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Single step process transforms carbon dioxide into star-shaped molecules

Carbon dioxide is a useful feedstock gas for synthesis of complex, functional materials. The power of carbon dioxide has been harnessed by Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research researchers to make two symmetrical star-shaped molecules in a single step. These molecules could be used to build complex, functional polymeric materials useful for catalysis, coatings and drug delivery. Carbon dioxide is a cheap and accessible base material, explains lead researcher He-Kuan Luo from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering. “Therefore, many people are searching for efficient methods to transform carbon dioxide into useful molecules,” he explains. “But transforming carbon dioxide is not typically easy.” His team has developed a simple route to use carbon dioxide to make aromatic compounds that can be used as building blocks for more complicated materials. They created symmetrical benzene rings with three or six identical arms comprising carbonate groups terminated by carbon–carbon triple bonds, or ‘alkynes’. “We can integrate the carbon dioxide into the molecule without the need for high temperatures or high pressure,” says Luo. The molecules were made in a single step. The team introduced carbon dioxide from dry ice to an alcohol with an alkyne end group and benzene rings decorated with either three or six alkyl bromide groups. “At the beginning, however, only some of the branches reacted so we could not get the desired compound,” Luo explains. The team fine-tuned the process and found the reactions worked most efficiently at room temperature, with the carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and with the addition of both a promoter tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and the base potassium carbonate. “We tried many times and after a few months, we finally got [the bromide groups in] all six branches to react [with the alcohol],” he says. Adding the promoter to the mix doubled the […]

IIoT and design engineers in the future

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is furthering its reach into engineering and design. Connected machines will give plant engineering operations the opportunity to identify points of inefficiency, improve upon those points, and in turn, improve profitability. To further discuss how IIoT is impacting work for design engineers, Mark Duncan, segment manager of material handling and packaging machinery for Schneider Electric’s industry business. In the future, Duncan believes engineers will have to focus on existing machine designs and their communications standards, and monitor those standards as they progress. Some examples of this include Internet protocols such as Ethernet, which promote machine-to-machine connectivity, more plug-and play-use, and a smoother transition into a plant environment. Duncan also believes that, as they look to the future, design engineers must be cognisant of the developing standards in machine-to-machine communication. “We have a customer that makes a machine for the coffee industry, and that machine is really built to be modular, connected, and is also built to be self-aware of its own capability and how it’s performing,” he said. “It’s also a safe machine, designed with safety built in. It communicates with other machines in a production line.” An example of this would be the material and product that comes into the machine, such as the one Duncan describes. That product would be processed by the machine, put into a package, and then moved to another machine, with the product cartons eventually taken to a palletizer. Using communication standards, this complete process is simpler than previous practices, where end users would have to reprogram each machine, allowing the machines to work together. Duncan expects that because of machine language standards (such as those for packaging machines using a language called PACKML) machines will be able to instantaneously communicate information in consistent data sets that could […]

Siemens erweitert Prozessanalysetechnik-Software Simatic Sipat / Siemens extends its Simatic Sipat Process Analytical Technology software

Intuitive data management for Process Analytical Technology

Siemens is innovating its data management software for Process Analytical Technology (PAT) with Simatic Sipat version 5.0, which allows users to monitor and control the quality of their products in real-time during manufacturing. The latest version features a new configuration concept that further increases user friendliness and shortens implementation time. Moreover, the new Dynamic Data Alignment (DDA) optimizes data management for continuous manufacturing. The main applications of Simatic Sipat 5.0 are in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage and fine chemicals industries. The new configuration concept offers an immediate graphical insight into the functionality of a Simatic Sipat method. On the instrument level, preconfigured PAT IDs can be applied. These can simply be selected during method creation, allowing fast and easy method setup. Configuring new methods is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes. All linking processes (e.g. between collected data and calculations) can easily be performed using what are known as “wizards”. These new features allow the end users to work more quickly, reduce the training input required and speed up implementation within the organisation. For continuous manufacturing processes, the ability to combine the right pieces of information when making quality decisions is vital. This means that data collected from different locations along the production line at different time intervals must be combined with each other to arrive at the correct product quality. Simatic Sipat 5.0 enables this by using the Dynamic Data Alignment (DDA) concept. This allows users to make fast, data-driven decisions ensuring quality, right-first-time products. Moreover, it optimizes process control of the production line in real-time during manufacturing. Furthermore Simatic Sipat 5.0 has integrated data security functionality for secure communication between the different components and protection of customer data integrity. Simatic Sipat is a scalable and modular software solution that enables companies to extend […]

ETRI presents a blueprint of the ‘5G future’

A 5G future is no longer a distant one, but an upcoming reality. High quality videos of more than 10Mbps can be served simultaneously to 100 users even in a train running at up to 500km/h. People can experience data rates that are 100 times faster than currently available technologies. 5G is the next generation wireless technology that would provide even faster data rates, even lower delays, and even more devices connected than 4G. Accordingly, distinct and differentiated applications are expected in 5G. ETRI’s “future SNS” is a kind of trial service model to apply 5G technologies that provides dynamic user-centric connection to neighbouring people, things and spaces. It is characterised by instant content-sharing between users, communication with neighboring things, and Giga-bps(Gbps)-grade video applications in vehicles. 5G core technologies demonstrated by ETRI include the following: — MHN (Mobile Hot-spot Network) is a mobile backhaul technology that provides high-speed Internet access of Gbps in vehicles at speeds of up to 500 km/h (e.g. KTX in Korea). Almost 100 passengers can watch videos of high quality simultaneously. — ZING is a near-field communication technology that enables mass data to be transmitted with 3.5 Gbps data rate between neighboring devices within the radius of 10cm. — Single-RF-Chain compact MIMO technology enables a single antenna to simulate the effect of multiple antenna. It can reduce antenna volume and cancel inter-antenna interference in a multi-antenna system. — Millimeter wave (mmWave) beam switching technology provides fast switching of radio beams to mobile users, and therefore allows seamless Gbps-grade service in mobile environments. — Mobile Edge Platform (MEP) is a mobile edge cloud server on vehicles that enables passengers to enjoy customised Gbps-grade content and connects them with neighbours, things and spaces. It provides user-centric services. — In-band Full Duplex technology can transmit and receive signals simultaneously […]

The Internet of Mining Things delivers the next wave of productivity

Through IoT, this next level of optimisation can be achieved for a single mine or a federation of mines, rail and ports. The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasing the connectedness of people and things on a scale that once was unimaginable. The magnitude of this evolution is momentous with more than 80 billion Internet-connected devices projected to be in use in 2024, up from less than 20 billion in 2014. When we then couple the data produced, and processes involved, in the interaction of things-to-things and things with people what results is a powerful model upon which to drive the digitisation and transformation of companies, industries and whole nations. The ability to use standard Internet technologies, such as unmodified Ethernet, throughout, from the enterprise all the way down to individual field devices enables new levels in connectivity for people, processes, data and things, ultimately providing greater productivity, better utilisation of assets, and improved decision-making to industrial companies. According to Michael Boland, distinguished systems engineer at Cisco, “The IoT is connecting people in more relevant, valuable, and meaningful ways; delivering the right information to the right person or machine in real time. Data is being leveraged in more useful ways for better decision-making. It has applicability across all markets; private sector and governments.” The mining industry has a lot to gain from the connectivity that the IoT delivers. Mining operations around the world are on an automation curve – they are applying technologies processes to automate their key functions to gain efficiencies in production, however these initiatives are often focused and restricted within production silos. “We see a significant number of mines that have data locked away in individual systems but now want to federate that data together, instigate new processes, involving their people in new ways to achieve better […]

Smarter sensing for the Internet of Things

In the picture:A test chip for a sensor node processor based on cognitive sensing technology. A 50-cent coin has been placed next to the chip for size comparison. A sensor node processor for networked sensor applications achieves ultra-low power consumption by using ultra-low voltage operation, hardware acceleration and cognitive sensing techniques. The Internet of Things (IoT) describes devices and applications that gather and distribute data for everyday life. Sensor devices and processes that will underpin the IoT need to be small, versatile and energy efficient. Now researchers at Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have developed a sensor processor node that is capable of intelligent sensing while using ultra-low levels of power. IoT applications range from biomedical signal processing to uses in vehicle-status monitoring and environmental sensing. Most IoT devices are tiny in size, which means that they typically consume only a small amount of power. This is particularly challenging for processors that sample the information from sensors and analyse the data, as their power demands, in contrast, are intense, explains Xin Liu and Jun Zhou from the research team. “The limits on the space for power sources such as batteries leads to a critical power budget at the level of the micro Watt,” says Liu. “At this level, processor design becomes extremely challenging if we are to achieve ultra-low power consumption whilst maintaining comprehensive functions.” Typically, the lower the operating voltage, the lower is the overall power consumption. The Institute of Microelectronics research team adopted ultra-low voltage circuitry and system design techniques, and further developed diverse hardware accelerators for high-energy efficient signal processing of sensor information. A further key advance is possible by taking a more intelligent approach to the signal acquisition, by utilizing the knowledge about the specific sensor signals. In many applications, sensor signals take the […]

Autodesk Inventor 2017 unveiled

Autodesk has unveiled Inventor 2017, one of the most advanced 3D modelling solutions for manufacturing industry professionals. The latest version in innovative software for designers and engineers, Inventor 2017 delivers new professional-grade design, interoperability and communication tools aimed at supporting customers ever-expanding needs. “The manufacturing industry is witnessing an evolution of the role of the mechanical engineer. They are no longer solely responsible for the design of complex mechanical systems, but are often also tasked with complete product definition, design and delivery,” said Derrek Cooper, director of the Inventor product line. “With this latest version of Inventor, Autodesk is delivering new capabilities aimed at supporting all aspects of this expanding role.” Based on the requests of Inventor’s more than 11,000 alpha and beta testers and IdeaStation community, the company built Inventor 2017 to serve the expanding role of the modern professional engineer and provide customers with features aimed at simplifying the new aspects of their jobs: Professional-grade Design Tools help users design faster and optimize performance from the outset and include:  Enhanced sketching, part modelling, assembly management, surfacing and sheet metal capabilities so users can capture and develop design ideas quickly and easily.  Additional Shape Generator capabilities such as symmetry and member size controls that help users explore lightweight designs and improve product performance. New Interoperability Tools help to pull disparate aspects of a project together, regardless of the discipline or software that was originally used and include: Expanded AnyCAD tools allow users to easily integrate non-native mechanical design data into Inventor models without translation, now including associative connections with the industry standard STEP format. Inventor’s latest update includes hundreds of enhancements including several customer-requested modelling tools. Shape Generator, an integrated design optimization tool powered by Autodesk’s Nastran technology, guides users in the design of structurally efficient parts. […]

“Man versus Machine?” – It’s time to rethink robotics in the workplace

By Shermine Gotfredsen, APAC General Manager of Universal Robots Pte Ltd There is a widespread fear that when new machines are installed on the factory floor, large numbers of jobs swiftly disappear. The machines in question may change over time—few of us would view weaving machines as a threat to our livelihood today, after all—but the worry that automated technology will negatively impact employment has existed since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. These apprehensions have caused many people to dismiss the facts and possibilities of robotics in the workplace. It is time for us to rethink the role and the realities of automation. It is time that we stop thinking in terms of “man vs. machine,” and start thinking in terms of “man with machine.” Misconception and reality One explanation for the pervasive belief that robots are “stealing” jobs is that all industrial robots are often painted with the same brush. In reality, industrial robots vary greatly. Lightweight, collaborative robots, or cobots as they are often called, differ enormously from traditional industrial robots that must be kept behind safety shields in order to avoid contact with humans. In fact, these cobots were developed with the intention of allowing the skills of man and machine to be combined. According to a recent study carried out by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the number of robots sold globally will have doubled to about 400,000 units by 2018. 70 percent of those sales will come from China, Japan, USA, South Korea and Germany. South Korea is the front-runner of this group, deploying 478 industrial robots for every 10,000 employees in the country. In China, this figure currently stands at 36 units per 10,000 employees. Looking at the real numbers–in these cases 4.8 or .4 robots for every 10,000 employees—should give us some […]

Delcam enhances section measurements in PowerINSPECT software

Delcam has released the 2016 version of its PowerINSPECT inspection software, the world’s leading hardware-independent 3D inspection solution. The new release includes greatly enhanced options for section measurement, more comprehensive collision avoidance, improved point cloud inspection, the ability to add notes to reports, and improved user control of CNC surface inspection routines. For video demonstrations of the new options, please go to www.delcam.tv/pi2016/lz/en/index.asp Section inspection has been improved with easier creation of sections, better visualisation and enhanced reporting. The enhanced options for section editing in PowerINSPECT 2016 include a slider that can be used to move the section through the part with real-time updating of the CAD view. A specific value for the section intersection can still be entered if required. New graphics options help with visualisation and reporting. In the CAD view, the default option highlights the section cut and displays a semi-transparent representation of the material in the foreground, providing an accurate 3D visualisation of the section in place on the part. During section creation the shading is updated dynamically as the section moves through the model. Alternatively, the near side can be hidden completely, or the complete CAD model can be shown in a solid colour as before. Once the desired section has been chosen, the inspection path can be generated automatically. The points generated can be edited if necessary. The section can also be viewed and reported as a 2D true view of the section profile that is currently selected. As with other PowerINSPECT measurements, the results of the section inspection can be viewed as spot confetti, deviation lines or vector lines. The results can be displayed either on their own or as part of a larger inspection sequence. Automatic collision detection was introduced in PowerINSPECT 2015, with probe paths adjusted automatically when a direct move […]

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