Company News

Neal Systems Acquires Vanguard Controls

Important Announcement: Extended Draeger Territory

Important Announcement: Extended Territory

Neal Systems is proud to announce that we were selected to extend our representation of the Dräger Fixed Gas Detection line into Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia.

With almost 30 years of experience in representing Draeger in DE, NJ, & PA, we are excited to extend our reach with this line.

Draeger’s complete portfolio of fixed gas detectors includes an extended range of toxic, flammable and oxygen monitors that interface seamlessly with their range of control systems and other components, even third-party devices. 

We can offer instrumentation assistance, engineering, calibrations, installation services, & more.

Manufacturers Representative Agreement Letter

Neal Systems Hosts the Vibration Institute at NSI Training Center

Are you new to the vibration field and want to gain more expertise? The Vibration Institute vibration analyst certification program is the benchmark and recognized as one of the highest standards of industry knowledge and competence among professionals in the field. This IS THE ONLY vibration analyst certification program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). 

There are 4 certification levels with the 1st being category 1. If you’re interested in becoming a category 1 vibration analyst, this course is for you.

Join us at our Newtown Training facility for a 4-day training course with the Vibration Institute. Details of the course are below!

June 3rd-6th

CAT I – Introduction to Machinery Vibration (IMV)

IMV prepares attendees to perform a range of simple machinery vibration condition monitoring and diagnostic activities. It is recommended for individuals as an introduction to machinery vibrations and is partial preparation for the Vibration Analyst Category I Certification Exam. The workshops and demonstrations scheduled throughout the training course are used to illustrate theory and applications. All registered attendees will receive:

• Course Training Manual
• Printed Copy of Course PowerPoints
• Workbook with examples, vibration related questions requiring a solution and 18436-2 Annex A from the Body of Knowledge
• Calculator
• Ruler
• Electronic Certificate of Course Completion

The IMV training is a four-day course and it will begin at 8:00 A.M. and conclude at 5:00 P.M. Monday – Wednesday and 3:00 P.M. on Thursday

IMV Course Content Includes An introduction and background to Vibration; Sources, Uses, Effects, Definitions, Predictive Maintenance, Measurement Concepts, Machines, Basic Analysis, Vibration Sensors and Vibration Instrumentation.

There is a workshop supporting each chapter. The student will test their knowledge and understanding of the material presented for that chapter by completing the workshops during the time allowed in class. The instructor will then review the workshop with the class. The student’s time and understanding of the workshop materials will aid them in their preparation for the certification exam.

Training and Workshops Include:

1. Vibration Sources and Use; definitions, units, properties, measurements, motions, time, frequency, and amplitude.
2. Basic Machinery Vibration; conversions, analysis, excitation, natural frequencies, resonance and critical speeds.
3. Data Collection and Analysis; physical observations, sensors, frequency spans, measures, triggering, sensor mounting, sensor location and instruments.
4. Machine Characteristics; fault sources, frequencies, design, function, acceptance testing, fault and condition analysis.
5. Vibration Instruments; meters, oscilloscopes, data collectors, analyzers and virtual instruments.
6. Vibration Testing; periodic monitoring, data collection, transducer positioning, alarms and reports.
7. Basic Analysis; mass unbalance, misalignment, looseness, rolling element bearings, blade pass, vane pass and gear mesh.
8. Vibration Severity; bearing housing evaluation, shaft vibration, gears, bearings, charts and graphs.

It is recommended that attendees review the Body of Knowledge found in ISO 18436-2 Annex A, prior to the course.

Course Agenda:

Monday – Wednesday: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Thursday: 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Optional CAT I Exam: Friday 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Registration Fee:

Member: $1,950

Non-Member: $2,050

Includes Course Materials, Lunch, and Afternoon Break

Optional Certification Exam to be administered the day AFTER the course:

Vibration Analyst Category I: $350

Vibration Analyst Category II: $400

Vibration Analyst Category III: $450

Vibration Analyst Category IV: $500

Balancing Field Specialist Exam: $350

Register here!

Cyber Security Warning: Water and Sewage-Treatment Municipalities

 

Attacks on American infrastructure show no signs of abating. Various threat actors have expressed intentions to undermine the American way of life by targeting crucial infrastructure components. The recent breach of a water treatment pump station in Western PA underscores the urgent need to refocus our efforts on enhancing security measures.

Security stands as the cornerstone of every controls project that NSI has consulted on. While “security” is commonly mentioned as a buzzword, few grasp the intricacies of the complex devices that implement protection right down to the packet level.

 

Outlined below are some fundamental aspects of security implementation:

Password Management

Infiltration often starts with the basics. The default password remains the easiest gateway for unauthorized access. Failing to change the default to a more robust password exposes vulnerabilities to threat actors. Managing user access as they transition within an organization can significantly reduce    potential vulnerabilities in your control architecture.

Network Isolation

Does your network truly need constant connectivity to the global internet? Have you explored the use of virtual private networks or private APNs for remote assets to shrink the network’s surface area? Evaluate the necessity of connectivity. Consider the open ports on the network’s edge and their essentiality.

Support and Updates

Are you consistently updating your network’s software to the latest versions? Has your SCADA system addressed critical vulnerabilities in recent updates? Threat actors continually adapt their attack methods. Software that was secure last year may now be vulnerable. It’s crucial to stay ahead and ensure ongoing updates for your most critical assets.

 

Are you consistently updating your network’s software to the latest versions? Has your SCADA system addressed critical vulnerabilities in recent updates? Threat actors continually adapt their attack methods. Software that was secure last year may now be vulnerable. It’s crucial to stay ahead and ensure ongoing updates for your most critical assets.

Ask yourself the following questions. If any of your answers make you nervous then NSI Neal Systems can offer assistance:

1. Do you truly understand your network and is there a diagram showing all device make / model plus all connections? 

2. Have you reduced or eliminated your exposure to the outside world i.e. Internet connections, remote access ports, allowance of USB sticks, cell modems and radios?

3. For the access that is available, have you reduced the number of people that can use it and do you support multi-factor authentication?

4. Do you have a firewall at the edges of your network?

5. Do you have a dedicated Industrial cyber security device that understand Modbus TCP, EtherNet IP and DNP3 and can examine each data packet as it passes through?

NSI works with hundreds of water facilities, private and municipal, from PA to NY to NJ to DE to MD to VA.  We help with wireless systems, controls, RTUs, SCADA, and instrumentation.  What you may not know is that we can help you with cybersecurity! Contact NSI today!

For more information on this topic click here!