News » Product News Software optimises single- or multi-pump systems
The Brazilian motors and controls manufacturer WEG has produced a software package that optimises the operation of pumping systems to make them run more efficiently. The Pump Genius software is designed to cut the operating and maintenance costs of single pumps, or up to six pumps operating in parallel, while increasing process accuracy and protection.
Motors are optimised for use with frequency converters
At next month’s Hannover Fair, Siemens will be launching a family of motors designed specifically for use with frequency converters.
Off-the-shelf linear system will ‘revolutionise’ designs
HepcoMotion, the UK specialist in linear motion systems, has developed a family of off-the-shelf stainless-steel linear and rotary guide systems that, it predicts, will “revolutionise” the design of motion systems for vacuum and extreme-temperature environments.
Tiny incremental encoders ‘avoid compromises’
Renishaw has developed a non-contact optical linear and rotary incremental encoder technology that, it claims, uniquely combines miniaturisation with leading-edge dirt immunity, signal stability and reliability. The design of the Atom encoder is said to avoid the compromises traditionally associated with miniature encoders.
Liquid-cooled converters cut energy and running costs
For the first time, Siemens is offering liquid-cooled active interface modules (AIMs) for its Sinamics S120 low-voltage converters. The modules cover the voltage range 500–690V, and have a 1.7MW power rating.
Shaft-mounted pinions are easy to install
Stober has introduced a range of shaft-mounted pinions for rack applications with a mounting system that is said to allow simple engagement and setting of the pinion location.
Test tools are designed to be used near VSDs
The thermal imaging specialist Flir has announced the first in a series of premium test and measurement tools designed to complement its Extech brand, which will continue to serve the mass market. The first six T&M products to carry the Flir brand include clampmeters and digital multimeters designed to be used in electrically noisy environments near variable speed drives (VSDs).
Device can detect malware on Siemens PLCs
The German remote maintenance specialist MB Connect Line has developed what is claimed to be the world’s first device that can detect viruses and malware, such as Stuxnet, on Siemens S7 PLCs.
PID controllers handle a variety of inputs
Red Lion Controls has announced a range of PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers that provide tight, reliable control over variables such as temperature, flow and pressure, from one model. The PXU series controllers have large, easy-to-read displays and are available in 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN sizes.
Electronic breaker protects groups of loads up to 16A
The German circuit protection specialist E-T-A Circuit Breakers has announced an electronic overcurrent protection product that provides selective disconnection of 24V DC loads in automation systems. The 12.5mm-wide 16A ESX10-TB circuit-breaker is claimed to be the first device capable of protecting groups of loads with a total current of up to 16A using a single circuit protector, thus cutting costly downtime and danger to production line personnel.
Software sets functions of versatile vision sensor
The German sensor-maker wenglor has announced a configurable image-processing sensor that can be used to read 1D or 2D codes, to track objects in 3D, or to operate as a smart camera. The company claims that the compact weCube device incorporates components – such as LED illumination and a choice of communication interfaces – that are external components on other vision systems.
Distributed drives integrate with geared motors
Siemens is pushing forward with its Integrated Drives Systems theme with several developments that it plans to unveil at the Hannover Fair in April. For example, it will launch a distributed inverter designed to be used as a motor-integrated inverter for its Simogear geared motors, and will present a series of integrated geared motors with planetary gearboxes.
Electric linear actuators ‘have the highest power density’
Thomson Industries has announced a new generation of precision electric linear actuators for continuous-duty applications which, it claims, offer the highest power density in their class. It adds that the PC series actuators offer many advantages over traditional pneumatic linear actuators, including simpler machine designs, reduced maintenance, higher performance and much lower energy costs.
Electronic breakers can switch eight loads individually
The German transformer and power supply specialist Block has developed a pair of electronically operated circuit-breakers for 24V DC circuits which can switch individual circuits selectively via only two lines, and perform diagnostics. It says that the Power Mini and Power Compact breakers can be integrated into control and monitoring processes at low cost to improve the switching of high-capacity loads and to open up new protection possibilities.
Logic modules add Ethernet ports and Web servers
At the Hannover Fair in April, Siemens will be unveiling a new generation of its Logo! logic modules, with built-in Ethernet ports and Web servers. The Logo! 8 modules, which replace the current series 6 and 7 devices, are said to be smaller and easier to use, with new functions for remote operation and access, and will offer more digital and analogue I/O as well as improved price-to-performance ratios. The range includes eight new core modules and a variety of add-on devices.
