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Ask the Automation Pros
This long-running series of discussions, curated by 2010 ISA Life Achievement Award recipient Greg McMillan, gathers responses from ISA subject-matter experts on technical topics important to industrial automation professionals, academics and students.
169 Results Found
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What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of Differential Pressure Flow Devices?
Each type of differential pressure flowmeter has a variety of pros and cons but the sheer number of types provides many options to the engineer -
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Why a Virtual Plant Is Crucial for Process Control Improvement
A virtual plant provides uses the actual plant’s control system & operator interface crucial for training and all levels of process control improvement. -
FeatureThe Benefits of Learning the Industrial Codes
Try to learn at least one relevant industrial code or one code section each year and seek to apply that knowledge often so that it is not lost. -
FeatureHow to Use High Rangeability Flowmeters and Valves to Increase Plant Turndown
To increase plant turndown, use control valves and flow measurements with the best low flow response and precision. -
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How to Specify a Capillary Seal Assembly
Be extremely careful to select knowledgeable technicians to install capillary seals. Many a pipefitter has pulled them out of the box and bolted them up without the proper gaskets and spacers. If this -
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How to Maximize Loop Coordination and Optimization
Employ setpoint filters, velocity limits and external-reset feedback to meet the process control objectives at your plant or facility. -
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How to Eliminate Split Range Oscillations in Process Control
Use precise valves, scheduled tuning, external-reset feedback, directional rate setpoint limits, and an enhanced PID to stop split range oscillations. -
FeatureThe Value of Process in Designing or Improving an Industrial Control System
Designing and/or improving a control system is practically impossible if the team does not understand the process. -
FeatureWhy You Should Not Use On-Off Valves as Control Valves
On-off valves should not be used as control valves (for throttling) and control valves should not be used as on-off valves (for isolation). -
FeatureWhy Operators Can Make or Break an Automation Project
Operator buy-in and approval are critical to automation project success. Get the operators involved in the design process early and listen to what they say. -
FeatureWhy You Should Look for Opportunities to Improve Plant Profitability
Estimate benefits from a decrease in variability & an increase production rate. Implement solutions where an increase in plant profitability is justified -
FeaturePitfalls of Selecting Low-Cost Industrial Instrumentation
Buying high-quality instrumentation does not mean that the buyer has to pay list price. -
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Why You Should Use an Enhanced PID for At-Line and Off-Line Analyzers
An enhanced PID can simplify the tuning and improve the stability for loops with large and/or variable analyzer update times. -
FeatureThe Cost of a Continuous Waste Stream in Process Automation
Any continuous waste stream is an excellent candidate for a money saving opportunity. Always keep an eye out for them. -
FeatureAutomation Industry Career Tip: Be a Team Player
For a successful automation industry career, work together on a one-on-one basis, and seek inspiration and recognition as a team. -
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ISA Mentor Program: The Key to the Future
The ISA Mentor Program is an ad hoc and extra curricula activity worth sacrificing free time to advance the careers of young automation professionals. -
FeatureAutomation Industry Career Tip: Learn New Skills and Explore Technological Advances
An emerging opportunity is learning how to mine information from an asset management system and an instrument management system. -
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Automation Week: Control Performance Track
Effective and accurate measurement and control are essential components of both improved efficiency and profitability of industrial operations. Traditionally, increased efficiency directly translated -
FeatureWhy Control Panels Can Be a Source of Risk in Retrofit Projects
Project management is really just risk management, and a large source of risk to an automation project is the control panels. -
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How to Use Control Loops to Eliminate Manual Actions and Sequences in Process Control
Use a PID control to eliminate manual actions and scheduled actions whenever a reasonable PV measurement is available. -
FeatureThe Importance of I/O Cards When Performing a DCS Retrofit
The electrical analysis of the systems should not be assigned to a junior engineer. -
FeatureThe Importance of Minimizing Dead Time in Process Automation
Minimize the largest sources of dead time in process control applications and consider the use of an enhanced PID developed for wireless and feedforward control for large dead times. -
FeatureAutomation Industry Career Advice: Seek Conversations with Knowledgeable People
Start a conversation with everyone responsible for the successful implementation, maintenance, and operation of your designs. -
FeatureThe Benefits of Lifelong Learning for an Industrial Automation Career
The more knowledge an industrial engineer masters, the more valuable he or she becomes. -
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How to Get the Most out of Your PID Controller
Technical paper shows you how to get the most out of your PID controller, extending its functionality from basic to advanced control. -
FeatureHow to Improve Batch Reactor Temperature Control
Temperature is a critical condition for chemical reactions to take place. In batch process, control becomes more complicated because of the variability of level, pressure and concentrations. -
FeatureWhat Is the Best Approach in Developing a Dynamic Process Model?
The primary objective of a dynamic model of a continuous process for process control is for the open loop gain, open loop time constant, and total loop deadtime be correct for the effect of each proce -
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What Are the Pro and Cons of Different Types of Dynamic Process Simulators?
The best way to classify process simulators is to look at the original intent of the simulator software when first released, who are the software developers, who configures the models, and how are the -
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How to Check out DCS I/O at the Panel Shop
An I/O checkout on a DCS system is rather difficult because there is no means to “force” the I/O as you can most PLCs