Profibus Conference Report
The water industry has undoubtedly been one of the major UK application areas that have adopted Profibus control systems on automation projects and upgrades, and Yorkshire Water and United Utilities described similar experiences in introducing the technology, at the Profibus and Profinet User Conference in Stratford-on-Avon last week. For Yorkshire Water, the first intelligent networks were introduced within "Intelligent" MCC panels, but for field networks the EU Freshwater Fish Directive requirements were the main drivers to adopting Profibus systems. Over the last three years their ICA Profibus strategy has involved joining the PI support network, and putting all technicians through Installation and Maintenance Training Courses, conducted on their own premises. Eight ICA engineers were also taken through the Profibus Engineer Course: these were probably organised by Andy Verwer and MMU (Manchester Metropolitan University). UU described a similar development route, and highlighted that over 90% of site issues are down to the installers: Profitrace systems were used in both organisations to do hand-over checking and as an aid to project documentation. Within UU there are maybe 600 WWT sites and 100 waterworks, and Profibus systems so far have been applied to new builds and projects on approaching 200 of these. Mark Cargill, now with MWH Consultants, later described some of the points to remember when extending a network with a Profibus system, and the discussion following his presentation highlighted that there are no water industry overall standards for Profibus systems, so that it is important that the installation contractors and their staff can demonstrate competence or experience with Profibus.
Alongside the conference sessions, very similar recommendations were being made in relation to Profinet installations by Dennis van Booma of Procentec, who runs the Profibus Competency Centre in The Netherlands: Dennis commented that experience with Ethernet IT systems can be a positive disadvantage when considering undertaking a Profinet installation. In the busy exhibition area, the organisations providing such training courses were complemented by displays from suppliers of hardware and test equipment for all types of automation system. A new exhibitor this year was Watson-Marlow, who presented their three ranges of Profibus DP enabled peristaltic cased pumps, enabling a simple interface to achieve direct speed control from a PLC, for example for dosing. Watson-Marlow have already supplied various food industry projects with these Profibus interfaced pumps.
It was interesting that the water industry presentations admitted that to date there has been no significant use of the equipment diagnostics available over their Profibus networks: a presentation by Kai Atle Myrvang of AD Elektronikk, the Profibus Competence and Training Centre in Norway, showed just the reverse situation. Here control valve and sensor diagnostics on various offshore oil and gas installations were available via HART communications. Instead of reprogramming the whole platform control system to export the diagnostic data, Kai reported on a project where a secondary master was added into the Profibus network, which then used Profibus to collect the HART data, sharing the bus to send messages in between the normal control system operations, and then it exports this data over an Ethernet connection. In this way, a system has been installed to check the functions of the HART valves on the Ekofisk 2/4M (Conoco Phillips) and Snorre B (Statoil Hydro) offshore installations, as well as the Ormen Lange and Snohvit (LNG) onshore installations. Tests showed that the data refresh rate for the basic control system did not change significantly, when extracting this additional diagnostic data.
PI Chairman Joerg Freitag also presented the latest Profibus and Profinet installed base statistics: 2008 saw continuing growth of around 20% for Profibus DP and PA, but also significant growth in the numbers of Profisafe systems and nodes installed, at a rate exceeding 50%. Over the next two years the number of Profinet devices is also forecast to double, but a major effort by PI will be in the application of Profinet to energy management systems, tackling the problem that significant energy is currently wasted when production systems are in "Hot standby" mode. The development will be called ProfiEnergy, and should be launched before the end of 2009. Further background to the conference is available on Processingtalk (Link).
Top Products featured this issue
[1] ELITE CORIOLIS METERS FOR LOW FLOW APPLICATIONS
(Emerson Process Management, 18 Jun 2009)
Emerson is expanding its Micro Motion Elite Coriolis meter offering for low flow applications, with a compact new design available in two sizes - 2mm and 4mm nominal diameter, delivering 0.05 per cent liquid flow accuracy, 0.35 per cent gas accuracy, and 0.0005g/cc liquid density accuracy for flow rates of 2 kg/h to 330kg/h. Designed for batching, dosing, filling, blending and a range of process applications, the Micro Motion Elite Coriolis meters are ideal for the chemical, oil and gas, food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceutical and OEM industries.
[2] BURKERT UNVEILS EXTENDED DESIGN-AND-BUILD SERVICE
(Burkert Fluid Control Systems, 17 Jun 2009)
Burkert has announced a new extended design-and-build service for high-tech, pre-assembled microfluidic systems and custom-designed process control cabinets. This extended service is designed to meet the needs of markets such as food, beverage, process, chemical, pharmaceutical, medical/biomedical, water and oil and gas. It exploits the Burkert ability to combine process and laboratory automation, valve elements, sensors, flowmeters, water treatment systems and networked communications into single-source customised systems that deliver process efficiency and higher yields with reduced wastage.
[3] SKF INTRODUCES TKTI 10 THERMAL CAMERA
(SKF UK, 22 Jun 2009)
SKF has launched a low-cost digital camera that offers both thermal and 2-megapixel visual imaging, suitable for use by maintenance technicians with a limited knowledge of thermal imaging. The SKF TKTI 10 thermal camera has the appearance of a digital camera and operates in a similar way, but it includes a feature that allows thermal and visual images to be blended for image interpretation. Using proprietary array-based-detector (ABD) technology, images are viewed on a large backlit 3.5in (8.9cm) screen and can be saved to a micro SD card.
[4] LEVEL CONTROL USES CONTINUOUS CONTACT-FREE TECHNOLOGY
(Sensortechnics UK, 19 Jun 2009)
The Sensortechnics CLC series uses contact-free capacitive sensor technology to continuously measure the fill level of liquids and granular or pulverised materials. The miniature sensor can be mounted to the outside of a container or a vessel and is non-invasive, able to measure through almost any non-metallic wall material. The level-sensing range of the standard device is up to 10cm, which can be enlarged in special multi-sensor configurations. The CLC Series has applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology and food and beverage.
[5] DIGITAL PRESSURE TRANSDUCER IS FULLY SUBMERSIBLE
(Inertial Aerosystems UK, 18 Jun 2009)
Inertial Aerosystems has introduced a fully submersible version of the PPTR ruggedised Smart digital pressure transducer from Honeywell, which incorporates a Sea Con electrical connector, qualified for use in depths in excess of 2,000m. Codenamed the PPTR Submersible, it has an environmentally sealed stainless-steel construction and is designed for use in severe conditions, primarily as a depth sensor in seawater and other corrosive environments, delivering repeatable long-term accuracy of 0.1 per cent of span over an operating temperature of -4C to 60C.
[6] RDP SIGNAL-CONDITIONING AMPLIFIERS
(RDP Electronics, 16 Jun 2009)
RDP Electronics has developed a range of IP65-rated inline signal-conditioning amplifiers that are suitable for mounting close to transducers in wet and grimy locations, conditions experienced on many machines used in the process industries. Signal conditioning is required to boost or convert transducer output to a level and format for monitoring or data-logging purposes. RDP amplifiers are available for both DC or mains-supply input and are suitable for use with a range of LVDT transducers, strain gauge sensors and some internally amplified transducers.
[7] LAROX OFFERS HEAVY-DUTY KNIFE GATE VALVES
(Larox Flowsys, 19 Jun 2009)
Larox heavy-duty knife gate valves are engineered to be used for abrasive or corrosive slurries, powders or coarse substances in tough environments. The knife gate valves are built with a cast body and feature a robust stainless-steel gate. Removable seats on either side of the gate provide a bi-directional bubble tight seal, with no metal parts in contact with the slurry when open: they are suitable for applications in mining and metal industries, mineral processing, the energy industry, sand and gravel handling and chemical and pulp/paper industries, as well as water and wastewater treatment.
[8] RADIOMETRIX UNVEILS TX3H FM TRANSMITTER MODULE
(Radiometrix, 19 Jun 2009)
The TX3H-869.5-15 from Radiometrix, a London-based low-power-radio specialist, is an FM transmitter module achieving a power output of 450mW at 869.5MHz. It is fully pin-compatible with the Radiometrix range of SIL TX modules and is a drop-in UHF replacement for the TX1H VHF product, having near-identical dimensions of only 45mm x 17mm x 6mm. TX3H is suitable for designers of licence-exempt wireless data applications where the size of antenna is restricted but a range in kilometres is also specified. The module can support data rates of up to 15kbit/s and has a potential range of 5km or more.
[9] APPLIKON ANALYTICAL AUGMENTS ONLINE NICKEL ANALYSERS
(Applikon Analytical, 17 Jun 2009)
The ADI 2016 titro-analyser from Applikon Analytical bridges the gap between the nickel-plating process and the lab by carrying out nickel titrations automatically within the process environment without further protection. Control of the chemical reaction involved in nickel plating is fundamental to the finished product quality and integrity of the surface finish, and modern plating companies require complete process control to validate the treatment process. The ADI 2016 will provide analysis for nickel at approximately 10 minute intervals and report data in the required format for total automated control.
[10] POLARIS COMPRESSORS OFFER OIL-FREE COMPRESSED AIR
(Boge Compressors, 17 Jun 2009)
Boge Compressors has launched the Polaris range of industrial three-stage oil-free turbo compressors, extending the Boge capabilities to deliver 100% oil-free compressed air from 225-1,500kW. The Polaris range has been developed to ensure optimised operational efficiency throughout the entire year, keeping associated energy costs to a minimum. These compressors are already providing 100% oil-free, reliable and efficient compressed air in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
WATER-Talk: News for the Water Industry
ATLAS COMPRESSOR AIDS NORFOLK WATERWAY DE-SILTING
(Atlas Copco Compressors, 16 Jun 2009)
An Atlas Copco compressor is at the heart of an aeration system that is being used to de-silt the Denver Sluice on the River Great Ouse, near Downham Market in Norfolk.
DURA 10 PUMPS USED IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
(Verder, 18 Jun 2009)
Chivas Brothers has selected Verder's Dura 10 peristaltic pumps for its wastewater treatment plant at its Glenallachie distillery in Scotland.
VERWER DETAILS PROFIBUS INSTALLER COURSE
(Verwer Training and Consultancy, 22 Jun 2009)
The Certified Profibus Installer Course from Verwer Training and Consultancy provides essential information for anyone involved with Profibus at a technical level in the water or other industries.
IQ ACTUATORS CONTROL BARRAGE BUTTERFLY VALVES
(Rotork Controls, 18 Jun 2009)
Rotork actuators are being used at the Cardiff Bay Barrage, an environmental protection mechanism designed to regulate the freshwater level in Cardiff Bay and prevent the ingress of seawater.
RIPPLEFFECT PROVIDES WATER EFFICIENCY ADVICE
(Envirowise, 22 Jun 2009)
Envirowise is urging UK companies to join Rippleffect, a national initiative offering online advice and support to cut water waste and costs.
HONEYWELL VALVES REDUCE WATER WASTE
(Honeywell Water Controls, 17 Jun 2009)
Honeywell is offering a range of pressure-reducing valves that can reduce water consumption in domestic, commercial and industrial premises.
ETC PROVIDES LIMESCALE SOLUTION FOR UK HOTEL
(Environmental Treatment Concepts, 16 Jun 2009)
Environmental Treatment Concepts (ETC) has provided a solution for limescale problems at Chilworth Manor Hotel, an Edwardian manor house in central Hampshire.
VWS (UK) GAINS ISO14001 ACCREDITATION
(Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies, 17 Jun 2009)
VWS (UK), which incorporates Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies and Elga Process Water, has been awarded ISO14001 accreditation for its environmental management system.
Food and Beverage Industry news
SANI-MEGA SPRAY HEADS CUT COST OF TANK CLEANING
(Alfa Laval, 17 Jun 2009)
Alfa Laval's Toftejorg tank-cleaning systems are used in the process industries and brewery, food and pharmaceutical sectors.
SHAHI INSTALLS NITROGEN-GAS GENERATOR TO FILL MAP
(Parker Hannifin - Parker Sales UK, 17 Jun 2009)
Snack-food manufacturer Shahi Enterprises has cut costs by installing a Parker Domnick Hunter Maxigas nitrogen-gas generator to produce nitrogen for snack-food packaging.
Energy saving and Power Industry news
MANDATORY EFFICIENCY LEVELS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
(WEG Electric Motors (UK), 22 Jun 2009)
Marek Lukaszczyk, European marketing manager for WEG, believes that new mandatory efficiency levels for electric motors will drive down carbon emissions.
GSM NETWORKS MONITOR REMOTE POWER CONSUMPTION
(Omniflex (UK), 18 Jun 2009)
Omniflex has developed scalable telemetry outstations for GSM cellular networks to support general packet radio services (GPRS) transmission of data from remote outstations that require monitoring.
HAYWARD TYLER TO PUMP POWER TO INDIA
(Hayward Tyler, 17 Jun 2009)
Hayward Tyler will supply 12 off 380kW Glandless Boiler Water Circulation Pumps (BCWP) to Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) India after winning a multi-million pound contract.
WATERCARE PROVIDES BOILER MAKE-UP FOR SIEMENS
(Watercare International, 18 Jun 2009)
Watercare International has secured a contract from Siemens AG Energy Sector to provide the boiler make-up and condensate polishing water treatment plants for the new Severn Power generating station.
ECD OFFERS MODEL 2122 COOLING TOWER CONTROL SYSTEM
(Electro-Chemical Devices, 22 Jun 2009)
Electro-Chemical Devices (ECD) has introduced the rack-mounted Model 2122 cooling tower control system, which is intended to reduce waste and cost by eliminating excess chemical feeds.
FOSTER WHEELER TEAM SIGNS CARBON-CAPTURE DEAL
(Foster-Wheeler, 19 Jun 2009)
Foster Wheeler has revealed that a consortium including its UK-headquartered subsidiary Foster Wheeler Energy has entered into a technical services accord with E.ON UK relating to a CO2 capture plant.
Oil and Gas Industry news
MPB BIODIESEL TRACTORS USE PARKER FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY
(Parker Hannifin - Parker Sales UK, 22 Jun 2009)
Philip and Michael Bates of MPB Bioproducts are using filtration technology from Parker to run one of the tractors on their farm using 100 per cent biodiesel produced by their own crop.
FIRE AND GAS DETECTION SYSTEM FOR BTC PIPELINE
(Honeywell Process Solutions, 22 Jun 2009)
Honeywell has been selected by Tekfen Construction and Installation to design, configure, install and initiate a fire and gas detection system at the BTC pipeline in Ceyhan, Turkey.
AIR PRODUCTS AND SAIPEM TO SUPPLY LNG TECHNOLOGY
(Air Products, 19 Jun 2009)
Air Products has signed an agreement with Saipem to provide its process technology and main cryogenic heat exchanger for Sonatrach's GNL3Z liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Arzew, Algeria.
SINOPEC STANDARDISES ON SMARTPLANT SOFTWARE
(Intergraph (UK), 18 Jun 2009)
Sinopec Engineering has expanded its use of Intergraph Smartplant Enterprise solutions and has standardised on its Smartplant 3D design and engineering software.
GE TO CONDUCT OIL FIELD ENGINEERING STUDIES
(GE Oil and Gas, 18 Jun 2009)
GE Oil and Gas has been selected by BP to conduct two initial engineering studies for the Foinaven oil field, for subsea processing and power-from-shore systems respectively.
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