FAG Dtect X1 s system is suitable for industrial vibration-monitoring applications

Schaeffler has launched an improved version of its FAG Dtect X1 s online condition-monitoring system, which is suitable for the monitoring of rotating components and machines such as bearings, gearboxes, compressors, fans, pumps, rolling stands, paper mills and drives.

See more at http://source.theengineer.co.uk/measurement-quality-control-and-test/maintenance/condition-monitoring/fag-dtect-x1-s-system-is-suitable-for-industrial-vibration-monitoring-applications/2000683.article

Research and Markets: World Condition Monitoring Equipment Market

Research and Markets (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchandmarkets.com%2Fresearch%2Fa4022a%2Fworld_condition_mo&esheet=6804668&lan=en-US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchandmarkets.com%2Fresearch%2Fa4022a%2Fworld_condition_mo&index=1&md5=6a2841b4d16242b72962a65547792fcd) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "World Condition Monitoring Equipment Market" to their offering.
Recent analysis of the condition monitoring equipment market indicates that the industry is on an upswing, aided by recovery of key end-user markets and an industry-wide recognition of the cost-saving benefits of condition monitoring programs. While 2007 and 2008 were widely considered as one of the best years for the condition monitoring , like most other industries, the global condition monitoring equipment market went through a period of uncertainty and downsizing, due to the economic downturn. It, however, also served as a tool to reemphasize the importance of production and operational efficiency.

• The economic crisis of 2008-2009 had a considerable impact on the revenue of the global condition monitoring equipment market. Revenue declined in 2009 because several infrastructure projects were postponed to the following year and end users were forced to cut down on maintenance budgets.
• The market recovered significantly in 2010 with most end-user industries looking to invest in predictive maintenance programs. Demand from traditional markets, such as process/manufacturing and energy, as well as renewable energy and mining drove demand for condition monitoring in 2010.
• The vibration monitoring product segment continued to dominate market revenue in the overall condition monitoring market. Application and revenue for thermography and lubricating oil analysis equipment are also expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period.

Crimson goes for infrared cameras with Flir

Plant Engineer is reporting that: Crimson Industrial Vision, which specialises in remote visual inspection technologies for condition monitoring and NDT, has been set up by Paul Sacker, ex of thermographic cameras manufacturer Flir Systems.

Full story at: http://www.plantengineer.org.uk/article/35642/Crimson-goes-for-infrared-cameras-with-Flir-.aspx

Red Current Ltd awarded Achilles Verify B1 Assessment Certificate

Following the successful assessment of its management systems, Red Current Ltd has been awarded an Achilles Verify B1 Assessment Certificate. This achievement is likely to create new opportunities for predictive maintenance contracts within the utilities sector.

The use of thermography as part of a predictive maintenance or condition based monitoring strategy, continues to grow within engineering maintenance operations. The main reasons for this are the potential cost savings associated with reductions in unnecessary preventative maintenance activities, together with increasing plant and equipment availability.

thermal imaging carried out effectively will identify plant and equipment defects long before complete system failure. This reduces unscheduled shut downs and enables remedial maintenance to be carried out with minimal effect to production operations. The technology can also reduce the overall cost of equipment maintenance by reducing un-necessary intrusive maintenance activities and extending time intervals between major overhauls. This has the added benefit of extending the equipment life-cycle, by ensuring equipment is effectively maintained throughout.

The Achilles Verify B1 assessment involves an evaluation of a company’s Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems. The assessment takes a day to complete, with the first part of the day focusing on all relevant documentation. The second part of the day evaluates each system’s practical application during a site visit.

The supplier qualifying services provided by Achilles are used by more than 50 utility companies from industries including power generation, transmission and distribution, nuclear, water, telecom and gas. In the growing market of predictive maintenance services, Red Current Ltd has demonstrated that it can provide thermal imaging services to the high quality, safety and environmental standards demanded by companies within the sector.

Kristian Westerhold, Managing Director of Red Current Ltd said “This is a fantastic achievement in the company’s first year. To get all of our management systems in place and successfully assessed to the high standards that the utilities sector demands, puts Red Current in a great position to win new business.”

Red Current Ltd is standing out from other thermal imaging companies by being one of the few that only employ thermographic survey engineers that are trained and certified by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT). This together with the successful assessment of their management systems is likely lead to future success within the utilities maintenance and engineering sector.

Aware Technology Delivers Confidence in Production Through Plant-Wide Condition Monitoring

Control Station today announced its participation in the formation of Aware Technology -- an experience management, condition monitoring and anomaly detection company based in Portland, Maine. The joint venture leverages Control Station's software and engineering assets, and it significantly expands the Company's existing suite of process diagnostic and optimization technologies. The new entity and its core condition monitoring solutions position Control Station with unique capabilities in the rapidly evolving automation market.

Named Aware Technology, the joint venture was formed with capital and technology investments from Control Station and iSagacity, and it targets the growing market demand for solutions that provide contextual insight into plant performance. Aware Technology's initial product -- Process Data Monitor (PDM) -- will be launched later this month as a stand-alone and SaaS (Software as a Service) product offering. PDM evaluates the performance of plant-wide production assets, and it provides confidence and usualness metrics related to the condition of those assets. Based on knowledge and experience from historical production characteristics, PDM's metrics alert production staff when unusual and potentially hazardous conditions arise.

"This joint venture benefits substantially from Control Station's competencies for product innovation and delivery as well as their diverse channels to market," commented Roy Kok, President of Aware Technology. "PDM itself leverages Control Station's expertise in cutting-edge software design and development. With a strong base of end-users and distributors, we also gain accelerated access to a critical market segment -- the process industries."

"We remain focused on enhancing customer value, and the formation of Aware Technology is further proof of our commitment to that goal," stated Dennis Nash, Control Station's President and Chief Executive. "PDM's underlying technology has been proven effective by NASA and we're now applying its potential to the industrial manufacturing sector. Its value to process manufacturers is at the heart of our competitive advantage."

Integration with Control Station's PlantESP performance monitoring solution is scheduled for September 2011. Like PlantESP, PDM analyzes process data and alerts production staff of anomalies that may affect the plant's safety and profitability. PDM can be applied to production assets throughout the plant environment unlike PlantESP's more targeted focus on the performance of PID control loops. When fully integrated with the PlantESP platform, PDM will provide process manufacturers with an intuitive and highly powerful production diagnostic and optimization solution unlike any other on the market.

The joint venture entitles Control station to the exclusive right to distribute PDM when integrated with PlantESP or when delivered as a remote monitoring solution by major DCS and PLC vendors. This entitlement enhances the value of the Company's relationships with leading automation companies such as NovaTech Process Solutions, Rockwell Automation, and Yokogawa Corporation of America.

GridSense Announces Remote Communications Capability for PowerMonic Range

Two-way communication for Power quality parameters now available to utilities for unmonitored critical assets

GridSense, a subsidiary of Acorn Energy and a leader in advanced monitoring systems that support distribution automation and grid operations of electric utilities worldwide, today announced the availability of a remote communications module (CH-HS1) for the PowerMonic range of Power quality and Disturbance analyzers.
As a market leader for years, the PowerMonic has provided utilities with a rugged, all weather instrument used to log power conditions and power quality events at substations and at customer sites. The PowerMonic range of portable power recorders offers comprehensive and reliable monitoring of low voltage circuits, supporting a variety of applications, including voltage investigations, load studies, harmonics analysis and power factor studies.
With CH-HIS, utility and industrial users can now access data cost-effectively and wirelessly from PowerMonic instruments over long distances. The remote capability now enables the online monitoring of real-time data and the ability to monitor a fleet of PowerMonics embedded throughout a large area.  In addition, users can now access new applications in permanent or semi-permanent installations, such as the monitoring of previously unmonitored electromechanical relays.
"The PowerMonic has been tested and proven for years as a capable and rugged power quality analyzer for the harsh utility environment," said Lindon Shiao, President of GridSense.  "With the remote communications module, the PowerMonic is transformed from an instrument to an intelligent online monitoring system for hard to access or remote areas of the grid and complements the company's platform of offerings that address the optimization of the T&D grid."
"Utilities are motivated to extend the life and modernize the over 50,000 mechanical relays in the U.S. market," said John Moore, Chairman and CEO of Acorn Energy.  "The remote capability now available makes the adoption of an inexpensive but high performance monitoring system even more compelling.  For as little as $10,000, the life of a $200,000 piece of equipment can be modernized, with its capabilities greatly expanded.  GridSense is leading the way for utilities to increase the productivity of existing assets and stretch their capital budgets to improve reliability."
The communication module is available for integration into new orders and can be retrofitted into selected existing PowerMonic products.  

Industrial Wireless Application Systems

Apprion, the leader of Industrial Wireless Application Systems for the process manufacturing industry, announced the completion of a Wireless Application Site Plan at the BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP facility in Port Arthur, Texas (BFLP). Apprion's team of wireless and industrial experts conducted the on-site survey and plan, which included comprehensive RF spectrum analysis, various grid simulation output with signal power levels and a technical evaluation of the site's existing infrastructure and technology. This evaluation provided the input for BFLP's plan outlining the future expansion and implementation of the facility's wireless network and applications.

BFLP had plans to implement a wireless application for mobile handheld devices to improve the management of the facility's turnaround planning and scheduling. In addition, they wanted to implement a comprehensive wireless infrastructure to support future additional wireless applications for condition monitoring, security and productivity. The management team decided to conduct a wireless application site plan prior to the project's phase 1 implementation of the infrastructure and mobility application.

"We wanted a full wireless application site plan across the entire facility to determine the most cost-effective and efficient implementation possible," said James Skoruppa, senior I&E controls engineer at the Port Arthur facility. "Plus, we did not want to create various individual, 'one-off' systems -- a common mistake when implementing new technology in a phased approach."

He added, "The Apprion Services Team was very clear on what they were delivering and the end result was impressive. With the Wireless Application Site Plan and Apprion's expertise in wireless applications for industrial processing, I feel extremely confident about our infrastructure and application implementation."

The BFLP management team partnered with Apprion Services to conduct the survey that involved four days of measurement and data gathering to determine the placement of RF transceivers and network devices that would comprise a facility-wide wireless infrastructure. A dedicated infrastructure of Apprion IONizer 802.11 industrial Wi-Fi access points and condition monitoring sensors were positioned at key locations throughout the plant in anticipation of the future facility-wide wireless infrastructure and applications including backhaul for gate readers, condition monitoring, remote operator handheld devices, communications and video applications. Performance measurements including area coverage and network connectivity were performed within each zone of the plant.

At the conclusion of the Wireless Site Plan, BFLP received a strategic wireless report with the Wireless and RF site assessment results, recommendations for detailed implementation planning and a extensive report mapping out the most efficient and cost-effective path for moving forward with various wireless applications at the Port Arthur facility.

OceanSENSE Leak Detector Delivers 100% Detection Record In North Sea – European Orders Follow North Sea Success

A leak detector engineered by OceanTools has delivered a 100% detection record across a recent series of major North Sea projects. The OceanSENSE-DH diver held leak detector, which was launched by OceanTools in late 2010, offers detection capabilities up to 50 times more effective than traditional ‘black light’ systems.

Kevin Parker, managing director of OceanTools, which developed OceanSENSE, says of the success of the technology;OceanSENSE has been used on numerous North Sea projects and has achieved a 100% detection rate. The success of OceanSENSE in the North Sea has led to considerable global interest in the technology and we have recently delivered two OceanSENSE-SW ROV mounted single wavelength units for the detection of Champion Clear Dye for a major European oil company. We also hope to announce sales of further Clear Dye configured systems to a major subsea contractor in the near future.

OceanSENSE is compact and lightweight and can be operated by an ROV team, meaning that no additional personnel are required. The compact design allows the units to be mounted on a wide range of ROVs. As the system uses high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) for excitation of the fluorescence, there are no safety issues as may be found with older, less efficient, laser-based leak detection systems.

The OceanSENSE units can be configured to detect any combination of fluorescing materials, including fluorescein, rhodamine, hydrocarbons, hydraulic fluids (with certain added tracers) and chlorophyll. The OceanTools development team has also been producing variants on OceanSENSE including OceanSENSE-Micro, an ultra compact version; OceanSENSE-Pelagic, a Pelagic 100 detecting version; and OceanSENSE-AUV, an AUV mounted version. OceanSENSE units are available for sale or rental.OceanTools specialises in the design of underwater equipment for the offshore oil and gas, oceanographic and scientific and military and defence sectors. The company manufactures a wide range of standard products such as north-seeking gyrocompasses, video overlays and subsea display units as well as undertaking special project engineering including the development of FPSO anchor chain/bend stiffener video monitoring systems and the design of custom winches and hydraulic power units. Products are available for rental or purchase. More about OceanTools can be found at www.oceantools.eu

BASF FINA Petrochemicals Partners With Apprion to Complete Wireless Application Site Plan

Apprion, the leader of Industrial Wireless Application Systems for the process manufacturing industry, announced the completion of a Wireless Application Site Plan at the BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP facility in Port Arthur, Texas (BFLP). Apprion's team of wireless and industrial experts conducted the on-site survey and plan, which included comprehensive RF spectrum analysis, various grid simulation output with signal power levels and a technical evaluation of the site's existing infrastructure and technology. This evaluation provided the input for BFLP's plan outlining the future expansion and implementation of the facility's wireless network and applications.

BFLP had plans to implement a wireless application for mobile handheld devices to improve the management of the facility's turnaround planning and scheduling. In addition, they wanted to implement a comprehensive wireless infrastructure to support future additional wireless applications for condition monitoring, security and productivity. The management team decided to conduct a wireless application site plan prior to the project's phase 1 implementation of the infrastructure and mobility application.

"We wanted a full wireless application site plan across the entire facility to determine the most cost-effective and efficient implementation possible," said James Skoruppa, senior I&E controls engineer at the Port Arthur facility. "Plus, we did not want to create various individual, 'one-off' systems -- a common mistake when implementing new technology in a phased approach."

He added, "The Apprion Services Team was very clear on what they were delivering and the end result was impressive. With the Wireless Application Site Plan and Apprion's expertise in wireless applications for industrial processing, I feel extremely confident about our infrastructure and application implementation."

The BFLP management team partnered with Apprion Services to conduct the survey that involved four days of measurement and data gathering to determine the placement of RF transceivers and network devices that would comprise a facility-wide wireless infrastructure. A dedicated infrastructure of Apprion IONizer 802.11 industrial Wi-Fi access points and condition monitoring sensors were positioned at key locations throughout the plant in anticipation of the future facility-wide wireless infrastructure and applications including backhaul for gate readers, condition monitoring, remote operator handheld devices, communications and video applications. Performance measurements including area coverage and network connectivity were performed within each zone of the plant.

At the conclusion of the Wireless Site Plan, BFLP received a strategic wireless report with the Wireless and RF site assessment results, recommendations for detailed implementation planning and a extensive report mapping out the most efficient and cost-effective path for moving forward with various wireless applications at the Port Arthur facility.

Acorn Energy Announces Q1 2011 Results

Acorn Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACFN) an energy technology holding company, today announced its results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011.  
For the first quarter revenues were $6.8 million vs. $7.1 million in the comparable 2010 quarter.  Flat revenues were mostly the result of long sales cycles and some potential customers delaying orders due to world-wide economic conditions.  However, a dramatic increase in pipeline activity is expected to improve revenues for the balance of the year, particularly in the third and fourth quarters.  
Net loss for the quarter was $2.2 million compared to a net loss of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2010 or ($0.13) vs. ($0.25) per share.
Operating expenses at the corporate level were $0.9 million compared to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2010, a decrease of approximately 40%.
"Acorn's revenue growth took a brief pause in the first quarter due to some delays in anticipated customer orders.  Acorn's revenues have expanded at a nearly 40% compounded annual growth rate since 2008.  We have very good reason to believe that our growth will resume in the following three quarters and 2011 will be another year of extraordinary progress.  In the meantime, we continue to make investments in each of our companies as we strive to expand the new market categories we are creating in energy technology.  We believe that the value of Acorn will be recognized by the investment community as each of our portfolio companies shows signs of traction in the coming months," commented John Moore, CEO of Acorn Energy.
About Acorn Energy
Acorn Energy, Inc. is a holding company focused on technology driven solutions for energy infrastructure asset management.  Our four businesses in which we have controlling interests, improve the world's energy infrastructure by making it cleaner and less expensive to operate air pollution systems for coal and gas-fired power plants (CoaLogix), more secure by providing security solutions for underwater energy infrastructure (DSIT), more reliable by providing condition monitoring instruments for critical assets on the electric grid (GridSense) and more productive and efficient by increasing oil and gas production while lowering costs through use of ultra-high sensitive seismic tools for more precise pinpointing of oil and gas reservoirs (USSI). For more information visit www.acornenergy.com.

RIGmonitor protects asset operation says Kittiwake

Kittiwake plans to introduce its RIGmonitor at OTC 2011. RIGmonitor combines local, on-line sensors with central overview and control, says Kittiwake. Remote access, emailed alarms, and secure data trending complete the rig asset condition monitoring package.

The lubricant and machinery condition information provided by RIGmonitor can help make informed decisions regarding asset operation, lubricant changes, and service intervals. RIGmonitor sensor units can tie-in operation parameters (for correlation with condition information) and even inputs from other, existing condition monitoring systems.

Improved version of software for rotating machinery

ABB has announced a new release of Analyst, a redesigned and improved version of its graphic analysis package for evaluating the health of rotating machinery.

Analyst is compatible with ABB's condition monitoring modules, MCM800 and CMM11 and provides specialized plots for assessing the condition of rotating machinery. The application uses various plot types to present the historical vibration data and selected unit parameters to the user, so that significant patterns and trends can be quickly recognized. The user can identify problems and deviations in the condition of the rotating machinery and address them before adversely affecting operations.

Analyst is part of ABB's Symphony Plus Condition Monitoring suite of products that allow the user to collect and analyze historical and waveform data for evaluation and maintain continuous surveillance of assets and support proactive maintenance programmes.

Control Station Expands Portfolio and Market Reach with New Joint Venture

Control Station has announced its participation in the formation of Aware Technology – a condition monitoring and anomaly detection company based in Portland, Maine.  The joint venture leverages Control Station’s software and engineering assets, and it significantly expands the Company’s existing suite of process diagnostic and optimization technologies.  The new entity and its core condition monitoring solutions position Control Station with unique capabilities in the rapidly evolving automation market.

Named Aware Technology, the joint venture was formed with capital and technology investments from Control Station and iSagacity, and it targets the growing market demand for solutions that provide contextual insight into plant performance.  Aware Technology’s initial product – Process Data Monitor (PDM) – will be launched later this month as a stand-alone and SaaS (Software as a Service) product offering.  PDM evaluates the performance of plant-wide production assets, and it provides confidence and usualness metrics related to the condition of those assets.  Based on knowledge and experience from historical production characteristics, PDM’s metrics alert production staff when unusual and potentially hazardous conditions arise.

“This joint venture benefits substantially from Control Station’s competencies for product innovation and delivery as well as their diverse channels to market,” commented Roy Kok, President of Aware Technology.  “PDM itself leverages Control Station’s expertise in cutting-edge software design and development.  With a strong base of end-users and distributors, we also gain accelerated access to a critical market segment – the process industries.”

“We remain focused on enhancing customer value, and the formation of Aware Technology is further proof of our commitment to that goal,” stated Dennis Nash, Control Station’s President and Chief Executive.  “PDM’s underlying technology has been proven effective by NASA and we’re now applying its potential to the industrial manufacturing sector.  Its value to process manufacturers is at the heart of our competitive advantage.”

Integration with Control Station’s PlantESP performance monitoring solution is scheduled for September 2011.  Like PlantESP, PDM analyzes process data and alerts production staff of anomalies that may affect the plant’s safety and profitability.  PDM can be applied to production assets throughout the plant environment unlike PlantESP’s more targeted focus on the performance of PID control loops. When fully integrated with the PlantESP platform, PDM will provide process manufacturers with an intuitive and highly powerful production diagnostic and optimization solution unlike any other on the market.

The -1859850516  joint venture entitles Control station to the exclusive right to distribute PDM when integrated with PlantESP or when delivered as a remote monitoring solution by major DCS and PLC vendors.  This entitlement enhances the value of the Company’s relationships with leading automation companies such as NovaTech Process Solutions, Rockwell Automation, and Yokogawa Corporation of America.

ABB Releases Enhanced Version Of Analyst™ Software, Simplifying Graphical Analysis Of Rotating Machinery Data

ABB, the leading power and automation technology company, recently announced a new release of Analyst, a redesigned and enhanced version of the graphic analysis package for evaluating the health of rotating machinery. Analyst is fully compatible with ABB's condition monitoring modules, MCM800 and CMM11; and when used jointly, protects high valued assets from both instantaneous catastrophic failures and long-term compounded wear failures. Many of the updates and enhancements to the Analyst package were derived from the most important condition monitoring experts, our customers.

Analyst is a graphical analysis software application that provides specialized plots for assessing the condition of rotating machinery. The application uses various plot types to present the historical vibration data and selected unit parameters to the vibration expert, so that significant patterns and trends can be quickly recognized. The user can now proactively identify problems and deviations in the condition of the rotating machinery and address them before adversely affecting operations.

Analyst is part of ABB's Symphony Plus Condition Monitoring suite of products, integrating powerful hardware, with intelligent software. The powerful graphic capabilities allow the user to collect and analyze historical and waveform data for evaluation, allowing the user to maintain continuous surveillance of critical assets and support proactive maintenance programs. This announcement was made at the ABB Automation & Power World 2011 conference, ABB's annual premier customer event held this year in Orlando.

Quality of Fine Powders Under Gravity Fall Conditions Is Assured

Developed with today's highly regulated pharmaceutical processing plants in mind, and with an emphasis on current and future compliance requirements, Pharma GF-PRO detectors deliver the opportunity for manufacturers to increase productivity, reduce overall manufacturing costs and improve competitiveness.

Detecting the Smallest Contaminants
Sensitivity enhancements have been achieved through the development of multi channel inspection technology combined with the use of ultra high frequency operation. These techniques will set new standards of performance within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly with respect to the detection of non-magnetic stainless steel and irregular shaped contaminants such as broken sieve wires.

Maximising process efficiency and product quality whilst minimising downtime are critical as manufacturers strive for operational excellence. Pharma GF-PRO systems utilise built-in PVR software to advise when validation testing is required and to guide QA operatives through the necessary test procedure.

The issue of maximising uptime is addressed through the use of a revolutionary Condition Monitoring feature which constantly assesses the performance and operation of key detector elements. This system gives advanced warning of changes which could potentially cause downtime or compromise quality if left unaddressed.

Keeping Quality Teams Informed to Make Decisions
Critical process messages from Pharma GF-PRO detectors can be communicated directly to key individuals within the manufacturers' organisation via a unique GSM gateway communication system. This allows the detector so send instant SMS text messages and emails to the mobile telephones or in-boxes of those that need to know. Typically, the manufacturing team can receive early warnings regarding potential downtime or line stoppages via the Condition Monitoring feature whilst QA or Production Managers can be advised of over-due validation testing of the system which could lead to non-compliance issues if not addressed.

Messages from the PVR and Condition Monitoring systems are displayed on the high visibility touch screen user interface. The early warning of potential problems before they escalate to stop the production process or lead to non-compliance issues can help to give your company an all-important edge over your competitors.

Noise monitoring network launched

Delhi and six other cities in the country will now have real-time ambient noise monitoring stations as a national network for mapping noise pollution was launched here Wednesday.

Inaugurating the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Netwrok (NANMN), Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said: 'Monitoring is the first step which is active from today (Wednesday) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by initiating the NANMN. Now it is upto the seven state governments to use this data and take some action for noise control.'

He also said the CPCB network will create data on noise pollution and will help policy makers and implement agencies in determining their actions for noise control.

In its first phase, the NANMN is implemented in 35 stations in Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

In the second phase 35 more stations is set to be added in the same cities. In the third phase 90 more locations in 18 cities is planned by the CPCB.

'Our target is a total of 160 locations spread over 25 cities in 18 states by 2012,' J.S. Kamyotra, CPCB member secretary, said.

Ramesh said: 'I hope the CPCB will be able to fulfil this objective. The first stage is being fulfilled. But it is upto the state pollution control boards to act on real time data generated so far. This has to be used to smoothen the traffic.'

As an example Ramesh referred that the constantly exceeding noise level in Delhi at the busy ITO area.

'On Delhi ITO road the noise level exceeds 80 decibels when the standard prescribed level is 65 decibels. I urge the Delhi government and Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB) to use the network and check the noise pollution,'the minister said.

Ramesh also highlighted the need for a similar pollution control monitoring system for water.

Initially it should be implemented in rivers Yamuna and Ganga, he suggested.

He added: 'The four highly polluting industries - tanneries, distilleries, craft paper and dying - which fall in the red category, will be turned to green industries by end of this year.'

He also said that the special budget allocation of Rs.200 crore under environmental remediation for the environment ministry will be used for cleaning operations in highly polluted areas.

Metal Detection System meets pharmaceutical industry standards

Mettler-Toledo Safeline has announced the release of a new generation of its well established Tablex metal detection system - the most sensitive metal detector in the World. Tablex-PRO uses a new version of advanced Safeline PowerPhasePRO software and is set to raise the standards adopted by the pharmaceutical industry.

Developed with today's highly regulated pharmaceutical production plants firmly in mind, and with an emphasis on current and future compliance requirements, Tablex-PRO delivers the opportunity for manufacturers to increase productivity, reduce overall manufacturing costs and improve their competitiveness. The new system will take metal detection for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to an even higher level of sophistication providing manufacturers with real benefits to address the challenges of an increasingly demanding market.

Major sensitivity enhancements have been achieved through the development of a new optimum power drive technique combined with the use of ultra high frequency operation. These new features will set new standards of performance within the industry, particularly with respect to the detection of stainless steel contaminants and irregular shaped contaminants such as slithers of metal and broken sieve wires. Tablex-PRO is capable of detecting particles smaller than 0.2mm in diameter.

Among the features in the new software package is a dual level, electronic signature log-in system which requires operators to enter a user name and password for access. This advanced system captures and stores all access activities in the form of an electronic access log. The log can be displayed and viewed on the full color touch screen along with other important manufacturing data providing full regulatory compliance with the requirements of 21 CFR part 11.

Inspection process traceability is supported through the inclusion of important barcode and manufacturing batch code information within the data collection and storage system. This key data can be displayed on the operator interface during the manufacturing process.

Enhanced quality assurance is provided through a dedicated password protected QA system access level. Tablex-PRO systems advise when test routines need to be performed and when testing is overdue via highly visible screen messages. Built-in performance validation software provides intuitive, step-by-step guidance for quality assurance testing.

Tablex-PRO is available with the METTLER TOLEDO EQPac qualification package to ensure manufacturers are able to provide the documentary evidence that processes and procedures meet predetermined specifications of FDA, GAMP and GMP requirements.

EQPac provides users with fully documented IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), PQ (Performance Qualification) and MQ (Maintenance Qualification) protocols, while a certified test kit enables pharmaceutical manufacturers to achieve regulatory compliance for their metal detectors.

Maximizing process efficiency and minimizing downtime are critical as manufacturers strive for operational excellence. The issue of maximizing uptime is addressed with a revolutionary Condition Monitoring feature which constantly assesses the performance and operation of key detector elements. This system gives advanced warning of changes which could potentially cause downtime if left unaddressed. Messages from the Condition Monitoring system are displayed on the high visibility touch screen user interface. The early warning of potential problems before they escalate to stop the production process enables maintenance routines to be conducted when equipment is off-line to maximize uptime and production capacity.

System faults and warning messages are also signaled via an optional high level, highly visible, tri-color status warning lamp. The lamp displays a green, amber or red status to indicate Condition Monitoring messages and give warnings of performance verification test requirements.

Critical messages from Tablex-PRO detectors can be communicated directly to key individuals within the manufacturers' organization via a unique GSM gateway communication system. This allows the detector so send instant SMS text messages and emails to those that need to know. Typically, maintenance engineers can receive early warnings regarding potential downtime or line stoppages via the Condition Monitoring feature, while QA or Production Managers can be advised of over-due validation testing of the system which could lead to non-compliance issues if not addressed.

Tablex-PRO retains the benefits offered on existing Tablex systems of a choice of two interchangeable and failsafe reject devices suitable for all product types and applications. The side diverter system is particularly effective where inlet and outlet heights are low or restricted - the compact design minimizes overall throughput length. The lift flap diverter system has been specifically developed for manufacturers needing straight line product flow. This can help to reduce potential damage to larger, effervescent and delicate tablets. Both systems offer simple 'no-tool' strip-down, easy cleaning and are fully compliant with CFR parts 210 and 211.

Intelleflex Wins "Best in Show" Award at RFID Journal LIVE!

Intelleflex, a leading provider of on-demand data visibility solutions, announced today it has won the Best in Show award at RFID Journal LIVE!, the leading industry conference and exhibition dedicated to the use of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. A team of judges from industry, research, and academia recognized the company's fixed and mobile, multiprotocol readers and temperature tags for excellence in monitoring the condition of perishable foods and pharmaceuticals under a range of rigorous conditions and for providing actionable data to take corrective action.

The panel of judges recognized Intelleflex XC3 Technology™ multi-mode readers and tags for their innovative battery-assisted passive RFID technology, which equals or exceeds the performance of active RFID, while substantially reducing costs. Intelleflex readers and tags support both the ISO/IEC 18000-6:2010 standard for Class 3 battery-assisted passive RFID, and the EPCglobal C1G2 standard for passive RFID. 

Intelleflex RFID readers and tags are also distinguished for their ability to reliably read and write in RF-unfriendly environments including metals, liquids, or with items in motion. The company's products enable condition monitoring of individual products on loaded pallets or totes from a range of up to 300 feet and can penetrate packaging, allowing operators to make informed decisions on product shipment, inventory and rotation that can reduce shrink in perishable foods and guarantee efficacy of pharmaceuticals.

"Once again, we had many innovative new products on display at RFID Journal LIVE!, but Intelleflex rose above the rest with a solution that promises to deliver significant benefits to businesses and other organizations," said Mark Roberti, RFID Journal's founder and editor. "With Intelleflex's temperature-monitoring RFID applications, growers, producers, shippers, warehousers and retailers can cost-effectively monitor and verify the freshness or efficacy of their products all the way from product origin through final destination. This will not only reduce waste and increase sales; it will improve food safety for consumers."

"We're honored to be selected the winner of the Best in Show award," said Peter Mehring, CEO of Intelleflex. "We appreciate the recognition by this distinguished group that Intelleflex XC3 Technology is an industry-leading solution, delivering strong value and a positive ROI for asset tracking and cold supply chain markets."