On-line viscometers from Hydramotion are helping to ensure that the chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand Chocolate consists of fine cocoa powder and sugar particle dispersed in a continuous fat phase (usually cocoa butter or equivalent). During production, molten chocolate must be cooled in a controlled way in order to promote the formation of small, stable fat crystals, a process known as "tempering".
Stable cocoa butter crystals provide the right qualities of texture, surface gloss and melting behaviour in the finished product. If the crystals are small enough the chocolate will taste smooth and melt in the mouth (at a temperature of about 35C) but not in the hand (at about 20C). The viscosity of melted chocolate depends directly on its fat content and the degree of tempering, so monitoring viscosity gives an immediate window into the production process.
With this in mind, a UK manufacturer of chocolate products recently installed Hydramotion XL7 on-line viscometers on pipelines to its mixing tanks as part of a global automation project. By continuously monitoring the viscosity of the liquid chocolate its fat content could be adjusted automatically in real-time, maintaining product quality and reducing wastage.
The XL7 offers high sensitivity and excellent repeatability, as well as high immunity to plant noise and vibration, providing continuous, reliable and accurate viscosity measurement regardless of variations in fluid condition. Suitable for pipe or tank mounting in any orientation, the instrument can be supplied with any size or type of sanitary fitting, including RJT, IDF or DIN quick-release tri-clamp mountings.
The sensor has a clean-in-place all-welded 316 stainless steel construction with a crevice-free design, minimising the risk of fouling or material entrapment while withstanding hostile conditions. Measurements are unaffected by stirrers, agitators, changes in flow rate or the presence of bubbles or solid particles.
Capable of being located up to 1000m from the sensor, the dedicated readout unit provides a 4-20mA analogue viscosity signal and a more comprehensive RS232 serial data link for remote monitoring or viscosity control. Factory-calibrated using certified viscosity standards traceable to NIST, the XL7 viscometer requires no field calibration and with no moving parts, seals or bearings it is virtually maintenance-free, giving a very low total lifecycle cost.
Energy Services Contract Covers 170,000 Homes
Eltel Networks has been awarded a contract by the Danish utility EnergiMidt to deploy Echelon's Networked Energy Services (NES) system to all of its 170,000 residential customers. Gorlitz is providing its EDW3000 software, a meter data management system (MDMS) and integration platform which runs on top of the NES system software to provide a rich set of utility applications.
Revenue to Echelon for the project, including meters, data concentrators and software, is expected to total approximately US $18 million. Volume shipments should begin in the fourth quarter of 2008 and to continue into 2010. The NES advanced metering infrastructure from Echelon consists of a family of highly integrated, advanced electronic electricity meters accessed via a web services based network operating system over an IP networking infrastructure.
Unlike systems with a dedicated radio per metering point, multiple NES meters can share a single IP connection through the use of Echelon's proven standards-based power line networking technology. This drives down the per-point connection cost and enables the system to easily and cost-effectively incorporate new wide area networking technologies over the life of the system.
Revenue to Echelon for the project, including meters, data concentrators and software, is expected to total approximately US $18 million. Volume shipments should begin in the fourth quarter of 2008 and to continue into 2010. The NES advanced metering infrastructure from Echelon consists of a family of highly integrated, advanced electronic electricity meters accessed via a web services based network operating system over an IP networking infrastructure.
Unlike systems with a dedicated radio per metering point, multiple NES meters can share a single IP connection through the use of Echelon's proven standards-based power line networking technology. This drives down the per-point connection cost and enables the system to easily and cost-effectively incorporate new wide area networking technologies over the life of the system.
New Lenze 8400 L-Force VFD Inverter Drives
Lenze’s new 8400 Series Inverter Drives series offers impressive, consistent scaling. The clear functional grading of the BaseLine, StateLine and HighLine versions makes selecting the right inverter for the drive axis a very simple process – and the value for money is spot on too. Lenze will presentthe 8400 Inverter Drives as the newest member of the L-force drive and automation platform at the Hanover Fair from 21 to 25 April in Hall 14, booth H36.All versions share the same kind of handling, operation, programming, logistics and service options. This makes working with the inverters incredibly simple. The cost savings available in all life cycle phases of a machine increase the value-added in the long term. In conjunction with matching geared motors, Lenze also supplies complete drive axes from one source.
Lenze, the specialist in drive and automation technology, is initially launching the 8400 inverter drives as BaseLine, StateLine and HighLine.
The BaseLine is available with power ratings of between 0.25 and 2.2 kW (230V single phase) and 0.37 to 3 kW (400/500V three phase). The StateLine and HighLine versions cover the single-phase power ratings of 0.25 to 2.2 kW, also five different power ratings are initially available for three phase between 0.37 and 11 kW. The 8400 BaseLine can be used as a voltage-controlled variable speed drive or in sensorless vector operation where it is suitable for continuous applications such as simple conveyor systems, pumps and fans. In terms of functionality and drive behaviour, it is the entry-level model.
In addition to the scope of the 8400 BaseLine, the 8400 StateLine offers functions such as S-ramps for gentle, low wear acceleration, a unique flying restart circuit to smoothly pick up freewheeling loads and integrated brake handling to control service brakes. In addition to this, an HTL encoder can be connected to the 8400 StateLine, thereby extending its potential range of use. Typical applications include extruders, line and travelling drives, high-speed roller doors and simple lift tables or dynamic variable speed drives.
The 8400 StateLine and HighLine have a CANopen interface fitted as standard for communication or diagnostics purposes. It also features another plug-in interface for extending to common fieldbus systems such as PROFIBUS, POWERLINK, EtherCat or PROFINET. At the third level of this series, in addition to the functional range of the StateLine, the HighLine 8400 inverter drives are equipped with full-value integrated positioning control. These inverters are therefore recommended as efficient drives for applications like rotary feeders, filling systems, rolling and sliding doors or for positioning tasks in warehouse systems.
The common features shared by all inverters include the integrated interface for connecting up to a PC, the same operating conditions at 45°C without derating, the high overload behaviour of up to 200 percent of the rated current and the ‘memory module’, an interchangeable module that greatly simplifies commissioning and service. The devices are either programmed using the keypad or ‘L-force Engineer’ project planning software,that is provided free of-charge in the ‘StateLevel’ version. All inverters comply with RoHS and satisfy CE and UL requirements.
Adjustable Levers Come In Stainless Steel
JW Winco has expanded its line of inch and metric stainless steel adjustable levers. These adjustable levers feature a solid, all stainless steel handle with a sand blasted satin finish. Inserts, screws and springs are also stainless steel. The all-stainless steel construction makes this lever appropriate for applications in the food processing and chemical industries.
Levers are available in a variety of sizes, in tapped, blind bore and threaded stud types. Special bores, threads, and stud lengths are available on request.
Levers are available in a variety of sizes, in tapped, blind bore and threaded stud types. Special bores, threads, and stud lengths are available on request.
Robotics Collaboration Helps Save Lives
Adept Technology and Prosurgics have reached an agreement to collaborate on the design and development of the next generation of Prosurgics' surgical robotic systems for image-guided neurological and soft tissue surgery. The surgical robotics market in the USA alone is forecast to be worth approximately US $2.5 billion by 2011 (BCC Research) with an expected average annual growth rate of 43% in the period 2006-2011.
Examples of the emerging surgical robotics market include cardiac and prostate surgery. Surgical robots are now performing more than 50% of prostatectomies in the US.
Clinical outcome data for this kind of surgery has shown superior patient outcomes while at the same time delivering a compelling economic benefit.
'The surgical robotics market requires very high precision products with no room for error', said Rob Bucher, Adept's Chief Executive Officer.
'Our goal in working with Prosurgics is to create technology platforms that can be used in a range of surgical systems, thereby lowering these systems' total cost of ownership and expanding the reach of our technology throughout the surgical market'.
'Prosurgics' technology and commercial strategy is complementary to our own and will strengthen Adept's position in this important high-growth market allowing us to more quickly address the market'.
Paul Moraviec, Prosurgics' Chief Executive said 'Adept's position in advanced robotics will enable us to jointly develop competitive and innovative surgical robotic solutions, optimising time to market and reducing cost'.
'Our vision is to provide affordable products that enable surgeons to deliver improved outcomes to their patients and that will optimise economics for healthcare providers'.
Examples of the emerging surgical robotics market include cardiac and prostate surgery. Surgical robots are now performing more than 50% of prostatectomies in the US.
Clinical outcome data for this kind of surgery has shown superior patient outcomes while at the same time delivering a compelling economic benefit.
'The surgical robotics market requires very high precision products with no room for error', said Rob Bucher, Adept's Chief Executive Officer.
'Our goal in working with Prosurgics is to create technology platforms that can be used in a range of surgical systems, thereby lowering these systems' total cost of ownership and expanding the reach of our technology throughout the surgical market'.
'Prosurgics' technology and commercial strategy is complementary to our own and will strengthen Adept's position in this important high-growth market allowing us to more quickly address the market'.
Paul Moraviec, Prosurgics' Chief Executive said 'Adept's position in advanced robotics will enable us to jointly develop competitive and innovative surgical robotic solutions, optimising time to market and reducing cost'.
'Our vision is to provide affordable products that enable surgeons to deliver improved outcomes to their patients and that will optimise economics for healthcare providers'.
Time To Get Your Glands Checked?
There are now more variations of cable gland available than ever, and with more choice comes the requirement for more knowledge in order to make the right selection. Considerations such as suitability for purpose, sealing, safety and installation time all need to be balanced against cost, which is always an issue.
The need to know is universal, as is the responsibility for the selection; the decision can fall to the electrician, electrical fitter, distributor, specifier or designer, working freelance on behalf of a contractor or an OEM all need to make the right choices, for the right reasons.
It is as easy to overlook a cable gland, as it is to under-specify, or, to over-specify it. With a huge range of fast new push-fit designs, tighter regulations and new materials coming onto the market it is essential to look at what is fit-for-purpose. Essential criteria include the quality of the hole available for the cable entry, the thickness of the cable, the ingress protection required (IP rating), the mechanical cable retention strength required, and the environment it is being exposed to.
Exposure to heat, weathering and any fire requirements such as building regulations, halogen free requirements, Ex rating or ATEX zones have to be considered. One of the original and simplest types of cable gland is the 'stuffing gland', offering basic sealing and protection for cables passing through panels or bulkheads. A locking nut is used to apply pressure via a skid washer onto the sealing rings that spread to form a seal around the cable. This method of cable feed-through achieves three basic functions.
First, it protects the cable from possible damage due to any sharp edges on the bulkhead/wall/cabinet. Secondly, it provides a barrier to moisture and debris entering the equipment housing (IP ratings are generally low as they will not withstand pressurised water or immersion). And, thirdly, it provides a degree of cable retention. The 'stuffing gland' has been around for many years and is used in an enormous number of applications today. Typically, however, a major problem with these particular types of traditional gland is the limited mechanical performance and its environmental protection rating of IP54.
Any application that requires better cable retention - for example superior mechanical strength, a wider clamping range or a higher ingress rating of IP65 or IP68 - may need a dome topped cable gland. These glands are also more aesthetically pleasing, looking more modern and smartening up an installation. A number of variations of this type are available in both nylon and metal but the salient features that ensure superior performance to the traditional stuffing gland are in its construction.
The cable is again fed through a sealing ring but in this case, the sealing ring is placed within an 'iris' that closes onto the sealing ring, clamping the cable and forming a high IP seal as the dome top is screwed down. The German standard thread type is known as PG (DIN46255 to 46259 etc) and has been replaced by metric thread standards (EN50262) introduced back in the late 1980s. The PG standard was given a transition period of 10 years to phase out and EN50262 became fully applicable in March 2001 although PG glands are still around, and judging by current sales volumes will be around for some time yet.
Many different cable gland variations exist in dome top configurations covering a variety of general industrial applications. Specialist applications that require additional protection over and above the common plastic variations include: products designed to meet the requirement of ATEX 100a for hazardous areas such as petrochemical; and glands designed for EMC compatibility and certified by VDE in compliance with VG95373 part 40. Stainless-steel versions should be considered in food and chemical process applications where washdown is essential for hygiene.
Nylon and plated brass glands are best suited for general industrial or marine applications. Most new developments have focused on speeding up the process of cable sealing and retention, offering push-fit glands and grommets in a range of designs.
The main issue with these variations is that they provide limited mechanical grip and will only seal up to IP67. Because the retention material is soft, it is generally less resistant to extreme heat, but can be more resistant to corrosive atmospheres and liquids. They are not currently suitable for any Ex applications.
There are a number of membrane plug/grommet products available that offer good sealing up to IP67 that are very fast to use. As a grommet they are a push fit design both to install and to feed the cable through. Recent grommet designs will allow for a variety of cable/conductor widths. They are resistant to vibration and will provide for easy adjustment. Again not suitable for Ex applications or extreme heat and most don't provide a great deal of cable retention force, unlike a clamped dome topped gland.
There are a range of fast-fit grommet seals that clip into standard drilled and knockout holes that provide positive cable retention. The Klikseal from TST for example is moulded using two materials, a softer compound for the body/seal, and a stiffer inner material that applies positive clamping and cable retention. This design will accommodate a few millimetres of wall thickness, self adjusting up to 5mm, and a range of cable diameters for each size. The added benefit of these designs is that they do not protrude far from the surface, only 5mm, unlike an equivalent clamping cable gland at 35mm, being flush to the surface means they are ideal for applications where space is at a premium.
Many contractors and OEMs are focused on reducing inventory and reducing overall line items, which is where these products really score. No tools are needed to fit them once there is a suitable aperture available, and the manufacturers claim they deliver a 90% time saving, crucial when there are a high number of entries to be completed in an application.
Enclosure manufacturers have also developed junction boxes that are manufactured using dual materials, injection moulding a softer compound into the wall design so that it forms self sealing cable entries. These will generally take a range of cable sizes providing sealing up to IP65 for a cable that is simply pushed through the flexible membrane. More suited to indoor applications or instances where there is secondary protection available such as a control cabinet, these junction boxes can certainly speed-up installation and assembly, particularly when the enclosures arrive onsite prepopulated with terminals and breakers etc.
One of these products is a junction box capable of connecting two or three round-profile cables via an integral connector block that features a similar sealing method to the dome top glands. It is moulded in one piece and hinged so that the threaded sections of the cable entries fold together. The cables are then inserted through a seal and locking cap and the cap screwed into position to complete the assembly. In conclusion, the humble cable gland can be a boon when it is specified correctly, speeding-up production and installation time, and a liability if it is wrongly specified.
The consequences of a water leak into a junction box can be catastrophic, not just for the internal components, but more importantly for the process, building or machinery that relies on that connection. Particularly relevant in industrial ATEX environments where the supplier and the fitter can be held liable when something goes wrong. Suppliers such as Hylec-APL provide free impartial advice and product samples to help ensure the right connection is made every time. Terry Spriggs is Product Marketing Manager for Hylec Components, one of the UK's largest suppliers of cable management equipment.
The need to know is universal, as is the responsibility for the selection; the decision can fall to the electrician, electrical fitter, distributor, specifier or designer, working freelance on behalf of a contractor or an OEM all need to make the right choices, for the right reasons.
It is as easy to overlook a cable gland, as it is to under-specify, or, to over-specify it. With a huge range of fast new push-fit designs, tighter regulations and new materials coming onto the market it is essential to look at what is fit-for-purpose. Essential criteria include the quality of the hole available for the cable entry, the thickness of the cable, the ingress protection required (IP rating), the mechanical cable retention strength required, and the environment it is being exposed to.
Exposure to heat, weathering and any fire requirements such as building regulations, halogen free requirements, Ex rating or ATEX zones have to be considered. One of the original and simplest types of cable gland is the 'stuffing gland', offering basic sealing and protection for cables passing through panels or bulkheads. A locking nut is used to apply pressure via a skid washer onto the sealing rings that spread to form a seal around the cable. This method of cable feed-through achieves three basic functions.
First, it protects the cable from possible damage due to any sharp edges on the bulkhead/wall/cabinet. Secondly, it provides a barrier to moisture and debris entering the equipment housing (IP ratings are generally low as they will not withstand pressurised water or immersion). And, thirdly, it provides a degree of cable retention. The 'stuffing gland' has been around for many years and is used in an enormous number of applications today. Typically, however, a major problem with these particular types of traditional gland is the limited mechanical performance and its environmental protection rating of IP54.
Any application that requires better cable retention - for example superior mechanical strength, a wider clamping range or a higher ingress rating of IP65 or IP68 - may need a dome topped cable gland. These glands are also more aesthetically pleasing, looking more modern and smartening up an installation. A number of variations of this type are available in both nylon and metal but the salient features that ensure superior performance to the traditional stuffing gland are in its construction.
The cable is again fed through a sealing ring but in this case, the sealing ring is placed within an 'iris' that closes onto the sealing ring, clamping the cable and forming a high IP seal as the dome top is screwed down. The German standard thread type is known as PG (DIN46255 to 46259 etc) and has been replaced by metric thread standards (EN50262) introduced back in the late 1980s. The PG standard was given a transition period of 10 years to phase out and EN50262 became fully applicable in March 2001 although PG glands are still around, and judging by current sales volumes will be around for some time yet.
Many different cable gland variations exist in dome top configurations covering a variety of general industrial applications. Specialist applications that require additional protection over and above the common plastic variations include: products designed to meet the requirement of ATEX 100a for hazardous areas such as petrochemical; and glands designed for EMC compatibility and certified by VDE in compliance with VG95373 part 40. Stainless-steel versions should be considered in food and chemical process applications where washdown is essential for hygiene.
Nylon and plated brass glands are best suited for general industrial or marine applications. Most new developments have focused on speeding up the process of cable sealing and retention, offering push-fit glands and grommets in a range of designs.
The main issue with these variations is that they provide limited mechanical grip and will only seal up to IP67. Because the retention material is soft, it is generally less resistant to extreme heat, but can be more resistant to corrosive atmospheres and liquids. They are not currently suitable for any Ex applications.
There are a number of membrane plug/grommet products available that offer good sealing up to IP67 that are very fast to use. As a grommet they are a push fit design both to install and to feed the cable through. Recent grommet designs will allow for a variety of cable/conductor widths. They are resistant to vibration and will provide for easy adjustment. Again not suitable for Ex applications or extreme heat and most don't provide a great deal of cable retention force, unlike a clamped dome topped gland.
There are a range of fast-fit grommet seals that clip into standard drilled and knockout holes that provide positive cable retention. The Klikseal from TST for example is moulded using two materials, a softer compound for the body/seal, and a stiffer inner material that applies positive clamping and cable retention. This design will accommodate a few millimetres of wall thickness, self adjusting up to 5mm, and a range of cable diameters for each size. The added benefit of these designs is that they do not protrude far from the surface, only 5mm, unlike an equivalent clamping cable gland at 35mm, being flush to the surface means they are ideal for applications where space is at a premium.
Many contractors and OEMs are focused on reducing inventory and reducing overall line items, which is where these products really score. No tools are needed to fit them once there is a suitable aperture available, and the manufacturers claim they deliver a 90% time saving, crucial when there are a high number of entries to be completed in an application.
Enclosure manufacturers have also developed junction boxes that are manufactured using dual materials, injection moulding a softer compound into the wall design so that it forms self sealing cable entries. These will generally take a range of cable sizes providing sealing up to IP65 for a cable that is simply pushed through the flexible membrane. More suited to indoor applications or instances where there is secondary protection available such as a control cabinet, these junction boxes can certainly speed-up installation and assembly, particularly when the enclosures arrive onsite prepopulated with terminals and breakers etc.
One of these products is a junction box capable of connecting two or three round-profile cables via an integral connector block that features a similar sealing method to the dome top glands. It is moulded in one piece and hinged so that the threaded sections of the cable entries fold together. The cables are then inserted through a seal and locking cap and the cap screwed into position to complete the assembly. In conclusion, the humble cable gland can be a boon when it is specified correctly, speeding-up production and installation time, and a liability if it is wrongly specified.
The consequences of a water leak into a junction box can be catastrophic, not just for the internal components, but more importantly for the process, building or machinery that relies on that connection. Particularly relevant in industrial ATEX environments where the supplier and the fitter can be held liable when something goes wrong. Suppliers such as Hylec-APL provide free impartial advice and product samples to help ensure the right connection is made every time. Terry Spriggs is Product Marketing Manager for Hylec Components, one of the UK's largest suppliers of cable management equipment.
Recorder Tracks Down Power Problems
The Fluke VR1710 voltage quality recorder is designed for single-phase power quality troubleshooting and preventative maintenance applications. Designed as an easy to use solution for detecting and recording power quality problems, the VR1710 is a single-phase plug-in voltage quality recorder that can help maintenance and facilities personnel in utilities, industrial environments and large service organisations to maintain the power quality essential to business operations.
The Fluke VR1710 can help users pinpoint the root causes of voltage problems by recording data specified by a user-selected average period on voltage trends, dropouts and power quality parameters, including RMS average, transients, flicker and harmonics up to the 32nd.
It features continuous recording of all values with no gaps, making testing more efficient by enabling users to gather data on both voltage and events with a single instrument. The recorder plugs directly into any single-phase mains power socket and includes a USB connection and Fluke PowerLog software for quick instrument setup using a PC and quick data downloads.
PowerLog software also includes graphical tools for data presentation that show RMS voltage and harmonic trends, actual transients, summary information and statistics in accordance with EN50160.
It measures RMS average, minimum and maximum values and checks whether the socket outlet is providing voltage within tolerance. It checks whether distorting loads are affecting other equipment. High levels of harmonic voltage may cause overheating in neutral conductors. It quantifies the affects of switching loads on lighting systems and can capture intermittent, momentary events that may be affecting equipment. The full waveform is captured with date, timestamp and duration.
The Fluke VR1710 can help users pinpoint the root causes of voltage problems by recording data specified by a user-selected average period on voltage trends, dropouts and power quality parameters, including RMS average, transients, flicker and harmonics up to the 32nd.
It features continuous recording of all values with no gaps, making testing more efficient by enabling users to gather data on both voltage and events with a single instrument. The recorder plugs directly into any single-phase mains power socket and includes a USB connection and Fluke PowerLog software for quick instrument setup using a PC and quick data downloads.
PowerLog software also includes graphical tools for data presentation that show RMS voltage and harmonic trends, actual transients, summary information and statistics in accordance with EN50160.
It measures RMS average, minimum and maximum values and checks whether the socket outlet is providing voltage within tolerance. It checks whether distorting loads are affecting other equipment. High levels of harmonic voltage may cause overheating in neutral conductors. It quantifies the affects of switching loads on lighting systems and can capture intermittent, momentary events that may be affecting equipment. The full waveform is captured with date, timestamp and duration.
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