Technology Briefing June 2008

TECHNICAL PAPERS:

National Instruments: Strategies for Maximizing Test System Efficiency ... MooreHawke: Installing Fieldbus ... Foster Wheeler: Improving refinery distillation options

TECHNOLOGIES:

Control and Automation

Siemens / Softnet PN-IO Linux : Software controller makes it is possible to set up open control solutions on standard PC hardware and offers an inexpensive link-up to field units in industrial Ethernet networks. Up to 64 I/O devices can be connected to the controller; additional communication hardware is not necessary. Operation of the devices via wireless LAN is also possible.

Moeller Electric / EasyHMI MFD4: A 5.7-inch multifunction display unit with built-in PLC functionality and support for its easySoft-CoDeSys programming system. Combining the HMI and PLC functions in a single unit saves money and space and simplifies programming, as the HMI can access PLC variables directly, so avoiding the cumbersome tables of variables that are often needed when separate devices are used. Suitable for use in demanding industrial applications, the unit has a full-colour touch screen that is protected to IP65.

Drives

Olsen Engineering / Tritex series of servo linear actuators: Roller screw actuators are winning market share from ball screw, pneumatic and hydraulic actuators due to their accuracy, robustness, load capacity and compactness, says Olsen. The Tritex range, which features a patented inverted roller screw technology, incorporates a brushless servo motor, servo amplifier and position controller in a single industrial grade enclosure. The design, claims Olsen, eliminates the expensive and failure prone inter-connections normally associated with typical servo system as well as concerns over component selection, compatibility, installation problems and de-bugging.

Nord Drivesystems has launched a new version of its Nordac SK500 frequency inverter drives incorporating new position control capabilities. Called Posicon, the new functionality supports closed-loop applications with motion control features such as the ability to program relative or absolute positioning, synchronising, gearing and S-ramp movement profiles. Posicon is claimed to facilitate implementation of a range of common industrial automation applications such as feed to length, indexing, precise positioning, and synchronising/locking.

Measurement and instrumentation

Burkert / 8201 pH measuring system: Fit-and-forget design enables the sensor to stay in process, even during CIP purification, saving time and cost by removing the need for sensor removal, cleaning and recalibration. The non-breakable sensor also avoids the problems of fracture with glass sensors; while its enamelled stainless steel finish provides the highest levels of non-stick performance for maximised hygiene whilst pH values are measured. The unit is suitable for use in high- end hygienic processes; for example, in the production of foods and active ingredients where the pH value of liquid mediums - including those which are viscous or contain solids - is measured.

HBM / API interface for its QuantumX universal amplifier: Users can programme functions with their own customized set ups if needed. The interface provides full access to all QuantumX functions and works in addition to QuantumX Assistant, catmanEasy, catmanAP and LabView. API is used with programming libraries in .NET or COM technology. The libraries enable customised applications to be programmed in different languages, for example Visual Basic, C++, C# or Delphi. The libraries also include functions such as establishing communication links, configuring the channels for measurement, taking measurements and debugging.

Patent dispute

Flexsys America L.P. part of Solutia Inc., has filed a new complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) against Sinorgchem Co., Shandong; Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (KKPC); Kumho Tire Co., Inc.; and Kumho Tire USA, Inc. Flexsys is seeking a ban on the imports of Sinorgchem's 4-ADPA or any antidegradants made from its 4-ADPA into the US as it claims Sinorgchem has infringed its patents for the production of 4-ADPA and its intermediates."Flexsys invests significantly in the discovery, development and commercialization of manufacturing processes for rubber chemicals," said Jim Voss, president of Flexsys and senior vice president of Solutia Inc. "When our competitors attempt to illegally misappropriate our patented technology, we will continue to take aggressive action including the enforcement of our legal rights on a global scale."

Quality control system migration

Honeywell / Quality Control Systems (QCS) migration services: Suite designed to help paper mills upgrade to the latest measurement and control technologies cost-effectively. The services allow mills to keep existing scanners, sensors and cross-direction (CD) actuators in place while upgrading signal processing hardware, application software and server technology.The migration services include Precision Measurement, CD actuator and scanner and multivariable control upgrades. “Older QCS systems are becoming more difficult and costly to support, so Honeywell designed a broad range of services as step-by-step upgrades of the most critical components,” said Andrew Hird, global leader for Honeywell Process Solutions’ pulp and paper business.”

Profibus design and layout

Profibus and Profinet system design and layout is the title of a paper to be presented at the Profibus and Profinet user conference, 24-25 June in Stratford on Avon. Alexander Kaiser, a certified Profibus engineer from the ABB Fieldbus and Tools lead centre in Germany will discuss the main issues to be taken into account in relation to the physical specifications and recommendations for planned Profibus DP and PA segments. His paper will also cover the use of Layout Tools during the whole life cycle of a Profibus project, from the network planning to the in-service maintenance phase. The paper will present useful hints for the design of a network according to the physical layer specifications and to meet performance targets. Kaiser will also show the benefit of using a Microsoft Excel based Layout Tool for planning and designing a PROFIBUS network, to avoid wrong decisions and errors in calculation.

Sludge dewatering

Gebr. Kufferath AG, Klein Technical Solutions, Electrokinetic Ltd / Electrokinetic belts for sludge dewatering: Centrifuges, chamber filter presses or belt presses are the conventional mechanical dewatering processes, raising the dry solids content of sludges to between 18-30%. But so far, high investment and operating costs have limited progress in increasing dry solids content beyond this level. The patented electrokinetic belts for e-press type belt presses of the Klein company consist of polyester monofilaments with metallic wires and cables woven into them. A power source inside the press transfers direct current to the two belts of the belt press. The upper belt is charged positively and acts as the anode. The lower, negatively charged belt acts as the cathode. The potential difference between the belts generates an electrokinetic effect, so-called electro-osmosis. The water retained in the sludge following conventional hydraulic dewatering is significantly reduced through this electro-osmotic effect. Initial tests with municipal sewage sludge showed dry solids content could be raised by about 25%. The degree of dewatering can be increased by changing voltage, current, and thickness of the sludge layer or residence time in the press. The process is now being implemented for the dewatering of municipal and industrial sludges and, additionally, mining tailings and other waste materials.