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Author Profile
Gregory K. McMillan
270 Results Found
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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. -
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How to Determine the Reliability of an Actuator
Several different on/off actuator designs are available today. Some employ a scotch yoke mechanism, others use a rack and pinion, Plant experience suggests that the diminutive piston o-ring design can -
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. -
News
ISA Author Spotlight: Greg McMillan Career Is an Open Book
Winner of ISA’s prestigious Life Achievement Award & many times awarded for achievements during his career, Greg McMillan is ISA’s most prolific author. -
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 -
FeatureWhat Are the Factors that Affect VFD Rangeability?
What are the factors that affect VFD rangeability? -
FeatureHow to Create a P&ID
P&IDs should generally follow ISA symbols for the basic instruments. If you follow that symbology, most anyone can read and understand the P&IDs quickly. -
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What Are the Important Criteria for Selecting a System Integrator for an Industrial Project?
Choosing an integrator for an industrial automation project is like choosing an architect for the house of your dreams – you can get almost any architect to build a dwelling structure, but the house o -
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How to Select a System Integrator for an Industrial Automation Project
Look for an industrial systems integrator that can add value…not one that just does what you tell them. A good integrator will ask lots of questions so they fully understand your process. -
FeatureAnnubar or Orifice Flowmeter: What Is the Best Application for an Oil Storage Tank?
The permanent pressure loss is less for an annubar than an orifice flowmeter. -
FeatureWhat Is the Proper Back Pressure Control Valve Type?
To minimize interaction between a back pressure loop and a flow loop in series, the pressure drop should be much greater across the flow control valve. -
FeatureWhat Are Best Practices for Sizing a Pump Recycle Valve?
Recycle valves are used to maintain limited flow through a pump to avoid cavitation under dead-head or low flow conditions. -
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How Do You Handle Manual Operations in Industrial Process Control?
With a requirement for manual action, slow down transitions in manual operations by use of velocity limits on the setpoints of PID and analog output blocks. -
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How Do You Determine a Measurement Is Good Enough for Control?
Often measurement errors are expressed as a percent of full scale and are therefore larger in terms of percent of operating setpoint.