Facing a ceaseless stream of multi-ton loads, drives in portside gantry cranes are under constant pressure to perform. Users need and demand reliable solutions that deliver excellent dynamics, positioning precision, and cost efficiency in equal measure. Hoist and trolley drives used in shipyard or container terminal cranes therefore require specialized mechanics and electronics suitable for this demanding application area.
SMIL has chosen Nord Drivesystems geared motors for the new conveyor system at the Gardanne quarry operated by Durance Granulats, in the south of France. This will increase capacity by 25%, taking the weight of ore processed from 400,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes a year.
Automation technology consistently requires ever greater amounts of data and demands ever lower transmission losses, which is why polymer optical fibres (POF) are today being used more and more. Simple connection technology and standardised transmission protocols are distinguishing features of these polymer fibres. Weidmüller now offers an optimum and, to date, unique solution to what is otherwise a complicated process to prepare and terminate POF connectors: With just one tool, the HTX-IE POF, it is possible to strip and crimp 1-mm polymer optical fibres specifically for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP SC-RJ connectors. A rotating blade cuts the fibres precisely at the ferrule so that a subsequent polishing process is no longer necessary. Weidmüller developed its new processing tool for POF cables complying with IEC 60793-2 A4A (1000 µm/ 980 µm POF). In addition, Weidmüller offers a complete programme of tools for processing cables and POF fibres: The PSC 80 assortment case holds everything necessary for preparing and terminating IP67 rated POF connectors. This includes a pair of scissors known as "Scissor Kevlar" specifically to cut aramid fibres, the multi-functional HTX-IE POF and the insulation stripping tool multi-stripax® IE POF.
Weidmüller has implemented a particularly compact design for its new marshalling and power distribution terminals PRV and PPV for power station plant and process engineering applications. The PRV family of products consists of 4-, 8- and the innovative 16-tier marshalling and distribution terminals; the PPV family comprises the 4- and 8-tier power distributors. Distributing more than 1700 signals per meter the 16-way PRV multi-tier with "PUSH IN " connection technology is again setting new standards - at the present time it is an absolutely unique solution. "PUSH IN" connection technology guarantees touch safety against inadvertent short circuiting. The "PUSH IN" double connection guarantees simple power distribution, and serves equally as a separate testing point. "PUSH IN" allows users to simply insert the prepared conductor into the terminal point to quickly create a reliable, jolt-proof, gas-tight connection. Moreover, this connection technology ensures vibration-proof and effective conductor retention forces. And in comparison with other connection technologies it achieves a higher wiring density combined with best-possible handling characteristics. Clearly identifiable matrix markings and colour-coded operating elements help to ensure optimum orientation when extending the system or carrying out maintenance work by facilitating unambiguous terminal arrangement and, as a consequence, error-free signal assignments. The V-shaped busbar of the PRV and PPV marshalling and power distribution terminals is a unique solution. This design feature compensates for different material expansion rates between the plastic terminal carrier and the copper feature. Even in the face of temperature fluctuations or varying climatic conditions it always guarantees stable and low contact resistances.
New product series packaged in a 6-mm module width for converting and isolating analogue signals. High levels of functionality with minimum space requirements. ACT20M product series with Ex Zone 2 approval.
Until now it has been costly to connect and incorporate analog input/output signals, even though they generally only make up less than 10% of the signals used in a system. The reasons include the use of shielded cable on the installation side and expensive multi-channel input modules on the controller side. The new IO-Link Analog Plugs from Balluff with their high resolution of 14 bits provide the solution. They are the ideal choice for systems with limited instances of analog signals.
New family of EX approved power supply units designed to meet the needs of the processing industry and demanding automation technology solutions. Single-phase, slimline switch-mode power supplies save space when populating electrical cabinets. A truly international solution thanks to wide-range input and the corresponding approvals.
The Great Belt Fixed Link connects half of the Danish population with the rest of the European road and rail network. Approximately 11 million vehicles and 8,3 million train passengers cross the bridge each year. A new 2 x 1 Gbit/s fibre backbone network was recently installed to provide for all the data transmission from the weather stations and CCTV, and a new emergency phone system using IP telephony technology was installed. To provide the data communication between the telephone and the fibre backbone, the company A/S Storebælt has chosen the robust Westermo Wolverine Ethernet Extender.
POLARIS Touch Panel PCs with LED technology are an innovative enhancement of the existing POLARIS Panel PCs. Available in the sizes 5.7", 10.4" and 12.1", these devices have been designed for the comfortable handling of simple machines such as mixers, dryers or filling stations and for the control and supervision of complex machines such as reactors, centrifuges or ball mills. All POLARIS devices have been designed for use in zone 1 + 2 as well as in zone 21 + 22. This guarantees the habitual PC comfort also in hazardous areas. The Panel PCs are especially suitable for use in the chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industry.
Moxa has launched three high power PoE (Power over Ethernet) IEEE 802.3 af/at industrial Ethernet switches aimed at power-hungry PoE-enabled devices such as PTZ cameras and long distance wireless access points. These three models, the EDS-P506A-4PoE, EDS-P206A-4PoE and INJ-24 satisfy the demands of high power devices by providing up to 30 W of power, double the amount in the existing IEEE 802.3af PoE standard.