"MEROBEL EMP brakes apply a controlled torque to the web shaft to maintain constant tension during winding or unwinding. The EMP technology is both extremely reliable (very long, maintenance free service life) and often simpler to integrate than friction systems, as well as being more economical and much easier for users to control than motor & drive based systems. This reliability results from numerous technological improvements: innovative surface treatment especially formulated to limit wear, special steels chosen to incorporate optimised magnetic properties, ball bearings selected to resist high temperatures. The residual torque has been considerably reduced and magnetic circuits optimised to greatly increase the linear operating range. EMP brakes and clutches are clean and produce no dust during use.

"We had to consider a closed loop electronic control system, because the backing that the vinyl is on is much more flexible than paper and the conventional system wouldn´t have been accurate enough as the product is also sprocket punched for use in sign making equipment. Tension control is paramount to the success of the project as the pitch of the sprocket hole can change if tension is not constant throughout the production run. We have chosen the DGT300, and it really suits our needs: The software is extremely user-friendly and the complete system with load cell was provided by ANDANTEX LTD, the UK subsidiary of MEROBEL. It was just a couple of hours to run the first tests!

"This machine is the adaptation of the Daco DTD 250 bench top rotary die cutter, a cost effective solution with a production speed of 150m/minute  The rotary die cutter is available with either one or two rotary die stations, rotary slitting and independent tension control for the unwind and rewind. The rotary die cutter can also be used as a slitter rewinder for the finishing of pre-printed labels by removing the rotary die.

"The DGT 300 digital control regulates web tension no matter what the constraints: product elasticity, coil inertia, cyclic operation, big variations in diameter or roundness, etc. Their extensive multipurpose capabilities ensure control in open loop as well as closed loop regulation applications. With a user friendly Windows PC interface or the front panel keyboard, the DGT300 allows the definition of all application parameters required to start a web tension control system: emergency stop proportional to the set point, smooth start-up, freewheel and blocking modes, taper tension and flying splice web replacement. Numerous regulation mode optimisation functions are also available such as variable PID coefficients, open loop + closed loop, inertia compensation, and also a special algorithm for use with motors, where applicable."

For further information, e-mail: sales@andantex.co.uk

Rotary sensor with increased safety

Redundancy creates safety. This is the simple formula on which the completely redundant Vert-X 51 rotary sensor, launched by Contelec, is based. Equipped with a CANopen interface, the basic GL (German Lloyd)-certified angle sensor is suitable for maritime applications. It makes use of tried and tested Vert-X technology and is extremely rugged and reliable.

The actual highlight of the rotary sensor is complete electrical redundancy, with two completely separated measurement systems, electrically separated feeds and two independent outputs. This duplication achieves new dimensions of safety in maritime steering applications. The other features of the redundant Vert-X 51 CANopen angle sensor are just as impressive. They are comparable with optical absolute encoders, but cost much less for the same performance, with ±0.1% linearity, 0.1° repeatability and 16-bit resolution.

Redundancy creates safety. This is the simple formula on which the completely redundant Vert-X 51 rotary sensor is based.

A further impressive feature of the angle sensor is its high degree of flexibility. Its modular basic structure, combined with the integration of a powerful processor unit, makes it possible to economically manufacture individualized rotary sensors with customer-specific functions, interfaces, characteristic curves and communication protocols.

For further information, e-mail: verkauf@contelec.ch or view website: www.contelec.ch  Refer to page 378

ProSoft Technology® enlarges its 802.11n range of
solutions  with two new dual-radio Industrial HotspotsTM

ProSoft Technology® has developed 2 new Automation-Class industrial 802.11n solutions. These are dual-radio Industrial HotspotsTM. One is water-tight (IP67). Both enlarge the option given to Automation Engineers for high-speed wireless networks.  Dual-radio solutions will allow longer distances, better performances while repeaters are involved, and allow 2 channels to be used simultaneously (for example: one for the automation application, while the other one can be used for maintenance purpose, without impacting the application)...

These new Automation-Class RadioLinx® industrial radios support IEEE-802.11n standard and provide premier performance for high-capacity networks. They offer high-reliability networking option to applications with moving devices and/or obstructed environments that are traditionally difficult to solve with wireless solutions.

These radios implement the latest technology to provide greater flexibility and performance to a broad range of manufacturing and production applications. In short, while Industrial 802.11a/b/g solutions are already suitable for a wide variety of applications, industrial 802.11n radios are welcome to ease implementation of wireless network for some critical cases, and they will offer the wireless option to a wider range of applications.

RadioLinx Industrial 802.11n full range now consists of 1 single-radio Industrial Hotspot, 1 single-radio Industrial Client, 2 dual-radio Industrial Hotspot solutions, including 1 water-tight version.

The 802.11n Dual Industrial Hotspot solutions provide two radios in one and only require a single Ethernet connection.

The dual radios can be used in lieu of a repeater to extend the range of your wireless network without sacrificing speed.

The RadioLinx 802.11n family allows transport of demanding industrial protocols (provided by the »reliable I/O message delivery» functionality). VLAN (Virtual Local-Area-Network) support allows network traffic segmentation: while one connection is reserved to the automation control application, another connection will allow programming or maintenance, for example, to be done simultaneously without interfering with the application.

The MIMO technology (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) is used with up to three antennas connected to each radio, to benefit from multipath due to reflections (typically on metal parts on the plant-floor). This enables high-speed data rates (up to 300 Mbps), and advanced performance in industrial environments.

For configuration and monitoring of the 802.11n Industrial Hotspot radios, »RadioLinx WirelessN Discovery» licence-free software tool, allows viewing the network topology, assigning IP addresses to radios for configuration, monitoring network diagnostics, updating radio firmware and detecting the presence of any 802.11 radios on the network. Automatic or manual network configuration is user selectable (can be prioritized or fixed) with self-healing functionality and master redundancy for reliable large networks.

All these radios operate within extended temperature range (-40 to +75 C) and offer hazardous location ratings (including ATEX Zone 2 Category 3). Other industrial specifications include: high vibration/shock resistance, DIN-rail mounting, Power over Ethernet and simultaneous bridge / repeater / Industrial Hotspot mode.

As other 802.11 RadioLinx solutions from the manufacturer, the new family of radios supports 802.11i and RADIUS security for centralized management of security policies. Quality of Service (QoS) for data prioritization is supported as well for background applications such as VoIP (Voice over IP) and video.

Compatible with existing 802.11 RadioLinx solutions, the RadioLinx 802.11n Industrial radios improve performance for high-bandwidth applications and high packet-rate control applications. They also provide better signal sensitivity and range in environments like mobile factory settings.

ProSoft Technology® designs industrial communication solutions that connect automation products seamlessly. ProSoft Technology is a highly diversified, customer intimate, global organization with a focus on quality and ease-of-use. Their products including in-chassis communication modules for PLC/PAC controllers, standalone protocol gateways, and a wide range of robust, field-proven wireless solutions are found in applications spanning the industrial marketplace.

For further information, e-mail: bforgue@prosoft-technology.com  Refer to page 169

Membrane dryers set highest standards for compressed air systems

The new range of Hi-DRI compressed air membrane dryers from Hi-line Industries have been re-engineered to be technologically superior products, achieving new standards for reliability, performance and energy efficiency. They feature a patented arrangement of structurally packed, permeable hollow fibres spirally wound on a support core. This creates an optimised design combining efficient air flow with high contact areas to maximise the drying performance within a compact unit size. These prod

ucts are ideal for in-line installation to ensure the delivery of dry compressed air at the point of use. This ensures maximum effectiveness with virtually any dewpoint or degree of drying being achievable.

As the humid compressed air passes through the Hi-DRI unit, water vapour diffuses through the walls of the hollow membrane fibres without loss of compressed air. At the dryer outlet, a small volume of the now dry air is expanded and released into the annular space between the membrane fibres and the outer aluminium shell. This air purge then sweeps away entrained water vapour to atmosphere as a humid air stream.

The Hi-DRI air dryer makes it easier and less expensive to supply pneumatic equipment and instrumentation with clean, dry compressed air. This simple, proven technology helps eliminate condensation, oxidation and microbial growth, resulting in reliable and predictable performance of downstream air operated equipment. It also reduces component failures, improves equipment performance and operator satisfaction while showing savings on both warranty and production costs.

These dryers are designed to provide the superior solution for existing compressed air systems, maintaining maximum process reliability while remaining virtually invisible to the process installation. They do not contain moving parts and there are no desiccants or refrigerant to replace. They are also compact and lightweight, do not incorporate valves, drains or electrical connectors and do not require adjustments.

Filtration combined with compressed air drying contributes most to the performance and reliability of airline powered operations. Humidity in airline systems is a major factor of corrosion and tooling wear, which can lead to production breakdowns. However, humidity also creates conditions conducive to the growth of micro-organisms within an airline, which can result in contaminated condensate. This is obviously highly detrimental in food or pharmaceutical production processes as well as in dental, medical or laboratory applications. Almost any dewpoint can be achieved, even when accommodating high humidity ambient conditions as experienced outdoors, in open workshops or on seagoing vessels.

These Hi-DRI membrane air dryers are suitable for a wide range of industrial plant installations including specialised commercial operations. The range of models available cover air flow rates from 17 to 1050 litres/min. Multiple dryer units can be used in parallel to achieve higher flows where required. Outlet dewpoints from +15° to -40°C can be achieved at 7 barg pressure (12.5 barg max) and with 35°C inlet air temperatures. 
             
With in-line connection ports at each end, the dryers can be easily integrated into an existing airline. They are compact, lightweight and cost effective, while the polymeric hollow fibre membrane is maintenance-free and does not need replacing where adequate pre-filtration has been provided. A 0.01 micron coalescing filter element is recommended to prevent damaging particulates, oil aerosols and liquid water entering the Hi-DRI filter. The use of a Hi-line HF series filter with regular replacement of the cleaning element will ensure long-term continuous, trouble-free dryer operation.

Where cost effective centralised refrigeration drying is required, a Hi-line CDA dryer connected directly to a compressor can be combined with individual Hi-DRI units of varying outputs fitted at points of use.

For further information, e-mail: enquiries@hilineindustries.com  or view website: www.hilineindustries.com  Refer to page 266