News


World-class, locally developed and produced instruments

May 2004 News

Calog range of process control calibrators

These calibrators have both the precision specifications for instrumentation workshops and the robust construction that is important for use in rough industrial areas, from control rooms to field applications.

The Calog calibrator from DPM
The Calog calibrator from DPM

The instruments feature backlit graphics with user-friendly menus. Settings allow the user to customise the Calog to suit the way they prefer to work - and the help menu displays working examples and connections. Measurement displays can be in digital form with five clear numerals or, with a click in the menu, a trend graph with programmable timebase. This is useful for optimising PID controllers or logging temperatures. Source values are easily selected with the 'key-per-digit' setting or using the step, auto-step or ramp functions. Modern 'serial technology' components are used in graphics, memory, A/D and D/A to considerably reduce the size, producing a truly portable, powerful calibrator. Nickel metal-hydride batteries and cellphone-based battery management systems ensure a full day's field work.

Loadcell calibrator
Loadcell calibrator

Specifications and features for the various models

Calog Loop - loop calibrator

* Measure, source and simulate 0 to 24 mA accurate to within 0,01% and at 1 µA resolution.

* Measure 32 V accurate to within 0,005% and at 1 mV resolution.

* Continuity test function.

* Increment, step, ramp or valve stroking.

* Trend logging with programmable timebase.

* Displays values in mA and % or % and mA.

* Built-in 24 V power supply.

This unit contains functions for use during the installation and maintenance of all powered and non-powered current loops.

Indicators
Indicators

Calog-TC - thermocouple calibrator

* All the features of the loop calibrator as well as:

* Measure and source types J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N, W3, and W5 thermocouples, with configurable internal or manual cold-junction compensation, in either °C, °F, Kelvin or Rankine.

* Accuracy better than 0,5°C excluding cold junction errors and thermocouple errors with a resolution of 0,1°C.

* Measure and source -10 to 100 mV to within 0,01% and at 1 µV resolution.

* Simultaneously source a thermocouple and measure mA (not isolated).

This unit is suitable for testing, measuring and calibration of all thermocouple-based systems. It may also be used for all powered and non-powered milliamp loops. The trend feature is useful for graphing temperature profiles and PID controller optimising.

Series 9000 process transmitters
Series 9000 process transmitters

The company

Digital Process Measurement was formed in 1989 to specialise in the design and manufacture of high quality process control instrumentation. The company developed a new panel indicator that would prove to be superior to any of the products currently available.

The original assembly lines that were put in place were using advanced assembly methods comparable to those used in Europe. It took only two months to get a basic line of instruments into production and within the first year DPM was in the position to boast that it was the largest manufacturer of panel meters in the country. DPM was the first to manufacture non-programmable panel instruments that provided the user with full adjustability from the front panel.

By 1992, DPM celebrated the production of its 20 000th instrument and with ongoing research and development, launched its first fully programmable panel meter in 1993. The company now offers a full range of low-cost fully programmable process control instruments; DIN-rail and field mount transmitters, belt weighers, dynamometers, and more.

Series 9000 process transmitter
Series 9000 process transmitter

Today

DPM's vision and focus concentrates on supplying superior quality products at competitive prices. This strong motivation has led to the attainment of the ISO 9001 quality assurance system. Most of DPM's products meet the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC (CE mark). A further credit to the company came in 1997, when it was recognised as a 'Technology Top 100' company in South Africa. In 1999, DPM was awarded the Electronic Industries Federation Award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Growth, Innovation and Exports'.

People

From inception, the people at DPM have been one of the company's most important assets and a large majority of the staff that joined in 1989 are still in its employ. It is company policy to ensure that the staff is empowered in their workplace by improving their skills.

Staff from all levels within the organisation are encouraged to study further, and with the result, DPM has sponsored a number of technical courses as well as other tertiary qualifications. Another very valuable facet of staff improvement is the concept of 'job rotation', which allows employees to increase their abilities and understanding.

Product range

Through careful design considerations and using the latest manufacturing techniques, DPM's 'future generation' flash memory microcontroller indicators offers features usually only found in the more expensive units, offering significant cost savings. Internationally, the range is a breakthrough in design technology. While instruments of this quality usually carry heavy price tags, DPM is able to provide instrumentation with programmable advantages at analog prices.

Two important influences in attaining this price competitiveness are, firstly, the use of a hybrid philosophy in component selection, with a combination of surface mount and through-hole components. The best available components are used which enables instruments to achieve overall accuracy tolerances as small as 0,05 %. Secondly, in order to increase production throughput, DPM has invested in computerised calibration facilities with dedicated software to test instrument functions. This system can supply full reports for customers as well as internal reports.

DPM's range of process control products include:

* Programmable indicators.

* Miniature indicators.

* Programmable transmitters.

* Integrators and totallisers.

* Belt weighers.

* Dynamometers.

* Counters and frequency meters.

* Loop powered products.

* Transmitter power supplies.

* Bar graph displays.

* Extra large displays.

* Calibrators.

DPM locally

DPM services a network of distributors throughout South Africa, which are supported with regular newsletters detailing new products, upgrades and any changes in instrumentation. DPM also send technical support personnel to these distributors so that the end-user and customer can obtain a personalised service, catering to their specific need. This strategy of inter-action and communication at the ground level allows DPM to be a front-runner in the field of research and development to continually innovate the product range to meet customers' requirements.

DPM internationally

In order to keep abreast in worldwide trends (and often pre-empt these trends) DPM regularly participates in international shows. Its success is demonstrated by the fact that about 25% of manufactured products are exported internationally. DPM currently supplies to Australia, Malaysia, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Germany and Holland. DPM is continually establishing distributorships in other countries worldwide.

For more information contact Pierre Stasio, Digital Process Measurement, 011 462 2204, www.dpm.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Celebrating three decades of innovation in Africa's premier industrial software conference
News
With a rich 29-year history, the X-Change User Conference stands as Africa's largest and most prestigious annual gathering dedicated to industrial software and related technology. Hosted by Industry Software Solutions & Support (IS3), this year, X-Change 2024 promises to be even more impactful as it celebrates three decades of innovation and collaboration.

Read more...
4Sight OT Automation achieves prestigious AVEVA Endorsed Partner status
News
4Sight OT Automation, a leading industrial software solutions provider, has achieved Endorsed Partner status within the AVEVA Partner Network.

Read more...
Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.

Read more...
Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.

Read more...
Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst
Siemens South Africa News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.

Read more...
Bearings International fosters a segment strategy
Bearings International News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.

Read more...
Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.

Read more...
RS Group expands by 10 000 products
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.

Read more...
IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.

Read more...
Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.

Read more...