PRODUCTS
In brief
Red Lion introduces the next
generation of panel meters, PM-50.
This graphical panel meter is
available as a 3.5-inch or 4.3-inch
graphical touchscreen display.
Using simple ‘swipe’ technology,
users can easily switch between
relevant screens and receive
comprehensive operational data
for monitoring equipment and
production.
ChampionX has developed new
remote working and other software
products that help address the oil
and gas industry’s drive toward
net-zero emissions targets. New
are its remote technical support
centre, TEAMS (Technical Excellence
& Account Management Support)
Center, and its DREAM (Digital
Remote Expert Access Manager)
monitoring app, plus there is
upgraded XSPOC production
optimization software.
Cleaning complex machines and
systems in food production leads
to longer and therefore expensive
downtime. To reduce this workload,
igus is launching a ready-toconnect
belt axis, designed to
meet hygienic standards for the
food industry. The new timing belt
axis has been designed to only
use materials compliant with the
requirements of the US Food and
Drink Administration. The trusses
and linear slides are made of
corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
The gliders on which the carriage
moves over the rail are made of
food-grade tribopolymer iglidur
A160, which enables low-friction
dry running.
Alfa Laval PlusClean cleaning
nozzle claims 100% tank cleaning
coverage. According to the
manufacturer, the PlusClean offers
up to 80% savings in water and
cleaning media costs, and no
product contamination. The nozzle
is meant to be paired with a topmounted
tank cleaning device and
installed fl ush with the tank wall
or bottom. The cleaning nozzle is
said to have a built-in adjustment
function to provide cleaning in
shadow areas.
Yokogawa adds new features to DL950 ScopeCorder
Using the new Flash Acquisition function, data can be captured over a
long time with a high-speed sample rate of 20 MS/s (8CH) and 10 MS/s
(16CH), which is 100 times faster than the previous model. An optional
Flash memory feature stores data in non-volatile memory. A third
feature allows GPS data to be acquired, as well.
Protecting pipelines against surge
events with valve skid
Surge events in liquid pipelines can cause
severe infrastructure damage, loss of product
and environmental harm, as well as a signi cant
threat to personnel safety. Through its M&J
Valve brand, Celeros Flow Technology has
developed a patented surge relief solution that
reacts to unexpected pipeline pressure surge
events in a rapid and e cient manner.
This solution integrates the Dan o surge
relief valve into a fully skidded surge relief
system. The valves essentially comprise a
dynamically balanced plug assembly that slides
back and forth easily to rapidly open, close and
throttle. The rate-of-rise surge relief system
combines a surge pressure relief valve with a
predictive pressure rate-of-rise system to allow
preventive action against a developing surge.
To predict the rate of rise of the system
pressure, the M&J Valve solution utilises a
di erential pressure pilot valve. This additional
pressure control is constantly monitored and,
upon reaching a pre-set limit, will trigger the
main surge relief valve to open. As the surge
dissipates, the valve closes without slamming
shut, preventing ‘chatter’ or creation of
additional surges.
The complete circuit is mechanical and is
said to provide a reliable hydraulic safety barrier
against transient pressure surges. Because
it uses no electronic devices, the system is
not a ected by power loss, communication
disruption, or cyber-attacks, making it far less
vulnerable to external factors.
A set-pressure test port is said to ease
compliance with regulatory testing rules.
Atlas Copco launches machine
learning app for manufacturing
New software harnesses arti cial
intelligence (AI) and machine
learning to identify risks in
production before they occur.
Raw data captured from smart
tooling and integrated controllers
(only tool data, result data and
tightening traces are collected),
is analysed by the ALTURE
app using AI and an algorithm.
Managers are provided with realtime
line performance noti cations, as well
as any ‘Not OK’ (NOK) tightening trends and
recommendations for process improvement.
Feedback from more than 50 of Atlas Copco’s
global customers during a 12-month trial
con rmed that the smartphone app was the
simplest and fastest means of delivering realtime
information, enabling personnel on the
shop oor to deal with any emerging issues.
Commenting on the launch of
ALTURE, James McAllister, general
manager, Atlas Copco Tools and
Industrial Assembly Solutions,
said: “For manufacturers, the
challenge of increasing throughput
that’s right rst time, every time,
towards zero defect production,
is what Atlas Copco’s primary
mission is focused on achieving.
With the introduction of ALTURE,
which interrogates data in real time using AI, we
can provide customers with a continuous value
cycle, so that any erroneous production issues
are agged before they become problematic.
In this way, costly interruptions to the
manufacturing process can be avoided.”
“ALTURE makes manufacturing more
sustainable by reducing material wastage and
unnecessary energy consumption.”
98 www.operationsengineer.org.uk Winter 2021
/www.operationsengineer.org.uk