Considering Flexible Automation? Try Our Complexity Calculator
We know many companies are considering flexible automation solutions to solve a variety of challenges such as labor shortages and safety concerns. Cobots are a type of flexible automation solution that boast easy deployability and the potential to be repositioned and repurposed within your facility. While some might believe that anyone can deploy a cobot due to its simple interface, setting up a dependable and consistently functioning cobot cell might still require the expertise of a skilled programmer.
But where to start? Do you buy a cobot and integrate it yourself? Do you hire an integrator? Something in between? The experts at Cross Automation built this complexity calculator to help you decide. Simply rate your application on a scale of 1 to 10 in areas like throughput, reach, payload and connectivity to discover the best path to automating your dull, dirty or dangerous tasks.
Best Practice in Valve Automation
Valve automation improves safety and efficiency by allowing the remote operation of valves in the field. But wanting to automate your valve and actually doing it are two different things!
Cross Process Solutions’ Ronnie Moore has decades of experience with valves and tying them into control systems. In this four part video series, Ronnie gives you a step-by-step guide to the things to consider when automating your valves from the types of valves to controllers and remote access.
What's New at Cross
New Coriolis Flow Meter Partner: AW-Lake
Cross Process Solutions is excited to announce our new partnership with AW-Lake for flow instrumentation, particularly their coriolis meters. Their TRICOR meter’s unique design and proprietary manufacturing procedures produce perfectly balanced tubes for high accuracy, repeatability and process noise immunity. TRICOR meters are easy to use and quick to set up, right out of the box.
Their classic line of meters, which are either U-shaped or diamond-shaped, have nine sizes for a wide range of applications. AW-Lake also has a specialty range of Coriolis meters for high pressure applications (up to 15,200 psi).
Did you know?
FSMA Requirements for Metal Detector Calibration
At control points, FSMA requres that equipment must be “effectively and significantly minimizing or preventing the occurrence of identified hazards.” However, it is not enough to simply install a metal detector or x-ray machine to detect foreign bodies. You must also provide evidence that the device itself functions in the way it was intended.
This evidence can come from regular monitoring, once a shift or after a product changeover, as well as from external validation. Both approaches require records to be kept for a minimum of two years. Reject functions should also be tested and documented to be working properly. Any alarms – visual, auditory or electronic – should be functioning as intended.
Cross can provide metal detection validation services throughout the Midwest, Southeast and beyond. Our technicians use NIST-traceable standards which are matched with your particular process. The calibration certificates are stored in GageSuite®, our cloud-based calibration management program, for easy retrieval at audit time.
Guide to Selecting the Right Pressure Sensor
Selecting the right pressure sensor for your application is critical to ensure optimal performance and reliability of your application. However, each application is different, from the environment to the media used to the accuracy requirements. But don’t worry, the measurement experts at Cross have put together this guide to help you easily figure out which pressure sensor is right for you.
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Improve Efficiency
Looking to access data from your sensors in the field? Phoenix Contact’s Ethernet APL managed ethernet switch may be the answer.
Using only two wires to exchange data, the Ethernet APL switch makes wiring simpler. With a range of up to 1,000m, it can be used to bridge long distances. With its 2-WISE design, it can obtain data from potentially explosive atmospheres. No expensive rewiring is necessary, either, as it will run on your existing fieldbus cabling.
Reduce Risk
In the brewing process, accurate measurement of strike water is critical to maintain the exact water-to-grain ratio for optimal enzymatic activity during mashing. Slight deviations can affect the mash temperature, impacting the efficiency of starch conversion and ultimately the quality of the wort.
G2 turbine flow meters from Cross partner Flomec allow brewers to consistently achieve the desired mash thickness and temperature, leading to a more predictable and repeatable brewing process. They can handle the high process temperatures and with sanitary connections, prevent any contamination from affecting the quality of the beer.
Improve Efficiency
Steam is an essential ingredient of many food production processes, ensuring the final product is tasty and safe for human consumption. Precisely controlling steam with valves specifically designed for high temperature applications can decrease energy costs, improving your bottom line.
Cross partner Jordan Valve put together three case studies which illustrate how precision steam control can help improve efficiency in seafood processing, smokehouse temperature control and for steam peeling of fruits and vegetables.
