TechArchive

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 Chris Faulder, European Product Manager with Parker Hannifin Filter Division, looks at filtration designs used in machine design and process engineering. There are two types of filter used for viscous liquid filtration – the filter bag and the cartridge. Filter bags can achieve high flow rates [...]

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 Dr Lothar Wilhelmy, Chairman of Hubner Elektromaschinen of Berlin and Gerhard Vock of sister company Thalheim-Tachometerbau look at the six most widely used devices for speed detection. Since the introduction of regulated electronic drives, it has been important to control speeds with maximum accuracy, while maintaining [...]

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 A major in-service failure which necessitates the return of all systems for rectification is expensive and embarrassing. Vibration screening is one way to improve reliability. On average, up to about 40% of all screenable defects are the rsult of other than component or device failures. The [...]

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 John Doran, Marketing Manager at Optimised Control discusses the role of networking technology in relation to multi-axis motion control. Machine designers are, in general, very aware of the advantages of distributed I/O, thanks to the clamour of the burgeoning fieldbus industry. But the role of networking [...]

Original article date: November 1996 Energy saving motors cost a lot less over their lifetime but you still have to present a case for the extra initial expense. There’s now some useful software to help out. Power losses in electrical equipment are due to the electrical resistance in conductors and losses in the magnetic material [...]

Original article date: February 1999 Though DC bus drives have been available for some time the first multiple drive system on a common DC bus incorporating its proprietary Direct Torque Control (DTC) inverters has now been launched by ABB Industrial Systems in the form of the ACS 600 Multidrive. DC bus drives use common components [...]

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 Introducing the EJA Engineering free guide to machinery safety legislation, this feature explores safety-related control systems. A safety related control system (SRCS) is that part of the control system of a machine which prevents a hazardous condition from occurring. It can be a separate dedicated system [...]

Original article date: January 1996 Moving components smaller than the head of a pin? The potential for mechanical or electromechanical devices with dimensions measurable in microns – micromachines – is huge, ranging from simple disposable blood pressure sensors to integrated industrial process control systems. Microscopic ‘engines’ may even be developed, able to operate autonomously in [...]

Original article date: June 1999 Like all products in the machine safety field, light curtains are developing fast and dragging legislation along with them. Alan Quinn talks to some of the major UK suppliers about recent news As with all developing technologies, standards inevitably struggle to keep pace with capabilities. One concern expressed by many [...]

Original article date: June 1996 Many people will have experienced some problems in the use of rechargeable batteries in both their professional and personal life. KEVIN HALLIGEN at DSB Special Batteries reviews the position. The majority of difficulties encountered with rechargeable batteries in portable applications are a function of poor management crude charging and incorrect [...]