SCADA RTU Application Brief Describes Remote Pump Condition Monitoring

Semaphore has released a technical document with information on applications of the T-BOX LT all-in-one RTU. The T-BOX SCADA system brings new technology to remote monitoring of pumps in a variety of industry applications.
The new brief, titled Condition Monitoring for Remote Pump Operations, relates telemetry applications in conjuction with the latest technology, vibration velocity sensors, in light of economic conditions that have increased the priorities on prolonging service life of capital equipment. The systems have been used to provide timely monitoring, improve maintenance and automate pumps for increased efficiency.

Found at: http://www.cienmagazine.com/news/scada-rtu-application-brief-describes-remote-pump-condition-monitoring/1000548078/

Condition monitoring solution for rotating equipment

John Crane UK Ltd's new DART 1 wireless condition monitoring technology  monitors the condition of rotating equipment and associated machinery.

See more at: http://www.engineerlive.com/Oil-and-Gas-Engineer/Instrumentation/Condition_monitoring_solution_for_rotating_equipment/23649/

City Power has a 90-day plan

City Power has less than 50 days to improve public lighting and revenue collection, install protective structures and remove illegal connections as part of the mayor’s 90-day Accelerated Service Delivery Plan.

These objectives fall into six chosen focus areas, the others being demand side management, improving the performance of the LV network and meter readings, installing check meters, and communicating all achievements. These will need to be implemented within the 90 days, which end at the end of September.

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7073&catid=88&Itemid=266

General Electric buys tech firm with strong links to SCF

New York-listed General Electric has bought South Island technology firm Commtest, which is part-owned by a subsidiary of South Canterbury Finance, the Timaru-based company that went into receivership last year.
South Canterbury receiver Kerryn Downey of McGrathNicol said he was unable to comment on the sale until a press release was issued.
According to the Companies Office, Hornchurch, a subsidiary of South Canterbury Finance, is a major shareholder of Commtest.

See more at: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&objectid=10746818

and:

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/ge-acquires-commtest-expands-industrial-condition-monitoring-portfolio/18663

How to Implement Modern Condition Monitoring Systems

Joel Leonard 

To be more competitive, efficient and cost-effective, more and more companies are implementing automation and remote condition monitoring systems, sensors, alarms, PLCs, accelerometers, human-machine interface panels, etc. Now many are implementing wireless networks to monitor equipment globally at remote monitoring systems.
These modern systems are truly technological marvels and amaze even the most jaded technophiles. But we must be careful because the solutions we implement today are going to lead to the problems we must grapple with tomorrow.

See more at: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/28535/implement-condition-monitoring

SGS to Participate in Materials Testing 2011 Exhibition in Telford, UK

SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is participating in the Materials Testing 2011 exhibition in Telford, UK on September 13-15, 2011. Throughout the entire event, held at the International Centre, SGS will be highlighting a range of advanced Non-Destructive (NDT) services at stand B18.

Materials Testing 2011 is the most comprehensive international exhibition for Quality Testing, Materials Testing, Non-Destructive Testing, Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Engineering. The two-day exhibition presents a perfect occasion for SGS Industrial Services to announce its full and long-term commitment to the UK and also to meet potential business partners.

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE ENGINEER $138-119K Relocating?

This role is broad, so don't expect to be experienced in all the requirements. What you can expect however is training and support in reliability centred maintenance, root cause analysis and condition monitoring.

This training will run parallel to your daily duties of providing technica l advice and support to operations and maintenance, project management of capital upgrades and modifications.

Whatever your reasons for wanting out of your current role, consider this job. This will especially suit a maintenance or reliability engineer from a materials handling background looking for some complex processing experience.

Minimum requirements for this role; B Eng (Mech) and at least 4-6 years mining/ heavy industry experience.
Anthony RuehlandMaintenance & Reliability Engineering Recruitment
Ph: 1300 696 900 or 0414 450 514
Found at: http://jobs.bunburymail.com.au/overview/8103701/

Improving industrial control with integrated MEMS inertial sensors

Bob Scannell, Analog Devices

Recent sensor technology developments are enabling revolutionary improvements in industrial system designs. Applications where inertial sensors can potentially improve system performance include platform stabilisation, motion control for industrial machinery, security/surveillance devices, robotics, industrial vehicle navigation and mechanical levelling.

The motion information provided by such sensors can be invaluable in improving not only performance but also reliability, safety and cost of ownership. However, there are barriers to overcome to obtain these benefits, particularly in the tough physical environment of many industrial applications, where temperature, vibration, limited space and other factors must be addressed. Extracting consistent data from the sensor, translating it into useful information, and reacting to it within the system’s timing and power budget require expertise on the part of the engineer in many technology domains, including careful design practice.

See more at: http://www.dataweek.co.za/news.aspx?pklnewsid=39799

FLIR Systems Announces $250 Million Notes Offering

FLIR Systems, Inc has announced it has priced a public offering of $250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% notes due September 1, 2016. FLIR expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $248 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses. The proceeds from the sale of the notes are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include funding for working capital, investments in or extensions of credit to our subsidiaries, capital expenditures, repurchases of stock, and acquisitions. The offering is expected to close on August 19, 2011.

See more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/flir-systems-announces-250-million-notes-offering-2011-08-16?reflink=MW_news_stmp

NASA uses MicroStrain sensors to monitor vibroacoustic shock

NASA Kennedy Space Center with the wireless sensor technology to remotely monitor lift off acoustics and vibration generated during the launch of both Endeavour and Atlantis space shuttles. The noise generated by rocket exhaust affects the safety of spacecraft, ground facilities and hazardous equipment. Data gathered by MicroStrain's sensors was used in corroborating prediction models. The deployed sensor network provides NASA with the means to implement scalable, wireless sensors capable of proactively monitoring high-value, hazardous systems.

Found at: http://www.energyharvestingjournal.com/articles/nasa-uses-microstrain-sensors-to-monitor-vibroacoustic-shock-00003676.asp?sessionid=1

AUTUMN COURSE FOR ELECTRICAL THERMOGRAPHY

A thermal imaging camera is becoming an indispensible tool for electrical fault detection. It allows the system to be inspected under full load without interrupting the process so problems are spotted before they become costly failures.

FLIR Systems is the leader in this technology and highly experienced in applying thermal imaging in the electrical environment. Participants in its forthcoming Electrical Survey and Measurement Thermography course will therefore benefit from a great deal of practical advice on how to interpret thermal findings and classify the severity of problems.

This one day course is designed for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of thermography for electrical predictive maintenance and condition monitoring. Run by FLIR Systems’ training arm, the ITC, it will be held at the FLIR technical centre in West Malling, Kent on Thursday 22nd September 2011.

This course is open to everyone, not just FLIR thermal camera users and costs £319 +VAT.

More information on all ITC courses is available at www.irtraining.eu. To book, would-be delegates are invited to contact Jon Willis email: jon.willis@flir.uk.com tel: 01732 220011 or Charlie Reed email: charlie.reed@flir.uk.com tel: 01732 221285

Article found at: http://www.pandct.com/media/shownews.asp?ID=30015

Let Risk and Your Equipment Determine Your Maintenance Strategy

When I attend conferences and workshops and read articles on maintenance and reliability, more and more I hear people touting that preventive maintenance is more costly and not the right approach. When we talk about preventive maintenance, we are primarily talking about time-based inspections, but it can include overhauls/rebuilds as well. But before we take statements like these as the gospel and apply them carte blanche to all of our equipment, we need to understand the basis for that reasoning and when to apply it.

See more at: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/28529/risk-equipment-maintenance

Vibro-Meter velocity sensor

The Vibro-Meter product line offers a velocity sensor that works with all condition and health monitoring systems including the company’s VibroSight. Meggitt is the only system supplier with design and manufacturing control over its entire system, which now includes the new PV 102, a piezoelectric velocity sensor for vibration monitoring of turbomachinery and other rotating equipment. The PV 102 is a 100 mV/inch/second (3.94 mV/mm/s) piezoelectric velocity sensor. The uncertified version of the PV 102 has CE approval. The certified version of the PV 102 carries ATEX, IEC and CSA hazardous area certifications, which are commonly required in the nuclear and fossil power generation, oil and gas, and petrochemical industries.

See more at: http://www.isa.org/InTechTemplate.cfm?Section=NewHome&template=/Customsource/ISA/MFGProducts/ProductDisplay.cfm&ID=401

Vestas to supply wind turbines for Spanish wind farm in Burgos

Vestas has secured wind power contracts from Brulles Eolica and CYL Energia Eolica to supply wind turbines with a total generating capacity of 92 MW for two wind energy projects in Burgos, Spain.

The contracts also include a VestasOnline® Business SCADA system, a Condition Monitoring System, as well as a 12-year service agreement including the Active Output Management package ‘AOM4000’ .

See more: http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=12850

The Hartford Teams Up With Intelleflex on Loss Prevention and Underwriting Innovation

New Technology Helps Reduce Waste and Improve Quality in the Perishable Food Supply Chain 

The Intelleflex(R) Corporation is entering a strategic alliance with The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. to help both companies explore insurance-related opportunities to reduce the amount of produce lost and improve the overall quality of produce during the distribution process from the grower to the retailer. One third of shipped produce is wasted each year, representing $35 billion annually. The partnership, which is through The Hartford's corporate venture division Hartford Ventures, may also enable The Hartford to enhance its loss control and underwriting practices.

See more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-hartford-teams-up-with-intelleflex-on-loss-prevention-and-underwriting-innovation-2011-08-09?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Geoforce Offers Customized Globalstar Commercial SPOT Satellite Tracking Solution to Help Ensure Oilfield Lone Worker Safety

Geoforce to Provide Oil and Gas Companies With an Affordable and Effective Solution to Monitor the GPS Location and Safety of Thousands of Remote Workers in the United States and Canada

Globalstar, Inc. /quotes/zigman/103362/quotes/nls/gsat GSAT -1.54% , a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, and Geoforce Inc., a leading provider of asset management solutions for the oil and gas industry, today announced that the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the United States has selected Geoforce and Globalstar to help monitor the safety and location of its lone workers.

 

See more at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/geoforce-offers-customized-globalstar-commercial-spot-satellite-tracking-solution-to-help-ensure-oilfield-lone-worker-safety-2011-08-08?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Damage-sensing composite structures – Patent Abstract

Applicant: Applied Nanostructured Solutions, Llc

A composite includes a matrix material and a unidirectional array of carbon nanotube- infused fibers disposed in a portion of the matrix material. An article includes this composite and a network of electrodes disposed about the periphery of the composite. The electrodes send and receive an electrical charge. Such an article is included in a system, along with sensing circuitry and a source for supplying current to the network of electrodes. Such a system is used in a method that includes subjecting the article to a load that causes a condition in the composite including strain, fatigue, damage, or cracks, and monitoring the location of the condition.

Patent number: WO/2011/049801

Inventors: Malecki, Harry, C., Hughes, John, Anthony; Shah, Tushar, K.

Publication date: 28.04.2011

BASF Fina facility plans for wireless

BASF Fina Petrochemicals LP a joint venture between BASF and Total Petrochemicals USA Inc has established a wireless application plan at its Port Arthur, Texas, site, which houses one of the largest steam crackers in the world.

The wireless plan is based on an on-site survey, which included an RF spectrum analysis, various grid simulation output with signal power levels, and a technical evaluation of the site’s existing infrastructure and technology. These findings provided the basis for BASF Fina’s plan: outlining the implementation programme for its wireless network and applications, as well as scope for future expansions.

Read more: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/basf-fina-facility-plans-for-wireless/1009337.article#ixzz1U8aEkkJd

Leaving your comfort zone

Technology crossover is a recurring theme in the latest issue of Process Engineering: highlighting how engineers can learn lessons from elsewhere in the process industries, as well as from other industrial sectors.

The latter point is well illustrated in our condition monitoring feature, which, among other developments, reports on the use of Formula 1 racing technology at nuclear plants and the emergence of smartphone applications for maintenance technicians and engineers.

Read more: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/leaving-your-comfort-zone/1009381.article#ixzz1U2yavAy6

Wireless rotating equipment monitoring

OneWireless Rotating Equipment Solution is a new reliability and asset management products and services portfolio.

It wirelessly and in real time — monitors essential and critical plant assets to reportedly save an average of $20,000 per asset, per year through improved uptime and reduced maintenance and repair costs. OneWireless comprises new XYR6000 Multiplexer wireless vibration monitor, enhanced Asset Manager R400 software for online performance and condition monitoring, plus OneWireless network Multinodes.

See more at: http://www.pennenergy.com/index/petroleum/display/2099600998/articles/oil-gas-petrochem-equipment/volume-57/issue-9/Maintenance/wireless-rotating-equipment-monitoring.html

Intertek Acquires Qinetiq's Fuel and Lubricant Testing Business

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries worldwide, has acquired the QinetiQ Fuels and Lubricants Testing business. The addition of QinetiQ's fuels and lubricants services expands Intertek's existing testing, consulting, research and expert services in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Found at: http://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=30139

Continuous Condition Monitoring from Pfeiffer Vacuum

Pfeiffer Vacuum has developed a Condition Monitoring System (CMS) that affords optimum monitoring of the operating condition of vacuum pumps and vacuum gauges.

Monitoring is especially advisable for systems that incorporate a large number of pumps or pumps that are difficult to access. In special applications, data transfer can be effected by means of fiber optics in order to bridge high voltage potentials, for example. Continuous condition monitoring of the pumps and vacuum gauges in a system prevents outages and helps to save costs.

See more at: http://impeller.net/magazine/News_en/doc5548x.asp