Process and batch weigh in

Though many products exhibited during NMW targeted discrete manufacturers, continuous process users were not neglected. Many hardware and software manufactures exhibited products tailored to the process industries.

PID Inc. (Phoenix, Ariz.) announced an agreement with Microsoft Corp. (Redmond, Wash.) to license Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for use in PID’s OpenBatch and EnterpriseBatch software products. The inclusion of VBA in these products is expected to give PID’s third-party channels tighter integration with existing application environments, and will provide end-users with applications that can be customized, look and work like applications that they already know, and perform at a higher level.

Rockwell Automation (Mayfield Heights, O.) also announced the ProcessLogix, a server-based, distributed control system (DCS) on the ControlLogix platform. ProcessLogix communicates via ControlNet and features a development environment with an object-oriented custom display builder and ActiveX scripting capability.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems (Rice Lake, Wis.) trotted out its new CB-1 Concrete Batch Controller. The device provides dual-action control for automated concrete batching systems. Two weight indicators—one for each hopper—gather weight data used to control the release of four separate aggregated and two cement types. The system also controls water addition and six admixtures by monitoring the pulse of a flowmeter. Configurable formula setup and user-definable inputs and outputs allow full control of the batching routine.

Located in an exhibit area for open control architectures, Honeywell Inc. (Phoenix, Ariz.) highlighted its hybrid control system, PlantScape, as a cost-effective, open control system for integrated continuous, batch, and discrete/machine control. The system combines the integrated architecture and functionality of DCSs with the affordability and scalability of PC/PLC.

The demonstration focused on Internet-based technologies, object-oriented tools, integrated control capabilities, and applications such as TotalPlant Batch for batch control.

A self-contained flow transmitter from ” efector inc. ” (Exton, Pa.) uses the calori metric principle to provide a linear 4-20 mA signal directly proportional to flow rate in gpm. The transmitter can be adjusted for five ranges (0-2 gpm to 0-50 gpm), depending on the “tee piece” mounting adaptor used. The device can be set up before installation without requiring actual flow by selecting the appropriate flow range from its setup menu.

The DuraPAC from Dolch Computer Systems (Fremont, Calif.) is a sealed, ultra-rugged portable computer, keyboard, and pointing device rated NEMA4/IP66 and suitable for use in harsh locations. Dura PAC is available with several sunlight readable displays, and either PC/104 or PCMCIA/Cardbus expansion adapters.

VIA Development Corp. ‘s (Marion, Ind.) Electrical Controls Design software is built and integrated with AutoCAD to generate electrical schematics, panel layout drawings, wire lists, and bills of material. Using an intuitive Microsoft Windows interface, the software features automated circuit routines, flexible drawing formats, block builders for customization, on-line electronic catalog of components, parts database linked to drawings, and the ability to generate reports from user-selected drawings or entire projects.

Three IntelliPack DC powered transmitters from Acromag Inc. (Wixom, Wis.) are each available with an optional SPDT relay output, covering 1,900 I/O configurations. The universal model supports 32 input ranges including thermocouple, RTD, resistance, and dc millivolt signals. All units support software selectable output ranges of 0-1 mA, 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA, 0-5 V, and 0-10 V dc signals.

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