How our IT solutions can help you

Routeco have been serving the automation industry since 1978, specialising in providing the best industrial control, automation and process products. With technology continuously evolving, we recognise the need for IT products within a manufacturing environment and offer a wide portfolio to integrate into your systems

 

How we can tailor product solutions for your needs

• Dell registered partner - this enables us to supply product solutions quickly and directly to you
• Sourcing products from hundreds of suppliers - we have no limitations so we can find a suitable product to meet your every need
• Quick and simple to buy from - benefit from using your existing Routeco account
• Configured solutions - with your choice of Rockwell Automation software to a PC or Laptop, which will speed up the process, simply leaving you to use it
• Installation of legacy operating systems to your PC or laptop - we have the capabilities to fully configure Windows XP PRO operating systems to match your requirements
• Kitting in conjunction with Automation products - Routeco have experience in supplying kits of materials, so we can ensure you get optimum configuration

Routeco will ensure you receive the best guidance in your choice of IT Solutions products.

Dell at Routeco

For further information please contact 01908 359293

Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix platform

ProSoft Technology Inc is pleased to announce the release of version 2.07 of the Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix platform.

In oil applications, crude is extracted and transported through pipelines that often run hundreds of miles through varying climates, temperatures, and altitudes. As these elements vary, so do the properties of the petroleum, necessitating flow computers to validate the precise quantity of product calibrated flow meters. Meter provers help validate proper flow meter operation.
 

The ProSoft Technology flow computer calculates a meter factor based on constants and variables affecting flow rates, accumulated volumes, and accumulated mass of the liquid petroleum product lowing through a prover with known volume. With the new meter proving features, the module is now able to communicate meter prover test results directly to the control processor and SCADA control system. Operation of the prover interface feature can be completely automated, can be performed manually, can be scheduled, or can be triggered by events or operator intervention.

The prover interface feature supports these power types:
 

· Unidirectional Pipe Prover

· Bidirectional Pipe Prover

· Compact Prover

· Master Meter Prover

The module is unique in that it resides directly in the ControlLogix chassis, acting as an add-on co-processor, dedicate to calculating flow measurement without burdening the PLC with complicated flow algorithms.

Data Sheet

For more information, email sales@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

RiCAD 3D software is now available free

The new version is 3.2 as of 1st October 2012 and can be downloaded from the Rittal website. RiCAD 3D software offers:

• Substantial time savings when using Rittal products in your engineering processes
• Error free, detailed Rittal data instead of coarse re-modelling by the user
• Original data for the 5 most common CAD formats
• Supply includes 2D and 3D drawings in all relevant formats

3 options for retrieving the CAD data:

• Offline: Variant: RiCAD-3D as a database on your hard drive
• Online: Request data via product pages on the Rittal website
• Online: Retrieve data via the web platform "PARTcommunity"

To download click here

Benefits of the RiCAD 3D:

• All CAD data may be transferred into all standard CAD systems, thanks to the intelligent, native 2D/3D multiCAD - compatible format
• The accurately detailed and validated drawings allow design drawings to be created by users with optimum planning confidence, in a fraction of the time taken for conversional design, by simply remodelling
• Thanks to the freely selectable level of detail in CAD models, these may be represented in a greatly simplified format, enabling huge performance enhancements among users.

Join our team!

We have several job vacancies across our branches. Here is an overview of all our current opportunities.

Internal Technical Sales - Derby

Internal Technical Sales - Manchester

Area Sales Manager - Leeds

External Sales Engineer - Peterlee Area

External Sales Engineer - Leeds Area

Internal Sales and Local Logistics - Coventry

External Sales Engineer - Milton Keynes Area

Internal Technical Sales - Peterborough

Internal Technical Sales - Southampton

External Sales Engineer - Southampton Area

Assembly Business Manager - Milton Keynes

For more information, or if you would like to apply, please click on the job role.

39 Series MasterINTERFACE from Finder

The 39 Series MasterINTERFACE is a new concept in interface relays from Finder: Ultraslim and available in 5 different versions, suitable for interfacing with PLC-controlled automated systems:

• MasterBASIC - for use in any type of systems
• MasterPLUS - with a fuse, a unique feature for an ultraslim interface module, same features as the MasterBASIC, in addition allows an extra protection to the output circuit thanks to its replaceable fuse.
• MasterINPUT and MasterOUTPUT - allow significant time saving with regards to connection in applications where a single contact closure is required. These modules allow a direct connection to the interface without the need for additional terminals, thus saving space in the panel.
• MasterTIMER - multifunction and multi-scale timed interface module.

Jumper links for all these versions are available in three different colours: Blue, Red and Black.

Data Sheet

Interface Relays

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Dual-Port option module allow AC drives to fully utilise EtherNet/IP

The new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 750-Series dual-port EtherNet/IP option module provides a flexible, cost-effective way to apply enhanced communication capabilities for the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 753 and 755 AC drives.

The new module is compatible with all three industry-standard Ethernet topologies: Device Level Ring (DLR), Star and Linear. DLR-based networks help reduce configuration time and costs by minimising the number of managed switches and reducing cabling needs.

Users can create a single DLR network that connects all components at the device level. Device Level ring is an ODVA standard providing fault-tolerant connectivity for high drive availability. If one device on the Ethernet/IP network fails, other devices are able to continue operation.

 

The new option module also supports Automatic Device Configuration (ADC) or the PowerFlex 753 and 755. With ADC, an Allen-Bradley Logix Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) can automatically detect a replaced PowerFlex 750-Series drive and download all configuration parameters; eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.

In addition, this solution supports CIP motion at the DLR level for the PowerFlex 755, further enhancing integration into the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and helping users get real-time information at the right time and the right level of the manufacturing environment for enhanced business agility.

Aside from the enhanced networking capabilities, the PowerFlex 750 Series drives on a dual-port EtherNet/IP network also offer:

• More selection for control and supporting hardware options than any other drives in their class;
• Optimised integration with system controllers on EtherNet/IP, plus a variety of network choices;
• Predictive diagnostics and built-in protection features to help guard a customer's investment;
• Safety solutions for PLe/SIL Cat 3 and Cat 4; a slot-based architecture that allows customers to build the drive to suit their application;
• Supported hardware control options that are common to help reduce inventory and spare parts;
• Flexible packaging options to meet environmental protection requirements.

Data Sheet

EtherNet I/P Module

For more information, email sales@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

New Industrial Ethernet switch features scalable managed switching capabilities

Built with the best of Rockwell Automation and Cisco technology, the highly scalable, compact-sized Allen-Bradley Stratix 5700 layer 2 managed industrial Ethernet switch meets a broad range of switching capabilities - from entry level, machine-builder applications through converged or IT-ready integrated user solutions.

Using the world's leading network infrastructure software - Cisco IOS - the Stratix 5700 switch delivers secure integration of business critical services and support from the plant floor to the enterprise. The Stratix 5700 managed switch also simplifies the design and development of machine-level networks through configuration and monitoring tools. These tools help enable easy setup and diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system - bridging the gap between IT and the automation engineer.

Like the Stratix 8000 family of switches, the Stratix 5700 switch also utilizes Cisco IOS technology. The portfolio contains many popular features that are in use today by IT and controls organisations that deploy standard, unmodified Ethernet, with settings optimised for us in EtherNet/IP applications. Rockwell Automation and Cisco are committed to being the most valuable resource in the industry for helping the manufacturers improve business performance by bridging the technical and cultural gaps between the plant floor and higher-level information systems using EtherNet/IP - the world's leading open industrial Ethernet network.

Key Features:

• Currently available with 6, 10 and 20 fixed-port configurations
• Hardware embeds features such as IEEE-1588 time synchronisation, QoS and Resilient Ethernet Protocol
• Additional software features also help improve network performance and troubleshooting and allow for increased network availability
• Each base model of the Stratix 5700 switch comes with dual power inputs, input and output alarms, console port, fiber-ready SFP slots, DIN rail mount and operating temperature range of minus 40C to 60C
• Model options include two gig ports, SD flash car, conformal coating and two different software configurations for a total of 20 different models to best match machine and end-user applications

Data Sheet

For more information, email sales@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

Rittal Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers

Air-to-air heat exchangers provide a simple, stand-alone, low maintenance and energy efficient means of colling electrical enclosures. The effectiveness of this type of colling product is fundamentally dependent upon the ambient air temperature and the required internal air temperature; not only must the former be lower than the latter but the avaiable cooling output varies with the difference between them.

Rittal's Air-to-air heat exchangers have only two moving parts, an interal fan and an external fan, which draw air through separate circuits of a heat exchangerm ensuring that the ambient air, which may be aggressive, or any debris or contaminants present in it, are not permitted ingress into the enclosure. Fans fitted in the Rittal aur-to-air heat exchanger are maintenance-free.

The air-to-air heat exchangers require only an electrical supply, and energy consumption is limited to that of two fans, the energy efficiency of this cooling solution os greater than that of alternatives that utilise refigerant.

Rittal's air-to-air heat exchangers are available as either roof-mounted or wall-mounted variants and for internal or external use. There is a product suitable for most applications should the ambient air temperature permit.

Wallmount Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers

For more information, email sales@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

Migration made easy for the new PanelView Plus 6

With the new PanelView Plus 6 storming the market, it is time for you to migrate too. We want to ensure you have the fastest technology we can offer. More performance for less.

PanelView Plus 6 Features

• PanelView Plus 6 is faster
• Larger Memory 512MB
• Storage Space 512MB

• Faster Processor
• New Open Operating System ensures you have the latest technology
• EtherNet I/P as standard connectivity

Here's how easy it is

• Simply replace your existing version 5 Logic module with the new version 6 module
• Same mounting cut out size as PanelView Plus 5 which means to no changes to your panel cutout
• Compatible software with the new PanelView Plus 6 - FactoryTalk view version 6 and above
• To upgrade your software you have two options:
• If you are supported then just download the latest version from the Rockwell website
• Update your TechConnect Contract - to update your software to the latest version call 0370 607 1002

Special limited time offer*

List price less 40%

 

AB2711PRP8A
AB2711PRP8D
AB2711PRP9A
AB2711PRP9D
 

For more information call 0370 607 1000 or contact your local branch.

*offer ends 24th December

A quick and easy way to shop!

At Routeco we continually look for ways to improve the service we can offer our customers.

To enable a quicker more efficient sales order process, customers now have the ability to convert a quotation into an online order. You do not need to be a Routeco e-Commerce account holder to take advantage of this facility.

Request a quotation with our Internal Sales team, which will be emailed back to you. Click on the Buy Now button if you are happy with the quotation - this will take you to a version of our e-commerce facility. Your quotation has now been converted into an order.

 

 

All you need to do now is follow the steps on the e-commerce site and your order will be placed.

An email confirmation of your order will be sent to you and we will email you when the order has been despatched.

 

Please contact your local Routeco Sales Team on 0370 607 1000 for further information.

Pinpoint and Mitigate Risk

Information from Rockwell Automation for OEMs

Nearly all industrial equipment safety standards require the OEMs conduct a risk assessment on each piece of equipment, therefore it is important to establish repeatable processes for conducting risk assessments.

A full risk assessment can identify where risk exists within equipment and within a facility, and then pinpoint the best people and technologies to use in order to minimise those risks. It also helps identify a piece of equipment's level of safety and establish an acceptable level of risk for each operation. Finally, it lays the framework for the overall risk reduction process, which involves the following steps:

• Help eliminate hazards by design, using inherently safe design concepts
• Employ safeguarding and protective measures with hard guarding and safety devices
• Implement complementary safety measures including personal protective equipment
• Help achieve safer working practice with procedures, training and supervision

OMEs are also required by international safety standards to identify and document potential hazards associated with equipment, and the risk levels the hazards present to users at all phases of the design process. This forces the designer to consider all the ways a piece of equipment's safety functions and applications interact with each other, including during regular operation, maintenance, and quality assurance tasks.

In addition, designers must consider many factors that could potentially create risk, such as temperature, humidity, voltage variations and noise. Previous standards only dictated the design of a control circuit in a safety system, leaving out many systems and functions that can help mitigate risk. The newer international safety standards make design engineers consider the entire system when reducing risk - improving operator and equipment safety, and often helping cost-justify an upgrade to a more effective safety solution.

Rockwell Automation Case Study

Rittal Ri4Power Hits New Standards

Rittal announces that their modular Ri4Power system now complies with the latest IEC 61439-2 standards.

The termination of cables to switchgear and meeting the form 4b requirement of IEC engineers to reduce time and costs on site. Rittal's RPE software is available for customers to build Ri4Power to the IEC 61439-2 standard.

Motor control centres and electrical distribution switchboards conforming to Form 4b require that cables should be terminated to outgoing devices in their own individual enclosures and should be segregated from the functional unit. In Ri4Power outgoing cables are terminated in a form 4b terminal box which can be easily fitted allowing easy access for the installation engineer.

Designed for both the electrical distribution and motor centre marketing Ri4Power incorporates Rittal's leading TS 8 enclosure technology which enables the utilization of standard components. Using the Maxi PLS busbar arrangement the connection to air circuit breakers of multiple cables per phase can be easily achieved. Sliding fixing nuts located in the Maxi PLS allows the installation engineer full flexibility when terminating incoming cables. Connection from the Maxi PLS to the air circuit breaker is achieved by fully tested copper bar connections.

For more information, email sales@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

We're Hiring!

External Sales Engineer

Based in the Milton Keynes area, we are looking to recruit an External Sales Engineer to join our team. The role calls for an experienced Sales Engineer, preferable with a formal qualification in electrical engineering or qualified by experience.

Duties for this role include, but are not limited to:

• Achievement of sales targets in relation to turnover and profitability
• New trading account generation
• Present to various audiences subject matter of products and services
• Preparing quotations and proposals

A sound knowledge of electrical control products gained within a busy sales environment, coupled with excellent customer service skills are essential for this role - therefore a formal electrical engineering qualification (ONC/HNC) or qualified by experience is essential. A high standard of education, in particular English and Maths are required. Candidates should have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, determination and the ability to work on own initiative and as a team member.

To apply for this role or for more information click here.