Articles
Optimising motion control — getting the most from resolvers
For engineers who design motion control systems that operate in hostile environments, the biggest headache is finding hardware that will give them accurate position data on moving machine elements. Many new sensing devices simply cannot function reliably under rugged conditions. In this situation, the engineer’s best option is a tried-and-true feedback sensor that has been available since the 1940s — the resolver.
[ + ]From telemetry to the enterprise — the evolution of the 21st century SCADA system
The SCADA system of the early 21st century is vastly different from the system it was in its earliest beginnings, just 50 or so years ago.
[ + ]Securing SCADA field systems — Part 1
The most famous attack on a SCADA system took place in Australia in 2001. As reported by news.com.au and other sources, Vitek Boden, a disgruntled former employee of the contractor who installed a computer system for the Maroochy Shire Council, near Brisbane, later hacked into the system.
[ + ]Compressed air audit and upgrade
A recent multi-stage upgrade of the chicken processing facility at Adelaide Poultry, with the assistance of Champion Compressors, was able to reduce the power consumption of the plant’s compressors by 15%, while increasing throughput by 375%.
[ + ]World’s largest ‘smart’ pulp mill in Chile
The world’s largest ‘smart’ pulping mill has been built by Celulosa Arauco at Nueva Aldea in central Chile. Digital automation by Emerson Process Management allows mill personnel to readily access more data, allowing for easier calibration and greater mill-wide visibility, efficiency and management.
[ + ]In pursuit of the perfect plant
Manufacturers today operate in a highly complex, distributed and fragmented environment. On one hand, globalisation has created tremendous opportunities to develop new products, serve new customers and pursue new markets. On the other hand, competitive stakes are getting higher than ever. You face unprecedented pressures to cut operating costs, deliver on time, optimise use of available assets and adhere to regulatory and compliance edicts.
[ + ]Tough notebooks help Byrnecut Mining down under
A Perth resources company is using Panasonic Toughbooks to help repair essential mining equipment in the depths of some of the world’s largest underground mines.
[ + ]OPC and DCOM: Five things you need to know — Part 1
OPC technology relies on Microsoft’s COM and DCOM to exchange data between automation hardware and software; however, it can be frustrating for new users to configure DCOM properly. If you have ever been unable to establish an OPC connection or transfer OPC data successfully, the underlying issue is likely DCOM-related.
[ + ]Processing carbon emissions
Processes for creating products and services are being scrutinised carefully for any negative contribution to overall carbon footprints, and carbon accounting and management has fast become a part of the Australian business landscape.
[ + ]Efficient use of compressed air
Compressed air is often the highest energy cost for many businesses, but 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.
[ + ]The power of integrated motion control
System integrators and OEMs are faced with the challenge of designing machines that are more compact, less expensive and more reliable. This is a challenge that is greatly impacted by the components available to design into the machine.
[ + ]Cylinder takes the stress out of bridge project
It looks like a menacing multi-barrel cannon of the type slung beneath fighter jets, but the purpose of this dark cylinder is constructive, not destructive. The Enerpac 900-tonne hydraulic stressing cylinder, supplied and customised by Jonel Hydraulics, will be used by Post Tensioning and Grouting to simultaneously tension dozens of high tensile stressing strands for bridge sections of the $NZ250 million-plus Tauranga Harbour Bridge crossing in New Zealand.
[ + ]The importance of oil-free air for PET blowing compressors
Oil contamination is an invisible enemy in all bottling installations and aseptic environments. Atlas Copco’s ZD high-pressure compressors are suitable for PET packaging production and now offer the security of 100% certified oil-free air with a Class 0 certification.
[ + ]DCS or PLC? — Seven questions to help you select the best solution
The convergence of PLC and DCS technologies has created a situation where it is more challenging than ever for process manufacturers to select the best technology for their application. A successful evaluation should start by developing a clear picture of the requirements of your application and the needs of your engineering, maintenance and operations personnel. To help clearly define these requirements and needs for your company, this paper outlines the seven key questions that will lead you to making the right choice.
[ + ]Industry pushes science
The Antarctic Plateau is considered the most inhospitable inhabited place on Earth. At Dome C, within the Australian Antarctic Territory, mid-winter minimum temperatures drop to -81°C and access to and from the outside world becomes impossible outside the very small window of 12 weeks, during which time the sun rises above the horizon.
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