Pacific Automation Delivers Sophisticated LED Lighting Solution for POM Power Station

Leading Australian engineering and construction company Clough, in consortium with Wartsila, engaged Pacific Automation to provide a LED lighting solution and technical support for its 58-megawatt grid connected power plant, located near Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

Analysing the existing design

The plant’s preliminary lighting design could be improved in terms of eliminating inefficiencies in both its carbon footprint and ongoing maintenance. To address these weaknesses, Pacific Automation collaborated with LED Lighting manufacturer Raytec to design a site wide hazardous area and industrial lighting upgrade that promoted considerable cost and power saving benefits as well as a safer, more effective working environment.

Choosing the right lighting package

Having assessed the site’s requirements and conditions, the Raytec SPARTAN range of LED Luminaires were chosen for its high reliability, accurate distribution of light, innovative control and maintenance friendly design. Due to the multi-faceted nature of the project, both hazardous area and industrial light fittings – including High Powered Floodlights, Linears, High Bays and Bulkheads – were installed across the plant’s engine hall, compressor room and building exterior. By utilising the full range of Raytec SPARTAN LED Luminaires, a tailored solution that provided ideal illuminance for the plant environment as well as IECEx compliance was implemented.

Lighting Design vs Real Image

”Pacific Automation were very accurate with their modelling and made the compliance process straight forward on site.

Project ManagerClough

Conclusion

Pacific Automation’s technical support and long-standing relationship with Clough, combined with Raytec’s lighting technology ability to deliver the required performance of power output, reliability and minimal maintenance, were significant factors in the success of the project. Furthermore, the fast turnaround of only 6 months from concept approval to completion helped to showcase that Pacific Automation really does uphold its promise of delivering the right product, on time.

To discuss how the benefits of a comprehensive lighting design service can be applied to your project, simply call us on 1300 881 876 or send us an email at sales@pacificautomation.com.au

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FAQ: Industrial PC vs Commercial PC – What’s the Difference?

The similar looks of an Industrial PC (IPC) compared to a home or commercial PC can be deceiving. From the outside, you may notice little difference as most have slim bezels, the latest screen technologies, and run Windows 10. It’s not until you look at the build quality and specifications that things start to look different.

1. Cooling mechanisms

When you look at the rear of an industrial PC, you won’t find a fan. PC fans would have a high failure rate in an industrial environment, so Industrial PCs rely on convection cooling over heatsinks to run efficiently in their specified temperature range.

2. Mounted touchscreens

Many industrial PCs have touch screens enabling operators to change values in software. They can also be panel mounted into industrial cabinets, or VESA mounted as required.

3. Serial ports

On IPCs you will also notice that they have serial ports, which were removed from commercial PCs many years ago. Serial interfaces are still used extensively in industry today, so Industrial PCs can be specified with a variety of serial interfaces to suit an application.

4. Protection rating

Another difference is that Industrial PCs offer IP protection, whereas commercial PCs don’t. The IP rating, or the Ingress Protection rating, is used to define the levels of sealing effectiveness against foreign bodies such as dust and water. Many Industrial PCs when panel mounted in a watertight enclosure can reach IP66, while some standalone IPCs can reach IP69, meaning dust and watertight.

We’ve partnered with leading IIoT specialists Advantech to provide a superior selection of bundled PC packages, making it easy for you to choose an industrial PC solution.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

For more information on Pacific Automation’s range of Industrial PCs

Contact us

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Alan Creaser: The End of an Era

What an incredible run it’s been for Pacific Automation’s longest serving team member, Alan Creaser. After a remarkable 46 years of service, Alan is hanging up his suit and entering retirement on the 13th February 2020.

We recently sat down with Alan to recap a few of his career highlights.

How did you come to work for Pacific Automation?

I came to Pacific Automation (or Light & Power Systems as it was then known) straight out of school in 1973 when I was 16 and in year 11. Basically, I was fed up with the institution and I had become aware that Pacific Automation was looking for some assistance. My father sorted out an interview, I rolled up in September and the rest is history.

How has your role in the company changed over the past 46 years?

Originally, I was employed to do “required duties” which mainly involved engraving on an old Pentagraph hand traced system. Other duties included cleaning, sweeping and being an assistant for whatever was needed. I transitioned into assembly work for the Kraus & Naimer switches and later into internal sales. I also spent time doing some external calls before focusing more on developing the new workshop and warehouse facilities at Solomon Road in Jandakot. Since then, I have been involved with Sales and Customer Support Service.

What will you miss most about Pacific Automation and what will you be doing in your free time?

After 46 years, you get used to the focus and routine that work brings to your life so it will take time to restructure and reorganise things. My wife will have to put up with me being around the place more often. Looking forward, I have not limited myself to anything particular other than getting the house into some sort of order. I intend to be more involved with my grandchildren and perhaps look at doing some sort of voluntary work within my capabilities. Other than that, I would like to travel to Israel, Central Europe and also see a bit more of Northern Australia.

The Pacific Automation team will certainly miss Alan, how he brings his very best every day, lives out our core values and does it all with a spirit of humility. It’s been an honour to have him here.

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INFOGRAPHIC: 2019 in Review

As we enter a new year – and a new decade – we thought we’d reflect on the highlights of our most memorable achievements in 2019. Last year was another standout year for Pacific Automation and we couldn’t have done it without the support of YOU – our long-standing customers and partners.

Join us as we recap some of our greatest milestones.

Culture and growth

• We welcomed 4 new staff members to the Pacific Automation team
• Launched our Sydney office in July, headed by new team member Peter Hudson
• We celebrated our 50 year anniversary milestone with family and friends in Perth

Partners and products

• Entered into 2 new partnerships – with dropped object prevention technology provider Dropsafe and IIoT solution provider Advantech
• We celebrated our 5 year partnership with Danfoss
• Added process heating to our product range
• Released the Outlet Test Unit 3 (OTU3)

2020 and beyond

This year is promising to be one of our biggest yet, with plans to bring our customers more products, more support and more content than ever. We’re very excited about our plans for this year, and we can’t wait to share more with you.

Thanks for another great year and we look forward to seeing what 2020 brings.

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Running, Performance and Injuries – Is It in the Shoes?

Some runners tend to get obsessed when it comes to shoes. Shoe companies consistently come up with innovations with running shoes that aim to reduce...

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Pacific Automation brings innovative solutions to the IIOT space in Australia through its partnership with Advantech

Having announced our partnership with world leader in industrial communications technologies Advantech in July, we’re excited to be already making waves in the IIOT space, through the introduction of industrial-grade hardware and Solution-Ready Packages to our customers across Australia.

As the exclusive Australian channel partner for Advantech, this relationship is significant for the Australian market, providing first-time, local access to premium products that address the complex challenges of industrial applications.

The product range includes ADAM Remote IO Modules, Industrial PCs, 4G Remote Access Routers, Panel PCs and HMIs and Industrial Ethernet.

Advantech products are customisable, and configured and built in Australia, which means they offer a flexible solution for diverse applications in mining, industrial, food and beverage and factory automation.

For more information about Advantech products and solutions, email sales@pacificautomation.com.au.

As with all Pacific Automation products, our experienced technical team is well equipped to help our customers with the complexities of industrial applications.

Download our Advantech brochure.

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APPLICATION FOCUS: Pepperl + Fuchs GRP junction box brings increased safety and protection for hazardous area projects

Developed with safety and protection in mind, the Pepperl+Fuchs GR enclosure series can be used for various products, including certification for global use in hazardous area projects.

Here’s just some of its features and benefits:

Intelligent design

• During the design stage, the free placement of the DIN rail (without the need for a mounting base) enables you to incorporate a larger number of components and functions into one of the 13 enclosure types.

Expanded temperature range

• The rugged GR series GRP enclosures withstand temperatures down to -60 °C.
• It can also replace stainless-steel housings in many applications.

Easy handling

• Its cleverly designed features enable convenient, one-person mounting, maintenance, and flexible extension, which saves time and makes handling much easier.

Easy Installation

• Its unique enclosure design makes mounting easy, and its decoupled installation steps allow even large and heavy enclosures to be installed by one person.

Pepperl+Fuchs offers a broad portfolio of IECEx-certified electrical equipment and solutions for installation and control of machinery and electrical networks in harsh environments and hazardous areas.

Its electrical explosion protection equipment range includes Exe, Exd and Exp enclosures, Exe and Exd control stations, as well as the traditional range of Govan junction boxes and enclosures widely known throughout Australia.

We supply and support its complete hazardous area and electrical product range.

For more information, email sales@pacificautomation.com.au.

As with all Pacific Automation products, you’ll receive technical support and application advice.

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