Articles
Non-invasive loop design
Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are ubiquitous. Designing and tuning them may appear simple in theory, but it can be difficult and time consuming in practice. Using model-based design, the development process can be improved by systematically designing, testing and implementing PID controllers on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers (PACs) and microprocessors.
[ + ]Effective OPC security for control systems - Part 1
For the past decade, industrial control systems administrators and engineers wanted to believe that ‘air gaps’ truly existed between their systems and the rest of the world. They have also hoped that ‘security by obscurity’ would keep them safe from security threats. Those days are over...
[ + ]Making smart choices with compressed air
There are several well-known - but probably misunderstood - facts about compressed air usage and systems throughout Australian industry. A consequence of this is that your compressed air system is an ideal place to start when looking into energy-efficiency opportunities.
[ + ]The case for hollow-shaft torque motors
Permanent magnet synchronous torque motors offer significant advantages on high energy consuming and high dynamic applications.
[ + ]Achieving next-generation connectivity
Industrial ethernet impacts every aspect of the operation. Building a strong industrial ethernet system and harnessing the power of its wireless component can reap unanticipated benefits for the entire facility.
[ + ]Pneumatic actuation for dirty environments
Integra Coal’s coal preparation plant, serving Camberwell and Glennies Creek coal mines in the Hunter Valley, uses an array of pneumatically actuated knife-gate valves to control coal flow to the preparation area. The company found that the two traditional methods of pneumatic actuation previously used in the plant were ineffective and inefficient.
[ + ]Integrating a network of wireless sensors with standard control systems
Wireless mesh networks are designed to provide high bandwidth communications channels between wireless sensing nodes over a specific coverage area.
[ + ]Partnering with Asia in mining automation
The mining industry in Western Australia continues to expand at a rapid rate, particularly for iron ore exports. The demand from overseas is so high that end users are looking to invest in additional mining companies to fulfil orders. Mining companies may need to expand their operations in order to meet their obligations.
[ + ]Optimising assets through reliability-centred maintenance
In technical literature, reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) continues to show up as the prominent future strategic direction in machinery maintenance, and for good reason. RCM is the best method to use when optimising the operational reliability of plant equipment. It is important for reliability professionals to understand RCM and how condition-monitoring tools fit into the RCM picture.
[ + ]Take care of your pumps and they’ll take care of you
The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care” may have been coined by process and plant engineers tired of repairing or replacing pumps. Pumps are often the most underserviced pieces of equipment in process automation when it comes to maintenance and prevention best practices.
[ + ]Pressure regulator selection
Regulators are available in a variety of types, designs and materials of construction, and choices should be made with care.
[ + ]Game changer
A key aspect of the ‘perfect plant’ is having the right information in the right place at the right time. However, in the modern plant, the right time to view this information is not when you are standing in front of an operator console. It is when you are in the field, in front of a failing piece of equipment or discussing a problem while on the move. More often than not, the right way to deliver information is by putting it in the hands of a mobile worker.
[ + ]Peristaltic pump tackles troublesome pH levels at food manufacturer
Convenience food manufacturer Greencore Group has achieved significant savings in downtime and repair costs on the water treatment plant by installing a Bredel SPX50 high-pressure peristaltic hose pump from Watson-Marlow Pumps Group.
[ + ]Factories of the future
Australia is yet to discover the real potential of automation in the manufacturing, mining and processing industries though many processes are already automated to a degree. Factories of the future will undergo a digital revolution, which will herald a new world of productivity excellence.
[ + ]Plant-wide optimisation
Forward-thinking manufacturers constantly work to maximise asset utilisation, productivity and uptime - as well as integrate these with other aspects of the enterprise through plant-wide optimisation. The convergence of manufacturing and enterprise functions is more easily achieved using a common network technology. Gordon Bartlett discusses the implications.
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