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Author Profile
Gregory K. McMillan
271 Results Found
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Feature
Why You Should Decrease PID Gain and Reset Time for Pipeline and Inline Control
Pipeline and inline control loops have no back mixing and hence no process time constant in the response of the outlet to changes in the inlet. -
FeatureWhy You Should Test Every Communication Network Before DCS Start-up
Find a way to test any communication network prior to installation. About a week before every major DCS start-up, consider performing a “network startup.” -
FeatureBenefits of Increasing PID Gain and Reset Time for Vessels and Columns
Temperature loops on mixed volumes, gas pressure loops, and level loops need much larger than expected controller gains and reset times. -
Feature
How to Reduce Development Time and Industrial Project Risk by Testing and Proving New Code
If a piece of code is to be replicated many times, always have two different people independently test it whenever possible. -
Feature
First Principles for a Deeper Understanding of Industrial Automation
Conceptual knowledge should be sought to see the commonality in seemingly different industrial application requirements. -
FeatureWhy You Should Insist on Documented Code for Every New Process Industry Project
Add comments through the software during programming. People will be very glad that you did. -
FeatureThe Importance of Using Tuned Positioners on All Control Valves
Readback control of valve position compensates for a host of unknowns in connection with valve response but a positioner, like a controller, must be tuned. -
FeatureIf You Have to Tell Everyone How Smart You Are, You Probably Aren’t
If a person is extremely intelligent, it will be obvious to everyone after a casual conversation. -
FeatureWhy Automation Professionals Should Write and Present Technical Papers
As an engineer, your publications are as important for recognition of your expertise as publications of a supplier for recognition of a product’s capability. -
FeatureA College Degree May Not Be a Reliable Indicator of an Engineer's Level of Knowledge
You must earn respect, and show respect to others. An engineering degree (or lack thereof) is a poor indicator of an individual’s knowledge level.