August 2020Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Detecting irregularities at an early stage and initiating the necessary measures before a system failure are now made possible by the dashboards and IoT gateway CPX-IOT from Festo. The turnkey, preconfigured dashboards do not need any additional programming or installation of software. The collected data improves operating transparency for production managers and operators.
Further processing and long-term analysis of data takes place in the cloud. Festo dashboards visualise the information gathered to support machine builders and end users in several ways through the visualisation and processing of data. The result is increased productivity through overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), lower costs due to greater energy efficiency and less downtime thanks to comprehensive diagnostics, condition monitoring and improved maintenance. System operators can compare the process control systems of their machines across several locations and identify the potential for saving energy.
Key components for the Internet of Things
The CPX-IOT gateway provides the hardware for communication connections between components and modules in the field, such as the valve terminal CPX/MPA, the energy monitoring module MSE6-E2M or handling systems, to the Festo cloud through the OPC UA interface. CPX-IOT collects information and data on Festo devices and their statuses through an Ethernet-based interface and a standardised communication protocol, such as OPC UA. The data is then sent to the cloud through the second Ethernet connection using IoT protocols. The preconfigured dashboard visualises the appropriate information and spares users tiresome programming work. Suitable IT security mechanisms ensure data security in the process.
Breakthrough in digitalisation
Through the dashboards, Festo is driving digitalisation and supporting its customers to enter the digital age. Festo is also using digital communication to support its customers throughout the Digital Customer Journey, guiding them reliably through the comprehensive portfolio, from information procurement and configuration through ordering and delivery to commissioning and maintenance, or even the technical training offered by Festo Didactic.
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...Nitration: the acid you didn’t see coming Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Nitration is as destructive as oxidation in many engines but far less understood. WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lumley explains how nitrogen oxide gases degrade lubricants, why the process is difficult to detect, and what oil analysis can reveal before damage occurs.
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