Manufacturers and industrial operators can now access more detailed sensor diagnostics in harsh operating environments using the IP67-rated, Allen-Bradley ArmorBlock IO-Link master from Rockwell Automation. The device builds on the company’s IO-Link portfolio with event and process timestamping capabilities for on-machine applications.

The new IO-Link master stores up to 40 timestamps of sensor events on each channel. This event history can help users track changes and more easily diagnose issues. Input timestamps of all sensor data also can be sent to the controller upon a change of state. These and other diagnostics available through the device can reduce issue-resolution time by as much as 90 percent, improve preventive maintenance and optimize overall system performance.

“The ArmorBlock IO-Link master with IO-Link-enabled sensors can aid end users in creating smarter operations without a complete overhaul,” said Kevin Gagliostro, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “They can deploy the technology to monitor temperature, and margin-indication or proximity parameters in critical processes. They can also target problem areas where better diagnostics are needed to remedy issues.”

While the new ArmorBlock IO-Link master is ruggedized for use in harsh applications, the Rockwell Automation portfolio also includes an in-cabinet solution for light applications. The on-machine option requires only a single cable from the cabinet, reducing the number and length of cable runs and potential failure points.

The ArmorBlock IO-Link master includes connectivity for up to eight IO-Link sensors. The master and sensors share an IP address, helping end users reduce the cost and time to commission equipment.

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Yokogawa Meters & Instruments Corporation announces that it has developed the AQ7283J, AQ7283E, and AQ7282G optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) units for the AQ7280 series, and will be releasing them to the market on June 22.

Each of these units is designed to be paired with an OTDR mainframe to create an AQ7280 series modular OTDR, which is a widely used tool in the installation and maintenance of fiber-optic cables. Yokogawa has developed these new OTDR units to better meet its customers’ needs and provide them a wider range of choices. In so doing, Yokogawa aims to expand its optical communications business.

Development Background:
Driven by factors such as the widespread use of smartphones and the increase in video-related Internet traffic, there is a rising global need for fiber-optic networks that can carry large volumes of data at high speeds. The OTDR is used to verify losses, measure lengths, and identify failure locations during cable installation and maintenance. Yokogawa’s AQ7280 series OTDRs are used in the installation and maintenance of fiber-optic cables for core, metro, and access networks, including FTTH links between central offices and subscribers, and their reliability and operability are highly valued by our customers.

With both production and maintenance operations there is the need to assess the characteristics of fiber-optic cables, and maintenance personnel also need to perform such checks while the cables are in use. Yokogawa has developed these three new OTDR units to satisfy such needs.

Designed for use in the oil and gas industries, the Rotork ELB is a robust, self-contained instrument that combines pipeline pressure monitoring with intelligent valve control. The ELB can also collect detailed operational data for optimising performance and enhancing pipeline safety.

The ELB continuously monitors upstream and downstream pipeline pressure dynamics to provide early detection of pipeline breaks and initiate automatic valve actuator movement to an emergency position, based on user-defined parameters. Valve actuator control - selectable as fail close, fail open or stay put - is based on rate-of-drop (RoD) and rate-of-rise (RoR) as well as high and low pressure limits. A remote process shut down (PSD) input with the option to override all functions is also available to drive the valve to the fail position.

The ELB also provides an array of programmable alarm and alert indications and has an extensive range of features that can be configured to meet end users’ specific requirements. These include up to six remote inputs and four configurable solenoid outputs, partial stroke testing (PST) and Modbus® network connectivity.

The ELB is housed in a compact, environmentally sealed and explosionproof housing that can be mounted on the actuator or remotely. Setting menus displayed on the large HMI window are the focus for non-intrusive programming and commissioning using Rotork IQ intelligent electric actuation technology. In normal mode the LCD display indicates valve position. The same window also displays visual indication of status, alarms, event, trend and operation logs and diagnostic data. Padlockable pushbuttons for local actuator operation are provided on the ELB enclosure and a vandalproof cover is available for increased security.

Advantech’s Industrial Automation Group (IAG) is pleased to announce the launch of two new smart power meters for use in all kinds of electric power data acquisition. WISE-M500 series power meter are easy to use, cost effective smart meters, that provide high accuracy measurement , display and communication (Modbus/RTU). Characterized by a compact size, and flexible connection (1P2W,1P3W, 3P3W..).

The panel mounted WISE-501 is a 3-phase multi-function power meter for sub-metering applications, ranging from power distribution, small motor control to lighten load circuit. It measures 39 power parameters such as current(A), voltage(V), active power(KW), active energy(kwh), reactive energy(kvarh), and frequency values. The measurement data can be viewed directly from local large display, and also can be transmitted through an RS-485 port using the Modbus/RTU protocol.
In addition to the above features, both models support a host of features such as: the ability to monitor single and three phase circuits and use a time-of-use pricing service which adjusts the use and operation of the facility according to actual power usage and the electricity supplier tariff. In factories and buildings which use SCADA software, such as Advantech WebAccess, the WISE-M501 and WISE-M502 are able to transmit their data using the Modbus protocol and have their information viewed on remote displays.