Engineering

Simplest valve actuators provide automation and production efficiency

By James Maslin National Sales and Marketing Manager for Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd. Australia Rapid and reliable actuation of gate valves is becoming more and more critical to liquid and gas handling applications as industries face the twin demands of production automation and pressure to produce without production interruptions for maintenance. Gate valves, also known as sluice valves, are one of the most widely used types of valves in industrial applications, where they typically operate either fully open or fully closed, being used in pipelines as isolating valves rather than control or regulating valves. Their compact simplicity, low pressure loss, bidirectional versatility and ability to handle full flows where particles cannot cluster has led to widespread use in process engineering applications throughout industries such as food and beverage, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining and mineral processing, liquid-solid separation, filtration, materials handling, water and waste water and waste-to-energy projects. Typically gate valves are manually or (occasionally) hydraulically actuated, but where faster or remote actuation is required, they usually rely on conventional pneumatic actuation using a cylinder with rods and seals. However, an alternative means of actuation is available to process engineers charged with designing pipeline and reticulation systems that respond to the needs of automation and uninterrupted production demands. These flexible-wall, bellows-type Airstroke actuators – manufactured by Firestone and distributed throughout Australia by Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd – are tough, fabric reinforced rubber balloons of different shapes engineered to perform different tasks. The simple single, double and triple-convoluted airbags operate without seals, shafts or internal moving parts to provide ultra-reliable actuation alternatives for materials handling technology exposed to grime, debris and waste, which can disrupt the seals and shafts of convention pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. Reliability engineered into their DNA Structurally they are identical to the enormously durable and reliable Firestone […]

Low-height skidding system moves heavy loads in the tightest of spaces

Enerpac’s new Low-Heigh t Skidding System is ideal for transformer maintenance. Global hydraulics and heavy lifting technology specialists Enerpac are introducing to Australasia a new Low-Height Skidding System – which stands at just 92mm with the track – for the accurate positioning of heavy loads in tight and awkward spaces. The Enerpac LH-Series Low-Height Skidding System is a modular track system that can jack and slide heavy loads, such as transformers, generators, motors or drives, over a pre-constructed track. Skidding systems are ideally suited to tight spaces where cranes can’t access the load effectively. The new low-height system takes this one step further by using a rigid, durable design that can access even tighter spaces, while still providing high lifting capacities. Skidding systems are typically 200-600mm high, which is still an enormous advantage when cranes can’t access a lift site, but the Low-Height system, at just 92mm, opens possibilities in even tighter, more compact applications. The Low-Height Skidding System is comprised of a series of skid beams moved by hydraulic push-pull units, travelling over a pre-constructed track. A series of special PTFE-coated pads are placed on the skid tracks to reduce friction. The push-pull units are powered by a standard Enerpac Split Flow Pump to ensure each skid beam travels synchronously. When using two skidding units together, the maximum capacity is 3,560 kN of force, which can lift 400 tons, utilising 700 bar (10,000 PSI) hydraulic pressure. The Low-Height Skidding System has a push-pull stroke of 600 mm and is designed to easily change skidding direction, using Enerpac’s globally proven hydraulic pumps and cylinders. Customised solutions can be implemented for complex projects, such as utilising optional track support and connecting both power units together to provide synchronous travel of the load. Such a configuration would be used in applications like […]

Grundfos introduces one of the world’s most efficient motors with an IE5 rating

For the first time in the Asia Pacific, pump manufacturing pioneer Grundfos has launched one of the world’s most efficient motors. New generation Grundfos MGE motors – from 0.25 kW to 11 kW – are now capable of attaining this ‘super’ status. Achieving the highest efficiency level available for electrical motors in the market today, these MGE IE5 motors will enable Grundfos pumps to reach 10 per cent in energy savings and 25 per cent in payback time, as compared to the IE3 solution. Reaching IE5 in efficiency means that businesses, residences and industrial players will not only meet but exceed IE3 premium efficiency legislative standards set worldwide, including the European Union, the US, and Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia and China in Asia Pacific Region. To align with international standards, minimum energy performance standards for industrial motors in Singapore will be set at IE3 level from 1 October 2018. Eric Lai, Regional Business Director – Industry, Asia Pacific Region, Grundfos said the pump manufacturer is dedicated to supporting worldwide efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement commitments. “Sustainability is a very important part of Grundfos’ DNA and we aim to create cleaner and more energy efficient technologies to enable our customers to reduce their water and energy consumption to limit the impact on the environment. “Our new MGE motors are a result of our continuous development efforts and extensive experience in the pumps sector. They perform to the highest standards and we are proud to announce they have been awarded IE5, the highest energy efficiency rating worldwide,” Eric Lai said. The key to Grundfos’ new MGE motors’ unparalleled performance is their state-of-the-art intelligent solutions as they adapt to the surrounding system which, coupled with the high-efficiency IE5 motor, drive down energy consumption. […]

SDK to re-expand capacity to produce high-grade SiC epitaxial wafers

Showa Denko has decided to re-expand its capacity to produce high-quality-grade silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial wafers for power devices, which have already been marketed under the trade name of “High-Grade Epi” (HGE), in addition to currently conducted expansion work of HGE production facilities. After the initial expansion work which is scheduled to be finished in April, SDK’s capacity to produce HGE will be increased from current 3,000 wafers*1 per month to 5,000 wafers per month. After the re-expansion work which is to be finished in September 2018, that capacity will be increased to 7,000 wafers per month. When compared with the mainstream silicon-based semiconductors, SiC-based power devices can operate under high-temperature, high-voltage, and high-current conditions, while substantially conserving energy. These features enable device manufacturers to produce smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient next-generation power control modules. In addition to the traditional use as power sources, SiC-based power devices are now replacing conventional silicon-based power devices for on-board use such as inverter modules for railcars, on-board battery chargers and rapid charging stations for EVs, in parallel with rapid expansion of the EV market. SDK’s SiC epitaxial wafer business has been achieving growth rate higher than that of the market because manufacturers of power devices appreciate the lowest incidence of crystal defects and the highest homogeneity of wafers in the world which SDK’s HGE achieved. SDK decided this time to conduct re-expansion of its HGE production facilities since the initially expanded HGE production facilities are expected to reach full capacity operation by the middle of 2018. SDK will continue responding to the demands of the market through establishment of stable supply system of HGE. *1 This number is based on a conversion into SiC epitaxial wafers for power devices having withstanding voltage of 1,200 V. Showa Denko K.K. is a major manufacturer and […]

Hillstone and Flowmon join forces to allow customers to build complete cybersecurity platforms

Hillstone Networks a leading provider of network security solutions, has announced a partnership with Flowmon Networks a vendor developing next generation monitoring and security solutions for network infrastructures. The joint offering between the two visionary companies will help customers build a complete cybersecurity platform. The joint network security solution, consisting of the Hillstone Networks Intelligent Next-Generation Firewall (iNGFW) and Flowmon Anomaly Detection System (ADS), can effectively intercept cyber threats from the Internet and internal networks, defend against modern network attacks, and comprehensively monitor and protect the overall network security posture. The Hillstone Networks iNGFW and Flowmon ADS work in conjunction to support the deployment of linked security policies across internal and external networks. The Hillstone iNGFW is used primarily for threat prevention for external networks, while the Flowmon ADS mainly detects internal network threats and passes details of the internal threat to the iNGFW, in order to complete the risk interception of threats and deliver a closed loop to the security administrator. “Cooperation with Hillstone is a perfect fit. Flowmon ADS eliminates risks that bypass traditional solutions. Its engine utilises sophisticated network behavior analysis, an advanced artificial intelligence based on machine learning. It permanently observes and analyses data communication seeking anomalies, revealing suspicious behavior and thus taking the entire security to the next level,” said Petr Springl, Director of Products and Alliances at Flowmon Networks. The Hillstone Networks iNGFW and Flowmon ADS joint solution can effectively intercept threats from the Internet and internal networks, defend against modern network attacks, comprehensively cover the overall network security posture, and make the internal network and external network stable, reliable, secure and credible. The solution brief is currently available on both Hillstone Networks and Flowmon Networks websites. Hillstone Networks’ Layered Threat Protection provides continuous threat defense at perimeters, internal networks and Cloud. Established in […]

FARO Design ScanArm 2.0 improves product design workflow

FARO’s next generation Design ScanArm 2.0 is specifically designed to address the most demanding challenges and requirements faced by product design and product engineering professionals. It offers an exceptional combination of flexibility, reliability, value and performance through best in class accuracy, resolution and ergonomics. Performance Design ScanArm 2.0 delivers up to 25% improved system accuracy compared to the previous generation. Design and product engineering professionals can now have increased confidence that the real-world design output conforms even more tightly to the look, feel and complex geometry of the source object. Furthermore, productivity is enhanced with the addition of FAROBlu Laser Line Probe HD that incorporates advanced blue laser technology and rapid scanning of up to 600,000 points per second. Flexibility and Portability Design ScanArm 2.0 is now available in three highly maneuverable arm lengths – 2.5m, 3.5m and 4m – to ensure that end users can select the option that optimally fits with the specific design objectives for their projects. It includes the option of dual, hot swappable batteries that enable continuous operation wherever needed without the requirement for external power. Users can now bring the scan to the project rather than needing to bring the project to the scan. Usability Enhanced ergonomics and a 25% overall weight reduction enables less operator fatigue. This leap forward in comfort, combined with improved maneuverability, significantly increases productivity by facilitating continuous use over extended periods during the workday. Design ScanArm 2.0 enables a new level of efficiency with integration of a kinematic intelligent probe system for projects that require contact measurement. This system includes a tool less quick release for fast connect/disconnect and allows operators to quickly transition from contact to non-contact projects without needing to spend any significant additional time and effort to switch out or recalibrate probes.

Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 for construction, design and forensics

Faro Scene 7.1 enables an immersive VR experience with integration of detailed photographic textures, i.e., surface details of an object and rendering of 3D scan data so quickly that it appears to be generated in real time. While Scene 7.1 is optimised for the Faro laser scanning product portfolio, e.g. FocusS or Freestyle, it is also device agnostic, so it can seamlessly accept and manage 3D scan data from other, non-FARO laser scanner products. Immersive Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 enables users to view an entire project, i.e., the full range of related scans in full 3D virtual reality through a compatible VR headset from the comfort of the user’s office or workstation chair. This significantly elevates the beneficial use and reduces project cycle time by enabling architecture, engineering and construction professionals, public safety forensics experts and product designers to quickly simulate and compare reality for such tasks as evaluating as-built documentation, reconstructing crime or accident scenes, or optimising design plans. Productivity Enhancements in Virtual Reality Scene 7.1 advances well beyond the “see it better to understand it better” concept common in most industrial VR solutions. It enhances productivity by enabling users to take/capture screenshots, tag comments or notes specific to images and navigate the system overview map in real time, all without needing to exit the Virtual Reality environment. Merging of Faro Terrestrial and Handheld Scanning Data Historically, Faro Focus and Freestyle products have had their own unique, coded targets (markers that identify scan areas/specific targets), which could not be shared by the other scanning device. With Scene 7.1 enhanced functionality, not only can both devices share coded targets, but they can also now verify registration of scans from both devices in a single, real time registration report. This ensures not only a more cohesive workflow between these devices but […]

These 5 industries will be first to do business in space

Companies around the world – in transportation, exploration, energy, construction or hospitality – are all looking upwards for the next growth opportunity. Space is quickly becoming a place where the industries that power our global economy will conduct business. What do we call an economic area like this, that is not limited to a single planet, and no longer has physical boundaries? We can’t call it an industry, when private industrial groups can generate revenue and profit not only from the Earth but from near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), the Moon and Mars and beyond. It is simply a medium in which humanity conducts commerce. Let’s take a look at the industry sectors that will be the first to take advantage of our expanded economic sphere, and some of the specific opportunities for growth. Energy Valued at over $8.4 trillion and growing at a 4.1% compound annual growth rate, energy is the largest industry on Earth. Humans are prolific energy consumers, and soon there will be more humans in space. Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO of Amazon, anticipates “millions of people living and working in space” in the coming decades. Bezos is so confident of this outcome that he is investing more than $1 billion per year into his space transportation firm, Blue Origin. An in-space population of this magnitude will require enormous amounts of energy to live, work, and transit. This energy will come from solar power, which is more effective when gathered in space due to the lack of a filtering atmosphere; and chemical rockets, which will be the primary transportation mechanism for the foreseeable future. The most efficient chemical rocket propellants are composed of cryogenic liquid oxygen combined with liquid hydrogen or methane. Initially, the propellant needed to fuel the space economy will be launched from Earth, as both […]

Creaform expands its 3D expertise to the aerospace industry

Creaform, a worldwide leader in portable and highly accurate 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, will extend its expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT) to the aerospace industry. By expanding access to its inspection solutions, the company aims to better enable airlines, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service companies, to more efficiently perform the evaluations of in-service aircraft safety, while cutting costs and saving downtime. As predictive maintenance becomes more prominent, aviation maintenance professionals and aircraft MRO providers are increasingly on the lookout for innovative methods that enable quicker and safer decisions to be made on the outcome of part defects. The mapping of external surface defects on aircraft parts, which can prove difficult to obtain using traditional methods—namely hail damage, bird impacts and lightning strikes on the fuselage and wings—can be assessed with 3D scanning. When paired with advanced inspection tools, such solution cuts down on the operator’s impact on measurements, shortens time to get the final report, and reinforces decision-making.” To ensure that the solution matches aviation maintenance industry requirements and properly reflects the market needs, Creaform is partnering with major aircraft manufacturers for beta testing. The surface inspection solution dedicated to aerospace applications is set for release in October 2017. Earlier this year, Creaform announced that the HandySCAN 3D metrology-grade laser scanner had made its first major step into the aerospace industry. It was added to the Airbus Technical Equipment Manual (TEM) which is referenced in the Airbus Structure Repair Manual (SRM). Well-known for its NDT solutions for the oil and gas industry, Creaform’s NDT product solution is comprised of its flagship HandySCAN 3D portable metrology-grade 3D scanner and its Pipecheck NDT software, both of which allow automatic on-site inspection, detection, and characterisation of pipeline defects. With traceable and repeatable inspection data and results, operators […]

America’s Cup success for small NZ company

A small New Zealand firm made a giant contribution to the America’s Cup. ‘YachtBot’ – GPS tracking systems invented by Dunedin firm Igtimi – was on nearly 40 boats operated by America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) including official, photo, television, mark-setting and VIP boats. YachtBot lets the race organisers build a “virtual stadium” on the water, and establishes a “seating plan” for nearly 1,000 Superyachts, VIPs, and the public. As weather conditions change, ACEA dynamically adjusts the race course and spectator areas to ensure that everyone is as close to the racing action as possible. Igtimi Co-director, Brent Russell, says “The America’s Cup has never been able to do this before, YachtBot is a critical part of on-water operations”. Using iPads, YachtBot also helps the organisers place the buoys on the course, and displays the AC45 race boats and helicopters to provide “full view” management. It allows skippers and passengers a first-hand account of where they are relative to the imaginary race boundaries. Mr Russell says YachtBot’s goal was to provide cutting-edge training and tracking tools at all levels of sailing from the Olympics to clubs. They customised that technology for the America’s Cup. “Our first tracking devices were on the 33rd America’s Cup boats in Valencia in 2010. Since then, we’ve made them accessible for club yachting. It’s great that America’s Cup picked up on our hardware again at the elite level. The bonus is, we’ll bring this upgraded technology back to club yachting, so it’s a win for everyone,” he says. Co-director, Kylie Robinson, says the YachtBot technology proved to be very popular during the America’s Cup World Series in Japan. “They were impressed to find that the volunteers using our technology to place the race markers did so faster and more accurately than those who were fully […]

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