Articles and News

The turbines were fitted with GE controls when initially delivered but were replaced 13 years ago. That didn't work, so GE is back.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Alex Bryce, Pilz Automation Technology Safety gates, protective covers and machine guards prevent hazards associated with moving parts. However, the correct functioning of a safeguard can only be guaranteed by using the appropriate sensor technology.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bob Hirschinger Because advancements to EtherNet/IP, machine builders are enjoying a new level of machine design flexibility through the use of a single network for their entire machine, including VFD and servo drives for integrated motion control.

El Paso Pipeline will be installing Flow-Cal’s Enterprise Version 8, to replace a legacy system internally developed.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Gregory Wilcox, Mike Hannah and Mark Devonshire Industry experts predicted that node cost, determinism issues and security risks would prohibit Ethernet’s growth into manufacturing, but it’s clear that this prediction hasn’t held true. We've experienced a swift rise and widespread industry adoption of Ethernet.

The scope of this project at AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals includes modernizing the process control of 7,000 I/O by replacing outdated PLCs with DeltaV and safety systems.

Honeywell will provide front-end engineering (FEED) support for the plant’s control system, including its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS), UniSim process simulators and field instrumentation.

The 160-page catalog focuses on piezo flexure based nanopositioning systems capable of repeatedly moving distances as small as the diameter of an atom.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Bill Lydon, Editor Judging from Automate 2011 and the IFR Executive Round Table, the robotics industry is on the move again. In 2010, the number of units sold worldwide almost doubled those in 2009. Here's an update on the robotics industry and overview of some interesting robot offerings.

Automation.com, June 2011 By Thomas R. Cutler Given the capital expense involved in material handling projects is usually in the millions, working with an independent project management professional is vital. Learn the questions to ask before hiring a material handling automation consultant.

Shock waves can be adequately controlled by optimizing the cooling pulsation timing and amplitude. This offers great potential for power plant turbine manufacturers to develop more compact engines.

The system will enable Alliant Energy to reduce system losses, manage reactive power supply and provide the future ability to implement conservation voltage reduction.

The Stuxnet worm is a sophisticated piece of computer malware designed to sabotage industrial processes.

Founded in 1991, Patti Engineering is a CSIA Certified control systems integration company based in Auburn Hills, MI with offices in Massachusetts and Texas.

Installing, Calibrating & Maintaining Electronic Instruments

Automation.com, June 2011 By J. Timothy Shea, VDC Research Group VDC Research partnered with Automation.com to conduct an extensive initiative into the market for wireline and wireless industrial networking infrastructure product markets. Recent research found that the demand outlook for wireline and wireless industrial networking infrastructure products will be quite healthy through 2015.

Cadence Technologies is a process systems integration and engineering firm specializing in services for the beverage and food processing industries.

ABB started a new blog focused on Process Automation. The blog hosts discussions on timely topics including Collaboration, Control Systems, Evolution, IEC61850, Integration, Migration and Safety.

ASME updated its standard on thermowells from the previous standard created in 1974, to create the ASME PTC 19.3TW – 2010.

Hindustan Petroleum implemented Honeywell’s Mobile Stations in their $200 million Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) project at their Mumbai refinery.

A 3-minute video highlighting the versatility of the Parsum IPP 70 In-line Particle Probe is now available.

Automation.com, May 2011 By Brian McDonald, Cisco Systems In the new global business environment, manufacturers are facing some of the toughest operational and strategic challenges in recent memory. Any new investment must pay for itself either through operational savings or revenue growth.

Automation.com, May 2011 By Scott Howard Industrial control systems were designed and built with a primary focus on performance, availability and reliability - not security. A new generation of standards-based security offerings lets operators defend their control system networks using the same technology that protects telecommunications, banking, and other critical IT infrastructure.

Collaborative Product Development Associates CPDA) is a provider of critical analyses of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) activities.

Apex Manufacturing Solutions relocated to new, larger offices in Boise, Idaho.

Honeywell will supply an Experion Process Knowledge System and Safety Manager to upgrade the automation systems at the refinery in Baiji, Iraq.

NovaTech will resell PAS’ Integrity software, which maps the configuration of automation systems including Distributed Control Systems, PLCs, Historians, and Safety Instrumented Systems.

Modbus joined with Fieldbus Foundation, PROFIBUS and the HART Communication Foundation to work on the development of wireless gateway specifications.

With Magma’s design software and the TSMC AMS Reference Flow 2.0, customers can accelerate the design and manufacture of next-generation analog/mixed-signal ICs.

The National Instruments NI WSN-3226 Wireless Measurement Node can be powered by Perpetuum’s vibration energy harvester technology.