Scientific automation: measurement and automation technology in one dynamic system
July 2008Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The Beckhoff EtherCAT terminal has been extended with new I/O terminals that combine maximum performance with maximum accuracy. The EL3602 offers a new generation of high-precision analogue equipment. Measurement readings are sampled with a 24 bit resolution and accuracy within ±0,01%, providing an optimal basis for high-performance and high-precision measurement technology. This seamless integration of measurement technology into the automation solution makes separate specialised components unnecessary.
Beckhoff refers to the integration of engineering functions that reach beyond traditional PLC and motion technologies into the automation software as: ‘scientific automation’. It builds on the ever-increasing performance of PC-based control technology and an ultra fast communication system such as EtherCAT. A prime example of scientific automation is measurement technology, which up to now has been performed by specialised devices for many high performance applications. The EL3602 EtherCAT terminal enables measurement signals to be sampled directly in a standard I/O system. The analogue 2-channel EL3602 input terminal handles signals in the range -10 to +10 V. The voltage is directly digitised, enabling the execution of high-precision measuring tasks, in laboratory and analytical applications, for example.
With XFC terminals (eXtreme Fast Control Technology) for over-sampling and time stamp technology, Beckhoff already offers solutions for maximum performance requirements. The new terminal generation for high-precision measurement technology now offers maximum accuracy.
The high-performance EtherCAT terminal system consists of modular I/O in electronic terminal blocks. The EtherCAT protocol is maintained right down into the individual terminal. An I/O station consists of an EtherCAT Coupler and almost any number of terminals (up to 65 535 devices). Terminals are available for all common digital and analogue signal types encountered in the world of automation. Fieldbus devices, eg, for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus or Lightbus, can be integrated via local fieldbus master/slave terminals. Any Ethernet device can be integrated locally via switch terminals.
Infrared thermometers for electrical, industrial and HVAC applications Comtest
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: Comtest, distributor of Fluke test and measurement equipment, explains how handheld infrared thermometers are transforming maintenance in electrical, industrial and HVAC environments, with three measurement strategies and a wide range of practical applications.
Read more...Reverse-engineering legacy industrial gearbox parts
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WEG Africa’s turbine workshop uses 3D scanning technology to reverse-engineer components for legacy gearboxes, turbines and compressors, enabling equipment to run for decades after OEM support and spare parts have dried up.
Read more...Unlocking ICCP remote monitoring Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Cathodic protection keeps buried and submerged pipelines safe from corrosion, but verifying it traditionally means costly, hazardous manual site visits. Omniflex explains how a retrofit module brings remote monitoring to ageing transformer rectifiers without replacing functional infrastructure.
Read more...Microdieseling – the explosions you never hear
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Microdieseling is a pressure-induced thermal degradation mechanism in which entrained air bubbles are compressed so rapidly that the surrounding oil ignites, producing soot, varnish and sludge. WearCheck explains how it happens, why the damage varies, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...Electrostatic spark discharge – when static strikes back Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how static electricity accumulates in modern low-conductivity lubricants, why compact system designs and fine filtration make ESD more likely, and how to recognise the degradation it leaves behind.
Read more...High-speed cameras for crash testing Horne Technologies
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vision Research has expanded its Phantom C-series with two cameras optimised for crash and safety testing, offering 4 and 8 megapixel sensors rated to 170G, up to 1180 frames per second, and Phantom Academy application training planned for South Africa next year.
Read more...SKF extends remanufacturing expertise to bearing clearance modification SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Using its clearance modification expertise, SKF helped a mining equipment OEM salvage spherical roller bearing inventory that would otherwise have been scrapped, confirming a new capability within its remanufacturing services and avoiding redundant procurement.
Read more...When maintenance-system compliance starts replacing plant reliability Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck ARC division manager, Annemie Willer argues that the greatest threat to effective maintenance is no longer a lack of technology, but the gradual replacement of technical judgement by CMMS compliance, leaving no one owning the machine.
Read more...Economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Beckhoff has launched an economy drive system pairing its new AX1000 servo drive and AM1000 servomotor with the AF1000 dual-axis variable frequency drive on a shared EtherCAT platform, targeting series machines and price-sensitive markets without sacrificing TwinCAT integration or functional safety.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version