Articles and News

Rockwell Automation will collaborate in the transformation of the century-old, open-pit mine into a technologically advanced “super cave” mine that uses a block-caving extraction process. This advanced method is expected to extend the life of the mine by at least 40 years, improving its asset utilization.

By Nick Boughton, Boulting Technology This article explains how the timeline of power grid modernization, including the convergence of disparate systems, has led to the evolution of the smart grid.

Leverage model predictive methods to separate great from good distillation control. Understand the benefits of model predictive control algorithms for improving the ROI of the distillation process.

A controller uses a quantitative process model and modifies controller tuning based on how the process responds in relation to the model prediction.

Ultra-pure water applications pose special problems because of the exceptionally low conductivity of the fluid from the absence of ions. The consequences are extreme sensitivity to fluid velocity and

By Larry Smentowski, Rockwell Automation Smart manufacturing or Industry 4.0 initiatives present an opportunity to help all automakers address their challenges. But those initiatives will only be successful if automakers first have network, control and software standards in place.

Research presents an empirical method for tuning a new type of fractional controller known as PID Fractional-Order Filter

By Nick Boughton, Boulting Technology The proposed benefits of data collection from smart sensors are huge, but some manufacturers still feel that a smart factory is out of their reach. This article explains how plants with legacy equipment can retrospectively upgrade their facility to a smart factory.

Instrument technicians often use P&ID diagrams as a reference to identify what type of instrumentation is installed and how the instrumentation is installed in the process.

CLPA’s activity with the OPCF aims to expand its existing CSP+ (Control & Communication System Profile) technology from just describing individual devices and to apply it to complete machines and production lines. This is the key concept behind CSP+ for Machine.

With ASTES4 as a wholly owned subsidiary, Mitsubishi Electric will offer integrated solutions to the global market with ASTES4’s automated sorting systems embedded into Mitsubishi Electric’s high value-added sheet metal laser processing machines.

The symbol reflects a temperature regulator, filled thermal system.

The cause of a loop problem could be in the final control element, sensor/transmitter, software parameters, logic configuration, operator practices, or process design.

The International Society of Automation and The Open Group have agreed to a liaison Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation in advancing and harmonizing the development of a multivendor, interoperable, secure control architecture for application across the process industries. Activities will include sharing of best practices, document review and joint forums.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com Featuring numerous displays of the newest technologies, along with dozens of Honeywell and customer led sessions and technical discussions, the Honeywell Users Group Americas (HUG) buzzed in San Antonio this June with over 1,300 attendees.

Research presents a new design for a PID controller with a lead lag filter using multiple dominant pole placement method.

By Martyn Williams, COPA-DATA UK Improved operations, a reduction in unplanned outages and better managed variations in market conditions — it's the idyllic aim of power leaders across the globe, but how is the digital twin concept making this goal a reality?

By Robert Landavazo, Tripwire The OT/IT convergence will no doubt be looked back upon as a turning point in industry’s fight for cyber security and further harnessing of technology for business success. Being an early, proactive leader in that regard certainly, in general, seems like a good role to be playing.

The whitepaper, Chapter Five: Industrial Control Systems Life Cycle Cost Analysis – Quantitative Evaluation, delineates 450 different factors that impact costs across the following six phases of the industrial control system (ICS) life cycle: engineering, installation, commissioning, maintenance, system, and cyber security.

Technical guidance on ways to optimize settings and options for PID controllers from industry veteran Greg McMillan and participants in ISA's Mentor Program.