Product & Literature Showcase

-- Control Engineering, 4/1/2000

Analog input module
Bellevue, Wa.-The 1771sc-IFE32 offers 32 channels of single-ended current or voltage input or 16 channels of differential analog input. The device, said to be the first 32-channel analog input module for the Allen-Bradley PLC-5 platform, features 16-bit resolution and high accuracy. The 1771sc-IFE32 is easy to configure as there are no DIP switches or on-board jumpers required to complete the installation process. All setup is accommodated through the use of standard configuration registers. The module features 500 V dc channel-to-backplane isolation and 500 V dc channel-to-ground isolation. Spectrum Controls Inc.

Wireless temperature monitor
Michigan City, Ind.- WMS10 is a wireless temperature monitor said to bring cordless convenience and portability to temperature monitoring of any area within 100 ft of the receiving unit. With three channels to accommodate input from three remote sensors-one is included with the unit-the instrument displays both local and remote temperatures in user-selectable °F or °C on a 2-in. liquid-crystal display. Instrument display also indicates receiver signal status, rising/falling temperature trends, and low-battery operation. Dwyer Instruments Inc.

Hazardous area interconnect system
Mt. Clemens, Mich.- Star-line Ex Series of multipin connectors is certified for use in up to 1,000 V ac/dc in Zone 1-IIC hazardous environments. Intended for use in control and instrumentation applications in classified facilities, such as petrochemical refineries, and land- and marine-based drilling systems, the interconnect's main connector components are machined from high-grade aluminum and armored with a "hard coat" finish. The plug body is attached to the receptacle via a large coupling sleeve and secured in place with built-in, captive setscrews. Single- and multipin versions are available. Amphenol Industrial

Programmable time-delay relay
Union City, N.J.- SWDC Series of ac and dc "delay-on-make" time-delay relays is now available. Widely specified for use in power supply sequencing, as well as in industrial and process control equipment, these relays fit any application where specific operations need to be delayed or sustained for precise intervals. Featuring three standard timing ranges (each covering a 1,023:1 span), ±1% repeatability, and rated 10 amp at 240 V ac (resistive), the relay's operating temperature range is -45 to 105 °C. Standard voltages are 12, 24, and 120 V ac; 12, 24, 48, and 110 V dc. Expected mechanical life is 10 million operations at 25 °C. Amperite Co.

Electrically actuated pinch valve
Hackensack, N.J.-Series 2200-EA pinch valves provide precise and repeatable control of abrasive, corrosive, viscous, or scaling fluids such as wastewater, mineral slurries, pulp stock, etc. Completely enclosed in cast iron, this electrically actuated valve uses a dual-pinching ductile-iron mechanism that closes the sleeve on center. Sleeves are available in a variety of materials, including EPDM, Neoprene, Buna-N, and others to resist abrasion and corrosion. The valve's electric actuator features on/off or modulating service, with a manual handwheel override. Size range is from 1 to 12 in. Flexible Valve Corp.

DIN-rail surge suppressors
Skokie, Ill.-Sola/Hevi-Duty's STV25K Series line of compact surge protection devices (SPDs) protects critical and sensitive equipment during extremely high-energy, short-duration transients. These narrow-sized units are designed to handle damaging spikes of up to 50 Kamps at dedicated equipment levels with input ratings of up to 20 amps. The SPDs provide quick, low voltage clamping performance with series-connected, sine wave tracking technology. Diagnostics such as LEDs and Form C contacts ensure reliable system status indication. STV25K features updated approvals including UL 1449, 2nd Edition, and cUL. Sola/Hevi-Duty

`Slick' weigh scale module
San Diego, Calif.-HI 1746-WS is said to be the first-ever weighing instrument that installs like an I/O module into an A-B SLC 500 Series rack. Because it mounts this way, the device communicates over the backplane directly to the processor. The module provides an excitation voltage to the weighing system and conditions its weight signal. It can be calibrated using the developer's C2, Second Generation Calibration, or by traditional methods. It also features a proprietary technology that ensures that accurate weight data is obtained even with plant and process vibration. Hardy Instruments

Explosion-proof temperature transmitter
San Diego, Calif.-TransPak Model T797 is a two-wire temperature transmitter, with optional liquid crystal digital display. The device provides and extremely stable 4-20 mA output in proportion to temperature input from sensor signals, including RTDs, thermocouples, millivolts, and ohms, according to the manufacturer. Model T797 can be field-configured and is housed in an explosion-proof enclosure that is CSA and FM approved for Class 1, Div. 1&2, Groups B, C, and D, as well as Class 2, Div. 2, Groups E, F, and G, and Class 3 environments. The enclosure also meets NEMA 4X and NEMA 7 requirements. Action Instruments

Large display DIN controller
South Bend, Ind.-CB500 is a 1/8 DIN controller that features a large, easy-to-read display, said to be twice the size of most 1/8 DIN devices. The controllers also features a space-saving installation bracket for close mounting capability so that two CB500s can fit into a single 1/4th-DIN cutout. The controller is designed with a self-tuning algorithm and a wide variety of input types ranging from thermocouple, RTD, current, and voltage inputs. Ranging and scaling are user programmable. An optional heater break alarm feature allows the user to amperage readings on the display to warn of heater and relay features. CB500 is IP65 rated. Syscon-RKC

Harmonic suppressors
Menomonee Falls, Wis.-MTE's Broad-Band Harmonic Suppressors are said to substantially reduce total harmonic distortion in ac variable-speed drive system applications. The device's patented design eliminates the problems often associated with tuned harmonic filters. This helps to meet IEEE-519, BS G5/3, AS-2279, EN 61800, and other standards without creating harmonic resonance within the power system and without importing harmonics. It improves power factor and minimizes telephone interference factor. MTE Corp.

Ultrasonic vortex flowmeter
Malden, Mass.-PFA flowmeters are available in 1/2- and 1-in. sizes, made of engineered thermoplastic, and are capable of handling aggressive chemical applications. The devices are said to be the only vortex flowmeters with removable sensors, because the ultrasonic transducers are mounted externally to the flow body, allowing maintenance and repairs with virtually no tools and without shutting down flow. The meters feature an output signal of 4-20 mA and allow a flare type connections. The 1-in. meter has a flow range of 4-75 L/min (low flow unit) and 9.5-100 L/min (full bore unit.). The 1/2-in. meter offers two flow ranges, 0.5-10 gpm and 1.9-38 L/min. Accuracy is 0.75% of span. Asahi/America Inc.

Sampling systems
Lansdale, Pa.-Centralized Sampling Systems are intended for steam and water analysis in the cogeneration and utility industries. The devices are tailored to each customer's application, regardless of system size or complexity. The systems have all stainless-steel headers and work surfaces, a premium electrical package, and are finished with a corrosion-resistant coating. The device features easy access to analytical cells and components. Options include secondary temperature control, sequencing, auto blowdown, and choice of instrumentation. Waters Equipment Co.