The Industry Summit: the 2008 Hanover Exhibition. April, with its frequent showers, provided us again with a wide variety of weather. The Hanover Exhibition management was following April‘s example: variety abounds in Hanover in April, as this is the time for the most important exhibition worldwide for technical innovations from all industry branches.

Industrial automation, energy efficiency and safety, micro systems and nanotechnology, power station planning – those were just some of the highlights of the ‚Hannover Messe‘ from 21 to 25 April. 10 international theme exhibitions with 1,000 special focus events and forums went into more detail – many of these will also be interesting for readers of GIT Security + Management.

The so-called ‚Interkama‘ presented the world of process automation, from single components up to complete automation solutions. ‚Factory Automation‘, the lead international event for automated production, looked at every aspect of networked automation solutions, electric drive technology and innovations in machine construction and robotics.

Commercial visitors from the fields of machine and system construction, electrical and electronics, food and luxury goods, plastics and metal manufacture, car manufacture and suppliers, chemistry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, raw materials and production goods were expected to attend. And in the ‚Industrial Building Automation‘ section, technologies to network industrial production halls using manufacturing and process automation were in the spotlight.

CCTV Cameras for Hazardous Areas

With the launch of the new EC-750 DOME camera with protection class IP68, customers can now choose from three different camera models from Stahl for their complete CCTV solution in hazardous areas of zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. The autofocus system is mounted in a robust dome and can freely pan 360° with a tilt-angle of ±90°. The colour camera has a resolution of 460/470 TVL (PAL/NTSC), an 18x optical zoom and night vision.

Up to 64 positions and paths can be pre-set and, as an option, the EC-750 can have an integrated IP server. Like the other two camera types from the range, the new model is chemical, shock and vibration resistant, and is designed for both onshore and offshore maritime application.
www. stahl.de

RFID for EX Areas

RFID systems can be found ever more often in automated production facilities because of the high demands and data volumes involved. Read and write units with inductive data transfer to the transponders are therefore being used more frequently for object recognition and tracking. The compact RFM 32 read/write unit from Leuze has been specially conceived for hard industrial use and is therefore equipped with some technical specialities.
lumiflex@leuze.de

Quiet Switches and Pushbuttons

Specialists within the entertainment and broadcast industries will be pleased to learn that EAO supplies a range of quiet and compact switches. The series 95 pushbuttons are designed specifically for silent operation within studios and broadcast environments. They are now available in three square sizes (12.7 mm2, 15.88 mm2 and 19.05 mm2), offering designers a greater choice when creating intuitive control panels.

The three sizes permit a clear distinction between primary, secondary and sub-functions. Illumination is provided by three SMD. LEDs mounted on the circuit board that can be controlled independently of the switch, and this tricolour illumination provides each switch with an unmistakeable indication of function. Designers can choose the three LED colours themselves and therefore have a free hand when designing the single or mixed colours that will appear.

The even illumination of the cap ensures that it can be easily seen from all angles, and different cap forms - concave, convex or flat - make it easier for operators to find the correct switch. A combination of PCB mounting and a short behind-panel depth enables the series 95 to be used in the compact panels found in audio and video mixers and other studio equipment. The company supplies reliable and compact switches to all branches of the audio-video industry for use in professional studio equipment.
www.eao.com

Catalogue for Ex Switchgear

Steute Schaltgeräte presents its entire range of switchgear for potentially explosive atmospheres in a new 300-page catalogue. The product range has been significantly expanded over the last few months. One of several new products is the EEx RC Si 56 safety sensor which, within very compact dimensions, is outstanding at a long operating distance.

The Ex sensor range has been complemented by new inductive sensors for zones 0 and 20, as well as plug-in versions for dust-Ex zone 22. Another new product is a compact Ex safety interlock made of glass-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic for zones 2 and 22.

The EEx AZM 415 safety interlock series has also been extended to include variants with manual release (FE) and emergency release (TE). The catalogue gives detailed descriptions of all Ex switchgear devices, including colour photos, main features and technical data. All available versions are presented.
www.steute.com

Compact and Robust Solenoid Interlock

The STM 295 is especially suitable for use with smaller and lighter guard doors. As the basis, Steute uses a newly-developed switch insert placed in an enclosure made of glass fibre reinforced thermoplastic. An electromechanical interlock keeps the door closed; the connection specifications according to DIN EN 50047 will already be familiar to machinery construction firms.

In spite of its small dimensions, the device is very robust, and the casing is carefully designed so that it can be used in very dirty environments. The switching element with 2 NC and 2 NO contacts provides the basis for flexible switching; moreover, the user can choose between variants with either power-tolock or the spring-to-lock current principle premore