Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Dräger X-zone 5000 Confined Space Monitoring Without Limits

Area monitoring without limits – the Dräger X-zone 5000. In combination with the Dräger X-am 5000, the X-zone 5000 reliably monitors for up to six hazardous gases and warns at preset levels.This easily transportable, robust and water-proof unit extends mobile gas detection technology to a unique system with many applications.
INNOVATIVE AREA MONITORING
The Dräger X-zone 5000 transforms the Dräger X-am 5000 personal gas detection instrument into an innovative area monitoring device for a wide range of applications. A patented combination for increased safety – used with personal gas air monitoring carried on the body or positioned where gas hazards are expected, the X-zone 5000 area monitor knows no limits!

CLEAR ALARM - 360°
Even from a distance, the illuminated green LED ring indicates that the air is free of toxic and combustible gases. When gas hazards are detected, the LED changes colors from green to red, providing a clear visual warning that hazardous gas is present. In addition, it emits a loud and audible evacuation alarm. With a patented 360° alarm amplifier, the acoustic warning is heard easily over a wide area, independent of wind direction. The Dräger X-zone 5000 gas entry is arranged so that gas can diffuse into the Dräger X-am 5000 from all sides.

WIRELESS FENCELINE
Up to 25 Dräger X-zones can be automatically interconnected to form a wireless fenceline. This interconnection of the monitoring devices allow for rapid securing of larger area, e.g. leaking pipelines or industrial tanks - or the monitoring required during industrial shutdowns.

In the event of a gas alarm, the Dräger X-zone 5000 transmits alarm signals to all units that are part of the fenceline which then display a daughter alarm. The original alarming unit shows a red LED along with its audible alarm, while the daughter alarm displays green/red with its illuminated LED ring. This provides fast, easy recognition of the general alarm, while identifying the unit which alarmed originally. This assures a positive alert and a clear and clean evacuation. Alternatively, the fenceline can be wired.

AREA MONITORING – USING A SAMPLING PUMP
An optional integrated pump allows monitoring of remote areas by pulling a sample to the device. This provides continuous monitoring of confined spaces and locations which are difficult to access – from a distance of up to 45 m (150 ft).

ALARM CONTACT FOR CONNECTION TO EXTERNAL EQUIPMENT
Via the potential-free alarm contact, the Dräger X-zone 5000 device can be connected to and operate external equipment such as alarm horns, lamps or traffic lights. In addition, the fenceline signal, along with the alarm contact, can be forwarded to a control room – overseeing a wide range of applications.

AVAILABLE FOR USE IN CLASS I, DIV 1 OR ZONE 0 AREAS
Unlike personal gas detectors, area monitoring devices often stay located within a potentially hazardous area, even during a gas alarm. It is therefore important that the devices are approved for use in explosive hazard areas. The approvals for X-zone 5000 enable the continuous operation of the device in an explosive atmosphere and environment.

CONTINUOUS OPERATION FOR UP TO 120 HOURS
Two different types of rechargeable batteries enable the Dräger X-zone 5000 to be adapted to a variety of applications: the 12 Ah battery unit weighs about 7kg (15 lbs) and offers continuous operation for up to 60 hours. The alternative 24 Ah battery provides up to 120 hours of continuous operation – a complete working week.

INDUCTIVE CHARGING TECHNOLOGY
The Dräger X-zone 5000 can be charged in two ways: in the conventional wired manner or via a modern wireless induction charger. With the inductive charge cradle, the device is simply placed into the charger – alleviating the problems encountered with dirty charging contacts, etc. Additionally this non-contact charging possibility also allows maintenance and service to be carried out simultaneously.

CONFIGURABLE TO MEET INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS
With the Dräger CC-Vision® PC software, the Dräger X-zone 5000 can be configured to meet individual needs and requirements. Alarm volume, visual cadences and frequency can all be adjusted. In addition, X-zones can be grouped to work as teams, so several groups of units can be set up to monitor different areas in close proximity without interfering with each other.



If you would like more information about the Dräger X-zone 5000 or other Dräger items please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc Process Sales Representative.
Phone: 248-288-5990
Email: processsales@forberg.com






Thursday, August 4, 2011

Turck New Rugged, Compact Non-Contact Inductive Sensors Designed for Harsh Environments

Turck Press Release


Minneapolis— TURCK announces their Q-track™ family of linear position sensors has been expanded to includet he newest QR14 and the Q17 models. Measuring just 14 mm and 17 mm in height, the compact, non-contact inductive sensors deliver dependable, repeatable measurements in applications with spacing limitations and harsh environments.

TURCK’s linear inductive sensor operation is based on the RLC resistance inductance capacitance principle.Unlike potentiometric or magnetostrictive technologies, the sensors incorporate precisely manufactured printed emitter and receiver coil systems. The emitter coils are activated with a high frequency AC field and produce an inductive RLC circuit with the positioning element. The element is inductively coupled with the receiver coils,
which are arranged so different voltages are induced in the coils, depending on the position of the actuator. The voltages serve as a measure for the sensor signal. Q-track sensors deliver maximum measuring spans, with minimal blind zone and high resistance to EMI/RFI noise interference.


“The low-profile design and rugged housing make the Q-track sensors the preferred choice for versatile linear positioning applications,” said Marty Cwach, Product Manager, TURCK. “Our ability to repackage technology into new housing designs enables us to deliver smaller sensors that suit the widest variety of application and spacing requirements.”

Superior to alternative technologies, Q-track sensors’ innovative design, linearity and repeatability eliminate common performance failures experienced with other technology options. The RLC principle of operation used in the Q-track linear position sensor is highly immune to noise interference and is inherently weld field immune. Since the position element does not contain a magnet, it can be used in metal working applications because it will not attract ferrous debris, which would affect the operation of a magnetostrictive sensor. Additionally, the inductively coupled position element provides non-contact position feedback ideal for use in applications with constant motion, such as pinch rollers, cylinder position, web tension control, pitch control, resisting damage and costly downtime.

Along with their advanced design features, the sensors’ compact, durable construction increases functional flexibility. The QR14 and Q17 include both current and voltage outputs, eliminating the need for two separate sensors and offering greater convenience and cost efficiency. The fully potted and sealed IP67-rated housing protects against moisture and dust in demanding environments.
To receive more information on Turck please contact Forberg Scientfic customer service:
Phone: 855-288-5990
Email: processsales@forberg.com






Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Calibration and Measurement Uncertainty

From: Endress+Hauser

Reading values from dials and taking measurement with devices is fairly standard procedure in any process. What we frequently neglect to consider is the fact that what we read does not necessarily match reality

 For various reasons, any measure is affected by errors. An experimental measurement can only be correctly interpreted if it is associated with an estimate of the probable error called 'measurement uncertainty'.

Metrology, the science that pertains to the theoretical and practical aspects of measurement tasks, is what we use to master the consequences of this uncertainty. In terms of quality management, industrial metrology involves managing the preparation and execution of measurement tasks in order to guarantee the measurement results, their traceability and their uncertainty.

Metrology is underutilized in industry because it is generally approached from the perspective of statistics or from the perspective of quality, but rarely from the perspective of its usefulness for the process.

But the real question concerning measurement uncertainty should be:
  • What impact does it have?
  • And how can the measurement be improved overall?
Take the case of a technician who, when performing an annual calibration, regularly finds values that are 'borderline' or even out of tolerance. Quite logically, he will make the decision to calibrate the device every six months instead.

While this decision is sure to cost the company more, its efficacy will in no way be certain. This is because the device must always be considered within the context of the measurement or calibration procedure.
For calibration services, many manufacturers must rely on a trusted outside specialist. Continuously developing standards in compliance with international norms such as ISO 17025, best practices in statistics and metrology, the service teams at Endress+Hauser are able to provide not just calibration, but also all of the materials and methods necessary to ensure the quality of the calibration service. On site or at one of the Group's many laboratories.

The extended article on industrial metrology and calibration can be read in our latest Maintenance Today #6 "Minimizing maintenance effort with maintenance, calibration and lifecycle solutions"


Forberg Scientific, Inc is now Endress+Hauser Authorized Service Provider (ASP) for Michigan and Northern Ohio.

Service can be scheduled by calling Forberg at 248-288-5990 Email: processsales@forberg.com or Endress+Hauser at 800-642-8737. With offices in Troy, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, Forberg Scientific has the resources and experience to meet your every need.