Combined PLC+HMI increases display size and I/O options
IDEC Corp. has expanded its SmartAXIS touch family with the new FT2J Series combined PLC+HMI (programmable logic controller+human-machine interface) (FIG. 1). A compact all-in-one form factor combines built-in full function controller features and functions, both onboard and expandable input/output (I/O), and an advanced technology 7-in. touchscreen display, providing many advantages for a wide variety of industries.
An all-in-one PLC+HMI is compact and consumes far less panel space than separate units. Because the PLC and HMI are internally connected, require only one power supply and share the same network connection, installation is simplified. The FT2J is ready to use and communicate right out of the box, and end users perform configuration with an intuitive and easy-to-use integrated development environment for both PLC and HMI functions, cutting configuration and programming time.
The integrated PLC and HMI each have their own dedicated CPU and user memory for optimized scan time performance, and they communicate natively with each other. Built-in I/O includes 14 points of direct current (DC) discrete inputs (five configurable as high-speed counters), and four points of analog inputs (configurable as 0-10VDC or 4-20mA). A relay version provides eight points of relay outputs, while transistor versions provide six points sinking or six points sourcing of discrete outputs (four configurable as pulse outputs) and two points of 0-10VDC or 4-20mA analog outputs.
The FT2J supports up to two expansion cartridges of discrete or analog I/O, with a number of options offered including a two-point RTD/thermocouple analog input version. All analog inputs and outputs are 12-bit resolution.
Industrial-grade HMI design. The HMI’s projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology—similar to what is used for smartphones and tablets—saves space and improves performance. Besides being water- and scratch-resistant, the PCAP is responsive and provides a high tolerance to resist false signals when dirt or water droplets are present on the face of the HMI. Fewer layers and better light transmission ratings mean less backlight power is needed, and the display provides an industry-leading 500 cd/m² brightness level and 50,000-hr backlight life. A small bezel provides the greatest possible display area compared with the installation footprint, and the entire package requires only a shallow mounting depth clearance. In addition to being multi-touch, users can interact with the touch HMI while using thin gloves.
Durable performance. The glass-top design is wear resistant and delivers a long life, even in harsh environments. A battery-free design using a hyper-capacitor, and a long 50,000-hr rated backlight life, makes these units low maintenance. Ratings for extreme temperatures from –20°C to 55˚C, IP66 and IP67 for wash-down areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL60101, UL Type 4X/12/13, and Class I Div 2 mean the FT2J PLC+HMI can be used in a wide range of applications and locations.
Flexible configuration. All PLC and HMI configuration is accessed through IDEC’s standard WindOI-NV4 software, which is easy-to-use and intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface and extensive image library. Projects can automatically be converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. Script programming, PIDD loop control, multilingual capabilities, security, trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other functions and features are supported for both the HMI and the PLC.
Connectivity. Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer—along with dongles for speakers, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The embedded ethernet port provides users with easy access for remote maintenance and communication as well as Modbus TCP protocols and other intelligent devices. The built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and also allow the FT2J to communicate with other serial devices like barcode readers or temperature controllers.
Communications and IIoT. Many communication options are available for users to create automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions incorporating multiple industrial protocols, the FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/text messaging, iOS and Android apps, and custom web pages.
An adaptable PLC+HMI solution. The IDEC FT2J 7-in. touchscreen PLC+HMI uses modern technologies, an optimal display size and an efficiently sized form factor, making it the ideal solution for industrial applications that simply do not have available space or I/O content to justify larger and more complex individual HMI and PLC installations. The FT2J is ideal for many laboratory, commercial and industrial applications throughout industries like oil and gas, food and beverage, consumer packaged goods and agriculture. Designers of test equipment, HVAC systems, pump controls, remote wells and booster stations, and other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) machines and process skids are finding the FT2J to be the best fit as a control and visualization solution.
As with all its products, IDEC offers free tech support for the FT2J 7-in. HMI, with no service or support contract required.
For more information, visit us.idec.com/c/FT2J_Series.
Flowmeter solution delivers reliable, accurate measurement in challenging applications
Emerson has released the Rosemount™ 9195 Wedge Flowmeter, a fully integrated solution consisting of a wedge primary sensor element, supporting components, and a selectable Rosemount pressure transmitter (FIG. 2). The new meter’s unique flexible design is ideal for measuring process fluids with a wide range of demanding characteristics in various heavy industry applications, including oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, metals and mining, renewable fuels, pulp and paper, and others.
Measuring volumetric flow accurately and reliably can be very difficult in applications where the process liquid is highly viscous, extremely abrasive, prone to plugging, at high temperature, or a combination of these conditions. In applications with low ambient temperatures, hot process media or a combination of both, heat tracing is often required, necessitating the supply of electrical power and creating a maintenance-intensive single point of failure.
The Rosemount 9195 Wedge Flowmeter addresses these and other common measurement challenges with its unique design. The wedge element itself has no small passages that could plug due to entrained particles, and it is abrasion-resistant due to the shallow approach angle of the process liquid and the lack of critical sharp edges. Highly viscous liquids are measured accurately due to the linear response of the meter, even at low Reynolds numbers.
The sensor’s operating temperature range is –40°F to 1,000°F (–40°C to 538°C), and the meter is available with Emerson’s Rosemount 3051S Thermal Range Expander to measure hot or viscous liquids, without the need for heat tracing.
Two-way digital connections from the selected pressure transmitter to a host, such as a distributed control or an asset management system, can be made via 4-20 mA HART®, WirelessHART®, FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus, Modbus® or BSAP/MVS. Depending on the selected transmitter, a wide range of process variables can be sent to host systems for process control and monitoring, diagnostics, and other purposes.
Application flexibility is provided with three sensor/transmitter connection styles:
To simplify ordering and ensure the correct remote seal system is specified, five optional application packages—including standard, abrasive, ultra-high process temperature, cold environment and remote mount—are available for the sensor element.
Available line sizes for the sensor are 2-in. to 8-in. (50 mm–200 mm). All wetted materials are 316L stainless steel, and the meter complies with ASME B31.3 and CRN safety standards. Additional materials and sizes can be accommodated upon request.
To learn more, visit www.Emerson.com/Rosemount-Wedge.
Economical, environmentally friendly hydraulic fluid for dirty, wet or unpredictable environments
Renewable Lubricants has introduced ultimately biodegradable Bio-Fleet™ Hydraulic Fluids, which perform like synthetics but are economical enough for frequent oil change environments due to contaminants.
These patented formulations meet or exceed common performance protocols, including Vickers M-2950-S, Vickers 1-286-5, U.S. Steel 126 and U.S. Steel 127. Its anti-wear performance meets requirements for Vickers 35VQ-25 and V-104C (ASTM D-2882) vane pumps stand tests and exceeds DIN 51524 Part 2 and 3 (HLP/HVLP) load stage 10 recommended for vane, piston and gear pumps. The hydraulic fluids are highly inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and sea water, and are ideal for hydraulic equipment operating outside where high moisture and dusty environments are prominent. Formulated to perform in hydraulic systems that require anti-wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, anti-foam and demulsibility properties, these proven hydraulic fluids are available in ISO 22, ISO 32, ISO 46 and ISO 68 weights to suit a wide range of fleet, marine, and industrial applications such as vane, piston and gear pumps.
Bio-Fleet Hydraulic Fluids meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 21013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) and should be used in hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability and non-bioaccumulation properties are required. They are safer for both the environment and the employees working with and around them. They also have a significantly higher flash point than traditional hydraulic fluids, so they are much safer around hot running equipment.
With oxidation performance comparable to full synthetics, this is one of the safest hydraulic fluids for the environment. The super high viscosity index (VI) fluids are proven in systems up to 10,000 psi and in systems with ultra-fine filtration. To ensure performance and long life, Renewable Lubricants developed the stringent IsoGreen filtration standard that meets or exceeds the Rexroth pump guidelines for hydraulic fluids. The non-toxic, zinc-free formulations contain no heavy metals. In addition to enhancing performance, Renewable Lubricants helps companies achieve their sustainability goals. The fluids are ideal for use in all types of hydraulic systems, including pumps, OEM equipment, trash compactors, collection vehicles, balers, compactors and shredders.
With a higher VI than synthetics (energy conserving formulas), Bio-Fleet Hydraulic Fluids have improved thermal shear stability and increased load capacity. Their extremely low volatility increases the flash and fire safety features, making them safer to use. A direct replacement for mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids, they are ideal for hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability and non-bioaccumulation properties are required.
With patented antioxidants (Stabilized™*), these bio-synthetics provide improved performance in oxidation stability over standard plant/vegetable/[hydraulic environmental triglycerides (HETG)]- and unsaturated hydraulic environmental ester oil synthetic (HEES)-type fluids. They are highly inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and sea water, and pass A and B sequences of the ASTM D-665 turbine oil rust test. They also provide excellent water separation, as shown in the ASTM D-1401 demulsibility test. Formulated to provide a longer seal life with reduced oil leakage, this environmentally friendly, zinc-free product meets or exceeds high-pressure pump requirements.
Very little wear was encountered in field studies and in accelerated pump tests using biobased formulations in Denison T-5D, Vickers 20VQ, 35VQ-25 (M-2950-S), and V-104C (ASTM D-2882), Vickers I-286-S pump stand tests, and pressures and temperatures ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 psi and from 150°F–210°F. Anti-wear performance exceeds requirements for U.S. Steel 126, 136 and 127, load stage 10 in the FZG (DIN 51354) and GM (LS-2).
For more information, visit www.RenewableLube.com.
New hydraulic battery-powered pump series
Power Team (a brand of SPX FLOW) has released its latest pump series designed to meet a variety of applications where portability is a must. The new PB43 Series hydraulic battery-powered pump offers a high flow, long battery life and a wide range of valve configurations.
The PB43 Series Pump meets an array of high-pressure tool applications requiring durability and performance, including the construction; maintenance, repair and operations (MRO); and transportation sectors. It is highly flexible based on the user’s needs” it is a suitable replacement for electric, gas or air-powered configurations, and offers high working flows at the users’ choice of pressure per square inch (psi).
Designed for lifting, lowering, spreading, nut splitting, bending, cutting and crimping, the PB43 Series pump (FIG. 3) provides power, performance, portability and safety, featuring:
To learn more, visit: https://www.info.spxflow.com/en-us/power-team-pb43.
New propane dehydrogenation catalyst
Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, has launched CATOFIN 312, its latest propane dehydrogenation catalyst. The new catalyst delivers greater selectivity and up to 20% longer life. Thanks to its increased productivity, a typical 600,000-tpy propane dehydrogenation (PDH) facility could realize up to $20 MM in additional profits over the life of the catalyst, providing a compelling value proposition for customers seeking to maximize returns.
Together with Clariant’s digital service portal CLARITY™, customers can further improve catalyst-related plant performance with 24/7 access to their real-time catalyst performance data, advanced visualization, analysis and monitoring tools. The service is offered across all Clariant catalyst applications, and has helped optimize plant performance parameters regarding efficiency, sustainability and safety.
CATOFIN is a globally-leading catalyst technology for producing olefins such as propylene, isobutylene and butylene/butadiene. Due to its excellent productivity and high reliability, CATOFIN technology has been chosen for numerous PDH plants worldwide. The CATOFIN process combines Clariant’s tailor-made catalysts and heat generating material with Lummus’s advanced process and is among the fastest growing technologies for producing propylene. Since 2017, CATOFIN has been selected for 40 new projects around the world.
Learn more, visit propane dehydrogenation. HP