Intelligent actuators decrease downtime

08 August, 2023

An IQ3 actuator on site at a Gatwick tank farm

Rotork has announced it has helped upgrade and modernise a major Gatwick fuel farm, providing them with IQ3 intelligent actuators on Rotork’s Pakscan control network.

New coil technology for solenoid valves can increase energy efficiency by up to 80%

06 July, 2023

Kick and Drop valve coils from Bürkert are saving significant costs by reducing energy use and extending service life according to the manufacturer. The increased efficiency also optimises environmental sustainability. With a low maximum operating temperature, the coils are said to enhance safety and remove the potential of electrical overheating. The 3-in-1 design, covering various voltage inputs, and also streamlines inventory management. H&P takes a closer look.

Ex-proof hydraulics for offshore mooring systems

04 July, 2023

H&P takes a look at Ex-proof hydraulics for offshore mooring systems.

Sustainable actuation solutions with zero emission electro-hydraulic package

22 June, 2023

Automation Technology, Inc. (ATI), a leading provider of customised and comprehensive valve automation solutions, has launched its Zero Emission Electro-Hydraulic actuator solution to eliminate the carbon footprint of pipeline operations.

Advancing asset monitoring and diagnostics with new sensor launch

12 June, 2023

Monitoring the condition of large industrial equipment fleets is challenging and, without the necessary insights, it can be hard to understand the health and performance of assets. To help operators overcome this challenge, industrial digital solutions provider WEG has launched its new WEGscan sensor. By integrating WEGscan into their fleet, operators can monitor a wide range of equipment, including reducers, gear motors and compressors, helping operators reduce costs and improve predictive maintenance.

Solution for compact equipment that delivers more flow while consuming less power

23 May, 2023

Danfoss Power Solutions has launched its SLP13 two-way two-position poppet-type solenoid valve, a low-power, low-pressure-drop solution for compact equipment. The SLP13 cartridge valve features patent-pending technology that significantly reduces power consumption while increasing flow rating, which can help original equipment manufacturers meet efficiency targets and reduce manifold size and cost.

Solenoid valves protect tank pressures in critical aerospace

17 May, 2023

In the aerospace and aviation industries pneumatic systems are typically used to control the flows of fuel and other essential fluids for; propulsion, thrust, lubrication, isolation, purge and other fluid control applications. These pneumatic systems are usually supplied by a tank of compressed gas and one of the main challenges of this design is to eliminate the possibility of any leakage (or excess flow) from the tank. Should this occur it’s likely the issues would be either shorter system life, or the need to specify a larger tank. In these situations, a solenoid valve which offers the key benefits of zero leakage along with a wide operating pressure range, can be an effective ‘barrier’ between the tank and the system. However, engineers will also have to consider other factors which will have a direct impact on the performance of the solenoid valve. For example, various combinations of operating temperatures, material compatibility, power limitations and expected life cycle all addup to the complexity of system requirements.

Highly compact OLED display module for force sensors

09 May, 2023

Inelta Sensorsysteme has introduced the IMK-2442-OLED cable electronics as a new digital display unit for strain gauge force sensors with integrated measuring amplifier.

Hydraulic pressure monitoring for critical construction projects

28 March, 2023

Construction projects near rivers are challenging for many reasons. Firstly, excavation can destabilise riverbanks and, secondly, excessive vibrations from machinery can threaten the integrity of existing structures. Contractors need a way of measuring the forces on a structure to prevent the foundations from cracking. A partnership between test and measurement equipment distributor Hydrotechnik and wireless remote monitoring specialist Mantracourt resulted in a pressure monitoring system for hydraulic rams supporting building foundations against the forces of the River Thames. H&P reports.

SICK launches Smart Box detection for Safe continuous material flow

08 February, 2023

SICK has launched a safety light curtain system for Smart Box Detection, designed to enable the continuous safe material flow of cartons or cuboid goods at the entry or exit points of protected areas, while safeguarding people from dangerous materials-handling, conveying or packaging machinery.

LVDT gauging system for industrial automation and machine building applications

14 December, 2022

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has introduced a plug-and-play range of robust, compact inductive sensors for displacement, distance, position, shape and geometry inspection in a wide range of industrial automation, machine building, production monitoring and quality control applications.

RFID-monitored safety lock with 180 degree actuator

01 December, 2022

SICK has developed the flexLock, an RFID-monitored safety lock with an innovative 180 degree actuation radius, creating a versatile protective device for safe locking of doors, flaps and gates. The SICK flexLock has been designed with a high locking force to achieve a performance level up to PLe/SIL3, all in a rounded, slim, and rugged housing.

Five axis Delta robot for fast, lightweight picking, packing and re-orientation

15 November, 2022

ABB is expanding its FlexPicker Delta robot portfolio with the IRB 365. With five axis and 1.5kg payload, the IRB 365 is both flexible and the fastest in its class for reorientating packaged lightweight products such as cookies, chocolates, peppers, candies, small bottles, and parcels.

Rockwell Automation digitally transforms maintenance activities at Barrett Steel

20 October, 2022

Rockwell Automation, Inc. has announced that Barrett Steel, the UK independent steel stockholder, has chosen the Fiix computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) to manage its ongoing maintenance programs and reduce downtime.

Hexagon and VI-grade accelerate zero-prototype automotive engineering

29 September, 2022

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced that its Adams Real Time multibody dynamics simulation software has been validated for operation on VI-grade Driving Simulators, enabling carmakers and tier one automotive suppliers to develop safe and desirable driver experiences efficiently, and without physical prototyping.