Virtual Training & Operations
By Bill Lydon
The most thought-provoking demonstration at the 2009 IPS User Group Conference was the new EYEsim virtual reality system. It puts a user into a virtual plant and allows interactive operation, just as in a real plant. The user wears 3D glasses and uses a joystick to interact with the simulation. It is like playing a video game. Activities include walking through the virtual plant, checking controls, closing valves, reading gauges, and other tasks. The demonstration was complete with a simulated plant fire and the operator was guided to the shutoff valve to suppress the fire.

Downsizing advice for employers
By Jim Pinto
In this recessionary business environment, many employers are being forced to lay off employees to reduce costs. Done poorly, this can bring devastating long-term results. Here is my own considered advice.

ABB automation controls Stora Enso paper mill
ABB automation, power distribution, variable speed drive systems and electrification equipment is being used on the PM12 paper line at Stora Enso’s Kvarnsveden paper mill in Sweden.

Vishay web control used in coating pilot plant
Vishay provided a web tension measurement system to Western Michigan University (WMU) for use in its Coating Pilot Plant. The system precisely measures the sheet web tension between the coater backing rolls and the chill-roll S-wrap.

NUM CNC upgrades Gleason 782 gear hobber
The machine is used by a large aerospace components manufacturer in Chihuahua, Mexico, to produce spur, helical and crown gears with complex profiles.

Browse more Application Stories by topic on our Automation Portals.

Integration Objects releases free OPC Server testing tool
OPC Server Simulators include both an OPC DA/HDA server and an OPC A&E server simulator, allowing users to test any third party OPC Client application using simulated data and messages.

Navitar updates Optical Wizard online machine vision lens selection tool
Optical Wizard 2.0 resource tool can be used when needing a lens or complete lens system for machine vision electronic imaging applications.

Rockwell publishes Consultant Catalog for water and wastewater industry
Water and Wastewater Consultant Resource Catalog (CRC) helps consulting engineers specify automation and control products and solutions more easily.

Browse more Resources & Literature by topic on our Automation Portals.

Programmable Controllers, 4th Edition
By Thomas A. Hughes, Published by ISA
This fourth edition of Programmable Controllers discusses all phases of programmable controller applications from systems design and programming to installation, maintenance, and start-up. Used as a resource by thousands of technicians and engineers, this applications-based book provides a clear and concise presentation of the fundamental principles of programmable controllers for process and machine control, with increased coverage of all five standard PLC programming languages.

Real-Time Execution for IEC 61499
By Alois Zoitl, Published by ISA
IEC 61499 is the newly adopted standard for distributed control systems and follows on from the IEC 61131 standard for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This book discusses real-time execution of the models defined in the IEC 61499 standard with a closer look at predictable, event-triggered real-time systems.

Browse more Books on ISA's website.

Invensys to control Ultra-mega Power Plant in India
Invensys will provide distributed and critical control systems, emergency shutdown systems, advanced process control, plant optimization and operator training simulator technology.

ABB to control pumped-storage hydropower station in Switzerland
ABB will provide electrical equipment, including transformers, medium-voltage switchgears, as well as instrumentation and System 800xA automation systems.

Browse more Project News by topic on our Automation Portals.

Schneider Electric adopts B&R technology
Schneider Electric will update their machine controller and I/O system using B&R technology.

ISA describes plans for ISA Automation Week 2010
ISA Automation Week will feature intensive educational and applications-based technical conference sessions delivered by subject matter experts. The event will have a focused exhibition area for a limited number of companies to showcase products and services.

Emerson acquires EIM Controls
Since 1949, EIM Controls has pioneered product innovation and design in the manufacturing of electric valve actuators.

ABB CEO discusses Smart grid in New York City
Joe Hogan discussed the importance of developing a smarter grid, and the challenges that remain to be overcome, at the SmarterCities event in New York earlier this month

Invensys adds systems integrators as Wonderware partners
SIs include E-Technologies Group, DLT&V Systems Engineering, Global Automation Partners, SYSMAKER Engenharia de Sistemas Lda, and Autoware S.r.l. Unipersonale.

Northwire promotes Katina Kravik to chief executive officer
Kravik represents the third generation in her family to own and lead the privately held 37-year old company.

ARC expects decline in Field Instrument shipments in 2010
The drop-off in bookings experienced through 2009 is expected to result in a decline for field instrument shipments through 2010 and into 2011.

ARC says Oil & Gas sector will invest in automation
Automation expenditures by the upstream oil and gas sector, which includes exploration, production, and pipelines, are expected to grow at an annual growth rate of nearly seven percent over the next five years.

ABB expects 3rd quarter income to be down to $1 billion
ABB will adjust certain provisions and accruals resulting in an overall reduction of approximately $380 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Other Company & Organization News:

• Grant Thornton says health care, 401(k) and bonuses going down
• PEERS program aims to send stimulus money to manufacturers
• E-T-A ESX10-T CSA approved for hazardous areas
• KUKA opens US research center

Browse more Company & Organization News by topic on our Automation Portals.

New Jobs:

• Territory Sales Manager: B&R Industrial Automation - Los Angeles, CA
• Key Account Manager: Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. - Houston, TX
• Regional Sales Manager Northeast: Swan Analytical USA, Inc. - Northeastern states
• SCADA Technician: Tualatin Valley Water District - Beaverton, OR

To view job postings, please use our Job Search Function. For recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.

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Wireless Networking Technologies webinar
October 30, 2009 1:00 p.m. EST
WINA presents a live webinar, “Wireless Networking Technologies--Co-Existence and Compatibility; What You Need to Know About WiFi and ISA/HART.” Price: $40.

ISA-18.2 Alarm Management Webinar
November 18, 2009 8:00 am CST
November 19, 2009 3:00 pm CST
Bill Hollifield, PAS Principal Alarm Management Consultant and ISA SP-18 Committee Member, will host two 30-minute webinars to review the new ISA-18.2

Other Upcoming Events & Training:

• Using WirelessHART Technology in Process Industries: October-November, 2009 - various cities
• Fieldbus Foundation North American End User Seminar: November 3-4, 2009
• Invensys OpsManage'09 WonderWorld: November 3-5, 2009
• PLC Troubleshooting Workshop: November 3-5, 2009
• Practical TCP/IP and Ethernet Networking for Industry: November 9-10, 2009
• AUTOMATION 2010: November 10, 2009
• Automation Fair: November 11-12, 2009
• Practical Boiler Control and Instrumentation for Engineers & Technicians: November 16-20, 2009
• Practical Instrumentation for Automation and Process Control: November 20-24, 2009
• OSIsoft vCampus Live! 2009: December 1-2, 2009
• LabAutomation2010: January 23-26, 2010

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