Electricity and Control March 2016

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

ROUND UP

Self-contained photoelectric sensors for harsh environments

RET Automation Controls has introduced new M18-4 self-contained photoelectric sensors from Banner Engineering. Featur- ing robust IP69K-rated 316 stainless steel housing, the heavy-duty 18 mmmetal barrel sensor is ideal for harsh industrial environ- ments where abrasive chemicals and ingress fluid are present. Built with Advanced ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) tech- nology, the dc-operated M18-4 sensors are also resistant to fluorescent light and offer a high level of crosstalk avoidance. Featuring a powerful and bright visible red emitter beam, the M18-4 allows for easy alignment and set-up. For added ease of use, the M18-4 sensor also offers a highly visible output, and dual-function power and stability

M18-4 is available in opposed, polarised and non-polarised retroreflective, diffuse and fixed-field sensing modes. For increased flexibility, diffuse models offer a robust 250 degree sensitivity potentiometer. A wide operating temperature range of -40 to +70℃ ensures optimal performance for diverse applications. Enquiries: BrandonTopham. Email brandon.topham@retautomation.com

indicators. The indicators are comprised of one green and two yellow LED lights. Solid green indicates power is applied and the sen- sor is ready, while green flashing specifies a marginal sensing signal. The two bright yellow LEDs, visible from both sides of the sensor, indicate the output is conducting. “Some production environments dam- age low cost plastic sensors leading to machine down time,” said Dennis Smith, SeniorTechnical MarketingManager, Banner Engineering. “Banner's M18-4 photoelectric sensors are designed to provide long term and reliable sensing performance in harsh industrial applications with enhanced chemi- cal and washdown resistance.” To accommodate diverse applications, the

Intuitive data management for Process Analytical Technology

Siemens is innovating its datamanagement software for ProcessAna- lyticalTechnology (PAT) with Simatic Sipat version 5.0, which allows users to monitor and control the quality of their products in real-time during manufacturing.The latest version features a new configura- tion concept that further increases user friendliness and shortens

implementation time. Moreover, the new Dynamic Data Alignment (DDA) optimises data management for continuous manufacturing. The main applications of Simatic Sipat 5.0 are in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage and fine chemicals industries. The new configuration concept offers an immediate graphical insight into the functionality of a Simatic Sipat method. On the instrument level, preconfigured PAT IDs can be applied. These can simply be selected during method creation, allowing fast and easy method setup. Configuring new methods is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes. All linking processes (e.g. between collected data and calculations) can easily be performed using what are known as ‘wizards’. These new features allow the end users to work more quickly, reduce the training input required and speed up implementation within the organisation. For continuous manufacturing processes, the ability to combine the right pieces of information when making quality decisions is vital. This means that data collected from different locations along the production line at different time intervals must be combined with each other to arrive at the correct product quality. Enquiries: Jennifer Naidoo. Email jennifer.naidoo@siemens.com

New range light curtains – easy to install, use, maintain Omron Electronics South Africa recently intro- duced the new F3SG-R range of safety light cur- tains which combine torsion-resistant construction to guarantee easy alignment with a troubleshoot- ing function based on QR codes. The new light curtains are available in two versions, the easy F3SG-RE for simple on/off detection applications and the advanced F3SG-RA for more versatile safety solutions. a maximum range of 10 m, and up to 2 510 mm for hand detection types, which have a maximum range of 20 m. F3SG-R light curtains have an IP67 ingress protection rating and are built to withstand wash-down and dusty environments.They feature exceptionally rigid construction that eliminates problems of top-to-bottom twisting and makes setting up fast and straightforward. As a further aid to setting up, they incorporate optical synchroni- sation, which makes it unnecessary to use wiring between the emitter and detector. Both versions can be supplied as finger detec- tion types, with a detection capability of 14 mm, or as hand detection types, with a detection capabil- ity of 30 mm. Protective heights up to 2 080 mm are offered for finger detection types, which have Enquiries:Tel: 0860 OMRON1 (667661) or email mitchel.boyd@eu.omron.com

Electricity+Control March ‘16

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