Moog Crossbow Introduces New ILC2000 Package

Moog Crossbow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) today announced the introduction of the ILC2000, Identification-Location-Condition, Package Tracking and Monitoring System.  The ILC2000 System was designed for ground, airborne and multi-modal shipments and delivers unprecedented real-time package tracking and condition monitoring for cold chain and global supply chain applications. 
The ILC2000 system provides two-way communication via GSM/GPRS radio and location information using GPS/LBS with configurable location and status alerts. It also provides API interfaces at device, server and client UI levels.  Messaging and alerts can be configured for immediate delivery by e-mail or SMS text notification.  Moog Crossbow also offers optional turnkey services ranging from customized user interfaces to secure application hosting.
Mike Horton, General Manager of Moog Crossbow, said: “The ILC2000 represents our 2nd generation package tracking and monitoring system.  It follows Moog Crossbow’s successful ILC1500 pilot program and SA1000, our first generation device, which is currently being used by FedEx in the SenseAware platform.”
The ILC2000 device includes a GSM/GPRS radio, specialized sensors and signal processing, a GPS receiver and advanced application software.   It features a quad band GSM/GPRS radio to provide simple and reliable connectivity around the globe without requiring specialized readers or ground infrastructure.   The ILC2000 device’s on-board sensors provide temperature monitoring (calibrated to NIST standards) to protect and certify sensitive cargo.  Other on-board sensors can be used to monitor shipments for excessive shock, tilting and package tampering.   An expansion port can accommodate other specialized sensors such as those used for cryogenic shipments.   Real-time location tracking is provided by the GPS receiver and patented algorithms which maintain position accuracy even during GPS outages.
Unlike today’s smartphone devices, the ILC2000 is packaged in a rugged, waterproof case and includes a rechargeable battery offering one month of operation between charges.    The ILC2000 is UL and CE compliant and has been built to worldwide standards for safe operation on aircraft. The ILC2000 has undergone extensive field trials and is now in full scale production.
The ILC2000 System is now available for order to customers worldwide.   Contact our Sales Department at +1-408-965-3300for pricing and lead times.  See www.moog-crossbow.com/ilc2000 for more details.

Active magnetic bearings prove attractive for demanding application

Active magnetic bearings have been available for decades, yet demand from design engineers for higher performance and reduced energy consumption is giving rise to heightened interest in these systems. Jon Severn reports on some of the latest developments and applications.
For the vast majority of applications, engineers can choose the most appropriate rolling-element or plain bearings. Air bearings are suitable for only a limited range of applications, but there is now increasing interest in magnetic bearings or, more precisely, active magnetic bearings.

See more at: http://www.engineerlive.com/Design-Engineer/Power_Transmission/Active_magnetic_bearings_prove_attractive_for_demanding_application/23692/

PdM Program Success Starts with Hard Work

When you have developed a network of people — either through conference attendance or training classrooms, or through more informal avenues like blogs and predictive maintenance forums — you have a real sounding board for developing your PdM program. In my experience, though, the only way you are going to develop a true program for any of the disciplines (infrared, vibration, motor testing, ultrasound, etc.) is to put in some hard work yourself. You must determine what should be included and not included in the program and make some decisions on what the criteria will be to determine that.
This may or may not be a difficult task, but it is one that must be done. There is no simple way to do this. You will make some mistakes. These will not be earth-shattering ones — just performing inspections that do not need to be done or are of little value to the operation of the plant. It will be worth it in the long run.
The key is to have more instead of not having enough. You can always pare items from your program based on your experience using your infrared camera, motor testing equipment, vibration data logger or ultrasonic probe. Each item you cut from your program should be based on your testing and experience. By doing this, you help to develop your technique and experience using the equipment. At first, you will go through a lot of pads of paper outlining what you believe should be included, and you will constantly check your operator’s manual for your equipment. In the end, you will know the equipment you will be testing/scanning.

See more at: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/28555/pdm-program-success

SGS Participates in RenewableUK 2011 in Manchester, UK

SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, is attending the RenewableUK Conference and Exhibition 2011 in Manchester, UK on October 25-27, 2011. During the event, SGS experts will demonstrate the wide range of services it offers to the renewable energy industry at stand 230.

RenewableUK 2011, being held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex, is one of the leading annual renewable energy conferences and exhibitions and the perfect meeting place for anyone interested in the development and latest trends of the renewable energy sector in the UK and worldwide.

The three-day event presents an exciting opportunity for SGS Industrial Services to showcase its wide portfolio of Renewable Energy services, and these include Risk Management, Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Management, Condition Monitoring, Wind Turbine Blade Testing, and In-Service and End of Warranty Inspections. It is also a chance to meet potential business partners.

With Risk Management, SGS ensures that all possible wind farm risks are reduced and investments are secured throughout the entire wind farm project development. Furthermore, through Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Management, SGS optimizes the lifecycle revenue generated by a wind farm project, while assuring high quality and safe practices during the project’s realization phase.

The key objective of Condition Monitoring is the regular inspection and monitoring of the various components of a wind turbine during its operational lifetime to detect any deviations from the normal conditions as early as possible and prevent consequential damages. Participants of RenewableUK 2011 will also have a unique chance to learn more about Wind Turbine Blade Testing services, which aim to extend the lifecycle of wind rotor blades, minimize the risks of design flaws and manufacturing defects, and guarantee the reliability of wind farm structures. In addition, SGS will demonstrate its In-Service and End of Warranty Inspections. With In-Service Inspection, SGS ensures that the condition of the wind farm is maintained over time and the wind farm will perform effectively and profitably during its lifetime.

SGS is eagerly looking forward to the RenewableUK 2011 and hopes to convince the attendees that its range of services and breadth of its expertise are practically unrivaled.

About SGS Industrial Services

Industrial Services is one of the major business lines of the SGS Group, a global service provider for technical verification, inspection, testing, and conformity assessment. SGS Industrial Services ensures that the customer’s installations, material, equipment, facilities, and projects meet all quality and performance requirements, whether they are regulatory, voluntary, or customer based. Industrial Services has decades’ worth of experience and some remarkable references in serving key industries, such as Construction, Industrial Manufacturing & Trade, Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry, Power Generation and Transmission, Banks and Financial Institutions, and Renewable Energy.


For further information, please contact:

SGS Industrial Services
Stuart Herbert
UK Business Development Manager – Renewable Energy

t: +44 1276 697877
f: +44 1276 697696
Email : industrial.prsgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/industrial

Chromatograph for Analytical Reliability

Yokogawa’s new process gas chromatograph, the GC8000, meets the ever-growing demand for analytical reliability and precision, while improving the total cost-of ownership through built-in automated maintenance functions never seen before. The chromatograph features:

• An innovative 12-inch color touch screen HMI and powerful predictive diagnostics.
• The GC Module (GCM) concept — by setting up virtual GCs within a single analyzer, all chromatograph settings, displays, and data are truly segregated for easy understanding and maintenance; there are even built-in graphical overview screens showing each of the individual modules.
• Hardware and electronics that are recognized for robust and reliable operation; analytical hardware, such as the valves and detectors, are the same proven hardware used for years in the GC1000 Mark II GC.
• Superior analytical performance — a wide range of analytical oven configurations can be customized to tackle even the most demanding applications.
• A high-sensitivity thermal conductivity detector (TCD) design that is capable of measuring to the very low parts-per-million range.
• Customized software scripts that can be tailored to meet the specific calculation and reporting requirements of the user.
• Predictive maintenance software that assists in keeping the analyzers operating at peak performance.
• Storage and trend display of analysis results and key performance indicators aid in the troubleshooting of the analyzer.
• Global service and support — GC labs are strategically located around the world for regional technical support.
• A full range of start-up, commissioning, and field service capabilities are available regardless of the location of the final installation.

www.yokogawa.com/us

Renewable Energy Market Opportunities: Wind Testing

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Renewable Energy Market Opportunities: Wind Testing
http://www.reportlinker.com/p0629423/Renewable-Energy-Market-Opportunities-Wind-Testing.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=NoCategory

This research service covers the Global wind energy test systems market. For the purpose of the research both non-destructive test equipment and condition monitoring equipment product segments have been considered. Sub-segments such as ultrasonic, radiography, surface and visual inspection, thermal analysis, oil analysis and vibration analysis are included in the analysis. The research looks into the contribution of major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest-of-World to the market.

Critical Group boosts efficiency at Poseidon offshore plant

The UK software specialist, Critical Group, is working with offshore renewable developer, Floating Power Plant (FPP), to help the company adopt a proactive approach to monitoring the condition and structural health of its Poseidon, off-shore wind and wave energy convertor.
Critical’s work on the Poseidon prototype, situated off the coast of Lolland in Denmark, will “open up an unprecedented level of Integrated Condition Monitoring, ensuring that the facility can be operated efficiently and proactively, with minimal human intervention”.
Poseidon is a concept for an integrated floating power plant that transforms wave and wind energy into electricity in-situ. The wave energy plant serves as a floating foundation for offshore wind turbines, thus creating a sustainable energy hybrid. A 37-metre long offshore demonstration plant was launched in 2008, while a full-scale Poseidon plant measures from 80 to 230 metres in length, depending on wave and wind conditions at the chosen location.
See more at: http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/energias/renovables/index/pag/ocean_energy/colleft/colright/ocean_energy/tip/articulo/pagid/17119/botid/77/#slidepre_2

Pure Technologies unveils fibre optic pipeline monitoring system

Pure Technologies Ltd. (TSX:PUR) of Calgary announced Tuesday it has rolled out SoundPrint Light, an update to its fibre-optic acoustic monitoring system, SoundPrint AFO, for prestressed concrete pipelines.

Pure Technologies started as Sextant Enterprise Corp. in 1993 and developed SoundPrint at that time to provide owners with continuous infrastructure monitoring. SoundPrint AFO, developed in 2004, is designed to provide information on the dynamic integrity of pipelines. It monitors acoustic activity to identify acoustic activity associated with the failure of prestressing wires.

With the new light version, the fibre optic cable acts as both a sensor and a data transmission medium, meaning operators do not need to install separate systems. The fact that it’s fibre means it is immune to electromagnetic interference.

See more at: http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id46774/--pure-technologies-unveils-fibre-optic-pipeline-monitoring-system

Winland Electronics Launches EnviroAlert EA800-ip at ASIS Show September 19-21

Organizations monitoring multiple locations for temperature, humidity, presence of water and more can now access real-time measurements and data logs via an Ethernet connection with the EnviroAlert EA800-ip, a new product from Winland Electronics, Inc. (NYSE Amex: WEX). Winland, an industry leading designer of critical condition monitoring systems, is launching the EnviroAlert EA800-ip at the ASIS International Show, September 19-21, in Orlando, Fla.
"This new product is capable of monitoring a wide variety of critical elements 24/7 and allows the user to view real-time data as well as access data logs and receive email alerts anywhere at any time," said Paul Machacek, Director of Business Development for Winland Electronics, Inc. "The EA800-ip provides facilities storing perishable products, such as hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and commercial kitchens, the ability to be compliant with federal regulations."

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/09/19/3921533/winland-electronics-launches-enviroalert.html#ixzz1YTl0Nmse

Take a Vibration Expert along, Fluke's NEW 810 Vibration Tester!

Fluke redefines mechanical troubleshooting with this revolutionary product: The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester, is the most advanced troubleshooting tool for mechanical maintenance teams who need an answer NOW…
Typical vibration analysers and software are intended for monitoring machine condition over the longer term, but they require special training and investment that may not be possible in many companies. The Fluke 810 is designed specifically for maintenance professionals who need to troubleshoot mechanical problems and quickly understand the root cause of equipment condition.

See more at: http://www.myfen.com.au/products/take-a-vibration-expert-along-flukes-new-810-vib

Tracking vibration levels to reduce downtime

Vibration monitoring of rotating equipment can help to reduce costly down time due to maintenance requirements or to fix damaged machinery. CEE reports.

There is a growing demand for all companies to reduce and sustain low operating costs while maintaining quality and delivery standards. One area to benefit from this trend has been in monitoring the condition of rotating machinery by tracking vibration levels, because damaged machinery and unplanned shutdowns due to equipment failure can be hugely costly.

Maintenance engineers should already be aware of the benefits of monitoring vibration levels on industrial machinery. However, it is important that these benefits are recognised beyond the maintenance department. Chris Hansford, managing director at Hansford Sensors, explains why, using the experiences of one customer to demonstrate his points.

See more at: http://www.controlengeurope.com/article/44879/Tracking-vibration-levels-to-reduce-downtime.aspx

Industry's "first" condition monitoring iPhone app

Parker Filtration, part of Parker Hannifin claims to have released the industry’s first condition monitoring app as a free download from the iTunes appstore.

The ConMon app is said to feature two unique programs — ISO Code Generator and Frequency Analysis — to enable users to measure the degree of filtration required for their systems, and the frequency at which fluids should be tested, via their iPhone, iPad or iTouch.

Read more: http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/-industrys-first-condition-monitoring-iphone-app/1009984.article#ixzz1XuLS8dIJ

Using Ultrasound for Condition Monitoring

In the past decade, the capabilities of many condition-based assessment tools, sometimes called predictive technologies, have significantly expanded. The hardware has become more compact, more rugged and much easier to use. The companion software applications have become more powerful with exponentially increasing capabilities. Additionally, the software tools have become more mainstream with much less reliance on proprietary protocol and programming. This situation has led to expanded use of these sophisticated tools to monitor and assess equipment health. We have seen vibration analysis, oil analysis, infrared, motor circuit analysis and many other non-destructive tools become very popular. Many organizations now stress their use as a prominent part of the maintenance and reliability programs.
As Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) theory points out, it is important for an organization to use multiple predictive technologies in a program. The type and how much of each predictive technology used directly depends on what the organization’s critical equipment is, how this critical equipment fails, what the failure consequences are, and finally what technologies will proactively detect this defect early before catastrophic failure occurs.
See more at: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/28547/ultrasound-condition-monitoring

HUMS allows helicopter repairers predictive maintenance

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan – Despite increased operation requirements, the Army’s Class A aviation accidents – which are the most costly accidents in terms of money or people – have decreased dramatically this fiscal year.
“We’ve had only one Class A since we deployed six months ago,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Timothy Burke, the safety officer for Task Force Thunder, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade. “That is down from previous deployments. We had no Class A through C aviation accidents at all from November 2009 to February 2011.”
The numbers are down for Class A accidents, and that’s remarkable, he said, because Afghanistan’s environment is more stressful on the aircraft – given the types of missions Task Force Thunder flies, the terrain and the temperature.
See more at: http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2011/09/05/hums-allows-helicopter-repairers-predictive-maintenance/

FreeWave Introduces Enhanced Models for Popular IO Expansion Family of Wireless Data Radios

FreeWave Technologies, ( http://www.freewave.com ), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced a new suite of IO Expansion products to help customers achieve optimal performance, faster ROI and customization for communication networks. FreeWave's IO Expansion modules increase the degree of monitoring, control and optimization, and offer the most flexible and easily expandable wired and wireless IO available in the market today. Unmatched in the marketplace, FreeWave is the only wireless data radio provider with expandable IO devices that offer universally configurable IO channels for analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output and sensor power.

See more at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/freewave-introduces-enhanced-models-for-popular-io-expansion-family-of-wireless-data-radios-2011-09-06

Identifying and correcting the causes of bearing failure

Identifying and analysing the root cause of a bearing failure is critical in order to prevent similar failures from occurring again. Brian Williams, Quality Director at The Barden Corporation, urges companies to introduce a regime that enables the symptoms of bearing damage to be recognised early, as well as putting a systematic procedure in place for securing damaged bearings.Many bearings that fail are removed and replaced too quickly without sufficient levels of analysis into what caused their failure. This means that similar failures could occur again, resulting in further damage and costly unscheduled downtime.

Examination of the failure mode often reveals the true cause of bearing failure, but this procedure is complicated by the fact that one failure mode may initiate another. For example, corrosion in a ball raceway leaves rust (an abrasive), which can cause wear, resulting in loss of preload or an increase in radial clearance. The wear debris can, in a grease-lubricated bearing, impede lubrication, resulting in lubrication failure and subsequent overheating.

See more at: http://www.pandct.com/media/shownews.asp?ID=30266

Offshore Europe 2011: Scots to demonstrate subsea support capability

Scottish exhibitors will showcase a range of new products and services at the Scotland Pavilion at Offshore Europe.
Online Electronics will show its new gauge plate condition monitoring system GRID II, revealing multiple damage locations in a pipeline.

Banchory-based UPB will present its Unmanned Production Buoy concept for low volume, marginal fields, and Intervention Rentals will promote its recently opened, flow meter calibration facility.

The Met Office’s Aberdeen team will highlight the new Safesee website, which provides site-specific wind and wave information tailored to support weather-sensitive operations offshore.

There will also be numerous technology manufacturers outlining their support for subsea work in harsh conditions
See: http://www.offshore-mag.com/index/article-display/4594560513/articles/offshore/oe2011/offshore-europe_201117.html

DOE Nuclear Program Awards $1.6 Million to Penn State

Three Penn State-led projects have received more than $1.6 million in combined research and development grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Programs.
NEUP awarded $632,000 to Arthur Motta, chair of nuclear engineering, for “Anisotropic Azimuthal Power and Temperature Distribution on Fuel Rod: Impact on Hydride Distribution.”
The project aims to better identify the safety margins of irradiated fuel rods, which when exposed to the reactor environment during operation can pick up hydrogen. Motta will estimate the concentration factors of hydrogen in various rod locations, leading to safer and more economical use of nuclear fuel. Kostadin Ivanov, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Maria Avramova, assistant professor of nuclear engineering, are collaborating with Motta.
Motta also is co-principal investigator on “Fundamental Studies of the Role of Grain Boundaries on Uniform Corrosion of Advanced Reactor Materials,” which received $1.1 million. This project will use state-of-the-art experimental techniques to understand the fundamentals of corrosion protectiveness of alloys used for nuclear fuel cladding, with the aim of designing improved alloys for extended service.

See more at: http://gantdaily.com/2011/09/05/doe-nuclear-program-awards-1-6-million-to-penn-state/

Mettler-Toledo Safeline’s Due Diligence Enhancement Helps Manufacturers

Mettler-Toledo Safeline has launched its new Due Diligence Enhancement for its metal detection systems to strengthen control and security at critical control points (CCP) on food processing and packing lines.

Multiple design features ensure the metal detection enhancement delivers an increased level of failsafe functionality resulting in increased product safety as well as compliance with legislation and retailer guidelines. Food manufacturers also benefit through avoiding the risk of costly product recalls and potential damage to their brand reputation.
See more at: http://www.packagingeurope.com/Packaging-Europe-News/42987/MettlerToledo-Safelines-Due-Diligence-Enhancement-Helps-Manufacturers.html

FLIR sensors for Navy aerostats

The U.S. Navy has ordered digital, high-definition imaging systems from FLIR Systems Inc. for use on the service's aerostats.
The initial firm fixed-price order from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is valued to as much as $52.1 million.

Read more at: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/09/01/FLIR-sensors-for-Navy-aerostats/UPI-72631314891919/?spt=hs&or=si