FEATURE SIGNAL CONDITIONING EASY SETUP SIGNAL SPLITTERS
NO HEAT EXCESS Another memorable thing about 1976 was the particularly hot summer that year. Harmonic currents can induce additional heating in generators, which can have a negative effect on the entire system. In the long run, harmonics can also lead to heating of busbars, cables and equipment, cause thermal damage to induction motors and generators and thermal tripping of safety devices, like fuses or sensors in breakers. In this already sizzling environment, any additional source of heat needs to be thought through. Luckily, some active filters, like the Comsys ADF series, produce up to a third less heat than others due to their switching techniques of the insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). Equally, the REVCON RHF Series of passive filters offer up to 99.5 per cent efficiency. When comparing a filter, be it active
or passive, you should look closely at the total cost of ownership for the end user. After all, heat loss is a direct cost in energy bills. This is particularly important on the shop floor, in marine and offshore applications or any other environments where space and heat is particularly precious.
INTUITIVE SOFTWARE To make users’ lives easier, active harmonic filters come with intuitive software and remote data access. This means authorised users can access real time information and see live harmonics data by using a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone with internet access. Most modern harmonic filters have web based tools that require no special software installation or licences. Remote data access means more
flexibility and greater peace of mind for engineers and facilities managers, who no longer have to be on site to resolve an issue. If process variables go beyond set parameters and alarms go off, the device immediately notifies the person or team responsible and they can access live information. This should help them
34 MARCH 2018 | INSTRUMENTATION
make informed decisions, regardless of where they are in the world.
HOLISTIC APPROACH Before commissioning a harmonic filter for your application, it is important to assess the entire system, calculate the harmonics and size the right solution for your specific set up. It is not enough to look at one troublesome application individually; instead, you need to look at the plant or entire operation as a whole. Often what looks like the problem can actually be an effect rather than a cause. Companies should identify all the
components installed on site when it comes to both linear and non-linear loads. They should also be aware of the transformer size and the rated short- circuit breaking current. Only after understanding the system in its entirety, can a company make an informed decision on what type of harmonic filter it needs, as well as what capacity and additional features the filter should have. CP Automation recommends
performing a survey of the plant and capturing as much information as possible over several days. After this initial analysis, we can recommend the most appropriate product and install it without significant disruptions. After the harmonic filter has been live
for several days, another survey should be performed to check if all problems have been resolved. This ensures the product is appropriate and it gives companies real peace of mind. The increasing levels of harmonic
currents in industrial and commercial applications are certainly an unintended consequence of rapid technology uptake. Luckily, like the Legionnaires disease bacteria problem, the solution is simple, sustainable and inexpensive. Moreover, if you are unsure of what harmonic filter your system needs, help is never too far away.
CP Automation
www.cpaltd.net
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Acromag’s new SP230 series of isolated signal splitters/duplicators are designed for easier installation and setup. Four models, covering a broad range of sensor signals, provide dual 4-20mA outputs proportional to a single current, voltage or temperature input. A USB connection to a Windows PC or Android device enables simple, precise configuration of I/O ranges and a variety of operational settings with free software. The two-wire instruments include plug-in terminal blocks to install quickly and can acquire power from either output loop. Sink or source output wiring connections are supported. A ruggedised design operates reliably from -40°C to 80°C with high immunity to electrical noise and surge protection. UL/cUL Class 1 Division 2, ATEX Zone 2 and IECex hazardous location approvals are pending. “The combination of software-guided setup, two-wire
loop-powered installation, and removable wiring terminal blocks, make SP230s the most convenient solution for signal splitting/duplicating applications. And with a variety of models to support a spectrum of input, output, and power requirements, you can confidently standardize on this series for future signal conditioning projects,” stated Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s business development manager. Many SP230 series
features offer great value and utility. A common USB port enables software configuration without costly proprietary adapters. Software menus let you quickly set I/O ranges and select options DIP switches cannot support. Each output can use a different input scaling range. Output clamp levels are user-configurable for custom or NAMUR-compliant values to identify fault conditions. Temperature input models add selectable upscale/downscale sensor break detection. Plus, a very low 7V burden allows use in existing loops without adding power. Each model accommodates a variety of signal types. The
current units are widely adjustable to support ±20mA or 0- 20mA DC inputs and 0-20A AC signals with a toroid sensor. Voltage models convert unipolar or bipolar signals from ±1V to ±150V DC with multiple selectable ranges. Thermocouple units accept eight different sensor types (J, K, T, R, S, E, B, N), as well as ±100mV inputs. All models deliver high accuracy, superior noise resistance and fast response times. They also demonstrate excellent linearity and stability with very low temperature drift. 1,500V AC isolation safely separates the input from each output circuit and provides continuous 250V AC (354V DC) protection. High-level surge suppression adds further protection from harmful transient signals. These units also demonstrate great mechanical integrity. SP230 splitters can withstand 25g shock and 4g vibration without fail. The removable screw terminal blocks maintain secure wiring connections. Spring-loaded DIN rail clips provide reliable mounting with easy installation, adjustment, or removal.
Acromag
www.acromag.com
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