MagIC Net Monitors Intelligent IC Components

MagIC Net is the controlling interface for the range of intelligent ion chromatography (IC) instruments from Metrohm. It facilitates operation through clear symbols and a well-arranged layout that monitors all the components and accessories associated with the IC hardware. MagIC Net is an integral part of intelligent IC and allows logical decisions to be performed - for example, automatic inline sample dilution - and monitors all the intelligent system components (Ipump, Icolumn, Idetector and intelligent dosing units), notifying the user when maintenance or service is required, for instance.

The hardware is equipped with a memory chip that stores device-specific data that can be accessed at any time using MagIC Net. When the method is started, the parameters are checked, ensuring accurate, reliable results every time. MagIC Net includes control and monitoring functions; the control functions graphically display the data while the monitoring limits trigger a predefined alarm that can send an email or turn off the IC in the event of a method violation, for example.

The expiry date and exchange intervals can be set for the validity of calibration graphs, for the lifetime of eluents and standards and for a maximum number of injections performed per column. All the data generated goes into a database from where it can be automatically exported into another application or into a LIMS system. Regardless of whether the IC is operated by an expert or a novice, the interface can be customised accordingly to suit requirements.

If a Dosino is added to the instrument (an intelligent dosing device used for the transfer of sample or dilution or an external rinse station, for instance), it is recognised automatically by the software, while the smart wizard templates make writing methods simple, according to the company. Client-server functionality enables a centralised data administration, allowing all determinations and methods to be stored and accessed by each station, depending upon allowed access privileges.

Pitch Gears With Intelligent Shaft Sealing

Simrit has developed a radial-shaft seal system featuring a leakage sensor that allows for telediagnosis of the shaft seal and automatically sends a signal when the seal's wear limit is reached. With the help of these intelligent shaft seals, Wittenstein alpha has maximised the service life and service intervals of its pitch gears for rotor adjustment. Pitch gears are key components in wind turbines around the world.

They are used to adjust the pitch of the rotor blades, which in turn changes the aerodynamic efficiency of the turbine. Thanks to pitch gears, wind turbines can be operated at the optimum pitch until the rated power of the generator is reached. If the maximum generator torque is exceeded, the speed is adjusted by changing the pitch of the rotor blades. If performance remains constant, pitch gears allow wind turbines to operate continually at the optimum operating point.

One pitch gear per rotor blade is attached directly to the hub by screws. Wittenstein alpha has optimised the pitch gear for 1.5MW wind turbines and designed it to cope with approximately 50,000 operating hours over a 20-year period. To achieve optimum service intervals and maximum service life for these pitch gears, the specialists at Wittenstein alpha opted for a Simrit radial shaft seal with condition-monitoring function.

The outstanding advantage of this shaft seal, which is subjected to extreme stress during operation, is that it keeps the turbine operator informed of its serviceability. This means that the rotary shaft seal - which, for physical, tribological or chemical reasons, is always a part subject to wear - is only replaced when absolutely necessary.

If the sealing function of the radial shaft-seal begins to deteriorate at the end of its service life, the leakage is instantly absorbed by a leakage collector. An integral sensor in the sealing system identifies the leakage and generates a signal that is then evaluated by a programmable electronic unit. Once the first leakage has been registered and the progression of the leakage has been automatically evaluated, a message is sent to the operator or the service expert at the end of a freely programmable interval.

The system can be individually adjusted to suit the required leakage tolerances of the component manufacturer or the turbine operator. The programmable electronic unit can easily be integrated into existing monitoring systems. From there, the digital status signals can be sent by SMS, internet or telephone to the defined recipient. This means that wind-turbine operators and service companies can check the operating status of the sealing system at any time by means of remote data retrieval.

It also means that the replacement of the sealing system can be planned on the basis of the size of the leakage or can be done during regular servicing without the need for any additional turbine downtime. This means it is no longer necessary to replace seals 'just in case'. This in turn makes it easier to plan the servicing of wind turbines and allows operators to minimise downtime and costs.

Agile & Intelligent Servos / Drives From Panasonic

The new A4 Servo is the next generation of Panasonic's MINAS product line. It sports a fast frequency response of 1KHz, improved real time auto gain tuning, new vibration control features, and 2Mpps command input. The size has also been reduced up to 30% compared to Matsushita Panasonic Electric Work's older A-Series, and along with the UL and CE certifications, the A4 Series servo drive & motor is also in compliance with SEMI F47 Standard.

Key Features:

• Motor types: Super low, low, middle and high inertia
• Speed response frequency 1kHz
• Incremental encoder (2500p/r)
• Absolute Encoder (17bit) available
• Vibration control
• Real-time auto tuning
• Pulse and analog command input
• Fast response and positioning
• Position, velocity and torque control