ISA zeroes in on benefits for users

ISA Expo 2004 was more sharply focused than ever on direct benefits for users during its three-day run, Oct. 5-7, at the Reliant Center. This fall’s event included approximately 500 exhibitors and more than 100 conference sessions in 10 tracks, which attracted more than the 14,500 visitors attending last year, according to organizers at the Instrument, System, and Automation Society (ISA, Research Triangle Park, NC).

“The big themes this year continued to be security, the overall business of manufacturing, outsourcing of U.S. manufacturing, and managing the recovery,” says Tracey Berrett-Noble, ISA’s convention services manager. “This year’s exhibits were also 5-10% larger than in the last couple of years. Plus, we saw record renewals by returning exhibitors, and companies coming back to exhibit that haven’t been at ISA Expo for a while. There generally seemed to be a lot more optimism in the marketplace this year.”

Some of the most significant exhibits and solutions at ISA Expo 2004 included:

To maximize functions of its previous and third-party systems (TPS), Honeywell ‘s latest Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) version, Release 210 (R210), allows TPS users to view graphics in their global user station via Experion’s station. R210 also includes a custom algorithm block (CAB) that enables custom function blocks to be written using Honeywell’s Control Builder tool, and then deployed in Experion’s Control Execution Environment. www.acs.honeywell.com

FieldConnex fieldbus surge protector from Pepperl+Fuchs is a lightning current and over-voltage arrester that protects Profibus PA or FOUNDATION fieldbus networks against high-energy interference impulses. It can be used for implementing a Lightning Protection Zones Concept in accordance with IEC 61312-1. FieldConnex is available for explosion-proof and intrinsically safe fieldbus segments, and can be used in signal loops with 4-20 mA and HART interfaces. www.fieldconnex.info

Sitrans Probe LU (ultrasonic) and Sitrans Probe LR (radar) from Siemens Energy & Automation are continuous level transmitters for storage and process vessels, and for open channels in water, wastewater, food, and chemical applications. Sitrans Probe offers a longer measurement range and an improved signal-to-noise ratio that enhances echo-processing features, such as Sonic Intelligence and Auto False-Echo Suppression, for greater accuracy and reliability. www.siemens-milltronics.com

Universal Flow Monitors Inc. reports that its inexpensive CoolPoint vortex-shedding flowmeter for water assures consistency in measuring, balancing, and transmitting water flows in processing and manufacturing plants. Repeatability is www.flowmeters.com

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