The control panel is monitored by building control systems so personnel can be notified when there is a problem and take whatever action is necessary.

An annunciator panel is usually part of an overall building security control panel which will have various annunciators monitoring different things, such as the building’s fire alarms, climate control systems and security alarms. Each annunciator sends a constant stream of data to the control panel so it is ready to notify control systems via audio and visual signals as soon as a discrepancy in levels is detected.

The annunciator is therefore a vital piece of building health and safety equipment as it allows personnel to access a constant feed of information which tells them when their alarms and security devices are reading unusual signals so they can take further action without having to manually inspect each alarm individually, which could result in undiagnosed alarm malfunctions.

PJ Boner – leading supplier of alarm annunciator devices in Ireland have the following range of annunciator products:

• Temperature process scanner – a microprocessor based eight channel input scanner/multiplexer and annunciator. This device provides low cost switching for alarm systems and multi-point displays.
• Four point alarm annunciator – this device can be programmed for multiple sequences with first-out alarm indication which indicates the first point of system failure when multiple alarms occur.
• Eight point alarm annunciator – this device can be programmed for all common ISA sequences and has selectable ISA silence button, no lock-in and horn disable options.
• Temperature and process scanning and alarm system – this device combines precision products including a high quality meter, scanner and enclosure and provides automatic switching for multi-point alarms and displays.

For more information email sales@pjboner.com

Automated systems remove the inefficiency and unpredictability of industrial plant system monitoring and reporting and replace it with a reliable and continual stream of real time data.

PJ Boner is a leading Irish instrumentation and weighing specialist who provide a full range of industrial automation processes and devices, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), HMI and SCADA solutions and a range of custom built industrial control panels. For overall industrial facility automation PJ Boner recommends the Proficy™ automation software.

Proficy™ Plant App – the ultimate automation device

PJ Boner make automation easy with their Proficy™ Plant Applications from GE Intelligent Platforms. This unique software solution digitizes your plant’s collective data information generated through your production facilities and constantly updates this information via a ‘virtual plant’ – a computer application which can be accessed whenever you need in real-time. From this software app you can measure and monitor your plant’s performance across key criteria. A core set of scalable modules allow the user to focus on the most critical aspects of production, including plant efficiency, quality, production and batch analysis. You can leverage specific applications to deliver greater return on investment in those key areas.

Other useful features of the software application include integrated web-based reporting, key performance indicators and individual module notification services.

With today’s state-of-the-art technology solutions, automation for industrial processes has never been more efficient, intuitive or reliable and easy to use.

Find out more about PJ Boner’s plant automation applications. And for more information and sales advice email sales@pjboner.com

The digital display amplifies readings to make results more obvious and has the added advantage of also being able to offer further functions that analogue indicators cannot, such as alarm outputs, multi-functional controllers and data recording and transmitting.

By being able to digitally transmit data to a computer, personnel can centralize their control and monitoring systems, streamlining processes and boosting productivity. This process of data transmission is known as statistical process control, whereby the computer records measurements and lists results in a tabular dataset or spreadsheet and then interprets that data through statistical analysis. This removes the need for manual data recording, which can be slow, tedious at best, and worst, inaccurate and unreliable.

The other advantage of digital indication devices is their ability to switch units seamlessly from metric to imperial measurements, meaning with a push of a button users can collect data in centimeters or inches, kilos or pounds, millilitres or ounces.

Digital indicator devices from PJ Boner

PJ Boner, a supplier of quality digital indicators in Ireland, supply the following range of products:

• Basic level indicator
• Level indicator with one high or low alarm output
• Level pump controller with one control output
• Level indicator with 15 point linearization and once high or low alarm output
• Level indicator with maximum of four high or low alarms with a 4-20 mA output
• DM3600 series digital indicator
• Multi-functional indicator/controller
• 2.3” display aluminium NEMA 4X meter
• 1.0” display plastic NEMA 4X meter
• ProtEX Lite digital explosion proof loop powered meter
• ProVu dual input process meter

There are a wide range of digital devices to suit almost any application. Check out PJ Boner’s full range of digital indicators  or email sales@pjboner.com for sales and product advice suitable for your needs.

What does gas analysis involve?

The analysis of gases refers to using specific analysis instruments and techniques to provide data on the gas being measured (such as whether that gas contains any impurities), discover the presence and effect of residual or background gases that may be present, and provide a read out of found data to the user, such as gas levels, pressure levels or other indications.

Analysis of gases can either be conducted in-house using specific gas measuring and analysis devices or conducted in a laboratory by a dedicated gas analysis service. Testing can be conducted to simply verify and validate gas types and levels or to troubleshoot problems.

Testing usually involves purity and impurity limit testing. Impurities within the gas (such as oxygen, moisture, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or whatever other element should not be present) can be tested for using a gas analyser.

The combustion gas analyser

A combustible gas analyser is a microprocessor which samples and analyses the gases being monitored and provides a read out of data which a qualified inspector then uses to make further health and safety recommendations. It is a typical example of the type of device that is often used to measure and evaluate gases. This device is used for emissions monitoring of harmful gases – such as everyday household heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) appliances like boilers or chimney flues, or furnaces used in more industrial processing applications such as utility and petrochemical industries. Any gas, oil or coal fired system can be tested for gas levels using a combustion gas analyser.

PJ Boner supply a quality range of combustion gas analysers. Email sales@pjboner.com for sales support and product advice.

Irish businesses who employ speed drive systems in their motorised AC systems are eligible to apply for the Accelerated Capital Allowances as it demonstrates a dedication to reducing energy consumption, making the investment in a speed drive device well worth the expenditure.

What are speed drives?

These devices, most often referred to as variable speed drives or inverters, are devices used to control the speed of machinery and are frequently used in commercial and industrial pump and fan applications.

The VSD is an alternative to traditional methods of fluid flow which involved dampers or valves. The VSD is much more accurate and efficient as it enables the motor to respond to changing flow requirements automatically.

A VSD improves control and accuracy of motorised equipment which helps to improve the machinery’s efficiency and, in turn, offers great reductions in energy consumption and, of course, great energy bill savings for the equipment’s owner.

Systems most suited to a VSD include:

• Applications which use a fan or pump. Where the flow of the fluid is variable energy savings can be achieved by replacing valves and dampers with variable speed drives.
• Applications which use a conveyor.  Conveyors with varying speeds of material flow can adjust changing load requirements with a VSD.
• Applications which use a compressor or chiller.  Similarly to fans and pumps, compressors can also be controlled with a VSD device.

The PJ Boner speed drive range

Irish instrumentation and weighing specialist, PJ Boner, supply a range of speed drives for a variety of uses – from drives for simple machines from 0.18 to 4 kW and drives for HVAC applications up to 75 kW, to drives for objects with variable torque right up to drives for heavy duty industry applications of up to 2000 kW.

When choosing a company that provides an instrumentation service in Ireland look for a provider who meets the highest possible quality standards in their industry. When you are responsible for the care and management of your industry equipment you will want to make sure that your instruments are working to maximum accuracy, efficiency and reliability. To make certain your instruments do their job correctly, choose an instrumentation provider you can be certain will do their job correctly.

As instrumentation involves the delicate art and science of measurement and controls of processes of production and measuring equipment within industrial applications, it is vital you choose an instrumentation specialist in Ireland who appreciates and understands this work inside and out – and has the paper work to back up their credentials.

The only way of getting this quality assurance is to select a company that has been approved by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and is certified by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) to recent standards. These two criteria will help you gain a critical assessment of your instrumentation provider and gives you an objective understanding of their level of professionalism and trustworthiness. If you choose an instrumentation supplier who is neither NSAI or ISO certified you have no guarantee of their level of ability and would be best advised to cease doing any further business with that company and look for a service supplier who does meet their industry standards and regulations.

About NSAI for instrumentation in Ireland

Through the process of NSAI certification, your instrumentation provider can confirm that their product and service meets the appropriate standards. The Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) is a European-wide law that sets out the essential requirements for measuring instruments. Instruments that are regulated under the MID include electricity, gas and water meters, fuel dispensers, automatic weighing systems, taxi meters and exhaust gas analysers – just to name a few.

In Ireland, the NSAI Legal Metrology Service is the statutory body for supervising weights and measures and this task force is responsible for maintaining a uniform system of measurements, ensuring the accuracy of measuring instruments and representing both businesses and consumers on legal metrology matters.

By holding an NSAI certification you can be sure your instrumentation supplier meets all NSAI standards.

About ISO9001:2008 certification for instrumentation in Ireland

The ISO9001:2008 certification is accredited to instrumentation companies that have met specific requirements to their industry. To gain the certification they need to have demonstrated their ability to consistently provide a service that meets the needs of the customer, continually strive to improve their service and can assure their customers that they fulfill all statutory and regulatory requirements of their industry.

In addition to looking out for these ISO and NSAI certification logos on the company’s website, make sure to find out how long the company has been in operation, who they have worked with and examine what range of products or services they provide.

By carefully considering all of these aspects you should be able to choose your instrumentation provider in Ireland with confidence.

In extremely advanced applications Doppler ultrasound techniques can be used to measure the flow of blood in arteries and veins. This can be very effective when used to determine the risk of heart attack. It can also be used to diagnose for diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Standard types of flow sensor have many practical applications both in industry and domestic situations. Measuring the flow of petrol in vehicles is a common application for these devices. It is an effective means of determining how much fuel a vehicle is consuming. The readings from the flow sensor can be compared against readings from the odometer to determine fuel efficiency. Vehicle manufacturers would use this set up to determine the consumption rate for the vehicle to decide if it is acceptable and potentially use the figures to promote he vehicle.

Environmental agencies would employ this method to obtain independent readings and give vehicles an environmental rating based on these results and others such as particles released per kilometre travelled. Consumer advocacy agencies and vehicle review magazines can use the meter to confirm the details provided by manufacturers, expand upon them and put them in context, for example what is the fuel efficiency under different types of driving conditions.

Vehicle owners or technicians working in vehicle test centres might fit a flow sensor to a vehicle to determine if there has been a change in the vehicles efficiency over time. This can be used to evaluate if a vehicle requires maintenance.

In the home the flow sensor may be used to determine the rate of use of water in the home. This can help to keep cost down where water rates are charged. Unusual levels of water use might also show that there is a leak in the system. This can be a useful means of determining if a leak has occurred before extensive water damage can set in.

On a small scale in homes and green houses automated irrigation systems can be set up. Similar systems can be easily put together by farmers for agricultural purposes. This is a means of providing crops with the right amount of water without flooding the soil or wasting water.

Where processes require particularly high levels of precision in measurement the need for calibration is proportionally high as small inaccuracies can have undesirable consequences. Regular calibration keeps instrumentation working within the manufacturer’s specified range.

There are numerous different industries that rely on calibration services in Dublin such as PJ Boner to ensure instrument readings are consistently accurate. Of the many reasons to maintain accuracy in instrument readings, safety is a primary concern. There are many safety systems that rely on readings of particular meters and gauges to shut off critical systems should temperatures or pressures reach a particular level. Should pressures or temperatures build up to dangerous levels due to a faulty reading then the safety of workers may be compromised.

Inadequate calibration of equipment can also potentially lead to loss in profits for companies. Where a measurement device in an automated system causes a compound to be mixed incorrectly, large quantities of supplies may have to be discarded.

Commercial sectors also benefit from regular calibration of devices. An inaccurate thermostat could potentially create large, unnecessary costs to energy bills. Sensitive and expensive electronic equipment that requires temperature control such as servers could potentially be damaged should inaccuracies in thermostat readings to go unnoticed.

Dublin calibration service, PJ Boner has many years of experience calibrating equipment for a wide range of industries that include the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, the food, dairy and beverage industries, laboratories and hospitals as well as the concrete and other manufacturing sectors.

With over 30 years of experience, PJ Boner has been providing calibration services in Dublin and around Ireland to numerous businesses. Services can be provided onsite as well as in-house at specially designed facilities at their workshop in Ballymount in Dublin.

Weighing calibration can be performed by specialist calibration services for any number of different scale types. Having specialist calibration services calibrate weighing scales is a means of ensuring machines are properly calibrated by experienced professionals. There are also many industries that require independent calibration of machines by certified calibration specialists. Such a certification not only reassures the vendor that their scale is giving accurate measurements but also the vendor’s customers who are reassured that they are receiving appropriate quantities.

It is not only in commerce where the benefit of weighing calibration has its effects but also in scientific instrumentation. To ensure that all collected data is accurate, all measurement devices must be known to be accurate. The best means of ensuring that this is the case is with the services of certified calibration specialists. Many laboratories in universities and commercial institutions such as pharmaceutical companies have weighing equipment professionally calibrated to ensure consistency in results.

PJ Boner are calibration specialists with over 30 years of experience. They calibrate machines of any standard from 1mg up to 2T in their purpose built workshop in Ballymount, Dublin and any standard up to 10T on-site using specialised equipment.

The pharmaceutical industry is particularly dependent on the accuracy of its measuring devices. Large scale manufacturing of pharmaceutical products requires the automated measuring and mixing of various compounds to produce a drug or medication that has a very specific effect. Very stringent laws and regulations govern the manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products. As such these products are held to higher standards of quality and consistency then in most any other industry. This means pharmaceutical companies are particularly reliant on the continued efficacy of measuring and monitoring systems in their production process. Continual use of calibration equipment to maintain accuracy is therefore integral to the process.

Falling into a similar category of product, medical device manufacture is held to equally high standards of quality and consistency as pharmaceutical products. Medical devices such as needles can have incredibly low tolerances for inaccuracy. Where medical professionals work with such medical devices to operate on the human body they must have certainty that they are using the correct size of instrument. The difference in needle gauges may be as little as one hundredth of a millimeter meaning the devices that measure them to confirm their size must maintain extremely high levels of accuracy. Calibration services work to ensure such devices maintain appropriate accuracy.

Food and Beverage production facilities are held to similar standards of consistency, quality and safety in their products as the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The profitability of some aspects of the food and beverage industry can also be affected by the accuracy of measuring devices. A relatively small inaccuracy in measuring portions for example could result in considerable losses should the inaccuracy go unnoticed for a long period. For the food and beverage industries like any other, the regular calibration of measuring instruments is a critical component of the production process.