Wide-ranging instrumentation is involved in measuring, monitoring, and controlling industrial processes and equipment. Recent developments in this technology deliver greater precision and visibility so that anomalies and events can be addressed more efficiently. Modernized calibration eases the task of testing and restoring instrument accuracy.
Simplified measuring and monitoring
Locating and repairing gas leaks is mission-critical in many plant environments. The new G-Series cooled-core optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras from Teledyne FLIR help to track, visualize, and measure emissions so they can be prioritized for repair. Through quantitative OGI, or qOGI, the G-Series cameras benefit organizations involved in storing and using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, sulfur hexafluoride, and methane.
OGI cameras are “specialized versions of an infrared or thermal camera that utilize unique spectral filter methods to visualize various VOCs,” explains Craig O’Neill, director of business development at Teledyne FLIR. “Going further, the FLIR G-Series cameras can visually detect if VOCs are leaking from storage containers and equipment used for industrial processes while also quantifying those leaks in real time.”
Vibration is the focus of the new LVEP050-TO5 ultra-low power embedded accelerometer from Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies. It can be embedded into wireless vibration sensors and other battery-powered applications for vibration measurement, and into critical rotating equipment such as pumps, motors, fans, and compressors to provide built-in self-test (BIST) capabilities. The compact, lightweight sensor is hermetically sealed and has 50 mV/g sensitivity. A 100 mV/g version is also available.
“We are excited for a smart manufacturing future in which production assets have built-in self-testing and condition monitoring,” observes Tom LaRocque, director of product management at Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies. “We designed the LVEP-TO5 to match the performance and capabilities of existing industrial accelerometers in an embeddable pellet to enable the factories of the future.”
The DG Smart Pressure Sensor from Honeywell provides a cost-effective, highly functional tool for monitoring and controlling low-pressure combustion air and fuel gasses. The SIL capable pressure transmitter, designed to work with any control system, provides precise readings and digital communication to enable combustion system optimization.
The sensor’s “standout gas-gas differential pressure functionality coupled with its programmable nature allows for seamless integration with a variety of connected platforms, making data acquisition and communication remarkably efficient,” says Ramine Eskandari, regional general manager of Honeywell's Thermal Solutions. “The robust and type-tested construction of DG Smart underscores Honeywell’s commitment to ensuring both safety and reliability while advancing smart burner applications and fuel optimization.”
The 8009S pressure gauge from Ashcroft is designed for applications subject to harsh environments and corrosive media, such as hydraulic systems, compressors and pumps, and food and beverage. The economical, all-stainless-steel, laser-welded gauge also has R110 and NGV 3.1 approvals for challenging compressed and liquid natural gas applications, says Eric Deoliveira, product leader at Ashcroft. Laser welded wetted 316L stainless steel components protect system integrity.
“The Ashcroft 8009S features a removable bayonet ring for minor recalibration adjustments in the field and allows for broad media compatibility to resist corrosion in harsh environments,” adds Deoliveira. The pressure gauge also supports multiple mounting positions.
The uptime of equipment such as explosionproof variable frequency drives and motor starters is vital in harsh and hazardous environments. The CHG series of enclosed gateway assemblies from Eaton enables such assets to be connected to its Brightlayer Industrial Remote Monitoring application, providing real-time, remote access to alerts, alarms, and trend data.
Eaton is “enabling industrials to gain actionable insights and alerts anywhere, anytime, and on any device,” says Jason Shaw, product line manager at Eaton. “Real-time data and insights are especially critical in harsh and hazardous areas, where enhanced safety and reduced downtime are imperative. The CHG Gateway is part of Eaton’s Crouse-Hinds series portfolio.”
Efficient calibration
Proper calibration ensures instrument accuracy and reliability. The 5560A Multi-Product Calibrator from Fluke Calibration enables technicians to calibrate resistance, capacitance, and inductance with high accuracy from a single tool. Its Visual Connection Management terminals guide users to make the right connection. All the information needed for each parameter is displayed on a 7-inch, color-coded screen.
Calibration technicians are facing increased workloads and need greater performance and accuracy, notes Michael Johnston, software portfolio product manager for Fluke Calibration. “The 5560A Multi-Product Calibrator provides the broadest electrical workload coverage and enables technicians to calibrate more devices than ever before, including digital multimeters with up to 6.5 digits of resolution,” he adds.
