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Author Profile
Gregory K. McMillan
270 Results Found
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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 Achieve Best Disturbance Rejection and Setpoint in Industrial Processes
Use disturbance rejection tuning, external-reset feedback, and a setpoint filter in your PID controller to achieve loop performance objectives. -
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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. -
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.