedded systems, primarily in the automotive sector and also in the automation industry. Just as the importance of software is rising, embedded systems (the combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function within a larger system) are growing rapidly.
This year’s Embedded World exhibition once again reported record attendance numbers, with over 30,000 visitors and more than 1000 exhibitors from over 40 countries. Embedded World is a magnet for new trends and applications, especially around IIoT and Industrie 4.0.
ARC Advisory Group clients can view the complete report at ARC Client Portal on Office 365 or Box.com. If you would like to buy this report, contact https://www.arcweb.com/about/contact-us
A Collaboration into the IIoT and Industry 4.0
SAP SE (https://www.sap.com) and KUKA AG (https://www.kuka.com) are to collaborate around Industry 4.0 and the IIoT to promote the flexibility and automation of production processes.
Both companies want to work together, particularly in manufacturing, mechanical engineering and the automotive sector.
The integration of KUKA robots into SAP’s digital manufacturing showcase at the recent Hannover Fair was driven by standard protocols, such as OPC Unified Architecture. In addition, the two firms plan to provide KUKA robot applications based on the SAP Leonardo IoT platform. KUKA robots will be integrated into SAP Cloud Platform, helping companies evaluate predictive maintenance scenarios and monitor factory floors. KUKA also plans to use selected SAP technology components as part of its own Connyun IoT platform.
Through the SAP Leonardo portfolio, SAP has introduced a variety of solutions to support Industry 4.0 and IIoT. KUKA’s expertise in intelligent automation solutions complements these solutions. In addition, selected SAP technology and business components will enhance KUKA’s start-up platform Connyun, with a focus on midsize machine construction.
A ‘Breakthrough’ in Power Quality Analysers Claimed
A development at Polytechnic University in Valencia, Spain – said to be ‘a breakthrough’ – has led to power quality analysers now being able to calculate the cost of energy loss through inefficient electrical systems. So Valencia University and instrument specialist Fluke have teamed up to benefit end users.
Until now, only experts could calculate how much energy was wasted because of power quality issues; utilities could calculate the cost, but the required measurement process was beyond the reach of average users.
With the patented Unified Power function of Fluke’s 435 Series II, users can use one handheld tool to determine how much power is being wasted and calculate exactly what the extra consumption costs.
Professors Leòn and Montañana were awarded one such patent for their breakthrough work eventually resulting in the development of an energy analyser. As instructors in the school’s Department of Electrical Engineering, they pioneered the development of a mathematical algorithm that analyses electrical systems in terms of energy efficiency.
Through a series of theoretical and practical experiments with automobile companies, electrical utilities and others, the pair was able to test and verify their formula, analysing energy loss and calculating the corresponding costs to the respective organisations.
So now, not only will users be able to employ test and measurement tools able to analyse power quality, they’ll also be able to calculate energy lost through poor power quality, apply a monetary figure to it and help find appropriate solutions to eliminate the problems.
In short, says Fluke (www.fluke.com), facilities will become more efficient. Moreover, companies will save money.
Fluke’s 435 Series II instrument can determine how much power is being wasted and calculate exactly what the extra consumption costs
Ultra-High-Frequency RFID Antenna Helps Train Recognition on Track
The new Ha-VIS RF-ANT-WR24 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) antenna range from Harting (www.harting.co.uk) is claimed to be extremely robust and reliable, making it ideal for creating gates for container tracking platform identification in situations where the antenna is installed directly under the train.
The antenna is also suitable for applications in conditions of extreme temperatures.
The range includes three models. The WR24-i is ideal for general industrial use. The minimalistic design and N connector also make it suitable for special gate applications such as train recognition on the railway track. The WR24-r is made of stainless steel and is designed for applications where a mechanically robust solution is needed. This design also comes without a connector on the antenna.
Finally, the WR24-t is designed for UHF applications in environments with special temperature range requirements, including operation at up to +150°C.
Considerations When Monitoring an Engine via a Gateway
With growing emphasis on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in the heavy-duty vehicle industry, the monitoring of diesel generators has taken on a much more significant role in power generation, says automation and industrial Ethernet expert Moxa (www.moxa.com).
However, integrating a diesel generator with the large variety of diesel generator monitoring systems (DGMSs) or PLCs is easier said than done. Multiple protocols and interfaces, arduous pre-configuration methods and time-consuming troubleshooting can make life difficult for system integrators (SIs) when it comes to integration.
A DGMS monitors the status of a diesel engine or a diesel generator, including voltage, amperage, RMS, PR, RMO, and other parameters. It also sets off an alarm in the case of an engine failure. Additional monitoring functions pertain to the generator’s fuel status, including fuel pressure and fuel consumption (especially to alert the control room when thefts occur). PLC systems are also sometimes used to control and monitor diesel generators.
For SIs, it is vital to find the right protocol gateway to achieve integration as they deal with many different types of DGMSs and PLCs. These systems vary from application to application, country to country and design to design. Most diesel generators run the CAN-SAE J1939 protocol, which enables communication and diagnostics among vehicle components, diesel generators and compression engines, and it is suitable for the heavy-duty truck industry and backup power systems at field sites.
However, DGMSs and PLCs typically use a number of different protocols. Some DGMSs or PLCs use Modbus, whereas others use Ethernet/IP or PROFIBUS; it all depends on the vendor, the country and the industry.
Various factors need to be considered before SIs set their sights on a gateway that best fit their purposes. These factors include setting the J1939 PGN manually, which is time-consuming and prone to human error. Using a well-designed gateway, operational efficiency will be much higher, and the total cost of ownership will be lower.
Another factor is easy troubleshooting. Field engineers are often unfamiliar with protocol gateways, which to them are essentially third-party devices. A built-in traffic monitor function monitors J1939 protocol traffic, making life much easier.
A web console eases configuration because this is the easiest way to set up a gateway. It makes the installation of an additional vendor-provided utility unnecessary. All that is required is a laptop with an Ethernet cable and web browser to log in to the web page of the protocol gateway.
An Integral SD Card Design
Many users can vouch for just how time-consuming it is to configure all the gateways at a site, since the configuration process usually involves repeating the same configuration method for each gateway. A gateway with a built-in SD card slot can save SIs time and frustration in this context.
Moxa’s MGate 5118 Series does away with the need to purchase, deploy and set up many devices to perform various protocol conversions. In a single device, it supports the protocol conversions for J1939 to Modbus RTU/ASCII, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, or EtherNet/IP, which are the mainstream protocols used in the field. Furthermore, this gateway provides an innovative command-learning mechanism.
Collaboration Enables New IoT-Based Services
The Industrial Ethernet Book reports that SAP and Mitsubishi Electric Europe have announced SAP’s participation in the Mitsubishi Electric e-F@ctory Alliance partner programme. This partnership will enable Mitsubishi’s automation solutions to operate fully with the SAP Cloud Platform.
Using the IoT features of SAP software, Mitsubishi Electric can transfer preselected data from its automation solutions to SAP Cloud Platform. The company will now be able to extend its e-F@ctory solutions to help enable partners and customers to offer value-added IoT-based services in the manufacturing and process industries.
The collaboration also allows for new IoT-based services, including remote device and connectivity management, monitoring of production status and asset availability, as well as predictive maintenance, to allow operators to benefit from long-term analysis of factory data.
Hartmut Pütz, President, Factory Automation – European Business Group, Mitsubishi Electric Europe, commented, ‘Mitsubishi Electric has long provided leading-edge technologies for the collection of production information, and now our partnership with SAP enables our customers to easily connect with SAP Cloud Platform’.
He continued, ‘Here, our e-F@ctory Alliance partner, SAP, provides tools and applications to enable users to utilise production information to the fullest extent’.
For more information, go to eu3a.mitsubishielectric.com/fa or http://news.sap.com/
Turck Buys Smartphone-Based RFID Firm
RFID Journal reports that Turck (www.turck.com), the industrial automation technology expert, has acquired U Grok It (https://www.ugrokit.com), a privately held Colorado firm that makes smartphone-based UHF RFID technology.
This acquisition will allow Turck to offer lower cost RFID-based solutions, using technology such as the Grokker, a handheld device that plugs into Android-, iOS- or Microsoft Windows 8- or 10-based smart devices, and to develop further technology consisting of a smartphone or tablet device with built-in RFID reader technology.
It is notable that the two companies have a relationship going back to 2016. During the past year, Turck has been rebranding its Grokker technology to serve the needs of its own customers. With this new acquisition, Turck – which manufactures industrial automation technology, including UHF and high-frequency (HF) RFID solutions for the chemical, energy, food and beverage, oil and gas, packaging, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries – now has exclusive use of the technology.
U Grok was conceived to offer a low-cost option for consumers wanting to use handheld RFID readers to track their belongings. Based on the needs of businesses for the same kind of product to track assets or inventory, the company released its Grokker in 2014. This, powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, serves as a sled to which phones can be attached via the audio port on the top or bottom of a phone. With an app, the phone then becomes a UHF RFID reader.
Report Forecasts 350% Retail IoT Growth by 2021
A new Juniper Research (https://www.juniperresearch.com/home) study indicates that IoT platform–based devices in the retail environment, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, digital signage or electronic shelf labels and RFID devices, will rise to 12.5 billion over the next 4 years.
This represents a rise of around 350% from the 2.7 billion connected devices last year.
This report, entitled ‘IoT in Retail: Strategies for Customer Experience, Engagement & Optimisation 2017–2021’, finds that – while the IoT encompasses many technologies – much of this forecast growth is being fuelled by the increasingly widespread use of RFID in retail for inventory management. This is likely to accelerate as tag pricing becomes lower.
Such huge growth means that retailers are being advised how to manage that growth to better understand customer behaviour (and adjust services and operations to suit), to enhance the customer experience (‘smart’ mirrors, better automatic checkout, etc.) and to improve the supply chain.
This growth mirrors what is happening with IIoT in industry, and the many technologies involved can – once compatibility, security and interfacing issues are sorted – provide a real transformation in business and industrial processes.
Survey Shows Engineering Services Sector ‘Powering Ahead’
Almost 79% engineering services firms say turnover increased or remained the same during the first quarter of this year, according to new findings from the sector-wide ‘Building Engineering Business Survey’, sponsored by Scolmore.
The survey, which is run in partnership by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and Scottish electrical trade body SELECT, received 370 responses from companies across the engineering services sector.
Looking ahead to the second quarter of this year, 88% of businesses expect their turnover to increase or remain steady.
Steve Bratt, ECA CEO, commented, These figures show that the engineering services sector continues to power ahead, against a backdrop of enormous political volatility. New business opportunities continue to be created across our sector, notably, but certainly not exclusively, linked to energy supply and storage. We remain cautiously optimistic entering into a period of further change with the upcoming general election.
Despite this reported business optimism, materials prices continue to rise, with 70% of businesses reporting an increase, up from 60% during Q4 2016. Half of the firms who responded said the move to Brexit had negatively impacted materials prices. In addition, half of companies said labour costs had risen, up from 40% of firms in the previous quarter.
Moreover, the Guardian newspaper (12 May 2017) reports that taken overall, Brexit is starting to bite as industrial output shrank more than expected (0.5% fall in March), sharper than the 0.3% fall predicted by economists. This followed a 0.7% fall in February, while manufacturing also fell unexpectedly by 0.6% in March.
Members of the three trade bodies – ECA (www.eca.co.uk), BESA (https://www.thebesa.com) and SELECT (www.select.org.uk) – have a combined annual turnover of £11 billion. They cover a broad range of engineering, design, installation and facilities management activity, including electrical, heating, plumbing, energy management, micro-generation, ductwork, ventilation, fire and security and wireless systems.
Earth Ground Testing for Greater Safety
Earth ground testing is essential for personal safety and preventing equipment damage from lightning strikes and other overvoltage situations.
Fluke’s 1630-2 FC stakeless earth ground tester identifies earth ground leakage currents without disconnecting the earth ground rod from the grounding system. This makes it ideal for fast, safe earth loop and leakage current tests, indoors or out.
This instrument features a heavy-duty clamp jaw that stays in alignment and in calibration – even in every day, on-the-job industrial environments. In terms of logging, it can save time by automatically recording up to 32,760 measurements in memory at the set logging interval.
An alarm threshold allows users to define the high and low alarm limits for rapid measurement evaluation, while a selectable band-pass filter function removes unwanted noise.
Furthermore, the 1630-2 FC is part of Fluke’s Connect wireless system, which allows users to send their measurements to your smartphones or tablets. Data can be saved to FlukeCloud storage. Users can tag and document GPS location of assets and share the information with their teams.
Go to http://www.fluke.com.