Top 10 Control Engineering articles September 10 to October 10: PID velocity, level instruments, small-scale automation, more

Articles about PID velocity, choosing the right level instrument, small-scale automation projects, ladder logic, and SIF validation procedures were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 10 to October 10. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra October 11, 2016

The top 5 most read articles online, from Sept. 10 to Oct. 10 for Control Engineering, covered PID velocity, choosing the right level instrument, small-scale automation projects, ladder logic, and SIF validation procedures. Also see what ranked 6-10 over the last month. 

1. The velocity of PID 

Inside Process: Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) theory is best introduced as the familiar second order differential equation via the velocity form instead of the more traditional positional form. 

2. How to choose the right level instrument for applications

There are many level measuring techniques, however they need to be the right fit for the application. See the three key constraints to measuring solids in tanks and vessels.

3. Small-scale automation projects

How to get past time, money, and resource issues when executing small projects and specifying automation equipment and components.

4. Ladder logic 106: One shots

Different programmable logic controller (PLC) manufacturers use one shots to develop a scan that is exactly one scan in duration and can be generated from the rising or falling edge of the signal.

5. Creating SIF validation procedures 

Implementing safety system validation as part of the safety lifecycle is defined by IEC 61511 and ANSI/ISA-S84.01. Here’s how it’s done.

More popular stories on Control Engineering

As an online-only feature, we’re featuring the stories that finished 6-10 over the past month.

6. Packaging operation increases by half with planning, wireless, mobility

Cover Story: System integrator upgrades a cherry packaging operation at Prima Frutta, for a 50% production increase, using Ethernet, wireless, and mobility technologies, along with extensive planning and simulation. 

7. Process control simulation benefits

Process controls simulation can serve as a powerful and effective tool for training operators and assess safety and environmental risks.

8. How Anchor Glass improved plant and energy efficiencies with a modern DCS

System integrator Stone Technologies addresses data management and energy savings, higher quality, and easier changeovers with a modern distributed control system (DCS) for a glass bottle manufacturer that monitors more than 1,000 data tags and 2,600 detailed and manageable alarms. 

9. New regulations will improve energy efficiency beyond existing motor efficiency standards 

While motor efficiency regulations may make the news, many other energy conservation standards are involved in similar rulemaking processes. These new and updated regulations will have a strong affect on the automation industry, particularly for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users. 

10. Tablet-based augmented reality helps predictive maintenance for pumps

Video: sensors on critical pumps can feed a system to help technicians or operators identify when failures are pending and improve energy efficiency. A major U.S. refinery will host a pilot pump diagnostic project, similar to an NIWeek 2016 stage demonstration held on Aug. 2.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, September 10 to October 10, for articles published within the last two months.  

Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.