Automation Parts

ABB has won a contract to provide electrical and automation equipment and related services for a seamless-tube mill and pipe-production plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The project is a joint venture between Arcelormittal and the Saudi-based Bin Jarallah Group. ABB will deliver electrical infrastructure and equipment, including a 115kV gas-insulated switchgear substation, medium- and low-voltage switchgear, motors and variable-speed drives. The scope of supply also includes an automation system based on ABB's Extended Automation System 800xA for order management, production scheduling, storage management, production and quality reporting, and material tracking. In addition, ABB will provide engineering, installation, commissioning, operator training and other related services for the project. ABB has automation and power solutions to maximise the productivity, reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes in a range of industry sectors, including energy-intensive appl...

Turbine Flowmeter Suitable For Heavy Equipment Flow Technology has launched the FT-HE (heavy equipment) turbine flowmeter solution designed for hydraulic fluid applications. The company's FT series turbine meters are now offered with SAE J1453 fittings with O-ring face seal, which is said to simplify installation in hydraulic lines onboard tractors, combines and other heavy equipment. In the off-road industry, there is an increasing emphasis on reducing both the number of potential leakage points and the incidence of leakage from hydraulics systems on machinery. This requirement is addressed by the SAE J1453 standard covering material, dimensional, and performance requirements of steel O-ring face seal fittings for hydraulic tubing, as well as the O-ring face seal interface and nut portion of hose stem assemblies. The FT-HE solution is said to provide accurate and repeatable flow measurements in a host of hydraulic and pneumatic applications. Units employing SAE J1453 flat-fa...

TRAAKiT has introduced a custom programmed tracking device to safeguard equipment and machinery from theft. With no need to drill holes or modify what is being guarded in any way, the TRAAKiT monitor can be hidden in any convenient spot such as in a compartment, or under a seat. The equipment is guarded by setting an invisible boundary and the TRAAKiT user is immediately sent an SMS text message to his mobile phone and by email when the equipment being guarded leaves the designated area. The TRAAKiT user can then see where the equipment is by accessing an online interactive mapping system. The user can then coordinate the capture of the thieves and the recovery of equipment with the Police. The invisible boundary can be set and deactivated automatically at times to suit the TRAAKiT user. Equipment can therefore be locked down and guarded when it is not supposed to be used. For equipment hirers, the TRAAKiT system will also provide them reports when the equipment is in use.

Prelube Pumps Extend Equipment Life According to ESE, pre-lubing before every start is an inexpensive way to extend the life of engine-driven equipment. When an engine is running, the engine's oil pump supplies pressurised oil into the centre of the bearings to create a cushion that separates the bearing surface from the crankshaft. Once the engine is running, the surfaces never touch because they ride on this film of oil. As soon as the engine shuts down, however, the oil that comprises the cushion begins to drain away and the film thins. After only a few seconds, the film thins to the point that 'metal-to-metal' contact can begin to occur. In other words, the cushion is gone and the crankshaft is resting directly on the bearing. Pre-lubing the engine before every start can extend engine life by eliminating metal-to-metal contact during the first several seconds of running. Those few seconds after cranking the engine can be suspenseful for the operator as the oil press...