A conversation, rather than just talking back
First Quarter 2007
Other technologies
When CBI-electric: low voltage introduced the new World Super AE Air Circuit Breaker (AE-SW) it was modestly described as the ACB that 'talks back'. In reality, the availability of plug-in modules from Mitsubishi Electric takes this 'talking back' to full communication. Its interface modules make communication possible between the ACB and PLC/SCADA systems and a central remote PC via the main open networking systems such as PROFIBUS, CC-Link (Asia Open standard) and Modbus.
Importantly, it is possible to get information from the ACB to a PLC, PC or HMI so the supervising engineer can manage the system remotely. The engineer can see the current, voltage, power, watt losses and earth leakage current, for complete energy management. It is also possible to establish if the ACB is on or off and if it is 'racked out' or 'racked in' and switch the ACB on and off remotely. It can communicate with other MCCBs across the various networks.
In a large plant with a number of different substations of say, 10 ACBs, all are able to communicate with each other and in turn communicate with one central point. The engineering manager therefore has access, at a central location, to all information that each section engineer receives from each of the ACBs.
Previously, if a unit went down, one had to go to it and look at the diagnostics on the display screen where details of the last 10 trips were displayed. A further enhancement is that now the supervisor can establish remotely whether the unit has tripped because of a short circuit, overload or dead short circuit, and the history is available in trend.
CBI-electric: low voltage is the sub-Saharan distributor of the Mitsubishi Electric range of automation products. This range includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), variable speed drives (VSDs), servo drives and Mitsubishi motor control equipment. A qualified team of sales engineers is able to advise customers and supply back-up support and service.
For more information contact Ettienne Delport, CBI-electric: low voltage, +27 (0)11 928 2000, www.cbi-electric.com
Further reading:
Oil monitoring solution drives performance gains for paper mill
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
By integrating real-time monitoring with precise flow control, SKF’s Flowline oil monitor meters have significantly improved the flow rate control and performance of oil circulation lubrication systems installed on a paper mill.
Read more...
The Konecranes portal, a benchmark in data supply
Other technologies
The newly launched Konecranes Portal takes online communications to the next level through its single point of access to its digital customer platforms
Read more...
Ultra-compact industrial PCs exploit advances in CPU technology
Beckhoff Automation
Other technologies
Beckhoff’s C60xx scalable series of ultra-compact industrial PCs combines high computing power in an extremely compact format with a wide range of options for installation in the control cabinet.
Read more...
Anti-wear additives – the metal guardians in your oil
Other technologies
Anti-wear additives are used to protect against wear and the loss of metal surfaces during mixed-film and boundary-film lubrication.
Read more...
OMRON simplifies safety verification for SA manufacturers
Omron Electronics
Other technologies
OMRON’s NX Safety platform, Online Safety Functional Test Verification is a feature built into the Sysmac Studio engineering environment. This intuitive tool allows safety verification to be carried out digitally, with step-by-step guidance and full traceability, all from a single workstation.
Read more...
Condition monitoring in hazardous areas
SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF is further strengthening its condition monitoring offer portfolio by a newly developed hazardous area version of its Microlog Analyzer dBX portable vibration analyser.
Read more...
Why AI will never truly understand machines
Other technologies
Cutting-edge technology and solutions powered by AI are embraced by specialist condition monitoring company, WearCheck, where the extreme accuracy of data used to assess and diagnose machine health is paramount.
Read more...
Robotic filling systems for the pharmaceutical industry
Horne Technologies
Other technologies
Pharma Integration, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, aims to replace traditional mechanical filling lines with compact, fully automated systems that are 100% robot-driven using machines known as Azzurra. Their integrated Faulhaber drives play a crucial role in the fill-finish process, ensuring the highest precision and safety across multiple production steps.
Read more...
World first simulation of error-correctable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers still face a major hurdle on their pathway to practical use cases, their limited ability to correct the arising computational errors. In a world first, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have unveiled a method for simulating specific types of error-corrected quantum computations.
Read more...
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...