West Control Solutions KS98-1 controller improves inline blending

West Control Solutions has engineered an application program for its latest PMA KS 98-1 industrial process controller, which has been developed to enhance the accuracy, speed and functionality of inline blending applications.  Ideal for batch mixing control of liquid, gas and solid ingredients, the latest PMA KS 98-1 controller offers a range of features, including control of ratio, sums, selectable master setpointand monitoring of valve operation.

Bürkert unveils new intelligent valve positioner

Intelligent valve positioners, through their compact and hygienic design, are suitable components as part of a decentralised automation process in a hygienic environment. The ability to control pneumatic actuation, feedback and diagnostic functions with the additional benefit of fieldbus communication, in combination with a suitable control valve, makes this arrangement very useful in a range of process automation tasks.

Materials and coatings increase operating life of bearings in harsh food and beverage applications

Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager at Schaeffler UK, discusses the importance of selecting a special surface coating or corrosion-resistant material for rolling, plain and linear bearings operating in harsh food, beverage or packaging environments.

igus food-grade bearings comply with EU 10/2011 and FDA specs

igus UK has developed two new food-grade polymer bearing materials - iglidur A181 and iglidur A160 - that are compliant with both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) specification for repeated contact with food and the EU 10/2011 Directive. As a result, food manufacturers can produce food to the highest standards while increasing the reliability of their process.

Drive automation doubles beer production

A new cask racking plant at the St Austell brewery can produce 300 firkins, that is 9 gallon casks, per hour. The increased efficiency allows the brewery to switch from two-shift to one-shift operation and still have double the capacity. The plant uses drives and automation equipment throughout, ranging from controllers to efficient geared motors. The networking of the system is the key to the efficient operation of the plant.

Food for thought

The food manufacturers who are successful in today's fast paced, ever changing industry are the ones who can capitalise on fast moving trends, optimise their efficiency and productivity, best manage their supply chain logistics, and minimise waste. Chris Evans of Mitsubishi Electric looks at how advanced automation technologies can help.

Grip chains now resist corrosion

Chain manufacturer Iwis presents grip chains with wear- and corrosion-resistant clamping elements. The special-purpose conveyor chains are used for gripping, collecting and transporting thin-walled, large-surface materials, for example in the packaging, food and beverages and electronics industries, in circuit-board production and in metal processing.

Easy set-up, low-cost, entry-level infrared machine vision

Flir is launching the A5 fixed mounted thermal imaging camera as the entry-level product in the Flir A-Series but it is still very capable. In common with all models in this range it is compatible with popular third-party software that enables it to be set-up optimally to suit the application.

Bürkert launches new range of intelligent valve control heads

Thanks in part to the popularity of Bürkert's original 8681 control head that was designed specifically to bring control and connectivity to 3rd party hygienic process valves, Bürkert has now launched three new models in the range. The 8691, 8685 and 8695 all offer the same connectivity and functionality as the original, but now fit (with model specific adapter kits) a much wider range of valves, including some popular ranges from Bürkert's own catalogue.