Top 5 Control Engineering articles, August 11-17: System Integrator Giants, process operation descriptions, tuning PID control loops, more

Articles about the System Integrator Giants of 2014, writing a process operating description document, tuning PID control loops, temperature measurement best practices, and modern updates in PID control tuning were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 11-17. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra August 18, 2014

1. System Integrator Giants of 2014

The 2014 System Integrator Giants boast a $396 million increase in system integration revenue, a greater concern for the economy’s impact on the automation integrator market, and a strong belief in educational and mentoring programs for employees. 

2. How to write a good process operation description document

Back to Basics: Describe your process to preserve the process engineer knowledge for the future. To program the process controller, programmable logic controller (PLC), or distributed control system (DCS), follow these steps and methodology. 

3. Tuning PID control loops for fast response

When choosing a tuning strategy for a specific control loop, it is important to match the technique to the needs of that loop and the larger process. It is also important to have more than one approach in your repertoire, and the Cohen-Coon method can be a handy addition in the right situation. 

4. Temperature measurement best practices

Overcome temperature measurement installation challenges, enhance accuracy and reliability of temperature diagnostics, choose the right temperature sensors, connect sensors to control room, and understand thermowell characteristics. 

5. Modern updates in PID control tuning

While PID control is often used because of its adaptability to a wide range of applications and operating conditions, there are several common problems that occur during the PID tuning process. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, August 11-17, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is senior editor for WTWH Media LLC.