When trying to accelerate media, force is required.  

Force (F) = Mass (M) x Acceleration (A) and M = Volume (V) x Density (D)

Thus, we can accelerate fluid by applying a difference in pressure across its length.  This pressure will always be in proportion to its density and acceleration.  How do we achieve this differential pressure? With a differential pressure flowmeter. However, this can be a complex subject. Differential flowmeters have an interesting history.  There have been a variety of models introduced over the years, all with their own sets of pros and cons. Orifice plates, Venturis, wedges and cones are all different styles of flowmeters worth a deeper look.

Orifice plates were one of the first technologies that became prevalent for closed pipe flow measurement. One of its strongest benefits is its ease of installation. Additionally, due to their popularity and acceptance, maintenance has remained inexpensive.  From a “con” perspective, they can be inaccurate at times due to its proclivity to attract dirt and wear on the orifice itself.  

Venturi is another widely accepted technology utilized as custody transfer meters.  However, Venturi maintains a relatively low PPL and boasts a higher accuracy than the orifice plates.  The main negative associated with Venturis is their need for a long straight pipe meter, which can be costly.

Pitot tubes can be used to measure flowrate and can be inexpensive to install.  However, they only allow for a single point of measurement and can only produce a low differential pressure.

Cone technology can achieve a 10:1 turndown ratio and allow for selectable beta ratios to optimize the D.P. range and/or a low PPL.  However, this technology can be costly to install, requiring the removal of a section of pipe and installing mating flanges.  

The Accelebar is an averaging Pitot tube through which a 30:1 turndown can be achieved if the flow velocity is high enough.  It produces high differential pressure and a low PPL.  

Wedge meters were designed for dirty, high suspended-solid flows and slurries. With this technology, the wedge is stalled perpendicular to the flow direction, creating restriction.  

This is a very brief outline of the variety of differential flowmeter technologies available today.  To see a more detailed description of each, please check out the article I had published in Process Instrumentation last year.  

If you’re looking for someone to walk you through the different options and what works best for your process, give us a call at (855) 737-4714 or fill out our online form to reach one of our technical specialists.
 

Managing multiple actuators and axes can be a challenge, especially when trying to reduce control panel space and system complexity. Whether in manufacturing, logistics, or precision assembly, achieving scalable and efficient control is crucial for maximizing productivity and minimizing costs. One solution to these challenges is the RCON Controller from IAI, a compact, versatile, and highly compatible system designed for advanced multi-axis automation.

Traditional control systems often require large amounts of panel space and extensive wiring, which can lead to increased costs, inefficiencies, and difficulty in maintenance. The RCON Controller addresses these issues with its compact design, modular architecture, and support for up to 16 actuator axes. Its compatibility with a wide range of field networks and actuators, along with features like predictive maintenance and visual monitoring, makes it an ideal solution for simplifying and optimizing complex automation systems. 

Learn more about IAI's RCON System Controller.

Videos:

• How to Communicate to an IAI RCON Controller Using a Modbus TCP
• How to Setup IAI RCON EtherCAT Motion with Omron Machine Automation Controller N Series PLC
• How to Setup IAI RCON EtherCAT Gateway with Omron Machine Automation Controller N Series PLC
• How To Setup Camming with IAI RCON EtherCAT Motion and Machine Automation Controller N Series PLC
• How To Setup IAI RCON Ethernet/IP Gateway Using IA-OS Software
• How To Setup IAI RCON Ethernet/IP Gateway Using IAI Parameter Configuration Tool
• How To Setup IAI RCON-GW-EIP with Omron N series Using Structure
• Demonstration on How To Setup IAI RCON Ethernet/IP Gateway to communicate with a PLC

For more information on RCON System Controllers please call (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form and one of them will contact you.

In the complex world of industrial automation, safety is a paramount concern. Whether it’s a manufacturing line, automotive assembly, or a food and beverage packaging plant, the integration of robust safety systems is crucial to protect both human operators and machinery. One such innovative solution is the Mosaic Safety Integrated Controller from ReeR Safety, designed to streamline safety management across various applications.

Industrial environments often rely on a combination of safety devices—such as safety light curtains, emergency stop buttons, and interlock switches—to safeguard the workspace. Traditional safety systems can become cumbersome when managing these devices independently, leading to complex wiring, increased costs, and potential safety gaps. This is where ReeR’s Mosaic Safety Controller steps in, offering a modular, scalable, and user-friendly platform to unify all safety devices under one comprehensive system.

Learn more: Mosaic Safety Controller from ReeR Safety

Talk to one of our experts today at (855) 737-4716, or fill out our online form to learn more.

Have You Wished You Could Focus On Your Samples Better? 

Have you ever wished for sharper, clearer focus on your samples, regardless of surface variations or dynamic conditions?  AutoFocus technology offers a transformative solution, ensuring optimal focus precision for imaging and process equipment, even in challenging environments.
 

What Makes ACS’ Advanced Dynamic Focus Control Technology Stand Out?

At the heart of the AutoFocus solution lies a cutting-edge algorithm that dynamically maintains the ideal focus. Whether you're working with a camera, laser source, or microscope, this system bridges the gap between position control and focus quality. 

1. Adaptive Precision Across Uneven Surfaces 
   Flat surfaces are simple to focus on, but real-world applications often involve irregular terrains. AutoFocus uses a sensor-based feedback system that continually adjusts to maintain the correct distance between your equipment and the surface, ensuring consistent performance.
2. Innovative Sensor Integration 
   The system employs sophisticated sensors to measure light intensity and calculate precise focal distances. These sensors communicate real-time feedback to the controller, allowing for instantaneous adjustments and delivering unmatched clarity.
3. Seamless Control Loop Switching 
   Unlike conventional methods relying solely on encoder feedback, this technology switches between position and focus control loops. It reacts to dynamic changes by leveraging sensor-driven data, ensuring both accuracy and adaptability. 
    

The Technology Behind the Solution

Focus Feedback Control
The AutoFocus algorithm compares the current focus position with the desired point and minimizes errors through real-time adjustments. This ensures consistent performance, even in changing environments or with unpredictable surfaces. 

The light intensity indicates distance to the focal point.  The distance of the lens to the ideal focal point can be calculated from the light intensity and the distance between the sensors.

Control and Quality Signals

The system processes two critical inputs:

• Control Signal: Governs focus adjustments to minimize error.
• Quality Signal: Ensures that the incoming data is robust enough for optimal functionality.

Together, these signals create a feedback system that guarantees both precision and reliability.

Versatile Signal Sources

The AutoFocus system is compatible with multiple input sources:

• Analog signals from general-purpose inputs.
• Sine/Cosine encoders for enhanced accuracy.
• SPI communication protocols, providing data-rich feedback loops.

This versatility ensures seamless integration into diverse applications.
 

Supported Products and Applications

AutoFocus is available across a range of ACS’ product lines, including UDM, IDM, and ECM series drives, each designed to support a single AutoFocus axis. These drives offer exceptional compatibility with various signal types, enabling tailored solutions for unique operational needs.

For compact or single-axis applications, the MDMst drive provides a focused solution with some limitations, making it an ideal choice for smaller setups.
 

Why Choose Our AutoFocus Technology?

With features like real-time adaptation, sensor-driven precision, and compatibility across multiple signal types, this AutoFocus technology redefines what's possible in imaging and process control. Whether you're enhancing microscopic imaging, perfecting laser alignment, or automating dynamic systems, this innovation empowers your workflows with unparalleled efficiency and accuracy.

Don’t let surface variations or manual adjustments slow you down. Embrace the future of precision with ACS’ AutoFocus technology today!

For more information on ACS’s AutoFocus control technology please call (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form and one of them will contact you.

Expandable Ethernet I/O modules now support three field-selectable protocols for networks using Profinet, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP/IP.

Acromag’s new BusWorks® NT series remote I/O modules are now enhanced with Profinet support. Profinet is traditional Ethernet combined with an industrial application layer protocol targeted to industrial automation. Applications for these high-performance Ethernet I/O modules are remote monitoring and control, factory automation, process instrumentation, predictive maintenance, HVAC/energy management, motion control, and more.

These modules were tested at the PROFI Interface Center and received a certificate of conformance to the Profinet standards from the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation. The certification ensures interoperability across vendors and systems.

NTE Ethernet I/O models have dual RJ45 ports and a webserver for monitoring or controlling its I/O channels interfacing sensors or actuators with system controllers. The communication protocol is field-configurable for Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP or Ethernet/IP communication. Each I/O module offers up to 16 input or output signals for voltage, current, temperature, TTL, and relay control signals. An integrated DIN rail bus enables connection of up to three NTX expansion I/O modules, supporting 64 channels with a mix of I/O functions networked on a single IP address. NTE Ethernet I/O modules distribute 9-32V DC power along the DIN rail bus to NTX expansion modules. The space-saving design requires only 25mm of DIN rail per module. Hazardous location approvals, high noise immunity, and -40 to 70°C operation make this I/O ideal for use in harsh environments.

“NT Series Ethernet I/O modules are user-configurable for Profinet, Ethernet/IP or Modbus/TCP, offering a convenient solution for monitoring remote equipment across multi-protocol control systems,” states Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s Business Development Manager.

The NT2000 Series offers a broad variety of I/O signal processing options. Fifteen I/O configurations are available as either NTE Ethernet I/O or NTX expansion I/O models. Analog I/O models feature eight differential or sixteen single-ended inputs for monitoring current or voltage signals. Analog output modules drive eight channels of process current or voltage signals to control various field devices. Discrete I/O models provide 16 tandem input/output channels with either active high/low input and sinking/sourcing output. A six-channel mechanical relay output model is also available. For temperature monitoring, thermocouple and RTD input models support many sensor types, as well as resistance and millivolt ranges. More models will release over the coming months for additional I/O functions.

Each module will support all three industrial Ethernet protocols which are selectable using any web browser to configure the network settings and I/O operation. The modules typically function as a network server but also offer Acromag’s i2o® peer-to-peer communication technology to transfer data between modules directly or multicast without a host or master in between. Conditional logic capabilities let users control operations with IF/THEN/ELSE statements.

Talk to one of our experts today at (855) 737-4716, or fill out our online form to learn more. 

Valin and Parker are teaming up to host an exclusive event, showcasing process control products. Explore Parker's state-of-the art 68’ expandable tractor-trailer with a customized display room featuring flow, control, pressure and corrosion control products and solutions.

What visitors can expect

• All-in-one Company, Product & Solution introduction in the span of 2-3 hours
• Virtual and hands-on demo featuring best in class and new products
• Physical, hands-on demos accompanied with a subject matter expert
• Application workshops (by request) targeted to engineers, planners or technicians
• A casual, low-pressure, no-expectation event meant to educate and inspire application discussions

What do you need from me?

• Just your registration, a dedicated Parker Tech Tour representative will reach out to learn more about your needs and go over the event details and logistics with you.

Parker Tech Tour Dates for 2026

We’re excited to announce the upcoming Parker Tech Tour dates for 2026. This year’s tour will span April 6th to April 24th, with stops across the western U.S. — bringing product demos and expert insights closer to you:

Week 1 — April 6–10: Southwest Arizona

Week 2 — April 13–17: Southern California

Week 3 — April 20–24: Northern California / Pacific Northwest

* Scheduling may be flexible to accommodate a region or customer, please contact us for more information to explore options.

Plan your visit and register today to secure your spot at a location near you!

If you are interested in attending, just fill out the form below.

Have questions? Call (855) 737-4714 or fill out our online form and someone will contact you.