Chene has developed a valve proposal for companies with non-destructive-testing (NDT) needs. It focuses on machining artificial defects on metal pieces then used as reference standard models for NDT. Such testing using ultrasonic, Eddy currents or other methods is carried out in many industries requiring a high degree of reliability. The company works hand in hand with each customer to meet specific needs and is able to adapt its machining to complex designs.

Using highly precise electrical discharge machining, Chene is able to produce notches as narrow as 0.0008in (0.02mm) and holes with a diameter as small as 0.0008in on all kinds of metal pieces. Chene works with aerospace, nuclear energy and petroleum industries. The company currently operates in Europe, but is currently looking to expand its export activity on the North American market. Chene is exhibiting at the SAE Aerotech Congress and Exhibition in Seattle, which is scheduled to run until 12 November 2009.

Instron Introduces Syringe Test Fixture

Instron has introduced a syringe test fixture designed to investigate the forces necessary to collect force-versus-time data to evaluate the performance of syringes and syringe-needle combinations. Data is produced as the crosshead moves down to expel the fluid from the syringe in a compressive test mode. The fixture can determine breakaway forces at the beginning of injections, as well as sustaining forces throughout the injection process.

The syringe fixture features plastic inserts that offer a range of flexibility to accommodate a variety of syringe sizes and volumes. It allows for the ejection of medications and fluids from syringe or syringe-needle devices and it accommodates a variety of syringe diameters. The maximum syringe diameter is 20mm (0.78in). The fixture includes two threaded holes for optional drip tray and it can be positioned downwards to perform a needle cap pull-off test (the lower grip is sold separately). It mounts to any Instron single-column or dual-column testing system.

Stemmer Camera Has Monochrome CCD Sensors

Stemmer Imaging’s latest camera offering, the JAI AD-081CL, features two monochrome progressive scan CCD sensors mounted to a custom-designed optical prism. The prism-based design enables the camera to simultaneously capture two channels of 30fps video of the same field of view to within one-quarter pixel accuracy. A choice of operating modes allows the camera to be used for high dynamic range, high-speed operation or particle-imaging velocimetry.

Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) is a planar-optical technique that measures the velocity of seeded particles (1-50um in air) in the flow of interest. Applications include vortex forming in artificial heart chambers, combustion analysis in engines and air-flow studies in wind chambers. The AD-081CL features a PIV mode that allows the camera’s two-channel operation to capture three closely spaced images on a single trigger instead of two, providing 50 per cent more data for improved analysis of ultra-fast events.

Independent control of shutter speed and/or gain for each channel provides the opportunity for wide-dynamic-range operation. This is especially useful in inspection applications where there is a particularly bright light background, such as LED inspection or welding. One channel is adjusted for the bright output, while the other channel is tuned for lower light output.

The two images can then be analysed separately or combined to produce a dynamic range nearly double the normal CCD response. This enables the camera to achieve dynamic-range levels as high as 20 bits per pixel (120dB) in a linear fashion, avoiding noise, shutter and compression issues. The versatile AD-081CL can also operate at an effective frame rate of 60fps, which is achieved by interleaving the images from the two sensors into a single-output stream.

This high-speed/low-noise mode does not increase in the clock frequency of the camera itself, keeping clock noise to a minimum. Each sensor has 1024 x 768 pixel resolution and 8 or 10 bit pixel depth. The camera features two configurable Camera Link outputs, allowing single-cable operation or separate cables for each channel. Other features include partial scanning and vertical binning capabilities, as well as analogue-video output to support auto-iris lenses.

Power Systems Offers Aircraft Frequency Converters

The EF 40 Series of frequency converters has been introduced by Power Systems International to coincide with the Inter Airport exhibition in Munich. This range of frequency converters is designed for aircraft ground power applications, for outdoors point-of-use installations at aircraft parking stands, in maintenance hangars or in avionics workshops, in aircraft manufacture and for training simulators.

The product utilises power conversion switching technology to provide all types of aircraft with 400Hz power security at exactly the place where it is needed as a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to the restrictive centralised 400Hz systems found at many older airports. The EF 40 frequency converters are supplied with 115V single-phase output up to 15kVA and from 10kVA to 10kVA with 200V three-phase output. The basic mechanical construction is in vertical format with ingress protection IP31 or IP41.

For outdoors use in IP54 enclosures, there is a horizontal version available for mounting on a mobile trolley, trailer or floor stands. The EF series of frequency converters has a high power factor of 0.98 with a low harmonics input stage. The standard output of the frequency converter is via a circuit breaker for indoor use with optional contactors for outdoor use and can be delivered with a single output or dual output and supplied with flexible cables fitted with standard or custom-designed aircraft connectors.

Optional features include: supplementary metering; 50Hz or 60Hz input frequency; an output contactor with an interlocking 15m flexible cable with aircraft connector; no-break power transfer to aircraft service; remote monitoring by interface PCB RS485; remote monitoring by computer; a second output contactor and interface; ingress protection to IP54; line drop compensation; trolley converters 45kVA and 90kVA; and special paint colours and finishes.

Objet Geometries has released a digital material pack that allows manufacturers and designers to create parts and models for product-design testing, simulation and validation. The offering is available exclusively on the Connex350 and Connex500 – 3D printers capable of simultaneously printing multiple materials with different mechanical and physical properties.

The pack provides 3D printing users with 18 materials comprised of combinations of VeroWhite and TangoPlus or TangoBlack Plus, the latest addition to the Tango range. The materials encompass the full Shore A hardness scale (from 27 to 95), characterising a range of rubber/elastomer-based products.

With these materials, Connex users can print parts, such as wires and cables, grips and handles, plugs and connections, shock absorbers, function buttons, gaskets and seals, among other rubber applications. The rigid materials simulate the strength and toughness of products made of such standard plastics as PP, LDPE, HDPE, PVC and PS. Up to 11 different rigid and flexible materials can be combined in a single part in one build.

Softinway is offering an intensive course on turbomachinery design that will take place in Singapore on 15-19 December. Axial Turbine Fundamentals (15-16 December) is a comprehensive overview of steam and gas turbine basics, including turbine designs and cycles, initial turbine sizing, multistage turbines, turbine calculation, design and off-design operating modes, profiling and 3D blade design.

The course is dedicated to engineers who want to acquire a more detailed knowledge of thermodynamics, gas dynamics, structural analysis and basics of axial turbines and their elements. Axstream Interactive Workshop on Turbomachinery Flow Path Design and Optimisation (17-19 December) includes a track customised to participants’ interests (axial and radial turbomachinery, axial turbine, axial compressor, radial turbine, centrifugal compressor and retrofitting, and performance upgrades).

The training contents include: turbomachinery design theory and the use of axstream in engineering practice; axial and radial turbomachinery: design characteristics and basic parameters; design of an optimised flow path from preliminary design to generation of 3D blade profiles; innovative approaches to multidisciplinary analysis; and practice: creation of an original turbomachinery flow path.

SGS Colombia SA has performed storage tank inspections for the expansion of the Cartagena Refinery. SGS was responsible for the inspection of floating-roof and conical-roof tanks with sizes between 20,000 and 130,000 barrels. In terms of the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services for storage tanks, the inspection carried out by SGS Colombia included the evaluation of tank bottoms and roofs, as well as tank shells.

For the inspection of tank bottoms and roofs, SGS inspectors used Ultrasonic Testing (UT) methods, such as B Scan and C Scan, in order to detect corrosion. B Scan provides a cross-sectional image of the material and detects material thinning that is caused by corrosion in the inside of tank walls. The C Scan is able to make cross-sectional images and identify failures of items located underground.

For the assessment of the wall thickness of tank shells, SGS used an ultrasonic crawler, a tool designed to take ultrasound thickness measurements on above-ground ferromagnetic structures, without the need for scaffolding or industrial rope access. The SGS inspection services were carried out in accordance with applicable health, safety and environment requirements, as well as to the API 653 Programme.

ESI Conference Focuses On Simulation-Based Design

ESI Group has announced its first global users’ conference and exhibition on Simulation-Based Design and Virtual Prototyping – ESI Global Forum 2010. The event will take place on 19-20 May, 2010 in Munich, Germany and is designed for ESI customers and experts in Simulation-Based Design and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). In addition to learning from simulation specialists from around the world, attendees will get a preview of ESI’s latest developments and advances in simulation.

Beyond enabling Simulation-Based Design for industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, energy, defence and electronics, ESI Global Forum 2010 will address digital simulation best practices as well as the methodology and processes to get the virtual job done ‘at the right time’. Designers, engineers, analysts and management personnel from customer and partner companies in all industries are invited to take an active part in the conference by presenting papers highlighting innovative uses of Simulation-Based Design technology or methods to implement successful End-to-End Virtual Prototyping.

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced Proficy DataMart version 2.0. The product offers an enterprise reporting platform for manufacturing intelligence within Proficy Plant Applications and expands the ad-hoc reporting capabilities of the range at plant and enterprise levels.

The Proficy DataMart solution provides critical production-centric information to the knowledge users in the plants and the enterprise. It enables users to serve themselves to the real-time production data Proficy Plant Applications has converted into meaningful manufacturing intelligence.

Its high performance KPI roll-ups and drill-downs integrate data across multiple machines, lines and sites seamlessly. DataMart can be used with existing Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse solutions to manage the performance of production operations.

Kyland-USA offers a line of of Ethernet switch, terminal server and media converters with a complete set of certifications for the power utility, industrial, transportation and marine marketplaces. The Ethernet switch line includes complete routing functionality and filtering capabilities on OSI layers 3-7.

Designed to meet and exceed emission, dust, and vibration requirements the product line offers a range of DC and AC power supplies, with dual power supplies as a redundancy option. Kyland provides 10Gb link capabilities. The product line includes managed and unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches.