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
optimize 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 offers
extraordinary flexibility and simplicity of installation and
operation.
By providing highly accurate process measurements that can
help avoid costly production downtime and utilising
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.
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 toouchscreen 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.
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.