Siemens ECO RTG optimised control for gantry cranes
22 January, 2010 byECO RTG from Siemens is designed to provide improved control functions for the operation of rubber-tyred gantry cranes, based on the simulation of the load curve and the optimisation of the control of the diesel-electric hybrid drive. By storing braking energy in ultracapacitors when containers are lowered and by optimising the utilisation of energy, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 70%.
VersaMax Micro Plus controller firmware revision 4.0
23 November, 2009 byGE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the release of VersaMax Micro Plus controller firmware revision 4.0, expanding the controller’s applicability to a wider range of applications.
Batch controller
26 October, 2009 byThe IBS is a powered batch controller for liquids with an 85-265 VAC or 12-72 VDC power supply and an 8-digit display. The instrument can be configured from the front touch buttons to batch volumes from 0.01 to 999,999.99 litres and K factors from 999,999 to 0.01 can be used. Also included is an adjustable 8-20 VDC loop supply that can be used to provide the excitation power supply for flow sensors.
High-amperage temperature controllers
20 October, 2009 byThe EZ-Zone family of integrated controllers from Watlow incorporates Watlow’s No-Arc technology that extends the life of relays.
Process control system
21 September, 2009 byGE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has released Version 1.6 of Proficy Process Systems, a fully integrated process control system that is designed to provide customers in different industries with an advanced DCS or hybrid process control system to meet their specific needs. These systems are intended to improve operational performance and productivity and provide customers with a sustainable advantage for their business.
CANbus remote I/O adapter
10 September, 2009 byThe Unitronics EX-RC1 remote I/O adapter allows multiple adapters to connect to a single programmable logic controller, with up to eight standard expansion modules to each adapter via CANbus.
Siemens delivers 30,000th PCS 7 system
01 September, 2009Siemens has delivered its 30,000th Simatic PCS 7 system worldwide.
Six key control applications: Is there one controller that can do it all?
31 August, 2009 by Bob Nelson, Controller Marketing Manager, Siemens Energy & AutomationWhat kind of controller is best for your application? Is it a PLC? Perhaps you should use a PAC? Maybe a PAD? When it comes down to it, the name is not that important. What is important is developing a clear understanding of your needs and then finding the controller that best targets them.
ATC880 process controller
30 July, 2009The ATC880 is a compact 1/4 DIN auto-tuning process controller. It is a cost-effective way to control a single process parameter, such as for a plastics extruder.
High-availability PAC solution
30 July, 2009GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has introduced a scalable high-availability solution for the company's PACSystems RX3i controller.
Temperature controllers with ladder logic
09 June, 2009 byThe UTAdvanced is a digital indicating controller with a sequence control function, which offers greatly improved measurement, display, operation, control and networking functions. It also eliminates the need for peripheral devices and associated wiring.
Rate controller
09 June, 2009 byHardy Instruments’ HI 4060 is a compact, single-feeder, closed-loop rate controller for use in a variety of applications, including auger, belt and vibratory-based feeders, converting them from volumetric to gravimetric. After supplying excitation to the load sensors and digitising the weight signal, the rate controller provides an analog output to control the feeder speed and adjusts this signal based on the required rate at which the feeder is losing weight. This rate controller features an embedded web server, true five-point automatic rate calibration, automatic feeder refill, various alarms including rate tolerance and disturbance, and optional DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, remote I/O, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP and analog communications. It also includes Hardy’s Waversaver technology to eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration for fast, stable weight display, electronic calibration without test weights, an <0x000A>SD memory module card for fast transfer of configuration data and integrated system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
PID temperature controllers
01 April, 2009 byPractical Control Solutions offers a full range of PID temperature controllers from Sanup Electrical Company. Inputs for the SDU line of temperature controllers are universal and include a wide range of thermocouples, RTDs and linear DC signals. Available control outputs include relay contact, logic (for driving solid-state relays) and 4–20 mA. A full range of DIN panel sizes is offered, from 48 to 96 mm2.
PLC data access module
31 March, 2009Omron Electronics has released the Data Access Module (DAM01) — a small user interface for its micro PLC range. Fitting neatly into a communication board slot, the DAM01 empowers the user with knowledge of the process the PLC is controlling.
Students design fully functional 'Snowy' simulator
16 December, 2008Two engineering students from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne recently presented Snowy Hydro with a fully functioning control system simulator that will now be used to replace some of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme's outdated systems.
