Jacob Supplies Pipework Ducting For Cadbury

Jacob has supplied a stainless-steel modular pipework ducting system for Cadbury at Marlbook. The system was designed and installed by Jex Engineering to assist in the production of chocolate crumb, which is later refined to produce Cadbury Dairy Milk products. Jacob modular stainless-steel ducting is again used on the extraction side of the plant to feed the used air through a filtration system to remove particles and remove the exhaust air via a noise attenuator to the atmosphere.

The 400mm-diameter ducting has a manually adjusted throttle valve on the exit from the filter to balance the airflow across the system. Cadbury's Len Eades said: 'By using modular stainless-steel pipework supplied by Jacob, we are able to quickly disassemble the ducting when the plant is due for cleaning or routine maintenance, saving considerable time and cost. Atex compliant, every Jacob pipe section has a machine-lipped end that, when fitted with a U-shaped gasket manufactured from Keltan (EPDM) and a removable connector, creates a three-bar overpressure-certified connection, providing conductivity.

The thin-walled ducting sections are easily dismantled and reconnected using the Quick-Connect pull-ring system, designed and manufactured by Jacob. Air movement within a Jacob pipeline is enhanced with the smooth-pressed bends, which assist airflow with the minimum of resistance. Standard accessories include inspection doors, visualisation ducts, diverters, product-control and air-control valves, all manufactured to high tolerances. The majority of the Jacob ducting and pipework is located out of sight, but is accessible for inspection and maintenance.

With pipework diameters from 60 to 800mm and a comprehensive range of forks, bends, T pieces, valves and distributors, Jacob modular pipework is suitable for creating an efficient and flexible system that can adapt to changing requirements.

Harting Introduces Ha-VIS Pcon 2000 Power Supplies

The Harting Ha-VIS Pcon 2000 range of power-supply modules offers high performance and reliability in industrial-automation applications. The new units, which are mechanically and electrically compatible with Harting's range of Ethernet switches and other active network components, combine ease of installation with the use of redundancy modules to ensure high system availability and hence reliability in areas such as control and switch cabinets.

The new modules incorporate pluggable connections to ensure reliable and rapid assembly without the need for special tools. The range includes versions for voltages of 24 and 48V and power outputs of 35, 60 and 120W. Key performance features include high efficiency, extended input ranges, overload capability of up to 150 per cent for up to three seconds and low losses.

The range includes the Pcon 2010-DRM redundancy module, which incorporates dual 12-48V supplies to ensure redundancy in the power supply for components in control and switch cabinets. Losses in this unit are very low, with a maximum voltage drop of 300mV.

TDK-Lambda To Show Power Supplies And Converters

TDK-Lambda UK will showcase a range of new AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converter products at this year's Southern Manufacturing and Electronics exhibition. At the event, which will take place at the Five venue in Farnborough on 10-11 February, application engineers will be on hand to provide consultations, technical expertise and application know-how for power design needs.

On display on Stand C37 will be the new LD Series of light-emitting-diode (LED) power supplies. Developed for both indoor and outdoor LED lighting applications that require a robust design and a long design life, TDK-Lambda's LD Series is IP66 rated and accepts a wide universal AC input. The first products in the range are rated at 12W; the LDV12 Series provides a constant voltage of 12V, 15V and 24V and the LDC12 Series offers constant currents of 350mA and 700mA.

The company's IPS Series of IP67-rated single-output power supplies is available in 50W, 75W and 100W nominal ratings. These units are designed to power equipment in hazardous and hostile industrial environments. Certified to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC and IEC60079-0, -15 standards, these power supplies are suitable for Protection Class II 2G Ex mb T4 environments for end equipment where a potentially explosive atmosphere is occasionally present.

Other demanding applications include in-machine and factory-floor installations, wash-down environments and more robust outdoor applications such as motorway matrix signs and renewable-energy control circuits. TDK-Lambda's Custom Power Solutions brochure profiles the company's custom power solutions and capabilities across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, ranging from full bespoke designs, modified standards and brick-on-board products.

Wittenstein Supplies Control Loading System

Wittenstein Aerospace and Simulation has delivered a production control loading system (CLS) for the Diamond DA40 Diamond Star and DA42 Twin Star flight simulation training devices in Germany. This delivery marks the first Wittenstein CLS for the general aviation market that has been certified to FTD standard Level 5. The CLS is also compliant to ICAO 9625 Edition 3 up to Class VII.

The system is comprised of Wittenstein's technology, which provides force-feel characteristics based on: integrated, high-performance servo motors and planetary gearboxes; integrated control electronics; Aktiv8 reconfigurable software that provides programmable force-feel characteristics; and Aktiv Toolkit customer programming and test interface.

The Diamond Star devices utilise one electro-mechanical control loader for each of the aircraft's main axes (elevator, aileron, rudder). The main features of the system are a closed control-loop interface for high-performance, maintenance-free components and a software configuration customised to fit the requirements stemming from real aircraft.

Bowers Supplies Unical Caliper For Measuring Tasks

Welding Units has purchased an advanced Unical Universal Digital Caliper from Bowers Metrology. Welding Units' quality manager, Len Marsh, said: 'As the flexible new Bowers gauge is able to be fitted with a selection of optional accessories, we are able to quickly set up the instrument to undertake a wide range of dedicated measuring tasks.

He added: 'Although the Unical has the same measuring capacity as some of the company's existing calipers, as it is manufactured from advanced composites, it is only a fraction of their weight, this enables our staff to achieve higher levels of accuracy. Designed to accurately perform a variety of measuring tasks, Bowers' multi-purpose Unical digital gauges are available in standard 300, 600 and 1,000mm capacities, with larger versions available on request.

Designed for harsh shopfloor use, Unical features tough yet lightweight reinforced composite beams. Further advanced features include a large digital display, a preset facility, a constant measuring force, a metric inch conversion and an RS 232 data-output port.

Vistagy Supplies FiberSIM Software To Shipbuilder

Vistagy has announced that SNSP has purchased FiberSIM composites-engineering software to design and manufacture composite hulls, hull spars and supports. SNSP has also purchased Vistagy professional services for training as well as on-site assistance in developing composites-design methodologies. The company will be using FiberSIM to design an 80m hull.

It will use the software to develop layup information and to automate ply information to be sent to cutting and laser positioning machines. Howaldtswerke-Deutsch Werft (HDW), a company of the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, has also purchased FiberSIM software to design and manufacture parts for submarines made of advanced composite materials.

Pulsar Supplies Flow Measurement System To Airport

Pulsar Process Measurement has supplied a non-contacting ultrasonic open-channel flow measurement system featuring its Duet transducer array to Manchester Airport. The system is intended to provide measurement accuracy in the airport's critical API hydrocarbon separation unit. Pulsar's Flowcert system featuring the Duet transducer has achieved Class 1 Mcerts certification.

Surface water run-off in an area as large as a major airport is considerable and, in certain areas, may be mixed with aviation fuel, oil and other contaminants, so it has to be treated in the same way as any other industrial effluent before it can be discharged. This means that the final effluent flow must be separated, treated and measured, which is where Pulsar comes in. The company supplied a v-notch weir plate along with a Duet transducer array and a Flowcert control unit to measure effluent flow through an open channel.

The channel was in an exposed position, where solar radiation can be a significant factor affecting measurement accuracy. The v-notch weir plate was sized for a maximum flow rate of 25 litres per second, although the actual flow can be very small in dry periods of the year. The measurement of this type of application is particularly difficult; the ultrasonic technique is based on the measurement of the time taken for an echo to return to the face of a transducer, which is, in turn, dependent on the speed of sound.

The speed of sound in air varies with air density, which is affected by air temperature. If the measurement device does not compensate quickly and accurately, errors are introduced into the result. In this case, because the head varies by around 200mm between high flow and zero, it is crucial that the measurement is accurate and repeatable right down to the very lowest flows and records a genuine zero when there is no flow at all. Duet consists of an array of two transducers that fire ultrasonic pulses simultaneously, which are then received at the lower transducer only.

The Flowcert controller then compares the two returning echoes. The two transducers are mounted on a heavy frame and the separation of the two transducers is a fixed distance, so any changes in the measured distance when comparing the two ultrasonic pulses must be down to variations in the speed of sound. This strategy allows the Flowcert controller to compensate dynamically and accurately for these variances, applying that compensation to the flow measurement.

Under Mcerts tests, this system has allowed Flowcert and Duet to achieve total error levels of only 0.037 per cent, even under the new, stringent solar radiation test. 'We're now in the process of standardising on Pulsar equipment for all our flow and level measurement applications,' said Mark Stewart, the airport's water services engineer in charge of the project.

Michell Supplies Chilled-Mirror Dew-Point Device

Michell Instruments has provided its Optidew Transportable chilled-mirror dew-point instrument for a manufacturer of desiccant dryers. The client needed the instrument to certify the functionality of its dehumidification systems. The Optidew Transportable combines the drift-free performance of the chilled-mirror principle with the convenience of a transportable instrument. Housed in a specially designed case, the instrument is fully self contained as well as being small and light.

For the client, having an instrument that was easily transportable was vital because of the range of situations where their dryers are installed. Desiccant de-humidifiers create dry air that can be used in a variety of applications such as in the leisure industry for swimming pools and sports halls, various utilities such as power stations and water treatment works, desiccant cooling for air-conditioning systems or within the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries.

The Optidew Transportable allows engineers to check the reliability of their installations over time. The Optidew dew-point hygrometer works on the fundamental optical dew-point measurement principle, giving unmatched drift-free performance in the long term, according to the company. It offers a measurement range from the equivalent of less than 0.5 per cent up to 100 per cent relative humidity and measures dew points as dry as -40Cdp at ambient temperatures.

The portable version features a high-definition alphanumeric display that shows the measured humidity, dew point, water activity, grams per kilogram and a number of other hygrometric units. The whole hygrometer is self contained in a custom-built case for optimal protection and ease of use.

Saft Supplies Li-ion Batteries For Tactical Radios

Saft has won an order from Bharat Electronics (BEL) to supply its MP series rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The contract covers an immediate requirement for Li-ion batteries both for new radios and for replacement batteries for radios already deployed in the field. Under the terms of the contract, Saft will supply MP series to BEL, including MP 176065 (nominal capacity 6.8Ah) and MP 174865 (nominal capacity 5.3Ah) batteries together with MP 174565 Integration batteries (nominal capacity 4.8Ah) for a new version of the radio that requires a compact lightweight battery pack with a total capacity of 8Ah.

Saft MP series Li-ion cells are said to be maintenance free and hermetically sealed at temperatures up to +75C. In addition to the electronic protection circuits that monitor individual cells within battery packs, the MP cells have safety features such as: built-in circuit breaker to enable the fast, automatic disconnection of cells from faulty chargers; safety vent that operates when cell internal pressure exceeds eight bar; and a shut-down separator with pores that automatically close in the event of elevated temperatures.

Saft has designed the MP cells to withstand the most common field abuses, such as mechanical shock and vibration, as well as external short-circuit, crushing, nail piercing and so on. Saft's MP 174565 Integration cell is engineered specifically for integration within the vast array of rechargeable battery packs required by modern military applications.

Its shape, terminals and safety features allow either parallel or series connection, while minimising pack assembly costs and increasing reliability because cell-to-cell wiring is reduced or, for many applications, eliminated completely. Electronic protection circuits provide monitoring of the health of individual cells within battery packs. The MP 174565 Integration cell features an aluminium casing, rather than the stainless-steel casing employed in the regular MP cell. This helps reduce weight and increase energy density to 175Wh/kg and 423Wh/l.

All PSU Launches AQF240 Series Of Power Supplies

All PSU has launched a range of ultra-compact high-efficiency 240W power supplies. The AQF240 series of power supplies is available with the option of either a fully enclosed case or a U-channel chassis. All units are in a compact case size of 150mm x 106mm x 35mm for both enclosed and U-channel versions and have screw terminal connections for input and output.

The AQF240 series also benefits from full-range universal AC input and a high efficiency of up to 93 per cent, which enables the power supplies to be convection cooled to full power at up to +50C. All units have full international safety approvals and come with a two-year warranty.

Avalue Supplies Tiers Of Panel PCs

Avalue, an industrial computer manufacturer, provides tiers of panel PCs for a variety of applications. Typical applications include industrial-level rugged electronic devices, handheld terminals, infotainment displays, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and outdoor ticket machines. With its Intel Atom component, Avalue leverages its panel PCs to thinner, wider and greener applications. At present, Avalue has brought a full range of screen-sized Atom-based panel PCs into its product categories.

These include: the LPC series, a slim industrial automation HMI touch-panel PC, which features 8in (20cm), 10in and 12in panel displays; the FPC series, a modularised touch-panel PC, which features an 8.9in- to 22in-wide panel display; the PPC series, a thin-client all-in-one cost-effective touch terminal, which features 15in-, 17in-, and 22in-wide panel displays; and the MTP series, a medical-grade multi-functional touch-panel PC, which features a 12in to 17in panel display. Avalue also offers cost-conscious customers different options, including embedded computing boards, panel parts and housing materials, all of which are intended to save time and money and serve a variety of needs.

From the design to the production stage, the company's panel PCs are run with modular concepts to reduce costs. They also incorporate materials that will guarantee a long life, are safety compliant and are environmentally friendly. Their slimmer appearance is intended to make them more economical and easier to handle. At the packaging stage, Avalue endeavours to decrease the use of packing materials and shipping costs. The latest panel-PC designs comply with the Intel Atom platform. Avalue's panel PCs use light-emitting-diode (LED) backlights, which reduce heat generation in panel PCs. The LED backlight panels are integrated with Avalue's small screens of the FPC series, 0which lower the cost of the FPC series thanks to greater power efficiency and prolong the product lifecycle.

With the new technology of optical bonding, the company's panel display has greater luminance and contrast as well as reduced internal reflections. The screens have been designed to reduce glare, facilitate maximum light transmission and remain durable. Generally, the higher transparency and lower reflection features of the optical bonding panel save backlight power and cost and add to users' visual enjoyment, according to the company. The sunlight-readable panel is widely applied in places such as mass transportation and outdoor kiosk pavilions. A privacy filter protects the security of on-screen data.

A specially designed film blacks out the screen at viewing angles greater than 30 degrees. The privacy filter is generally used for applications such as ATM and aircraft passenger amusement. Avalue's touch panel incorporates a super anti-abrasion (SAA) five-wire resistive touch, which provides the best abrasion resistance and improves the safety of artificial operation. With the SAA technique, glass covers the top of the panel to avoid directly touching the film; it also improves the touch panel's performance in withstanding external attacks.

As reported by tests, the SAA enables Avalue's touch-panel PCs to reach 6.2 to 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which means it is highly resistant to scratching and is very durable. Additionally, the front-panel sealing also meets the IP65 water-/dust-proof standard, which is suitable for industrial controlling applications. The company also provides a variety of customisation services. Avalue's panel PCs can be expanded with many peripherals, including radio-frequency identification (RFID), a smart card reader, a magnetic strip reader (MSR) and WiFi. The company's design team has created a number of kits and brackets for mounting solutions.

There is a variety of desktop stands, VESA arms, wall-mounting brackets, ceiling-mounting kits, rack-mounting kits and embedded mounts. As a Windows Embedded partner, Avalue provides embedded OS consulting and training. Its panel PCs support embedded OS from Microsoft XP Embedded, CE or XP Professional. Avalue's OS-pre-installed smart terminal is intended to save customers money, time and technical effort in integrating hardware and software. In addition, the company provides full technical support and training for BIOS, GPIO, Driver and API, by project, and provides advanced ID modification.

Kepco Launches DIN-Rail Power Supplies

Kepco has launched the KDN series of low-cost, UL-508 listed, DIN-rail mounted power supplies. The series consists of three 24V output models rated at 5, 10 and 20A.

The KDN series offer 90-264VAC input with PFC, 23-28V adjustment range and a 120 per cent peak-current capability for up to one minute with no forced air cooling required.

VGS Power Supplies Are Efficient And Compact

CUI Europe's power division V-Infinity has announced a the VGS series of efficient and compact internal switching power supplies that feature a no-load power consumption of 0.5W. The VGS series includes 25, 50, 75, and 100W versions with cooling by free air convection and efficiencies of up to 89 per cent. The series is compact with the 25W model (VGS-25) measuring 3.09 x 2.00 x 1.11in.

It is ideal for a range of applications where energy consumption is a consideration, including industrial control, networking, automation, and test-and-measurement equipment. The VGS series offers a universal input (88-264VAC) and single output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12, 15, 24, and 48VDC. Other features include: an LED indicator when power is on; 105C long-life electrolytic capacitors; and an operating temperature range of -25C to 70C, derating linearly from 100 per cent load at 50C.

Protections include short-circuit, overload, over-voltage, and brown-out (low AC input voltage). All models are approved to UL, cUL, and TUV safety standards and come with a three-year warranty.

Powerpax Adds 18W Unit To Lugged Power Supplies

Powerpax UK has announced an 18W addition to its series of miniature lugged switch-mode power supplies. The lugged series of miniature desktop power supplies includes models to meet power requirements from 6W to 18W (with no minimum load) and with regulated outputs of 5VDC to 24VDC. The units feature an integral power cord, which removes the risk of accidental disconnection from the mains supply. A UK mains lead is fitted as standard but European, US, Australian or bare-ended mains-lead options are available on request.

All units come with a 2.1mm x 5.5mm x 12mm female barrel connector polarity positive centre as standard, but a list of other DC output connector options are also available. The 18W unit measures 92.2mm x 49.8mm x 26.3mm including the fixing lugs (or 72.2mm x 49.8mm x 26.3mm without the lugs) and is believed to be the smallest external power supply available at this power rating. The lugs allow the case to be fixed down to any flat surface, making them suitable for a range of applications, particularly CCTV and light-emitting-diode (LED) lighting requirements.

All models feature a universal mains input of 90VAC to 264VAC and 47Hz to 63Hz and meet energy-efficiency level IV requirements. All of the power supplies in this range feature short-circuit, over-voltage and over-current protection with automatic recovery. This series has been designed to provide excellent reliability and has a minimum meantime between failures (MTBF) of 50Khr. This range is compliant to UL and CE safety standards and is tested and compliant with EMC requirements. The product also complies with the requirements of the RoHS directive. Powerpax offers low minimum-order quantities across the range and provides a free branding service for orders of 500 pieces or more.

Globtek Develops Medical-Approved Power Supplies

Globtek's GT(M)P9150/250/275 series delivers up to 275W of continuous output power. The series has regulated output voltages ranging from 3.3V to 48V in 0.1V increment with remote sense available. This high efficiency, 85 per cent typical, series of power supplies features: aluminum U-channel chassis with optional top cover; 150W convection cooled or up to 275W with forced air; active PFC to IEC 3000-3-2 Class A; low ripple; Class B EMI filter; and built-in protection.

The devices accept universal input from 90-264V AC, and footprint size starts at 206 x 111 x 42mm. They meet safety agency requirements UL/cUL/TUV 60950/60601.1 and comply with EMC Directives for CE and FCC Class B applications. All models carry UL, TUV, PSE and CE logos with reports generated by independent certified laboratory. Custom designs are also available and all models come with a five-year warranty.

ZF Supplies Remanufactured Transmissions

ZF Great Britain will now directly supply the UK's independent aftermarket with fully remanufactured ZF five- and six-speed automatic transmissions for a range of out-of-warranty vehicles. These include BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

This is an extension of ZF Great Britain's traditional OE warranty support services for these vehicle marques. It will offer transmission repair specialists and independent vehicle workshops the opportunity of supplying and fitting complete, fully warranted, factory quality transmission units straight 'out of the box' including torque converter and oil. Key benefits include time and money savings resulting in attractive profit margin opportunities.

Unlike the transmission repair process, there is no longer the time-consuming task of fault finding, which typically requires the partial or full dismantling of transmission assemblies, nor any of the subsequent reliance on deliveries of replacement parts from multiple suppliers. In addition, updated firmware provides the potential for improved gear-shift quality and fuel economy, while the pricing structure is comparable to transmission repair only but with the added benefit of a warranty underwritten by ZF Great Britain.

Kasto Supplies FOM Aluminium Cutting Line

Ideal for small- to medium-volume manufacturers of high-performance aluminium doors and windows, a cutting line from Italian machine builder, FOM, is now available in the UK from Kasto. The LT500 line is available in two versions, with either a fixed or roller-type unloading table, the latter capable of handling cut pieces of 5m and above.

Both models incorporate a cropper and step-in system to feed aluminium bars towards an NC manipulator arm with pneumatic gripper, which then advances the material up to a stop in the cutting area. Horizontal alignment of the bar, which can be up to 7m long, is by a pneumatic stop and magnetic sensor. The aluminium is clamped by manually-adjustable horizontal and vertical vices with jaws that are interchangeable to suit the profile type.

Cutting by the 500mm diameter blade of the single-head mitre saw can be at three fixed angles, 45, 90 or 135 degrees. Electrical adjustment of mitre angle from 30 to 160 degrees is an option. During the cutting process, off-cuts and swarf are removed via an internal chute. A series of blowers aims jets of air at the machining area to keep work surfaces as clear as possible of swarf.

They continue to blow after completion of the cut to finish the table-cleaning process before arrival of the next profile. Cut pieces are transferred onto a moving table with a non-scratch surface, and from there to the offload table. The 3-axis CNC system is connected to a Windows Vista PC, from where cutting order data is downloaded.

The PC has been designed to swivel towards the loading area to allow the operator to see the bar being fed through, or towards the unloading area to make it easier to use an optional labelling device. Procut software is able to create and save cutting lists, import and optimise external lists over a network or from a USB memory stick, manage profile archives containing sections and cutting parameters, and display profiles in DXF format while an order is being cut.

Switch-Mode Power Supplies For Automation Control

Balluff has introduced a line of rugged primary switch-mode power supplies, for automation-control applications. The ten-model line includes a range of 24V DC models with single and three-phase inputs. Output current ranges from 0.75A (18W) to 40A (960W) mean there is a size for most applications.

If more power is needed, multiple power supplies can be connected in parallel for additional current capacity. Other features include built-in advanced overload and overvoltage protection, load regulation to +/- one per cent, ripple/noise of less than 50mV on most models and adjustable outputs to compensate for differences in specific control needs.

All models are din-rail mountable. The mean time between failure is specified over 210,000 hours (24 years) while operating at published specifications. The range also includes 5, 12, 15 and 48V models.