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July News in Brief

01 July, 2011

♦  Advantech claims it has launched the first fully functional Scada client app for Apple iPhones and iPads. Its WebAccess terminal client app is a cutdown version of the full browser version, and allows users to check equipment when they are away from a PC. It can show alarms and the current status of dynamic elements, as well as reading and writing tag values. Trends can be monitored on real-time, zoom-able graphs. The free app can be downloaded from the App Store.

♦  The International Society of Automation (ISA) has launched a social media site called ISA Interchange, which will host articles, news, blogs and streaming video, to which visitors can post comments and start conversations. ISA says the service integrates social networking tools with automation resources. It also offers RSS feed subscription and email notification of updates.

♦  Micro-Epsilon has developed “the worlds first laser triangulation sensor technology to use blue lasers”. Unlike red lasers, the blue versions do not penetrate the measured object. They generate a lower intensity laser spot on the surface, allowing stable, precise measurements of targets that red lasers have trouble measuring. The technology is ideal for measurements on hot, glowing metals and for organic materials such as food and wood.

♦  Control Techniques has announced that its Commander SK AC drives will in future be given conformal coatings as standard for enhanced protection when installed in IP54 or better enclosures. The coating will give extra protection against moisture, dust and chemical ingress as well as temperature extremes, enhancing product life and preventing or delaying electronic failures. The coating enhancement will start with smaller drives (up to 7.5kW) in September and will be extended across the whole range by October.

♦  Bosch Rexroth has adapted some of its hydraulic components for use up to 6km below sea level. The enhancements include pressure compensation and corrosion protection. To evaluate the adapted components, it has developed a subsea test system using a waterproof motor and pump assembly to drive an axial piston motor and hydraulic cylinder.

♦  The Canadian-based OPC Training Institute has released a diagnostic tool that allows users to diagnose communication and security problems on automation systems, and to repair them instantly at the press of a button. The wizard-based OPC Rescue tool is designed to be used with any brand of OPC application. It does not need installation or DCOM configuration. It provides reports on all settings affecting OPC communications, and outlines any security risks.

♦  Invensys Operations Management has released a smartphone app that delivers plant data and reports to Apple or Blackberry phones (and soon also to Android and Microsoft 7 phones). The SmartGlance app allows plant personnel to view current operating data anywhere via the “cloud”. It uses the phones’ touchscreen navigation to view and manipulate reports and graphs.




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