Explosion-protected connectors enable
continuous communications via Ethernet and USB

A range of connectors is now available that enables continuous, uninterrupted Ethernet and USB-based communications in hazardous environments.

The new eXLink Ethernet and eXLink USB connectors from Cooper Crouse-Hinds, combine the safety of an innovative, explosion-protected connector system with the advantages of having a continuous communications infrastructure between the main, control and process levels of production plants.

With the new connector system, powerful Ethernet-based communication systems can now be used in hazardous areas. This means that companies can install and use the latest IT and communications infrastructures whilst still fulfilling all the necessary explosion protection regulations and standards.
 
Conventional fieldbus systems are designed exclusively for data communication in process and manufacturing controls. The Ethernet communications protocol enables a continuous infrastructure between the main, control level and the process level. In hazardous industrial environments, eXLink connector systems can now replace conventional connectors found in the IT office environment. Therefore, in addition to high safety standards, this system also allows the real-time performance of Ethernet networks in hazardous areas. Controls can be adapted to suit changing production processes by allowing 'hot swapping'. Installing eXLink connectors is very straightforward, since Ethernet and explosion-protected components are both modular in their design.
 
This means that the plant's information architecture can be updated without having to change explosion-protected equipment, simply by replacing the components in the flameproof enclosures. Commercially available industrial components can be used here, as the explosion-protected connection to the network is undertaken by using the eXLink connector built into the enclosure, which also allows the hot swapping of devices without the user having to isolate them from the mains and without obtaining a hot work permit.
 
The safe transmission of data is guaranteed at all times using eXLink. Independent tests have shown that the eXLink 4-pole + PA is safe to use up to 100MHz and with transmission rates up to 100Mbaud in accordance with the requirements of TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Category 5e. In many cases, the values were significantly lower than those of the limiting curves. The eXLink 4-pole + PA system can therefore be used in Fast Ethernet® or Ethernet® networks and for explosion-protected USB interfaces.
 
Cooper Crouse-Hinds' eXLink range includes connectors, plugs, receptacles, inlets and elbows, which can be used for any instrumentation device or electrical apparatus.
 
eXLink plug connectors are used to connect and disconnect electrical equipment in hazardous environments - including actuators, motors, submerged pumps, liquid level sensors, floating switches - quickly, without compromising the safety or integrity of the electrical installation. The connectors allow users to maintain apparatus on a proactive or predictive basis, without using special tools and without having to isolate the apparatus from the mains or disconnect the terminals.

For further information,, email: sales@ceag-crouse-hinds.co.uk   Refer to next page

Optical Metrology Services to showcase
novel pipe inspection tools at Rio Oil & Gas Expo

At this year's Rio Oil & Gas Expo 2010 (13-16 September, 2010) UK-based specialist measurement technology company Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd will be showcasing two groundbreaking pipe measurement and inspection tools, including the company's Internal Weld Scanning Tool and Pipe End Dimensioning tools.

OMS' pipe measurement products and services are providing benefits for major oil and gas companies around the world. In Brazil for example, OMS is currently working on two projects, the first directly for Petrobras on one of its onshore pipeline projects, the other working for Subsea 7 on its offshore P55 project. OMS was also asked to demonstrate the Internal Weld Scanning Tool in 2009 to Petrobras engineers at their CENPES Research Centre in Rio, Brazil, which has resulted in further enquiries and demonstrations.
 
Internal Weld Scanning Tool
OMS' groundbreaking internal weld inspection system inspects the internal size and shape of girth welds on pipes that are destined for use in deepsea subsea oil and gas applications. The Internal Weld Scanning Tool is a novel system that internally scans welds inside pipes, both visually and dimensionally, enabling inspectors to quickly and confidently assess the quality of the root weld.
 
The technology can be deployed onshore and offshore at different stages of the pipe welding process. The tool can be used on corrosion-resistant alloy-lined pipe to identify sour (aggressive) ingress points, in both clad butt-weld and clad weld inlay applications. The tool can also be used to improve weld procedure development efficiency and to check the root weld and geometry before next passes are deposited. The technology is also used in fatigue-sensitive applications (SCRs) where pipes are subjected to higher dynamic stresses.
 
The system can be mounted to a purge dam, with an integrated camera for positioning and inspection. Pipe can be inspected whilst being spooled onto a pipe laying vessel or during stalk fabrication/tie-in. Here, the tool is retrieved using a winch-and-wire system, with weld positioning controlled by a camera and precision motorised system.
 
Pipe End Dimensioning
Visitors to OMS' stand will also be able to learn about OMS' complete range of measurement and inspection services for the end dimensioning of fatigue-critical SCR and flowline pipes, which are destined for deepsea subsea oil and gas applications as well as aiding in the fit-up of land based pipeline projects as recently undertaken for Petrobras.
 
These services include the management of AUT (Automatic Ultrasonic Testing) Calibration Block selection and use; software analysis tailored specifically to match customer requirements; and end-to-end matching (without counterboring) or counterbore parameters can be provided (removing minimum WT).
 
For end dimensioning, OMS utilises its own automatic Pipe Checker laser measurement tool, which is capable of measuring more than 2,000 IDs and 2,000 OD's as well as being able to accurately measure the WTs for each pipe end in less than 20 seconds. This tool is accurate to 0.05mm and enables just 2 OMS staff to measure a minimum of 200 pipe ends in a single shift. This means less time on site, minimising project delays and costs for the customer.
 
The Internal Weld Scanning Tool and the Pipe Checker (End Dimensioning) Tool are both available on a rental-only basis, along with a trained operator/inspector provided by OMS.
 
Denise Smiles, Commercial Director at OMS comments: "Visitors to the OMS stand will be able to discuss their pipe measurement issues with our team of experts, who have in-depth knowledge of and fully understand pipe measurement challenges. This means we look at projects from the customer's perspective and therefore provide a unique combination of measurement tools, software and inspection services that reduce costs and make life easier for oil companies and their contractors."
 
Optical Metrology Services in profile
Optical Metrology Services Limited (OMS) is a market leader in the provision of pipe measuring products and services. The company specialises in measuring equipment and consulting services for use within the pipe manufacturing and pipeline construction sectors, both onshore and offshore. A key focus for OMS is in the dimensional measurement of oil and gas pipes or other structures such as military gun barrels, processing industry tubes or manufactured cylindrical objects, where dimensions are critical.

OMS prides itself on finding out what clients require and delivering it. OMS was recently recognised by being awarded The Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation Category, the company's second award in 2007 (the first award being the Pipeline Industries Guild Award for Land Based Technology).

The OMS Pipe Checker™ range of tools provides dimensional checks on all aspects of manufactured pipe. These tools are used throughout the world for onshore and offshore projects and in pipe mills.
 
For further information,e-mail: denise@oms-measure.com or view website: www.oms-measure.com  Refer to page 76

MIRTEC to showcase AOI and SPI
inspection systems at NEPCON South China 2010

MIRTEC, the Global Leader in Inspection Technology, will showcase its advanced AOI and SPI systems at NEPCON South China 2010. MIRTEC will feature the latest in its award winning MV-7 Series ― the MV-7xi In-Line AOI System ― at the upcoming  NEPCON South China 2010 show scheduled to take place Aug.31-Sep 2, 2010 in Shenzhen, China. All attendees are invited to visit MIRTEC for a firsthand demonstration of this new technology at booth 2B21

The MV-7xi In-Line AOI System features a Five Mega Pixel digital camera, with a Precision 9.8 Micron Telecentric Compound Lens and Five Mega Pixel Side-View Cameras. This advanced technology is configured with MIRTEC's exclusive Intelli-Scan Laser System. The system provides the "Third Dimension" in inspection capability, the ability to precisely measure the Z-height of a given region of interest. Using simple and fast programming tools, the MV-7xi In-Line AOI System provides superior lifted lead detection for gull wing devices, four-point height measurement capability for co-planarity testing of BGA and CSP devices and enhanced solder paste measurement capability. The patented "Quad Angle Lighting System" provides four independently programmable zones for optimal illumination of inspection areas.

MIRTEC also will show the industry's most widely accepted Five Camera Desktop AOI system, the MV-3 Series Desktop AOI System. The MV-3 Series features the Intelli-Beam Laser System and is configured with a Top-Down View Five Mega Pixel camera. The system also features Precision 9.8 Micron Telecentric Compound Lens and four Five Mega Pixel Side-View Cameras and a Remote Debugging Function for perfect re-inspection by the operator with 360° images from side on defect.

The MIRTEC MS-11 In-Line SPI System uses Shadow Free Moiré Phase Shift Imaging Technology and 'Phase Stepping Image Processing' to inspect solder paste deposition on PCB's post-screen print.  Far superior to laser SPI technology, the MS-11 will inspect for insufficient solder, excessive solder, shape deformity, shift of deposition and bridging. The MS-11 is configured with an ultra high-resolution Two Mega Pixel Camera System for enhanced image quality and superior accuracy and uses the same robust platform as MIRTEC's MV-7 Series. Additional systems on display include the BGA rework machine, MR-2 Reworks Series, for fast and effective BGA reworking and the PCB Counter machine, MC-2 Counter Series, for PCB counting with a fast, user friendly detail management system.

For further information, e-mail: hjchoi@mirtec.com or view website: www.mirtec.com