- Posted
- Aug 7, 2008
Process technology for soft drinks
Soft drinks, water and juices are the big winners for the next few years. Top of the consumer’s list is bottled water, but juice, juice drinks and, in particular, new kinds of beverages will experience above average growth. Read more »
- Posted
- Jul 30, 2008
When did you last inspect your safety light curtains?
Companies using light curtains to safeguard machinery often do not appreciate the implications of the regulatory requirement for inspections. Read more »
- Posted
- Jul 14, 2008
Science in a beer bottle reveals the natural attractions of DAF liquid-solid separation
Dissolved air flotation (DAF) remains one of the most popular processes used for separation of solids from liquids. Read more »
- Posted
- Jul 10, 2008
- By
- Kylie Wilson-Field
Putting the focus on sustainable process engineering
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of products, services and solutions to the process industries, Emerson Process Management has begun to take a serious look at the future of the industry in terms of sustainability. In a recent interview with ProcessOnline, the many ways the company is adapting to the global changes that are forcing companies to become more environmentally aware were discussed. Read more »
- Posted
- Jun 12, 2008
- By
- John Immelman*
Seeking self-adjusting instruments
Modern process instruments incorporate a fair degree of intelligence used to optimise process variable accuracy and reliability, and can even undertake predictive maintenance. But they fail miserably in two critical aspects even when compared with technologies we use every day — self-adjustment and self-healing. Read more »
- Posted
- Jun 11, 2008
Where vision meets sensors
Discrete sensors and vision tend to be at polar opposites in complexity and capability. But sensor suppliers are now providing more sophisticated sensors and application techniques advancing up the curve towards vision solutions, and vision providers are trying to expand down the curve towards the discrete sensor world. But instead of a crash of technologies, a new layer of technology is evolving that combines the best from each. Read more »
- Posted
- May 15, 2008
Analysing alarm and trend data: from insight to action
In the complex and demanding environment that most SCADA system users operate in, real insight comes from asking and answering the right questions. Read more »
- Posted
- May 15, 2008
- By
- Hector Lin*
The advantages of small form factor HMI
As embedded computers have become ubiquitous, so too the need for human machine interfaces has grown. Now small form factor HMIs appear headed for inclusion in nearly every part of human existence. Read more »
- Posted
- May 8, 2008
- By
- John Davis*
New ISO12500 standards help users compare compressed air quality and contamination
When selecting compressed air purification equipment, installers and users often compare the performance of equipment from many manufacturers in an effort to cost-effectively achieve the quality of compressed air required by their application. A new ISO standard will add greater clarity to the decision-making process. Read more »
- Posted
- Apr 9, 2008
- By
- Helge Hornis, PhD*
Ethernet and AS-Interface: the ideal partner networks for industrial automation
In manufacturing plant networks, what is frequently overlooked is the lowest level of automation, where sensors, simple binary actuator and safety inputs reside. At this level the number of wire leads that must be routed, stripped and terminated is staggering. Read more »
- Posted
- Apr 9, 2008
- By
- Matrikon Inc.
The case for condition-based maintenance
Keeping physical assets in proper working order is essential to any organisation. Today, most maintenance is still performed either according to a set calendar schedule or according to that most ancient of operating procedures: “if it breaks, fix it”. But in a modern, data-intensive industrial environment we can do much better, and take plant performance to the next level with condition-based maintenance (CBM). Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 19, 2008
Safety fieldbus in the process industries
As end users discover the benefits of fieldbus with their process automation systems, many are beginning to wonder why they haven't been able to enjoy similar benefits with their safety instrumented systems (SIS) Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 19, 2008
- By
- Glenn Johnson, Editor
Environmentally safe hydraulic oils - Part 2
In Part 1 of our story last month, we looked at the desirable features of a non-petroleum-based hydraulic fluid. This month we continue by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic fluids based on vegetable oils Read more »
- Posted
- Feb 20, 2008
- By
- Jessica Starreveld
Driverless mining operations in the Pilbara
Driverless trains, ore drills and even trucks are set to change the way mining in remote areas is done Read more »
- Posted
- Feb 20, 2008
- By
- Glenn Johnson, Editor
Environmentally safe hydraulic oils - Part 1
Spills of standard, petroleum-based hydraulic fluids are known to kill marine life and contaminate soil. Environmentally safe hydraulic fluids are formulated to avoid these undesirable results Read more »
- Posted
- Jan 21, 2008
Simplified viscosity measurement boosts plant productivity and saves money
The accurate measurement and control of viscosity is absolutely critical in many processes as it determines the product's characteristics and quality and can optimise input material costs Read more »
- Posted
- Jan 21, 2008
Automation for an alternative waste technology plant
AnaeCo has an agreement with the WMRC to construct and operate a commercial-scale DiCOM facility at its existing waste transfer station, 6 km from the Perth Central Business District Read more »
- Posted
- Jan 21, 2008
- By
- Kylie Wilson-Field, Journalist
Closing the gender gap in the mining industry
In 2006, mining giant BHP Billiton published its annual sustainability report that featured case studies on women and their high-profile roles within the company Read more »
- Posted
- Jan 21, 2008
Maintenance and the efficient use of compressed air
Compressed air is often the highest energy cost for many businesses. Unfortunately, this resource is often seen as unlimited. It is therefore important that this valuable energy source be utilised efficiently, in all processes, at all times Read more »
- Posted
- Dec 14, 2007
Alarm management: realising the value
The alarm system is the primary tool for identifying abnormal operations and helping plant personnel take timely, appropriate action to move the process back to operational targets Read more »
- New molybdenum mine in the Pilbara
- Process technology for soft drinks
- Sarina distillery upgrade planned
- Data logger with 32 isolated channels
- Serial communication products
- Using seawater to cut emissions
- Selecting electric motors for severe...
- Low differential pressure transmitter
- Electrical engineer honoured with...
- E+H sets new patent record
