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[December 2008]
NDC Launches Ethernet-Enabled NIR On-Line Gauge For Moisture Measurements
NIR process gauge specialist NDC Infrared Engineering Ltd has announced the launch of the CM710e range of Ethernet-enabled on-line gauges for moisture measurement in industrial manufacturing processes, such as chemicals, minerals and ore extraction, ceramics, detergents and construction products.
Critical control of moisture content can be used to control product quality, improve productivity, save fossil fuel consumption and optimise drying processes. The 4th Generation CM710e combines the proven light engine from the CM710 with new, high speed digital processing technology and Ethernet and other digital communication protocol connectivity. This combination produces the high accuracy, robust real-time measurements essential for use in closed-loop control, yet is said to offer extraordinary flexibility and simplicity of installation and operation.
By providing highly accurate process measurements that can help avoid costly production downtime and by employing industry-standard Ethernet communication hardware such as cables, repeaters and routers, the modular CM710e system offers low installation costs, low cost of ownership and a fast return on investment, says NDC.
Key components of the CM710e gauging system are the gauge itself, Operator Workstation (OWS) and the Human Machine Interface (HMI), offering flexibility of configuration for a wide variety of system structures. The OWS enables local interaction with an individual gauge, while the HMI provides supervisory access to up to 16 Series 710e gauges within the same network. Both units feature high definition multi-lingual colour touchscreen displays. A hub featuring advanced switching technology enables multi-gauge configurations and facilitates network connectivity. Digital inputs and outputs and scaleable analogue outputs are available to provide additional connectivity anywhere in the network.
With Ethernet communication as standard and the option to extend to Ethernet IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, Profibus DP or DeviceNet, together with Automatic Device Discovery capability, the system can be readily integrated into existing factory networks and management information systems. Complex power supply configurations are avoided since all CM710e components run on 24V DC either from an on-site supply or power over Ethernet (POE).
At the heart of the CM710e gauge is NDC’s patented near infrared light engine. Using high precision optical components manufactured in-house by NDC’ Optics Division, the pre-calibrated system is capable of using up to 16 different wavelengths. Designed to give reliable, repeatable measurements of the highest accuracy, the robust optics ensure that the gauge rejects any interferences from external contributions from the process which could affect the measured values.
These include contributions from ambient light, relative humidity, particle size, colour variations and temperature, as well as variations in product height as it passes under the gauge. The new high speed light sampling and digital signal processing incorporated into the gauge means low background noise giving high quality clean signals for process control.
ENDS