We're hiring!

We are currently recruiting for two positions based at Routeco Head Office in Milton Keynes. 

Marketing Assistant

We are seeking a Marketing Assistant to be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining marketing strategies and campaigns to meet agreed company objectives. They will be expected to take a hands-on and proactive approach to projects and take ownership of various promotional campaigns and coordinate the marketing activity for assigned branch locations in accordance with the company marketing plan and associated budget.

• Production of the Routeco catalogue (collaborate with suppliers / design / product database update / print / distribution) 
• Managing production process of internal and external publications: design / proof-reading / printing / copying and distribution of publications to customers and/or branches
• Designing flyers and adverts using InDesign and retouching product photographs using Photoshop 
• New website development
• Coordination of industry events (Seminars, Technical Workshops and Corporate Hospitality Days)

For more information and to apply, please click here 

Corporate Accounts Internal Sales (12 months Maternity Cover)

To enter sales orders and to keep customers fully updated on progress of their orders for all nominated Corporate Accounts and all Rockwell Services. Develop and maintain customer relationships whilst promoting Routeco’s products and services and maximising sales opportunities.

• Deal with customer orders and enquiries appropriately and in a timely manner 
• Sales leads and quotation follow up
• Check and ensure the customer is advised on: availability of product, pricing and appropriate discounts
• Demonstrate sufficient commercial awareness to negotiate prices
• Understand the lead time requirements of the customer and utilise company resources to present alternative options if required. 
• Customer support and service skills will be a critical factor of the role

For more information and to apply, please click here

New Hardy Lift Deck Scales for Easy Wash Down

Hardy Process Solutions now has a new line of lift-deck wash down scales designed to meet the needs of the most demanding applications. These process weighing scales combine best-in-class durability with Hardy’s Process Toolbox features: weightless calibration and operator diagnostics. Hardy Lift Deck Floor Scales offer manufacturers multiple ways to reduce their maintenance costs and downtime.

Designed For Any Environment:

Hardy Lift Deck Floor Scales are designed and built for harsh chemical and washdown industrial environments. They are easy to use and install with the latest advancements in weighing technology. It’s a case of levelling the deck and attaching the included 20 foot cable, calibrating (if a C2® compatible instrument, set your reference) verifying before beginning to weigh.

Hardy Lift Deck Scales are available in three sizes from 36 x 36 inch to 60 x 60 foot in 1, 2, and 5 thousand pound capacities. Hardy Lift Deck floor scales have two to four handles on the decks for easy lifting to facilitate installation and cleaning, especially in pit frames.

C2® Electronic Calibration:

With a Hardy weight controller, C2® load sensors enable fast, accurate, electronic calibration without test weights at just a push of a button. The easy-to-use C2® system reduces downtime for installation and repairs and eliminates test weight related safety risks.

Integrated Technician®:

Each scale has built-in INTEGRATED TECHNICIAN® (IT) circuitry. When coupled with a Hardy controller, the scale provides diagnostic and troubleshooting tools that read individual weights and voltages to aid you in isolating problems. Together, Hardy C2® and IT eliminate the need to open the junction box, reducing the risk of moisture ingress. The junction box remains sealed reducing the risk of contamination for heavy wash down applications.

Hermetically Sealed Load Sensors:

The heart of any scale is the load sensors. All Hardy Lift Deck floor scales come standard with four matched Hardy ADVANTAGE® IP69K stainless steel, true hermetically-sealed sensors — sealed at both the gauging area and cable entry for long life. All are matched and calibrated for mV/V and mV/V/ohm. This eliminates the need for corner adjustment and potentiometers in the junction box, allowing a sensor to be replaced without calibration.

Hardy ADVANTAGE® sensors use a blind hole technique ensuring the load is applied at a precise location to provide an accurate reading.

Rugged, Low Profile Design:

Rated for 250,000+ load cycles under normal loading conditions,* these lift deck floor scales are built to last. With a deck height of only 4.2 inches and 100% end loading, Hardy Lift Deck Floor Scales feature a hydraulic system that enables one person to easily lift the deck for cleaning. Durable rubber-based feet are height adjustable from below the platform for easy levelling.

For more information about the New Lift Deck Floor Scales from Hardy Process Solutions click here.

If you wish to discuss your weighing requirements with one of our team of Specialists, please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000. You can also view the range of Hardy Products available on our website here. 

Reducing the Risk of Arc Flash with Grace Engineered Products

Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) are electrical components hardwired to a source of voltage(s) and installed into electrical systems. These enable engineers to validate zero electrical energy without being exposed to voltage. PESDs inherently minimise arc flash and electrical shock hazards because they reduce voltage exposure, provide voltage labelling on all sources and provide 24/7 visual and/or audible indication of voltage.

When engineers can determine a zero electrical energy state without any voltage exposure to themselves, their electrical safety program is safer. Verifying the proper operation of a meter and testing for absence of voltage before working on an electrical conductor (“test before touch”) for all practical purposes should always remain a habitual practice for engineers. The goal of PESDs is to ensure that when engineers “test before touch”, that they test only de-energised conductors.

Without PESDs, a failure of an isolator may go undetected until the engineer discovers live voltage after opening the control panel. This exact scenario is a common cause of arc flash. A direct short circuit may result from one mistake by the engineer while checking voltage.

Voltage detectors are a low-cost, redundant voltage verification tool that reduces arc flash risk, increases safety and adds productivity at a low installed cost.

We stock a wide range of “Safeside” voltage indicators and portals from Grace Engineered Products, who are a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner. We also supply customised communications GracePorts and IR Windows that allow engineers to access control panels easily through closed doors.

Take a look at the video below on Grace Engineered Products at Automation Fair 2012.

To browse and purchase our range online please visit our website.

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Let's get started... with the Allen-Bradley Micro820 PLC

The Allen-Bradley Micro820® Programmable Logic Controller ‘Starter Kits’ are designed to introduce you to the features and benefits of using the Micro820 PLC. 

The Micro820 controller is ideal for controlling small standalone machines and remote automation applications that require flexible communications and I/O capabilities and can be configured using the Connected Components Workbench software.

Key features of the Micro820 include:

• The Micro820 20-pt controller has embedded Ethernet/IP and Serial ports and a microSD slot for data logging and recipe management.
• It can function as a remote terminal unit (RTU) for SCADA applications with support for Modbus over serial and Ethernet communications.
• Embedded support for 4 thermistor temperature inputs means it can function as a direct digital control (DDC) for building management systems (BMS).
• EtherNet/IP for Connected Components Workbench programming, RTU applications and HMI connectivity.
• 5KHz PWM Output for controlling solenoids and valves.
• Built-in Real Time Clock (RTC) with no battery required.
• microSD slot for program transfer, data logging and recipe management.
• Available with removable terminal blocks for easier wiring and installation.
• Supports up to two plug-in modules.

The ‘Starter Kit’ has been created to provide you with all of the basic hardware and software required to get you started with the Micro820 and includes the following parts:

• 1x 2080LC2020QWBR - Micro820 20pt I/O
• 1x 2080REMLCD – Micro820 LCD Display with Keypad
• 1x 2080PS120240VAC – Micro820 24v Power Supply
• 1x 1585JM8TBJM5 – Allen-Bradley 5M Ethernet Cable
• 1x Connected Components Workbench Software on DVD

For further information on the Micro820 please take a look at the online Virtual Brochure and to order your starter pack visit our website here.

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

ProSoft Flow Computer solutions for Oil and Gas applications

Are you looking for compatible Rockwell Automation flow computer solutions for oil and gas applications? ProSoft Technology have a number of technologies to help you…

In-Chassis Flow Computers help optimise oil production

It used to be that you’d need multiple RTUs and standalone flow computers for your multi oil well pad operation, with long wiring runs to the control house and individual programs for everything. With ProSoft Technology’s in-chassis flow computer for Rockwell Automation® PACs, you can simplify your operation, decreasing your capital spend and maintenance costs. This integrated solution helps you reduce your support costs, optimising your resources.

LACT Systems

In Lease Automatic Custody Transfer (LACT) systems, accurate delivery of your product to customers is crucial. ProSoft Technology’s CompactLogix™ flow computer gives you a scalable cost effect solution to track product being delivered to your customer’s pipeline, tanker trucks and tank cars. For larger applications, distributed POINT I/O™ can be used to reduce your wiring costs.

Control house

With an integrated design, you can decrease the size of your control house and the costs associated with integrating RTUs and standalone flow computers with your PLC. The scalable design of Rockwell Automation controllers and ProSoft Technology’s in-chassis flow computers allows you to optimise your setup, ensuring a cost-effective design for your application. Using Rockwell Automation distributed I/O saves you space in the control house and reduces your wiring. The wireless solutions can help you remotely monitor operations (cellular), as well as support distributed I/O applications (WiFi) to help you reduce your wiring costs.

Pump jacks

ProSoft Technology’s wireless capabilities allow you to get remote access to your pump jacks and cut down on your wiring and trenching that this connection would traditionally require.

Wellheads, separator monitoring, tank level

By deploying distributed POINT I/O and ProSoft Technology’s Modbus® modules, users are able to reduce long wire runs to the control house. Using a wireless solution, you can eliminate the network wiring back to the control house.

If you wish to discuss your flow computer requirements with one of our team of Technical Specialists, please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000

For more information please click here 

The future for Industrial Networks?

Traditionally, industrial networks have been set up in a point-to-point (pictured right) configuration, with a single cable terminated to plugs (i.e., a long patch cord).

Structured cabling is emerging as a more robust and sustainable infrastructure because it better facilitates growth and troubleshooting, factors that are important to manufacturing. However, there are pros and cons to each approach, depending on the implementation.

Point-to-point is ideal for short cable runs in an enclosure or small ring applications. However, plugs can be hard to terminate. Another consideration is stranded vs. solid cables. Stranded cables lead to reduced distance because of higher attenuation, while a solid conductor cable can break due to flexing. More importantly, fixed length, point-to-point cables cannot be readily extended or reconfigured as a structured approach with patch panels. In addition, some network test equipment excludes connections to the tester, therefore the entire channel is not tested.

  

Structured cabling (pictured below) is the preferred implementation for longer and more critical runs, such as connecting enclosures, machines, test equipment, and cameras, as it provides a means for troubleshooting and testability, growth, and reliability. Utilising patch cords, jacks, and horizontal cabling creates an optimized network channel. Also, the horizontal cable is easier and faster to reliably terminate to a jack versus a plug.

By installing network cabling to create spare network channels for growth, technicians can connect to a different channel when adding equipment or in the event of a network cabling failure.

While there is a focus on channel resiliency, the value of structured cabling is its systematic approach to planning and deploying cabling and cable management based on the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises (TIA-1005-A).

Media Selection

Cable media is influenced by cable reach, harsh environments, electrical noise, bandwidth, and switch convergence. For example, proper copper channel cable transmits 100m while single-mode fibre optic cable can reach distances of many kilometres, depending on the transceiver selection.

• Corrosive, wet, and oily environments all impact network cable jackets, causing degradation. There are a variety of outer jacket coverings such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which have varying levels of cable protection. The toughest jacket covering, polyurethane, is abrasion- and tear-resistant, and resistant to oil, radiation, fungus, oxidation, and ozone. Beneath the outer jacket, metallic foil or braid may be used to suppress electrical noise.
• Bandwidth requirements may necessitate higher category copper such as Category 6 and perhaps multi-mode and single-mode fibre that can transmit up to 10Gb/s.
• Deploying fibre cable for interswitch links in rings or redundant star configurations can minimise the recovery time from network interruption
• In less complex, smaller networks, copper may be suitable, but the recovery time for network faults needs to be weighed against downtime costs.                               

To discuss your network infrastructure requirements and problems with one of our team of Automation Specialists please contact us at info@routeco.com or click here to visit our website and browse our range of Panduit products 

We're hiring!

We are currently recruiting for a Product Sales Specialist based in the Midlands.

The Product Sales Specialist will be responsible for providing technical knowledge, advice and support to external customers, to develop profitable Automation and Software sales growth within Routeco owned accounts, in line with company targets. 

The role will consist of identifying target accounts for targeting with the Account Managers to promote the growth of Rockwell Automation & Software and encompass partner products with the aim to convert these customers to use as a primary selection.

• Responsibility for the profitable growth of the Automation and Software business in their relevant geographical area
• To offer training, advice and assistance to their local branches
• Attend joint customer visits with Routeco Sales Engineers, Sales Managers and PSS members from other specialist teams to all accounts.
• Ensure own level of personal development and product knowledge is kept up to date

 For more information and to apply, please click here

Need to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ system?

Components for legacy Remote I/O™ systems are becoming out dated as new control systems usually run on Ethernet networks. Running a new Ethernet network with switches and fibre cable can be a costly endeavour.

ProSoft Technology’s innovative migration gateways and Industrial Media Converters allow you to run Remote I/O™ and EtherNet/IP™ simultaneously over your existing Belden® 9463 Blue Hose® cable. You are now able to upgrade your legacy Remote I/O™ control systems in phases, eliminating the extended downtime required to upgrade your system.

The EtherNet/IP to Remote I/O or DH+ (AN-X2-AB-DHRIO) Gateway from ProSoft Technology is designed to help customers initiate a phased migration approach to replacing or upgrading legacy Remote I/O, HMI's or Drives. The AN-X2-AB-DHRIO gateway has multiple operating modes that are selected during configuration.

For more information click here to view a video or visit the manufacturer's website.

To view stock availability and price please visit our online store.

If you wish to discuss your migration requirements with one of our team of Technical Specialists, please contact us by email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.

Rockwell Automation and Cisco launch new Architectures to reduce security risks

The Industrial internet of things is increasing the need for highly flexible, secure connectivity between devices, machines, work flows, databases and people, enabling new models of policy-based plant-floor access.

The internet of things allows for machine data on the plant floor be analysed and applied to determine optimal operation and supply chain work flows for improved efficiencies and cost savings. A secured connected environment also enables organisations to mitigate risk with policy compliance, and protects intellectual property with secure sharing between global stakeholders.

To meet this increasing need, Rockwell Automation and Cisco have announced new additions to their Converged Plantwide EtherNet (CPwE) architectures to help operations technology (OT) and information technology (IT) professionals address constantly changing security practices.

The new CPwE architectures leverage open industry standards, such as IEC 62443, and provide recommendations for more securely sharing data across an industrial demilitarized zone, as well as enforcing policies that control access to the plantwide wired or wireless network.

Core to the new validated architectures is a focus on enabling OT and IT professionals to utilise security policies and procedures by forming multiple layers of defence. This approach helps manufacturers by establishing processes and policies that identify and contain evolving threats in industrial automation and control systems.

Rockwell Automation and Cisco have created resources to help manufacturers efficiently deploy security solutions.

Each new guide is accompanied by a white paper summarising the key design principles:

• The Industrial Demilitarized Zone Design and Implementation Guide and white paper provide guidance to users on securely sharing data from the plant floor through to the enterprise.
• The Identity Services Design and Implementation Guide and white paper introduce an approach to security policy enforcement that tightly controls access by anyone inside the plant, whether they’re trying to connect via wired or wireless access.

For more information or to arrange an appointment with one of our Automation specialists to discuss this topic further, please contact us at info@routeco.com

ProSoft launch new Profibus modules for CompactLogix

ProSoft has announced the launch of a new product – the new ILX69 modules for CompactLogix, a cost-effective PROFIBUS solution.

ProfSoft Technology’s new PROFIBUS DPV1 Master and Slave modules promise the convenience and functionality of an in-chassis PROFIBUS interface at the cost of a gateway.

With these modules, CompactLogix™ processors can easily communicate with slave devices supporting PROFIBUS DPV0 and DPV1 protocol. The module acts as an input/output module between the PROFIBUS network and the processor supporting complete Master specifications according to IEC 61158.

Master Features:

• AOI: Module integrates with RSLogix 5000 using a sample Add-On Instruction (AOI), reducing configuration time
• Autoscan: The new Autoscan feature reduces configuration and start up times by scanning the PROFIBUS network and uploading slave device addresses and configuration information. (Reads and maps nodes automatically to the module.)
• ComDTM: Allows remote Ethernet connectivity for Asset Management Software to significantly lower your maintenance costs. You can configure, commission, maintain and diagnose your fieldbus devices throughout their entire lifecycle with this comprehensive, fully integrated engineering and maintenance environment
• SD card slot (SD card optional) is used for storing configuration files in the event of a disaster

Slave Features:

• Ethernet port allows remote configuration and maintenance
• Supports both I/O control and messaging
• Explicit ladder logic CIP message blocks provide slave status diagnostic data and acyclic messaging
• Module appears to the CompactLogix controller as a standard I/O module allowing it to be configured via RSLogix™ 5000
• Equipped with a diagnostic interface and rotary switches for setting of the bus address

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Introducing the new SafeSide Voltage Test Station (VTS) from Grace

Grace Engineered Products, the innovative leader in design and manufacturing of Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESD) has announced the new SafeSide® Voltage Test Station (VTS).

The VTS is a revolutionary product that minimizes electrical worker’s exposure to live voltage and the risk of an arc flash hazard. The VTS further simplifies the three step voltage test method and exceeds NFPA 70 E/CSA Z642 and OSHA standards if used in your Lock-out Tag-out (LOTO) procedure. 

This through-door technology concept provides a combination of a voltage indicator and test points for actual voltage measurement in a single housing, eliminating guess work and verifying zero electrical energy from outside the enclosure.

The entire VTS product offering follows Grace’s core concept of customisation, available in various NEMA and stainless steel housings to serve many industry needs.

For further information please contact us by email at info@routeco.com and to check pricing and to buy online please visit our website.

Routeco safety specialists visit Johnson Matthey in Royston

On a beautiful sunny Tuesday lunch time last week, Routeco visited Johnson Matthey with Rockwell Automation’s safety product demonstration vehicle.

This gave members of Johnson Matthey’s constant improvement, lean manufacturing, projects and IT teams the opportunity to view the latest Rockwell Automation technology and solutions in the safety market.

Subjects on the day included new safety products, new safety solutions, PLC safety, and discussions with specialists about safety applications and the latest regulations and legislations.

The Rockwell Automation Safety Bus is currently on tour across the country – if you are interested in attending and want to find out more, please email: info@routeco.com

Is your equipment too hot?

Climate control is an important factor in all environments, and it has been reported 57% of electrical equipment fail as a result of being either too hot or too cold. The risk of breakdown increases significantly without climate control and the cost of equipment failure can be huge. 

Electrical equipment produces heat, which increases the temperature inside the enclosure, which, in turn, reduces the service life of components. The correctly selected enclosure climate control can prevent almost 80% of electrical equipment failures, addressing dust ingress and condensation as well as high temperature. 

To see our vast range of cooling products and check price and availability, please visit our website.

*Please note not all products may be available to purchase online, please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000 for product enquiries. 

For more information on the climate control range, click on a product information leaflet below:

Air/Air Heat Exchangers

Air/Water Heat Exchangers

Chillers

TopTherm Blue e Cooling Units

TopTherm Fan and Filter Units

Service Agreements

Introducing the new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drive

Are you looking for ways to improve machine performance while reducing costs and complexity? Rockwell Automation has developed the new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 527 AC drive, with features that help you simplify how you design, develop and deliver your machines.

The PowerFlex 527 AC drive takes a new approach to integration. This is the first AC drive completely integrated with Allen-Bradley Logix controllers and exclusively configured and programmed in the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 environment. Using a single software tool, this combination of products allows you to reduce cost and engineering time while developing a more competitive machine.

The PowerFlex 527 Variable Frequency Drive is an ideal complement to machines using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix or GuardLogix PACs and Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo drives. The PowerFlex 527 AC drive uses embedded motion instructions that are shared with Kinetix servo drives, providing the same user experience for configuration, programming and control of both types of drives, helping save valuable engineering time.

PowerFlex 527 drives offer a lower-cost solution for machines and applications – such as pumps, fans, infeed and outfeed conveyors – that need simple speed control for induction motors. The servo drives handle the more precise control operations involving speed, torque and position control.

Key features: 

• Offers built-in dual-port EtherNet/IP to support a variety of topologies as well as Device Level Ring functionality
• Features Safe Torque-off as a standard feature that can be applied through either hardwired safety or Integrated Safety. Both are certified to SIL 3/PLe Cat 3
• Offers Integrated Safety which is controller-based safety with instructions delivered on an EtherNet/IP network. It helps reduce hardware, wiring, and labour costs associated with implementing a SIL 3/PLe safety solution
• Reduces downtime and minimizes manual reconfiguration by using Logix PACs to detect a replaced drive and download all configuration settings over EtherNet/IP
• Offers a new level of AC drive integration to help deliver a coordinated and synchronized machine

Further technical product information can be found here and to check price and buy online please visit our website here.