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Message From The Editor
In this issue of Drives & Controls we learn about the I's and O's of VFD's and take a close look at the advantages offered by electric drive systems over turbines. In an article by Festo we examine the benefits of air cushions for machine reliability and how augmented reality applications are moving to the cloud. Also be aware that we are less than two weeks away from Hannover Messe 2019 and Drives and Control Solutions will be there. Watch for regular updates about products and trends on our website and our next issue which will focus on the new products and drive technology introduced at the world-renowned trade show.
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Whitepaper
Yaskawa: The I's and O's of VFD's
By Jonathan Kopczyk, Yaskawa America
As variable frequency drives (VFDs) are becoming the primary go-to solution for motor control, their capability is not something that can be matched. With every new generation comes better performance, smaller size, and greater functionality. In most cases though, VFDs are used for their variable speed control with minimal wiring terminations. But, is the product being fully utilized with all those empty terminals? Perhaps the function behind them and their potential is unknown. With all the possible wiring options and associated parameters, controls for a VFD can easily be troublesome. This article will address, in detail, the purpose and advantages of utilizing the inputs and outputs of a VFD.
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Electric Drive Advantages
Turbines or Electric Drive Systems for Pipeline Compressors: The Long-Term Gain
By Owen Hurst
Turbines have traditionally been used to drive processing machines, but here we focus primarily on the concerns regarding turbine use for driving centrifugal compressors for pipeline compressions and the advantages that electric drive systems can offer in this area. In Canada pipeline discussion is a common topic among the industry and the public, and a common concern is often the low efficiency levels and high emissions that are associated with this operation. In 2016 Canada had 73,000km's of pipeline and thus ensuring efficient compression over such distances is critical to maintaining a cost-effective operation and ensuring environmental concerns are accounted for.
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Productivity & Reliability
Innovative Air Cushion Solution Improves Productivity and Machine Reliability and Saves Money
By Michael Guelker, Festo
New air cushioning solution for pneumatic actuators automatically adjusts the amount of air cushioning depending on the impact energy (speed, load), thus increasing overall productivity and reducing maintenance costs. A common goal throughout the business world is to increase productivity while reducing costs. This certainly applies to machine design, which means achieving the fastest possible cycle times. For pneumatic systems, this often requires running actuators as fast as possible without introducing excessive shock loads to the system. To help reduce the impact energy of an actuator, there are two common types of integrated cushioning - bumpers and air cushioning.
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Linear Motion
The digital transformation of Linear Motion Technology
By Dr. Ulf Lehmann, Bosch Rexroth AG
Machine manufacturers are currently experiencing a profound generation change. All engineers and designers below their mid-thirties have grown up with cell phones and the Internet. Digital technology plays a very strong role in their private lives, and they have completely different solution strategies than previous generations. This is also increasingly affecting the professional use of technology. The new generation seeks concrete solutions for automation processes and functions rather than components and systems. Their justified expectation is that all applications, information channels and platforms should be as easy to use as those in private life. This also applies to the selection, dimensioning and configuration of Linear Motion Technology.
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Changing Scene
- Cap-Op Energy and Spartan Controls Enable Profitable Methane Abatement for Nine Major Oil and Gas Producers
Cap-Op Energy and Spartan Controls are pleased to announce that their sustainability program has helped nine major oil and gas producers achieve significant emission reductions resulting in carbon credits. In 2018, Cap-Op Energy verified that over 130,000 t CO2e in emission reductions had resulted from the installation of low-bleed Emerson Fisher control instruments. The total annualized emission reductions from installed projects are expected to exceed 600,000 t CO2e/year.
- Introducing the most attractive app in the cooling field
Installers and service technicians around the world work smarter and faster every day using the Danfoss CoolApps Toolbox, a collection of mobile apps uniquely designed to help them with their everyday tasks. Now, Danfoss is ready to put one more helpful tool in the palm of their hand. Introducing Magnetic Tool, a simple yet advanced app that harnesses the power of your smartphone's hardware to turn it into a precision magnetic field detector.
- HARTING AG Biel offers tailor-made 3D-MID solutions
Assistance systems, safety features or infotainment - more and more electronics are finding their way into cars. With HARTING 3D-MID technology, customers can integrate complex electronics with minimal space requirements into cars. With many years of experience under its belt, HARTING AG Biel (Switzerland) understands the demands of the automotive industry. In close cooperation with customers, numerous projects have been successfully completed which HARTING AG produces in series.
- Pneumatic Robotics meets Artificial Intelligence
Whether its grabbing, holding or turning, touching, typing or pressing we use our hands as a matter of course for the most diverse tasks. The human hand, with its unique combination of power, dexterity and fine motor skills, is a true miracle tool of nature. What could be more natural than equipping robots in collaborative workspaces with a gripper that is modelled after this model of nature, that solves various tasks by learning through artificial intelligence? Festo shows the pneumatic robot hand BionicSoftHand at Hanover Fair 2019.
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- Endress+Hauser, employees launch fund-raising for United Way across Canada
For Endress+Hauser Canada, allying with the United Way beginning this month ensures the benefits of staff charitable giving and volunteering will assist the communities in which they live. Endress+Hauser is soliciting employee contributions from March 4-18, with a milestone goal of donating $15,000 to the United Way - $7,500 from employees and $7,500 in a matching donation from the company. Funds raised will go to the communities where Endress+Hauser staff are located: Montreal, Burlington, Edmonton and Calgary.
- Rockwell Automation Honored as a 2019 World's Most Ethical Company for the Eleventh Year
Rockwell Automation has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2019 World's Most Ethical Companies. Recognized for the eleventh year by the Ethisphere Institute, Rockwell Automation is among a list of 128 global companies that profoundly illustrate how they are the driving force for improving communities, building capable and empowered workforces, and fostering corporate cultures focused on ethics and a strong sense of purpose.
- Proax Technologies Concord/North Toronto Automation Exhibition
Proax invites you to attend our Automation Exhibition on March 28th, 2019 from 10am to 4pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Vaughan. Meet the Proax staff and the key suppliers they represent in the automation industry as they showcase our expertise in industrial Automation, Motion Control, Machine Safety and Robotics. They have many activities planned for the day including demonstrations from our technical solutions team, industry specific seminars and interactive stations we know you'll enjoy! Register today!
- Lafert North America Appoints new Inside Sales Team Member
Lafert North America are pleased to announce the appointment of Lorri Fernandes to the role of Inside Sales Representative. Fernandes brings over 20 years of motor sales experience to Lafert NA, with a specialized focus in the power transmission and linear-motion components industry. Fernandes is technically skilled in directing multiple initiatives, while delivering results on primary objectives.
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International News
- Siemens closes Acquisition of Electric Infrastructure Manufacturer Russelectric
Siemens recently announced it has closed the acquisition of Massachusetts-based Russelectric, a U.S. manufacturer of power control systems including paralleling switchgear and automatic transfer switches. The transaction, first announced in early October 2018, brings together the companies' complementary electrical power portfolios and service organizations. These combined efforts will help better address growing power reliability, security and affordability needs across critical markets.
- Economical and Intelligent: Innovative new tire handling solutions from Bosch Rexroth
At the Tire Technology Expo 2019, Bosch Rexroth will present a new package of solutions for tire handling robots, which combines a price-optimized motion control system with an innovative operating concept. A standard tablet is used for safe teaching and graphics-supported programming. If required, the complete package can also include a high-quality Rexroth mechanical system, an IT security solution and the IoT Gateway for industry 4.0 applications.
- A Powerful Drive for Innovation: Nord Drivesystems at Hannover Messe 2019
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, manufacturing and selling both standardized and customized drive technology for more than 50 years and is one of the leading international turnkey suppliers in this segment. Thanks to its comprehensive product portfolio and outstanding expertise, NORD supplies solutions to more than 100 sectors and is always exploring new dimensions in drive technology. The company is showcasing its innovative prowess at HANNOVER MESSE 2019 with three new products in particular.
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Next Steps
Augmented reality applications move to the cloud
The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD) in Darmstadt has created the possibility of running computationally complex augmented reality (AR) applications in a cloud environment. To do so they integrated the interactive 3D visualization platform instant3Dhub into VisionLib tracking technology. While the CAD data for technical components, for example, remains in the data center's IT infrastructure, only the data required for visualization is transferred to the clients, such as mobile devices. The decisive factor in the process was the new release of instant3Dhub, allowing large amounts of data to be displayed automatically and in real time, regardless of the device used (AR glasses, tablet or smartphone).
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Multi-Tasking
Mazak Further Expands Processing Flexibility With HYBRID FSW
Some of the biggest challenges in manufacturing involve joining pieces of metal without altering their microstructure, creating substantial heat-affected zones, applying filler material or making the metal porous, especially where vastly different shapes and dissimilar metals come together. As Mazak continues to advance the flexible talents of its HYBRID Multi-Tasking machines, one of the newest - and most innovative - of these capabilities lies in friction stir welding (FSW), a technology that addresses these joining challenges with new approaches that weren't readily available just a few years ago.
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Product Focus
Teco Westinghouse RL Line/Load Reactors Solve Line and Load Power Quality Problems
Teco Westinghouse's RL Line/Load Reactors are best-in class power quality units with a long history of proven performance. Rugged and robust, they are unequalled in absorbing power line disturbances that can damage or shut down variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other sensitive equipment. They work on both the line side and load side to give you an easy solution that reduces nuisance tripping, reduces harmonic distortion and minimizes long lead effects.
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ABB introduces new drive for US water and wastewater markets
The ABB ACQ580 variable frequency drive (VFD) for the water and wastewater industries enhances system performance, simplifies commissioning and operation, and optimizes wire-to-water/-air efficiency. It also improves flow and reliability in municipal pumping and aeration applications. The ABB ACQ580 is now available through authorized ABB water and wastewater channel partners. The VFD includes features that are specifically designed for municipal markets.
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New EC-i 52XL 200W High Torque Brushless Servo Motor from maxon
The new EC-i 52XL 200W Brushless Servo Motor from maxon is a powerhouse. When space is limited but high torque and dynamics are required, the maxon EC-i 52XL motor is the ideal motor choice. With its extended length (80 → 110mm), this motor with flux collector rotor provides outstanding torque performance compared to the existing EC-i 52 180W High Torque that is often needed, especially on the industrial automation front.
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Industrial-suited Edge Computer MICA now offers a Secondary Ethernet Interface
The industrial-suited Edge Computer MICA now also comes with a secondary Ethernet interface. It can be used to easily exchange and process data between two Ethernet protocols, including wired-to-wireless gateway applications. It is necessary with many Industrie 4.0 applications to separate networks and simply send data back and forth between Ethernet protocols without permitting external applications direct access to a corporate network. HARTING has added a second interface for these applications to its Edge Computing MICA.
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New ACH580 drives make it easier to make buildings comfortable
ABB is launching a new series of variable frequency drives (VFDs) that will enhance the performance of smart buildings and enable users to meet more stringent energy efficiency regulations. The new ACH580 HVAC drives ensure that applications operate reliably and without costly unplanned outages, safeguarding the comfort and security of occupants in commercial buildings, including critical facilities such as hospitals and data centers. Energy efficient and cost-effective, the drives provide connectivity with existing building automation and control systems.
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Danfoss: New industrial refrigeration semi-welded plate heat exchanger
Danfoss are proud to introduce a new series of semi-welded plate heat exchangers that have been specifically designed, crafted, and tested to fit ammonia-based industrial refrigeration applications. The SW19-59 range of semi-welded plate heat exchangers adds one more reliable solution to the broad portfolio of industrial refrigeration solutions our customers have come to expect from them.
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This email was sent to blakemarchand@kerrwil.com. |
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