Processingtalk news headlines: Sunday 27 August to Saturday 2 September 2006

CMT wins the race: faster, higher, further!

"Cold Metal Transfer" - CMT - means "faster" welding speed, "higher" productivity, and going "further" to bridge gaps, compared to conventional arc-welding processes

News from TPS-Fronius ( 1 September 2006)

Subsea production system for Sonangol at Gimboa

User Application Article Sonangol Pesquisa e Producao has signed a letter of intent with Aker Kvaerner for supply of the subsea production system at the Block 4/05 - Gimboa field offshore Angola in West Africa

News from Aker Kvaerner Oil and Gas ( 1 September 2006)

3500 submersible flowmakers in activated sludge

Landia has installed its 3,500th submersible flowmaker for use in homogenizing settled sewage and returning activated sludge in the anoxic treatment of wastewater during denitrification

News from Landia ( 1 September 2006)

Yokogawa releases enhanced ProSafe-RS

Yokogawa has announced the launch of an enhanced version of its ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System, adding a new optical remote control function, using fibre between controllers and I/O modules

News from Yokogawa Europe - Industrial Automation ( 1 September 2006)

JV introduces RFID tracking of transit containers

Arlington Packaging and Roke Manor Research announce a joint venture that will bring users of returnable transit containers a unique way of tracking their assets, utilising RFID

News from Arlington Packaging ( 1 September 2006)

Single bearing solution on 5MW wind turbine

The new Multibrid M5000 offshore wind turbine is the world's most compact, lightweight 5MW category system: key to this is a large, single rolling bearing that directly supports the rotor hub Brochure Available

News from Schaeffler (UK) ( 1 September 2006)

Wireless systems use case list grows

User Application Article The ISA 'Wireless Systems for Automation' standards committee has completed nearly 20 use case studies from end users, and has over 50 use case studies pending and in progress

News from ISA:Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society ( 1 September 2006)

Electrolytic water vapor permeability tester

The TSY-W3 electrolytic water vapor permeability tester is applicable to packaging materials (such as plastic films, laminated films) and many kinds of barrier materials in pharmaceutical industry

News from Labthink Testing Instruments ( 1 September 2006)

BASF IT Services now runs the eCl@ss Society

Associates and all companies wishing to introduce the new eCl@ss classification standard can obtain advice and support from BASF IT Services

News from BASF IT Services ( 1 September 2006)

Gas mixer for use on N Sea diving support vessel

An electronic gas mixer has been ordered for use on the new diving/construction support vessel DSV Bibby Sapphire, to mix oxygen and heliox gases, for divers working at up to 300 meters

News from Witt Gas Techniques ( 1 September 2006)

Future Profibus training opportunities in 2006/7

Profibus UK has announced a new schedule of training events through to June 2007, including three new courses offered at the Profibus Competence Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University

News from Profibus Group ( 1 September 2006)

Electrical motors take 2/3 of industrial energy

Technical Background Article There are great energy savings to be made from more efficient motor control, since two thirds of all industrial energy consumption is used by electric motors

News from Emotron ( 1 September 2006)

European BioPharm Scale-up Congress 2006

Driving bioscience through bioprocessing is the main theme for the European BioPharm scale-up congress in Geneva from 12-14 September

News from BioPharm Scale Up Congress 2006 ( 1 September 2006)

Explosion-proof stirrers and agitators

Radleys, specialists in reaction systems and laboratory equipment, will market and support the Gebruder Buddeberg range of explosion-proof compressed-air stirrers and agitators in the UK

News from Radleys ( 1 September 2006)

New Modular Controller Master has extra features

Red Lion announces the replacement of the standard Modular Controller Master with a more powerful version!

News from Red Lion Controls ( 1 September 2006)

High quality industrial modems built for long life

The new Westermo high quality telephone modems are designed to provide connection to remote devices and networks reliably within industrial environments, and in areas of high level interference

News from Westermo Data Communications ( 1 September 2006)

Safety controllers offer flexibility + simplicity

Approved for SIL3 applications in line with IEC 61508, the new Preventa XPS MC configurable safety controllers from Telemecanique cut cabling time, simplify system design and save money

News from Schneider Electric ( 1 September 2006)

Back to school with Farnell InOne

In the aftermath of the RoHS deadline, Farnell InOne, the number one source for RoHS compliant products and information, announces free, educational seminars in its 'School of RoHS' road-show

News from Farnell ( 1 September 2006)

Huco announces engine coupling distributorship

A longstanding trading relationship with coupling manufacturer, Guardian Industries, has resulted in Huco Dynatork becoming UK distributor of engine flywheel couplings from this US manufacturer Brochure Available

News from Huco Dynatork ( 1 September 2006)

Full instrumentation range on show in Aberdeen

Roxspur Measurement and Control will be exhibiting at the Instrumentation Scotland and Offshore Systems Exhibition, on 6/7 September at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre

News from Roxspur Measurement and Control (31 August 2006)

'Weighing Aspects of Legal Metrology' course

Technical Background Article The on-going success of the UK Weighing Federation course on the Weighing Aspects of Legal Metrology has prompted them to open it up to non-members for the coming session, starting in October 2006

News from UK Weighing Federation (31 August 2006)

Structural monitoring system for scraper blades

User Application Article AV Technology has successfully completed a six week exercise to monitor and record in-service loadings on scraper blades operating in primary settlement tanks, a Zone 1 hazardous area Brochure Available

News from AV Technology (31 August 2006)

Rugged pressure sensor suitable for rolling mills

American Sensor Technologies introduces the new AST47SM Series pressure sensors designed to perform in the rugged environments of the steel and aluminium industry

News from American Sensor Technologies (31 August 2006)

Enhanced Stardom network-based control system

New functional enhancements improve the Stardom network-based control system competitiveness in the oil, natural gas, petrochemical, and other booming energy and raw material markets

News from Yokogawa Europe - Industrial Automation (31 August 2006)

Adhesive solutions ideal for healthcare industry

M+C Specialties Co offers its extensive line of 3M Diagnostic Microplate Sealing Tapes for a variety of adhesive applications in the healthcare industry

News from M+C Specialties (31 August 2006)

Design for effluent pipeline and tunnel project

User Application Article Black and Veatch has commenced design work for a major effluent system conveyance and operations project, redirecting flows from Las Vegas Bay, using a 7.5 mile pipeline tunnel

News from Black and Veatch (31 August 2006)

Custom bearing for paint robot hand system

User Application Article Schaeffler (UK) has developed a custom, three-ring bearing for a paint robot hand axis system, replacing two crossed roller bearings and three geared rings with a single unit Brochure Available

News from Schaeffler (UK) (31 August 2006)

Fluoropolymer lined probes for clean samples

Diba fluoropolymer lined probes eliminate potential reactions, providing an inert, consistent fluid path for reaction-free processing

News from Diba Industries (31 August 2006)

Elsevier to publish ISA Transactions from 2007

Elsevier is to publish the ISA Transactions, on behalf of ISA, starting in January 2007

News from ISA:Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society (31 August 2006)

ASU performance optimised in BOC gas plants

User Application Article BOC optimises global operations, improving throughput, controlling quality, reducing energy consumption and gaining plant stability with the help of Matrikon Control and Information Technology

News from Matrikon (31 August 2006)

New linear and rotary position sensing devices

Everight Precision is set to introduce a complete line of economical, high-level output, non-contact position sensors for the OE and end user markets

News from Everight Precision (31 August 2006)

NEMA 4X cooling units for offshore operations

Rittal introduce the NEMA 4X TopTherm enclosure cooling unit range, offering the ideal solution for industries such as offshore oil and gas, food, chemical, and petrochemical industries Brochure Available

News from Rittal (31 August 2006)

Versatile gearbox for efficient machine designs

The most successful Micromech planetary gearheads recently underwent complete remodelling so that the new LP/LPB-plus has set yet another benchmark in the planetary gearhead arena

News from Micromech (31 August 2006)

Multimodal multiplex spectroscopy developments

Centice Corporation has been awarded a patent for a breakthrough in multimodal multiplex spectroscopy technology, used for tissue spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging

News from Centice (31 August 2006)

New ultrasonic process gas flowmeter

Flow and level specialist Krohne has launched a new ultrasonic flowmeter for the measurement of gas flow in industrial processes: it has a high turndown and low power consumption

News from Krohne (31 August 2006)

PlantTriage guarantees savings

ExperTune is so confident that PlantTriage delivers bottom-line results that it will provide software and services for free, in exchange for a share of the savings!

News from ExperTune (31 August 2006)

Major changes at Autoclude and Victor Marine

Autoclude have launched a new range of cased peristaltic pumps, featuring the new Easy-Tube loading pump head, and a series of new marine products including Oily Water Separators from Victor Marine

News from Autoclude (31 August 2006)

Selection guide for level and pressure transducers

Pressure Systems, manufacturer of KPSI level and pressure transducers, now offers a tri-fold brochure to assist in the selection of KPSI transducers

News from Pressure Systems (31 August 2006)

Wind power deserves a smooth ride

User Application Article The new wind power generator bearing grease Kluberplex BEM 41-132 has been supplied to a renowned global wind power plant manufacturer in Germany Brochure Available

News from Kluber Lubrication GB (31 August 2006)

Pump pastes, pulps and sludges successfully

Pumps for pastes, sludges and other 'challenging' liquids which contain a high proportion of solids can present unique problems for pumps: best suited are progressive cavity pumps

News from Michael Smith Engineers (31 August 2006)

Upgrade for Priority customers from eMerge

Existing 'Priority' ERP/MRP customers are already benefiting from another free major annual upgrade from eMerge

News from eMerge Information Technology (31 August 2006)

Plunger lift for gas production optimisation

Thermo Electron, an industry leading producer of analytical and process instrumentation, today introduced self-optimising plunger lift software for their line of flow computers

News from Thermo Fisher Scientific - Process Instruments (31 August 2006)

Aerco to distribute Cherry switches

Aerco has been appointed as a stocking distributor for Cherry Electrical Products, the UK subsidiary of Cherry Corporation, a manufacturer of rocker and snap switches

News from Aerco (30 August 2006)

Thermo announces Laboratory Informatics conference

Thermo Electron Corporation, world leader in analytical instrumentation and informatics, has scheduled its annual software user group meeting and laboratory informatics conference Brochure Available

News from Thermo Fisher Scientific Informatics (30 August 2006)

Junction splitter boxes for food industry use

The new ProcessLine splitter boxes from ifm have been developed for use in areas with extreme cleaning requirements: they are stainless steel, IP69K and have Ecolab certification Brochure Available

News from IFM Electronic (30 August 2006)

Peptide and protein production for therapeutic use

Activotec has an extensive on-going R and D programme targeted at developing novel methods for the modification and production of peptides and proteins for therapeutic use

News from Activotec (30 August 2006)

AK delivers process systems to Sonatrach

User Application Article Aker Kvaerner has been awarded a contract with Sonatrach, the national oil company of Algeria, for delivery of process equipment to the Sonatrach Hassi Messaoud facility 650 km southwest of Algiers

News from Aker Kvaerner Oil and Gas (30 August 2006)

Recent ARC market analyses, and coming forums

ARC has recently completed a number of market studies that are invaluable for market planning, justifying development strategies, setting sales goals, or selecting the right technology or supplier

News from ARC Advisory Group (30 August 2006)

New Vehicle Management System has proven record

Vehicle logistics using modern technologies are now well established across a diverse range of industries: the Bilanciai Group have had particular success with a new software system in cement plants

News from Cachapuz (30 August 2006)

Jiskoot appoints new European Sales Manager

Jiskoot has named Owen Prince-Wright as their new European Sales Manager, highlighting his proven track record of delivering sales growth in worldwide high-quality fiscal measurement markets

News from Jiskoot (30 August 2006)

Chemical injection valves for metering systems

Injection valves are designed to ensure chemical feed systems inject into the centre of a process stream, for better mixing, and to prevent corrosion along the process line

News from ESE (30 August 2006)

New training course on show at SME 2006

A new training course aims to develop understanding, communication skills and teamworking between service teams: it is the latest addition to the Festo Service Ambassador training programme Brochure Available

News from Festo (30 August 2006)

The Guide to Food Manufacturing Management

The Food Technology Advisory Service and the Food Processing Faraday Partnership are planning to launch "The Guide to Food Manufacturing Management", providing technical support across the industry

News from Food Processing Faraday Partnership (30 August 2006)

Cable resistance measurement is vital to cut costs

Technical Background Article Insight into good resistance measurement, improving cable industry manufacturing and saving copper, by enabling minimum cable diameter to be achieved within specification, comes free from Cropico Brochure Available

News from Cropico (30 August 2006)

Tornado dryer helps fight legionella

The new Tornado drying system from Secomak eliminates the dispersion of bacteria commonly associated with processes such as post pasteurisation, to avoid such problems as legionella Brochure Available

News from Secomak (30 August 2006)

Overview of ATEX magnetically-coupled pumps

ATEX approved magnetically-coupled external gear pumps for precise dosing and metering are presented in a new full-colour, 6-page brochure from Tuthill Pumps

News from Tuthill Pump Group (30 August 2006)

Gearbox and main shaft bearings on Airbus A400M

The maiden test run of Airbus turboprop engine for the new A400M military transport aircraft, was successful, with main shaft bearings and gearbox bearings from FAG Aerospace Brochure Available

News from Schaeffler (UK) (30 August 2006)

Cling meter offers unrivalled performance

The renowned Haffmans NIBEM Cling Meter is now available from their offices in the UK: essential for beer quality measurement, it measures how well the the beer foam adheres to the emptied glass

News from Haffmans (30 August 2006)

ATEX coupling is easy to install and maintain

'Rex Viva', the latest coupling from Rexnord, is ATEX approved and offers enhanced features to complement the well known and widely used Omega model

News from Rexnord UK (30 August 2006)

Court rules for Viscotek in DLS lawsuit

Viscotek has been awarded summary judgment in a trade secret and trademark lawsuit (filed by Wyatt Technology) relating to dynamic light scattering (DLS) technology used in protein characterisation Brochure Available

News from Viscotek Europe (30 August 2006)

Shift towards non-contact temperature sensors

A new research study from Flow Research finds several important shifts occurring in the temperature sensor market, with trends towards non-contact monitors, and away from thermocouples

News from Flow Research Inc (29 August 2006)

Skid mounted system for hospital PPP project

User Application Article M+E contractor Geoffrey Robinson has specified a dual-fuel, skid-mounted boiler system from Fulton Boiler Works to provide essential steam at the Friarage Hospital PPP project

News from Fulton Boiler Works (29 August 2006)

Savings for Europe's main gas pipeline operator

Invensys Process Systems is in the advanced stages of delivering a major automation project to improve capacity for Europe's biggest gas transport operator

News from Invensys Process Systems (29 August 2006)

Surge protection for measuring devices

The new Surgetrab surge protection devices from Phoenix Contact allow for surge protection to be applied to measuring devices directly and without any additional accessories

News from Phoenix Contact (29 August 2006)

Microstepping driver has low cost high performance

A high performance microstepping driver for controlling two- and four-phase stepper motors has been introduced by Astrosyn International Technology

News from Astrosyn International Technology (29 August 2006)

Same day shipment programme for Asco USA

Asco, the world's leading manufacturer of solenoid valves, has introduced "Asco Today" into the US market, a customer excellence programme that guarantees same day shipment of selected items Brochure Available

News from ASCO Joucomatic (29 August 2006)

Stainless steel vortex flowmeters at ISA Expo2006

Universal Flow Monitors, exhibiting in Booth 2925 at ISA Expo 2006, introduces CoolPoint vortex shedding flowmeters with stainless steel bodies for corrosion resistance

News from Universal Flow Monitors (29 August 2006)

Spirax Sarco introduces bronze control valve in US

Spirax Sarco has released the new B-Series bronze control valve in the USA, adding to an already wide-ranging control valve line: see the range at ISA Expo 2006

News from Spirax Sarco (29 August 2006)

Introducing AsiaGauge International

As a professional producer of meters with more over 15 years experience, AsiaGauge International pride themselves on being a reliable source for pressure gauges

News from AsiaGauge International (29 August 2006)

Coriolis meters for large diameter pipelines

Rheonik introduce large size Coriolis mass flow meters for both custody transfer and allocation metering applications

News from Rheonik USA (29 August 2006)

In-line optical concentration sensor

The optek model AF26 is a dual channel absorption sensor designed to automate manual processes and offer increased control of in-line applications

News from Optek-Danulat (29 August 2006)

3D X-rays for quality control and SPC

The massive investment following the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks has spun-off into a substantial technical advance for Quality Control and SPC systems - which can now be based on three dimensional x-rays

News from 3DX-Ray (29 August 2006)

Automation 2006 Show in India with Pako Comms

Ethernet Direct Corporation, a professional and primary provider of industrial networking and communication solutions, is cooperating with Pako Communications to exhibit at India's Automation 2006

News from Ethernet Direct (29 August 2006)

Increasing LabView support for Agilent Instruments

Test and measurement leaders National Instruments and Agilent Technologies collaborate to expedite availability of instrument drivers in LabView Brochure Available

News from National Instruments (29 August 2006)

Intelligent communications solutions

Comtech M2M will demonstrate intelligent communications solutions at ITS World Congress 2006, "Bridging the gap" between remote ITS equipment and central IT systems

News from Comtech Holdings (29 August 2006)

Titration and automation in the power industry

The Davis and Gray titration method has long been used in the power industry for the determination of UF6: Metrohm have automated this system using a Sample Processor and a Titrando titrator Brochure Available

News from Metrohm UK (29 August 2006)

Pollution control filters on BP N Sea oil platform

User Application Article What does a BP oil platform located in the Central North Sea, 150 miles north of Aberdeen in Scotland, and an emissions control company from the American Southwest have in common?

News from CleanAir Systems (29 August 2006)

ExperTune appoints CEO for PlantTriage expansion

Due to the rapid growth of PlantTriage sales worldwide, ExperTune has appointed Kevin Gibbs as its Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately

News from ExperTune (29 August 2006)

High reliability power system for University

User Application Article Scotland's largest educational facility at the Queen Margaret University has chosen an Active Power 800kVA turnkey power solution to protect critical systems, and provide an energy efficient project

News from Active Power (29 August 2006)

License to award 'Chartered Environmentalist'

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has been granted a license by the Society for the Environment to award Chartered Environmentalist status to CIOB members

News from Chartered Institute of Building [CIOB] (28 August 2006)

Increased sales opportunities for B2B companies

ABI, the leading global marketing public relations firm, has announced a new Search Engine Optimization service for business-to-business companies seeking to generate business through the Internet

News from ABI (28 August 2006)

Fieldbus Foundation releases updated HSE test kit

The updated High Speed Ethernet (HSE) Conformance Test Kit 2.0 features enhanced capabilities for compliance testing "Class 42c" devices

News from Fieldbus Foundation (28 August 2006)

New faces at Tranter International

Tranter International, one of the world's leading manufacturers of plate and welded heat exchangers, strengthens its UK sales team with new appointments

News from Tranter PHE (28 August 2006)

Commercial aerobic digestion plant in East Yorks

The successful partnership between Mono Pumps and organic waste disposal company Tanks and Vessels has resulted in their first commercial order for an aerobic digestion plant in East Yorkshire

News from Mono Pumps (28 August 2006)

Pharmaceutical EDM offers compliance with FDA

Cyco Software is to offer comprehensive Engineering Data Management (EDM) solutions to pharmaceutical customers worldwide, providing compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11

News from BlueCielo ECM Solutions (28 August 2006)

Subsea technology wins ONS innovation award

The award winning Aker Kvaerner Multibooster subsea multi-phase pump system delivers improved oil recovery and facilitates longer step-out distances between subsea assets and host facilities

News from Aker Kvaerner Oil and Gas (28 August 2006)

Young automation professionals welcome at ISA Expo

ISA will host a special event for young automation professionals at ISA Expo 2006 in Houston, Texas on 18 October, with free entry to the conference sessions that day

News from ISA:Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society (28 August 2006)

Product line expands range of most rheometers

Xpansion Instruments, the worldwide leader in extensional melt rheology and miniature scale physical materials testing, announces the expansion of their SER Universal Testing Platform product line

News from Xpansion Instruments (28 August 2006)

NEMA flange boosts gear motor convenience

A new and innovative mounting flange development now allows a wide range of Zeitlauf gearheads to be mounted easily and accurately on popular NEMA-style motors

News from Zeitlauf UK (28 August 2006)

Significant UK sales growth for Micro-Epsilon

Micro-Epsilon, developer and manufacturer of sensors, test and measurement systems, announces increased export responsibility for the UK MD Chris Jones, in Europe and USA Brochure Available

News from Micro-Epsilon UK (28 August 2006)

Improved functionality of Chrom Perfect introduced

Justice Laboratory Software has released an updated new version of its popular chromatography data system range, Chrom Perfect

News from Justice Laboratory Software Europe (28 August 2006)

Resonant intelligence for stable MMA welding arc

An ideal characteristic leads to perfect welding results, and resonant intelligence can help welders achieve a stable arc with MMA welding

News from TPS-Fronius (28 August 2006)

Modular induction motors to suit any application

The new AMI series induction motors have a modular construction, enabling tailoring to harsh environments in industries such as oil and gas exploration, chemical manufacturing and metals processing

News from ABB Automation Tech (Drives and Motors) (28 August 2006)

Affordable HVAC air pressure sensor for labs

The DPS low differential pressure transducer is an affordable sensor for measuring air-flow differential pressure on HVAC and air handling systems in clean-rooms, laboratories, buildings and factories

News from SensorsOne (28 August 2006)

Thorite role in huge Emmerdale TV explosion

User Application Article A recent storyline in the popular ITV Emmerdale series climaxed with the spectacular explosion of the King's River Showhouse, with resultant mayhem, including the death of two of the show characters

News from Thorite (28 August 2006)

Corrosive liquid level measurement made simple

Chem Resist are the UK distributor for Flowline, a range of level measurement and control equipment designed specifically for challenging acid, alkali, ultra pure and waste water applications

News from Chem Resist Group (28 August 2006)

Wide range of visual inspection equipment for hire

Following massive investment in new technologies, Ashtead Technology Rentals claims to offer for hire the UK's largest range of the latest equipment for visual inspection

News from Ashtead Technology (28 August 2006)

Science Museum shows what brains can do next

Technical Background Article Today's medical technology could be used in the future to enhance our brains to make them work quicker and better, as revealed in a new free exhibition opening at the Science Museum

News from Editorial Articles: Miscellaneous submissions (28 August 2006)

Cardiff 'bees calculation' sets industry buzzing

An ingenious new mathematical procedure based on the behaviour of honey bees is delivering sweet results for industry, optimising multi-variable processes