Best managed company named - At a Gala Awards Symposium held recently in Dublin and attended by the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., QUMAS was named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte.

Flying penguins! - Festo’s famous bionic AirPenguins will be flying at The Gadget Show Live. Visitors can watch the popular Channel Five TV (GB) show’s presenters perform a live version of the TV programme, and attend a range of special theatres and features to gain insight into top gadgets of the past, present and future, as well as see the Festo penguins fly.

Raman images and analysis become even easier - The XploRA™ Raman microscope has been launched with the ground breaking SWIFT confocal Raman image operation from HORIBA Scientific, and will enable this compact analytical Raman spectrometer to enter into the realm of the research microscope.

Torque tension testing - RS Technologies, part of PCB Piezotronics, has introduced LabMaster Portable Model 3210 for joint analysis torque-tension testing. Manufacturers who use threaded fasteners to assemble their products can benefit by using this system to verify the performance of their fasteners.

Transmitters convert up to three measurements into wireless signals - Honeywell has added universal input/output (I/O) transmitters to its family of XYR™ 6000 wireless products. The transmitters allow manufacturers to wirelessly monitor more plant points with fewer devices.

Sensors for water treatment - Water treatment applications place high demands on pressure and level measuring instruments. For these applications, Baumer offers robust sensors which are suitable for high vibrations as well as for the use with aggressive media. For example, sensors made of seawater-resistant Hastelloy C and with a ceramic sensing element are available for desalination plants.

EMEA distributor of the year - Farnell has been presented with the 2009 EMEA Distributor of the Year Award by Honeywell Sensing & Control. The important award recognises the high levels of sales and service performance achieved by Farnell during what was a challenging year for the electronics industry.

Medium voltage power products to support network upgrade - ABB has signed a $12 million framework agreement to supply medium voltage power equipment to ESB Networks, Ireland’s nationwide power distribution utility.

Maintenance free torque sensor - Building on its worldwide reputation for high precision sensors, Kistler Instruments has developed a range of value for money sensors aimed specifically at manufacturing, production and quality assurance applications. The latest new product is the Type 4520A contactless, low maintenance torque sensor at around the same price as slip-ring types,

Accelerometer with digital temp compensation - Meggitt Sensing Systems has announced the global market launch of Endevco® model 7290E, a high-precision variable capacitance accelerometer with integral digital temperature compensation, designed for accurate measurement of low-frequency events and offering best-in-class thermal zero shift and sensitivity shift performance.

EX i isolation amplifier with SIL and Zone 2 certs - Phoenix Contact has added two new modules to its range of safety-relevant applications: The repeater power supply PI-EX-RPSS and the isolation amplifier PI-EX-AIS correspond to the requirements of EN 61508 for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 and have been available since autumn 2009.

Wireless committees get their wires crossed -

Rational machines in factory automation - ISA has announced that its ongoing publishing partnership with O3neida has produced a new technical publication, Domain Ontologies for Reasoning Machines in Factory Automation, by Jose L. Martinez Lastra, Ivan M. Delamer, and Fernando Ubis.

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 5th March 2010 Industrial Networking e-news Opticpages Superfactory newsletter David W Spitzer's e-zine The world of Industrial Processing Equipment ControlDesign e-news The world of Shock, Vibration & Noise The world of Automation ProductInsights The world of Pneumatics InTech/Automation.com Weekly Control Engineering EME HazardEx IEN Europe The world of Valve Technology Factory Automation UpDate News Insights Process & Control Connections The world of Wireless Technology ControlGlobal e-news There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

How to save energy: fieldbus conference topic - PROFIenergy technology will be described and explained further at the annual PROFIBUS and PROFINET User Conference, scheduled for 29-30 June 2010 at Stratford-on-Avon (GB), alongside several other papers that discuss how PROFIBUS and PROFINET systems can be integrated into energy management programmes, particularly in relation to energy efficient drives.

Cost-effective intelligent servo drive - Based on the Technosoft MotionChip™ DSP technology, ISD860 is a flexible intelligent drive specially developed for motion applications that need cost-optimized design, embedded intelligence, networking possibilities and high servo performance control.

Designing greener cars requires sophisticated testing - The automotive industry’s race to develop a new generation of high Performance, low emissions power plants has lead to the emergence of high capability test beds that simultaneously monitor multiple parameters. This need has been converted into a market opportunity by Sensor Technology.

Growth and opportunity in gloomy times: e-learning - IDC has now launched this trial concept into The Engineering Institute of Technology to focus on advanced distance learning in engineering and technology in areas such as industrial automation, electrical and mechanical engineering and industrial IT.

Drag and drop I/O mapping with built-in oscilloscope for tuning and diagnostics - ORMEC has announced the global launch of MotionSet™, a powerful, easy-to-use proprietary commissioning software, designed expressly for use with new ORMEC XD-Series Indexer Servo Drives.

How has the new social networking order effected publications in the automation sector? - A fascinating podcast has been released by Telesian Technology, the American comopany provides marketing, Web development, and e-business services especially in the field of automation. podcast. This interview was with two of the leading editors in the sector, Walt Boyes of Control Magazine and Gary Mintchel of Automation World.

How secure is your industrial network? - The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently announced the release of Industrial Network Security, 2nd Edition by David J. Teumim. This easy-to-read book introduces managers, engineers, technicians, and operators to how to keep industrial networks secure amid rising threats from hackers, disgruntled employees, and even cyberterrorists.

European legislation drives need for hydro-meteorological expertise - OTT Hydrometry's Managing Director Simon Wills says, "It is no longer sufficient to develop instruments alone; it is also necessary to provide a high level of expertise in areas such as the design of monitoring arrangements and in the collection and interpretation of data." In response to the changing needs of the market, OTT Hydrometry has recently recruited Robin Guy as a Senior Technical Engineer.

Extended fixed cost of ownership plus added benefits and discounts for thermal imagers - Fluke has introduced a range of CarePlans for recent and future purchasers of Fluke’s latest Thermal Imagers.

Water & Waste conference details announced - The organisers of WWEM 2010 have announced that this year's Conference title will be 'Water Monitoring in the 21st Century'. The Conference presentations will provide information on the latest regulations affecting process and effluent monitoring with authoritative speakers from the British Environment Agency, ABB, SIRA, and UKAS.

Multi-application test system for optical devices and transmission systems - The Yokogawa AQ2210 Series is a new version of the company's multi-application test system: a modular system designed to offer a wide range of measurements on optical devices and optical transmission systems.

Calibration, maintenance, test and measurement - In the February/March issue of Read-out highlights the calibration, maintenance, test and measurement sector of automation.

Mobility validation - Invensys Operations Management has announced that its Wonderware IntelaTrac™ mobile solution has achieved Enterprise Mobility validation through Motorola's Enterprise Mobility Validated Solution Program. The IntelaTrac solution is a mobile workforce and decision support system.

Gateways extended with integrated 2-port switch - HMS helps to reduce system integration costs by releasing three new versions of the Anybus X-gateway family with Profinet-IRT functionality and with integrated 2-port switch technology.

Test and measurement catalogue published - Keithley Instruments has published its 2010 Test & Measurement Product Catalogue in CD form. The CD offers details and technical specifications on Keithley’s general-purpose and sensitive sourcing and measurement products, DC switching, RF/microwave switching, data acquisition solutions, and semiconductor test systems. Useful selector guides and tutorials simplify choosing the right solutions for specific applications.

Virtual instrument cluster - Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) has announced a new application concept showing the possibilities for virtual instrumentation in future passenger and commercial vehicles. The intention of developing the virtual cluster application was to provide a 'right-sized' complete system solution including hardware and software components, a demo application, as well as tool support to enable a quick start to development.

Process industry essentials in automation - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced the publication of Essentials of Modern Measurements and Final Elements in the Process Industry: A Guide to Design, Configuration, Installation, and Maintenance by Gregory K. McMillan.

50 MHz function generator hits new price point - The new TG5011 from TTi is a combined function/arbitrary/pulse generator with a frequency range covering 1 µHz to 50 MHz. At under £900 (ca €990 this morning!) the generator achieves a new price point below that of competitors’ products offering only 20 MHz or 25 MHz bandwidth.

Maintenace management portfolio - SoftSols Group has extended its range of innovative solutions with the acquisition of Plan4 from Solutions PT. This Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) expert, which has a 25-year track record of success in the market, has announced the acquisition as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver simple, affordable software solutions which provide an outstanding return on investment.

Power quality analysis via Bluetooth - Outram Research has announced that Bluetooth(R) is available across its entire power quality range, becoming the first manufacturer to enable Bluetooth remote control on all its products. This means that power engineers can control the entire range of Outram's power quality analysers with one application running on a PDA.

New energy meters and controllers at NEMEX'10 - Carlo Gavazzi is using this year's NEMEX exhibition to present its latest products to address the energy market.

Fieldbus gateways - The new AS-Interface gateways for Profibus-DP from Phoenix Contact set themselves apart by the fact that AS-Interface networks can be simply integrated into a Profibus-DP system. The devices have a rugged stainless steel housing with IP20 protection and have been designed for installation in control cabinets.

Remote video surveillance capabilities - Control Microsystems Inc. (CMI) and Longwatch, Inc., a leader in integrated video surveillance systems, today announced the ability of the SCADA host platform, ClearSCADA, to provide video surveillance of remote processes and assets. Existing industrial networks can conveniently and cost-effectively transmit video images over the SCADA communication infrastructure.

Collaboration on dementia research - Thermo Fisher Scientific is collaborating with the BrainMet (Bioimaging of Metals in Brain and Metallomics) Centre at Forschungszentrum, J¨lich, (D) to advance dementia research by studying the effects of metals and metalloproteins in ageing and in the origin of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and Wilson's syndrome.

Differential pressure transmitter is easy to interface - The D02 is the new-generation differential pressure transmitter from Sensor-Technik UK. The device features a piezoresistive measuring element in a compact and robust stainless-steel housing to satisfy a wide range of differential pressure measurement tasks in applications ranging from mechanical engineering and industrial control to filter supervision and flow measurement.

e-letters and web publications received during week ending 26th Feb 2010 The world of Robotic Systems The world of Electronic Test Equipment Hannover Faire update MadgeTech e-newsletter UK ProfiNews Control Matters ControlDesign e-news Wireless UpDate InTech Automation Weekly Factory Automation Control Engineering EME The world of Sensors & Switches Sensors & Transducers journal Process News ControlGlobal e-news Connections for Growth & Success™ There are a number of newsletters we receive which are only available in pdf format or are not available in html as web pages. These may not be listed here!

Long travel range cable-extension position sensors - Celesco's PT9000 cable extension position sensors are packed with application flexibility for real heavy-duty, high-accuracy linear measurement up to 43 metres.

Cost effective field moisture calibration - The S503 from Michell Instruments means that field calibration of RH sensors and humidity probes is affordable, practical and extremely flexible for any company that uses RH instruments.

Advanced process control system delivers high availability for sustainable mining operations - Their Proficy(R) Process Systems, was chosen by China Baogang Group's subsidiary Barun Mining Co. Ltd. for use in the company's iron mining business in China according to a release from GE Intelligent Platforms. The company chose GE's solution to facilitate product quality improvement, optimize production and reduce cost.

Coriolis meter with highest flow rate! - Emerson Process Management has unveiled the highest flow rate Coriolis meter available. The latest Micro Motion(R) ELITE(R) Coriolis meter covers DN250-DN300 (10"-12") line sizes and can handle flow rates up to 3,266,000 kg/hour.

New board to expands application spread - GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the bCOM2-L1100 rugged COM Express board. Designed specifically to respond to the growing requirement to deploy powerful computing solutions in harsh, space-constrained environments such as mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, test/measurement, unmanned vehicles, exploration, transportation and military/aerospace,

Mobile workers to have enhanced decision-making capabilities - Invensys Operations Management has announced that it has contracted with Chevron to provide the Wonderware IntelaTrac(TM) mobile workforce and decision-support system.

Submersible sensor for water treatment - With their ED752, Baumer offers a pressure transmitter for all kinds of hydrostatic level and depth measurement. In case of a signal drift, the zero point can be recalibrated. The device is characterised by high accuracy and long-term stability. It is suitable for applications in drinking water supply, hydroelectric power plants, flood protection, wastewater, pools, reservoirs, lakes and rivers, shipbuilding, and many industrial applications such as pump controls.

Extreme high temp piezoelectric accelerometers for gas turbine monitoring applications - Meggitt Sensing Systems has launched the Endevco® models 6237M70 and 6237M71, two compact, extreme high temperature piezoelectric accelerometers with industry-exclusive 10 pC/g output, designed for continuous, reliable operation in temperatures of up to +1200*F (+650*C) with long mean time between failure (MTBF).

Controllers offer exxtended operating temp of -40 to 70 Deg C - National Instruments has released two CompactRIO programmable automation controllers (PACs), which offer engineers and machine builders an ideal solution for high-performance measurement and control applications operating at extended temperatures.

Digital valve controller with linkage-less, non-contact feedback technology - Emerson Process Management has expanded its FIELDVUE™ instrument product line with the DVC6200 Series digital valve controller, featuring linkage-less, non-contact feedback technology.

Programmable precision DC voltage/current source - The new Yokogawa GS200 is a programmable DC voltage/current source that boasts high accuracy, high stability and high resolution.

CCTV package solution for hazardous areas - R. STAHL has compiled a scaleable package of cameras and recording system for camera surveillance in hazardous areas on gas and oil rigs.

Medium fidelity simulation released - Invensys Operations Management has announced the availability of its SimSci-Esscor® medium-fidelity simulation solution, DYNSIM® Checkout.

Thicker sludge saves time and money - Recent improvements in pump technology prompted Severn Trent Water (STW) (GB) to initiate a de-sludging trial to reduce costs and energy consumption by producing thicker sludge in the Primary Settlement Tank (PST). Advanced monitoring instrumentation from Hach Lange played a key role in the trial which, nine months after it began, has been heralded a success.

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Standby power for mission-critical facilities - "Balancing continuing demands for greater and more reliable computing capacity in a world facing ever-tightening regulation of carbon emissions and the challenge of controlling power costs is now a major concern for everyone involved in the Data Centre industry" according to Michael Adams, Global Vice President, Data & IT, AEG Power Solutions, while talking about their exhibit at CEBIT.

Smart data company appoints British agent - RFI Engineering, has appointed Adaptive Modules Ltd as its distributor for the United Kingdom.

Alternative energy and high efficience influence product range - Farnell has selected the alternative energy sector as its latest focus market. The emphasis in this area of high importance has seen the leading multi-channel distributor add over 1,000 new products targeted at applications in alternative energy and high efficiency product design. Suppliers include leading industry names such as Microchip, ST Microelectronics and Tyco plus niche suppliers such as Advanced Linear Devices. The new additions take Farnell's total number of products in this sector to over 5,000.

Interactive new product showcase - Omega Engineering has published a New Product Showcase using the latest "page turning" software. This allows simple online product browsing and navigation, with viewing of the complete brochure in an easy to view format giving the user an interactive feel of a real book on screen!

Testing frequencies up to 10MHz - StanTronic Instruments has included the new LCR Meter LCR-8110G from GW Instek in its product range which has a ten times higher test frequency than its predecessor. Therefore it can much better simulate the operating conditions of the devices tested.

Reducing emissions while saving on fuel cost - The fuel pill, the MPG-CAP™, Used in a ratio of just 1 gram per 300 - 380 (More or less may be required for different engine types, driving styles, and fuels) litres of EU petrol - or EU on-road diesel - this inexpensive little caplet decreases emissions by up to 75% and fuel consumption by 7 to 14%.

Top 50 A&C companies - Once again in December 2009 CONTROL magazine published its list of TOP-50 Automation & Control suppliers - with separate rankings for global and N. America. Jim Pinto comments!

Control & monitor from your cellphone - The Power Executive is an innovative, low cost, and intelligent SMS switch that enables you to remotely control and monitor electrical Appliances with text messages from any mobile phone.

Ultrasonic level measurement - In the new Prosonic T FMU30 from Endress + Hauser, a compact sensor enters the market which provides, apart from an attractive price, also numerous new features. It replaces the old FMU230/FMU231 series and stands out with convincing functionalities. The menu-driven operation via a graphic display in national languages makes commissioning easy and safe.

Compact plastic housing for individual connector modules - The new Harting Han-Modular ® ECO connector is a low-cost, compact plastic connector housing designed to hold a single module from the Han-Modular® range.

I/O extender with 8 Analog inputs - IntelliCom has announced a new I/O module in the NetBiter® I/O Extender product family.

Mini loadcells designed for precision force measurements in space constrained environments - Sherborne Sensors has announced the global market introduction of the U2000 series, a new range of compact miniature universal load cells, designed for precision tension and compression force measurements in space constrained environments.

BA simulators energy consumption - The latest variable speed drive technology from Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, is being used by British Airways (BA) to improve the efficiency and reliability of its flight cabin simulators. By enabling the simulators' hydraulic control systems to be powered only when needed, the drives are cutting energy consumption by 95%, in addition to extending maintenance intervals and service life considerably.

Flow Control magazine's February 2010 digital issue is now available. "Our new digital edition is available internationally and delivers the same industry information that you've come to expect from our print version."

LVDT extreme reliability for task critical measurements - Although LVDTs are acknowledged for their accuracy and reliability there are some critical measurement tasks where dual redundancy is specified. Typical applications are in the nuclear transport and power generation industries where data signaling is used for control purposes. Measurement specialists RDP Electronics has developed an arrangement using a pair of LVDTs to offer extreme reliability of data signaling for these highly critical situations.

Decreasing installation costs for the power and utility market - GE Intelligent Platforms announced the availability of its new 125V DC Input module for the PACSystems® RX3i controller. Input modules provide the interface between the RX3i and external input devices such as sensors, push buttons, and switches. The new input module is specifically designed for those applications, such as switchgear used in various utility industries that utilize 125V DC power.

Ultra-fast current voltage system - Keithley Instruments has introduced the Model 4225-PMU Ultra Fast I-V Module, the latest addition to the growing range of instrumentation options for the Model 4200-SCS Semiconductor Characterization System.

Link load cells - LCM Systems now has the Self Indicating Link Load Cell (SILL) and Radio Telemetry Wireless Link Load Cell (RILL) as stock products. This latest introduction means that customers who have previously used these specialist, bespoke load cells for lifting and weighing applications can choose from a standard range of products resulting in faster delivery times and lower prices.

New EMEA channel manager - AEG Power Solutions has appointed Gary Browning to the role of EMEA Channel Development Director. Gary has a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies, specialising in International Marketing Pathways and 10 years practical experience of the IT industry with a proven track record in developing IT channel business for market leader APC.

New VP of technology - PAS recently appointed Jim Huff as Vice-President of Technology. He has over 25 years of industry experience and will use this extensive knowledge to lead the company's technology and solution marketing strategies that shape PAS' go-to-market, corporate, and solution offerings. He joins PAS from Invensys where he was Vice-President of Product Marketing and Portfolio Management

Position direct-write laser application - One of the many varied and interesting research projects at the University of Southampton's ORC (Optoelectronics Research Centre) involves direct UV laser writing of integrated optical circuits on specialised glass substrates and on its own patented 'flat' optical cable. With application potential from telecom network components through to lab-on-a-chip (LOC) biological and chemical sensors, the photonic circuits are produced with the help of nanometre level precision positioning systems and motion controls from Aerotech.

Integrated video streams in DCS - Emerson Process Management has further developed Smart Wireless solutions by integrating video streams from the Industrial Video & Control Co.'s (IVC) Relay Server, with the DeltaV™ digital automation system. For process manufacturers, the benefits of having a live video feed embedded within the DeltaV Operate display are many.

Precision power meters - A range of current sensors is now available that allows the Yokogawa family of precision power meters to be used for measuring very high currents.

Eastern Europe presents pockets of opportunity for automation vendors - The economic recession restrained growth in the western European industry market, which was already reaching maturity. The subsequent transition of the manufacturing base to low-cost eastern European countries has opened new prospects for market sustainability. This, in turn, is expected to continue offering growth opportunities for the automation and control solutions (ACSs) market.

Guide details innovative high-pressure tube connector - Parker Hannifin has published a new 40-page guide to its innovative range of ferrule-less tube connectors for high-pressure fluid applications, which provides permanent connections for instrumentation tubing systems operating to 20,000 PSI /1,380 bar.

Aerospace testing - Intepro Systems will be exhibiting at The Aerospace Testing 2010 trade show in (Hamburg D; 18-20 May 2010). Intepro supplies users worldwide with ATE systems to test power electronics used in a wide range of applications. Intepro Systems' knowledge and expertise in moving and measuring power makes their products unrivalled for production testing, ESS screening, repair and characterisation of power components and sub assemblies used across all industries.

Certified gold - Trace Software International, a leading software maker in the industrial automation and power distribution market, announced today that elecworks™, its flagship product, has achieved Certified Gold Partner status with DS SolidWorks Corporation. With this certification, elecworks™ becomes the first Certified Gold Partner application for electrical design, integrated to SolidWorks.

New debug probe - Ashling Microsystems, a NeST Group company, has launched an Entry-level Debug Probe, Opella-XDS100v2. for embedded development on Texas Instruments (TI) Processor and DSP platforms.

3-component dynamometer - Only 32 mm high but with a large measuring range of +/-10 kN, the new Type 9129AA three component dynamometer from Kistler Instruments is ideal for measuring the machining forces involved in drilling, grinding, milling and turning operations as well as general, multicomponent force measurement in confined spaces.

Power quality meter - The latest smart modular power analyser from Carlo Gavazzi introduces a new performance level within the company's proven energy management range. The WM30-96 offers enhanced faster communications for building automation networks, along with superior functions such as load monitoring measurement and comprehensive alarm management; all in a compact plug-and-play modular format that streamlines installation and simplifies inventory management.

Catalogue on CD - Rittal have released a CD of their popular catalogue for Electronics Enclosures and associated products.

Investment for developement of touch sensors - Peratech has announced that YFM Group managed Partnership Investment Finance has invested #1.1 million into the Company. This will be used for further research and development into Peratech's award-winning, patented Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) technology for touch technology solutions, as well as growing the company's highly successful sales into overseas markets.

Worldwide alliance in automation - Yokogawa Electric Corporation has been selected by Shell as a main automation contractor (MAC) for integrated production control and safety instrumented systems, and that the two companies have signed a Global Framework Agreement (GFA).

Papers sought for Water/Wastwater symposium - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has issued a Call for Papers for the 5th ISA Water/Wastewater Automatic Controls Division Symposium (WWAC) to be held 3-5 August 2010 in in Orlando, (FL US).

Viewing hundreds of process variables - Curvaceous Software's Visual Explorer 2.5 (CVE 2.5) is the only programme that lets you view hundreds of process variables and their alarm limits in a single graph and its new features in Alarm Management have got the process industry talking.

Steel production managment made efficient - GE Intelligent Platforms has been selected by Qatar Steel to provide a complete production management solution designed to improve operating efficiency through a reliable and optimum production process. The overall contract, worth $2 million, features GE's suite of Proficy® software including Plant Applications, Historian, iFIX and Portal rolled out in a phased format led by a significant pilot project.

Measuring optical loss - The new Yokogawa AQ1100 Series is a family of multi-field testers for carrying out optical loss measurements in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of fibre-optic infrastructure including FTTx systems.

electronica 2010 - wireless & fireside chat! - Energy efficiency, environmental compatibility, cost reduction and flexibility are just some of the challenges facing the electronics industry today. At electronica 2010 (Nov 9/12 Munich D), the global electronics industry will demonstrate how it will rise to these challenges in the following months and years.

Warehouse automated handling - Holding and moving heavy metal tubes is not an easy task for automation engineers. Holding and moving heavy metal tubes... in narrow rows of automated warehouses... at high speed... is even... worse! Tecnorulli decided to go wireless with Prosoft for such types of applications.

Saving priceless art! - Michell Instruments has loaned two instruments to the National Needlework Archive (NNA) (GB) to help preserve an iconic mural. Designed by Constance Howard for the Festival of Britain in 1951 "The Country Wife" is considered to be one of the 20th Century's most important textile works. However, after nearly 60 years, the mural is in urgent need of restoration work to ensure its survival.

Nanotechnology saves costs on an industrial scale - Nanolia is introducing a product that enables virtually any machine to operate more efficiently, while reducing fuel costs by around 11% and emissions by around 60%.
OK so it's not instrumentation or automation per se but we were intrigued with this product and application. Many of our visitors working in industry would be familiar with the problems this product may alleviate and so we decided to cover it on the Signpost.

First among signal conditioners - Moore Industries has been ranked first place in Signal Conditioners by Control Magazine Readers' Choice Awards 2010. The top technology category rankings represent end-user sentiment, as the 2010 Control Magazine Readers' Choice Awards were derived from the opinion of over 1,000 process automation professionals.

Gas analyser radically enhances safety & security - Quantitech's highly advanced portable gas analyser, the Gasmet Dx-4030, employs FTIR technology. The analyser is already helping professional investigations in a wide variety of applications including those for which it is not possible to determine, in advance, the gases that are likely to be encountered.

Industrial networking for automation - Silica is appearing at this year's Embedded World fair in Nuremberg (March 2nd - 4th, 2010) entirely under the banner of "Networking for automation systems".

New controller - The JetControl 940MC was introduced by Jetter at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES trade fair in Nuremberg. It has been mainly developed for applications comprising a great number of motion systems for quick cycles and high dynamics. These are, for example, path control and interpolation applications, as well as technological functions like screw-capping, electronic gearing, winding function, etc.

IS communication standards - CAN in Automation (CiA) has released the CiA 102 and 103 CAN physical layer specifications for industrial automation respectively intrinsically safe capable communication as Draft Standards.

Support team recognised for excellence - Invensys Operations Management's Wonderware technical support organization has been honoured with the 2009 STAR Award for service excellence from the Technology Services Industry Association (TSIA), the industry's largest services association. The Wonderware support organization received the STAR Award for Service Excellence in Mission Critical Support - Software - SMB.

High value metering peri-pump - The New FLEX-PRO® A4 is Blue-White's Highest Volume Peristaltic Pump.

Dirty service control valve solutions - Emerson Process Management has expanded the line of Fisher® dirty service control valve solutions to include the NotchFlo™ DST valve and Fisher DST control valve trim.

Stand alone oscilloscope - From the point of view of innovation, Metrix has not just contented itself with launching the first portable, stand-alone oscilloscope with four 600 V / Cat. III isolated channels on the market. Indeed, everything about the OX 7000 models, including their ergonomics, versatility, safety and various communication features, has been designed to offer the best possible trade-off between safety, service and comfortable use.

Tunneling and automation B2B solution - Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation has released KEPServerEX version 5.2. This release delivers significant new features including an OPC UA Client and Server, an Alarm and Event Condition option - expanding on the previously delivered OPC AE interface, and updated Mettler Toledo and IDEC Drivers.

Space saving dual concentric encoders - Foremost Electronics has announced the Elma E37 range of dual concentric encoders. Offering two independent control functions in just one panel space these new encoders offer space savings and increased control panel functionality.

Call for papers! - The Technical Program Committee of ISA Automation Week 2010: Technology and Solutions Event has issued a Call for Papers inviting authors, experts, innovators, and automation professionals to submit abstracts for presentation consideration at the conference to be held in Houston (TX US), 4-7 October 2010.

Automated independent backup system - SIS-TECH now has the DIAMOND-SIS automated independent backup (AIB), a low-cost, standalone safety instrumented system (SIS) that backs up current process control trip logic and meets the requirements of IEC 61511. The system includes an IEC 61508 logic solver that is functionally independent from the process control system, supplements existing logic, and meets all appropriate safety standards.

Freezer validation system - MadgeTech has released their ULT90, an ultra-low temperature freezer validation system. It can be used for validation, mapping, stabilization studies and temperature surveys.

Agreement for technologies & services! - Emerson Process Management has entered into a 5-year Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with Shell to serve as a Main Automation Contractor (MAC) on future capital projects globally.

South African entity wins leadership award - Invensys Operations Management, a global provider of technology systems, software solutions and consulting services to the process and manufacturing industries, today announced that one of its key ecosystem partners, Wonderware Southern Africa, has received the 2009 Frost & Sullivan Market Leadership Award for its success in the South African manufacturing execution systems (MES) market.

Higg G shock accelerometers - Meggitt Sensing Systems has announced the launch of Endevco® model 7255A, a miniature, lightweight piezoelectric accelerometer with integral electronics. The rugged design and performance characteristics of this model make it ideal for use in near-field, high shock and high-level mechanical impact testing applications, where unwanted high frequency signals often mask critical low-level, low frequency data.

Inclinometers for US market - Sherborne Sensors has announced the North American market introduction of the LSI series, a family of cost-effective, rugged, closed loop gravity referenced servo inclinometers. The LSI series is specially designed to withstand severe shock and vibration inputs, for precision measurement capabilities in even the most demanding of environments.

Glass & packaging application - Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced announced that Bormioli Rocco, a producer of glass and plastic pharmaceutical packaging, glass containers for perfumery and foodstuffs and glass tableware, has purchased and deployed the 2000th Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer.

Social networking - a true story! -

Elevation for openLift The Can in Automation Special Interest Group (CiASIG) CANopen Lift has published version 2.0 of the CANopen application profile for lift control systems (CiA 417).

Read-out to attend show in Birmingham (GB) - Read-out will be attending Advanced Manufacturing UK in Birmingham 26/27 April 2010. This is the tenth year in succession that we have attended this show which incorporates mtec, Britains only national instrumentation and automation show. Details of stands, exhibits and events associated with the event for publication.

Opportunities for Process Automation in US identified in paper - The Global Foresight Group™ has identified several industry segments that will generate growing demand for Process Instrumentation and Automation (PI&A) products in 2010 and beyond. In the white paper Growth Opportunities 2010 and Beyond, they describe seven areas where PI&A suppliers will find much better North American growth opportunities in 2010 and beyond.

Wireless flow system promotes conservation in Colarado desert - A paper "Intelligent Design Enables Conservation" by Gerald W. Knudsen, General Manager of AgriTech Consulting, describes an application where open ditch irrigation was replaced by a closed pipe system and precise flow control via wireless communications from Dynasonics.

Microwave switch system adopted for test suite - Keithley Instruments has announced that LeCroy Corporation has chosen Keithley's System 46 (S46) RF/Microwave Switch System as part of the original equipment for its new USB 3.0 Test Suite product family. Keithley's S46 switch is engineered to simplify the automated switching needed to test a wide range of telecommunications products and devices, including Bluetooth devices.

Stainless steel transmitter for vortex meter -

Photoelectric sensors for transparent targets - Stable and dependable detection for transparent objects, including glass, films and PET, simple installation and ease of adjustment are the key benefits of the new E3ZM-B_T photoelectric sensors. These versatile sensors are the latest additions to Omron's E3Z product range, which is the most comprehensive and competitive family of compact sensors currently available for food industry applications.

Forum gets to grips with the digital future - The CeBIT display category "Webciety" in Hall 6 mirrors the current developments in online business and our web-based society. From 2 to 6 March 2010 the Webciety Forum will get to grips with the key issues relating to our digital future. More than 100 speakers are expected to contribute to the forum program. Webciety 2010 will be even more international than in the past - as evidenced in the fact that more than half of the lectures will be delivered in English.

Gas monitors on show - Advanced gas sampling and monitoring instrumentation from Quantitech will be on display at HazMat 2010, the third annual conference for HazMat professionals in the UK (February 23 and 24, Birmingham GB).

Multichannel RF signal generator - RF Engines Limited (RFEL) has developed a highly sophisticated, 32 channel RF signal generator that is designed to enable challenging RF environments to be recreated in labs to test RF equipment.

Engineers choice for connectivity! - Kepware Technologies's KEPServerEX product has been selected as winner of the Connectivity Category in the annual Control Engineering Magazine, "Engineers Choice" Awards.

Rotary switch - Lorlin Electronics continues to add to its highly successful range. The popular CKS and CKF rotary switch ranges already offer IP67/IP65 sealed versions and are now available as standard with low axial play, smooth feel and damped indexing for the pro-audio, broadcast and high quality instrumentation applications.

Intelligent touch screen display - Anders Electronics has added a 5.7" VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution display to its popular UMR 5 Series of products. The new Anders 5.7" display platform offers manufacturers of industrial and medical devices a standard form factor with high-end optical specifications, guaranteed long term availability, and easier, more cost-effective integration of colour, touch and other embedded functionality.