Instrumentation


All-in-one industrial transmitter T


he new HF8 humidity and temperature transmitters from Rotronic are suitable for fixed-installation applications requiring high precision measurements. Based on the new advanced AirChip3000


technology, the HygroFlex8 communicates with all HygroClip2 probe types which utilise Rotronic’s time tested sensors and are used in thousands of applications worldwide. Together


with the digital HygroClip2 probes, the HygroFlex8 is one of the most versatile and precise humidity and temperature measuring instruments available on the market.


With a


measurement accuracy of 0.8% RH and 0.1˚C, the


instruments can measure humidity ranges from 0 to 100%RH and overall temperature ranges of -100 to 200˚C depending on the type of probe being used. The latest AirChip3000 technology guarantees an automatic sensor test, drift compensation and every probe is temperature compensated with over 30 000 data points to maintain the highest possible accuracy over the entire measuring range.


The HF8


has two probe inputs and the optional HW4 software allows users to configure the connected HygroClip2 or 3rd party analog probes exactly to their needs. Each HF8


has four analogue outputs and


four alarm relays programmable to any probe input and any probe parameter, including all psychrometric calculations such as dew point or wet-bulb. Audible and visual alarms can be activated as well.


The data logging function on the HygroFlex 8 allows recording of up to 20 000 data points with date and time stamp.


Users can configure the logging intervals and download, store and graph the data with the HW4 software.


The optional digital outputs additionally enable connection to a network via Ethernet and Power over Ethernet (POE).


If the user so wishes, the HF8 can be integrated into an RS485 network and/or make multi-drop connections in which an unlimited number of devices can be connected. All this complies with FDA CFR 21 part 11 and


GAMP regulatory requirements when used with the HW4 software. ■


Enter 45 or ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/epe


ROTRONIC AG is based Bassersdorf, Switerland. www.rotronic-humidity.com


Thermal imaging detects missing lids M


any food processing companies still favour traditional vision systems over thermal imaging alternatives. In the


view of systems’ integrator Thermascan, this is a pity when the cost of both types of system is virtually the same. It uses the FLIR A-Series thermal imaging cameras as the basis for its vision solutions primarily because of their flexibility. A Thermascan customer that manufactures cold food in lidded tubs provides a good illustration. The existing visual camera-based system was


employed for quality control on the


packing line but, due


to the thinness and transparency of the lid, the system couldn’t detect whether the lid had been successfully applied to the tub.


This inability caused considerable wastage and for a volume food processor this is a costly exercise.


The FLIR alternative effectively detects the minute difference in temperature between a tub with a lid and one without, >2°C. This temperature difference activates an alarm and


automatically stops the line allowing the defective product to be removed. In this way, only single products are scrapped - not


entire batches - and any production downtime is substantially minimised.


The success of this system however was not just its detection ability. The FLIR camera’s I-O ports allowed it to be easily linked to the established vision system. ■


Enter 45A or ✔ at www.engineerlive.com/epe


FLIR Systems Limited is based in West Malling, Kent, UK.www.flir.com


www.engineerlive.com 45


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