TPi October 2009

High-speed smart seam finding system SERVO-ROBOT, Canada, has introduced the SF/D-H seam finding system with on-board colour video camera for process programming and monitoring. Welding robots are often under- utilised because of their inability to produce quality welds when parts and tooling vary more than the welding process can handle. The new SF/D-H is the latest in Servo- Robot’s line of smart seam finding systems with on-board process control. Its design allows it to be mounted directly under the robot flange, making it very compact. The systems reduce the cycle time by increasing the search speed compared to touch sensing. They can find joints on thin sheets or butt joints down to 0.6mm, and can be used on any metallic parts. They provide high precision (0.05mm resolution) and 1,000Hz sensing frequency.

Flowmeter certified for use in potentially explosive areas

The Rotameter range has been in use in many areas of industry for 100 years, and includes designs with glass, plastic and metal measuring tubes. Units are available with mechanical displays and with additional components including transducers and limit switches. The FMEDA (failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis) assessment of the design, carried out by test house exida, permits operation of the RAMC even in safety-relevant systems that have to comply with the requirements for Safety Integrity Level SIL1 or SIL2. The emphasis on safety in these Yokogawaproducts reflects the fact that, in all areas of industry, the explosion of combustible dusts presents a risk that is often underestimated. According to estimates by Munich Re, there is a dust explosion in Europe every day. A particular risk potential exists in the fact that even materials that otherwise are considered non-combustible can undergo explosion-like combustion when they are present in the form of a dust-air mixture.

THE Yokogawa Rotameter RAMC flowmeter has been certified for use in areas with a risk of gas explosions and dust explosions. The instrument is now provided with Ex certificates that are valid in Europe, America, Australia, China and other countries. The explosion protection for dust zones is available for instruments with the ‘d’ type flameproof protection in a robust aluminium housing with the marking II 1D Ex tD A20 IP67 T1...T6 or II 2D Ex tD A21 IP67 T1...T6. For type ‘i’ intrinsic safety protection with the marking II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 or II 2G Ex ia IIB/IIC T4, the Rotameter RAMC is equipped with a stainless steel housing.

Servo-Robot Inc – Canada sales@servorobot.com www.servorobot.com

Yokogawa UK Ltd – UK info@yokogawa.co.uk www.yokogawa.co.uk

Yokogawa’s Rotameter RAMC flowmeter S S is certified for use in potentially explosive areas

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October 2009 Tube Products International