Articles and News

Grant replaces Chuck Treadway, who held the position of President and CEO at CST for three years.

PDR 221 Radio system from Radius will be used to monitor and shutdown the gas operated valves employed on methane and ethane gas pipeline that stretches along the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producer in the world.

SPD (Selecting Protective Devices) guide has been updated to the current codes and standards including the NEC 2008 and NFPA 70E 2009 requirements.

Global Business Forum at HANNOVER MESSE facilitates networking and the exchange of know-how in international target markets.

Quantim Coriolis mass flow controller is currently being installed into a laboratory glove box on the International Space Station.

Covers in-line vs. in-process testing; differentiating between defective parts vs. defective tests; differences in fixture design for testing vs. assembly; comparing generic vs. customized software for testing applications; and related cost-savings of various assembly & test techniques.

The catalog covers applications, technical specifications and support programs for accelerometers, pressure sensors, signal conditioners, amplifiers and cables.

Frost & Sullivan ssays regulations passed by various European governments are the largest driver for the use of energy-efficient pumps.

The installations in Kuwait and UAE and are expected to be operational in 2010.

Emerson's wireless temperature transmitters enable the company to meet local government regulations related to the temperature of water discharged into rivers and watercourses.

The 530 page publication covers the fundamentals of nanopositioning, piezo systems and micropositioning technology.

Emerson will supply PlantWeb, Fisher FIELDVUE digital valve controllers and valves, Rosemount transmitters, Rosemount Analytical analyzers, Daniel flow meters, and Micro Motion Coriolis flow meters.

Systems to be installed at a 1,000 megawatt power plant operated by Fortum include Experion Process Knowledge System, Safety Manager, and UniSim Operator Training System.

The two companies will supply software for the European TECOM/FP7 project to ensure the security and safety of embedded computing systems and infrastructures.

The European market earned revenues of over $75.2 million in 2008 and this will reach $132.8 million in 2012.

An undersea cable connects an ACS1000 frequency converter on an oil and gas platform off the coast of Norway to a motor and pump injecting seawater into a new oil field 25 miles away.

Service encompasses near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared, UV-Visible, and Raman spectroscopy.

Mouser Electronics expanded its current franchise agreement with Honeywell Sensing and Control to distribute products in Europe.

ProLeiT will integrate its Plant iT with the Logix control platform for applications in the brewing, dairy and related industries.

Guide serves as a brief introduction to the diverse forms of molecular (or vibrational) spectroscopy as applied to both process development and on-line process applications.

AMT senior staff, in cooperation with the Board of Directors, will oversee ongoing programs and day-to-day operation.

By Jeff Seewald, Building Intelligence Group Potential benefits of an integrated facility management and maintenance solution include a more empowered and productive staff, increased operational efficiency, and support for operations and maintenance.

By Softing One of the largest manufacturers of tobacco connected 40 production lines, each being controlled by up to 8 legacy Simatic S5 PLCs, via Ethernet to the MES system by using Softing’s Echolink, a serial to Ethernet converter.

Lenze standardized on Softing’s OPC Tunnel based on the software’s performance and immediate availability for use in a real-time environment under Windows CE .NET.

GE Energy will offer Industrial Defender's technology suite to its customers.

April 29-30, 2009 Charlotte, NC Seminar provides attendees with an in-depth look at the various factors that are addressed when slitting flexible web materials.

ACS1000 variable speed drive system will power High Pressure Grinding Rolls at the Peñasquito ore grinding plant in Mexico.

Guide contains 92 pages of info on Non-managed, Web-managed, Managed, and Gigabit Ethernet switches

H835 catalog provides product specifications, detailed drawings, part numbers, suggested application designs, and a photo of the parts.

Sustainable engineering refers to the design and manufacture of an goods and services while using the earth's resources more efficiently and producing less waste.

The eSimOptimizer system will be maximizing asset value for five of Enogex’s cryogenic gas plants in Oklahoma.

F&S says the worldwide LXI-enabled test and measurement equipment market generated $220 million in sales in 2007, and will grow as large as $650 million by 2012.

Website contains full product information, downloadable technical datasheets and an advanced search to find inductive components from low frequency antennas to high power EMC filters.

By recording when an engine enters or leaves a test or work cell Cummins can see how quickly an engine moves through the testing process and identify any differences between engine types and options.

Emerson will replace ABB Bailey OI stations that are connected to the existing Bailey INFI 90 system. An Ovation expert control system will interface directly or via OPC to the existing controllers.

Invensys unveiled its Immersive Virtual Reality Process technology, a next-generation HMI that will revolutionize the way engineers see and interact with the plant and the processes they control.

Molded rubber and silicone electrical connectors, plus short-run production of completely custom-connectors help manufacturers get the most up-time and ROI from new equipment

Induction-based wireless power could represent the next wave in powering portable electronics.

Most recently, Dolezal was Manager of the Process Market Development Group at Rockwell Automation.

By Robert Muehlfellner, B&R Industrial Automation The Internet and embedded PC-based controls now open opportunities for remote maintenance and diagnostics. This paper explains in simple terms methods to configure a connection from a remote location to a machine controller.

By Invensys Process Systems Two companies--Dakota Gasification and Teck Cominco—upgraded their control systems to use HART communications. In both cases, the companies had HART instrumentation that had been installed years earlier, but were not using the HART data because their old control systems didn’t support it. IPS solved the problem.

UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles) will be a special highlight. This will be backed up by live demonstrations of glass façade-cleaning robots - also decidedly "aboveground."

ABB will supply System 800xA for process control and system integration, a production management system, drives, motors, and power equipment.

Emerson will supply 780 Fisher digital control valves including the largest 42 inch Fisher antisurge valve ever to be built.

The firm will represent Endevco solutions across a broad range of test and measurement requirements.

ABB and partners in southern Germany are trying to create a sustainable power network, integrating clean energy generated by solar panels, wind turbines and fuel cells.

igus is giving away free cable carrier and continuous-flex cable samples.

Smith is the co-author of “Rules of Thumb for Maintenance and Reliability Engineers,” “Lean Maintenance” and “Industrial Repair, Best Maintenance Repair Practices.”

Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) service can help companies improve the effectiveness of their manufacturing/production, IT and human assets.

About halfway through the design and prototyping phase, 3M realized they needed to improve the aesthetics of the design and needed new CAD data to revise the model.

Siemens will supply up to $5 billion in energy technologies designed to help manage energy costs and reduce energy consumption

ABB will supply power transformers, medium voltage switchgear, and control equipment, including SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) solutions.

Schreiber comes to BCI from Northwest Analytical (NWA) – a provider of software for manufacturing analytics.

Solutions for Energy Efficiency brochure helps industries meet goals for energy and power conservation, machine efficiency and emissions control.

On-line tool helps manufacturers understand the benefits that can be achieved through the use of machine vision and industrial identification.

OPC Framework has successfully completed the OPC Foundation’s highest level of testing - Independent Certification.

D1 Technologies will resell and implement VISIBILITY.net in the Southeast with specific focus on No. Carolina, So. Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia and Arkansas.

By Mark DeCramer, WAGO An interface to removable storage media, such as USB memory devices and CompactFlash, are providing flexibility never before realized in PLC architectures. Because these devices are capable of holding gigabytes of data, years of collected data can be stored to a single device.

By IVT From woodworking to foam cutting, CNC routers are a commonplace system found in many different areas on the manufacturing floor. Integral V linear guiding system eliminates the tedious alignment process.

Online Webinars on KOMPAS 3D Solid Modelling, 2D Drafting, Design and Release of Documentation are held in English for current and potential customers.

Patterson is responsible for managing the business and administrative functions of CSIA including membership, meeting planning, finance, public relations and communications.

A process automation safety systems expert, Cusimano will lead a team devoted to improving the security of control systems for companies worldwide.

Most recently, Duran was Product Marketing Director for the Safety and Critical Control product line for Invensys Triconex.

3D Solid Modeling in KOMPAS-3D helped PERMATECH to make its design projects visual and more straightforward for customers, and reduce number of corrections and iterations.

The impact of global recession on the industry is likely to restrain the extent of wireless investments in the short-term future.

Alan Commike has been promoted to the position of CTO. Commike joined the company in 2006, and was software platform manager.

Orders decreased 19 percent in the fourth quarter but full-year EBIT nevertheless reached a record $4.6 billion.

5FR and 5JR series of solenoid valve connectors have been awarded CSA approval for the United States and Canada.

Emerson will be presenting Rosemount Analytical gas chromatograph, liquid, and process analytic solutions to customers in their recently enhanced demo van.

The MESH control network greatly improved the network process communication loading compared with previous ethernet copper cabled network.

Alliander installed 6 DDW-221s and 280 DDW-100s to upgrade Amsterdam's gas and energy distribution network.

The software stores plans and other printed building documents to immediately locate and find all personnel precisely and reliably to facilitate rapid rescue and evacuation.

Using the software will help Grant PUD to design their networks more quickly, help reduce operating costs to maintain the networks, and provide the utility with a strong foundation for future growth.

GKS now provides Computed Tomography scanning services for 3D scanning of parts with very complex internal geometry.

This specification provides the Pharmaceutical industry with a common method for data exchange for process and laboratory analyzers.

eBooks provides users with convenient online access to its five full-line product catalogs.

Emerson will supply PlantWeb digital plant architecture, Syncade Smart Operations Management suite, DeltaV digital automation and a network of intelligent digital field devices.

The new office is in Andover, located in the county of Hampshire. Chris Hansford will manage the office.

The catalog has an extensive line-up of over 400 products including high magnification zoom, telecentric, large format, motorized and video lenses.

Study says Ethernet IP, TCP/IP and Modbus TCP are the most common Ethernet-based systems on the American market today. The highest increases in market share over the next four years are expected for POWERLINK and ProfiNet.

Rutter Hinz, an engineering company, has expertise in industrial automation, process control and power distribution, specifically for the oil and gas industry.

Program allows more partners and systems integrators to resell deviceWISE and Virtual Service Infrastructure (VSI) remote-services offerings.

Future releases of IntelaTrac will leverage new Microsoft technologies for improved presentation and reporting functionality for the mobile workforce.

Sørco AS, one of Norway’s largest independent engineering companies, will use IFS/Engineering Register to support process, electrical, instrumentation and AEC/piping engineering.

Jerry Yen has been named director of the company’s new Custom Solutions Center.

With more than 20,000 I/O and 46 operator stations, the solution is one of the largest process automation systems ever delivered by ABB in China.

The system will include five pick modules, multiple slapper lines, a turnkey conveyor system, UniSort XV sliding shoe sorter, and 30,000 feet of conveyor.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, ASI celebrated 10 years of business.

Survey shows most Americans believe highly automated factories are important to economic growth. The majority support a stimulus package to modernize U.S. factories.

The new site combines enhanced research, selection, sourcing and shopping tools tuned to deliver a satisfying experience based on input from customers and distributors.

WAGO's Innovation in Automation Tour will spend 40 weeks touring the U.S. and Canada presenting automation, interconnect and electrical interface product lines.

Brochure contains information about flexible chain styles and widths; profiles and guides for unique layouts; drives and gearmotors for lower energy usage; and other conveyor components.

The Eaton Industrial Hose Unit will handle products currently part of the Fluid Conveyance industrial line, plus the recently acquired hose products from Arrow and Durodyne.

By Metalio The digital factory offers a large database for factory planning. However difficulties arise when the real world does not correspond to the available digital representation, or when no digital representation is given at all. Augmented reality technology, which combines real and virtual data, becomes an interface between the real shop floor and the digital factory.

IEC 61850 is the new Ethernet-based international standard for communication in power generation facilities and substations. The goal of this standard is to integrate all of the protection, control, measurement, and monitoring functions within a substation, and to provide the means for high-speed substation protection applications, interlocking and intertripping.

The standard, ANSI/ISA-99.02.01-2009, describes elements to set up a cyber security management system.

Can/U.S. Enviro-RFID will represent a broad offering of RFID products & services to resellers in the United States and Canada.

ADM provides real-time monitoring of Foundation Fieldbus physical layer, enabling AMS Suite users to automatically commission fieldbus segments.

Rachael Dalton-Taggart will be Interim President and Ken Feitz will be Vice President and Treasurer until the society's annual meeting later this year.

Growth was primarily driven by software revenues, up 71 percent over 2007.

Stealth Computer changed its name to Stealth.Com.

ABB will design, manufacture, install and commission six 765-kilovolt capacitor banks at Alpha, Beta, Mercury and Perseus substations.

Cagnazzi Racing uses a Fluke Ti25 to spot the borders of the cooler track area, so they can set the cars up to avoid making the critical shift to second gear as they cross the transition zone.

Emerson Process Management unveiled findings of two independent real-world greenfield projects that recommend wireless infrastructure be a key component of all new projects.

GE Fanuc announced that its hardware and software products enable OMAC Make2Pack standards to support multiple vendor platforms for applications in both new and existing equipment.

Gil Automations chose MatrikonOPC as its preferred supplier of OPC data connectivity solutions.

Krautz is now Western Region Account Manager covering the 11 western United States.

Wonderware achieved the Service Strategies' Service Capability & Performance (SCP) Standards certification for a sixth consecutive year.

March 8-11, 2009 Indianapolis, Indiana University of Industrial Distribution is a concentrated educational conference focused on the unique needs of the industrial wholesale distribution industry.

SY Youm will head the new office and drive business development.

Bonneville Power Administration installed 14 web-based energy monitoring systems for measuring the energy performance of packaged rooftop HVAC units on commercial buildings.

Applicator Version 10.05.00 from Endress+Hauser is now available for sizing diaphragm seals.

Products from OPC-Classic to OPC-UA are available for license with OEM software products in the automation marketplace.

Kepware has been selected by ARC Informatique, the makers of PcVue and PlantVue HMI/SCADA systems, as its primary provider of connectivity to field devices.

The Digital Factory exhibit covers product development, simulation, calculation, virtual testing and production without the need for physical prototyping.

The special display "Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes" in Hall 26 shows the many possibilities for pruning back energy consumption.

German President Horst Köhler will officially open HANNOVER MESSE (the Hannover Fair).

FOSS Brazil will support all market segments of FOSS in the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and related industries.

Pavilion8 model-predictive control technology helps increase capacity, reduce energy consumption, and increase yield

GE is updating the data center with 30 products from nine different GE businesses, including power quality, chilled water, electrical, security and IT services equipment.

Website sells M2M solutions including application controls, internet appliances, serial Ethernet bridges and converters, data acquisition and logging devices, and cellular data modems.

G3 Series HMI Brochure describes the company's complete line of web-enabled, graphic operator interface terminals.

Frost & Sullivan says the wireless market in food and beverage industry is expected to grow at low levels over the next two years. The conservative nature of the industry is a major restraint for adoption.

Training center for KOMPAS-3D MCAD in Lindau, Germany, offers basic and advanced 3-day training sessions.

Richards-Zeta is a provider of intelligent middleware technology that enables businesses to integrate building infrastructure and IT applications over a common Internet Protocol network.

ABB’s FeederAll, a distribution and planning analysis tool, will incorporate time-synchronized metering data from Elster’s EnergyAxis System for AMI.

Yokogawa will supply CENTUM VP control system, ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System, Exaquantum Plant Information Management System, and a variety of transmitters.

Controls included a level-2 SCADA system for the rectifier station and the 220kV gas-insulated substation as well as the medium and low voltage distribution.

Nicholson succeeds former CEO Steve Schoenberg, who will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors.

Wireless popularity is progressing rapidly in various market segments, says Siemens.

By Dan Munch and Sheri LindhartPayerle, Ideal Industries Although the process of terminating twisted-pair copper cabling may seem to be relatively simple on the surface, the issues involved with properly creating robust connections for today’s high performance LANs can be particularly challenging

By Jim Gregorec, Ideal Industries In an electrical system, the grounding system is the primary protection against electrical shock hazards. Using proper grounding techniques, testing and maintaining a good electrical ground and installing protection devices are the best ways to protect people and equipment from electrical shock.

The trade fair Motion, Drive & Automation (MDA), part of HANNOVER MESSE, will show how important the issue of efficiency has become for manufacturers and users of power transmission systems.

By Andrew Sim, Baumer Swindon/UK There are various methods to precisely measure the level in a container. In environments that allow for direct contact, devices based on conductivity are most suitable.

A Conditioning Monitoring Systems presentation will be held during HANNOVER MESSE, targeted at plant and machinery engineering suppliers.

Mouser will stock display drivers, power management ICs, LED drivers, touch sensors, and audio CODECs that enable and enhance the features of mobile and consumer electronic devices.

IXXAT now distributes the EtherNet/IP protocol software and tools from Pyramid Solutions.

E-Chain Configurator program enables users to quickly custom build a cable carrier with cables and internal separators online.

The Ubisense/Fish system determines the precise location of every visitor with an accuracy of 6 inches, then provides detailed measurement and analysis for organizers and exhibitors.

Mount Milligan’s new copper-gold mine will be equipped with ABB’s gearless mill drive and dual pinion ball mill drive systems.

The Tavaux plant, the largest chemical plant in the Solvay group, installed Emerson’s AMS Suite predictive maintenance software to better manage field devices.

Equipment includes an HMI system, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), panels for the control rooms and operation stations for motors and pumps.

Improved availability and scheduled servicing are crucial for the cost-efficiency of machines and plants. "Condition Monitoring Systems" exhibit will reveal how companies can achieve both.

The INTERKAMA+ tradeshow at HANNOVER MESSE 2009 is gearing up to make a contribution of global significance in this area via its "Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes" display.

White paper for safety professionals provides information on photoluminescent technology in relation to label, sign and path markings. Covers NFPA 101 and local and state requirements. Registration required.

ILS is opening its development-and-testing labs to FAU researchers working on technologies such as programmable logic controllers and radio-frequency identification (RFID) equipment, among others.

This alliance between LONMARK and GreenLink will foster ongoing efforts to establish incentives and legislation to encourage more energy efficient system designs.

ABB is responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 132 kV (kilovolt) and 110 kV substations.

The guide offers details and specifications on sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF switching and measurement, data acquisition solutions, semiconductor test systems, and more.

Schacker previously was VP of Worldwide Marketing and Corporate Development at Wind River Systems.

Thames Water, the UK’s largest water and wastewater services company, chose the iCAP 6000 Series ICP emission spectrometer for the detection of trace elements in drinking water samples.

The career center accepts and posts resumes and jobs from within the intelligent building and control networking industry.

Emerson installed an Ovation expert control system, Smart Wireless, AMS Suite predictive maintenance software, and Rosemount wireless pressure and temperature transmitters.

ICONICS announced that its chief executive, Russ Agrusa, has been re-elected to the OPC Foundation Board of Directors.

Kepware Technologies has been selected by Yokogawa as their primary provider of connectivity for their controllers and recorders.

"Improving Gearmotor Efficiency" addresses the energy savings to be had with the proper application of the billions of fractional horsepower electric motors and gearmotors in use today. Registration required.

May 2-6, 2009 Palm Desert, California Convention highlights include fifteen presentations, three-hour Exhibitor Showcase, and a networking roundtable session facilitated by industry leaders.

Meat Gripper is certified by the USDA and is manufactured from materials approved by both the FDA and USDA.

The worldwide market for LIMS is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the next five years.

ISA urges all interested automation and control students to apply prior to 16 February, which is the deadline for applications.

HOBOware Pro 2.7.1 graphing and analysis software package for HOBO data loggers is available for a free trial.

SERCOS III will be the first high-performance real-time Ethernet communication standard to support FDT Technology.

ABB renewed an agreement to manage maintenance at several plants in the Werk Bobingen industrial park near Munich, Germany.

IPS will upgrade control processors, gateways, local area networks and network security with its Foxboro I/A Series distributed control system Version 8, including mesh architecture.

250+ page resource guide includes an appendix to help specify, install, and maintain Ball Bushing bearings, 60 Case Shafting and RoundRail Linear Guides.

LXY25 50 nanometer resolution linear motor based XY stage is used to solve a critical automotive part problem at a major Asian automobile manufacturer.

Automation includes Siemens Sinumerik 840D powerline for the CNC control, 160 NC machines, 18 robots, Profibus, PLCs, HMIs and industrial PCs.

The new standard replaces the 2004 version for BACnet technical and specification efforts. Price: $119.

Technodigit developed 3DReshaper software, designed for 3D point cloud and 3D mesh manipulation for reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, product design and industrial inspection.

Mouser will carry Sagrad's WiFi products, including evaluation kits and miniature 802.11 WiFi Modules for embedded, low-power and very small form factor mobile applications.

In addition to motor and controller options, the 2009 catalogue has 36 recommended motor-gearbox combinations, as well as add-ons, extras and other customisation options.

Website provides access to thousands of active certifications issued by TÜVRheinland. Certificates are translated in a dozen languages.

The satellite will be carrying an interferometer developed by a team of 15 specialists, comprised primarily of mechanical, electrical and software engineers, physicians, opticians and technicians.

Catalog covers Modbus/TCP Ethernet, Gigabit and PoE Ethernet switches, media converters, wireless modems, serial converters, plus digital and analog remote I/O.

E.ON Kingsnorth, a 1940MW generating facility in Kent, UK, uses Rosemount wireless transmitters to collect flow measurement data from flowmeters installed throughout the turbine hall.

The DCS market in Latin America will grow at an annual rate of close to 10% through 2012, reaching a total size of almost $1.5 billion.

Autodesk acquired ALGOR, a provider of analysis and simulation software, for $34 million.

IPS will provide simulation, safety and control systems, using Triconex and Foxboro I/A Series, for two new nuclear power plant sites in China. The agreement is worth approximately US $250 million.

Kepware will provide KEPServerEX to WIN-911 for its WIN-911 remote alarming solution.

OSI will supply a monarch SCADA system to Connexus Energy, the largest electric distribution cooperative in Minnesota.

The Kolyma State Refinery in Russia uses the iCAP 6500 Duo with SSEA for routine analysis of an extended range of silver products, including low assay and high purity silver.

Guide provides specific code references associated with each violation and reinforces the need to create proper workplace safety labels to prevent injuries, fatalities, and fines.

Products included are gas chromatographs, gas analyzers, continuous emissions monitoring systems, oxygen analyzers, pH transmitters, conductivity analyzers, turbidity analyzers, and more.

A group of Northern Illinois manufacturers has come together with high school, community college and other community representatives in forming the Manufacturers' Careers Council.

By Rockwell Automation Describes how to improve control-system responsiveness and accuracy through time-based control techniques available as a result of the IEEE 1588 standard for industrial networking.

In addition, Robert Reynolds has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and co-CEO, and Kevin Catherman has been hired as National Accounts Manager.

DB-SQL relational database and i.MX application processors offer design engineers a solution for portable devices.

The company anticipates the layoffs will result in annual pre-tax cost savings of approximately $130 million annually starting in fiscal 2010.

Comprehensive mobile and industrial hydraulics training from Bosch Rexroth helps raise operator skills and improve plant uptime and productivity.

Hellyer previously held management positions at Iconics, CI Technologies (Citect), and Total Control Products.

IPS will supply simulation software to help design second-generation biofuels processes for Novus Energy, a renewable fuels development company.

Dahan Tech will immediately begin marketing, sales and support of McObject’s software.

ABB will expand the output and lifespan of a nuclear power plant owned by Swedish utility Vattenfall.

Equipment includes PlantWeb, Ovation control system, SmartProcess optimization technology, Foundation and Profibus fieldbus, and Scenario high-fidelity simulator.

Revenue for the first quarter, which ended November 30, 2008, was $19.58 million compared to $20.16 million in Q4-08.

Dr. Nate Kube of Wurldtech has been selected to join the European WIB Plant Security Working Group as its industrial cyber security subject matter expert.

Emerson's wireless system monitor pressures and temperatures from 16 points on a reaction tank located about 250 feet from the central control room.

ROUTE-MASTER has ATEX approval as a redundant intrinsically-safe fieldbus system permitting the connection of any mix of FISCO and ENTITY devices.

Mouser will distribute DeLorme's mapping and GPS products.

The new member companies represent a diverse set of growing industries, including aerospace, consumer electronics, wireless, and semiconductor.