Ashcroft recently announced that NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification is now available for select models of their pressure gauges, switches, transducers and diaphragm seals/isolation rings.

The use of the NSF certification mark provides consumers assurance that the Ashcroft products have been tested by a trusted certification organization for potable water systems. It also dually certifies to NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 which conforms with the lead content requirements for “lead free” plumbing as defined by California, Vermont, Maryland, and Louisiana state laws and the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Act. Products include...
 

Pressure Gauges

1008-S Pressure Gauge
1009-SW Duralife® Pressure Gauge
1279-S Duragauge® Pressure Gauge
 

Pressure Switches 

A Series Miniature Pressure Switch
B Series Pressure Switch
G Series Pressure Switch
L Series Pressure Switch
P Series Pressure Switch
 

Pressure Transducers

G2 Series Pressure Transducer
G3 Series Pressure Transducer
T2 Series Pressure Transducer
 

Diaphragm Seals/Isolators

200 Threaded Diaphragm Seal
201 Threaded Diaphragm Seal
80 Wafer Isolation Ring
81 Bolt-thru Isolation Ring
82 Threaded Isolation Ring
 

If you have questions about NSF-61 certification on these instruments, please contact Valin's technical specialists at (855) 737-4714 or fill out our online form.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are complex pieces of equipment.  If there is a vendor trying to tell you that a particular PLC will solve all of your challenges and is set to meet all of your needs, that is certainly a red flag. The truth is PLCs are much more complex by nature.  

Manufacturers have been trying to achieve a common programming language through standards like IEC 61131.  Even though the equipment works in a similar way, different manufacturers utilize different software.  This software goes about tackling the challenges in different ways.  With this in mind, one of the most important pieces of information when selecting a PLC is the ongoing support you’ll receive. There is always a learning curve with a PLC, despite the universal standard. Thus, ensuring that the support is going to be there is critical.

Although, some may wish for there to ultimately be program-less PLCs, but this desire would ultimately eliminate the PLC’s flexibility, which is one of its most attractive features. The more attainable and desirable goal, however, would be to achieve common programming among manufacturers. This would help simplify the programming from the end user’s perspective.

When every product has a different language, different programming philosophies and different needs, it becomes increasingly difficult to properly program them.  We do, in fact, use something called Ladder Logic, which is a universal language for PLCs, but once we add in the element of motion control, differences occur.

The software development environment is another factor to consider.  Just like comparing a Windows OS to a Mac OS, different programming environments facilitate different approaches.  Although the controls are similar, the way they are implemented may be a bit different.  As PLC manufacturers are always updating their products using the same language as previous versions but with new features, confusion can ensue.

Along with my colleague, Ray Marquiss, I wrote a comprehensive article on this topic for Chemical Processing Magazine last year where we discuss this topic more in depth.  I encourage you to check it out if you haven’t already.
 

Valin's team will be at SEMICON® WEST this year joining Yokogawa in booth #5584. Stop by to learn how Yokogawa is applying AI in Industrial Controls with open AI technology and dedicated AI technology to help improve efficiency, improve speed, and reduce development time for Semiconductor Machine Tools.  We will show you live demos on how to achieve these critical steps. Demos include…

e-RT3 Plus Controller: Industrial AI Platform

The e-RT3 Plus is a platform with durability, versatility, and practicality that is ideal for IoT and AI adoption at manufacturing sites. "Data Collection", "data analysis", and "control" can be performed by one controller, and real time improvements can be made easily in the edge region to realize smart manufacturing sites.

Click here to learn more about the e-RT3 Plus Controller.

We will also be demonstrating test and measurement products.

The Yokogawa booth is located in the North Hall (booth #5584) across from the Beer and Wine Garden.

Date: July 9 - 11, 2024

Moscone Center
747 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
https://www.semiconwest.org/

If you’d like to speak to a technical specialist call (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form.