Upgraded motor protection analyzer measures, analyzes and reports critical performance information
The automation experts at ATC Diversified Electronics, maker of devices for automation, motor protection, process monitoring and power quality, have introduced the new MPA2 motor protection analyzer. MPA2 is a micro-controlled, three-phase motor protection analyzer specifically designed to protect electric loads and motors from failure and damage due to common current and voltage faults.
The new MPA2 (FIG. 1) has some major upgrades over the original version. New features include a two-line, 16-character LCD display for greater specificity and higher-quality information; four front panel push buttons for operation/protection; standard RS485 Modbus RTU communication protocol; flexible DIN rail or surface mounting options; a UL94V0 enclosure material; and access to a wide variety of reports, all at a lower cost than the original.
Protecting an investment in machinery is critical to all functions of an organization, as maximized uptime impacts profits, quality and customer satisfaction. A reliable, cost-effective method of monitoring motor health—and deactivating power before a potential problem becomes catastrophic—is a necessity.
The MPA2 constantly supervises current and voltage values. When any harmful condition occurs, the output connection is deactivated until the fault disappears, power line conditions return to an acceptable level, and the motor has been completely cooled.
The MPA2 measures, analyzes and reports critical information such as current, voltage, frequency, power factor (PF), reactive power (KVA), real power (kW), and energy consumption (kWh). Charting performance history enables a more-informed scheduling of future maintenance.
For more information, go to MPA2 motor protection analyzer.
New dry rotary vane vacuum pumps
A modern vacuum technology must convince users in their everyday operations with features such as sustainability, performance and ergonomics. Atlas Copco has developed its new DVS vacuum pump series (FIG. 2) with a focus on this requirement profile. The result: the DVS models are oil-free, dry rotary vane pumps that guarantee emissions-free, quiet operation and do not contaminate the processes.
The dry rotary vane vacuum pumps are ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including packaging and pneumatic conveying processes, medical systems and analytical equipment, as well as in pick and place for several automated industries. In these work processes, the dry rotary vane pumps offer their users specific advantages: the DVS models are quiet, low-wear and energy-saving, and take up very little space. They are ideal for applications in which high efficiency must be achieved at competitive costs.
This is achieved by the proven functional principle of the rotary vane pump and by the use of robust materials. For example, a rotor with graphite blades rotates inside the DVS pumps. The centrifugal forces press the vanes against the inside of the housing wall and hermetically seal the chamber for a safe, uninterrupted operating vacuum. Due to the high-quality graphite alloy, the vacuum can be generated with minimal friction losses.
The efficient pump mechanism and the design ensure minimal wear; in turn, this leads to long maintenance intervals and easy servicing of the DVS. In addition, the vacuum pumps are designed for maximum operating times. The temperature management also contributes to this: to reduce the temperature of the discharged air, the exhaust air is passed through an air cooler.
The DVS series is also equipped with an inlet filter, non-return valve, exhaust silencer, a noise-containing canopy and an energy-efficient IE3 electric motor. The interaction of these components forms the technological basis for a reliable pump with maximum vacuum performance and lower lifecycle costs. The dry rotary vane vacuum pumps of the DVS series are available with a nominal suction volume flow of 5 m3/hr–140 m3/hr and an ultimate vacuum of up to 120 mbar(a)–150 mbar(a). For higher flowrates, the company recommends its dry claw vacuum pumps and systems of the DZS series.
Important advantages include:
For more information, go to https://www.atlascopco.com/en-us/vacuum-solutions.
New ball valve series improves throughput and emissions control
ITT Engineered Valves has launched the Cam-Tite® Ball Valve GV Series, an innovative valve solution designed as a direct dimensional and upgraded replacement for severe service applications. The GV Series (FIG. 3) utilizes advanced sealing technology to isolate and contain highly hazardous liquids and gases to protect the safety of operators and prevent fugitive emissions.
The GV Series offers an easy-to-operate and easy-to-maintain valve solution for processing ammonia, hydrofluoric acid, chlorine, ethylene oxide, phosgene, radiated media, oxygen, steam and numerous other applications, and is available in all the same pressure classes and valve materials as the brand’s current Cam-Tite portfolio. In addition to providing superior valve solutions, as verified through third-party safety and performance testing, the new product line offers global customers:
The new product line announcement follows an important milestone achieved by Engineered Valves’ Cam-Tite Top Entry Ball Valves line: it earned a Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 Capable certification to IEC 61508 in compliance with International Electrotechnical Commission standards. It also passed several advanced testing standards for fire safety, harsh conditions, and fugitive emissions prevention, including API 607, API 598, ANSI/FCI 70-2, API 622, EPA Method 21, ISO 15848, ASME B31.3 Category M, NACE Standard MR01-75, and Chlorine Institute Pamphlet 6.
For more information on the Cam-Tite GV Series, visit www.engvalves.com.
Improved photoelectric sensors boost performance and capabilities
IDEC Corp. has introduced the SA2E general-purpose photoelectric (PE) sensor family, in five major models, each improving on or replacing proven SA1E products. A new ASIC, common to the entire offering, provides a significantly improved price/performance ratio, while delivering better response times and more capable detection.
SA2E PE sensors (FIG. 4) are offered in five major variations:
The SA2E sensors generally improve response times to 0.5 msec (milliseconds)—compared with 1 msec for previous generation models—for better detection of smaller and faster moving objects. Sensors are switchable between “light-on” and “dark-on” operating modes, and applicable models have an on-board sensitivity or range adjustment potentiometer. Depending on the model, sensing distances can range up to 20 m for through-beam, up to 5 m for retro-reflective, and between 10 mm and 1,000 mm for other reflective models. Tighter beams and more adjustability help designers deploy the sensors in a greater variety of applications.
Electrically, the control output is connectable as an NPN/PNP open collector with output reverse-polarity protection. The devices consume very low current on the order of 20 mA–35 mA, at supply voltages of 12 VDC–24 VDC, with the ability to switch up to a maximum of 100 mA. Designers can choose models with cables or on-board M8 connectors for use with straight and right-angle cables.
SA2E PE sensors are extremely compact at 10.8 mm × 19.5 mm × 31.5 mm, and various mounting brackets are available. Sensors are built to operate in a wide range of temperatures from –30°C to 55°C, and an optional air blower allows stable detection, even in dusty or misty environments.
IDEC SA2E PE sensors provide a superior price/performance detection option for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) machinery, material handling equipment, freight elevators, automated guided vehicles, robotics, pick-and-place systems, packaging machines, and many other types of applications.
IDEC also offers a wide variety of other complementary control and automation products to help users best meet their requirements. As with all its products, IDEC provides free tech support for its SA2E series PE sensors. For more information, go to https://lp.idec.com/SA2E-Miniature-US.html.
Sustainable actuation solutions with zero-emissions electro-hydraulic package
Automation Technology Inc. (ATI), a leading provider of customized and comprehensive valve automation solutions, has launched its Zero Emission Electro-Hydraulic actuator solution to eliminate the carbon footprint of pipeline operations.
The Zero Emission Electro-Hydraulic package (FIG. 5) provides a comprehensive solution to lower emissions without requiring pipeline gas as the actuator’s primary power supply. Pipeline actuators have previously relied on using the gas from the pipeline as a power source, which is then emitted into the atmosphere. With ATI’s self-contained Zero Emission Electro-Hydraulic solution, the power source is attached to the actuator in a compact suite.
Available in spring-return or double-acting configurations, the Zero Emission Electro-Hydraulic package can be mounted directly to the valve via flange or custom adaptation. The pump, motor, reservoir limit switches, solenoids and positioners are mounted to the actuator. In remote locations where power is unavailable, ATI provides solar power systems to run the systems required by the customer. ATI also provides a skid-mounted hydraulic power unit for larger operations, enabling power for multiple actuators simultaneously.
For more information, go to www.atiactuators.com.
Enhanced perimeter defense solution simplifies DCS network security
Emerson, a global software and engineering leader, is improving perimeter security for the DeltaV™ distributed control system (DCS) with its new NextGen Smart Firewall (FIG. 6), a purpose-built control system firewall designed to provide easy-to-install and easy-to-maintain perimeter security for all industries. More ruggedized construction, increased bandwidth and role-based access provide users with increased performance and more granular access control.
Manufacturers must secure their networks without complexity that would otherwise add administrative overhead to already busy operations teams. Emerson’s NextGen Smart Firewall features a user-friendly HTML5 web-based user interface, easy-to-understand setup menus and pre-defined DeltaV application rules. The ease of use helps DeltaV administrators and control engineers with no security or information technology (IT) expertise create secure connections for DeltaV applications.
Emerson’s NextGen Smart Firewall delivers intuitive setup and interfaces to provide plants with access to a much wider array of technologies—from control, to reliability, to sustainability and more—without the need to maintain a dedicated IT presence.
Gigabit connections support improved performance for applications that require higher bandwidth, and its rugged construction is well-suited for harsh manufacturing environments. Emerson’s NextGen Smart Firewall’s advanced features include:
To learn more, go to the DeltaV NextGen Smart Firewall webpage. HP