BPS: New pressure sensor family from Balluff

Balluff''s BPS, is a newly developed series of pressure sensors with IP 67 protection for use in gaseous and liquid media. The rugged devices feature a high-quality, long-term stable ceramic load cell and an especially attractive price/performance ratio, simple installation, high operating comfort and high preci-sion. A large, bright and easily visible display ensures immediate status overview. This shows not only the current system pressure in bar, mbar, PSI and MPa, but also features fast and simple configuration of the sensors according to the VDMA standard, using 2 keys and intuitive menu guidance.

With 11 pressure range versions the BPS sensors cover all the im-portant ranges from -1...0 bar up to 0...600 bar for monitoring process media in factory automation. Typical applications include hydraulics monitoring as well as pneumatics equipment. The new Balluff pressure sensors, available in the standard model with plastic housing and in the high-end version with stainless steel, offer either two switching points or one switching output plus analog channel (0...10V or 4...20mA).

Thanks to their highly compact design the sensors can be easily located in the control cabinet without taking up valuable space. The display with operating panel and electrical connection can be rotated independently of each other by 320° with respect to the flange. Adapting to different process terminations using G ¼ internal threads is easily accomplished using optional adapters in various sizes and styles.

The high-end models with their stainless steel housing and expanded temperature range were especially designed for demanding applica-tions in harsh environments, making them ideal for use with wind pow-er turbines, offshore installations as well as HVAC technology.

For further information, view website: http://www.balluff.co.uk or e-mail: sales@balluff.co.uk   Refer to page 368

Verlinde Pal range: Lifting beams

PAL is VERLINDE's most recent range of lifting beams for loads of 125 to 10,000 kg.

With its rupture safety factor rated 5, the PAL range is manufactured to standard NFE 52210 and classed FEM5. The lifting beams have no load bearing welded parts, are rustproof and coated with RAL1028 glycerine paint All models are fitted as standard with bow shackles, reel hooks and safety latches.

Many options are available such as "Y" type models with 3 hoisting points or "X" type with 4 hoisting points, galvanized spreading beams, special lifting beams, lifting beams for Big Bag systems or special aluminium lifting beams for light hoists.

There are 5 models in the PAL range
-PAL P2F, lifting beam with central hanging and 2 fixed lifting points, -PAL P2R, with central hanging and 2 adjustable lifting points, -PAL P4F "H" type with central hanging and 4 fixed lifting points -PAL P4R "H" type with central hanging and 4 adjustable lifting points.

Palonnier1.jpeg: P4R lifting beams- 4 adjustable suspension points - steel version
Palonnier2.jpeg: P2R ALU lifting beams- 2 adjustable suspension points - aluminium version

For further information, e-mail: jean-yves.beaussart@verlinde.com 

The SOURIAU High Density (HD) range

Derived from the AerioMil MIL-DTL-38999 and VG96912 standards, Souriau´s HD range, based on a standard design, was specially developed to withstand the harshest operating environments (shock, vibration, high temperature etc.). By doubling the number of contacts for each size of connector, Souriau HD is the response to the increasingly stringent demands of weight and size reduction.

Souriau HD is available in each of the following ranges: 8LT (38999 SI), 8D (38999 SIII), 8ST (VG96912) & 8STA (range dedicated to motorsport applications) under several different protection types specific to each product range. In its HD version, a standard size 9 with its 6 #22D contact connector will have 12 #26 contacts, or a size 11 connector will have 26 #26 contacts instead of 13 #22D contacts.

The HD range uses standard qualified and tested mechanical components: plug, socket, jam nut.The same is true for the inserts, which use the same materials as the ones implemented in the MIL-DTL-38999 already, with for instance the contacts being retained by metal clips.

The #26 (3 Amp) male and female contact remains the same irrespective of product range, which means the same tools can be used for installation. Standard admissible cable gauges are from #26 to #28. #24 cables may also be used (under request).

In addition to all of this, Souriau can offer a full 3D CAD (Format step) modelling package, customer plans, and technical expertise so that the connectors can be optimally integrated into customer applications/systems.

The Souriau High Density range is therefore a robust, high-performance solution recommended for all applications where optimal weight saving and/or miniaturisation are a must.

For further information, view website: www.souriau-industrial.com  Refer to page 194   

GE Energy Promotes Smart Grid Development in Northern Ireland

GE Energy (NYSE: GE) is using its expertise and passion for grid modernization to promote the development of a smart grid pilot network in Northern Ireland. The pilot would allow for a greater number of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar energy to be connected to the existing electrical network--reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security and reliability. 

As chairman of SmartGridIreland, a group of international and local businesses facilitated by the Center for Competitiveness, GE's Paddy Turnbull participated in SGI's smart grid pilot proposal to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster this March. 

"Northern Ireland has many competitive advantages in early adoption of a smart grid pilot project," said Turnbull. "The region is rich in natural resources, and there is an abundance of ICT skills. This project would put Northern Ireland into a leadership position along with the Shetland Isles, Southeast England as well as internationally where similar trials were being advanced."  

Nothing has changed much in the past 100 years on how electrical energy has been supplied and distributed, but society and energy consumption has changed. Today, countries are facing global energy challenges like never before. GE supports smart grid development for modernizing the electric infrastructure to meet the world's growing capacity, environmental and security needs. Using communications and advanced metering technologies, the proposed pilot project for Northern Ireland will demonstrate the benefits and opportunities of alternative supplies of energy while preparing consumers for the social changes taking place nationally. 

The smart grid pilot plan, which was prepared after an extensive collaboration by the SGI network, sets out the case for the early local trial of smart grid technologies and was submitted to DETINI in November 2010. If adopted, this could help Northern Ireland achieve a leading position in this emerging technology sector and also accelerate progress towards the achievement of the European Union 20/20/20 targets.

GE in profile
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world.

The businesses that comprise GE Energy, GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas, work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21^st century energy needs.

For further information, view website: www.ge.com or e-mail: martina.streiter@ge.com  Refer to page 338