Process control systems

Vectron Active frequency inverter

13 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Bonfiglioli Transmission Pty Ltd

Bonfiglioli’s Vectron Active range of frequency inverters can be used in a wide range of applications, from continuous drives for simple conveyor belts to complex networked applications in manufacturing plant and machinery. They are also suitable for use as portable power supplies and provide a performance range that extends from 0.37 to 800 kW.

Operator interfaces

13 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Pilz Australia Industrial Automation LP

The fourth-generation Pilz PMI operator interface and diagnostic display units offer improved performance. Both the PMIvisu and PMIopen series are available in the fourth-generation specification, with the PMIvisu models being suitable for diagnostics and visualisation with PNOZmulti modular safety systems, PSS programmable safety and control systems and SafetyBUS p networks. The fourth-generation PMIvisu units can also be used as graphics systems for all common programmable logic controllers (PLCs). If custom software needs to be run on the display, then the PMIopen operator terminals can be specified.

Mobility solution for SCADA

12 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric has extended its mobility solutions to allow operational and management personnel to monitor their factories, plants and mining sites from any location. These solutions enhance the capabilities of a SCADA network by providing access via a greater range of mobile devices.

Drive configuration tool

11 March, 2009 | Supplied by: ABB Australia Pty Ltd

The DriveConFig kit is a PC configuration tool for ABB component drives ACS55, offering fast and safe configuration of unpowered drives.

SCADA with Windows integrated security

11 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Schneider Electric

CitectSCADA V7.10 introduces support for Windows integrated security and Microsoft Windows Vista. Windows security integration allows for easier maintenance of CitectSCADA as it is no longer necessary to create and maintain user accounts within the SCADA system. Instead, users of the SCADA system can use their network username and password to access the CitectSCADA system.

Mining industry: achieving real benefits from simulators

16 January, 2009 by Will Hamilton | Supplied by: Yokogawa Australia Pty Ltd

The power, oil and gas, and chemical processing industries have been using real-time dynamic process simulation for decades and now the minerals processing industry can follow suit.

Honeywell wins award for coal-saving technology

07 January, 2009

Honeywell has won the 2008 Most Innovative Power Technology of the Year Award from Asian Power magazine, for a controls project that helps increase electricity generation while cutting coal consumption at a Chinese power plant.

Hot-standby for manufactured water

20 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Schneider Electric

Australians, by and large, have responded differently to the devastating drought of the past few years. The Queensland government’s response was to initiate major water management reforms. In 2005, the Beattie government established the Queensland Water Commission and set aside $9 billion to overhaul the management, distribution and marketing of water through the SE Queensland Water Grid.

Students design fully functional 'Snowy' simulator

16 December, 2008

Two engineering students from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne recently presented Snowy Hydro with a fully functioning control system simulator that will now be used to replace some of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme's outdated systems.

Wind power PLC library

01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Beckhoff Automation Pty Ltd

Beckhoff has announced a PLC library for its automation suite, TwinCAT PLC IEC 61400-25. The IEC 61400-25 standard defines communication for monitoring and controlling wind turbines. Its integration in TwinCAT is designed to simplify the control of heterogeneous wind farms.

PLC software

01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Motion Solutions Pty Ltd

Galil Motion Control has released Ladder Interface Software for converting Relay Ladder Logic programs into optimised, deterministic code for its compact RIO-471x0 PLC.

SCADA RTU with POP3

01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Ovarro

Semaphore has introduced POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) client functionality in its T-Box line of SCADA system products. The POP3 capability is compatible with T-Box LT, Semaphore’s single-module SCADA remote terminal unit (RTU) and the T-Box MS Modular System.

HMI firmware

01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Omron Electronics Pty Ltd

Omron Electronics has released firmware version 8 for its NS series HMIs. NS firmware v8 provides a host of features, including web serving, PictBridge and EtherNet/IP. The new CJ2H PLCs are now also supported, as are new drivers for Modbus-RTU and devices from other vendors.

SCADA software

01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Itech Corporation Pty Ltd

PcVue software from ARC Informatique has a number of innovations that help to reduce the cost of running and implementing process control projects. PcVue V.8.2 is a SCADA tool that is compatible with AutoCAD and enables the conversion of FactoryLink data.