ProcessOnline RSS Feed

MES: take the time upfront

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:23:01 +0000

Businesses have been touting the financial benefits of manufacturing execution systems (MES) software ever since it became available in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, MES has followed a path similar to that of enterprise resource planning (ERP), meaning that many early implementations did not reach their promised goals.

Schneider Electric and Solar Sailor ferrying for energy efficiency

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:42:58 +0000

Solar Sailor and Schneider Electric have signed a commitment to provide 190/25 kW Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) systems for four hybrid solar electric ferries for the Hong Kong Marine Department.

NHP now authorised ANZ distributor for Allen-Bradley

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:06:37 +0000

From 1 July, NHP will be supporting customers with the Allen-Bradley, Rockwell software and Guardmaster range of products in its designated areas of Australia and throughout New Zealand.

Model-based design for wireless sensor networks

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:57:52 +0000

While model-based design is becoming quite standard for several domains that have similar constraints as wireless sensor networks, there is a lack of tools for this purpose in the WSN world.

Faulty flow switch and ignored alarm contribute to fluoride overdose

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:20:41 +0000

A government report into an incident in which hundreds of South-East Queensland households received an overdose of fluoride in their drinking water has determined that it was caused by a mix of mechanical and human error.

Champion appoints Remtron Automation as servicing distributor

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:44:43 +0000

Champion Compressors has appointed automation and process-control specialist Remtron Automation as an exclusive servicing distributor for the Albury Wodonga area.

Guided radar displaces displacer at crude tar plant

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:20:16 +0000

Pungent-smelling, viscous and abrasive, crude tar is the by-product of the coal used in coke ovens in the steel manufacturing process. Given its aggressive chemical properties and high process temperatures, ensuring minimal downtime at a crude tar refining plant can be a challenge.

Honeywell acquires RMG Group

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:30:16 +0000

Honeywell has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Germany-based RMG Group.

Modular docking connector system

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:21 +0000

The Han-Modular system now allows ‘blind’ insertion by automatic processes. The newly developed docking frame makes it possible to set up a modular docking connector without a housing. This allows the modular system to be used in insertion processes that are not hand-guided. With Han-Modular, users can select and assemble their customised connectors themselves.

Safety I/O module

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:23 +0000

The Allen-Bradley Point Guard I/O module is a modular, 24 V DC I/O system that is designed to fit into the standard Point I/O system, offering both automation and safety functionality in a maximum-density I/O solution.

Hyperspectral imaging sensors

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:16 +0000

Headwall’s Hyperspec VIS family of integrated hyperspectral imaging sensors for the 380 to 825 nm spectral range are designed for spectral sensing and chemical imaging. Hyperspectral imaging is used for mission-critical applications ranging from process monitoring to moving webs of product across conveyor lines where precise colour measurement is critical to the application.

Stainless steel photoelectric sensor

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:22 +0000

Constructed with food industry-grade materials, the E3Z-M has been designed so that the detergents and disinfectants used during cleaning do not destroy the sensor — unlike standard plastic and metal types.

Embedded vision system

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:20 +0000

The EVS-1464RT embedded vision system is a high-performance, multicore controller capable of processing images from multiple IEEE 1394 and GigE Vision cameras. Additionally, the EVS-1464RT features an extended temperature range, a real-time operating system, a solid-state hard drive and a fanless design, making it suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.

Vacuum control valve

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:40:10 +0000

The CU function module is available for Piab’s vacuum pumps P3010 and P6010 with COAX technology.

Annular load cells

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:40:10 +0000

Amalgamated Instrument Co now offers a range of annular ring or ‘washer’ load cells.

Weight controller

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:11 +0000

Hardy Instruments’ HI 4050 weight controller is now available factory installed in a stainless steel (NEMA 4x) enclosure. It can be configured as a blind unit or with a keyboard and display. A load cell summing board or intrinsic barrier assembly can be added to eliminate the need for a system junction box or for use in hazardous class I, II, DIV II applications.

New overland conveyor for the Port of Newcastle

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:09 +0000

ABB is to provide a drive system for an overland coal conveyor at a new export terminal being built by Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG). The new terminal will enable an increase in coal exports from the Newcastle region of New South Wales and will be constructed at Newcastle Port, Kooragang Island. The project represents the largest single-stage development of a new coal terminal of this magnitude in the world.

Photoelectric sensor

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:19 +0000

The OG-Cube photoelectric sensor provides high optical performance in a compact metal housing. The sensor offers reliable position detection in industrial applications such as conveying, packaging, material handling and automotive manufacturing.

Fieldbus high-density power hub

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:18 +0000

The FieldConnex fieldbus high-density power hub offers compact dimensions and needs only limited space inside the switching cabinet. Optimised circuits with low power loss result in cooler thermal conditions, which allow the positioning of the board in any direction. In comparison with the previous model, the available power supply current has increased from 360 to 500 mA per fieldbus segment.

High-temperature proximity sensor

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:22 +0000

In heat treatment or cooking applications, hot steam or heated metal parts may damage standard sensors. The E2E-H heat-resistant inductive sensor provides both temperature resistance up to 120 °C and high detergent and water resistance.