Enhanced control system software to increase operational agility
Emerson, an industrial technology leader delivering advanced automation solutions, has further expanded its DeltaV™ Automation Platform with the DeltaV version 15 Feature Pack 3 update for its distributed control system (DCS). New capabilities in Feature Pack 3 help users improve the availability of ethernet-based field device networks through PROFINET system redundancy. Feature pack enhancements improve users’ ability to track changes and produce validation reports for version control both internally and for regulating authorities. In addition, new simulation enhancements continue to improve training options to upskill workforces more easily (FIG. 1).
The latest DeltaV release is a continuation of the evolution toward a software-defined automation system integrating proven technologies to deliver increased flexibility for adapting to an increasingly complex operating environment. With DeltaV version 15 Feature Pack 3, users now have access to the infrastructure for the highly anticipated IQ controller, a fault-tolerant, modular, software-defined controller deployed in a server-based environment performant for even the most demanding process control applications.
DeltaV PK Controller now supports S2 system redundancy for increased resilience during controller switchovers. Additionally, PK Controller’s support for PROFINET S2 devices can accommodate process changes more easily, empowering production personnel to deliver quality improvements and production increases.
Feature Pack 3 also adds version control for DeltaV Live, providing modern change management and audit trail solutions most relevant for DeltaV installations in highly regulated manufacturing segments. Users can check graphics in and out for customization, intuitively analyze who made changes to graphics and other human-machine interface elements and identify why changes were made. Additionally, version control reports can be customized and easily exported for audit documentation.
Enhancements to the DeltaV Simulate training and development suite in Feature Pack 3 improve virtual machine controller-based simulation capabilities for easy offline development and testing, as well as for effective operator training. With new “save and restore” snapshot functionality, instructors can enhance the training experience by showing operators how different choices impact operations.
For more information, visit DeltaV v15 FP3 | Emerson US.
Portable borescopes and accessory kits support the safe transport of thermal imagers
LAND®, a business of AMETEK Inc. and a global leader in industrial infrared temperature measurement, has released its portable borescope accessory kits, enabling advanced thermal imaging in a wider range of applications, including hydrocarbon processing and reformers.
Portable borescopes are critical for accurate and reliable spot temperature measurements, and safe transportation of this equipment is vital.
The Light Portable Furnace Thermal Imaging System (FIG. 2) is an essential part of an engineer’s toolkit. It has front and rear handles for ease of use, an air purge sheath with a quick-release fitting for connection of the air hose, a high-powered rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a front shield for protection of both the operator and imager. The system is stored in a high-grade industrial pelicase, which has been proven by extensive drop testing, to ensure safe and secure transport of the borescope and its key components.
Suitable for use with all LAND borescope cameras, the kit has been proven in many applications, including steam methane reforming (SMR), ethylene crackers, cokers and hydro treaters.
Unlike traditional thermal imagers, the LAND borescope has an extended length, which allows a better view of the upper section of the furnace, providing better data through safer operation. The kit also comes with a high-specification tablet that is pre-installed with ImagePro that provides an instant view of the process and allows for short, recorded videos.
Easy to manage and simple to operate, Cyclops L portable non-contact pyrometers provide precise temperature measurements in multiple locations and verify online pyrometer readings. The pyrometer is designed for one-handed use, which increases safety in hostile environments, by allowing the operator to use their spare hand for support.
With several models available for the specific process challenges of liquid metal, high temperature, medium temperature and furnace applications, Cyclops L provide highly accurate temperature measurements for a range of industries, including glass, hydrocarbon processing, industrial processing and steel industries.
For more information, visit https://www.ametek-land.com/products.
Successful completion of world’s first industrial deployment of CycloneCC
Carbon Clean has successfully completed the world’s first industrial deployment of CycloneCC. The modular unit has achieved the major milestone of around 4,000 operating hr over a 6-mos period, moving CycloneCC to Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL 7). Note: TRLs are a measurement system for assessing the maturity level of evolving technologies. Carbon Clean has adopted the TRL definitions provided by the International Energy Agency Greenhouse Gas (IEAGHG) R&D program.
CycloneCC has been operating continuously, delivering a high-purity carbon dioxide (CO2) product, which exceeds the projected target and meets Fertiglobe’s CO2 purity requirements.
System validation has confirmed that the industrial demonstration unit can now be further scaled up and commercialized.
The mobile CycloneCC unit (FIG. 3) was installed onsite in < 1 wk at Fertiglobe’s nitrogen fertilizer plant in the Al Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi—a record for the carbon capture sector. The CO2 captured from a reformer flue gas stack has been used by Fertiglobe in urea production.
CycloneCC is Carbon Clean’s breakthrough modular technology, which provides a viable alternative to conventional carbon capture plants. Process intensification reduces mass transfer equipment by a factor of 10, decreasing the overall footprint by up to 50%. The combination of rotating packed beds (RPBs) and Carbon Clean’s proprietary amine-promoted buffer salt APBS-CDRMax solvent increases the efficiency of the carbon capture process while delivering extremely high performance.
For more information, visit Carbon Capture Technology Company | Carbon Clean.
Electronics housings for sensor and IoT/IIoT applications
The new Monitoring Case System (MCS), shown in FIG. 4, from Phoenix Contact is a flexible housing series designed for sensor, Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications. The wall-, pole- and DIN rail-mountable enclosure allows fast and easy printed circuit board (PCB) installation, mounting and maintenance.
IP65 and IP67 variants protect electronics in harsh environments, while a more affordable IP40-rated option is available for less demanding applications. An IK07 rating ensures the housings can withstand a 2-joule impact from 20 cm high.
With its angled, clamshell housing edge design, the MCS can accommodate PCBs in either or both half-shells to increase board capacity and facilitate multiple connection directions. Optional hinges make device installation and maintenance more convenient. Once the hinges are installed, the housing fans open. The cover remains connected, while the technician’s hands stay free. This reduces the chance of dropping expensive electronics during maintenance.
Designers can maximize brand impact with a variety of covers, sizes and colors. The combination of standard components, optional accessories and a comprehensive portfolio of connection technology creates a wide range of application solutions. Custom printing, marking and mechanical processing options are also available.
For more information, visit https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/electronics-housings/field-housings/mcs-empty-enclosure.
The next evolution in AI-empowered process manufacturing
Global software developer eschbach, the provider of the Shiftconnector® enterprise manufacturing platform for process manufacturing, has unveiled a powerful new chat feature within its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant, SAMI® (Shiftconnector Artificial Manufacturing Intelligence). The new chat capability allows users to interact with their operations’ data in natural language, unlocking real-time, context-aware insights to support faster troubleshooting, smarter decision-making and seamless access to historical knowledge.
As an embedded AI assistant, SAMI captures institutional knowledge and transforms plant data into actionable insights—right within the Shiftconnector platform. With the new chat feature, manufacturing employees no longer need to navigate complex interfaces or dig through reports to find data. Instead, they can simply ask questions in natural language, just like talking to a colleague. For example, a team member might ask, “What happened on the last shift?” and receive a clear, contextual summary of key events and actions taken. Follow-up questions like “What was done to resolve the issue on Line 2?” or “What’s the recommended next step?” are answered just as easily, drawing from both historical records and plant-specific knowledge.
The new chat capability in SAMI represents the next evolution of eschbach’s AI-powered capabilities within the Shiftconnector platform, building on the foundation of Smart Search and Smart Solutions. Smart Search allows users to quickly find relevant information across shift notes, maintenance records and other data sources using natural language queries, saving time and eliminating the frustration of traditional keyword-based search. Smart Solutions goes a step further, using machine-learning to identify potential root causes of recurring issues and suggest proven remedies based on past actions. Now, with SAMI’s chat feature, these capabilities bring together in a conversational format using Generative AI (GenAI), allowing users to interact dynamically with their data. It is a more intuitive, flexible and powerful way to access the information and institutional knowledge that drive smarter decisions and faster problem-solving.
According to the company, what sets SAMI apart is its deep integration with the plant environment. Trained on industry- and site-specific data, SAMI understands the language, workflows and context of process manufacturing, making it especially powerful for industries like chemical and pharmaceutical production, where accuracy, traceability and speed are essential.
This new chat capability reflects eschbach’s alignment with the principles of Industry 5.0: bringing people and technology together to create smarter, safer and more human-centric process manufacturing environments.
SAMI represents an exciting step forward in the application of AI in process manufacturing, serving as a trusted companion—not a replacement—for manufacturing teams. By streamlining access to relevant data and reducing the burden of manual tasks, SAMI empowers workers, enhances decision-making and contributes to a more efficient, informed and engaged workforce.
For more information, visit www.eschbach.com.
Remote communication with HART field devices
Moore Industries has announced a significant feature update for the HES HART to Ethernet Gateway System, introducing HART Tunneling, which enables remote communication with HART field devices. This new feature allows seamless bi-directional HART data transmission between PC-based HART software applications and HES connected field devices (FIG. 5) over Ethernet.
HART Tunneling with the HES permits users to send, read and write HART commands remotely with any HART-capable software application, such as PACTware or an asset management system, through the HES without requiring physical access to field instruments. Acting as a gateway, the HES facilitates seamless HART communication between Ethernet and twisted pair networks, simplifying the configuration, monitoring and diagnostics of remote HART devices.
Unlike costly and complex HART multiplexer systems, the HES now offers a simple and cost-effective approach for connecting to just one or a few critical remote HART devices over a facility’s local or remote Ethernet infrastructure.
Key features of HES HART Tunneling include:
Seamless integration—Direct communication from PC-based HART software applications to field devices over Ethernet networks.
Enhanced accessibility—Remote configuration and diagnostics monitoring of HART field devices from a control room or offsite location.
Security measures—A security jumper on the HES enables or disables HART Tunneling to address cybersecurity concerns.
No additional cost—All new HES units include the HART Tunneling feature at no extra charge. The firmware on previously supplied HES units can be upgraded to include the HART Tunneling feature.
To utilize HART Tunneling with the HES, a Virtual Serial Port (VSP) software application is required to create a bridge between the HART PC-based software application and the HES.
For more information, visit www.miinet.com/HES. HP