• Copa-Data's Chameleon puts "skins" on displays
• Endress+Hauser introduces Liquiphant M Density Meter
• Embedded Labs releases fasaLINK OPC-UA Server
• Impress Sensors announces CMC-99 PID controller
• M2M updates Netbiter EasyConnect portal

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Benefits of FF HSE with ABB System 800xA
By David Huffman, ABB
FOUNDATION Fieldbus High Speed Ethernet (FF HSE) has been a technology available to automation system suppliers since 1999, but very few suppliers have provided the full features and functionality to their clients. This white paper explains how ABB System 800xA uses FF HSE more extensively than other control systems.

Tuning the Forgotten Loop
By Steve Rubin, Longwatch
The “forgotten loop” has been the operator, who is typically trained to “average” parameters to run adequately under most steady-state conditions. “Advanced tuning” of the operator could yield even better outputs, with higher quality, fewer errors and a wider response to fluctuating operating conditions. This paper explores the issue of improving operator actions, and a method for doing so.

Seven Ways Today's Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Can Save You 20% or More
By ABB
Traditionally PLCs have been used in process and batch applications to save on the initial costs compared to DCS systems. As the cost of DCS systems have dropped, and the ease of programming has improved, many engineers are looking into this viable alternative to significantly reduce the costs of new and upgraded process and batch automation.

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Fluke publishes test tool catalog  
64-page catalog covers electrical, HVAC, mechanical, controls, general operations, building diagnostics, and energy management.

Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application
Book by Harold L. Wade
The second edition of this best-seller covers the topics of tuning feedback control loops, multiplicative feed-forward control, and other control techniques such as split-range control, cross-limiting control, floating control, techniques for increasing effective valve rangeability, and time proportioning control, and more. The book teaches the practice of process control for the wet process industries by stresses the study of real, imperfect processes rather than system.

Fieldbuses for Process Control: Engineering, Operation, and Maintenance
Book by Jonas Berge
This implementation-oriented book provides a clear and concise presentation of how to apply fieldbuses for process control. Based on experience collected from end-users in a wide range of industries around the world, it provides “how-to” information for all phases of the system life cycle from engineering to device and strategy configuration, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, operation, and maintenance.

Condensed Handbook of Measurement and Control, 3rd Edition
Book By N. E. Battikha
Selecting and implementing measurement and control devices for process automation applications is made easier with this best-selling reference. This clear and concise third edition provides quick access to ISA symbology, instrument and control valve selection criteria, and conversion guidelines, with new sections on maintenance, calibration, decision-making skills, and consulting. A bonus CD-ROM is also included.

Advanced pH Measurement and Control, 3rd Edition
Book by Gregory K. McMillan and Robert A. Cameron
This best-selling book provides a clear, concise, and comprehensive view of how to select, install, and maintain electrodes, control valves, and control strategies for pH applications critical for product and water quality in the process industry. The book covers every aspect of system design including the mixing and reagent piping requirements that are important for a successful application.

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STW cuts costs with pump management  
Control Engineering Europe, January 2010
Severn Trent Water (STW) in the UK claimed savings of up to £2,400 (€2,700) a week when it overhauled its pump maintenance with control software from ABB.

Integrated process control that works  
Process & Control Engineering, March 2010
By Sean Cahill, Siemens
Cadbury upgraded a dental care production process in Australia with a Siemens SIMATIC PCS. The original process was a manual system, where various pieces of process equipment each with its own control system had been added.

Focus on Critical Assets Pays Off  
Chemical Processing, February 2010
By Joel Holmes, Monsanto
Since an Emerson AMS asset optimization program was initiated more than two years ago at the Monsanto herbicides plant in Muscatine, Iowa, it's prevented several potentially expensive process interruptions, saving the company tens of thousands of dollars.

The Advanced Digital Fieldbus Option for Nuclear Plants
Power, February 2010
By Jack Y. Zhao, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Digital fieldbus technologies, including Foundation fieldbus and Profibus, are increasingly being used with success in the nuclear and fossil fuel power industries. This article compares a conventional control system with a Foundation fieldbus – based digital control system used in a typical circulating water system in a nuclear power plant.

ABB upgrades Expert Optimizer systems in Brazil
Upgrade improves reliability and efficiency of alternative fuel use for Votorantim’s Itau and Salto plants in Brazil. Expert Optimizer was first installed at the plants in 1995.

Browse more application stories on the Process Control portal.

ISA Introduction to the Management of Alarm Systems
April 13, 2010
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Course focuses on key activities of the alarm management lifecycle provided in the ANSI/ISA18.00.02 standard, Management of Alarm Systems for the Process Industries. Activities include the alarm philosophy development, alarm rationalization, basic alarm design, advanced alarm techniques, HMI design for alarms, monitoring, assessment, management of change, and audit. Price: $545.

ISA - Project Management for Automation Engineers
April 14, 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO, United States
This course will teach project management as specifically applied to automation projects. This event is part of the 2010 St. Louis Automation EXPO, http://www.isastl.org/expo2010.

Honeywell Experion PKS-OPC Implementation, Security & Troubleshooting - Manchester
April 19, 2010 - April 23, 2010
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
The OPC Training Institute and Honeywell partnered to host training that specifically targets the Honeywell Experion PKS implementation of OPC. Learn about Honeywell Experion PKS working with OPC, troubleshooting/repairing DCOM problems, ensuring security. This training enables students to delve into DCOM configuration and diagnostics with Honeywell Experion PKS.

Smart Instrumentation
April 27, 2010
Location: London, UK
This is your chance to attend the vendor-neutral UK event dedicated to smart instrumentation. Executive panel discussions and real life case studies will discuss the key issues facing the industry, including how to harness the full diagnostic benefits, selecting a communications infrastructure or meeting safety standards requirements.

Honeywell Experion PKS-OPC Implementation, Security & Troubleshooting - Atlanta
May 10, 2010 - May 14, 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA, United States
The OPC Training Institute and Honeywell partnered to host training that specifically targets the Honeywell Experion PKS implementation of OPC. Learn about Honeywell Experion PKS working with OPC, troubleshooting/repairing DCOM problems, ensuring security. This training enables students to delve into DCOM configuration and diagnostics with Honeywell Experion PKS.

Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Process Control portal.

Pepperl+Fuchs offers Fundamentals of Fieldbus Technology seminar  
Non-commercial training seminar on April 21, 2010, teaches the basic principles, advantages and benefits of fieldbus technology and segment design.

Invensys licenses ExxonMobil process models  
Invensys will use the suite of models in its SimSci-Esscor optimization software.

CSB sheds light on fatal Kleen Energy explosion  
HazardEx, March 2010
The Kleen Energy accident occurred during a planned work activity to clean debris from natural gas pipes at the plant. To remove the debris, workers used natural gas at a high pressure of approximately 650 pounds per square inch. The high velocity of the natural gas flow was intended to remove any debris in the new piping.

BP must fix hazards now  
HazardEx, March 2010
An OSHA inspection has revealed more than 60 violations of safety practice at the Toledo refinery in Oregon which could cost BP more than $3 million in fines. This latest fine for BP comes just months after regulators imposed a record penalty on the company over its refinery in Texas.

Honeywell signs distributor in Puerto Rico  
Coneco de Puerto Rico will be the primary regional distribution channel for Honeywell in the Caribbean.

Browse more company and organizational news on the Process Control portal.

Honeywell to provide technology and system design for Shell  
Honeywell signed a global five-year agreement to be a Main Automation Contractor (MAC) for Shell.

Automation solution for new power plant in Greece  
HazardEX, February 2010
ABB won an order from power plant contractor Rodax to design, engineer, supply and commission a complete distributed control system (DCS) solution for a new 427-megawatt, gas-fired thermal power plant on the island of Evia, in eastern Greece.

Invensys to install IntelaTrac Mobile Solution for Chevron  
The mobile solution will support Chevron’s upstream operations with configurable software and ruggedized mobile hardware solutions that enable workers to better manage workflow, procedural and general management tasks.

Emerson to control Samra combined-cycle power plant in Jordan  
Emerson will install six Ovation expert control systems, AMS software, and HART intelligent field devices at the new Samra Combined-cycle Power Plant in Zarka, Jordan.

ABB to provide automation for new power plant in Greece  
ABB will supply a complete distributed control system (DCS) solution for a new 427-megawatt, gas-fired thermal power plant.

Browse more project news on the Process Control portal.

Hannover Messe 2010
April 19, 2010 - April 23, 2010
Location: Hannover, Germany
The world's leading showcase for industrial technology is staged annually in Hannover, Germany. Italy to be featured as its official Partner Country. In 2010 the spotlight will be on industrial automation, energy, technology, industrial subcontracting and cutting-edge technologies.

55th ISA Analysis Division Symposium
April 25, 2010 - April 29, 2010
Location: New Orleans, LA, USA
This long-running symposium, sponsored by the ISA Analysis Division, will continue to offer an outstanding forum for discussion of new and innovative process and other analytical techniques, developments, and applications.

ISA Central Arizona Section Tabletop & Training
May 13, 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Arizona's only Instrument and Control Tabletop Exhibit, Four great training sessions, and lunch is provided. Training sessions:
1. PV Solar System Design and Installation
2. Control of multiple GenSets
3. Field Instruments - current technology
4. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) - current technology

ABB Automation & Power World 2010
May 18, 2010 - May 20, 2010
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Automation & Power World was designed with a specific focus - to provide engineers and business leaders with a single event where they can experience and learn the latest in Automation and Power technology, and more importantly how it can benefit their business' profitability.

Honeywell Users Group (HUG) Americas Symposium
June 13, 2010 - June 17, 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
HUG symposium features hands-on demonstrations of the latest technology, one-to-one interaction with products experts, and group discussions with other Honeywell users.

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Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com

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