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Process Safety December 4, 2023

How to create comprehensive automation safety for process industries

Proper industrial control system (ICS) safety requires attention to functional safety and cybersecurity. Know the definitions and industries standards to help.

By Sunil Doddi
Process Safety November 6, 2023

Advanced gas monitors signal technological change is in the air at Weftec 2023

At Weftec 2023, MSA Safety exhibited its Ultima X5000 gas monitor, which features remote access capabilities, a prominent LED display and self-calibrating sensors.

By David Miller
Process Safety October 17, 2023

Smarter, safer working with control of work

Control of work risk management can have a major impact on functional safety for manufacturers in many ways.

By Mark Breese
Process Safety October 6, 2023

The importance of odor management in water, wastewater facilities

Dr. Laura Haupert, chief scientific officer at OMI Industries, discusses trends and concerns happening in the wastewater industry.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 6, 2023

Weftec Recap: Water safety, efficiency is mission critical

Weftec had manufacturers emphasizing the need to improve efficiency and safety for water treatment, wastewater plants and municipalities.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety September 30, 2023

Taking a holistic approach to process safety

Process safety refers to the comprehensive measures taken to minimize risks and hazards in industrial processes, ensuring that they run reliably and without accidents or incidents.

By Control Engineering Europe
Process Safety September 13, 2023

Five steps for driving safety culture excellence

While regulations, equipment and appropriate training remain vital to bolstering workplace safety, establishing a culture of safety is still the best frontline defense.

By Mark Breese
Process Safety August 27, 2023

Water security project receives NSF grant

Northwestern researchers are collaborating to provide access to water tests for lead, copper, and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

By Brian Sandalow
Process Safety July 2, 2023

Optimizing production processes with radar technology

Non-contacting radar level transmitters can help food manufacturers increase product quality, throughput and safety.

By Felix Glans
Process Safety June 21, 2023

Ensuring safe transmissions from dangerous industrial environments

There are several key considerations of ATEX and IECEx certified electronics for use in hazardous applications.

By Matthew Youngs
Process Safety May 26, 2023

Five tips for prioritizing process valve safety in manufacturing facilities

Discover five best practices for achieving optimal process valve performance in manufacturing, providing essential guidance for process engineers and maintenance technicians.

By Gilbert Welsford Jr.
Process Safety January 11, 2023

Safety instrumentation market expected to increase

The safety instrumentation system market is expected to grow to almost $7 billion by 2023 due to increased demand for safer devices.

By Future Market Insights
Process Safety October 3, 2022

Key strategies for improving alarm design and management

Coupling strategic engineering techniques with integrated management software helps unlock best-in-class alarm solutions. See five rules of alarm relevancy, three examples.

By Asad Malik and David Lee
Process Safety August 25, 2022

Synthetic polymer can remove dyes from wastewater

North Carolina State University researchers have demonstrated that a reusable synthetic polymer can remove dyes from water.

By Laura Oleniacz
Process Safety July 20, 2022

Implementing a hierarchy of automation safety

A layered approach for addressing industrial automation safety provides optimal results.

By Joshua Draa
Process Safety July 10, 2022

Linking PSM, NFPA, and ISA/IEC 61511 for fired equipment

Many facilities rely on prescriptive applications to manage fired equipment, which may not always be sufficient.

By Chris Neff
Process Safety March 23, 2022

Some straight talk on process safety

Will increased connectivity change the definition of a process?

By Adam Kern
Process Safety January 11, 2022

PSM compliance training according to OSHA

To ensure the safest environment for employees, review current PSM training to verify that it meets OSHA requirements

By Ken Philo
Process Safety December 1, 2021

Reduce downtime and risk with effective alarm management

A more intelligent design that can deliver the right alarms at the right time is critical in reducing downtime and risk for operators.

By Richard Slaugenhaupt
Process Safety November 5, 2021

Gap in workplace safety processes, strategies

Companies lack a well-defined roadmap to implement safety improvement measures, according to data from a Sphera report.

By Sphera
Process Safety October 12, 2021

Wastewater virus removal study receives grant

University of Michigan researchers are studying how well current treatment methods remove viruses from wastewater, which might reduce the complexity of upgrading water treatment facilities.

By Zach Robertson
Process Safety September 20, 2021

Center innovation for customers in process and safety control opens

The Center of Excellence in Houston is designed to expands manufacturing and logistics capabilities.

By Process Insights
Process Safety August 27, 2021

Merging process safety and digital transformation

Done correctly, digital transformation and process safety don’t have to be mutually exclusive and can, in fact, strengthen a manufacturing operation.

By Sophie Silk
Process Safety August 16, 2021

Top 5 Control Engineering articles August 9-15, 2021

Articles about effective process safety, optimizing manufacturing processing, serial communication monitoring, HMI and SCADA design and what IEC 61499 means for PLCs were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 9-15, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 12, 2021

Water treatment chemistries and equipment evolution, post-COVID

Integrated solutions and managed services address challenges facing global water industry.

By Plant Engineering
Process Safety August 6, 2021

How to achieve effective process safety

Automation systems and people can work together with a corporate safety culture in place that emphasizes zero-risk tolerance and proper understanding of engineering principles such as using proper alarm management strategies and systems, regulatory procedures and industry best practices

By Scott Hayes
Process Safety June 9, 2021

How wastewater monitoring can mitigate health outbreaks

USC Viterbi researchers are using data collection to study wastewater as a way of predicting future disease breakouts ahead of testing data.

By Avni Shah
Process Safety June 1, 2021

Entry management portal reduces risks for workers

Entry management at industrial sites and facilities needs to be a proactive part for manufacturers for companies vulnerable to a COVID-19 outbreak or any other infectious disease.

By Nisha Lathif
Process Safety February 8, 2021

A team approach to resolving process upsets

Maintain business and process reliability with 24/7 knowledge management

By Dr. Joel Shertok and Andreas Eschbach
Process Safety October 4, 2020

Campus wastewater tested for COVID-19

LSU researchers are testing campus wastewater to see how the COVID-19 travels and as a way to determine cases.

By Joshua Duplechain
Process Safety June 26, 2020

COVID-19’s impact on wastewater treatment facilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on wastewater treatment facilities from many perspectives including maintenance, operations and safety.

By Patrick Radabaugh
Process Safety May 14, 2020

Grant awarded to track COVID-19 in wastewater treatment plants

A North Carolina State University-led team of researchers has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to monitor wastewater from four U.S. cities for indicators of COVID-19.

By Tracey Peake
Process Safety March 18, 2020

Nano strategy fights superbugs for wastewater plants

A three-step method developed by Rice University researchers to produce molecular-imprinted graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets can help catch and kill free-floating antibiotic resistant genes found in secondary effluent produced by wastewater plants.

By Mike Williams
Process Safety January 4, 2020

Know when to not follow safety procedures

While safety is vital, there are times when following the standards isn't practical. Certain situational factors and abnormal occurrences require responses that are beyond the norm.

By Gregory Hale
Process Safety November 22, 2019

Improving customer trust in the smart manufacturing supply chain

Food manufacturers are implementing “traceback” initiatives with data exchanges in their supply chain to trace a food product from the retail shelf back to the source to improve customer trust. The lessons learned could help the supply chain in other industries.

By Dave Noller and Conrad Leiva
Process Safety November 5, 2019

Intelligent alarms create actions from noise

Inside process: Alarm management software can decipher raw data, identify critical alarms, locate alarm sources, and provide role-based intelligence for faster resolution.

By Jennifer Grimley
Process Safety October 26, 2019

Stress and corrosion can accelerate alloy cracks

Arizona State University researchers have found that alloys, while strong, can be broken down by stress and corrosion in harsh chemical environments.

By Gregory Hale
Process Safety August 12, 2019

NFPA 652 compliance starts with a dust hazard analysis

Combustible dust safety standard requires understanding the codes.

By Vahid Ebadat, Ph.D.
Process Safety August 6, 2019

Safety and controllers

Safety and controllers are looked at from different angles in the August issue of AppliedAutomation.

By Jack Smith
Process Safety July 16, 2019

Technique developed to allow real-time microscopy at high heat and loading

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a technique called in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) heating and loading, which allows them to track microscopic changes in metals or other materials in real time in extreme environments such as nuclear reactors.

By Matt Shipman
Process Safety July 13, 2019

Method developed to assess heat distribution in nuclear reactors

A research team from the Department of Energy (DoE), using a supercomputer at the Argonne National Laboratory, have devised a high-fidelity approach to assess the heat distribution in a nuclear reactor design with fewer or no modeling approximations.

By Gregory Hale
Process Safety July 12, 2019

10 alarm management tips for the busy control engineer

Alarm management has been a great success for the process industry. Initial challenges have largely been met, but new challenges have emerged. Alarm management is most effective as an operations tool, not a safety tool.

By Allan Kern
Process Safety July 1, 2019

More manufacturing, jobs and products equals more wastewater

Predicting wastewater impacts allows operators to make necessary adjustments to successfully treat wastewater during changing production conditions.

By Leigh-Ann Dudley
Process Safety June 24, 2019

Researchers enhance water filtration systems

Texas A&M University is lead collaborative efforts to enhance water filters that turn wastewater to safe drinking water, which is a meticulous process.

By Hannah Conrad
Process Safety June 10, 2019

Benefits of a transparent CIP system

Transparent clean-in-place (CIP) systems can be programmed in a variety of ways, but the process is often difficult to follow. Learn more about the benefits of a transparent process and how it helped one company improve their operations.

By Eric Gruber
Process Safety April 20, 2019

Improving process safety principles and best practices

A good process safety environment involves promoting best practices and principles early and often with engineers and encouraging education.

By Gregory Hale
Process Safety November 2, 2018

Economic indicators online

Rates of production increase, manufacturing output falls, and shipments increase. What's going on when with the economy depends on where you look, and there's a lot to see online.On Feb. 16, the U.S. Federal Reserve issued its most recent statistical release on industrial production and capacity utilization.

By Staff
Process Safety September 29, 2018

Star Trek-inspired diagnostic device developed for medical applications

Researchers from the University of Glasgow developed a multicorder that was inspired by Star Trek’s tricorder device. The multicorder uses sensors to make quick and accurate diagnoses.

By University of Glasgow
Process Safety September 9, 2018

Sensors designed to make structural infrastructure safer

The goal of structural health monitoring is to increase supervision of critical areas, extend the lifetime of structures, and reduce operating costs and improve safety.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety August 26, 2018

Software, instrumentation providers collaborate on IIoT for process applications

SAP and Endress+Hauser are cooperating in developing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications for process industries.

By Endress+Hauser
Process Safety July 3, 2018

Global vision standards drive industry’s success

Machine vision standards are designed to guarantee component interoperability and it allows component manufacturers to develop better overall products.

By Winn Hardin, AIA
Process Safety May 31, 2018

Implementing remote technical training

By using an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) gateway, or a remotely-controlled PC, critical how-to skill-based training can be made available to engineering students anywhere there’s an Internet connection.

By Matt Pelletier, Yaskawa America Inc.
Process Safety May 6, 2018

Achieving profitable efficiency through process control

Profitable efficiency is profitability control cascaded to process control to maximize operational profitability in real time and improve financial as well as operational efficiency.

By Peter Martin, Schneider Electric
Process Safety December 17, 2017

Pattern matching improves object location and reduces image-processing overhead

There are two main approaches to pattern matching: those based on correlation, and geometric pattern matching and both approaches rely on first locating a region or regions of a template image to provide reference data.

By Winn Hardin, AIA
Process Safety September 4, 2017

Top 5 Control Engineering articles August 28 to September 3: Wireless process sensing, sensors and signal conditioning, augmented reality, more

Articles about wireless process sensing, sensors and signal conditioning, augmented reality and process control, choosing sensors for applications, and control system automation projects were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 28 to September 3. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 21, 2017

Top 5 Control Engineering articles August 14-20: Tesla coil research, fluid power control, augmented reality, more

Articles about Tesla coil research, open- and closed-loop control for fluid power, augmented reality and process control, closed-loop control guidelines, and how to choose open- or closed-loop control were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 14-20. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 18, 2017

Determine safety integrity level for a process application

Safety instrumented systems (SIS) are installed in process plants to mitigate process hazards and they must be assigned a target safety integrity level (SIL) during the process to determine what needs to be done next.

By David Yoset, Cross Company
Process Safety March 20, 2017

Top 5 Control Engineering articles March 13-19: PID learning, control system programming, human-robot collaboration, more

Articles about PID learning, standardized control system programming, human-robot collaboration, IIoT and Big Data value, and the Engineers' Choice winners were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from March 13-19. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety January 19, 2017

Trace moisture transmitters for measuring contamination

Michell's Pura trace moisture transmitters were developed for applications where purity of gases is of critical importance and even trace amounts of moisture are considered to be a contaminant.

By Michell Instruments
Process Safety November 25, 2016

Six action items for an aging DCS/PLC

Plant and operations managers need to be aware that their distributed control systems (DCSs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) could be obsolete and they should take appropriate steps to deal with the problem. Six immediate action items for an aging system are highlighted.

By Jeff Morton, Cross Company
Process Safety November 25, 2016

Safety toolkit for machine safety applications

The Safety Lifecycle Toolkit from Rockwell Automation is designed to give engineers one environment to complete the entire machine safety lifecycle.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety November 17, 2016

Develop a process to make informed decisions with Big Data

Big Data can help synthesize information and provide users with the exact data they need to make informed, intelligent decisions. Developing a process that benefits everyone in the plant from the top on down is crucial.

By Patty Feehan, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety November 16, 2016

Technique developed to explain computer thinking

MIT and CSAIL researchers have developed a training technique designed to train neural networks so they provide not only predictions and classifications but rationales for their decisions.

By Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office
Process Safety November 15, 2016

OSHA releases best practices for safety, health issues

A set of "Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs" was released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help employers establish a methodical approach to improving safety. Ten tips for establishing a safety program are listed.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety November 14, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles November 7-13: Three-phase motors, PID velocity, PLC programming benefits, more

Articles about three-phase motor operation, PID velocity, PLC object-oriented programming benefits, the Engineers' Choice finalists, and scary automation on Halloween were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 7-13. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety November 12, 2016

Position hinge for mounted components

The RT-50 position hinge from Reell Precision Manufacturing is designed to hold the angle of mounted components in any position in small assemblies.

By Reell Precision Manufacturing
Process Safety November 11, 2016

The basics of designing an effective alarm management system

To implement and maintain an efficient alarm management system, end users need to understand the requirements during the design phase and realize the advantageous features of an alarm management system.

By Melissa Topp
Process Safety November 11, 2016

Analytics, mobile software company celebrates 30th anniversary

Iconics, which creates integrated automation software for automating, monitoring, and optimizing critical assets, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

By Iconics
Process Safety November 9, 2016

Demand for smart high-end safety solutions increasing

IHS Markit predicts that revenues from safety input/output modules are projected to grow faster than standard modules as demand shifts from price to providing more features.

By Susanne Cumberland, IHS Markit
Process Safety November 8, 2016

Top 10 Control Engineering articles October 8 to November 7: Engineers’ Choice finalists, PID velocity, PLC programming benefits, more

Articles about the Engineers' Choice finalists, PID velocity, PLC object-oriented programming benefits, scary automation on Halloween, and operating a three-phase motor were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 8 to November 7. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety November 7, 2016

Five automotive industry advances, lessons for other industries

The automotive industry has made many technological and safety enhancements, which can be applied to other industries. See five advances and advice on traceability and data collection, upgrades, machine vision, robotics, and safety systems.

By Jim Sellitto and Laura Mann
Process Safety November 7, 2016

Cloud-enabled software for providing information to equipment builders

Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk Analytics for Machines cloud application is a Microsoft Azure cloud-enabled capability designed to give equipment builders with information and provide access to performance analytics from deployed systems.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety November 6, 2016

Safety is good business, execs say

Executives at the EHS Today's Safety Leadership Conference talked about how companies that are the safest are the most productive and offered advice on how to make safety more than about compliance.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety November 1, 2016

Pushbutton series for processing, pharmaceutical applications

AutomationDirect's Schmersal 22mm IP69K-rated pushbuttons, selector switches and indicator lights are designed for food processing, pharmaceutical, and medical applications.

By AutomationDirect
Process Safety October 31, 2016

Condition monitoring system for maintenance teams

Fluke Condition Monitoring is designed to provide a system of rugged voltage, current, temperature, and power sensors that can be moved from asset to asset or left in place for continuous monitoring.

By Fluke
Process Safety October 26, 2016

Find cybersecurity vulnerabilities, analyze, then fix: See examples

Once a cybersecurity researcher finds vulnerabilities and provides analysis behind the problem, the next level is to create a secure environment where the user needs can put the issue into perspective.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety October 22, 2016

Enhance smart manufacturing with production process management

Production process management (PPM) applies process design and management tools to enhance smart manufacturing. Twelve tips of what PPM offers are included.

By Michael McClellan, Darren Riley, Tim Sanford
Process Safety October 20, 2016

Safety is a key aspect of the IIoT

While safety is sometimes maligned as anti-production, it still has a crucial role to play with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and should not be overlooked.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety October 17, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles October 10-16: PID velocity, level instruments, small-scale automation, more

Articles about PID velocity, 2017 Engineers' Choice finalists, choosing the right level instrument, ladder logic, and small-scale automation projects were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 10-16. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 17, 2016

Explosion-proof motion sensor for hazardous locations

Larson Electronics' EXP-MS-N4X-AT-HV explosion proof motion sensor is designed for use in hazardous areas and is constructed of copper free non-sparking aluminum construction with a glass window front for motion detection.

By Larson Electronics
Process Safety October 17, 2016

Temperature measurement and monitoring systems for automotive brake applications

Tecat Performance Systems' Wiser TC2-K family of temperature measurement and monitoring systems are designed for automotive brake rotors and ideal for mounting inside wheel hubs.

By Tecat Performance Systems
Process Safety October 14, 2016

Robot safety conference, collaborative robot workshop announced

The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) is hosting two events in Cincinnati: The 28th National Robot Safety Conference is from October 17-19, 2016, followed by the International Collaborative Robots Workshop on October 20th.

By Robotic Industries Association (RIA)
Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: PlantPAx Modern Distributed Control System

Process Control Systems: The PlantPAx modern DCS features productive design environment to enhance automation productivity; integration of new enabling technologies to improve operations; and enhanced control capabilities to help meet operational goals. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: Foxboro Intelligent Marshalling FBM 248, a Universal Fieldbus Module

Process Control Systems: The Foxboro Intelligent Marshalling FBM 248 offering improves flexibility, reliability and efficiency of control and safety system design and operations. It includes redundancy capabilities, which eliminate costly, labor intensive processes. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: PlantStruxure PES v4.2 process automation system

Process Control Systems: PlantStruxure PES V4.2 is a process automation system that targets Industrial Internet of Things engagements for process industries, and drives asset reliability and operations efficiency to improve plant operations. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: SPA2IS Programmable Limit Alarm Trips with Intrinsically-Safe Field Connections

Safety — Process safety, intrinsic safety: SPA2IS is an alarm trip featuring intrinsically-safe field connections providing necessary protection typically afforded by a galvanically isolated intrinsically-safe barrier in plants/facilities where the method of protection is intrinsic safety. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: Honeywell Uniformance Suite, process analytics software

Software — Data analytics, diagnostics: Honeywell Uniformance Suite is a new, fully integrated system of process software solutions built on a common platform that turns plant data into actionable information, enabling smart operations. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: Line Performance Suite v1.0

Software — Data analytics, diagnostics: Accelerated time-to-value, real-time visualization and analysis, rich performance reporting, plant floor to business connectivity that underscores SOPs; the Schneider Electric Line Performance Suite offers a simple, turnkey, OEE solution. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

Process Safety October 13, 2016

EC: ROMeo 6.4 process optimization software

Software — Data analytics, diagnostics: ROMeo 6.4 from Schneider Electric Software combines the ability to optimize the process side with a solver that finds the optimal set of utility sources to meet optimized process requirements. This is a Control Engineering 2017 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalist.

Process Safety October 11, 2016

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
Process Safety October 2, 2016

Of wireless technology, process safety, and VFD software

During the last decade, the use of industrial wireless sensor networks has been growing rapidly in the process industries. Variable frequency drive (VFD) software has also gone through a number of changes.

By Jack Smith
Process Safety September 30, 2016

Avoiding nuisance trips from SIFs

The actions a specific safety instrumented function (SIF) takes to correct a problem and avoid escalation can take various forms and for a serious situation, the action the SIF takes can be hugely disruptive.

By Jack Smith
Process Safety September 29, 2016

Arc welding robot for high-density layouts

Yaskawa Motoman's 6-axis MA1440 arc welding robot features a 6 kg payload and a large 50 mm wrist hole and is optimal for welding large workpieces and reaching over jigs.

By Yaskawa Motoman
Process Safety September 27, 2016

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.

By Scott Hayes, PE, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety September 25, 2016

Health and safety checks for engineering, manufacturing

Health and safety checks in engineering and manufacturing workplaces are paramount and companies should be aware of potential hazards. Three of the biggest concerns are highlighted with some solutions.

By Frank Lamb, Automation Primer
Process Safety September 20, 2016

Know the risks of securing safety systems

Even if a safety system is isolated and separate from a network, the potential for a cyber attack remains and companies and users need to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety September 20, 2016

Proximity sensor series with cylindrical, rectangular styles

AutomationDirect's Contrinex DW-series of extended and triple-distance proximity sensors in 3 to 30mm cylindrical and 20mm rectangular styles.

By AutomationDirect
Process Safety September 19, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles September 12-18: PID control, ladder logic, system integration and packaging, more

Articles about PID control and loop tuning fundamentals, ladder logic, system integration improves packaging operation, tablet-based augmented reality, and improving plant and energy efficiency were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 12-18. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety September 19, 2016

Water-resistant permanent magnetic dc motor

RAE DC Products' Model M7000 permanent magnetic dc motors are designed to provide the protection needed to operate in water and dust operating environments.

By RAE DC Products
Process Safety September 18, 2016

IT, OT teams need to work together

Information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) experts agreed that both sides can learn from one another and need to be willing to share and open up so both sides can benefit.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety September 17, 2016

Series of stop switches with IP69K rating

EAO Corporation's Series 45 stop switches are used as on/off switches for safe switching in mechanical engineering applications and do not require a failsafe and are sealed to IP69K.

By EAO Corporation
Process Safety September 15, 2016

Developing security from the inside out

End users and developers have been working on developing their security from the inside out by starting with the core infrastructure and stretching it out to individual devices, which has the potential to ward off inside and outside attacks.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety September 14, 2016

Non-contact safety switch series

The Omega LPC/LMC, CPC/CMC, and SPC/SMC series are designed to interlock hinged, sliding, or removable machine guard doors in factory automation applications.

By Omega Engineering
Process Safety September 14, 2016

Swivel mount enclosures for harsh and washdown environments

Hardy Process Solutions' swivel mount enclosures contain HI 6000 series of weight processors that are designed for harsh and heavy washdown environments.

By Hardy Process Solutions
Process Safety September 8, 2016

How to keep process facilities safe

Proper safety management can be taken to minimize risk.

By Paul Gruhn
Process Safety September 6, 2016

Safety hinge switch for industrial environments

Schmersal's Tesk safety hinge switch is designed to provide position monitoring for machine guards.

By Schmersal
Process Safety September 3, 2016

Researchers use equation to predict force to push objects through granular, pasty materials

MIT engineers have reported that they have identified a mechanical explanation for why the resistive force theory (RFT) equation works so well for granular materials and that they can accurately predict estimates through sand as well as pastier materials like mud and gel.

By Jennifer Chu, MIT News Office
Process Safety September 3, 2016

Apps for Engineers: Mobile apps for control method applications

Motors and drives mobile applications have potential to help engineers do their jobs better. CFE Media's Apps for Engineers is an interactive directory of engineering-related applications for Apple iOS and Android operating systems from various companies. Apps are organized by category, company, and type. These are listed in the app as of August 2016.

By CFE Media
Process Safety August 31, 2016

Flexible coupler kit for electrical continuity

The T&B Cable Tray flexible coupler kit from Thomas & Betts (T&B) features a bendable plate and provides horizontal installation flexibility and installation that eliminates the need for cutting cable tray side rails.

By Thomas & Betts
Process Safety August 29, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles August 22-28: Tablet-based augmented reality, PID control, IoT and power plants, more

Articles about tablet-based augmented reality, PID control and loop tuning fundamentals, IoT technology and power plants, IoT benefits, and industrial control system integration were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 22-28. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 29, 2016

Safety gate system for protecting personnel, processes

Pilz's Psenmlock safety gate system is designed to protect personnel and processes and is suitable for machines with a hazardous overrun that makes guard locking essential for applications such as rotating knives, flywheels or robots.

By Pilz
Process Safety August 26, 2016

Leakage current clamps for monitoring critical equipment

Fluke's 368 FC and 369 FC Leakage Current Clamps help industrial electricians and maintenance technicians identify, document, record, and compare leakage current readings and minimize external electromagnetic interference.

By Fluke
Process Safety August 26, 2016

Wireless emergency stop for machine safety applications

Humanistic Robotics' (HRI) Wireless Emergency Stop (E-stop) is a tool designed to help companies avoid unsafe and unproductive situations by enabling anyone to intervene in the operation of a machine wirelessly.

By Humanistic Robotics
Process Safety August 23, 2016

Single-point load cells for filling applications

Mettler Toledo's SLP85xD load cell is made for automated weighing and is ideal for dynamic weighing applications in filling machines and conveyors.

By Mettler Toledo
Process Safety August 21, 2016

Signapore testing on-demand robot taxis

Delphi Automotive and NuTonomy will begin testing six phone-dispatched autonomous taxis in Singapore that will go point-to-point based on customer requests with a goal of providing no-driver-in-the-car service by 2019 and cars without steering wheels by 2022.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety August 19, 2016

LED signal light for hazardous environments

Larson Electronics' EPL-TL-1X10W-C-PA LED signal light is equipped with an audible horn and can be configured for different lamp colors and different tones with an alert system that can withstand demanding conditions and be heard over industrial machinery and equipment.

By Larson Electronics
Process Safety August 19, 2016

Guided wave radar for level instrument performance verification

Emerson Process Management's Rosemount guided wave radar verification service is designed to to help users avoid process disruptions and improve process safety for level instrument performance.

By Emerson Process Management
Process Safety August 16, 2016

Tips for a successful ControlNet system

Even though industrial Ethernet networks are becoming more common, some users still need to maintain and install ControlNet systems.

By John Boyd, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety August 16, 2016

Safety interlock switches with stainless steel tongues

The Omega K-SS Series tongue operated safety interlock switches are designed for food processing, pharmaceutical, packaging, and petrochemical applications.

By Omega Engineering
Process Safety August 15, 2016

Digital magnification system for inspection applications

Dazor Lighting Solutions' CODA is a digital benchtop magnification system designed for production, quality control, and other inspection applications.

By Dazor Lighting Solutions
Process Safety August 14, 2016

Safety rope switches for conveyor and machine applications

The Omega GLHD Series of safety rope switches are designed for applications such as chemical, water, electronics, automotive, and warehousing/shipping.

By Omega Engineering
Process Safety August 8, 2016

Cybersecurity system design, vulnerabilities

Intelligent systems, at home or in the workplace, can have vulnerabilities, especially with greater complexities and interconnections through the Internet of Things. We should embed cybersecurity in devices and systems and proceed with caution, according to Control Engineering Russia, in this article edited for Control Engineering.

By Ekaterina Trofimova
Process Safety August 2, 2016

Applying network best practices via Ethernet network redundancy

Implementing redundancy in an industrial network and choosing an appropriate application method can ensure continuing reliability and operational success.

By Ken Austin, Phoenix Contact USA
Process Safety July 27, 2016

Manufacturing better machine safety

Inside Machines: As technology advances, safety needs to be a priority to improve operations and minimize damage in manufacturing processes. Barriers can limit productivity; automation can help.

By Michael Lindley
Process Safety July 26, 2016

Size matters when selecting the right enclosure

Panel location and budget are always thought about when building control rooms, but aspects such as size, spacing, NEMA rating, mounting, and heating and cooling need to be considered, as well.

By Joe Weathers, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety July 24, 2016

Front locking nut technology for M12 connectors

Mencom's front locking nut technology for M12 connectors are designed for thread mount applications that need specific keyway orientations due to the space constraint or any other unexpected engineering situations.

By Mencom
Process Safety July 21, 2016

Condition monitoring system for voltage, current, temperature

Intermittent-error problem solving on machines, in plants, and facilities is expected to get easier with Fluke’s 3500 FC Series Condition Monitoring System for remote or local sensing, data logging, and alarming of voltage, current, and temperature measurements. See three values of condition monitoring and three benefits.

By CFE Media
Process Safety July 21, 2016

Monitoring system designed for checking voltage, current, temperature conditions

Fluke’s 3500 FC Series Condition Monitoring System for remote or local sensing, data logging, and alarming of voltage, current, and temperature measurements and is designed to help finding intermittent faults in discrete manufacturing lines, process facilities, and industrial machines.

By Fluke
Process Safety July 21, 2016

IIoT hinges on effective security

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) president Vimal Kapur talked about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and how cybersecurity will be key as manufacturing starts to embrace its potential in the next few years.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety July 19, 2016

Handling IT, OT convergence is crucial for cybersecurity

Information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) have always been on opposite sides, but they need to come together to combat a cybersecurity threat that is becoming easier for anyone to exploit and use.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety July 16, 2016

Mid-infrared laser system developed to detect atmospheric chemicals

Researchers at MIT have found a way to use mid-infrared lasers that produce glowing plasma filaments in open air, which could enable long-distance monitoring.

By David L. Chandler, MIT News Office
Process Safety July 13, 2016

Developing high-performance HMIs: Enhancing interface effectiveness

Inside Process: This two-part series examines the development of high-performance, human-machine interface (HMI) methodology. Part 1 covered HMI evolution, security, improving usability, and consistent use of color. Part 2 focuses on accuracy versus context, accessibility, visual hierarchy, animation versus static indication, and 2-D versus 3-D screens.

By Helcker Goetz
Process Safety July 10, 2016

Process alarm switches for analog transducers

CR Magnetics' CR3595 Series of process alarm switches is designed to function as an accessory to analog transducers and can be installed with 35mm DIN-rail or panel mount.

By CR Magnetics
Process Safety July 6, 2016

Industrie 4.0 will have a major effect on MES, plant floor

Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are becoming less and less useful with the advent of Industrie 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) and cyber-physical production systems (CPPS) can help guide a new kind of MES onto the plant floor.

By Francisco Almada Lobo
Process Safety July 4, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 27 to July 3: PC-based control, energy saving projects, streamlining assembly systems, more

Articles about PC-based controls, energy saving control projects, streamlining assembly systems, natural gas flowmeters, and digital innovations for improving safety were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 27 to July 3. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 3, 2016

Eight steps for managing removable media use in critical infrastructure environments

Using removable media can be a major risk, and companies that are involved with critical and hazardous environments need to take stringent measures to ensure that industrial control systems (ICSs) and other key components aren’t compromised.

By Steven Paul Romero
Process Safety July 1, 2016

Tip-over and acceleration sensors for automotive, industrial applications

Memsic's MXD6240, 41AU, MXC6244AU, and MXC6245XU sensors provide tip-over and acceleration sensing in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

By Memsic
Process Safety June 30, 2016

Updating process control systems

When legacy control systems are replaced with new technology there is a great opportunity to benefit from modern systems and advanced technology.

By Alex Marcy
Process Safety June 30, 2016

Safety sensors to prevent hazardous movements

The Eden OSSD safety sensor operates as an output signal-switching device (OSSD) for “stop” commands to prevent hazardous movements.

By ABB
Process Safety June 29, 2016

Capturing value from disruption in manufacturing

Manufacturers can optimize the digital thread and overcome potential barriers, according to Richard Kelly, partner, McKinsey and Co. Inc. in a presentation about Industrie 4.0 and its potential at the SAP Manufacturing Industries Forum. See five barriers and five ways the digital thread captures value.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety June 28, 2016

Using test cases as a cost and risk control tool

Bugs going unseen until production end up costing even more time and money. Testing should be viewed as a cost and risk control tool upfront during project planning.

By Jason Sampers, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety June 26, 2016

CANopen profile for item detection devices released

CAN in Automation's (CiA) CiA 462 CANopen profile for item detection devices, which include 2-D and 3-D optical cameras, has been released.

By Annegret Emerich, CAN in Automation
Process Safety June 23, 2016

Digital display series for machine setup and monitoring

Series of stand-alone digital display units are designed to connect directly to rotary encoders, inclinometers, linear sensors, and provide a direct readout of position, rotational speed or angular displacement.

By Posital Fraba
Process Safety June 22, 2016

Tech group exploring the meaning of a robot

The Tech Policy Lab at the University of Washington are exploring what it means to be a robot, which has business, legal, insurance, and safety considerations.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety June 21, 2016

Advice on securing the supply chain

While managing cybersecurity for the supply chain is a challenge, companies can take many steps to secure their supply chain and prevent potential cyber attacks.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety June 20, 2016

Robotic motion planning in real-time

Duke University researchers have introduced a specially-designed computer processor for motion planning that can plan and operate in real time and is designed to be used in large-scale manufacturing environments with thousands of robots.

By Ken Kingery, Duke University
Process Safety June 19, 2016

Securing the supply chain with cybersecurity

While manufacturers are becoming more aware of cybersecurity threats, they need to be aware that the organizations in their supply chain could be vulnerable and susceptible to an attack.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety June 17, 2016

Dual-Ethernet HMIs with IIoT capability, enhanced security

Maple Systems' 7-in. HMI5070DL and 9.7-in. HMI5097DXL dual-Ethernet human-machine interfaces (HMIs) has two separate Ethernet networks that offers a connected Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system while providing security.

By Maple Systems
Process Safety June 16, 2016

Celebrating 10 years of Applied Automation

AppliedAutomation celebrates its 10th anniversary and the issues that were relevant in 2006 still hold some weight today.

By Jack Smith
Process Safety June 16, 2016

Valve manifold series with zoned safety capabilities

Asco's Numatics 503 series valve manifold allows the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and end user to configure up to three safety circuits in a production machine.

By Asco
Process Safety June 15, 2016

Extreme weight processor for stable weight readings and feed control

Hardy Process Solutions HI 6500-XP extreme weight processor has an update rate of 660 updates per second and is designed for applications such as batching, blending, filling, dispensing and check weighing.

By Hardy Process Solutions
Process Safety June 14, 2016

Non-contact analog sensor for harsh conditions

ASM Sensors' Posirot PRAS6 non-contact analog angle sensor is designed to measure angular displacement and position of rotating objects and are resistant to shock and vibration.

By ASM Sensors
Process Safety June 14, 2016

Digital transducer for noncontact linear position and displacement sensing

Kaman's digiVIT is a digital variable impedance transducer for noncontact linear position and displacement sensing and is designed for proximity sensing, part sorting, process control, laboratory testing, engine dynamics testing, condition monitoring, and other related applications.

By Kaman Precision Products Measurement Division
Process Safety June 13, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 6-12: Additive manufacturing, Big Data and virtualization, engineering career advice, more

Articles about 3-D additive manufacturing, Big Data and virtualization, engineering career advice, statistical computing in manufacturing, and an IIoT Webcast Q&A were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 6-12. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety June 12, 2016

Cybersecurity defense needs a new game plan

Cybersecurity methods and defensive strategies that worked in the past are being beaten by a well-funded, invisible enemy. Companies need to change their strategies and adapt to the times to try and keep up, said Frank Grimmelmann at the ICSJWG 2016 Spring Conference.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety June 11, 2016

Cybersecurity needs to go beyond basic security methods

Basic cybersecurity methods, while useful, are only a temporary solution to a larger and growing problem. A successful cybersecurity program goes beyond the basic solutions and provides a comprehensive approach.

By Alan Grau
Process Safety June 11, 2016

Choosing the proper valve material

Engineers must consider flow media, pressure, flow velocity, and the intended purpose when selecting valves used in high-pressure water hydraulic circuits.

By Mickey Heestand, Hunt Valve Inc.
Process Safety June 9, 2016

Creating visibility in the plant a major benefit of IIoT

Sal Spada of ARC Advisory Group delivers a view of information management at CFE Media Webcast.

By Bob Vavra, Content Manager, CFE Media
Process Safety June 9, 2016

System integration enables Industrial Internet of Things, Industrie 4.0 platforms

Data mining and analysis tools can improve operational decisions within the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 platforms, and that happens more effectively with system integration, explains Michael Gurney, CEO of Concept Systems Inc., a 2016 System Integrator of the Year.

By Michael Gurney
Process Safety June 8, 2016

Smart manufacturing isn’t so smart without standards

Successful manufacturers will need to incorporate smart technologies that allow them to adapt to changes while optimizing energy and other resources, but they need to follow standards in order to be successful.

By Simon Frechette, KC Morris, and Yan Lu
Process Safety June 7, 2016

Compact linear stage for research and OEM instrumentation

Physik Instrumente's (PI) Q-545 compact linear stage is designed for use in research and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) instrumentation that require positioning precision and alignment.

By Physik Instrumente (PI)
Process Safety June 3, 2016

Surge suppressor kit for explosion-proof applications

Moore Industries' surge suppressor kit is now available for use with field-installed instruments enclosed in BH and SB housings and provides 3kA of surge protection stopping failures due to lightning, spikes, and overvoltage surges while minimizing other electrical noise.

By Moore Industries
Process Safety May 30, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, May 23-29: High-performance HMIs, salary and career survey, engineering career advice, more

Articles about high-performance HMIs, the 2016 Salary and Career Survey, engineering career advice, smart manufacturing, and robot programming languages were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 23-29. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety May 28, 2016

Enclosure series for hazardous, washdown environments

Bud Industries' PTS series enclosures are made of impact-resistant gray polycarbonate reinforced with 10% fiberglass and are designed for hazardous, dusty, and washdown factory environments as well as extreme weather conditions.

By Bud Industries
Process Safety May 25, 2016

Electromagnetic flowmeter for concrete batching applications

Badger Meter's M7600 electromagnetic flowmeter is designed to provide a measurement solution for use in a wide range of concrete batching applications.

By Badger Meter
Process Safety May 24, 2016

Integrate safety into a business strategy

Company leaders looking to revitalize a company in decline should apply strong safety principles in their business strategy to become a more productive company.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety May 21, 2016

Mass flow controller for OEM and process integration applications

Alicat Scientific's Basis 20SLPM is a mass flow controllers designed for use in OEM gas analyzers, automated gas mixing on process lines, and anywhere mass flow-only control is required.

By Alicat Scientific
Process Safety May 19, 2016

Origami robot developed for healthcare applications

Researchers developed an origami robot that unfolds from ingestible capsule, removes button battery stuck to wall of simulated stomach. See video.

By Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office
Process Safety May 15, 2016

Rittal leaders respond to customers’ questions

During Hannover Fair, members of Rittal Corp.’s leadership team answered questions from system integrators and distribution partners.

By Jack Smith, Content Manager, CFE Media
Process Safety May 15, 2016

Vision sensors for code reading and inspection applications

Festo's SBSI series of low cost vision sensors are designed for code reading and inspection and is designed to make it easy for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to incorporate the power of vision sensing into their solutions.

By Festo
Process Safety May 14, 2016

Establishing and improving safety, security

Cybersecurity experts share their advice on how improve security networks at manufacturing facilities.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety May 12, 2016

Toggle sticks for machine operating functions

EAO's Series 45 toggle sticks are designed for machine operating functions and are ideal for the intuitive and precise operation of coordinate-controlled machine functions and can be used at operating temperatures from -25 to 70 C.

By EAO Corporation
Process Safety May 4, 2016

Multiple axis system with enhanced safety functions

KEB America's multiple-axis system Combivert H6 features a TÜV-certified module that operates the standard rpm-dependent safety functions and all functions can be used in applications up to SIL3.

By KEB America
Process Safety May 3, 2016

Transmittance monitor for UV disinfection dosing

Sensorex's UVT-LED-PW transmittance monitor is designed to provides continuous monitoring for accurate UV disinfection dosing. The compact monitor delivers fast, accurate, in-line transmittance readings in industrial process settings where UV disinfection is used.

By Sensorex
Process Safety April 28, 2016

Die-cast aluminum boxes for harsh conditions

Bud Industries' AN-A Series of enclosures are IP68-rated boxes designed for housing sensitive equipment in hazardous, dusty, and washdown factory environments, as well as in wet outdoor locations.

By Bud Industries
Process Safety April 27, 2016

Preparing for an incident response

Preparation and planning are essential to an organization’s ability to detect issues, minimize losses, mitigate exploited vulnerabilities, and restore computing services.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety April 27, 2016

Executive panel discussion on manufacturing

Siemens held an executive panel discussion on manufacturing at Hannover Messe discussing topics ranging from challenges in the industrial sector to energy efficiency to connected technology and big data.

By Siemens
Process Safety April 26, 2016

Pushbuttons for impact resistance and sealing

Apem has added three models to their AV series of pushbutton switches and are designed to withstand adversity such as rain, frost, ultraviolet rays, and vandalism.

By Apem, Inc.
Process Safety April 22, 2016

Physical security meets OT

In operational technology (OT) cyber security situations, the purpose is to protect the process and keep it running in high-value applications such as factories, pipelines and jets rather than protecting data.

By Nate Kube
Process Safety April 18, 2016

Joint process needed for security framework

A request for a joint and collaborative process was a consistent theme in the comments from NIST’s December 2015 Request for Information on the Cybersecurity Framework, which was created to improve cyber security risk management.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety April 18, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, April 11-17: PLC scanning, automation upgrades, data acquisition and analysis, more

Articles about PLC scanning, managing automation upgrades, data acquisition and analysis, ensuring cyber security protection were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from April 11-17. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 16, 2016

Ultrasonic sensors for fill level and feeder applications

Turck's RUU/3GD ultrasonic sensors are designed for fill level applications in tanks or feeder applications and their rust-proof and acid resistant surface made from stainless steel is also resistant to aggressive media.

By Turck
Process Safety April 14, 2016

Protecting HMIs from ransomware threats

When it comes to on industrial cyber security issues, a good backup is the best defense. This is especially true as companies are being targeted more and more by ransomware threats from hackers.

By Bruce Billedeaux, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety April 10, 2016

Thermal multimeter for improved troubleshooting applications

Fluke's 279 FC TRMS Thermal Multimeter is a test tool with an integrated a full-featured true RMS (TRMS) digital multimeter (DMM) designed to allow technicians to quickly and safely check for hot spots with the imager and then troubleshoot and analyze issues.

By Fluke
Process Safety April 6, 2016

Process viscosity analyzer for measurement applications

PAC's ViscoSure is a process viscosity analyzer that combines oscillating piston technology with tight temperature control to provide precise viscosity analysis that requires little to no maintenance.

By PAC
Process Safety April 5, 2016

Synchronous interface for servo drive series

Servotronix's BiSS-C interface on the CDHD family of high-performance servo drives is compatible with the universal serial synchronous interface (SSI).

By Servotronix
Process Safety April 4, 2016

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 28 to April 3: Cyber security protection, Engineers’ Choice winners, Industrie 4.0 and ICSs, more

Articles about cyber security protection, the 2016 Engineers' Choice Awards winners, Industrie 4.0 and ICS cyber security, heat exchanger control strategies, and data acquisition and analysis were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from March 28 to April 3. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 2, 2016

Signal conditioner for monitoring safety applications

Define Instruments' Sentry trip amplifier is a DIN-rail mountable signal conditioner is designed for industrial monitoring and alarming applications.

By Define Instruments
Process Safety April 1, 2016

Ensuring network cybersecurity

Good cybersecurity requires understanding network risks, threats, and the technical safeguards that can prevent unwanted plant data intrusions.

By Josh Bozeman, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety March 27, 2016

Traditional and collaborative robots working safely with humans

Inside Machines: Traditional and collaborative robots, depending on the application, may be used partially or fully in areas with human workers, and there are new standards and applications designed to improve their safety capabilities.

By Ken McLaughlin
Process Safety March 24, 2016

The need for critical infrastructure specialists

Specialized experts for specific critical infrastructure projects are becoming more and more common as projects become more complex and more demanding.

By Nate Kube
Process Safety March 24, 2016

Hazardous location certifications 101

Tutorial: It is important to know precisely which certification scheme is required for the installation of electrical equipment in a hazardous (classified) area and what precautions need to be taken in each circumstance.

By Mike Bange
Process Safety March 23, 2016

Financial benefits of combining automation and safety projects

Collaborating on seemingly disparate projects could help companies save money by having the different departments focus on areas where their interests and agendas overlap.

By Jeff Winter
Process Safety March 17, 2016

Software features for enhancing collaborative robots

When setting up a collaborative robot, users should be aware of software functions such as safety plane functions and programming standards that are designed to improve the robot's function and safety features on the plant floor.

By Lars Skovsgaard
Process Safety March 16, 2016

Plugs and connectors for washdown, food and beverage applications

ABB IEC 60309 plugs and connectors are IP69K rated, making the connectors ideal for applications requiring liquid ingress protection such as wash-down operations in food processing plants, dairy farms, and breweries.

By ABB
Process Safety March 15, 2016

Controller designed for machine safety applications

The Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5370 controller from Rockwell Automation is designed to combine networks and controllers for safety and motion in applications with up to 16 axes.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety March 11, 2016

Communication system assists human-robot teams

Researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) presented a method of modeling robot collaboration that could make it easier to design systems that enable humans and robots to work together.

By Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office
Process Safety March 10, 2016

High performance HMIs for increased efficiency and overall process safety

Using high performance HMIs is a powerful way to streamline how operators manage processes and allows them to react to process upsets as efficiently as possible.

By Alex Marcy, Corso Systems
Process Safety March 8, 2016

Top 10 Control Engineering articles, February 6 to March 7: Engineers’ Choice, servo system specification, IEC 61131-3, more

Articles about the 2016 Engineers' Choice Awards winners, what to consider when specifying a servo system, IEC 61131-3, rethinking lockout/tagout, and process models facilitating feedback control were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from February 6 to March 7. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety March 6, 2016

Flying robots communicate, artificial intelligence used for data analytics

Executives from Intel and IBM talked about disruptive changes in purchasing thanks to developments in robotics and the cloud. Examples include unmanned robots flying in sync to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Watson changing data processing's nature from being transactional to cognitive.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety March 5, 2016

Self-driving vehicles a priority for automakers

Billions are being invested into making autonomous cars in the near future and several traditional and upcoming car companies demonstrated them at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety March 1, 2016

Unpredictability as a cyber defense

Researchers are developing Chameleon, which is an operating system (OS) that is designed to run unknown programs that could be malware in a special "unpredictable" environment that intentionally introduces some unpredictability to the way the system operates.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety February 23, 2016

Wireless recreating security defenses

While wireless has been a part of networking for more than a decade, the Internet of Things (IoT) will change the way network architectures end up designed.

By Frank Williams, ISSSource
Process Safety February 18, 2016

Delivering real-time data to companies in the field

Inductive Automation and Cirrus Link demonstrated the speed and flexibility of the message queueing telemetry transport (MQTT) Modules for Ignition at the 20th Annual ARC Industry Forum in Feb. 8 in Orlando.

By CFE Media
Process Safety February 17, 2016

Increased efficiency and productivity through the IoTSP

Internet of Things, services, and people (IoTSP) is delivering tangible results, according to Greg Scheu, president, ABB Americas, and Peter Terwiesch, president, ABB Process Automation, at the 20th Annual ARC Industry Forum on Feb. 8, in Orlando.

By CFE Media
Process Safety February 15, 2016

Intelligent conveying system company acquired

Rockwell Automation announced that it has agreed to purchase MagneMotion, a manufacturer of intelligent conveying systems as the company looks to create a portfolio of independent cart solutions for industrial and material handling applications.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety February 14, 2016

Six things to consider for industrial CCTV coax cable selection

Selecting the incorrect coaxial cable for a closed circuit television (CCTV) can degrade signal transmission and quality. Consider basic properties like shielding, RG type, and jacket composition when choosing a coaxial cable.

By Andy Crossman, Maverick Technologies
Process Safety February 12, 2016

Added protection through virtualization

Network virtualization is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, and it is essential that preventive measures be taken to protect the network from potential breaches.

By Frank Williams
Process Safety February 7, 2016

Motor repair standards for increased efficiency and reliability updated

An updated edition of the repair of motors and generators by ANSI/EASA describes industry best practices for the repair, rewinding, and testing of electrical apparatus for ac and dc motors and generators.

By EASA
Process Safety February 3, 2016

Rethink lockout/tagout to improve safety, productivity

Inside Machines: Alternatives to traditional lockout/tagout procedures can improve productivity and reduce incentives to bypass this time-consuming process, improving machine safety and throughput.

By Jimi Michalscheck and George Schuster
Process Safety January 27, 2016

Automation system software upgrade for safety-related applications

Pilz's Release 13 for the PSS 4000 automation system features a non-persistent online change function that allows individual changes to be transferred to the control systems for safety-related applications.

By Pilz
Process Safety January 26, 2016

Industrial cyber security: It’s best to learn from the mistakes of others

Engineering and IT Insight: When we don’t learn from past mistakes, we are forced to repeat them, and true to form, it has happened again. An outsourced IT department–unaware of the manufacturing elements of IT–recently shutdown production in a multi-billion dollar manufacturing company.

By Dennis Brandl
Process Safety January 25, 2016

Lineator for harmonic mitigation in marine, offshore applications

Mirus International's Marine and Offshore Specific (MOS) Lineator is designed to provide harmonic mitigation performance designed for marine applications.

By Mirus International
Process Safety January 23, 2016

The three R’s: Repair, replace, or retrofit

Deciding whether to repair, replace, or retrofit an asset within a plant depends on business goals and operation and maintenance requirements of each asset in a facility.

By Ammad Ahmed Baig
Process Safety January 21, 2016

Functional safety supply company partners with manufacturer

exida, a certification and research firm that specializes in safety critical/high availability automation systems, announced a business partnership with Phoenix Contact, a worldwide manufacturer in industrial electrical and electronic technology products.

By exida
Process Safety January 14, 2016

Securing the Industrial Internet of Things

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offers greater connectivity and benefits for users as it becomes more and more prominent in the automation and manufacturing industries. As a result, security has become more and more important.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety January 12, 2016

Top 10 Control Engineering articles, December 12 to January 11: SI Giants, flow measurement challenges, more

Articles about the 2015 System Integrator Giants, overcoming flow measurement challenges, choosing between a PLC and DCS, and heat exchanger control strategies were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 12 to January 11. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety January 12, 2016

Knife disconnect terminal blocks support test, measurement applications

Phoenix Contact's UT 4-MTL and 6-MTL knife disconnect terminal blocks are designed for test and measurement applications and does not require a tool to actuate, which is useful for critical relay protection cabinets housed in substations.

By Phoenix Contact
Process Safety January 9, 2016

Absolute solid shafted angle encoders

Heidenhain's ROC 2000 and ROC 7000 family of absolute solid shafted angle encoders feature an absolute track with serial code structure as well as an incremental track that uses single field scanning.

By Heidenhain Corporation
Process Safety January 7, 2016

Eight ways manufacturers can use strategic IoT solutions

Developments in monitoring power and performance data allow manufacturers to provide better service and preventive maintenance packages. Learn about the eight ways the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way medical equipment manufacturers do business.

By Joanna Rotter, MSI Data
Process Safety January 6, 2016

Thermal dispersion flow switch series for liquid monitoring

Aplus Finetek Sensor's SP Series of thermal dispersion flow switches are designed for use in monitoring flow/no-flow conditions of liquids in pipes and other conduits and it can be used with hazardous explosive fluids.

By Aplus Finetek Sensor
Process Safety January 5, 2016

Securing a wireless application

Industrial wireless applications are being used by leading manufacturers and operators to improve availability and reduce costs, and there are plenty of protection techniques such as defense-in-depth to keep a network from being compromised by a security breach.

By Heather MacKenzie
Process Safety January 5, 2016

Retractable sensor housings with intelligent locking system

Mettler Toledo's InTrac 781/784 series of retractable sensor housings are designed to tolerate extreme process conditions and features an intelligent locking system that makes it possible to remove the probe only when the insertion rod is fully retracted.

By Mettler Toledo
Process Safety January 4, 2016

IO measurement and control solution for utility, industrial applications

The SEL Axion is a modular, scalable, and distributed I/O measurement and control solution that is capable of serving up to 64 phasor quantities at 60 measurements per second, which makes it suitable for small to large power management units (PMUs).

By Schweitzer Engineering Labs (SEL)
Process Safety January 1, 2016

The long goodbye to Microsoft Windows XP Embedded

Microsoft’s extended support for Windows XP Embedded ends on January 12, 2016, and those using the system after the expiration date need to take stock of their situation with a complete system inventory to assess the systems’ support availability and where upgrades are really needed.

By Dennis Brandl
Process Safety January 1, 2016

Safety relay unit for machine builders

Omron Automation and Safety's G9SE Safety Relay Unit is designed to reduce installation and troubleshooting time for safety input devices such as emergency stop switches, door switches and light curtains.

By Omron Automation and Safety
Process Safety December 23, 2015

Tips for improving safety, ROI for collaborative robots

Collaborative robots are becoming more common on the plant floor. Deciding whether or not to use them, however, requires the plant manager and the workers to consider safety and business considerations and if the robots can benefit the company as a whole.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety December 23, 2015

Changing ROI for Industrial Robotics Webcast: Questions answered

More answers about the changing return on investment (ROI) for industrial robotics, the topic of a Dec. 17 Webcast, are provided by a robotic system integrator for robotics and automation and a robotic and machine safety standards expert. Topics include safety, ROI, applications, integration, technologies, and trends.

By Jeff Fryman, Rick VandenBoom
Process Safety December 22, 2015

Making control system standards work

Understanding a company’s operational technology (OT) security posture and the developments from IEC 62443-2-4 have added security program requirements and benefits for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security and are key in protecting a company’s infrastructure.

By Nate Kube
Process Safety December 18, 2015

Good security programs require vigilance and communication

Cyber security awareness is becoming more and more of an issue in light of recent high-profile attacks. Having a plan with clear-cut objectives and having a good relationship with the IT department are essential to avoid issues that can cost the company time and money.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety December 17, 2015

Webcast: Changing ROI for Industrial Robotics

Collaborative robots, so called because they may be able to share a workspace with a human, have safe-speed, safe-torque, and other features that can make robotics more approachable. Expert speakers will cover the following topics and provide application and standards-based examples. Collaborative robot implementations will be discussed; links connect to additional information.

By CFE Media
Process Safety December 14, 2015

Business computing to focus more on cognition processing

Cognition processing will be at the forefront of business computing within 10 years, according to Robert High, the CTO of IBM's Watson Group, in his keynote speech at RoboBusiness.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety December 9, 2015

Situational awareness during safety incidents—knowing what state the plant is in

A safety incident has just happened in your facility. Everyone is doing their jobs to make the plant safe, but is there any single place to get a truly comprehensive picture of what’s happening and what state every element of the process is in? Video: Phil Jarrell explains a new approach for integration.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety December 7, 2015

Position sensors for pneumatic cylinder operations

Macro Sensors' BBP Series of Air Extended, Spring-Loaded LVDT Position Sensors are designed to ensure proper operation for pneumatic cylinders and has a probe that makes measurements near the end of the probe movement when the sensor is fully extended.

By Macro Sensors
Process Safety November 26, 2015

Four overlooked aspects of risk management, process safety

Process safety trends in risk management and functional safety: The basic process control system (BPCS) focuses on optimizing the process for business continuity. Risks mitigated through “after-the-fact” measures try to minimize an event’s impact. Between these strategies lies the very important layer of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). See four often overlooked aspects of risk management.

By Erik Reynolds, CFSE, PMP
Process Safety November 21, 2015

Process safety: Shutdown failures

Incidents are typically the result of multiple failures to address hazards effectively—represented by the holes in successive slices aligning.

By Greg Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety November 19, 2015

Safety light screen for manufacturing, packaging environments

Banner Engineering’s EZ-Screen Light Screen is optimal for machine safeguarding and built to withstand challenging conditions found in manufacturing and packaging environments.

By Banner Engineering
Process Safety November 15, 2015

Packaging, processing group announces new chairman, board of directors

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, elected Paul Irvine as chairman, Mark Anderson as vice chairman, and four additional members to serve on the board of directors for three-year terms that start in 2016.

By The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI)
Process Safety November 13, 2015

Critical decisions for selecting pressure transmitters

There are many considerations when it comes to selecting a pressure transmitter, and few are examined in school. Here’s advice to avoid tough lessons as you learn on the job.

By Wally Baker
Process Safety November 9, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, November 2-8: PLC or DCS, Engineers’ Choice finalists, DCS development changes, more

Articles about choosing between a PLC and DCS, the Engineers' Choice finalists, DCS development changes, robotic vehicles, and improving hydraulic controls were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from November 2-8. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 28, 2015

Dissolved oxygen analyzer for rugged industrial process environments

Electro-Chemical Devices' (ECD) DO90 Trace DO2 Analyzer provides continuous measurement and alarming of trace dissolved oxygen (DO2) levels in boiler feed water supporting electric power generation steam turbine systems.

By Electro-Chemical Devices
Process Safety October 27, 2015

Maintaining stable gas pressure for hydrochloric acid production

In a chlor-alkali membrane process, hydrogen and chlorine gases are produced using electrolyzers. Maintaining stable pressure on both sides of the membrane is critical for safety and equipment life.

By Neelesh Shah
Process Safety October 22, 2015

Robotic vehicles are not the highest form of auto technology, MIT professor says

David Mindell, an MIT professor, argues against the idea of fully automated cars and vehicles in a book titled Our Robots, Ourselves, and says that while technology advances are good, it is a fallacy to believe that artificial intelligence advances for driverless vehicles will make the roads inherently safer.

By Peter Dizikes, MIT News Office
Process Safety October 19, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, October 12-18: Leaders under 40, Engineers’ Choice finalists, methane regulations, more

Articles about the Leaders Under 40, Engineers' Choice finalists, methane regulations, storing solar energy as hydrogen, and power quality for mission critical facilities were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 12-18. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 17, 2015

Inspiring cyber-physical security into design

Visualizing the relevance of cyber-physical systems in applications provides background for why new approaches to security are required.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety October 16, 2015

The coming changes to standard Ethernet: Extra answers from the webcast

Todd Walter, National Instruments, AVnu Alliance Industrial segment chair and board of directors, answered additional questions after the Sept. 30 webcast, "The Coming Changes to Standard Ethernet: Industrial IoT Convergence with the Control System." Learn more about TSN, IIoT, and standardization.

By Todd Walter
Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: aeShield v4

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: aeShield is an enterprise level software application for executing, monitoring, and sustaining the functional safety lifecycle required by IEC 61511 providing one tool for executing the entire lifecycle. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: Honeywell DynAMo Alarm and Operations Management

Software - Alarm management: DynAMo Alarm and Operations Management software delivers operations integrity through better plant safety, availability and compliance across an organization’s entire enterprise. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: ProSys SLM 2

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: ProSys SLM is a safety lifecycle management suite of software modules covering the entire safety lifecycle, providing automated and standardized workflows coupled with a unified data repository to achieve best practices and satisfy regulatory requirements. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Honorable Mention.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: Micro Motion Model 5700 transmitter

Process Control - Flowmeters: The Micro Motion 5700 Coriolis flow and density transmitter delivers the best in measurement technology and offers unparalleled support—ensuring total measurement confidence, valuable process insight and improved productivity through simplified solutions. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: STZ functional safety dual input smart HART temperature transmitter

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: The STZ functional safety dual input smart HART temperature transmitter is a SIL 3-capable temperature transmitter that reduces process interruptions and is certified by exida for use in safety instrumented systems where dangerous processes occur. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: Platinum series temperature, process controllers

Process Control Systems: The Platinum series PID process and temperature controllers are extremely powerful and versatile with unparalleled flexibility for process measurement. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay with EtherNet/IP module

Safety - Machine safety: The new, optional EtherNet/IP plug-in module for the Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay allows the relay to easily communicate diagnostic data to a CompactLogix or Micro800 controller. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: OptiSIS packaged safety instrumented system

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: Ideal for oil and gas, and specialty chemical producers, the OptiSIS solution is a pre-engineered safety instrumented system that can help ease deployment and reduce lead times for small- and mid-sized process applications. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Awards Winner.

Process Safety October 15, 2015

EC: Simatic S7-1200F safety controller

Safety - Machine safety: The Simatic S7-1200F is a safety controller for fail-safe and standard functionality in a single compact system with minimum space requirements and easy reproducibility of the control cabinet. This is a Control Engineering 2016 Engineers’ Choice Honorable Mention.

Process Safety October 12, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, October 5-11: Leaders under 40, common VFD myths, motor starting methods, more

Articles about the Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, current motor starting methods, OEE concepts and formulas, and industrial control panel standards were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from October 5-11. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 9, 2015

Top 10 Control Engineering articles, September 8 to October 8: Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, industrial control panel standards, more

Articles about the the Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, industrial control panel standards, ladder logic, and system integration project management tips were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 8 to October 8. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 7, 2015

Servo drive for cabinet space savings

Rockwell Automation’s Kinetix 5700 servo drive offers dual-axis servos, a 1.6 to 60 kW power range, and tuning technology designed to help machine builders reduce cabinet-space requirements by up to 70%.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety October 7, 2015

Develop an effective industrial equipment SCCR strategy

Technology Update: Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) compliance requires attention to multiple considerations. See the SCCR regulations. Online extra: Below, learn five steps to define equipment SCCR.

By Erik Barnes
Process Safety October 4, 2015

Middle managers can be cyber security threats

Middle managers sometimes are an obstacle when it comes to implementing and promoting security within their realm. The idea of middle managers bottlenecking the security culture and program is a huge obstacle to overcome.

By Greg Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety September 28, 2015

Smart manufacturing on display at Pack Expo

The Center for Trends and Technology (CTT) at Pack Expo Las Vegas and Pharma Expo 2015 at Las Vegas explores smart manufacturing and other critical topics with displays of automation systems and expert advice from industry members.

By PMMI
Process Safety September 28, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, September 21-27: Leaders under 40, automation software changes, SCADA systems, more

Articles about the Leaders Under 40, automation software changes, SCADA systems and the big picture, common VFD myths, and Ethernet connectivity were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 21-27. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety September 28, 2015

Mechatronics simplifies machine design

Mechatronics reduces inefficiency, errors, and unnecessary expense by breaking down traditional engineering silos.

By Doug Burns, Lenze Americas
Process Safety September 26, 2015

Research on textured surfaces and boiling water could benefit plant safety

Research of textured surfaces and what happens on a hot surface as water boils by MIT researchers could lead to more efficient, and less dangerous, power plants. See related video.

By David Chandler, MIT News Office
Process Safety September 25, 2015

Packaging’s role in food fraud prevention

Food fraud is a major challenge worldwide, and it can have a lasting impact on a country from a social as well as an economic standpoint, as professor John Spink from the Food Fraud Initiative (FFI) cited during a presentation at Process Expo. Automation and processes focusing on authentication, traceability, and supply chain optimization help companies and law enforcement find counterfeits.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety September 21, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, September 14-20: Leaders under 40, common VFD myths, wireless instrumentation security, more

Articles about the Leaders Under 40, common VFD myths, wireless instrumentation security, industrial control panel builders changing standards, and ladder logic advice were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from September 14-20. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety September 2, 2015

High to severe control system threat levels

One in four respondents to the Control Engineering 2015 Cyber Security Study identified a high cyber security threat to their control system. Four additional findings from the study related to threats to control systems are below.

By Amanda Pelliccione
Process Safety September 2, 2015

Security from an executive level

What leaders need to know and ask to ensure a strong security profile.

By Marc Ayala and Jeff Jensen, ISSSource
Process Safety September 1, 2015

3D line scan cameras for machine vision quality control

The Chromasens 3DPixa 3D line scan color camera is designed to improve productivity by preventing defects and reducing waste in industries, such as the pharmaceutical, food products, automotive, and electronics industries.

By Chromasens GmbH
Process Safety August 24, 2015

Wireless devices enable safety from a safe distance

Wireless can provide safety for users, while also giving a big boost to productivity. Wireless units enable operators to control industrial equipment from a safe distance away from heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or dangerous environments and elevate the standard for worker safety and productivity.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety August 24, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, August 17-23: Common VFD myths, ladder logic, IIoT and machine sensors, more

Articles about five common VFD myths, ladder logic, an IIoT and machine sensor demonstration, IEEE 802.11ah and wireless devices, and the future of oil prices were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 17-23. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 3, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 27 to August 2: SCADA cyber security, industrial manufacturer priorities, lathe machine tending, more

Articles about SCADA cyber security, industrial manufacturer priorities, automating lathe machine tending, robotic trends, and safety instrumented systems were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 27 to August 2. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 30, 2015

Staying vigilant and aware on cyber security

Ask Control Engineering: With the high profile coincidental computer glitches, is it possible they are cyber attacks and no one is saying? What else is happening that we don't know about? Link to resources that could help a discern whether a computer glitch is just that or perhaps a cyber security attack.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 27, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 20-26: SCADA cyber security, arc flash compliance, cyber security and process plants, more

Articles about SCADA cyber security, arc flash code compliance, cyber security in process plants, IDS software and IoT risk, and SCADA HMI software security were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 20-26. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 24, 2015

Working with robots and without enclosures

Ask Control Engineering: What’s going on with collaborative robotics? Collaborative robots work in proximity to humans, often without enclosures. Robots can be retrofit with sensors or designed from the start to operate without enclosures, depending on the application and end effectors used. A number of examples were shown or demonstrated at the Automate 2015 show in March.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 24, 2015

Keeping industrial enclosures cool

Inside machines: Steelmaking application calls for consistently cool cabinets in a hot, hostile environment. Equipment specifications for data center environments are far different from those for industrial environments.

By Mike Herzog
Process Safety July 21, 2015

Aluminum alloy gearmotor for corrosion protection in harsh environments

Nord Gear Corporation's Sealed Surface Conversion system is designed to protect aluminum alloy housings with a corrosion-resistant surface and protect the gearboxes from scratches and blemishes as well as contamination.

By Nord Gear Corporation
Process Safety July 18, 2015

Digital manufacturing tutorial on standards

Machine tools standards ease transfer of machining instructions from machine to machine anywhere in the world, making manufacturing 15% more efficient, according to tests. Digital manufacturing uses models and simulation to increase flexibility and quality and decrease costs. A workshop in October will address a remaining hurdle, providing potential benefits to precision machining, robotics, 3D printing, and other areas.

By Martin Hardwick
Process Safety July 17, 2015

Meeting the requirements of Industry 4.0

Achieving smarter factories and reaching the goals set by the Industry 4.0 initiative can be helped by what CC-Link IE has to offer, as Control Engineering Europe editor-in-chief Suzanne Gill explains.

By Suzanne Gill
Process Safety July 15, 2015

Alarm management system for PLC, HMI products

Unitronics' UniStream Alarm Management System has been added to its PLC + HMI products and is designed to allow operators to detect alarms, analyze them, and make any corrections or adjustments needed.

By Unitronics
Process Safety July 14, 2015

Industrial message displays for harsh conditions

Spectrum Controls’ full-color InView industrial message displays are designed to handle the harsh conditions of the factory floor while communicating productivity, status, and alarm conditions to the factory floor.

By Spectrum Controls
Process Safety July 13, 2015

Internet of Everything’s future will change perceptions in manufacturing, daily lives

Industry experts discussed predictions for what the Internet of Everything (IoE) will look like in 2025 for manufacturers during a panel discussion at Cisco Live in San Diego and predicted that it will have enormous impacts in how people work, process information, and live their lives outside of work.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 13, 2015

Cyber security in process plants: Recognizing risks, addressing current threats

As attacks on industrial control systems (ICSs) become more frequent and increasingly sophisticated, defensive strategies must evolve to keep up. Fortunately, the tools are getting better. See related video.

By Eric Knapp
Process Safety July 13, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 6-12: Salary and career survey, PLC basics, oil and gas employment, more

Articles about the 2015 Control Engineering salary and career survey, PLC basics, oil and gas employment, monitoring aging equipment, and automation and control integration tips were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 6-12. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 12, 2015

How to implement industrial security as a CEO

For many executives and board members, cyber security is a new area of risk management. Here are some suggestions for chief executives on how to communicate effectively with management about cyber security.

By Heather MacKenzie
Process Safety July 11, 2015

Address the weak link in a cyber security plan

There is no unplanned cyber attack. Before an attack happens, the hackers know exactly what to take and what to do with the results. End-users should have a serious security plan in place and understand the weakest link and address it.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety July 10, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 9 to July 9: Salary and career survey, oil and gas employment, PLC basics, more

Articles about the 2015 Control Engineering salary and career survey, oil and gas employment, PLC basics, 7 benefits of HMI-historian integration, and motion controls for Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 9 to July 9. Miss something? You can catch up here. Bonus this month: Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 10, 2015

HART temperature transmitter for hazardous conditions

PR Electronics' 7501 explosion- and flame-proof temperature transmitter features a local operator interface (LOI) designed for HART programming, review, and diagnostics of process values in hazardous conditions.

By PR Electronics
Process Safety July 9, 2015

Snap-in pushbutton for industrial applications

Apem's FP26 is a 26mm snap-in pushbutton that comes with an illuminated option and in single and double pole and is designed for dimly lit applications such as instrumentation, security, medical, and industrial automation.

By Apem, Inc.
Process Safety July 9, 2015

Measuring safety instrumented systems

Process safety tutorial: PFD or PFH? The probability of failure on demand (PFD) and the average frequency of dangerous failure per hour (PFH) are two ways to measure safety instrumented systems (SISs). Control Engineering China explains when PFD or PFH should be used to measure SISs effectively.

By Yiliu Liu
Process Safety July 7, 2015

Machinery health analyzer for laser shaft alignment fixtures

Emerson Process Management's CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyzer has a wireless interface for laser shaft alignment tools that allows operators to perform route-based vibration data collection, analyze the root cause, and align the machine in one trip.

By Emerson Process Management
Process Safety July 7, 2015

Wi-Fi in plant environments: Convenience vs. risk

Wireless Ethernet is everywhere, including your manufacturing areas. It’s a great convenience, but are you protecting it adequately?

By Bruce Billedeaux, PE
Process Safety July 7, 2015

Emergency stop control stations with safety trip mechanism

AutomationDirect's IDEM emergency stop control stations are designed to provide emergency stop protection and feature a safety trip mechanism that opens the contacts if the station lid is removed as well as a button protection shroud that accepts a padlock for maintenance activities.

By AutomationDirect
Process Safety July 3, 2015

Collaborative robot that can operate without safety fences

Fanuc's CR-35iA Robot is a 35kg payload robot designed to cooperatively work alongside human operators without safety fences and has safety functions that allow the robot to stop safely when it comes in contact with a human operator.

By Fanuc America
Process Safety July 1, 2015

Smart steering wheel for automotive, transportation applications

Hoffmann+Krippner Inc.'s SensoFoil sensing technology can measure sensitivity in addition to position and can trigger the correct safety protocol to either wake up the driver or to implement corrective measures.

By Hoffman+Krippner
Process Safety June 24, 2015

Time for OT, IT to align priorities

One of the most difficult aspects of cyber security lifecycle for ICS engineers is the maintain phase. Here are some tips to establish a good baseline before getting to the maintain level.

By Nate Kube
Process Safety June 22, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 15-21: Salary and career survey, PLC basics, servo system performance evaluation, more

Articles about the 2015 Control Engineering salary and career survey, PLC basics for enterprise controls, evaluating servo system performance, BP Texas City 10 years later, and railroad axle manufacturing retrofits were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 15-21. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety June 22, 2015

Top 5 priorities for industrial manufacturers

Booz Allen Hamilton has released a report that advocates industrial manufacturers embrace technology and analytics to optimize operations and improve customer experience to better prepare them for the future.

By Booz Allen Hamilton
Process Safety June 18, 2015

Cyber security: Beware of the wild robot

Insurance policies that cover cyber-security-related issues are something new to the marketplace, but should be highly considered because of the rising occurrence of attacks and the damage that can be done by these attacks.

By Luke Foley, Steve Phillabaum
Process Safety June 1, 2015

Smart camera for assembly inspection and automating parts

Teledyne Dalsa's BOA2 Smart Camera is designed for assembly inspection and automating parts and is rated for use in harsh industrial environments. BOA2 has three models that offer 2, 3, or 5M pixel resolution. CMOS sensor format can achieve inspection rates of up to 80 parts per second for high speed applications.

By Teledyne Dalsa
Process Safety June 1, 2015

Safety limit switches provide interlocking and monitoring

Banner Engineering's SI Series of Safety Limit Switches is designed to monitor the position of a wide variety of guards, gates, covers, moveable machine fixtures, and tooling.

By Banner Engineering
Process Safety May 24, 2015

Security plan for electric substations

Adoption of new technologies in electrical substations has improved communications, but it has also made these networks more vulnerable to cyber threats. Good cyber security policy focuses on three objectives. See five levels of industrial control system (ICS) security.

By Heather MacKenzie and Germán Fernández, ISSSource
Process Safety May 18, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, May 11-17: HMI-historian integration, 7 benefits of HMI-historian integration, feed forwards augmenting PID control, more

Articles about HMI-historian integration, 7 benefits of HMI-historian integration, feed forwards augmenting PID control, data historians and HMIs, and getting an automation project approved were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 11-17. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 28, 2015

Industrial networking embraces wireless connectivity

Historically industrial network designers have shunned wireless systems in favor of wired connectivity. The reasons for this are that safety, security and reliability are paramount in a factory environment. However, attitudes are now shifting due to advances in wireless technology.

By Paul Dillien
Process Safety April 27, 2015

If you cannot afford an Einstein to protect the network, try a canary

By using what is known as a “canary,” companies can take an active defense against cyber attackers. The canary will alert IT when there have been changes to the system and actions can be taken to shore up the system and block the attackers. The time between system compromise and detection is more than seven months, too long to know that the manufacturing IT system has been hacked.

By Dennis Brandl
Process Safety April 26, 2015

Wireless security: Extensible authentication protocols

EAP is an authentication framework that specifies methods of secure key distribution and usage for the mutual authentication of a client (supplicant) and an authenticator, which is usually a wireless access point (AP). Wireless security tools can lower risk of cyber security intrusion. See EAP chart.

By Daniel E. Capano
Process Safety April 13, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, April 6-12: Feed forwards augmenting PID control, overcoming process deadtime, hacking oil and gas control systems, more

Articles about feed forwards augmenting PID control, overcoming process deadtime with a Smith Predictor, hacking oil and gas control systems, artificial intelligence for control engineering, and Microsoft Windows 10 benefits for manufacturers were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 6-12. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 10, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 10 to April 9: Augmenting PID control, hacking oil and gas control systems, Engineers’ Choice winners, more

Articles about feed forwards augmenting PID control, hacking oil and gas control systems, the 2015 Engineers’ Choice winners, selecting and applying VFDs, and artificial intelligence for control engineering were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from March 10 to April 9. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 6, 2015

Collaborative robots and humans working together

Companies and researchers continue to work on developing robots that can work safely with humans on the factory floor without enclosures and be able to adapt and learn from human behavior. This has many potential benefits for a manufacturing industry that is becoming more specialized and seeks higher levels of automation to boost productivity.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 6, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 30 to April 5: Feed forwards augmenting PID control, hacking oil and gas control systems, wireless technology benefits, more

Articles about feed forwards augmenting PID control, hacking oil and gas control systems, wireless technology benefits, Microsoft Windows 10 benefits for manufacturers, and dc drives in an ac age were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 30 to April 5. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety April 6, 2015

A dual split-range control strategy for pressure and flow processes

Maintaining setpoint for two-mode or wide-range operations can be much easier when there are two control devices. Split-range control has been widely used in industrial processes for controlling pressure, temperature, and flow. See diagrams.

By Xi (Chris) Sun, Ashish Shah, Joseph Amalraj
Process Safety April 3, 2015

Cyber security lab offers real-time off process modeling for facilities

Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) opened its Industrial Cyber Security Lab to advance its development and testing of technologies and software to defend industrial facilities and operations, such as refineries and manufacturing plants, against cyber attacks.

By Eric R. Eissler
Process Safety April 2, 2015

Six debugging techniques for embedded system development

Learning and propagating various debugging techniques reduces bug count and increases code quality. Here are six techniques that can go a long way in assisting the debugging process. Reset software coding expectations and get better results for embedded systems development.

By David LaVine, Viewpoint Systems
Process Safety March 27, 2015

Siemens: Security lifecycle plan a must

One of the most difficult aspects of cyber security lifecycle for ICS engineers is the maintain phase. Here are some tips to establish a good baseline before getting to the maintain level.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety March 25, 2015

Capacitive sensor series has better immunity to dust, humidity, EMI

Carlo Gavazzi's 4th Generation Tripleshield CA18CA capacitive proximity sensors feature improved immunity to dust, humidity, and EMI and also features an optional dust alarm output that gives an early warning of accumulation on the face of the sensor.

By Carlo Gavazzi
Process Safety March 17, 2015

ICS cyber insecurity: Not if, but when

Think Again: A major cyber security incident will happen to industrial control systems (ICS): not if, but when. Are you and your coworkers ready? Is your organization ready? Do you have the technologies, processes, and procedures ready at every level?

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 16, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 9-15: Selecting and applying VFDs, Engineers’ Choice winners, high-performance HMIs, more

Articles about selecting and applying VFDs, the 2015 Engineers’ Choice winners, high-performance HMIs, integrating wastewater with wireless, and artificial intelligence for control engineering were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 9-15. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety March 14, 2015

Wireless: The future of communication across global industry

Industrial wireless has the potential to revolutionize industries by adding flexibility and capability. It will not be far into the future when wireless becomes as widely adopted as more traditional wired networks.

By Frank Cantwell
Process Safety March 13, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, February 10 to March 12: Engineers’ Choice winners, selecting and applying VFDs, high-performance HMIs, more

Articles about the 2015 Engineers’ Choice winners, selecting and applying VFDs, high-performance HMIs, artificial intelligence for control engineering and control system triggers were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from February 10 to March 12. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety March 10, 2015

Webcast: Integrating wireless into an industrial Ethernet application

Learn about wireless selection criteria including equipment reliability and capabilities, availability, ease of management, conformance to open standards, and integration with an existing Ethernet network

By CFE Media
Process Safety March 10, 2015

Safety device series for hazardous areas

Idec's EU2B family of safety devices includes pushbuttons, pilot lights, selector switches, and ammeters are designed for hazardous areas are designed to prevent the release of electrical energy that could ignite explosive gases or particles.

By IDEC
Process Safety March 10, 2015

Apps for Engineers: Mobile control methods

CFE Media's Apps for Engineers is an interactive directory of engineering-related applications for Apple iOS and Android operating systems form various companies. We've categorized apps by category, company, and type. This month, see these apps for mobile control methods.

By CFE Media
Process Safety March 9, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, March 2-8: High-performance HMIs, Engineers’ Choice winners, alarm management philosophy, more

Articles about high-performance HMIs, the 2015 Engineers’ Choice winners, alarm management philosophy, PID for motion control and robotics, and artificial intelligence for control engineering were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 2-8. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety March 5, 2015

How to hike safety, reduce failures

Because catastrophic incidents are so rare and their consequences so severe, organizations are poorly equipped to self investigate. High-hazard process industries require increasingly stronger safety systems that reduce the potential for catastrophic failures.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety February 26, 2015

Deadline for revised hazard communication standard coming up

Safety data sheets and product labels need to be revised by June 1, 2015. The revisions include the mandatory use of red color, the potential need for multiple languages if shipping to other countries, and many other regional regulatory requirements for compliance in the global marketplace.

By Daniel Levine, ISSSource
Process Safety February 26, 2015

Solenoid and pneumatic valve series for clamping and locking operations

Festo's VS series of piston-spool solenoid and pneumatic valves and valve manifolds are designed ideal for simple clamping and locking operations in semiautomatic assembly as well as explosive environments.

By Festo
Process Safety February 23, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, February 16-22: Engineers’ Choice winners, selecting and applying VFDs, motor and drive systems, more

Articles about the 2015 Engineers’ Choice winners, selecting and applying VFDs, motor and drive systems, distributed power control, and 7 things control engineers should know about management were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 16-22. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety February 17, 2015

Common misconceptions: Safety instrumented system basics

ISA84 is not a "cook book" or "prescriptive standard," but rather a "performance standard" for a general approach plant owners can use for each phase of a safety instrumented system over its lifecycle.

By Shane Hudson
Process Safety February 13, 2015

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, January 13 to February 12: Selecting and applying VFDs, control engineers and management, high-performance HMIs, more

Articles about selecting and applying VFDs, 7 things control engineers should know about management, high-performance HMIs, the cloud and mobility technology, and control system implementations were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 13 to February 12.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety February 12, 2015

Diverse cyber security work force must have technical expertise, flair for problem-solving

Attacks on government, corporate, and individual computers have exposed the vulnerabilities of an increasingly networked world, while revelations of widespread government surveillance cause many to wonder whether personal privacy is a thing of the past. Cyber threats have been called the United States’ greatest security problem—as highlighted by the recent Sony hack. The cyber security profession offers solutions, and not all of them are technical.

By Meredith Holmes, SWE Contributor
Process Safety February 10, 2015

Training suite to improve operator competency through 3D simulation

Honeywell Process Solutions' UniSim Competency Suite is designed to improve operator competency for industrial facilities that are facing a growing shortage of trained operators and they have expanded their suite by integrating SNC-Lavalin's FieldOp3D, which allows the user to navigate a 3D replica of the plant and practice tasks essential to the user's job.

By Honeywell Process Solutions
Process Safety February 9, 2015

DoE releases guidance for cyber security framework

In developing this guidance, the Energy Department collaborated with private sector stakeholders through the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council and the Oil & Natural Gas Subsector Coordinating Council.

By ISSSource
Process Safety February 5, 2015

U.S. Navy unveils firefighting robot prototype at Naval Tech Expo

The Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot (SAFFiR), sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and developed by researchers at Virginia Tech is designed to help evaluate the applications of unmanned systems in damage control and inspections aboard naval vessels.

By Tammy White, Office of Naval Research Public Affairs
Process Safety February 2, 2015

Malware targets manufacturers

Manufacturing is one of the sectors targeted by a new malware variant that is not only able to steal passwords and other sensitive information, but is also capable of infecting files, researchers said.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety February 1, 2015

Web operator panels with electrostatic discharge protection

Advantech's WebOP-3070T, WebOP-3100T, and WebOP-3120T web operator panels have dual level four electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, which makes the panels useful for work in semiconductor factories where ESD is a major concern.

By Advantech
Process Safety January 28, 2015

Miniature magnetic encoders for embedded OEM applications

Renishaw's RLS series of three high-performance miniature magnetic encoders for embedded OEM motion control applications and can also be integrated into small motion systems.

By Renishaw
Process Safety January 28, 2015

Planning algorithms evaluate probability of success, suggest low-risk alternatives

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are developing algorithms that allows a planner to specify constraints and reliability thresholds for a project and is able to assess risk.

By Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office
Process Safety January 27, 2015

European Union contributing $87 million in European robotics projects

The EU, under Horizon 2020, the mechanism the European Commission is using to stimulate robotics-related research, has co-funded 17 new robotics-related projects.

By Frank Tobe, The Robot Report
Process Safety January 22, 2015

Flexible control for winches and cranes

Bosch Rexroth has developed a control solution suitable for simple and complex winch and crane drives that allows designers to generate systems quickly and features a modular system that allows the designer flexibility.

By Bosch Rexroth
Process Safety January 19, 2015

Global chemical industry needs integrated engineering

In addition to advanced management requirements, large volumes of data need to be available and up-to-date at all times from planning to operation. This requires a highly integrated engineering process over the entire lifecycle of plants.

By Control Engineering China
Process Safety January 14, 2015

High-performance HMIs: Designs to improve operator effectiveness

Users and system designers consider how changing HMI strategy can help make operators better at their job and reduce those confused phone calls.

By ISA
Process Safety January 9, 2015

Display mount with locking arm feature

Southco's A Series is a tilt, swivel, and swing display mount is designed with a plunger that locks the arm securely into place, which allows the A Series to maintain position in extreme conditions or when devices are mounted on uneven services.

By Southco
Process Safety January 9, 2015

Machine Safety: Benefits of safety assessments, risk assessments

The need to evaluate hazards and apply corrective actions to reduce those hazards began years ago. Over the past 12-plus years this process has been refined, documented in standards and regulations, and it’s now a requirement. A general term defined for this process is “risk assessment.” Below, learn who a risk assessment is for and some best practices for a risk assessment.

By JB Titus, CFSE
Process Safety January 5, 2015

Process safety management needs modernization

Implementing key federal and state chemical safety board (CSB) recommendations will result in significant improvement of process safety management (PSM) regulations in the United States.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety December 31, 2014

System integration safety module helps minimize downtime

Emerson Industrial Automation's SI-Safety module is a System Integration module designed to minimize production downtime by enabling a machine to slow down or stop, removing the need to power-down the machine after interruption.

By Emerson Industrial Automation
Process Safety December 26, 2014

Full HD camera designed for harsh, extreme conditions

Moxa's VPort 56-2MP IP zoom camera is engineered offers Full HD 1080p and is designed for mission critical applications and harsh conditions. The VPort 56-2MP can be easily turned into an IP positioning system with PTZ capability and two-way audio using an optional built-in fiber interface and PT scanner accessory.

By Moxa
Process Safety December 24, 2014

Machine Safety: Are machine builders shipping unsafe machines?

Can a U.S. original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ship a machine without safety integrated into or included as part of the machine? Aren’t there regulations requiring machine manufacturers to provide machine guarding? An example of basic machine safety is an emergency stopping device, such as an e-stop.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 18, 2014

Machine Safety: Risk of an actuator wired to general machine control versus safety controller

When deciding to apply a device to achieve a safety function, by default, that safety function should be achieved each time, actuated consistently and within a certain time period. For machine hazard mitigation, review these four points when considering risks and reliability of controllers versus safety controllers, defined by IEC 61508 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems – Part 1: General requirements).

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 17, 2014

Machine Safety: Functional safety standard explains validation

Machine safety validation is defined by the international standard ISO 13849-2, Part 2: Validation, which specifies the procedures and conditions for analysis and testing of the specified safety functions, the category achieved, and the performance level achieved. Some functional safety reliability results from a machines’ software design. See 5 steps often used during validation.

By J.B. Titus, CFSE
Process Safety December 17, 2014

Global integration trends, with a focus on best practices

System integrators globally need good business practices as much as they need good technical abilities if they are to serve their clients well, said Bob Lowe from the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). Improving efficiency, security and safety of industrial assets, such as waste treatment plants, manufacturing plants and process industries, requires the skill set that industrial system integration companies possess, thereby resulting in a healthy industry, CSIA said.

By Bob Lowe, Executive Director, Control System Integrators Association
Process Safety December 15, 2014

Rockwell: Security a business enabler

Security awareness is on the rise throughout the industry. Security is becoming a business enabler that can provide manufacturers more than just an insurance policy.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety December 11, 2014

Environmentally sealed pushbutton switch

The P3-30308 from Otto Controls is a rugged E-Stop pushbutton push/pull switch that is environmentally sealed and is designed for handheld controllers or compact control panels where a full size E-Stop switch is too large.

By Otto Controls
Process Safety December 8, 2014

Combustible dust creates safety hazard

Workers ended up exposed to combustible cornstarch dust, dust particles in excess of permissible exposure limits and other hazards at Paris, Ill.-based Septimus Inc. and is facing fines of $46,400 for 21 serious safety and health violations, said officials at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety December 8, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, December 1-7: Controls project requirement framework, automation upgrade for networks, PID loop tuning, more

Articles about using a framework for controls project requirements, an automation upgrade for communication networks, PID loop tuning advice, machine builders decreasing manufacturing time, and modernizing automation were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety December 1, 2014

7 questions for industrial wireless security

What is the No. 1 concern when it comes to wireless solutions in the industrial world? While the answer might be debatable, it always comes down to these two questions – is it reliable enough and can I secure it?

By Heather MacKenzie
Process Safety November 28, 2014

Stacklights for process control and industrial applications

Eaton's SL stacklight series have the ability to display up to five processes at once and configure a range of audible notifications, which make them useful for overseeing machine processes. The 70-mm (SL7) and 40-mm (SL4) stacklights have a twist and lock feature that enables easy dismantling and mounting of complete towers in the field.

By Eaton Corporation
Process Safety November 24, 2014

ICS attack responses

Attacks can happen anywhere and anytime and they don’t have to be major attacks by nation states. They could come from inside or outside. Professionals in the control environment need to understand the security lifecycle where the user goes from assessing to implementing to maintaining the system.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety November 22, 2014

Machine Safety: ISO 13849-1 status, interlock switch safety

Upon reviewing a machine that has two interlock switches mounted to an access door, can you say that the machine is safe? Most industry experts today would say, "Probably not." Here's an explanation of why and the relevant standards.

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 17, 2014

Step one in chemical exposure limit update

OSHA is seeking public comment regarding current practices and future methods for updating PELs. A national dialogue with stakeholders will launch on ways to prevent work-related illness caused by exposure to hazardous substances.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety November 17, 2014

Safety interlock switches monitor and communicate

Product Exclusive: Eaton’s Reed Switch (RS) safety interlock switches are engineered to monitor protective guards in industrial electrical equipment and communicate with safety relays to reliably and quickly switch equipment to the off position in an emergency. All switches in the RS family are safety-rated and are designed with magnetically coded actuators to reduce tampering.

By Eaton
Process Safety November 13, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, October 14 to November 13: Smart devices, tuning PID loops, automation vs. headcount, more

Articles about manually configuring smart devices, tuning PID loops, automation vs. headcount, support-focused enterprise controls, and optimizing servo controls were Control Engineering’s top 5 reader favorites from October 14 to November 13. You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety November 10, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, November 3-9: Engineers’ Choice finalists, tuning PID loops, automation vs. headcount, more

Articles about the 2015 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalists, tuning PID loops for level control, automation vs. headcount, optimizing servo controls, and finding success in an engineering career through failure were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 3-9. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety November 9, 2014

Machine Safety: 12 hazards of unused machinery

Look at the 5 levels of hazard mitigation to help determine risk of a machine no longer in use. Consider the following 12 hazards of end-of-lifecyle machines. An unused machine is not necessarily safe.

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 4, 2014

Assisted living for your aging DCS

Has your control system moved past the point where you can depend on it? Understand the signs that it’s time to retire your platform before it’s too late.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety November 3, 2014

Four risk factors jeopardizing automation projects

Pharmaceutical companies are making a beeline to automate manufacturing. Here are four primary risk factors, most of them non-technical, which might hinder the early phases of any automation project.

By Joy Chang
Process Safety November 3, 2014

Medium-voltage drive adds safe torque off (STO) option

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 medium-voltage drive by Rockwell Automation has added a safe torque off (STO) option, which designed directly into the drive control and it works side by side with the drive's control functions.

By Rockwell Automation
Process Safety October 27, 2014

Yokogawa: Safety, security a fundamental

Safety and security is one of the four fundamentals to running a plant along with availability, efficiency and human reliability.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety October 27, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, October 20-26: Engineers’ Choice finalists, control system integration industry, support-focused enterprise controls, more

Articles about the 2015 Engineers’ Choice Awards Finalists, evolution of the control system integration industry, support-focused enterprise controls, alarm management, and the first PLC were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 20-26. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety October 21, 2014

Emerson Process Management on the evolving process industry landscape

Video: Steve Sonnenberg, EPM president, discusses how the company is approaching greater growth in North America and lessons learned supporting mega-projects around the world.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: SL series stacklights

Control Components: Eaton SL Series Stacklights are designed to improve control over key processes and enhance machine availability in industrial applications. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Eaton ePDU G3 platform

Power — Energy, Power Protection: Eaton's customizable ePDU G3 models are rack power distribution units designed to streamline the power distribution needs of today's IT and data center managers with next-generation power monitoring capabilities. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: PumpSmart MV

Process Control Systems: An Intelligent medium voltage variable speed pump controller with dynamic curve visibility. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: PSR-MXF safety relay

Safety — Machine Safety: Phoenix Contact's new PSR-MXF multifunctional safety relay can connect three dual-channel safety sensors in a compact 22.5-mm design. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Simatic S7-1500F safety controller

Safety — Machine Safety: The Siemens Simatic S7-1500F is a CPU 1518F safety controller for demanding standard and fail-safe applications, with advanced functionality requirements. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: HIMax X-CPU 31

Safety — Process Safety, Intrinsic Safety: The new HIMax SIL 3 CPU integrates all functions of the system bus module and is even more scalable and able to be adapted to specific small and mid-range safety applications. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: One Series Safety Transmitter

Safety — Process Safety, Intrinsic Safety: The One Series Safety Transmitter is aSIL 2 certified pressure and temperature transmitter for functional safety systems. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: SAFESERIES SIL relays

Safety — Process Safety, Intrinsic Safety: The SAFESERIES SIL relays provide switching for single- or two-channel safety circuits in high-risk or aggressive conditions and can either energize or de-energize to safe mode features such as alarm capabilities for emergency shutdown systems. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Rosemount 3051S MultiVariable wireless pressure transmitter, flowmeter

Sensors: The 3051S MultiVariable wireless pressure transmitter and flowmeter consolidates differential and static pressure measurement points while eliminating process penetrations reducing installation cost by 40%. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Rosemount 5300 series guided wave radar transmitter verification reflector

Sensors: The unique verification reflector function in the Rosemount 5300 Series guided wave radar enables device integrity testing without manually raising product level—saving time, enhancing safety, and reducing the risk of spills. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Honeywell SmartLine temperature transmitters

Sensors: SmartLine temperature transmitters help plant personnel decipher process temperature data faster and more accurately to increase plant and employee efficiency, while lowering overall lifecycle costs. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 20, 2014

EC: Tracerco Profiler

Sensors: The Tracerco Profiler is a unique high resolution instrument designed to measure real time vertical distribution of multiple phases in gravity separators at high temperature providing operator confidence to maximize an assets production capability. This is a Control Engineering 2015 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 10, 2014

Data-enabling safety relays add value to simple machines

Inside Machines: Safety relay advances help machine builders cost-effectively meet customers’ compliance goals while addressing needs for a connected enterprise.

By Thomas Helpenstein
Process Safety October 3, 2014

Profibus and Profinet celebrates 20 years at annual meeting

At its general assembly meeting held on Sep. 23-25, PI North America executive director Michael Bryant addressed members. Today, nearly 50 million Profibus devices and 10 million Profinet devices have been installed.

By Joy Chang and PI North America
Process Safety October 1, 2014

Industrial cyber security: An idea whose time has come?

IHS believes there will be a shakeout in the market for industrial cyber security. Although the market will attract some new entrants, this will be largely offset by companies choosing to exit the business and by acquisition-driven consolidation.

By Toby Colquhoun, senior analyst for IHS Inc.
Process Safety September 30, 2014

Machine Safety: Identify machine safety standards for your business

Why is it important in the United States to identify machine safety standards for your business? See 6 ways standards help with machine safety.

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 29, 2014

Exploring controls upfront is key to profitability

By exploring and defining desirable controls early in a project cycle, more time is afforded to take advantage of creative ideas, thereby enhancing both productivity and profitability while reducing potential for errors that could jeopardize both.

By Mark Goldstein and Rich Ryland
Process Safety September 24, 2014

Machine Safety: What is your safety elevator pitch?

In less than 30 seconds, can you tell me why I should care about your plans for exceeding industrial safety compliance? Are business benefits part of your answer?

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 22, 2014

Security for industrial domain and the IT side: understanding differences

There are huge differences in security implementations between the industrial domain and the IT side.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety September 17, 2014

Machine Safety: Safety and security combined

Some recent reports, cyber attacks have grown by 600% since 2010 costing industry around $400 billion a year impacting productivity, machine uptime and profitability. Machine safety automation also addresses productivity, uptime and profitability. Perhaps “safety” and “security” efforts should combine.

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 16, 2014

Control Engineering advice: 60 years and beyond

Think Again: Wisdom from the past helps us innovate for the future, adapting to educational needs of control, instrumentation, and automation systems, worldwide.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 13, 2014

Machine Safety: Crossing the yellow line

Yellow line theory versus complacency: On a train platform few people cross the yellow line, without any specialized training, yet, in a manufacturing environment, accidents happen regularly after people cross the yellow line and even more formidable barriers. Why?

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 8, 2014

Triple output micromodule regulator

Linear Technology Corporation's LTM4634 regulates common intermediate power buses such as 12 V, 5 V and 3.3 V in instrumentation with its combination of wide output voltage range, a thermally efficient package, tight regulation accuracy, and small solution size.

Process Safety September 1, 2014

New threats emerging: Cisco report

Cyber security risks increase: Pharmaceutical and chemical industries saw the biggest increase in cyber attacks so far this year, a new report said.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety August 26, 2014

Can luck cover for a lack of alarm management?

Is it safe to run a plant without alarm management? An effective alarm management program will let you run the plant harder while still remaining safe.

By Tyron Vardy
Process Safety August 25, 2014

Understanding radiation with new detector

An inexpensive portable radiation detection device could help people better understand the radiation around them and whether or not it poses a health risk.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety August 24, 2014

Machine Safety: Which takes precedence, a Type-B or a Type-C safety standard?

Understanding the hierarchy of Type A, B and C safety standards, isn’t a Type B safety standard to be considered precedent over a Type C safety standard?

By JB Titus
Process Safety August 20, 2014

Fraud and product theft prevention in industrial enterprises

Measurement and process automation, products and materials tracking, advanced data analytics and correlation will deliver increased detection, better investigative capabilities and deter fraud and product theft.

By Leszek Mroz and Michal Paulski, EY OT Advisory Services
Process Safety August 16, 2014

Rotary encoders with over-speed capability

Leine and Linde's 800 rotary encoder series includes an integrated over-speed capability with programmable switching speeds.

Process Safety August 15, 2014

Trojan variant making big attack push

A wave of attacks pushing a new variant of Pushdo Trojan compromised more than 11,000 systems in just 24 hours.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety August 15, 2014

Yes, robots don’t need workers’ compensation coverage

Insurance savings typically don’t top the list of return on investment (ROI) justifications for installing automation and controls, but a reengineered insurance program may yield benefits far beyond cost reductions. Automation can lower risk to employees in manufacturing. Forward a link to this article to the appropriate contacts in your company so that lower costs can increase your budget.

By Luke A. Foley and Steve Phillabaum
Process Safety August 12, 2014

Machine Safety and safety maturity: Are you safe without injuries?

International Labor Organization said every 15 seconds approximately 160 workers have a work-related accident, and one of those injured workers will die. So, does it make sense to keep detailed records of injuries to claim that an absence of injuries equates to the presence of safety? Know the 5 progressive steps to a strong safety culture.

By JB Titus
Process Safety August 9, 2014

Remote device management software with web-based structure

Advantech's SUSIAccess 3.0 remote device management software uses a web-based structure that focuses on Console-Server-Agent connection for cloud management.

Process Safety August 7, 2014

Motorized test stands for laboratory, production environments

Omega's MTS300 series of motorized test stands feature an LCD display and are designed for tension and compression testing applications for laboratory and production environments.

Process Safety August 7, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 8 to August 7: Tuning PID, PID math, radio frequencies, more

Articles about tuning PID control loops, PID math, radio frequency basics, creating an ASM-compliant HMI, and offshore oil and gas production were Control Engineering’s top 5 reader favorites from July 8 to August 7. You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 5, 2014

Helmet technology demonstrated using compact data acquisition system

At NIWeek 2014, Dr. John Lloyd demonstrated his prototype helmet technology, which is designed to cut rotational impact forces by 50% and reduce the potential for a concussion for the wearer. The test stand was demonstrated at the 20th annual National Instruments conference and show in Austin, Texas. (Link to related news below.)

By CFE Media
Process Safety August 4, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 28 to August 3: centralized and DCS system designs, traffic and rail coordination, PID control loop tuning, more

Articles about centralized and distributed control system designs, light-rail and traffic light coordination, tuning PID control loops, 3D vision inspection systems, and offshore oil and gas drilling were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 28 to August 3. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety August 1, 2014

Gateways with two Ethernet ports for separate subnets

Three new PLX30 gateways have two separate Ethernet ports that allow protocols to reside on separate subnets

Process Safety August 1, 2014

Machine Safety: Do not tell employees that a safety compliant machine is safe

Just because you were particularly careful to purchase a new machine compliant to the latest machine safety standards and delivered with all the usual mandatory conformity marks like CE, UL, etc., you cannot tell employees they are working on a safe machine. Listen to OSHA and ANSI.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 25, 2014

Machine Safety: Does a CE mark make a machine safe?

Machine safety discussions have risen to new heights with the advent of improved technology and the availability of Internet communication. Beware: pay attention to the details. An EU (European Union) discussion may not fully apply here in the U.S.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 24, 2014

Embedded vision growth predicted across various application markets

Shipments of embedded vision devices are forecast to exceed 14 million units in 2018.

By Niall Jenkins, IHS Technology
Process Safety July 21, 2014

Security breaches on the rise

A new study reported no decrease in the number of network security events or breaches last year.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety July 17, 2014

Safety laser scanners to increase monitoring flexibility and machine productivity

Omron Automation and Safety's OS32C-4M safety laser scanners feature pollution tolerance modes that allow them to operate in dirty and dusty application environments and can report status and measurement data via EtherNet/IP.

Process Safety July 14, 2014

Machine safety standards: ANSI Z10 versus new ISO 45001 in late 2016

ANSI Z10-2005 is a machine safety concern and an opportunity, as recently discussed. I barely finished that blog post when I was informed about a brand new ISO Project Committee (PC) 283 tasked to take Z10 to the international stage. The new ISO 45001 is planned for approval in late 2016, but what would happen to the ANSI Z10-2012 safety standard?

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 14, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, July 7-13: PID, radio frequencies, PID math, more

Articles about tuning PID control loops, radio frequencies, PID math, programming PLCs, and ASM-compliant HMIs were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 11, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 10 to July 10: PID, ASM-compliant HMIs, PLCs, more

Articles about tuning PID control loops, ASM-compliant HMIs, programming PLCs, PID math, and integrating HMIs with PLCs and PACs were Control Engineering’s top 5 reader favorites from June to July 10. You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Process Safety July 11, 2014

Security as fundamental as safety

Compromised technology means it is not safe, causing trouble for manufacturers.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety July 11, 2014

Vision sensor series for enhanced communication and inspection

Banner Engineering's iVu Plus TG Gen2 and BCR Gen2 vision sensor series feature Ethernet connectivity and multiple inspection capability on the plant floor and have an IP67-rated housing, making it useful for hazardous plant conditions.

Process Safety July 9, 2014

Changing the face of process control for a new generation

Like it or not, younger workers coming up now are vastly different than the graybeards. Companies can try to resist changes or find ways to embrace a younger generation and improve operating results.

By Jack Gregg
Process Safety July 8, 2014

Machine Safety: We haven’t finished assessing cloud computing; here comes the fog

Cloud computing has been discussed by all the big guys (Microsoft, Apple, Cisco Systems, IBM, Google, Facebook, HP, Sony, etc.) for several years. Some suppliers have already developed hardware products that only store data in “the cloud.” And, machine safety experts have begun assessing how, or even if, “the cloud” can play any role in providing machine safety.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 2, 2014

Machine Safety: Can one channel mitigate a Cat 3/PLd functional requirement?

Category 3 and 4 architectures typically call for a control reliable (that is, redundant) circuit design no matter what safe logic solver under consideration: safety relay, safety PLC, safe drive, and so forth. So why would there be any confusion?

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 1, 2014

Ethernet switches for harsh environments

Belden's Spider II 16TX EEC and Spider II 16TX/2DS-S EEC switches have a high port density and are designed to implement industrial Ethernet technology and can withstand extreme heat and cold, and can be used in environments with a high explosion risk.

Process Safety June 25, 2014

Safety system for PLC, operator interface, and third party control systems

ABB's High Integrity (HI) safety system is designed for use with any ABB or 3rd party control system, PLC or operator interface where deep integration with the process control system is not required.

Process Safety June 17, 2014

Motion control in packaging: 10 tips for improvement; 1 for good measure

Inside Machines: Eleven tips follow about how to apply recent technology advances to packaging machine and line motion control, benefitting end users and machine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Highly automated lines and machines create faster product changeover, faster recipe adjustments, homing of new line components after an install, enhanced troubleshooting capabilities, and other benefits for most automated machine builders.

By Ajay S. Rana
Process Safety June 16, 2014

Devices generate an average of 10,000 security events per day

The number of security events sheds light on why recent high profile attacks go undetected for so long.

By Gregory Hale, ISSSource
Process Safety June 16, 2014

EtherCAT box with IP69K protection

The Beckhoff EQ series stainless steel EtherCAT Box I/O modules with IP69K protection are designed for direct use on machines in areas with strict hygienic requirements.

Process Safety June 13, 2014

Software reduces cost and resource strain of process safety and SIS management

Mangan Software Solutions (MSS) announces the launch of ProSys SLM, its newest generation of Safety Lifecycle Management software. The new product reduces cost and effort with automated and standardized workflows to execute compliance and engineering processes.

Process Safety June 12, 2014

Machine Safety: Wireless and cableless are similar but different

Know the differences, when considering machine safety, between wireless and cableless. As an analogy, is your hand held smart phone, with all its Internet, social media, photograph and movie capabilities, wireless or cableless?

By JB Titus
Process Safety June 10, 2014

Machine Safety: One design for OEMs, globally

Can’t original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have one design for global customers? For at least 15 years we’ve heard about “global harmonization” of machine safety standards. Perhaps OEMs can finally enjoy the economies of scale of one design for global customers?

By JB Titus
Process Safety June 3, 2014

Deltabar FMD71 level transmitter

The FMD71 level transmitter uses a two pressure sensor modules measuring the hydrostatic pressure and the head pressure eliminating impulse lines or capillaries.

By Source: [Endress+Hauser]
Process Safety May 30, 2014

Test automation software certified for automotive, aerospace industries

dSpace's test automation software, AutomationDesk 4.1, a test authoring and automation tool for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of electronic control units (ECUs), has been certified by TÜV SÜD for testing safety-related systems.

Process Safety May 27, 2014

Machine Safety: e-stop devices versus safety devices

Safety devices and e-stop machine safety requirements consistently raise questions and merit review. The universal (and global) emergency stop device is not so universally understood. An e-stop is NOT a safeguarding device and certainly an e-stop is NOT a reset button. Review these e-stop device requirements according to machine safety standards.

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 27, 2014

Connector for harsh industrial, agricultural environments

Binder-USA's Harsh Environment Connector (HEC) is designed to endure extreme environmental conditions like high pressure and high temperature washdowns, making them well-suited for industrial and agricultural environments.

Process Safety May 21, 2014

Overcoming challenges in securing the Internet of things

Vendors are now working together to develop best practices and blueprints for securing things, data generated from those things, and the automation of those things across different industrial environments.

By Guido Jouret
Process Safety May 20, 2014

Machine Safety: Verification is not validation

Know the 5 steps of the functional safety lifecycle. To perform functional safety and comply with safety standards like ISO 13849-1 and ISO 13849-2, design engineers need to know how to perform verification and validation measures; they are not the same step.

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 16, 2014

Machine Safety: Integrated safety can learn from the 1960s

Machine safety thought leaders of tomorrow can learn from the evolution of machine guarding since the 1960s. Some safety was integrated even before PLCs.

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 13, 2014

Power fail-safe state: After the power outage

Identifying a power outage – small or large – is only a fraction of the battle for your equipment.

By Rob Henderson
Process Safety May 9, 2014

Industrial safety networks, security

Networked safety: Unify your design. You can do without a separate safety architecture. Industrial safety networks lower risk as needed, while simplifying automation for the plant floor or within a machine. Don’t forget security, which can impact safety.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 6, 2014

Machine Safety: Networks can enable advancements in machine safety

Networks have seen significant advancements over the past 10 years to include safety certified networks. Have these technological achievements really advanced machine safety?

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 2, 2014

Simplify industrial networks and machine safety

Machine safety networking, simplified: Combine safety and standard networking into one solution. The answer is a little like moving away from an out-of-control Facebook account.

By Tina Hull
Process Safety May 1, 2014

Machine safety networks

Networked safety: Learn everything you wanted to know about safety networks and their functions but were afraid to ask. Machine safety network checklist includes one often overlooked point.

By Ian Brough
Process Safety April 29, 2014

Plastic push buttons for enclosures

Bud Industries' PBB Push Button Box is a plastic button with a NEMA 4X/IP67 rating that is designed to keep out dust and water in extreme conditions, making it useful for harsh environments.

Process Safety April 29, 2014

Machine Safety: Can machine operators be safe with Google Glass?

Special technology for machine safety can be applied in special ways to provide compliant machine safeguarding. Technologies such as Google Glass are starting to merge into human activity. How will safety behavior be impacted if employees are allowed to wear Google Glass near operating machinery?

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 28, 2014

Safety switches for commercial, industrial applications

ABB's heavy duty safety switches are designed for commercial and industrial applications and offer touch-safe visible blades and operating mechanisms that are fully enclosed and protected from dirt and debris.

Process Safety April 16, 2014

Machine Safety: enhanced safety networks, the Internet of things, and autonomous safety

Does anybody remember HAL 9000, the computer that controlled the universe in the science fiction movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey? Is autonomous safety where we’re headed with networks and technology for integrated machine control and safety automation? [HAL 9000 was not OSHA approved.]

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 15, 2014

CNC collision avoidance

Technology Update: Machine builders and end users can protect the machine and operators with advanced CNC technologies.

By Randy Pearson
Process Safety April 15, 2014

Flexible safety relay solution allows multiple safety zones

The Allen-Bradley Guardmaster 440C-CR30 safety relay from Rockwell Automation is designed to allow machine builders to implement required safety functions and multiple safety zones.

Process Safety April 14, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, April 6-12

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Control Engineering's five most-clicked articles from last week, April 6-12, including articles about Windows XP support, integrating HART data from smart devices, machine safety standards, and treating system integration as a commodity.

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs
Process Safety April 11, 2014

For machines that cannot be upgraded, what needs to change now that Microsoft Windows XP support has ended?

Ask Control Engineering sought advice from industrial software developers related to the end of Microsoft Windows XP support. Here, Beckhoff Automation provides answers related to Microsoft Windows XP obsolescence.

By Mark T. Hoske, Debra Lee
Process Safety April 8, 2014

Machine safety standard merger: One global machine safety standard

In a few years, could we just have one functional safety standard? The world has two predominantly accepted functional safety standards for machinery: IEC 62061, Safety of machinery: Functional safety of electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems, and ISO 13849-1, Safety of machinery - Safety-related parts of control systems - Part 1: General principles for design.

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 7, 2014

Machine Safety: what is the value of ISO 13849-1 for U.S. domestic compliance?

ISO 13849 clearly states that it is a standard for designers. If these designers work for U.S. original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), does the OEM have an enforceable legal requirement for compliance? Under the European Machinery Directive (MD), common opinion is no, but there may be exceptions.

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 5, 2014

Machine Safety: safety system validation and daisy divination

Take safety system validation seriously. Validation is substantiating that a required safety function is reliably achieved in a machine’s safety system. Validation is not the same as verification. Safety automation offers flexibility.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 31, 2014

Motion control and drives profile expanded

The CiA 402 motion control and drives profile originally developed for CANopen systems will be extended for functional safety. In addition, A new PDO mapping was introduced, to control asynchronous as well as synchronous motor with the very same device.

By Holger Zeltwanger
Process Safety March 26, 2014

Machine Safety: Who is responsible for international standards?

A lot of work has gone into harmonizing international machine standards but a dilemma still exists – who is responsible? Ensure you know the answer.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 25, 2014

Developments to watch: Engineering can save train engineers

Control engineers should offer railroads simpler and more cost-effective systems to automatically slow or stop trains as needed to lower risk.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 24, 2014

Machine Safety: Do safety and security converge or intersect?

Machine safety and security each involve potential hazards that can result in personal injury, damage to property, and / or interruptions and unplanned downtime in manufacturing. While the outcome can be the same, machine safety and security differ in causal behaviors based on intent.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 20, 2014

Density and concentration meter for harsh conditions, applications

Emerson Process Management's Micro Motion Fork Density meter helps users achieve fast-response density and concentration monitoring in challenging conditions.

Process Safety March 13, 2014

Machine Safety: Don’t play hide and seek with a safety program

Is your safety program like the game “Hide and Seek”? Or is your program “Top Down and Bottom Up” best-in-class machine safety? We all have a choice. Don't play games. Be proactive for machine safety compliance.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 10, 2014

Instrumentation software offers device setpoint confidence, remote monitoring

Control Engineering International: Challenged with device documentation? A chemical manufacturer in Switzerland uses a software application to ensure accurate remote monitoring of field devices and remote monitoring, among other benefits, according to a Control Engineering Europe report.

By Suzanne Gill
Process Safety March 7, 2014

Growing awareness of counterfeit electrical products, survey says

A joint survey from power management company, Eaton, and the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) showed both an increased awareness of counterfeit electrical products and a still growing need for more.

By Eaton, Independent Electrical Contractors
Process Safety February 26, 2014

Machine Safety: Moving automation changes safety needs

Safety considerations change as the source of hazards transforms, such as on moving workstations like automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Even Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is assembled on slow moving AGVs. How can guarding for operator safety accommodate changing hazard levels during assembly?

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 25, 2014

Machine Safety: Is your safety culture a top-down approach?

Safety culture is key to “best-in-class” performance. Engaging machine safety at the executive level daily permeates an entire organization. Are you seeing top-down benefits?

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 24, 2014

Top 5 Control Engineering articles, Feb. 17-23, 2014

Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Control Engineering five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 17-23, 2014, including articles about automation system retrofits, HMI graphics, DCS upgrades, plant safety, and NIST’s Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Jordan Schultz
Process Safety February 24, 2014

Software measures safety culture and compliance, advises of needed changes

Rockwell Automation Safety Maturity Index online software tool helps companies understand current level of safety performance and the steps needed to improve safety and profitability.

Process Safety February 19, 2014

Think again: Robotic expansion, efficiency, safety

If robots aren’t helping to expand your profitability, quality, and safety, why not?

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 17, 2014

Mechatronics adds machine safety

Integrated machine safety: The study of mechatronics includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, control engineering, and computer engineering. Original equipment manufacturers need to manage the design process, integrate safety, and recognize mechatronic trends to stay ahead of the technology curve.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 14, 2014

Safety does not come out of a box

The solution to making your process plant a safer place isn’t something you can buy. Much of it depends on changing the ways your people work and think.

By Luis Durán
Process Safety February 13, 2014

Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: An explanation of the NIST framework

NIST’s Vicky Yan Pillitteri, at the 2014 ARC Forum, discussed the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and today’s release of the Executive Order 13636, Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety February 11, 2014

‘Best practices,’ according to who?

While many best practices are based off of decades of experience there are many who don’t follow them for their own reasons.

By Bruce Brandt
Process Safety February 11, 2014

Integrate safety engineering into mechatronic design

The study of mechatronics includes mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, control engineering, and computer engineering. Adding safety engineering to mechatronics design theory could have a large economic impact on manufacturers globally.

By Jeff Winter
Process Safety February 7, 2014

Safety monitoring software

ACM Facility Safety's SafeGuard Sentinel safety monitoring software is designed to continuously measure, monitor and alert operations and enables plants to reduce risk and identify critical safeguards during operation.

Process Safety February 6, 2014

Machine Safety: Year over year safety automation growth outpaces general automation

Safety automation growth is outpacing growth in general automation. See these seven reasons and add your thoughts using the comment feature.

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 4, 2014

Industrial Ethernet cables also are available with M12 or RJ45 connections

Balluff's conductor cables are designed for almost any industrial Ethernet application and can be used in harsh workplace and weather conditions, depending on need and function. They are also available with M12 D-coded or RJ45 connectors.

Process Safety February 3, 2014

Stainless wall mount enclosures in 30 sizes are NEMA 4X, IP66 sealed

Hammond Manufacturing's HWSSHK304 and 316L stainless steel wallmount enclosures are available in 30 sizes and are sealed to NEMA 4X (IP66) and UV resistant.

Process Safety January 31, 2014

Machine Safety: 5 measures for making machine safety stick

Do you see continuous improvement in machine safety or backsliding? Use these five measures to emphasize and improve machine safety.

By JB Titus
Process Safety January 30, 2014

The increasing role of functional safety in complex machine design

Mechatronics and safety: Proper application of safety standards is required to attain CE Marking, vital for machines placed in Europe. See the five steps to self certification.

By Mark Nehrkorn
Process Safety January 28, 2014

DART and the promise of high power with intrinsic safety

Dynamic Arc Recognition and Termination (DART) technology is set to become an IEC standard after first hitting the headlines in 2008, with the promise of making higher power possible in hazardous areas. Suzanne Gill, Control Engineering Europe, explains the latest.

By Suzanne Gill
Process Safety January 22, 2014

Impact of access control on mechanical locking devices

IHS expects from 2012 to 2017, global revenues for electromagnetic locks and electric strikes will grow at compound annual growth rates of 6.9% and 7.8% respectively.

By IHS Inc.
Process Safety January 21, 2014

Understanding the cyber security implications of a physical break in

When someone breaks into a remote facility, you may dismiss it as simple theft or vandalism. There might be a far more sinister action taking place.

By Michael J. Assante
Process Safety January 14, 2014

Power system testing, calibration system

Fluke's automated and traceable Calibration 6135A/PMUCAL Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) Calibration System is an integrated system that can complete 600 tests and certify a PMU configuration in less than one day.

Process Safety January 13, 2014

Control Engineering predictions for 2014

Think Again: 10 predictions follow for Control Engineering subscribers in 2014.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety January 12, 2014

Machine Safety: What are your 2014 New Year machine safety resolutions?

Will 2014 be another year of the same or do you have a list of New Year resolutions for machine safety? Here are three machine safety ideas on which to focus this year, based on key OSHA violations.

By JB Titus
Process Safety January 1, 2014

Machine Safety: 13 terms to know for compliance with functional safety, ISO 13849-1

Knowing these 13 machine safety terms will help in efforts to comply with the international standard, ISO 13849-1: 2006, Safety of machinery, Safety-related parts of the control system. Many large companies have become early adopters of the new quantitative approach for designing machine control systems.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 30, 2013

Machine Safety: OSHA’s top 10 cited violations for 2013

Are you very aware of OSHA’s top 10 citations for 2013? Is this because of your excellent safety culture and organizational diligence? Or, is it because you’ve been cited by OSHA?

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 27, 2013

Machine Safety: Has the era of cageless robots begun?

Could safeguarding become a requirement of the past? Baxter who? See the list of technology highlights in the past 40 years. Is OSHA keeping up with manufacturing technology innovations?

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 19, 2013

Process safety system design software

SafeGuard Profiler provides LOPA and SIL-Verification/Validation Packages to help process automation professionals design and evaluate plant safety systems.

Process Safety December 12, 2013

Machine Safety: Safe enough versus compliance, 8 compliance best practices

How does “safe enough” compare to “compliance”? It doesn't. Not having accidents for a period of time doesn't mean there isn't risk. See these eight machine safety compliance best practices.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 11, 2013

Machine safety strategy: Stay the course or change?

Learn the four core behaviors of safety cultures. If a discovered hazard or an unexpected incident is only viewed as a problem, then problems could be distractions instead of enablers for continuous improvement or opportunities previously unseen.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 9, 2013

Software provider and system integrator join forces to deliver safety system monitoring platform

ACM Facility Safety partners with Autopro Automation Consultants to deliver safety software for process industries allowing real-time risk visualization.

Process Safety December 3, 2013

Workbench for process safety applications

Rockwell's AADvance Workbench 2.0 is designed for process safety applications that require a flexible architecture and features a multiuser, multicontroller environment with built-in version control and traceability.

Process Safety December 1, 2013

Machine Safety: A new international standard for interlocking devices on guards – ISO 14119: 2013

Have you had unintended consequences of a “temporary defeat” or bypassing guard interlocks? Just-updated ISO 14119 “Safety of machinery – Interlocking devices associated with guards – Principles for design and selection" may help.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 1, 2013

Angle encoder has a functional safety setting

Heidenhain's RCN Series now features a functional safety setting that generates absolute position values and error bits in a safe control while maintaining a secure connection between the shaft and encoder.

Process Safety November 30, 2013

CIP Safety standard to include safe motion applications

ODVA's CIP Safety Specification will include services for safe motion applications that will allow users to deploy networked motion systems using Ethernet/IP and SERCOS III.

By ODVA
Process Safety November 26, 2013

Controller for up to 8 robots, functional safety for zone, tool position monitoring

Yaskawa's DX200 robot controller features multiple robot control technology for up to eight robots as well as a Functional Safety Unit (FSU) for control-reliable zone and tool position monitoring.

Process Safety November 25, 2013

Thermal camera shipments heat up as prices melt

Reduced prices and high unit growth have led to increased demand in the commercial security sector for thermal cameras.

By IHS Inc.
Process Safety November 21, 2013

Webcast: Industrial Ethernet, Part 2: Case Studies

Industrial Ethernet case studies provide lessons learned as detailed in specific installations to gain practical advice from working installations, to ensure your next application uses the best practices to maximize benefits in a minimum amount of time.

By CFE Media
Process Safety November 20, 2013

Machine Safety: Has Moore’s Law helped?

Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on integrated circuits doubles every two years. While many consider this a joke, it’s not far off the mark looking back. Even so, has this rapid advancement in technology played a role in machine safety?

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 19, 2013

Machine Safety: You can have both safety and productivity

Solutions can deliver machine safety and productivity. Safety automation delivers a viable option to cabling discrete electromechanical components for safety compliance. And, by eliminating the need for cabling, safety automation can now help improve productivity.

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 19, 2013

Emergency stop button series has indicator for normal status

IDEC's 22 mm XW emergency stop switches have a smooth, ridgeless button and a green mechanical indicator that make it easy to check latched or normal status.

Process Safety November 19, 2013

Now arriving: Automation technology for airport entrance control

Automation is becoming more common at airports in an attempt to cut costs while maintaining appropriate levels of security, though the airport environment remains a challenge.

By IHS Inc.
Process Safety November 14, 2013

Webcast: Industrial Ethernet, Part 1: Technologies

Learn from automation system integrators about criteria used to choose types of switches, cabling, and topologies being applied for industrial Ethernet applications.

By CFE Media
Process Safety November 12, 2013

Distillation columns: Product composition control – process identification models

This technique can help reconnect information and actions that are separated by time.

By Jim Ford
Process Safety November 8, 2013

New cyber security certification program

Designed to help bridge the IT and OT divide for cyber security professionals, GICSP certification will help companies understand basic needs for security individuals. Video: Program designers explain its scope and concepts.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety November 7, 2013

Energy intelligence in plant-to-enterprise integration

With the economy picking up again, manufacturers are scaling up their operations. Factories can gain a competitive edge using energy intelligence.

By Ghulam Khan
Process Safety November 4, 2013

Machine Safety: ISO 13849-1 is mandatory for conformity to the Machinery Directive in Europe but in the USA?

Can this mandatory standard in Europe help U.S. safety efforts? ISO 13849-1 is titled – Safety of Machinery – Safety Related Parts of Control Systems – Part 1: General Principles for Design.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 25, 2013

Machine Safety: Thinking of bypassing an e-stop? Have you talked to an attorney?

Is it ever permissible to install a bypass switch or to disable an e-stop? For some reason, some Internet “safety forums” have had this continuing discussion. See the one requirement consistently missing from these international discussions. And ask these 4 questions.

By JB Titus
Process Safety October 21, 2013

Infrared cameras with auto-focus

Fluke Corporation's Ti200, Ti300, and Ti400 infrared cameras uses a laser to pinpoint exactly where the camera should focus for precisely focused images every time and can connect wirelessly to a mobile app for editing.

Process Safety October 21, 2013

Machine Safety: Industry 4.0 and how it could impact machine safety

The fourth industrial revolution could be well underway 10 to 20 years from now, say industry experts. The basis for this belief is a smart industrial intranet and Internet that connects machines and products using technologies like wireless and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies to gain knowledge and improve efficiency without human intervention. Machine safety has a role.

By JB Titus
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: GDU-Incus

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: The GDU-Incus is designed to provide reliable, wide-area gas leak detection (toxic and combustible) coverage in any hazardous-area applications where pressurized gas is present and the threat of dangerous fugitive gas leaks exist. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x Point Level Measuring System

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: The Liquiphant FTL8x level switch monitors minimum and maximum liquid levels in critical applications, meeting SIL3 with a single instrument. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: SSX/SST Safety Isolator and Splitter

Safety - Process safety, intrinsic safety: exida IEC 61508:2010 certified SSX 2-wire and SST 4-wire safety isolators and splitters from Moore Industries provide isolation and signal conversion for SIS, protecting and enhancing loops while passing valuable HART data from field transmitter to host systems. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: AC500-S Safety PLC

Safety - Machine safety: The AC500-S Safety PLC from ABB is a safety programmable logic controller used in machinery automation involving functional safety. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Focus II Safety Light Curtains

Safety - Machine safety: Focus II Light curtains protect personnel from potentially hazardous machinery, robots or automated systems by creating a protection field with infrared beams, which, if interrupted, trigger a safety mechanism that immediately stops the machinery. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: AZM300 Interlock Switch

Safety - Machine safety: The AZM300 is a solenoid locking keyed interlock switch with integrated RFID based electronic safety sensor for machine guarding applications with washdown or hygienic requirements. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Daniel 3818 LNG Ultrasonic Flow Meter

Process Control - Flowmeters: Daniel 3818 Liquid Ultrasonic Flow Meter provides stable, accurate and reliable dynamic volume measurement for liquefied natural gas. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Rosemount 3051SFC Compact Annubar Flowmeter

Process Control - Flowmeters: The Rosemount 3051SFC compact Annubar flowmeter is the industry's first averaging pitot tube that installs like a traditional orifice plate. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Rosemount 3051 Wireless Pressure Transmitter

Process Control - Process sensors: The Rosemount 3051 wireless pressure transmitter combines all the features and benefits of IEC 62591 WirelessHART with the industry standard Rosemount 3051 pressure transmitter for a trusted, proven, and cost-effective wireless solution. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Rosemount 3308 Wireless Guided Wave Radar Transmitter

Process Control - Process sensors: The Rosemount 3308 is a wireless guided wave radar transmitter for continuous level monitoring in difficult to reach locations. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Honeywell SmartLine Pressure Transmitter

Process Control - Process sensors: Honeywell's SmartLine pressure transmitter accurately measures process pressure to deliver total value across the entire plant lifecycle by making it easier to support field devices and promote plant reliability. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice honorable mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: LevelFinderPlus

Process Control - Process sensors: Tracerco LevelFinderPlus is the first and only nucleonic instrument capable of providing reliable, accurate and repeatable level measurement in process systems prone to solid deposits and vapour pressure changes. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: Datapaq Furnace Tracker System for Glass Tempering

Process Control Systems: The Datapaq Furnace Tracker System for glass tempering processes accurately measures temperatures from all types of glass, including hard and soft-coated low-E glass, effectively optimizing cycle times and reducing energy costs. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 17, 2013

EC: PlantPAx process automation system

Process Control Systems: The PlantPAx process automation system is a single, multidisciplined platform helping users achieve a plantwide view, and capable of managing the range of production automation applications, including process control, discrete control, power, information. This is a Control Engineering 2014 Engineers’ Choice award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety October 16, 2013

Machine Safety: If only OSHA regulations are law, what are ANSI consensus standards?

OSHA regulations are enforced and considered as U.S. legal requirements for machine safety. Among thousands of consensus standards, it is not always clear which are significant for machine safety and could be an obligation for compliance.

By JB Titus
Process Safety October 4, 2013

Machine Safety: When workers use their own devices

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is the new rage. Articles describe BYOD and IT departments are scrambling. How can companies maintain control over machine safety and plant security?

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 26, 2013

Machine safety compliance: Who is responsible?

Who is on the hook for machine safety compliance? What standards apply? How will merging standards affect machine safety? What tools can help? A functional safety expert answers these and other machine safety questions.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 25, 2013

Machine safety compliance: Which standards apply? Do a risk assessment

Engineers want to know what to do to comply with machine safety requirements. Heed this advice.

By Tony Rigoni
Process Safety September 23, 2013

Universal light curtain, light grid

ABB Jokab Safety Focus II Light Curtains and Light Grids offer complete range of features in one low cost package. One curtain or grid model works for all applications, eliminating the need to stock multiple versions for varying machine safety requirements.

Process Safety September 20, 2013

Machine Safety: Discourage the defeating of safety interlocks

There are people who intentionally defeat safety interlocks. Doesn’t this increase risk and hazard level? See 6 proactive actions to discourage disabling of safety interlocks, along with one additional technology-based solution.

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 18, 2013

Ensure cableless control reliability

Industrial wireless, or using ANSI’s term, cableless control, requires reliability. Don’t let radio frequency interference lead to downtime; follow these policing precautions.

By Dan Junker
Process Safety September 17, 2013

Machine Safety: Legal advice and safety automation projects

There are steps (or pot holes) for minimizing project-related risks from contract through completion. Safety automation priorities may vary.

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 16, 2013

15 steps to help with European Union’s Machinery Directive, EN/ISO 13849-1

Machine safety compliance is more flexible and interpretive than in the past. Basic definitions of the machinery directive and the following 15 steps can clarify. See table and chart.

By Michael Guelker
Process Safety September 13, 2013

Taking the wrinkles out of a production process

Many cosmetic products are designed to help users hide the years. Sometimes manufacturing equipment that’s showing its age needs technological help to remove wrinkles and make it run like it’s young again.

By Victor Garcia
Process Safety September 11, 2013

Machine Safety: Near-miss events and residual risk

Are near-miss events and residual risk related when it comes to machine safety? Is there a machine guarding requirement specified for near-miss events?

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 11, 2013

Machine safety compliance: start with design

From ergonomics and e-stops to OSHA and output, here are the essential considerations for machine safety compliance. Safety starts with design.

By Allan Manzer
Process Safety September 11, 2013

Integration in the intruder alarm industry starts to gain traction

IMS Research reports that home automation and home security systems are becoming more and more integrated, which will lead to a fast-growing industry in the next few years.

By IHS Inc.
Process Safety September 6, 2013

Hardware configuration of redundant safety integrated systems

Control system architects apply redundancy selectively to ensure reliability while minimizing false alarms. Here are some of the strategy options.

By Robert I. Williams, PE
Process Safety September 5, 2013

Dassault Systèmes acquires fatigue simulation software company

Safe Technology, based in the U.K., specializes in fatigue simulation technology to test and predict product durability. The software firm had worked with Dassault Systèmes’ Rhode Island-based realistic simulation brand, Simulia, for more than 15 years and is expected to enhance customers’ ability to predict and analyze product life quickly and accurately. Dassault Systemes also owns Solidworks. Purchase price was not disclosed.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 30, 2013

Human-robotic collaboration: What will OSHA say?

Safety lifecycle approach is best when robots and humans work in the same areas, say automotive and safety experts from Rockwell Automation.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 27, 2013

Digital panel meters and scanners

Precision Digital's ProVu PD6080 Series Super Snoopers of 1/8 DIN digital panel meters and the ProtEX-MAX PD8-6080 Series of explosion-proof scanners are housed in explosion-proof enclosures for use in hazardous areas.

Process Safety August 20, 2013

Machine Safety: Design a safer machine with risk assessments

Understand why and how to conduct a risk assessment on a machine to improve the design by increasing safety and productivity. Note 6 reasons why to do risk assessments, and 8 steps to conduct a risk assessment.

By JB Titus
Process Safety August 17, 2013

Machine Safety: System integrators report shortage of safety resources

Those adopting safety automation are seeing reductions in machine downtime and easier maintenance, in addition to lowering risk for workers. With a shortage of industry talent remaining a concern, these are positive results.

By JB Titus
Process Safety August 7, 2013

Safety and control in collaborative robotics

Robotics technology is moving at the speed of light, and the standards process is struggling to keep up. New types of collaborative robots can be safely implemented: Do a risk assessment, work with experienced suppliers, and get involved with standards development.

By Tanya M. Anandan
Process Safety July 30, 2013

Is that light supposed to be blinking?

If finding an alarm on your HMI is like playing Where’s Waldo, you might want to reevaluate some of your operator display graphics. A process upset is no time to try and remember what a flashing light means.

By Bruce Brandt, PE
Process Safety July 26, 2013

Machine Safety: Domestic U.S. versus international standards

For machine safety, who needs to follow OSHA regulations, domestic standards, and various state and local requirements? Are you confused? Explanations follow.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 26, 2013

Do not ignore those recurring errors in manufacturing or processing

Error messages matter, a lot. Find them, track them, and remove them. Adopt a 4-point no-errors policy. Can you answer 4 questions about errors, warnings, and alarms in manufacturing and processing? Learn from Anthony Baker.

By Callisto Integration
Process Safety July 19, 2013

Machine safety and layers of protection

Another study confirms the relationship between tasks performed and injuries and fatalities. Don't risk assessments find such relationships? Recognizing layers of protection can help.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 17, 2013

Industrial cable jacket coating uses nanotechnology

Helukabel's Clean Plus uses nanotechnology to replicate the lotus effect on cable jackets to reduce contamination and contact with the cable to enhance longevity and performance in rugged applications.

Process Safety July 16, 2013

If it ain’t broke, don’t automate it?

Maybe it is broke, and you just don’t recognize it. Sometimes problems and inefficiencies in our plants persist simply because nobody wants to take responsibility for finding a solution. Effective automation might be the key.

By Bruce Brandt, PE
Process Safety July 12, 2013

Machine safety: Will applying OEE improve safety, compliance, and profits?

Safety culture that include overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) principles can improve safety performance and compliance to requirements? These two metrics can drive profits and establish the foundation for a sustainable safety strategy.

By JB Titus
Process Safety July 2, 2013

Top Control Engineering articles, June 2013

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during June 2013 included: System Integrator Giants of 2013, SIS standards, PID math, industrial networks, human process control, industrial wireless networks, and switch selection, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety June 27, 2013

Time to step up: Actions you can take today

Your control system cyber assets were not coded with security in mind, so you have to build defenses yourself, always thinking about your complete security posture. Here are ways to start now.

By Matt Luallen, Cybati
Process Safety June 19, 2013

Top Control Engineering articles, May 2013

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2013 included: PID math demystified, lambda tuning, motor repair and replace advice, industrial Internet of things, maintenance strategy, safety integrated systems, mechatronics, project management, and robotics, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety June 14, 2013

Process safety: Managing process safety with flexible IO

Industrial facilities should approach safety and security holistically by addressing critical requirements from the process control network to the perimeter of the plant.

By Erik de Groot, Honeywell Process Solutions
Process Safety June 12, 2013

Safety systems: Protecting researchers, scientists with safety automation

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory upgraded its relay-based safety system with a new control and safety platform.

By Chris Sheehy, Siemens Industry Inc.
Process Safety May 20, 2013

Machine safety: Does ISO 13849-1: 2006 weight severity, frequency, and probability equally?

New quantitative requirements for designing safety-related parts of the control system (SRP/CS) have created many discussions. Even with new requirements from ISO 13849-1, this updated standard begins with the same old qualitative approach to determine the “goal” (Performance Level required- PLr) for any safety function, asking about severity, frequency, and probability.

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 16, 2013

Machine safety: Executives balance risks, profits

Industrial executives are engaged more than ever in operational risk oversight. This certainly includes machine safety.

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 14, 2013

Understanding SIS industry standards

Process safety standards and practices are spreading from oil and gas and other energy-related industries to broader process industry applications. Here’s basic advice on how to make more sense of the numbers and acronyms.

By Robert I. Williams, PE
Process Safety May 9, 2013

Safety: Risk management

Risk assessment and risk management plans help with industrial safety and machine safety efforts, using standards, processes, hardware, software, and continual education.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 9, 2013

Achieve a higher safety performance level with EN ISO 13849-1

If you do not consider yourself as one of the early adopters of ISO 13849-1, is there still time to change to comply to the machine safety standards current requirements, and what does it involve?

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 6, 2013

Machine safety: PLC versus PAC, is there a difference for safety?

Is PAC the newest PLC? Is there less risk for machine safety in using one or the other?

By JB Titus
Process Safety May 1, 2013

Safety first: Put up your guard

Case study: Machine safety culture change at global consumer products manufacturer results in closing of 69% of the major findings from global assessments; 95% of corrective actions and preventive actions from fatalities have been closed.

By Sean Daswani, PE
Process Safety April 30, 2013

Products used in unified robotics platform for packaging

Rockwell Automation programmable automation controllers (PACs), I/O modules, motors, servo drives, ac drives, and operator interfaces help packaging systems provider Cama Group standardize its robotics automation.

By Mike Wagner
Process Safety April 29, 2013

Control Engineering industrial cyber security perceptions and practices survey

In 2009, one out of four industrial users reported that they saw no potential cyber threats that could affect their businesses. That was before Stuxnet and other high-profile criminal incidents. How has the landscape changed? Let us know your thinking on our new cyber security survey.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety April 29, 2013

Machine safety: Does effective grounding include ancillary hand rails, fences, and more?

How inclusive is effective grounding for machine safety? Should safe machine grounding consider hand rails, walkways, and protective fencing?

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 25, 2013

Machine safety: What is ambient air temperature and the relationship to safe operation?

How can the ambient air temperature range from -30 to +120 degrees Fahrenheit inside a manufacturing plant? The product specs call for certification at -5 to +30 degrees Centigrade for safe operation. Do the international machine safety standards address this?

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 23, 2013

Red/blue training brings ICS cyber security weaknesses to light

Cyber security war games can provide insight into the techniques that bad guys are using against your control systems and networks.

By Bruce Billedeaux, PE
Process Safety April 22, 2013

Machine safety: Are most machines are intrinsically safe by design?

It is odd to think that anyone in the U.S. believes most machines are intrinsically safe by design. Yet, only three weeks ago I heard this comment spoken in a conference room. Honestly, this kind of statement needs a lot of scrutiny to understand the intended validity.

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 18, 2013

Industrial safety light curtain protects fingers, hand, body

ifm Type 4 light curtains provide finger, hand, and body protection and continuously monitors itself for faults and monitors the surrounding area with an infra-red beam.

Process Safety April 17, 2013

Compact differential pressure flowmeter family

ABB takes four differential pressure technologies and marries them to its latest transmitter family to create a versatile range of compact DP flowmeters.

Process Safety April 16, 2013

Fundamentals of lambda tuning

Understanding a particularly conservative PID controller design technique.

By Vance VanDoren, PhD, PE
Process Safety April 16, 2013

Cyber security: Understanding spear phishing and defense techniques

Since defending against social engineering is more training than technical, your people have to learn to recognize when it’s happening.

By Matt Luallen
Process Safety April 15, 2013

5 industrial control system cyber security mistakes

From spear phishing to encryption errors, there are many ways to let bad guys into your networks.

By Bruce Billedeaux
Process Safety April 15, 2013

How to make a health, safety, and environmental plan

Making an HSE plan is more than a creating set of rules for manufacturing health, safety, and environmental activities. Here’s what you need to know about HSE. See table: Effects of current on the body.

By Allen Manzer, CSP; Jennifer Palumbo
Process Safety April 11, 2013

HART benefits the bottom line at MOL Refinery

Implementing the right technical solution the right way can have a major impact on your profitability. A HART Plant of the Year Award recipient reveals keys to effective implementation and resulting financial benefits.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety April 9, 2013

EMEA and North America command and control room market valued over $2.8 billion for first time

The market for services and key control room technologies in the public safety, transportation and utilities markets across North America and the collective Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA) region is set for solid growth.

By IHS Inc.
Process Safety April 9, 2013

How to use ISO functional safety standards

Navigate and apply ISO functional safety standards using this plain-English, journeyman’s roadmap for common-sense machine safety risk reduction.

By Bill Stone
Process Safety April 8, 2013

Hannover Messe 2013: Kuka introduces lightweight robot, gives rides

Kuka Robotics LBR iiwa, a lightweight robot that is “sensitive and yielding,” makes its debut at the Hanover, Germany, trade fair. Hannover Fair 2013 (Hannover Messe in German) has an integrated automation theme, and Kuka is integrating attendees in its exhibit, with rides on its latest version of Robocoaster (see video).

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety April 8, 2013

Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 4

When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about what changes are needed, if any, as a manufacturer. Part 4 of 4 looks at how manufacturers should look at their machine safety programs in light of international safety compliance requirements.

By JB Titus
Process Safety April 5, 2013

Safety light curtain

Sick's deTec4 Core safety light curtain has brackets that can be positioned in any location on the housing without causing blind zones and has an IP67-rated industrial design.

Process Safety April 2, 2013

Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety as part of your machine safety plan, Part 3

When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about what changes are needed, if any, as a manufacturer. Part 3 of 4 looks at international safety emphasis and impact with OSHA.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 22, 2013

Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety, part 2

When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about what changes are needed, if any, as a manufacturer. Part 2 of 4 looks at U.S. vs. international safety.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 22, 2013

Robots optimize analysis of sugar beets at Nordic Sugar

Nordic Sugar worked with distributor AH Automation to install user friendly, reliable robots without enclosures or robotic experts. “Now we can invest in new robots instead of buying spare parts for the old ones.”

By Kristian Hulgard
Process Safety March 22, 2013

Safety laser scanner

Omron's STI OS32C safety laser scanners are designed to report status and measurement data via EtherNet/IP and feature user tools to speed consumer development time and conserve engineering resources.

Process Safety March 18, 2013

Statue of Liberty rescue elevator project information

Grand reopening: Superstorm Sandy damage to the base has been repaired, and the Statue of Liberty reopens July 4. It was closed since November 2012. The Statue of Liberty rescue elevator project, part of a $30 million renovation, included the following project participants and product components.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 15, 2013

New robotic safety regulations are pending

Robotics, subject to many safety regulations, are about to get a few more, addressing some technological advances for robots. See video summary.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 13, 2013

Machine safety: Incorporating functional safety, part 1

When considering “functional safety,” look at what differs compared to other safety initiatives, consider U.S. versus international standards, examine conformance responsibilities, and think about what changes are needed, if any, as a manufacturer.

By JB Titus
Process Safety March 11, 2013

Cyber security advice from the field highlights

Transcribed highlights from a Control Engineering interview with Michael Assante and Tim Conway with security suggestions for plant operators.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety March 8, 2013

Machine Safety: What are fault exclusions?

Where did the term “fault exclusions” derive? Can you simply choose any fault to exclude? Who would ever exclude a fault while trying to provide employees with appropriate safe machine guarding?

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 28, 2013

Machine Safety: Serious machine guarding issues

Improper machine guarding is the result of... what? Could it be that there’s no universal cause for serious machine guarding issues? See below, six sources of machine safety issues.

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 18, 2013

Machine Safety: Is prevention through design enough?

U.S. consensus standards provide direction to suppliers on how to design in machine safety. Can users understand and comply with the additional requirements of ISO 13849-1?

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 5, 2013

Machine Safety: Managing operational risk

Risk management has historically been a core element of business management to protect vital enterprise resources. Key executives now take a much broader perspective called “Managing Operational Risk,” with benefits for machine safety. See six data points or ways to measure.

By JB Titus
Process Safety February 5, 2013

Software moles in your systems

Old programs, utilities, and plug-ins languishing on your computer or control systems could threaten your security.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety February 4, 2013

DCS supplier partners with security provider to beef-up protection

Yokogawa and McAfee enter partnership to enhance security of industrial control systems offering value-added solutions across the industrial automation world

Process Safety January 30, 2013

Thermoset jacket for industrial cables

The HaloarrestXLink LSZH Thermoset Jacket by Belden are designed and approved for installations and applications that require oil, abrasion, oxidation, and acid resistance.

Process Safety January 24, 2013

Relay protects against ground-fault hazards with variable speed drives

Littelfuse EL731 AC/DC Sensitive Earth-Leakage Relay provides complete range of ground-fault protection in variable speed drives from 0 Hz to 15,000 Hz in one device. See video clip.

Process Safety January 24, 2013

Machine Safety: Does sustainability matter?

Effective, sustainable machine safety programs often contain these five high-level characteristics. Also see two more possible components of successful programs. These may help with your machine safety program’s consistency and focus over time.

By JB Titus
Process Safety January 22, 2013

Do I need Java or not? How do I know?

Determining what you have on your computer is a first step to greater security. Java is a case in point.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety January 17, 2013

Encoder interface box for safety applications

Heidenhain EIB 2391S encoder interface box is designed for safety-oriented applications with Siemens Sinamics drive components. It uses an 8-pin M12 connection that allows the user to connect to small locations.

Process Safety January 14, 2013

Machine Safety: Protection is better than a cure

Can protection be an effective strategy for machine safety or does industry need a cure for hazards to protect employees? Here's why this questions should be asked daily.

By JB Titus
Process Safety January 10, 2013

Machine Safety: Effective safety cultures, can they evolve?

Many in manufacturing seek advice on waking management to opportunities for a “Best in Class” safety culture, or even a better safety culture.

By J.B. Titus, CFSE
Process Safety January 7, 2013

Integrator Update: Remote access programming

Internet promises of better remote access, monitoring, and tweaking of automation systems have been slowed by malware and other security issues; options are available for secure remote access programming.

By Frank Hurtte
Process Safety December 31, 2012

New updates for safety system aimed at upstream oil and natural gas facilities

Yokogawa releases enhanced version of ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system extending connectivity and environmental operating limits.

Process Safety December 18, 2012

Machine Safety: More on shared responsibilities

Broad responsibilities of designing and building a safe machine from the supplier perspective were detailed in a November Control Engineering article by Steve Wright. Issues beyond that include additional shared responsibilities.

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 18, 2012

Understanding machine safety analysis in the U.S. (Part 2)

If you struggle trying to figure out how OSHA, ANSI, and ISO relate, you’re not alone. Part 2: Reaping rewards.

By Karl Schrader
Process Safety December 14, 2012

How close are we to a truly Smart Grid?

There are still hurdles to overcome, at least in the U.S., before the Smart Grid becomes reality.

By Sidney Hill, Jr.
Process Safety December 14, 2012

Machine Safety: Does multitasking provide an effective illusion of safety?

Is it possible to have everyone’s safety behavior in the factory exactly as it should be 24/7 without exception? Can safety performance always be at its peak? Are we capable of safe multitasking?

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 13, 2012

Machine Safety: Can end user companies comply with ISO 13849-1: 2006 without design engineering resources?

ISO 13849-1: 2006, an international machine safety standard, is written for individuals who perform design responsibilities for control systems. What are end users responsibilities?

By JB Titus
Process Safety December 11, 2012

Understanding machine safety analysis in the U.S. (Part 1)

If you struggle trying to figure out how OSHA, ANSI, and ISO relate, you’re not alone. Part 1: What does OSHA want?

By Karl Schrader
Process Safety December 10, 2012

Find near-misses hidden inside process data

Product Exclusive: Near-Miss Management’s Dynamic Risk Analyzer software discovers near-misses hidden within process data, helping to improve process performance and avert operational issues before they’re noticeable.

Process Safety December 9, 2012

Decentralizing process control and information management

The “D” in DCS has always stood for distributed. While the technological drivers behind this networking strategy may have changed, do the basic concepts of distributed intelligence still apply?

By Peter Welander, Control Engineering
Process Safety December 7, 2012

Machine safety risk level assessment priority: Possibility, severity, or frequency?

Which factor has the highest priority for assessing hazard risk levels: possibility, severity, or frequency? The ANSI B11.0 – 2010 standard may help.

By J.B. Titus, CFSE
Process Safety December 4, 2012

Challenges of offshore oil and gas production

Working in more extreme environments is driving improvements in networking, and standards development for subsea automation systems. Sophisticated equipment on the sea floor has to communicate topside.

By John M. Gilmore, Jr.
Process Safety December 3, 2012

Machine Safety: Is upgrading to solid state enough?

Moving machine guarding solutions to solid-state-based components from hard-wired components has been a persistent U.S. discussion since 2002. Are solid-state components enough to provide effective machine safety and personnel safety?

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 30, 2012

Combining functional safety and cyber security

Both have to work for a plant to be truly safe. How can we learn and use the best from each?

By Gary Williams, MSc, ITSEC; Steve J. Elliott
Process Safety November 21, 2012

Methods and best practices to map displays to operator decisions

HMIs should be designed to reflect the ways in which operators have to deal with information and solve problems.

By Jennie J. Gallimore, PHD; Cindy Scott; Mark Nixon
Process Safety November 16, 2012

What happens when automation systems fail?

Inside Machines: Do the math to ensure the statistically predicted system error rates are acceptable for the processes involved when looking at automation systems, such as machine vision. (Online extra: more about the math.)

By Kevin Ackerman, M.Sc, PEng
Process Safety November 13, 2012

Machine safety: Confusion amuck, quantitative circuit design versus qualitative risk assessment

When talking about qualitative versus quantitative as they relate to machine safety standards and compliance requirements, are we talking about the risk assessment process? Or do we consider the process to engineer and mitigate hazards related to the Safety Related Parts of Control System (SRP/CS)?

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 12, 2012

Implementing safety in control systems

Four basic concepts that should guide process safety system analysis and design.

By Brad Ems
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: FL mGuard RS2000 and RS4000

Network Integration - Ethernet hardware: The new mGuard security devices feature improved hardware and easier configuration options, making it easier to support customers and add IT and security functions to an industrial network, even in a harsh environment. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Awards Honorable Mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: SafetyBridge Technology

Network Integration - I/O systems: Phoenix Contact's new SafetyBridge technology makes it possible to distribute safe I/O modules in a network without the need for a safety controller. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: Modular Knifeblade Fuse Blocks

Power - Energy, power interruption: Industry's first modular fuse blocks for Class H (K), R, and J fuses 70 A to 600 A make installation easy and increase flexibility and electrical safety. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: Experion PKS Orion

Process Control systems: Experion PKS Orion is a distributed process automation and control system that will help modernize manufacturing by allowing plants to remotely configure process and safety IO without additional hardware; and trim production costs using virtualization. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Awards Honorable Mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: Pluto D45 Safety PLC

Safety - Machine safety: A safety PLC used for the automation and control of machine safety systems in a variety of industrial applications including presses, packaging systems, robotic cells, injection molding machines, assembly lines, conveyors, food processing, and other uses. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Awards Honorable Mention.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: EP1908 EtherCAT Box

Safety - Machine safety: IP67-rated I/O block with eight digital safety inputs for use outside of electrical cabinets and in harsh environments. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: SLC440 Safety Light Curtain

Safety - Machine safety: The SLC440 series Type 4 Safety Light Curtain has innovative features that include a seamless one-piece body for superior mechanical strength, integrated alignment aid, visible output status indication and a 7 segment message display. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice finalist.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 12, 2012

EC: Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5572S, 5573S PACs

Safety - Machine safety: Allen-Bradley GuardLogix programmable automation controllers are designed to provide OEMs and manufacturers with integrated safety, motion, discrete and drive control capabilities in one controller, while executing SIL2 and SIL3 safety functions. This is a Control Engineering 2013 Engineers' Choice Award winner.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 9, 2012

Wireless electrical, temperature troubleshooting measurements

Fluke CNX Wireless System simplifies troubleshooting by enabling up to 10 simultaneous electrical and temperature wireless measurements.

Process Safety November 8, 2012

22 mm IEC pilot devices are made in USA

c3controls line of American-made 22 mm pilot devices include a modern, low-profile design that helps machine builders and panel builders save space behind the control panel. Time is saved also; no tools are needed for installation or removal. Included is a new Push-Twist-Release (PTR) emergency stop, said to conform to the EN418 Standards for “Safety of Machinery.”

Process Safety November 7, 2012

Leader Under 40: Brad Prosak

Product Manager, Safety Components; Rockwell Automation - BS Industrial Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 7, 2012

Machine Safety – does new technology create new hazards?

When NFPA 79 changed by removing requirements for hard wiring machine safety devices in 2002, many automation suppliers introduced new safety rated devices for machine guarding. Domestic standards also have updated requirements to provide direction for use of safety rated devices. Do the new devices represent new hazards, such as lighted emergency stop buttons?

By JB Titus
Process Safety November 6, 2012

The rocky relationship between safety and security

This webcast examines best practices for avoiding common cause failure and preventing cyber security attacks in an age of open systems and system integration.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 6, 2012

When worlds collide

Does a meeting of the IT group and the controls group always have to result in a collision? Can we avoid the broken glass?

By Bruce Brandt
Process Safety November 5, 2012

Webcast: The rocky relationship between safety and security

Register now to hear it live: Best practices for avoiding common cause failure and preventing cyber security attacks in safety systems.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety November 2, 2012

Machine Safety: Are you a chosen one?

A joint committee is merging two global machine safety standards (ISO 13849-1:2006, Safety of machinery -- Safety-related parts of control systems -- Part 1: General principles for design and IEC 62061:2005, Safety of machinery - Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems). Is this a good thing?

By JB Titus
Process Safety October 23, 2012

Multifunction safety light curtains integrate signaling, alignment aid

Schmersal’s SLC440 Series Safety Light Curtains and Safety Light Grids incorporate a full range of functions, highly visible signaling, and an alignment aid in a rugged housing.

Process Safety October 22, 2012

Machine Safety: Consequences of not performing risk assessments!

If a machine shop hasn't had an incident or employee injury for 10 years, is that result of an excellent safety culture or simply great luck? Are “hope” and “lack of attention” proactive business strategies?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety October 17, 2012

Machine safety: A social responsibility or KPI?

Is machine safety, as part of a corporate safety culture, focused at a social responsibility? Or is it part of the business culture as a key performance indicator (KPI)?

By JB Titus
Process Safety October 12, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, September 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during September 2012 included the following topics: mobile software applications for engineers, direct-drive rotary motors, industrial Ethernet article and webcast, best automation products, servos versus induction motors, PLC developments, danger of what you don’t know, largest system integrators, and level control, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety October 11, 2012

Machine Safety: hazard remediation, mechanical versus control system solutions

What's the residual risk for Cat 3 hazard mitigated by a fixed steel plate? Did the repair result in a control reliable solution? Are physical barriers or control solutions better to reduce risk. Five steps define the hierarchy of measures for hazard mitigation and machine safety risk reduction.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety October 3, 2012

Machine Safety: Globalization of safety standards doesn’t equal global compliance

Countries are teaming to globalize and harmonize machine safety standards. IEC and ISO standards are trending to global standards and slowly are being adopted by various countries as requirements for conformance. Is compliance becoming global?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety October 1, 2012

Information systems: The evolution of the HMI

From push buttons to PCs, from text-based to graphical, from CRT to LCD, the shape and role of what has come to be called “visualization” has changed dramatically over a few short years. The move from islands of automation to sophisticated control and analytics reflects unprecedented growth, and the journey is far from over.

By Jeanine Katzel
Process Safety September 24, 2012

Machine safety: DANGER: Machine without brain requires yours!

Who really has the brain, the machine or the person? Whether it’s the operator, maintenance technician, set-up technician, engineer, or clean-up staff, the human brain has capabilities that surpass any brain on the machine.

By JB Titus
Process Safety September 24, 2012

Reliable electrical connections help safety, productivity

Case study: Faulty electrical connectors cause 1000 amp safety issues. Pierced cables create short in automotive manufacturing plant.

By Jen Lorenski
Process Safety September 12, 2012

Machine Safety: Only engineers can lead the Risk Assessment process?

An incremental documented process called “Risk Assessment” is required in many updated standards. And, a new standard, ANSI B11.0 – 2010, Safety of Machinery – General Requirements and Risk Assessment, is dedicated to this topic. With all this attention folks still are not clear regarding whether an engineer is essential to lead the risk assessment process.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety September 11, 2012

Technologies Inside: Machine builder safety system

Rockwell Automation provides machine builder Automatic Handling International with integrated safety system using Allen-Bradley GuardLogix, Point Guard I/O modules, PanelView Plus human-machine interface, PowerFlex and Kinetix drives, and its Integrated Architecture.

By Tim Roback
Process Safety September 9, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, August 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during August 2012 included articles on the Mars Rover Curiosity, industrial Ethernet essentials, System Integrator Giants 2012, Engineers' Choice Awards 2012, PLC developments, simulator training helps operators, good motor decisions, level control optimization, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety September 7, 2012

Machine Safety: Where do effective safety cultures roost?

An improved safety culture, advocated at the business level with engineering input, can bring about faster implementation of proven machine safety technologies, improving safety and adding economic value.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety September 4, 2012

Smarter and safer recovery from mature and remote assets

Upstream oil and gas production is becoming more difficult as old fields are depleted and new fields are more remote. Integrated operations can facilitate safer and more profitable operation in challenging situations.

By Katrine Hilmen, Espen Storkaas
Process Safety August 29, 2012

Machine Safety: an automatic sequencer does what?

In the world of machine control and machine safety, to really appreciate where we are today, don’t we need to have a reasonable understanding of where we’ve come from?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety August 24, 2012

Distributed safety IO modules without controller

SafetyBridge technology from Phoenix Contact allows a user to distribute I/O modules in a network without a safety controller.

Process Safety August 15, 2012

Machine Safety: consensus standards and OSHA compliance

In our plant we comply 100% with the OSHA regulations of 29 CFR 1910.xxx for machine guarding and personnel safety. Accordingly, OSHA would have no grounds to cite us for violations, right?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety August 13, 2012

Emerging safety technologies

As technology becomes more sophisticated, the variety users have to choose from continues to increase.

By CFE Media
Process Safety August 13, 2012

A new standard for networked safety

The openSAFETY standard eliminates the "Fieldbus wars" of years past and creates a singular standard that provides both safety and versatility for industrial network users.

By Stefan Schoenegger
Process Safety August 9, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, July 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during July 2012 included articles on system integrators, mobile device security, pneumatic actuation, a PLC Product Exclusive, video game influence on HMI, and industrial wireless communications, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 9, 2012

Understanding proximity sensor IP ratings

The IP ratings established by the IEC are often misunderstood or misapplied, which can cause problems for the user and potentially be dangerous.

By Turck USA
Process Safety August 8, 2012

Packaging machinery initiatives

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) are very good resources for staying up to date on current events with food and product safety initiatives.

By Control Engineering
Process Safety August 8, 2012

Convergence of standards, technologies creates food safety conformance

Safety standards and technologies converge to enable gains in productivity, operational excellence, and brand protection.

By John Kowal
Process Safety August 7, 2012

Machine safety and safety certified networks

Do you remember when PLCs came out in the early 1970s – were there any communication networks available at that time? What is pier to pier? Fishing?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety August 2, 2012

Machine safety and functional safety: Which type?

What did you say? There’s potentially more than one type or level of Functional Safety on any one machine? Learn about product-level versus system-level functional safety.

By J.B. Titus, CFSE
Process Safety July 30, 2012

Machine Safety: What do you mean the vice president said: So What?

After a two hour presentation in the conference room providing all the new high technology based machine guarding solutions and testimonials on operating cost savings, the vice president of operations said, “So what!”?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety July 30, 2012

BP and the divorce of safety

The gulf spill and Texas City explosion still haunt BP. Observations from the Chemical Safety Board and OSHA.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety July 24, 2012

PROFIsafe: Networked Functional Safety

Implementing functional safety over a network reduces the number of components, wire, and cabinets; speeds installation and commissioning; and increases uptime. With PROFIsafe, PI’s functional safety application profile, messages are exchanged transparently between Profibus (a serial fieldbus) and Profinet (an industrial Ethernet).

By Carl Henning
Process Safety July 24, 2012

CIP Safety: Fail-safe communication between nodes

CIP Safety, for functional safety applications on the EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet networks, provides fail-safe communication between nodes, such as safety I/O blocks, safety interlock switches, safety light curtains, and safety PLCs in safety applications up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3.

By Katherine Voss, ODVA
Process Safety July 23, 2012

Safety at Work tutorial on networked safety strategies

Safety at Work, a multi-vendor, open technology, simplifies machine safety installations by collecting and controlling functional safety devices like e-stops, light curtains, guard switches, etc., connected to a simple and flexible two-conductor power and data network. See diagrams, video links.

By Helge Hornis, PhD
Process Safety July 20, 2012

Are thumb drives a real cyber threat?

Are stories of cyber attacks via malicious thumb drives for real, or some sort of scary urban legend?

By Peter Welander
Process Safety July 19, 2012

Machine Safety: Updating ISO 13849-1 & compliance for robots

On Feb. 7, I wrote a blog titled - ISO 13849-1 compliance is mandatory for robot applications (ANSI/RIA/ISO 10218-1&2: 2011). This particular blog has created a significant amount of feedback, which was my goal.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety July 18, 2012

Malt-O-Meal integrates safety, assessment process

Malt-O-Meal implements an integrated safety system and standard assessment process to help protect workers and enhance its commitment to sustainability. The food manufacturer used a safety PLC, adjustable speed ac, motor starters, energy management software, and an industrial Ethernet network to help reduce downtime and cut costs.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 18, 2012

Technologies used for Malt-O-Meal integrated safety project

Safety PLC, adjustable speed ac drives, motor starters, and energy management software from Rockwell Automation, along with EtherNet/IP communications from ODVA helped reduce downtime and cut costs.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 12, 2012

New industrial safety standards drive component revenue growth in 2011

The world discrete machine safety component market, valued at $1.8 billion in 2010, underwent a significant change at the end of 2011 as EN 954-1 ceased to be harmonised under the European machinery directive.

By Mark Watson, Research Manager, IMS Research (IHS Inc.)
Process Safety July 10, 2012

Machine Safety: Are the stopping categories confusing?

My e-stops are validated to achieve a Category 0 stop function. Therefore, of the three stopping categories, we’re stopping machine motion the quickest way possible. Right? (Standards are cited below. Are they clear enough?)

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety July 10, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, June 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during June 2012 included articles on HMI and PLC integration, video game influences on HMI design, motor-driven systems efficiency update, wireless instrumentation video, and tutorials on thermowells and boiler drum level controls, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety July 5, 2012

Machine Safety: My main disconnect e-stop isn’t red with a yellow background

Does my main disconnect functioning as an e-stop need to be red with a yellow background?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety July 3, 2012

Machine safety: What does ‘reset’ mean?

Who hasn’t heard the term “reset” around machine control? And, how many understandings are there from machine builders to machine users? What do standards think about the term?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety June 25, 2012

Machine Safety: What differentiates a hazard analysis from a risk assessment?

With machine safety, why aren’t the differences well known between a Hazard Analysis and a Risk Assessment? It has been 12 years since machine safety jumped to the forefront of industrial opportunity.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety June 20, 2012

Machine Safety: Where do I start?

“We are a medium sized business in manufacturing and our new owners are very interested in machine guarding and machine safety for our employees. Where do I start?” Eight tips follow for a machine safety and machine guarding.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety June 15, 2012

Machine Safety: How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?

At almost every Machine Safety Seminar I hear someone ask: “How do I know that a consensus standard has been updated?”

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety June 13, 2012

Machine Safety: Has OSHA ever fined an employee for a safety violation?

Everyone knows that OSHA applies fines to employers for citable safety violations to its regulations. Yet, since OSHA also requires employees to be responsible for safety, has an employee that violates safety regulations ever been fined?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety June 6, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, May 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during May 2012 included articles on a video-game-like human-machine interface, process control and safety systems, data packets, VFDs, and engineering project management, among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 29, 2012

Emergency safety button with illuminated base

Banner Engineering's 30mm Mount Illuminated Emergency Stop Pushbutton is IP65-rated and is designed for emergency stop safety applications.

Process Safety May 25, 2012

Machine safety compliance

Inside Machines: Does adopting ISO 13849-1:2006 change the U.S. model for compliance and enforcement?

By J.B. Titus, CFSE
Process Safety May 25, 2012

Software technology tools can help lower cyber security risk

Software tools help control access by providing capabilities like authentication and role-based authorization.

By Brad Hegrat
Process Safety May 25, 2012

Information access versus security

Striking the right balance between information access and security calls for a layered security approach that’s more about people than technology.

By Brad Hegrat
Process Safety May 21, 2012

Safety control systems: Essential considerations, costs

Safety control systems have four typical architectures, each with advantages and disadvantages, and differing cost (per unit). See tables, photos.

By Ian Brady
Process Safety May 16, 2012

Machine Safety: Does OSHA reference consensus standards for compliance?

I have presented or been a presenter at literally scores of machine safety seminars over more than 10 years and absolutely the most asked question is, “Does OSHA reference consensus standards for compliance?”

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety May 14, 2012

Cyber security: Common sense security for industrial engineers

Inside machines: Even the best industrial security products cannot prevent all unwanted traffic and malicious attacks to control systems; there is no such thing as a completely secure control system. Control engineers can reduce cyber incident risk by consistently investing time and effort in security measures. Cyber security advice follows.

By Dan Schaffer, Dan Fenton
Process Safety May 10, 2012

Safety controller for Profinet networks

The new B&R SafeLogic safety controller allows Smart Safe Reaction technology to be used with Profinet. It's 10 times faster than previous solutions, the company said.

Process Safety May 7, 2012

Machine Safety: Does a risk assessment need to be updated for a minor machine modification?

We’ve made some minor changes to several machines over the past six months but none of these modifications included the safety system. Our engineer said that there was no change in operator safety. Do we have to update the risk assessments anyway? See ANSI B11.0 – 2010 Safety of Machinery – General Requirements and Risk Assessment; OSHA recommended.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety April 23, 2012

Machine vision cuts PV module assembly time

Photovoltaic (PV) assembly is among industries benefitting from a machine-vision enhanced automated soldering system from Mondragon Assembly, to shorten cycle times, ensure consistently high product quality, and enhance equipment usability.

By John Lewis
Process Safety April 23, 2012

Machine vision technologies for photovoltaic soldering

A photovoltaic assembly soldering machine uses machine vision to improve quality and throughput. Machine vision technologies include Cognex In-Sight 5100 intelligent vision system to optimize the process of soldering the cross-links between photovoltaic modules. See related application article.

By John Lewis
Process Safety April 19, 2012

Vision-guided robots automate oil tool assembly

Machine vision locates parts for picking by one robot and checks the diameter and location of the pipe before it is threaded by a second robot, without fixturing or accurate locating. The application may lead to a new generation of vision-enabled robots to improve productivity and quality for oil tools.

By John Lewis
Process Safety April 19, 2012

Technology checklist for oil tool automated assembly

A machine vision robotic assembly application for an oil tool industry manufacturer used the following technologies. See related application article.

By John Lewis
Process Safety April 18, 2012

Machine Safety: Functional safety and the steps to be compliant in the U.S.

Who has the steps identified for anyone considering moving their machine safety compliance to functional safety for their organization? Let’s assume for this discussion that functional safety means being compliant with EN ISO 13849-1.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety April 13, 2012

Logic solver passes SIL 3 safety certification

Moore Industries STA safety trip alarm certified by exida under IEC 61508.

Process Safety April 12, 2012

When can the process control system, safety system share field devices?

An SIS and BPCS can sometimes share components, but not without careful analysis.

By Ed Marszal, Gary Hawkins
Process Safety April 12, 2012

Control technology for supercritical coal-fired plant in Indonesia

Ovation technology by Emerson Power Management is designed to unify boiler and turbine controls for improved plant stability, responsiveness and thermal efficiencies; tighter control of plant operations; and a clearer view of plant and turbine parameters.

Process Safety April 5, 2012

U.S. nuclear power update: A 2012 overture?

The first new operating license in 34 years was approved in early February 2012 by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for two reactors at Southern Nuclear Operating Co.’s Vogtle power plant located near Augusta, Ga. Other license approvals are pending. The industry is at a crossroad with positive and negative developments. Link to photos, videos.

By Frank J. Bartos, PE
Process Safety April 4, 2012

HART technology, partial-stroke valve testing: A powerful duo for improving plant safety

Digital valve controllers make the job of implementing partial stroke valve testing programs much simpler.

By Sandro Esposito
Process Safety March 29, 2012

Machine Safety: The missing ah-ha for plant management

Isn’t the machine a hazard as well as the individual hazards on a machine? Last week I blogged about risk assessments, the mitigation process, and how the new methodologies have migrated from qualitative to quantitative approaches. Since designers have engineering tools to design out hazards. Managers need reliable tools to designate an individual hazard level for each machine on their plant floors.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety March 23, 2012

Machine Safety: Does it matter, the Aggregate Hazard Level for a machine?

When conducting a risk assessment of the machine’s individual identified hazards does the safety level of the complete machine or system matter? Does anyone have a solution for determining the aggregate level of an entire machine? Does anybody care?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety March 19, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, February 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during February 2012 included articles on best products, motor sizing, robotics, programming with UML, cyber security, PID loop tuning, career and salary survey among others.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety March 15, 2012

Twilight of nuclear power?

The Economist is characterizing it as “the dream that failed.” Is that too harsh a judgment?

Process Safety March 14, 2012

Can you depend on that sensor?

An instrumentation device that is supposed to keep your process from erupting during an upset may sit there for years if there is no emergency. Will it work when the time comes? Safety sensors can help you sleep better.

By William Goble, PhD
Process Safety March 5, 2012

Industrial safety first

Control Engineering International: For better manufacturing safety awareness use a high-profile risk management mechanism, says Control Engineering China.

By Jin Yan
Process Safety February 17, 2012

Machine Safety: System degradation and incidence of injury

Are older hardwired safety systems less safe than newer integrated safety systems? (See table.) Since 2002 when integrated safety automation was introduced for machine safety, a growing awareness has emerged questioning the effectiveness over time of a hardwired / hardware safety system versus an integrated safety system. What is the ultimate effectiveness of a safety-related function comparing the date of commissioning to a date several years later given the two approaches?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety February 15, 2012

New FDA regulations impact food and beverage companies

Electronic records and execution functionality could play a role in meeting new FDA regulations, finding appropriate insurance coverage. Manufacturing execution systems can help.

By Peter Walker, Steve Diggines
Process Safety February 13, 2012

Control Engineering top articles, January 2012

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during January 2012 included articles on control panel safety, programming software and controller hardware, 100-ft high dancing robotic birds, articles on best products, video on system integration project management, temperature sensor best practices, and energy management tips.

Process Safety February 6, 2012

World’s largest recovered fuel fired boiler to be built in Sweden

Metso has agreed to supply Mälarenergi's combined heat and power plant (CHP) in Västerås, Sweden, with the world's largest recovered fuel fired boiler. The CHP plant will be commissioned in the middle of 2014.

Process Safety January 30, 2012

Machine Safety: NFPA 70E and international requirements

Machine Safety has several different focused areas of potential hazards. One of the areas getting a lot of attention is Arc Flash and NFPA 70E. A recent article published by Control Engineering earlier this month had some startling results. An alarming 72% of respondents (302) “always” plus “mostly” regularly violate NFPA 70E while working on control panels.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety January 25, 2012

High output accelerometer for machinery health monitoring

The 786-500-D2 accelerometer by Meggitt is designed for condition monitoring for rotating equipment and can be used in hazardous areas because of its Class I Div 2/Zone 2 certification.

Process Safety January 12, 2012

Security at the device level

Individual field devices may be the target of cyber attacks. Getting that deep is a challenge, but attackers have done it.

By Matt Luallen
Process Safety January 12, 2012

Machine Safety: How safe is safe enough?

In machine guarding, how safe is safe enough? Over my 40 years in industry I’ve heard this comment many times. Is this attitude driven by “safety culture” or is it just a product of qualitative risk management? Is this why risk management for machine guarding and functional safety is advancing globally to quantitatively derived engineering and validation?

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety January 9, 2012

Top Control Engineering articles, December 2011

The most-visited articles at www.controleng.com during December 2011 included articles on best products, award-winning automation system integrators, control panel safety, video about returning the human to automated processes, programming software, cloud computing for automation, iPhone as an HMI, 100-ft high dancing robotic birds, and lessons learned in operator training simulation.

Process Safety January 9, 2012

Cyber security vulnerability assessment

The first step in creating an effective defense is figuring out where the vulnerabilities are in the system. This is a difficult but necessary process, and it never ends.

By Matt Luallen
Process Safety January 6, 2012

How safe are your electrical system work practices?

Survey results show many don’t always follow the rules when working on industrial control equipment. Is failure to wear required protective equipment a foolish choice or an acceptable risk? Clamor for regulatory reform among survey respondents tells the story.

By Jeanine Katzel
Process Safety January 6, 2012

EN ISO 13849-1, the quantitative approach to machine safety begins with a qualitative process

EN ISO 13849-1 has now been fully in force since Jan. 1, 2012, without exception and EN 954 has fully been withdrawn. We’ve heard for four years or more that this change in direction equates to a paradigm shift for industry because it in part moves hazard level determination and mitigation from a qualitative process to a quantitative process. There’s more...

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety January 5, 2012

Machine Safety: The myths of safety cultures

Every organization at some point in time has held a myth about machine safety. Here are six machine safety myths. What’s yours? Leave a comment.

By J.B. Titus
Process Safety December 8, 2011

Automation system to be used by milk company in Finland

Valio, the largest milk producer in Finland, will use the Experion Process Knowledge System for their new plant in Lapinlahti, Finland, which is designed to produce demineralized whey powder.

Process Safety November 17, 2011

Product Exclusive: B&R Automation Studio meets programming goals faster

B&R Automation Studio 3.0 enables faster control software programming using a mechatronic approach and object-oriented programming, using C++ along with IEC 61131-3 programming languages.

Process Safety October 21, 2011

Leader Under 40: Aaron Crews

Principal Control Systems Engineer, Emerson Process Management – BS Chemical Engineering, Texas A+M University

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 20, 2011

Emissions control system for transformer oil processing applications

GE NuAir removes more than 84% of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during reclamation service procedures in California and Ontario, Canada.

Process Safety July 29, 2011

Why do we call it loop tuning?

If a process can stick to the setpoint, isn't that enough?

Process Safety July 18, 2011

Pinch valve allows automated control of low-volume, clean, sterile liquids

Emerson Process Management's Baumann 85000 eliminates the inefficiencies and poor control given by manually-operated pinch valves typically used in these high value applications.

Process Safety June 14, 2011

High-resolution perimeter guard light curtains extend to 30 meters for safety, security

Tapeswitch Perimeter Guards designed for safety and security applications provide a higher resolution (100 mm) compared to the company's standard line of perimeter guards (two, three and four beams). The light curtains have a maximum range of 30 meters.

Process Safety May 31, 2011

Wireless sensors push smart machines into green revolution

STMicroelectronics, ARaymond, and Micropelt demonstrated thermal-energy harvesting solutions at Hannover Fair.

Process Safety May 20, 2011

Pulling out your hair to measure humidity

What technologies are available for measuring airborne moisture?

Process Safety May 10, 2011

Optical sampling oscilloscope module provides sensitivity, range performance

Tektronix's 80C14 is an optical sampling oscilloscope module for the Tektronix DSA8200 Digital Serial Analyzer Series.

Process Safety April 12, 2011

Video: The state of manufacturing, part 2

Interviews with industry leaders look ahead to manufacturing in a post-recession environment. Part 2 looks at pricing pressures and improving U.S. competitiveness.

Process Safety April 5, 2011

SmartBird unravels the mystery of bird flight

Festo was driven to decipher the details of bird flight, utilizing technology to create an efficient mirror of nature.

By Source: Festo
Process Safety February 15, 2011

Capacitive proximity switch has high-resolution analog output

Lion Precision’s CPA100 Capacitive Sensor proves standard measurement ranges from .05 mm to 6 mm.

Process Safety February 14, 2011

MicroManufacturing and NanoManufacturing Conferences

Co-located conferences bring information, webinars, exhibits on Micro- and Nano-Manufacturing.

Process Safety February 11, 2011

Video: The lingering effects of Stuxnet

Two cyber security experts discuss what we should learn from the Stuxnet experience, and how companies may want to change their thinking going forward.

Process Safety January 31, 2011

Gain scheduling and process linearity

Can we really have a linear process nonlinearity? Sure!

Process Safety January 19, 2011

Process engineers: Do you enjoy your job?

Take our survey on job satisfaction for process engineers. Tell us what you think.

Process Safety January 14, 2011

Moore Industries-International, Inc: Safety Instrumented Systems: The “Logic” of Single Loop Logic Solvers

Safety Instrumented Systems: The “Logic” of Single Loop Logic Solvers examines what the "new generation" of safety-certified Single Loop Logic Solvers can achieve in IEC 61508 Functional Process Safety applications.

Process Safety January 14, 2011

Pressure spray control valves to be used in overseas nuclear power plants

Special Fisher pressure spray control valves will be supplied by Emerson to the State Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation of China for Sanmen 2 and Haiyang 2 nuclear power plants.

Process Safety January 6, 2011

PC enclosures for food process applications, NEMA 4X

A line of thermoplastic custom PC enclosures from Midwest Plastic Fabricators are intended to replace heavy traditional materials with their light-weight design and absence of draft angles. They have NEMA 4X-rated with a UL94V-0 flame rating.

Process Safety December 22, 2010

Machine Safety blog: Wireless Control and Wireless Safety!

Safe wireless (also known as safe cableless) is often applied to a machine using a “zone” concept to reduce the wireless communication distance. As wireless machine communications increase, application questions include...

Process Safety December 15, 2010

Stimulate your thinking: look at PID in a different way

Maybe you should turn off the automatic tuning feature for a moment and consider what's really going on in that controller.

Process Safety December 10, 2010

Variable torque drives serve variable torque fan, pump, and blower applications

VLT Automation VT Drive from Danfoss is designed to reduce initial investment and to maximize flexibility for future in-field upgrades.

Process Safety December 3, 2010

Happy With Your Temperature Sensors?

Users are divided on their favorite temperature sensing technology, but most seem satisfied with what they have and how they perform.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety December 3, 2010

Safety laser scanner for irregularly-shaped areas

Banner Engineering’s AG4 Safety Laser Scanner is designed to deliver safety, simplicity and versatility in a single, compact optical device.

Process Safety November 22, 2010

Energy savings for industrial operations, manufacturing

Participation in U.S. Department of Energy program continues Opto 22's efforts toward conservation and sustainability.

Process Safety November 19, 2010

Driving out the dampness

How can you get rid of moisture inside cabinets and enclosures?

Process Safety November 17, 2010

Thermocouples are the best temperature sensor in every application. Right?

Are they? How do you handle your temperature measurement needs? What types of devices do you use, and are you satisfied with the performance? Take our quick survey.

Process Safety November 12, 2010

Is it water or orange juice?

Dear Control Engineering: I am working in the process to automate a pasteurizer. I am looking for a sensor technology to detect the change from water to orange juice, and from orange juice to water in the output process. It has a color sensor, but it doesn't detect the change all that well.

Process Safety November 9, 2010

Level sensors receive SIL-2 rating for use with safety systems

New certification allows Honeywell Flexline devices to be used with overfill protection systems.

Process Safety November 1, 2010

EC: FactoryTalk Batch software from Rockwell Automation

Process control systems: FactoryTalk Batch software from Rockwell Automation. FactoryTalk Batch software helps users rapidly design and run batch applications to secure operator overrides, expand data collection and reporting, and improves material management capabilities. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Honorable Mention.

Process Safety November 1, 2010

EC: DX99…D Single-Chamber Instrinsically-Safe FlexPower Nodes

Network Integration - wireless - Banner Engineering - DX99...D Single-Chamber. Instrinsically-Safe FlexPower Nodes -The DX99...D Single-chamber Intrinsically-Safe FlexPower Node is a battery-powered, easy-to-install transceiver designed to wirelessly communicate data in hazardous areas. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) nominee.

Process Safety October 21, 2010

Growing range of thermocouples, RTDs, and specialized sensor cabling

AutomationDirect’s line of ProSense process measurement devices now includes type J and type K thermocouples, more varieties of RTD sensors, and matching extension wire. Thermocouple probes with connection heads feature cast aluminum NEMA 4 screw covers with captive gasket and stainless steel chain. The 1/4 in. diameter probes are available with temperature sensing ranges of 32 to 1,330 °F (Type J), or 32 to 1,700 °F (Type K).

Process Safety October 8, 2010

Motor Summit 2010 just around the corner

Motor Summit 2010 will convene in Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 26-28, 2010, bringing together experts from research, government, and the private sector with the intent of supporting various ongoing processes in IEA’s new Implementing Agreement 4E.

Process Safety September 17, 2010

What is a “sanitary” device?

Dear Control Engineering: One of the things I see regularly in your new product listings are devices that are designated as “sanitary,” for use in food and pharmaceutical applications. What does that mean? Manufacturing plants that produce food and pharmaceutical products are concerned about bad things growing in a manufacturing environment that could make it into the final product and cause contamination. Such things can make consumers sick or even dead, so we should all be glad such concerns exist.

Process Safety September 2, 2010

Advancing Technology: ‘American Idle’ – Nuclear Power

New U.S. nuclear power plants will not be operative for years, but the licensing process to allow building the first of new generation plants is nearing approval - September 2010 Control Engineering.

By Frank J. Bartos, P.E., Control Engineering
Process Safety August 31, 2010

Norway’s Statoil begins development of offshore oil and gas fields

Producer plots strategies, chooses infrastructure suppliers, to develop Norwegian continental shelf production units.

Process Safety August 29, 2010

Pressure gage ranging and accuracy

Dear Control Engineering: I was reading the recent article on differential pressure sensors, and I had a question coming out of that discussion. The author made the following statement: “The pressure in the line may be upwards of 1,000 psi, but the pressure drop is usually very small. Using two separate gage pressure devices and subtracting the readings would result in the combined error of two devices having wide measuring spans.

Process Safety August 17, 2010

Back to Basics: Closed-loop stability

Tutorial: Stability is how a control loop reduces errors between the measured process variable and its desired value or setpoint.

By Vance VanDoren, Ph.D., P.E., Control Engineering
Process Safety August 10, 2010

Ultra-compact mini PC

Performance that rivals desktop and mobile computers, but fits in your hand.

Process Safety April 8, 2010

Embedded control: Zero-drift, programmable instrumentation amplifier with diagnostics

National Semiconductor's LMP8358 simplifies pressure and thermocouple bridge measurements with easy detection of shorts, open circuits and degraded source connections.

By Renee Robbins
Process Safety April 8, 2010

NEC Electronics America expands 8-bit microcontroller line

Peripheral set delivers precision analog sensing for battery-powered portable devices, and industrial building automation sensors and monitoring devices.

By Renee Robbins
Process Safety March 5, 2010

Beckhoff releases new energy-saving panel PCs with Intel Atom CPU

Multi-functional and compact Panel PC for complex automation tasks is designed for reduced energy consumption.

By Renee Robbins
Process Safety February 23, 2010

Honeywell joins the EDDL Cooperation Team

Honeywell's move adds support to industry efforts to develop a unified standard for integrating field devices with industrial facility control systems. It joins a group process automation developers supporting the Field Device Integration (FDI) specification.

Process Safety February 12, 2010

Carbon management as a supply chain strategy

A.T. Kearney report on Carbon Disclosure Project notes that most global companies are preparing to de-select suppliers who fail to manage carbon.

By David Greenfield
Process Safety February 10, 2010

Preserve process manufacturing procedural knowledge: Yokogawa

To help process manufacturers preserve procedural knowledge, achieve production objectives, and meet health, safety and environmental regulatory requirements, Yokogawa launched Modular Procedural Automation (MPA).

Process Safety February 1, 2010

Discrete Control Winners, Engineers’ Choice Awards 2010

In discrete control, Control Engineering gave 2010 Engineers' Choice Awards for Machine safety, machine vision, PACs, and PLCs.

Process Safety February 1, 2010

Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter

Fluke Electronics Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter delivers comprehensive test and measurement capabilities. It’s engineered to accurately measure the minute amounts of current that flow through control system circuits without having to shut down the system, break the circuit and insert a test instrument.

Process Safety January 1, 2010

Video tutorial: Measuring liquid depth using pressure

If you want to measure the level of liquid in a tank, one of the simplest approaches is to use a pressure gage. The fact that liquid has weight means that you can measure that weight in the form of pressure. By drilling through the side of a tank and inserting a gage, a reading can be translated into the depth of liquid above the gage.

Process Safety December 22, 2009

Lack of visibility, process automation are leading causes of elevated supply chain risk, says Gatepoint Research, E2open

Increasing complexity of the supply chain creates paramount need for multi-tier visibility and fully automated supply chain processes. See chart.

Process Safety December 17, 2009

Manufacturing methods: Partnership uses metrology to increase production of right-first-time composite parts

Metrology assisted production process integrates Nikon Metrology Laser Radar into Magestic Systems Inc.'s PCS manufacturing system to improve composite part production quality and throughput.

By Renee Robbins
Process Safety December 1, 2009

U.S. health & manufacturing

Anyone you know think that the USA doesn’t make anything anymore? U.S. industrial output is about equal to the combined total industrial outputs of the second and third place countries (Japan and China, respectively), according to “The Economist Pocket World in Figures 2009 Edition.” U.

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief mhoske@reedbusiness.com
Process Safety December 1, 2009

DOE awards more than $155 million for industrial energy efficiency projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded more than $155 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 41 industrial energy efficiency projects across the country.  These awards include funding for industrial combined heat and power systems, district energy systems for industrial facilities, and grants to support technical and financial assistance to lo...

Process Safety December 1, 2009

Researching for insight

A few months ago, Control Engineering was contacted by Morgan Stanley about partnering on an automation industry research project. Morgan Stanley was in the process of determining whether or not to revive its investment advisory service on this sector and needed data to help determine the current and future viability of automation industry investment.

By David Greenfield, Editorial Director
Process Safety November 18, 2009

TomTom WORK and Software AG Form Strategic Partnership for Fleet Management

Software AG, a global leader in business infrastructure software, and TomTom WORK, the B2B division of TomTom, are joining forces, effective immediately.

By Company Supplied
Process Safety November 13, 2009

Digital pressure gages for outdoor use

New five-digit display with large characters from APG offers convenience of mechanical designs but uses MEMS sensing technology for high accuracy, stability.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety November 11, 2009

Non-incendive, intrinsically safe, and explosion-proof pressure transmitters

Transmitter family from AST now offers ¼ in. connection for retrofits and new installations where space is limited.

By Peter Welander
Process Safety November 1, 2009

Protect motor bearings from shaft currents

Baldor Electric Company announces the availability of bearing protection ring technology as an option on Baldor Reliance motors. Aegis SGR Bearing Protection Ring technology, manufactured by Electro Static Technology, protects motor bearings from shaft currents induced by adjustable speed drives. Electro Static Technology guarantees that any new motor up to 100 hp/75 kW will not fail from elect...

Process Safety November 1, 2009

Construction equipment firm masters transportation management with Sterling Commerce solution

For manufacturers, managing transportation costs is a constant juggling act. The challenge is identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques without hindering customer service. Given a choice, supply chain managers usually will expedite shipments for a valued customer, says Patrick Connaughton, senior analyst, sourcing and vendor management, at Forrester Research, Cambridge, Mass.

By Jim Fulcher, Contributing Editor
Process Safety November 1, 2009

CyboSoft wins DOE technology development research grants

CyboSoft, a provider of control technology for process, buildings, and equipment, has received two new grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): DOE is focusing grants on this area based on its own data that shows U.S. industrial plants consume more energy than any other sector, including the building and transportation sector.

Process Safety October 14, 2009

Embedded intelligence increases photoelectric sensor reliability

New IP69K-Rated Sick W12-3 photoelectric sensor with rotating connection withstands washdown environments; Sick OES3 ASIC, provides smart background and foreground suppression.

Process Safety August 13, 2009

Texas Instruments tops ABI Research Mobile Internet Device Platforms Vendor Matrix Ranking

Texas Instruments has been ranked at the top of the latest Vendor Matrix released by ABI Research. NVIDIA and Freescale Semiconductor claimed the second and third spots in the company's new evaluation of worldwide Mobile Internet Device (MID) platform vendors.

By Mark Hoske
Process Safety July 9, 2009

Valve status monitor with multiple signaling options

New series 52 2N1 ProxSensor line of valve status monitors from Bray Controls now includes AS-i, DeviceNet, and Profibus DP network connectivity.

By STAFF Control Engineering
Process Safety July 1, 2009

60 megawatts of energy produced from landfill gas

HMI, SCADA, controllers from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms used to recover methane gas and convert it to electricity.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 25, 2009

PAC8000, high-availability PACSystems RX3i controllers available from GE Fanuc

Latest additions to GE Fanuc controller families deliver improved performance in DCS process applications, and reflective memory technology for high-speed data transfer.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 18, 2009

Portable ultrasonic flowmeter

New portable Fluxus F601 ultrasonic flowmeter from Flexim is fast and reliable.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 29, 2009

NEC Electronics changes manufacturing process to eliminate hazardous chemicals

Company eliminates use of phenol, dichlorobenzene, and trimethyl benzenes in seminconductor production process, resulting in $150,000 annual cost savings.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2009

Grocery Manufacturers Association outlines food safety reform agenda

Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) president and CEO Pam Bailey has announced that the group is advocating legislative and regulatory reforms that will modernize the U.S. food safety net, and prevent problems before they arise to bolster consumer confidence in the safety and security of the food supply.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2009

Feedback, KPIs critical to FDA’s case for efficient manufacturing

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is promoting how knowledge acquired in the development, manufacture, and use of one generation of product can be applied to future generations that a company plans to market. To do this, the FDA is using total product lifecycle (TPLC) to show how feedback and key performance indicators (KPIs) can make manufacturing more efficient, resulting in lower-c...

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 30, 2009

MBT Editorial Video: SOA as a Business Process Management Tool

Service-oriented architecture—or SOA—was a concept developed by IT professionals to ease the process of integrating the growing number of disparate applications that were sprouting on corporate networks. But it soon became apparent that a properly structured SOA could have much greater value: serving as a platform for the quick, easy creation of new, innovative business processes. This Webcast will highlight manufacturers are using SOAs to build the agile technical and business infrastructures that are necessary to maintain a competitive edge in a constantly changing business environment.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety April 20, 2009

For standard smart grid, NEMA publishes protocol specification

NEMA published ANSI C12.22 Protocol Specification for Interfacing to Data Communication Networks. NEMA says smart grid success depends on advancing interoperability among communications modules and meters.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 17, 2009

Spring has sprung: Sprinklers use industrial controllers, programming software

National Instruments product manager uses NI LabVIEW and FieldPoint in a self-described do-it-yourself geekout, setting out to create the most elaborate lawn sprinkler ever. On the upside, neighborhood dogs have learned about remote control capabilities. The process included electrical and mechanical implementation, control design, start-up, testing, and operations.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 16, 2009

New flowmeter combines mechanical and electronic functions

Proven variable area flowmeter gains sophistication with digital signal processing technology. Solid state design electronically senses movement of the magnetic piston assembly and provides accurate, repeatable flow measurements. The device has no mechanical linkages, which results in longer operating life. While pre-calibrated, it still can be configured for...

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 15, 2009

Chinese chain pulls Johnson & Johnson products in chemical debate

Shanghai-based Nonggongshan Supermarkets Corp., which operates 3,500 stores in eastern China, pulled the products in response to a debate over safety related to dioxane and formaldehyde content.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 14, 2009

Electronics components board adopts environmental regulatory tracking service

The Electronics Components Certification Board announces that it will use EIATRACK as a quality assurance tool in its Hazardous Substances Process Management (HSPM) Green Manufacturing Certification Program.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 6, 2009

Wireless, wired I/O, controllers

Wired Ethernet network options and wireless 802.11a/b/g capabilities now are available on standard Opto 22 Snap PAC controllers and I/O systems. Using wireless for programmable automation controllers and I/O is as easy as it is for PCs and laptop computers, rather than the hodgepodge of proprietary and incompatible technologies typically found in the industrial automation industry. This was a Control Engineering North American print edition Product Exclusive.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 6, 2009

Dow to construct CO2 capture plant on coal-fired boiler

West Virginia location will use advanced amine process to remove greenhouse gas. Link to other carbon-capture research and studies.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 11, 2009

Vibration energy harvesting for wireless condition monitoring

Deployable demonstration system shows OEMs vibration energy harvesting technology can be used.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 10, 2009

EDI outtakes: Brown-Forman chooses Crossgate B2B services for streamlined e-invoicing

Brown-Forman, which sells its 35 wine and spirits brands in more than 135 countries, soon realized it had a steadily increasing backlog of EDI project requests, with each transaction requiring multiple weeks of internal effort. It found a way to decrease the complexity by outsourcing the EDI processes to B2B specialist Crossgate.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety March 10, 2009

Survey indicates consumers view safe, sustainable U.S. manufacturing as a priority

Most Americans believe highly automated factories important to economic growth; majority support a stimulus package to modernize U.S. factories. See detailed survey results. Post your views below.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 27, 2009

Control Room Consolidation – Part 2, Operating Factors by Invensys

In process and discrete manufacturing plants, control systems may run the machines, but it's the control rooms that can run the operators and managers who need to keep the plants producing at peak efficiency. Choosing the right control system, deciding on the best operating and alarm procedures,  and  designing useful HMI screens are obvious and crucial factors.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 19, 2009

Mass flowmeter optimized for biofuels applications

Growing numbers of biogas and methane recovery sites can monitor collection systems with FCI mass flowmeter. See photo. Link to product research.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 19, 2009

Fortify says: U.S. government needs software-security assurance processes for open source

President Obama's Administration is being encouraged to embrace open source software, copying a similar U.K. government game plan. However, the Administration needs to insist that secure development processes are in place for open source projects, says Fortify Software , a specialist in security assurance solutions.In a letter to President Obama, a group of 15 open source advocates are suggesting that the U.S.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety February 16, 2009

‘Tri-brid’ motor vehicle developed

World Energy Solutions creates a vehicle running on a hybrid hydrogen-oxygen engine.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 14, 2009

My American Jobs: New organization set to offer manufacturing certification for American companies using U.S.-based materials, components

Tiered certification now is offered for American-produced goods that contain 50 percent to 100 percent U.S.-made materials.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety February 13, 2009

Pump Systems Matter and Hydraulic Institute sponsor pump optimization course

Piggy-backing on WQA Aquatech 2009 conference should help draw potential attendees seeking to optimize pumps. Four tips for pump optimization follow with a link to a pump optimization guide.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 4, 2009

Guest commentary: Seven habits of highly successful control engineers, part 1

A three-part examination by George Buckbee of ways control engineers can become more effective. Part one of three. (Links to parts 2 and 3 follow, below.)

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 2, 2009

Critical decision: Omnify sees PLM uptake in highly regulated med device industry

Omnify Software reports an increase in medical device manufacturers implementing product life-cycle management (PLM) technology due to the ability of Omnify’s solutions to support controlled design processes and manage data for FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance.Omnify's growing medical device customer base includes companies such as Criticare Systems , a designer and manufacturer of patient monitoring technology; Pacific Biosciences , a developer of third-generation DNA sequencing technology; PLC Medical Systems , a medical technology company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets; Still River Systems , a developer of proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) systems; and Thermage , a leader in non-invasive tissue tightening.Many are leveraging Omnify Empower PLM to meet requirements set forth by the FDA regulation Part 11 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR Part 11) and the FDA 21 CFR Part 820 Quality System regulation; and have completed the Software Validation process mandated by the FDA for software used to design, develop, or manufacture medical devices.“The benefits medical device customers receive from our PLM solution is twofold,” says Chuck Cimalore, Omnify CTO. “First, they are able to benefit from improved product design and development processes. Second, they are able to leverage features such as history tracking, secure electronic signatures, reporting, a closed-loop Corrective and Preventive Action system, and training records management to meet stringent FDA compliance guidelines.”“PLC’s validation of Omnify Empower confirmed that we chose wisely in selecting a PLM product,” says Ern Damon, document control manager for PLC Medical Systems.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety February 2, 2009

Nanotech safety high on Congress’ priority list

Legislation highlights the growing attention on Capitol Hill for the need to strengthen federal efforts to learn more about the potential environmental, health and safety risks posed by engineered nanomaterials.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2009

HMI I/O controller does simple tasks without a PLC

A new I/O module easily interfaces with Beijer Electronics’ HMI and allows the user to implement simple monitoring and automation tasks without a PLC. The compact HMI I/O controller is developed for the plus version of the H-T40, the H-T40m-P, which features extended memory. The module can be easily mounted on the back of the H-T40m-P.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2009

Fieldbus Foundation releases Safety Instrumented Functions specification

Fieldbus Foundation announced new device development tools for its Foundation for Safety Instrumented Functions (SIF) technology. The release includes the Foundation for SIF final Technical Specification package, SIF Interoperability Test Kit (ITK), and an updated Device Description (DD) Library with SIF function blocks to support development of interoperable SIF devices for use in of industria...

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 30, 2009

Instruments measure greenhouse gases from space

Ibuki satellite uses interferometer to measure atmospheric methane and carbon dioxide. See photos; link to video.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 29, 2009

Contemporary control rooms: Statoil Hydro Tjeldbergodden

At this methanol plant, people can collaborate comfortably to troubleshoot problems, allowing error recovery to happen faster. HMIs are two high-resolution, big screen displays. ABB helped Statoil Hydro.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 22, 2009

Tutorial: Understanding the tricky thermocouple

Fixating on the junction can cause you to ignore potential problem areas. After the article “Challenges of Temperature Sensing” came out (Control Engineering, December 2007) we received comments about the explanation of thermocouples. So let’s go into more detail on these often misunderstood devices....

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 22, 2009

Temperature sensors: Comprehensive line of RTDs

Technology offers combination of precision and robustness for critical applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 22, 2009

ProSense pressure sensor family expands operating range

AutomationDirect's line of sensors and switches cover a wider scope of possible applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 21, 2009

Control Engineering Control Panel Design Video Contest Rules

Official Rules NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. 1.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 21, 2009

Book Review: Bebop to the Boolean Boogie

Clive Maxfield's encyclopedic treatment covers digital electronics in a light, clear, and thoroughly irreverent style.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 20, 2009

PVC manufacturers reach settlement regarding breach of EPA regulations

Shintech Inc. and its subsidiary K-Bin Inc., have agreed in a settlement announced by the Justice Department and EPA to spend $4.8 million to comply with the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at their manufacturing facilities in Freeport, TX.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 16, 2009

WIB Plant Security Working Group selects Kube as cyber security expert

Process industry user group seeks help in developing security architecture for control systems.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 15, 2009

USB help: Whitepapers help engineers incorporate USB into embedded systems

To help overcome the lack of information available concerning the use of USB in embedded systems, Micro Digital has recently released four white papers. Written by Yingbo Hu, R&D embedded software engineer, the whitepapers are free.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 18, 2008

Miniature infrared temp sensor can replace thermocouples

Non-contact technology offers fast response, high accuracy.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 16, 2008

Fresh savings baked in: Sara Lee announces major outsourcing initiative

Sara Lee Corp. will outsource financial transaction processing and indirect procurement activities, a move that will render roughly 700 positions redundant—including positions currently performed by contractors. Annual savings are anticipated to be nearly $250M over the next three years.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety December 1, 2008

IO Link: Sensor to Automation System Communication

Innovations in sensors such as proximity switches have been impressive. The packages are smaller, yet have longer ranges. Microcontroller-driven “teach-in” processes for precise sensor settings have replaced cumbersome and inaccurate potentiometer synchronization. Diagnostics have expanded to include such things as early warnings against dirt contamination.

By Michael Babb, Control Engineering Europe
Process Safety November 22, 2008

Nouveau NPD: CA brings its product portfolio management solution to the PLM arena

CA, long known as a leading supplier of solutions for managing IT resources, is moving into the product life-cycle management (PLM) realm with the introduction of a solution for managing the new product development (NPD) process.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety November 5, 2008

Smart pump: Device can manage itself, help control process

New rotary positive displacement three-screw concept pump can manage own performance, order own replacement parts.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 31, 2008

System stall: Enterprises still struggle with file transfer processes

A new survey confirms very few companies have enacted a comprehensive managed file transfer (MFT) process, but both applications vendors and industry experts alike know there’s plenty of interest in solutions adoption in the coming year.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety October 31, 2008

Semiconductor test leaders ally to improve industry productivity

The semiconductor and test community has formed a new organization to encourage pre-competitive collaboration and standards development to improve industry productivity.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 17, 2008

Smart product design: It’s getting easier to be green

By making informed design decisions and using the right tools, manufacturers can take the necessary steps toward making greener—or more eco-friendly or sustainable—products. That's because many of the things considered in everyday good design decisions also are great sustainability design decisions.

By Hope Neal, Contributing Editor
Process Safety October 3, 2008

NEMA applauds passage of anti-counterfeiting legislation

NEMA likes that the U.S. Congress passed anti-counterfeiting legislation. If signed into law, it could help with a variety of issues facing manufacturers, including safety. 

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2008

Listen in: Operator alert extends alarm capabilities

Operators can set their own time- or process-based pre-alarms and reminders.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 23, 2008

Controls add to robotic flexibility, application diversity; photo gallery

Original equipment manufacturers are starting to run robotics with off-the-shelf controls. Even large robot manufacturers are adopting the use of embedded nonproprietary software. Tutorial, robotic photo gallery, useful links follow.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2008

Upgrading Control: Migration or Evolution?

At a recent automation supplier user group, a speaker cited an interesting statistic. He said that 50% of the DCS (distributed control system) platforms running process plants today are at least 20 years old. Knowing that, it isn’t hard to understand why control system upgrades are on many peoples’ minds as companies face growing cost and competitive pressures.

By Peter Welander, Control Engineering
Process Safety August 27, 2008

Vision help: Service helps users implement imaging algorithms

Agility Design Solutions announced an imaging-algorithm implementation service offering to deliver working systems in less than half the time of conventional approaches.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 20, 2008

MBT Annual Innovation Awards

The MBT Annual Innovation Award for an information technology or enterprise software solution designed to streamline manufacturing and supply chain processes.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety August 11, 2008

Asset tracker: IT channel seeing growth in RFID projects

Information technology (IT) channel companies say their customers are showing more interest in RFID technology. A worldwide survey of 155 IT companies conducted by Oak Brook Terrace, Ill.-based CompTIA , the Computing Technology Industry Association, finds 46 percent of their customers have implemented one or more RFID solutions either as pilot projects or production deployments. This represents an increase from a 2007 survey, when IT companies reported 34 percent of their customers had initiated RFID projects.The Web-based survey, conducted during the second quarter of 2008, questioned IT channel companies on their current and future intentions for addressing RFID. Customers come from a cross section of industries, including manufacturing, services, government, finance, health care, retail, and communications.The most popular RFID deployments tapped by customers are asset tracking, cited by 32 percent of IT companies surveyed; personal identification (28 percent); supply chain (25 percent); retail marketing (15 percent); and closed-loop manufacturing (9 percent)."RFID offers adopters of the technology benefits in the form of improvements in manufacturing, inventory, and distribution processes; and reduced costs for product theft, spoilage, or obsolescence," says Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2008

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use PLM to swallow bitter regulatory pill

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are focusing attention and resources on product life-cycle management (PLM) adoption, according to a report out of London-based Datamonitor, titled Streamlining Information in the Pharmaceutical Industry with PLM. “Similar to other industries without a traditional focus on PLM, there have been above-average growth rates in PLM for pharmaceuticals and biotechno...

By Bill Atkinson, contributing editor (w.atkinson@mchsi.com)
Process Safety July 29, 2008

USDA OKs hygienic robot; robots have vision for photovoltaic manufacturing

Fanuc Robotics received USDA approval for a high-speed food pick robot; Adept Technology explains how robots with machine vision can help photovoltaic manufacturing. Photos....

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 11, 2008

Under the hood: Transplace offers fuel conservation tip list for energy-efficient shipping/receiving

Fuel has reached record-high prices, with no apparent relief in sight. And transportation management services supplier Transplace knows all too well the challenges for carriers and Over the Road (OTR) drivers brought on by these higher prices.Via research conducted with its carrier alliance partners, Transplace has compiled a handy list of fuel conservation tips to help both carriers and OTRs endure rising fuel prices.In sharing this list, Transplace hopes to alleviate the pressure and make the shipping and receiving processes of its clients more energy-efficient.Here are a few highlights from the Transplace Fuel Conservation Tip list.OTR Driver Fuel Conservation Tips:• Plan routes through major cities during off-peak hours.• While customer requirements often dictate that deliveries occur during peak hours, supply chain partners should work together to establish flexible shipping and receiving hours to maximize the efficiency of all affected parties.• Reduce deadhead and empty miles by laying over and waiting on the next closest load, if practical.• Coordinate the most efficient backhaul with your driver managers, rather than running long distances to pick up the next load. This applies your available capacity to the closest load and reduces the total gallons required to reposition for the next pickup.• Utilize low RPM shifting techniques for maximum fuel conservation.• Less fuel is used when changing gears more quickly at lower RPMs, which also reduces long-term wear on vehicles engines.• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and all air/fuel filters are changed according to the manufacturer’s specs• Instead of trying to save money by lengthening the time interval in-between service checks, ensure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently by following the manufacturer’s specs.• Eliminate unnecessary equipment/ tools/personal effects to reduce total weight on truck.• Remove excess weight from the vehicle, such as TVs and double bunks.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety June 1, 2008

Qualcomm wireless connectivity services let OEMs build out smarter machines

OEMs for industrial and other type machines are beginning to appreciate the opportunity to differentiate their offerings in the market by embedding intelligence in their products, as well as the means to communicate over vast distances to enable greater product uptime and service. Companies like Gardner Denver, John Deere, and ABB are turning to Qualcomm for assistance in providing the wired a...

By Frank O Smith, senior contributing editor
Process Safety May 14, 2008

Products are in process for VME radio frequency standard

Products are on the way that use a new communications standard recently approved by VMEbus International Trade Association called VITA Radio Transport (VRT). The standard defines....

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 6, 2008

Built-in tools: Benchmarking process operations in real time

ProcessApex software from ExperTune benchmarks and tracks business results of fired heaters, heat exchangers, and dryers. It can find bottlenecks and....

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2008

Steam Distribution Metering Solved

Pacific Klamath Energy (PKE) operates a 500 MW electric co-generating station for the City of Klamath Falls, OR, providing electricity for about 450,000 residents. The plant also serves as steam host to a local wood products manufacturing facility that employs about 100 people. PKE is a subsidiary of PPM Energy, based in Portland, Oregon.

By Bruce Willard, Pacific Klamath Energy
Process Safety May 1, 2008

Ed Miller: Manufacturers leverage the expanding footprint of PLM

Once predominately focused on engineering design, product life-cycle management (PLM) is extending its reach to a broader range of activities, from early-stage product strategy development and planning to product engineering and manufacturing engineering, and on through to product maintenance and support.

By Ed Miller
Process Safety May 1, 2008

General machine drive line extended

ABB has extended the ratings of its ACS350 general machinery drives to 20 and 25 HP, at 480 V. Units are RoHS-compliant, with coated boards, and suit a range of machine applications in food processing, material handling, textiles, printing, rubber and plastics, semiconductor, automotive, and woodworking industries.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 25, 2008

Hannover: Signal, power connectors; wireless; depth gauge

On display during Hannover Fair this week, were innovative introductions and demonstrations featuring Baumer, Dust Networks, and Molex, to mention a few. Also read, from Control Engineering ... 

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 8, 2008

Yokogawa buys Analytical Specialties, real-time laser analyzers

Yokogowa Corporation of America purchased Analytical Specialties and its TruePeak Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy (TDLS) Gas Analyzers, said to be highly accurate, repeatable, and real-time. Yokogawa also established a Laser Analytical Division within its U.S. subsidiary as a core unit for the industrial automation environmental and measurement business.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 7, 2008

PLC: Controller cuts engineering time for machine builders

Scalable hardware, pre-developed machine functions, reusable code, and unified programming software to reduce engineering time for machine builders working with complex machines are all part of the Bosch Rexroth IndraControl L10 PLC.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2008

Pharma makers secure full chain of custody using Acsis track & trace

It's one thing to track drugs moving through production; following them throughout the supply chain is the bigger headache—and one for which there is no magic pill. “As an industry, pharmaceutical manufacturers are taking steps to quickly respond to evolving patient safety requirements,” says Andre Pino, chief marketing officer at Acsis, a track & trace solutions supplier.

By Jim Fulcher, contributing editor (jimfulcher@comcast.net)
Process Safety April 1, 2008

Safety mats with quick cable disconnects

Omron Scientific Technologies, Inc. has introduced the UMQ Series Safety Mats, which feature an IP67 quick-disconnect cable connector to lower costs through reduced inventory, while simplifying installation and replacement of damaged cables. The quick-disconnect feature allows for last minute cable length changes in the field and, since the cable is not attached until the end of the installatio...

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 3, 2008

More safety, productivity: 2007 robot orders up 24%

North American manufacturers ordered 24% more robots; total of $1.07 billion, RIA says.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2008

Tire making quality control

Making rubber tires involves a complex, multi-faceted manufacturing process. To enhance production, Honeywell has introduced the MXProLine Wire Calendar Quality Control System (QCS), a next-generation system that enhances visibility and automation of quality parameters for the wire calendering process in tire making.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2008

Tour: Guess the company …scroll down for photos, answers

Think Again: I love facility tours and did another in February. Guess where? Eleven hints follow. 1. It is a business one year older than the U.S. town that shares part of its name. 2. It was established before the Civil War. 3. It contains a lot of automation and instrumentation, and few key portions of the process were hand-crafted more than 100 years ago and still serve admirably.

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety February 25, 2008

Industrial controls finish 2007 strong; optimism in 2008

NEMA reports strong growth in 2007; A separate Morningstar report suggests manufacturing optimism through 2008.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 22, 2008

Data structure tips for Logix controllers

Save memory and optimize performance of Rockwell Automation controllers.

By Fred Habenschuss, Rockwell Automation
Process Safety February 21, 2008

Process analyzers: What makes wine good?

Using modern instrumentation to unlock the ancient art of winemaking.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 21, 2008

Tutorial: Guided-wave radar level sensors

Versatile guided-wave technology helps in normal and problematic continuous level applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 14, 2008

Business process perk: Costa Coffee reengineers order taking, debt management using Epicor enterprise system

Costa Coffee is reporting many benefits out of a newly completed phase of a major business engineering project that uses Epicor Enterprise from Epicor Software Corp. to help maintain strong growth within its Corporate Sales Business.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety February 6, 2008

New board: Your company in Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance?

Research Triangle Park, NC – Industrial wireless education and global expansion are among leadership goals touted by the newly elected board of directors for Wireless Industrial Networking Alliance (WINA), an Automation Federation organization.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 6, 2008

Control Engineering: Engineers’ Choice Awards 2007

Control Engineering announces its Engineers' Choice Award winning products in the February 2008 North American print edition.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 6, 2008

Analysis: Control system builders want your feedback

Honeywell and others are soliciting suggestions for control systems. Whichever your platform, you should provide feedback when possible.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 19, 2008

The right prescription: Pharma manufacturers use PLM to swallow bitter regulatory pill

Regulatory compliance pressures and increased competition have pharmaceutical manufacturers focusing much more attention and resources on adopting product life-cycle management solutions, according to a report out of London-based Datamonitor.

By William Atkinson, contributing editor
Process Safety January 17, 2008

Pressure instrument: Digital gage includes data logger

MadgeTech, Inc . has released the PR2000 family of digital pressure gages with onboard LCD and data logging capability. Reportedly capable of storing up to 262,143 readings in non-volatile memory, the series features real-time graphing capability, displaying a graph as data is received showing 100 previous readings.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 17, 2008

Tutorial: Coriolis flowmeters for gas service

More than once in these pages we have discussed the tricky process of measuring compressed air or other gas flows. (See earlier stories on rotameters and thermal mass flowmeters .) The compressible nature of gas makes it more difficult to measure than liquids, particularly when your goal is to convert the reading to a standardized temperature and pressure or mass measurement. In critical situations, a Coriolis flowmeter may be the best solution, although it will not be the least expensive. In the larger instrumentation picture, Coriolis flowmeters are known for being highly accurate, capable of very wide turndown ranges, and costly.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 15, 2008

Visibility on demand: Sterling Commerce unveils new supply chain collaboration solution

Sterling Commerce says True Value Company, one of the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperatives, will be an early adopter of a new on-demand solution that promotes partner connectivity, process integration, and real-time visibility throughout a company’s extended supply chain.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2008

‘Going green’ can be good for business

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States will require far-reaching efforts spanning all sectors of the economy, but significant savings generated by “going green” can outweigh the costs over time. So says a newly-released McKinsey & Company report. Annual GHG emissions within the United States will increase from 7.

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2008

That was easy? Standard profits

I'm convinced that the value of the ISA88 Part 5 standard, if widely applied as intended, will mean the difference between profitability and plant closings at many facilities. Part 5 is the core of most basic control. Despite that value, making standards isn't easy.

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety January 1, 2008

‘Makeover’ for manufacturing

No matter what your company produces, product innovation and process efficiency keep you one step ahead of the competition. An increasingly scarce supply of new engineering talent joining the ranks, however, could place that competitive advantage at risk. The good news is that an incredible amount of energy and creativity is being invested in reaching out to young people to engage and inspire.

By Marc Moschetto, editorial director
Process Safety December 20, 2007

Take a look around: Sensor sees cylindrical surface, 360 degrees

Natick, MA — Ability to see the cylindrical surface of bottles and cans, vials, or cosmetic containers at 360 degrees without product orientation or accurate positioning would save a lot of time and effort. The Cognex OmniView uses 4 cameras to do so, reading barcodes, verifying text, inspecting graphics and measuring features at speeds up to 1,200 parts per minute.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 13, 2007

Control room: Users, designers benefit from remote graphics hardware validation

Remote graphic units (RGUs)

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 13, 2007

ABB joins North American PTO, supporting U.S. Profibus, Profinet efforts 

Wickliffe, OH — ABB Inc. joined PTO North America. PTO develops and promotes the use of Profibus fieldbus and Profinet industrial Ethernet standards for automation. ABB has been actively working with the PNO (Profibus and Profinet Nutzerorganisation) in Germany since its inception in 1989 and is a member of the PNO Advisory Board.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 10, 2007

Embedded: Green Hills Software supports AMCC PowerPC processors, 405EX, 405EXr

Santa Barbara, CA — Green Hills Software Inc. today announced availability of its software development solution targeting Applied Micro Circuit Corp.’s (AMCC) PowerPC 405EX and 405EXr embedded processors.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 6, 2007

Quality control tips: How to avoid making errors in the first place

While error-proofing isn’t free, it can be considerably less costly than shipping the wrong parts, causing a shutdown, or triggering fines or remediation efforts that are built into some supply contracts, says David Marten, Faurecia manager of manufacturing metal engineering.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 5, 2007

Analysis: Processors living with variability

During a recent visit to Control Engineering’s offices, Jack Bolick, president of Honeywell Process Solutions had a few minutes to record a podcast with our editorial director, Marc Moschetto. While the whole podcast is interesting, Bolick made a particularly interesting point about a new set of problems that he sees process producers facing in all verticals. The two issues are unrelated, but they compound to make life more complicated. First, he notes that producers are having to deal with higher levels of variability in raw materials and feedstocks.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 4, 2007

AC Adjustable-Speed Drive Product Research (November 2007)

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding AC Adjustable-Speed Drives.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 4, 2007

A smooth blend: HP links acquired products with homegrown solutions to automate IT management

Hewlett-Packard (HP) has unveiled an integrated set of applications for managing IT operations. This new software suite combines several of HP’s homegrown solutions with technology from companies HP recently acquired.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety December 1, 2007

How to control quality: Err not

Is it just too obvious to say that the best way to ensure quality products go out the door is to not make errors in the first place? Perhaps. Less obvious is how to effectively design products and workflow to avoid making mistakes. While error-proofing isn’t free, it can be considerably less costly than shipping the wrong parts, causing a shutdown, or triggering fines or remediation effor...

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety November 28, 2007

SOA Governance: Software AG touts automated method for making services reusable

Software AG is making a bid to become a leading supplier of service-oriented architecture (SOA) management tools with the recent release of its CentraSite Governance Edition suite.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety November 15, 2007

HMI: Handheld operator panel saves time, effort

Beijer Electronics introduces a new member of its user-friendly series of operator panels, Exter M70.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 6, 2007

Expert advice: Schneider Electric opens development lab for automation vendors

Schneider Electric hopes to spur smoother development of advanced industrial automation and control solutions by establishing a center where original equipment manufacturers (OEM) can collaborate freely with other industry experts.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2007

Network security appliance protects plant operations from malware

As manufacturers rely on the Internet as the means to run applications—and the vehicle for sending and receiving email—concerns about network security grow in equal measure. One issue, says Charles Kolodgy, research director with Framingham, Mass.-based analyst firm IDC, is determining what type of security product should be used.

By Jim Fulcher, contributing editor (jimfulcher@comcast.net)
Process Safety October 18, 2007

Temperature sensor: Free “Worm” for you to test

In the July issue of this newsletter, we ran a product release about a new flexible temperature sensor from Moore Industries . The company has found that once customers try the device and understand its capabilities, they buy more. With that in mind, Moore is now offering one for you to try, free. The offer includes a choice of a thermocouple or RTD sensor, 24 in.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2007

Scales and Load Cells

Weighing technology has been a critical part of industrial activity ever since its earliest development. Simple comparison of materials by weight (whether done with a crude balance or a simple manual comparison—one sample in one hand, one in the other) formed the basis for recipes, inventory measurement, basic custody transfer transactions and determination of selling price.

By Dick Johnson, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Process Safety October 1, 2007

Multiparameter analyzer

Emerson Process Management’s Rosemount Analytical model 1056 intelligent analyzer is flexible, multiparameter, and is said to reduce the cost per loop and save panel space by offering a single- or dual-sensor input with an unrestricted choice of dual measurements. It is ideal for a wide range of industrial and municipal applications and can measure turbidity, flow, pH/ORP/ISE, resistivity...

By Staff
Process Safety September 19, 2007

Plant2Enterprise conference: Efficiency, growth, effectiveness take center stage

MES vendors, users gather to bring plant floor / business data together.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 19, 2007

Safety Network, Is one enough?

Communication systems that cooperate will achieve a better overall level of safety, than single 'universal systems'. In safety networks, not only is it true that one size doesn’t fit all, but it’s also the case that design matters. A network intended for instrumentation at the field level, for example, could cause in unnecessary downtimes or worse, if misapplied. Engineers would like to pick the right safety network for the job, just as they can for control aspects thanks to open networks. Now that choice of the best solution—even if it means using two networks—is possible because of Siemens F-Link and related devices.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2007

Detroit Science Center receives two Kuka robots

The Detroit Science Center’s Fun Factory, which features 39 hands-on exhibits spanning 2,800 square feet, is where visitors can learn how a variety of manufacturing processes turn an idea into reality. Kuka Robotics Corporation donated two 6-axis robots to the Fun Factory to demonstrate how robots are used for welding, in foundries, and other manufacturing applications.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2007

Rockwell Automation advises on machine safety

Manufacturers can realize long-term financial benefits by integrating machine safety programs into their workplaces as a form of insurance against potential risks, according to a new white paper released by Rockwell Automation. It looks at return on investment (ROI), summarizing how managing risk can reduce costs and increase productivity.

By Staff
Process Safety August 24, 2007

Intermec RFID hardware first to be certified for use in China

Intermec's passive UHF RFID readers comprise the first RFID hardware to be certified by China's State Radio Regulation Committee (SRRC).

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety August 23, 2007

Tire pressure monitoring requirement kicks in

Your next new car is going to have a direct-type tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) consisting of a miniature data acquisition system and wireless data transmitter. So says the U.S. Congress.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2007

Black Book excerpts: Execs are dumping environmentally unfriendly outsourcers

Green factors are forcing a new stage of expectations on global outsourcing suppliers. Environmental concerns have entered into the formal selection process of outsourcing vendors, according to Brown-Wilson Group, authors of The Black Book of Outsourcing, an independent study of industry decision-makers and analysts.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2007

New orders: North American robot sales jump 39% in first half 2007

New orders to North American robotics companies increased 39% the first half of 2007, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA),

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2007

Bar code specification: Public review costs $140; auto ID handbook

The trade association AIM Global announces the Public Review Draft of the International Symbology Specification–Ultracode, developed by AIM Global’s Technical Symbology Committee.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 9, 2007

Industry expert offers retrospective on RFID

Lack of collaborative process change and effective measurement of ROI has had a dilatory effect on adoption, according toAMR Research in a three-year review of the technology.

By Manufacturing Business Technology Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2007

Lack of IT governance is putting business value at risk

Leveraging the value of IT investments and governance goes hand in hand, but formal adoption continues to lag. “There's been a lot of publicity given to IT governance over the last few years, yet the understanding and penetration of formal IT governance processes among organizations of all sizes is much lower than I would have expected,” says Tim Jennings, research director at Butl...

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2007

Partners pair tag/reader solutions to foster new RFID apps at lower cost

While enforcement of Gen 2 tags represents another big stride in RFID's evolution, users are still looking for greater ease of use. Offering prepackaged solutions of tags and readers is one way to streamline the path to RFID—at lower cost. Labeling supplies specialist Avery Dennison recently announced a plan to combine its RFID inlays with Motorola's hardware and tag design expertise.

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2007

Manufacturing intelligence drive capitalizes on Rockwell/Microsoft partnership

As many a plant manager would attest, global manufacturing enterprises today expect unprecedented levels of detailed information about plant performance. One reason is the increasing scale of multi-plant operations, of extended supply chains, and of outsourced production, which call for the kinds of manufacturing intelligence that allows flexible, collaborative response to ongoing change and i...

By Malcolm Wheatley, Senior Contributing Editor
Process Safety August 1, 2007

Safety switches

New D40A noncontact safety switches are said to reduce costs by connecting up to 30 switches to a single controller. High-visibility, two-color LED indicators provide “at-a-glance” status indication at the guard door for quick adjustments, as necessary, the co. says. An auxiliary contact allows for remote status indication.

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2007

Major players propose human workflow extensions to business processes spec

Enterprise software heavyweights—namely IBM, BEA, Oracle, SAP, and Adobe—are submitting a new proposal to extend the BPEL Web services business process orchestration specification to include human workflows. The proposals, to be submitted to the Web services standards body OASIS, will include an extension of the BPEL spec—named BPEL4People—which specifies the inclusion o...

By Staff
Process Safety July 26, 2007

Model-based design verifier

Model-based design methodology allows developers of embedded systems—especially safety-critical or complex designs—to automatically obtain test cases to satisfy industry-standard metrics, such as modified condition/decision coverage (MC/DC), while uncovering design errors earlier in the development process when they are significantly less expensive to fix.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 19, 2007

Flow tutorial: Magnetic flowmeters

In our last issue, we discussed turbine flowmeters because they had tied with magnetic flowmeters as the most commonly used in a recent Control Engineering product research survey . This month we look at magnetic flowmeters and examine what makes them so popular. Magnetic flowmeters work on the principal that a conductor moving through a magnetic field generates a current in proportion to the speed at which it moves. In this case, the wire is replaced by the fluid which moves through magnetic coils on opposite sides of the pipe.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 6, 2007

Loop control: Self-tuning device minimizes process disruptions

In any process plant, there is usually a PID loop or two that needs more attention than others. Self-tuning controllers can often help that, but they frequently introduce their own peculiarities to a process. Microstar Laboratories has designed a self-tuning process that uses its standard hardware components and a software package that the company promises can adjust on the fly with minimal process disturbance. ( Read an article on self-tuning control strategies here and watch for a feature article: Fundamentals of Self-Tuning Control in the July issue of Control Engineering .) Self-tuning controllers typically find out how a process works by manipulating their control efforts and seeing how the process variable responds.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2007

Suite facilitates information collection and analysis in the real-time factory era

“Business people suddenly discovered real time,” is how OSIsoft President and CEO Patrick Kennedy characterizes the past 12 months. As a result, there's been something of an explosion taking place in the amount of real-time data being collected from the factory floor—a development reflected both in the demand for OSIsoft's products, and in the changing nature of those products.

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2007

Re-target your innovations

Apply innovations in the right amounts to the right areas to prevent your organization's extinction, or, at least augment net income. Consider managing innovations, rather than processes, says Geoffrey Moore, venture capitalist and author of “Dealing with Darwinism” and “Crossing the Chasm.

By Mark T. Hoske, Editor in Chief
Process Safety June 14, 2007

Industrial computers: NEMA 4X touch screens in stainless steel enclosures

EnduraTouch series of NEMA 4X industrial computers

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 1, 2007

Microsoft orchestrates an enterprise-ready BizTalk RFID platform

The next version of Microsoft BizTalk Server business process management software will have RFID capabilities that Microsoft positions as a more enterprise-ready approach to RFID than that offered by traditional RFID middleware. Steve Sloan, senior product manager for Microsoft's Connected Systems Division, says the RFID capabilities are a major area of focus for the next version of BizTalk, kn...

By Staff
Process Safety May 29, 2007

Sensors: Fab delivers world’s largest flexible photosenisitive array

Nanoident Technologies AG, manufacturer of printed-semiconductor-based optoelectronic sensors, delivered the world’s largest printed semiconductor-based photodetector array on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate foil substrate.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 28, 2007

Non-contact temperature transmitter

New Rayomatic 20 non-contact process IR temperature transmitter from E Instruments Group LLC is configurable for a wide variety of applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2007

What’s better than a good microprocessor?

The short answer to the question, “What's better than a good microprocessor?” is “one with multiple execution cores embedded into the same-sized semiconductor package.” But you should know more. An appropriate comparison must first recognize that performance of normal, single-core (“good”) microprocessors has increased almost without limit over many generations.

By Frank J. Bartos, P.E.
Process Safety May 1, 2007

Fake goods hamper manufacturing market health; call for criminalization imminent

Counterfeit goods trafficking is a global problem that goes far beyond designer handbags and watches. Note the following: “The growth of counterfeiting in all industries and all markets is alarming,” says Mark Mutterperl, partner the New York law firm Fulbright & Jaworski, which specializes in intellectual property protection.

By Staff
Process Safety April 30, 2007

Disruptive technology on display in San Jose

A feature of the 2007 Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose, CA was the Disruption Zone, featuring companies with technologies that have to potential to make waves in the world of embedded systems.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 26, 2007

Energy storage: Ultracapacitors answer power needs

In today’s electronics world there is a constant cry for more power, including for motion control applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 24, 2007

Fed up? MCAA wants smoother product certifications

Williamsburg, VA —There's a growing disconnect between the business practices of third-party product testing laboratories and the needs of instrumentation companies and their customers, according to the Measurement, Control & Automation Association . And MCAA members plan to do something about it. "Member companies have noted that while product design and life cycles have shortened, the third-party approval process has become increasingly complex, expensive, and time consuming. Acting on the belief that the Association can be a catalyst to bring the parties together in a process intended to enhance the competitiveness of member companies, the Association is proposing a one-day conference to be held between July and October 2007," according to MCAA.Representatives of each testing laboratory will be asked to attend along with MCAA members, with the purpose of minimizing delays and unforeseen expenses.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 5, 2007

Biodiesel from beans: System integrator picked for controls design

Control system design for the largest U.S. biodiesel facility goes to Matrix Technologies Inc ., a process design and automation firm with corporate headquarters in Maumee (Toledo), OH. Louis-Dreyfus Agricultural Industries LLC made the selection, saying Matrix will provide the control system design and integration for the country's largest soybean oil extraction and biodiesel processing facility, to be located in Claypool, IN. Included will be a combined 50-million bushel per year soybean processing plant and biodiesel production facility.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2007

ABB takes automation show on the road

The Marriott Hotel in San Ramon, CA, played host to the first 2007 ABB Low Voltage Products Roadshow, on Feb. 21-22, where the company displayed more than 25 drive, instrumentation, process automation, and power products and solutions. Under the name “Results-Driven Power Control,” the user event is scheduled to tour major regional markets across the U.

By Staff
Process Safety March 15, 2007

Growth in Asia: Joint venture brings large-format TFT glass substrate plant to Korea

Responding to increasing demand for TFT-LCD (thin film resistor-liquid crystal display) glass substrates, Kuramoto Co. Ltd. and Schott have opened a joint venture plant for processing large-format TFT-LCD products in Korea.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 7, 2007

New software: Distillation and absorber column modeling package

Mynah Technologies has expanded its offering of process simulation software with its new MiMiC Distillation Modeling Package. This tool is designed to help in control strategy development, testing, control loop tuning, and optimization of distillation systems. It reportedly provides accurate process models to save time and cost for new capital projects and improvements to existing units. The MiMiC Distillation Modeling Package is built primarily for process automation system software acceptance testing and operator training.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2007

Support of innovation

The rapid growth of overseas manufacturing is creating opportunities and challenges for U.S. manufacturing. Companies are investing billions of dollars abroad to access emerging markets and take advantage of skilled workers. This month’s International Insight column (p. 20), focuses on two automation companies investing in Asian partners, and our “Global Focus on Manufacturing”...

By Renee Robbins, editorial director
Process Safety March 1, 2007

3 ways to engineer success

One of the most common counseling sessions I provide to engineers is based on a premise that I learned in the most valuable class I took in college. The class was an accident, really. I needed a filler between calculus and FORTRAN (now there’s an example of tuition well spent), and there was an opening in a public speaking class.

By Chuck Sherman
Process Safety February 27, 2007

CompactPCI board: single or dual MPC7448 processing

Interface Concept offers a new CompactPCI / 6U board, the IC-xe6-cPCIb, with one or two Freescale 1.4 GHz MPC7448 PowerPC processors. Briec-de-l — Interface Concept , said to be a European leading designer, developer and manufacturer of embedded boards, unveils a new high-performance CompactPCI / 6U board, the IC-xe6-cPCIb, powered by one or two Freescale 's most advanced 1.4 GHz MPC7448 PowerPC processors. This new single- or dual-processor SBC, being PICMG2.16 compliant, is ideal for use in defense, aeronautics, transportation, and medical fields in which high-performance processing application is required in combination with low power consumption and large communications capabilities. To complete the processor, the board implements a Marvell Discovery III chipset (MV64460).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 7, 2007

News: Use of collaborative production management for process manufacturing growing quickly

The market for collaborative production management systems for process manufacturing (CPM-P) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% over the next five years. So says a study recently released by ARC Advisory Group . Its analysts estimate the market was just over $1.6 billion in 2006 and forecast it to reach nearly $2.8 billion in 2011. Demand for CPM software and services for process industries is accelerating, benefiting from the prolonged growth cycle for manufacturing IT that will continue for the next couple of years.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 5, 2007

Programmable Control Valve Actuators Product Research (January 2007)

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding Control Valve Actuators.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 24, 2007

Communications 101: An Engineer’s Primer By Herb Flink Customer Support Engineering Manager Parker Fluid Control Division

Today’s engineers are measured by how well they link technical expertise with effective communications skills. Communicating clearly, concisely, and professionally is vital whether handling a customer call, creating a department report, or emailing a customer about a project inquiry.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 11, 2007

Display conference: Hear from BMW, Universal Pictures

Executives from BMW, Universal Pictures, and AKT will provide the keynote addresses at the Society for Information Display's (SID) upcoming annual event. Display Week 2007: The SID International Symposium, Seminar, and Exhibition, set for May 20-25, 2007 in Long Beach, CA, will gather together scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and users from the electronic-display industry to learn about technology and applications ranging from high-definition flat-panel displays using both emissive and liquid-crystal technology to the latest in OLED displays and large-area projection-display systems. The show and conference will include state-of-the-art information on the latest in image processing, systems software and display processor hardware, human factors and applied vision, and new applications such as multimedia and electronic cinema.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 21, 2006

Service center: New facility offers flowmeter calibration, repair

When faced with a flowmeter that doesn't work or needs calibration, there aren't many choices for help outside of the original manufacturer. Flow Technology Inc . now offers an alternative with the opening of its new service facility in Tempe, AZ.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 18, 2006

Control valve for process applications

Spira-Trol general service control valve from Spirax Sarco features a modular design. Two-port device is intended for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, rubber, plastics, metals, chemicals, and electronics manufacturing applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 16, 2006

Level measurement: BP depends on megnetostrictive sensors for flammable liquids

BP is the second largest pipeline company in the U.S., transporting 450 million barrels of refined fuels and other products daily over 30 states. With that much flammable material on the move, safety concerns are key and enforced by the U.S. Dept.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 16, 2006

Flowmeter: New magmeter for tough municipal, industrial water applications

Flow measurement in municipal and industrial water and wastewater applications can be a dirty job with wide flow ranges, solids content, and poorly configured piping. All these make accurate readings difficult at best. The new Marsh Multi-Mag from McCrometer reportedly is designed to thrive in these environments, delivering volumetric flow accuracy of The Multi-Mag inserts into existing piping from 4 to 120 in.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 9, 2006

Embedded computing: Association moves to reform standards setting

VITA , trade association for the critical embedded computing industry, and its standards organization (VSO) are working, with guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice, to develop new patent policy procedures aimed at improving the standards-setting capabilities within the VSO. VITA requested guidance from the Justice Department's antitrust authority about a proposed patent policy designed to ensure that participants in the VSO standard-setting process disclose patents that are essential to implement a new standard, and declare the most restrictive licensing terms that will be required to license any such patents. "VITA members will benefit for many years to follow from the changes and improvements being made to the VITA patent policy," said Ray Alderman, executive director of VITA.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 2, 2006

Eaton offers UL508A information database

Since April, there has been increased scrutiny for full compliance with NEC Article 409 and UL508A SCCR (short-circuit current rating) requirements to help prevent misapplication of control products and related equipment, suggests Eaton Corp . OEMs and others need to discover mistakes to ensure safety and prevent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) re-inspection, which could cost several thousand dollars. Eaton's electrical business has taken special steps and made a significant investment to help customers achieve full compliance with what it calls the "largest database of tested product combinations," offering over 5,000 combinations. Eaton is also taking steps to educate customers and original equipment manufacturers on the standard via an online tutorial, access to online Knowledge Centers, and custom training at customer facilities. Click here for more on Eaton's UL508A Webinar Also read, from Control Engineering , " 1st online software calculates UL508A short-circuit current rating " Click here to register and view a Control Engineering , Schneider Electric, and UL webcast, "Understanding the Impact of UL 508A." For a Plant Engineering and Cooper Bussman webcast on UL508A, click here . — Edited by Mark T.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2006

Thanks, readers, for helping to save Hubble, a giant sensor in space

NASA announced Oct. 31 that it would send a Space Shuttle mission to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope; Control Engineering readers helped encourage that decision. The April 2004 North American Control Engineering print edition encouraged subscribers and online readers to e-mail NASA, the administration, and elected officials in Washington, asking them to save Hubble. The Control Engineering commentary (“Think Again: Measure and Improve”) said, in part: “One of the largest and most-distant sensors, the Hubble Space Telescope, will need another tune-up and orbital boost within a few years, or it will incinerate in the atmosphere.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 26, 2006

Top 10 Tips for Operator Interface Design

HMI DESIGN CUSTOM ADVERTISING NEWSLETTER To SUBSCRIBE | To UNSUBSCRIBE | CHANGE YOUR PROFILE | PRIVACY POLICY October 25, 2006 Top Story Top 10 Tips for Operator Interface Design Communicate clearly and configure quickly. Those are the dual goals of human machine interface (HMI) design. Accomplishing those goals depends on the techniques you choose and the tools you use.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 18, 2006

Organic electronics expected for RFID tags

Recent developments in organic electronic materials and processing are creating new opportunities for manufacturing lower cost electronic circuits and devices, changing the way in which radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are manufactured, priced, and applied, according to recent analysis from Venture Development Corp. With additional development, VDC says, design and manufacturing process improvements this technology could become viable for the production of high-volume, low-cost RFID transponders. “Though still inferior to silicon-based technologies, these new materials and products have the potential to significantly influence the electronic circuit and display technology industries. Seeing that integrated circuits (ICs) represent approximately 30-50% of a typical passive RFID transponder, these new developments could reduce tag prices to below $0.05– finally achieving expected pricing levels and providing a unique identification (UID) code for item-level applications,” VDC says. Louis Bianchin, senior RFID analyst at VDC says, 'Organic, polymer-based, or chip-less RFID tags could bring tag prices down below five cents, at which point the potential of item-level RFID tagging should be realized.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 12, 2006

Technology update: UV polymer optical bonding process enhances LCDs

A new UV polymer optical bonding process from CI Lumen is said to enhance visual properties of flat panel LCDs. A new UV polymer optical bonding process that improves contrast, enables brighter graphics, and boosts ruggedness of LCDs has been developed by CI Lumen . The patent-pending method permanently affixes performance-enhancing substrates to panels, including acrylic or glass, up to 46 in.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 3, 2006

Case Study: La Pastora Sugar Mill by Opto 22

Integrator IAC Implements Opto 22-based Automation System at Venezuelan SugarMill—Facility Realizes Big Cost Savings via Water Recirculation and Power Generation

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 18, 2006

Fast, low-power SBC

Eurocom 400 CPU from American Eltec features the new dual-core Intel Xeon processor LV 2.0 GH with dual CPU capabilities in combination with the COM Express platform, the PICMG-defined form factor for computers-on-modules that replaces the ETX standard.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 15, 2006

Control Engineering Online Update for September 15, 2006

To SUBSCRIBE | To UNSUBSCRIBE | CHANGE YOUR PROFILE | PRIVACY POLICY September 15, 2006 Highlights Sponsored by ipd La Pastora sugar mill in Lara, Venezuela, burns sugar pulp as fuel and uses 80% recycled condensed water in its boilers. The decision has placed the company far ahead of its competition and resulted in a substantial return on investment. According to the company, the system has been running two years, and “after paying for itself in just 60 days, it’s been allowing La Pastora to put money in the bank ever since.” Machine vision is a superior replacement for human vision.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 4, 2006

LVT CMOS process module

Advanced low-threshold (LVT) CMOS process module based on 0.35 ìm analog CMOS (C35) technology extends austriamicrosystems’ foundry technology portfolio.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 4, 2006

On-chip debug support for processors

Support for Freescale Semiconductor Inc.’s ColdFire family of 32-bit microprocessors is now available from Macraigor Systems LLC through its OCDemon family of products.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2006

Measure Up with Machine Vision

Vision systems help manufacturers improve quality and productivity by automating many part gauging and inspection tasks quickly, accurately, and with a high degree of repeatability. By generating valuable inspection data at each step of a manufacturing process vision systems also can help control engineers augment process diagnostics.

By Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering
Process Safety September 1, 2006

Users benefit with vendors’ technology road shows

Taking a program to the customer is way to reach contacts who don't have time for traditional tradeshows. ABB, Invensys, and Wago have all launched programs to deliver technology presentations to the customer, offering demonstrations to new audiences. ABB and Wago have put their display on wheels, driving directly to the customers.

By Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2006

Interaction map finds root causes

PlantTriage Performance Supervision software from ExperTune now includes a color-coded map to identify important process interactions.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2006

Pepperl+Fuchs acquires intrinsic safety instrumentation business

Twinsburg, OH— Pepperl+Fuchs extends its reach into the intrinsic safety market with its acquisition of the Intrinsic Safety Instrumentation business (ISB) from Cooper Crouse-Hinds , a division of Cooper Industries. ISB is located in Buehl, Germany. Purchase price was not disclosed. “With this acquisition, Pepperl+Fuchs has further underlined its ambition to maintain and extend its leading position in the international market of fieldbus connectivity and intrinsic safety protection technology for process automation industries, said Jim Bolin, P+F corporate operations officer.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2006

Feedback loops control discrete, continuous processes

Arguably, the most basic tool of the control engineering profession is the feedback loop, shown below. It consists of five fundamental elements: This measure-decide-actuate sequence repeats as often as necessary until the desired process condition is achieved. For a continuous process, a feedback loop attempts to maintain a process variable (or manipulated variable) at a desired value known as ...

By Vance J. VanDoren
Process Safety June 13, 2006

PICMG1.0 SBC supports ISA DMA mode

City of Industry, CA·Axiomtek launched a high-performance single board computer (SBC), the SBC81200, that supports LGA775-pin Intel Pentium 4 and Intel Celeron D processors up to 3.8 GHz, with a 533/800 MHz front side bus (FSB), and Intel 865G + ICH5 chipset.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 8, 2006

Partial-stroke valve testing system integrates software platform

A system for partial-stroke valve testing has been integrated with an automation software platform that can more readily incorporate related information. As part of an ongoing technology partnership, ABB Inc. and Metso Automation Inc. announced that Metso's Neles ValvGuard product has been "Industrial IT Enabled."

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 8, 2006

Bakers association likes laser marking for bread bags

DataLase announced that the American Bakers Association (ABA) conducted four successful field trials of the DataLase Packmark laser marking technology for the marking of variable information on polyethylene bread bags. In four field trials at bakeries, time, date, and expiration codes were laser marked on a blank white panel on the top and end of the bags.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 7, 2006

Agreement with technology innovator moves GE Energy into nuclear sector

Wilmington, NC — GE Energy expands into the nuclear sector signing an exclusive agreement with Silex Systems Ltd. , an Australia-based technology innovator, to license Silex’ technology and develop its uranium manufacturing process in the United States. The transaction is subject to governmental approvals and regulatory controls on the design, construction, and operation of the process. The agreement provides for a phased approach to technology development and potential construction of a test loop, pilot plant, and full-scale, commercial enrichment facility.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 6, 2006

UL expands technical services in Southeast Asia

Singapore and Northbrook, IL—Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is expanding operations in Singapore to meet growing technical and customer services needs in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 2, 2006

Safety instrumented systems used at Petrobras’ refineries

Petróleo Brasileiro SA ( Petrobras ) has selected Invensys Process Systems’ Triconex TMR (triple modular redundant) technology for safety instrumented systems applications at the Duque de Caxias refinery in Rio de Janeiro state (Reduc) and the Paulinia refinery in Sao Paulo state (Replan) in Brazil. The refineries, which are among the largest in the Petrobras system, will each employ multiple Tricon safety systems in their cracking units. The emergency shutdown systems are being installed as part of a refinery modernization program. The new systems are replacing existing relay panels, and were selected to simplify maintenance, and to provide increased asset availability, safety and efficiency. Invensys Process Systems Brazil will also provide services, including configuration, testing, commissioning, start-up and training.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 1, 2006

Process Automation Systems (June 2006)

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding process automation systems.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 18, 2006

Partnership brings together analyzers, modeling software for NIR applications

Thermo Electron Corp. and Camo Software are partnering to integrate modeling software with NIR (near-infrared) analyzers. The analytical instrumentation company and modeling software firm have agreed to promote compatibility between Thermo's Result software and Camo's The Unscrambler software.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 15, 2006

Condition monitoring platform

System 1 condition monitoring, optimization, and diagnostics platform v. 6.0 delivers more than 50 enhancements, including a new commercial structure reflecting user requests for easier purchase, install, maintenance, and use.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 12, 2006

$30 million contract for control valves for Qatari LNG plant

Digital control vales are involved in an estimated $30 million order for Emerson Process Management control valves to be installed at a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil for the Qatargas II LNG Plant expansion at the Ras Laffan Industrial Complex in Qatar. Expansion will add onto the existing Qatargas site. Train No. 4 is scheduled to begin delivery of 7.8-million metric tons annually in late 2007, and train No.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 4, 2006

RFMD expands wafer fabrication 40%

Greensboro, NC — RFMD a provider of proprietary, radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for wireless communications applications, announced an $80-million wafer fabrication facility (Fab) expansion. Expansion of the Greensboro campus, is expected to increase RFMD’s wafer-manufacturing capacity by approximately 40% from current levels—utilizing GaAs HBT and GaAs pHEMT process technologies. The expansion is also expected to reduce the company’s cost per wafer and provide available capacity to increase internal production of GaAs pHEMT—a critical enabling technology in the company’s transmit modules. Growing demand for GaAs technology is being fueled by multiple factors, including market share gains and robust demand for mobile devices.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 16, 2006

Thickness gauge uses advanced DSP

MBT thickness gauges from Agr International Inc. use advance digital signal processing and the “Hall effect” to provide high-accuracy thickness measurement. MBT 7200 and 7400 thickness gauges from Agr International Inc .

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2006

Ready for real-time wireless control?

A large percentage of those using wireless technology in industrial applications are applying it to control functions, or both control and monitoring, according to a recent study by Venture Development Corp. (VDC). Further analysis indicated that control applications are largely in setup/maintenance; and reliability concerns are inhibiting adoption for operational real-time u...

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2006

Enea relocates North American headquarters

Enea, a global leader in advanced device software, announced the relocation of its North American headquarters from Phoenix, AZ, to Silicon Valley. The new San Jose, CA, office will provide marketing, sales, technical support, and professional services to numerous nearby customers and partners, says the company.

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2006

JV to undertake India’s biggest biofuels project

A joint-venture (JV) project funded by BP, in conjunction with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)—in Andhra Pradesh State—is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of producing biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas, a non-edible oil bearing crop. The project will cultivate Jatropha in some 8,000 hectares of land currently designated as wasteland, and install a...

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2006

Global perspective

Industry's globalization is an undeniable fact of 21st century business. Following this trend over several years, Control Engineering has extended its brand abroad to follow these developing global trends and to help the world's engineers better understand their roles in the ever-changing manufacturing industries.

By David Greenfield, Editorial Director
Process Safety March 1, 2006

APC-compliance for emissions trading

European Union's (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), launched in 2003, reflects member governments' belief that technology, not politics, will overcome climate change. At Pavilion Technologies Inc.'s recent environmental seminar in Aberdeen discussions included manufacturers' opportunity to participate in market-based trading programs that reward companies actively s...

By Staff
Process Safety February 23, 2006

Safety: Feedback on decreasing cost; NMW safeguarding session

Machine safeguarding and safety continue to be of major interest. “Control Integration for Machine Safeguarding” is among safety sessions to be held at National Manufacturing Week. In separate but related news, a Control Engineering reader offers perspective below on how safety standards can decrease costs.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 21, 2006

Demand growing for rugged keyboards, keypads

Natick, MA —North American market for rugged keyboards and keypads should reach $206 million by 2008, according to a recent Venture Development Corp. Trends shaping the growth patterns for rugged keyboards and keypads include discarding the “wait-and-see” attitude caused by political uncertainty that many OEMs in the industrial controls and process automation markets once held. Many manufacturers are now investing a lot of resources in new projects, which will drive strong demand for these items through 2008, says the VDC study.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 15, 2006

Joint venture to undertake India’s biggest biofuels project

New Delhi, India —A project funded by BP, in conjunction with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) —in Andhra Pradesh State—is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of producing biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas, a non-edible oil bearing crop. The project will cultivate Jatropha in some 8,000 hectares of land currently designated as wasteland, and to install all the equipment necessary—seed crushing, oil extraction and processing—to produce 9 million liters of biodiesel annually. A full environmental and social impact assessment of the entire supply chain and life cycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions will be completed as part of the project. “In some parts of the world there is only limited availability of land to produce food crops and therefore no surplus which can be used for energy crops. Because Jatropha is drought resistant and can grow on marginal land, it offers the possibility of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable contribution to energy security challenges in India,” explains Phil New, senior vice president of BP’s fuels management group. TERI will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the project, including the establishment and implementation of contracts with local farmers or agricultural cooperatives.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 9, 2006

‘First’ EDA products aid multi-voltage IC/SoC designs

ArchPro Design Automation’s MVRC tool analyzes all design states to enable multi-voltage equivalence checking. Said to be an industry first, MVRC can prove that RTL and Netlist are equivalent—via third-party equivalence checkers. Chip power management methods can contain bugs that often come to light after silicon is produced.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 6, 2006

Enhanced flowsheet design

PRO/II version 7.1 is a steady-state flowsheeting and optimization simulation tool intended for oil, gas, and hydrocarbon processing industries.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 2, 2006

New tool-calling interface via PLCs

Discrete industries will get a tool-calling network interface for PLCs. Process industry requirements for unified operating tools have existed for many years. Namur , the German user association of chemical and pharmaceutical industries, has set forth these requirements in NE 105.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 27, 2006

Hydraulic Institute publishes landmark viscosity correction standard

Parsippany, NJ —The Hydraulic Institute (HI) has published its new “American National Standard for Effects of Liquid Viscosity on Rotodynamic (centrifugal and vertical) Pump Performance (ANSI/HI 9.6.7).” Replacing HI’s over-40-year-old viscosity-correction nomographs, the standard is designed to predict the performance change of rotodynamic pumps operated on viscous liquids exhibiting Newtonian behavior relative to their performance on water, which is the basis for most published curves. “By eliminating the need for interpolating graphic solutions, this standard has major technical significance and practical application,” explained Gregg Romanyshyn, technical director for HI. “This landmark will provide valuable guidance to pump manufacturers, users, and others who have an interest in the performance of rotodynamic pumps.” HI members—comprising an array of prominent industry experts—developed the new standard collaborating with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland. A variety of conventionally designed rotodynamic pumps are covered, such as open- or closed-impellers and single- or double-suction pumps. Additionally, included are information on methodology, definitions of symbols and terms, flowcharts which outline the procedure, theoretical explanations behind the methodology, and a method for estimating net positive-suction head required (NPSHR). Designated by HI product code A131, it is available in hard copy or secure-PDF format from HI for $195.00.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 24, 2006

Project: Biopharmaceutical filtration automation (January 24, 2006)

January 24, 2006 Project Status Summary: 1. Control software development code complete 100%2. HMI software code complete 100%3.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2006

Fulfill new, food-processing recordkeeping requirements

Wonderware's compliance solution package helps food companies meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reporting and record-keeping mandates. FDA regulations require U.S. food processing, transportation, and distribution companies, and international organizations that import or export food or other biological products to the U.

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2006

Explosion-proof, battery-powered transmission

Adalet Wireless' explosion-proof, battery-powered, wireless transmission system is designed for measuring and transmitting temperature and pressure signals from a Division 1 area (Groups B, C, D). A version is also available for non-explosion-proof applications where rugged, waterproof protection is required.

By Staff
Process Safety December 15, 2005

Measurement science conference to focus on metrology, calibration

Challenges in metrology and calibration will be the focus of the upcoming Measurement Science Conference. More than a dozen technical sessions are planned, covering the current state of metrology, standards and practices, corporate process changes and the impact on the lab, and how managers can meet upcoming challenges. The 36thAnnual Conference is scheduled for the Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, CA, Feb.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 29, 2005

EU overreaching with Reach approval

Arlington, VA—The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is dismayed by the European Union (EU) Parliament vote to approve the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (Reach) proposal. Although the Parliament addressed some of the grave, global concerns with the European Commission’s proposal, the revised Reach scheme would not provide the health and environmental benefits envisioned by consumers in Europe and around the world. ACC welcomed Parliament’s amendments that would make the registration process more streamlined and workable. However, ACC is confounded over Parliament’s rejection of a risk-based, scientific approach to safe chemicals management.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 22, 2005

New chip could cut Web server use by half

Santa Clara, CA —A new server chip claimed to deliver high-performance and energy efficiency has been announced by Sun Microsystems . UltraSPARC T1 (formerly Niagara) will debut in a new line of Sun Fire servers before the end of 2005. Described by Sun as “a breakthrough chip” and “the world’s first Eco-responsible processor,” the company reports that research (published in Discover magazine in August) shows the chip’s performance could halve the number of Web servers in the world, slashing power requirements and having the same effect in reducing carbon dioxide emissions as planting a million acres of trees. The processor uses patented CoolThreads chip multi-threading technology that leverages the threaded nature of the Solaris 10 operating system.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 10, 2005

New CompactPCI single-board computer from GE Fanuc

CPCI-7055 single-board computer from GE Fanuc Embedded Systems combines a powerful IBM processor with a powerful system controller. GE Fanuc Embedded Systems Inc. (part of GE Fanuc Automation) recently announced availability of CPCI-7055 PowerPC-based CompactPCI single-board computer (SBC). CPCI-7055 uses IBM 750GX PowerPC microprocessor, offering processing speeds of 800 MHz or 1.0 GHz.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 8, 2005

Field device tool group formalizes organization, gains support

Chicago, IL — FDT (field device tool) group continues to make strides and gain support, structuring the loose-knit collection of automation companies and end-users into a formal organization and holding its first general assembly. FDT is an open technology for engineering, management, and life-cycle support for installed assets. The group discussed its actions and activities at ISA Expo 2005 in Chicago in October. The former FDT Joint Interest Group has coalesced into the FDT Group AISBL.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 2, 2005

Approach for measuring economic benefit of process analytical technologies (PAT)

On November 9, Dr. Peter G. Martin, authority on real-time performance manage-ment, will present a seminar aimed at applying process analytical technologies (PAT) more strategically in the pharmaceutical sector.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 2, 2005

One-piece instrumentation ball-valves

Swagelok’s 40G-series, one-piece instrumentation ball-valves are aimed at environmental and heated-process applications. Swagelok ’s 40G-series, one-piece instrumentation ball-valves are aimed at environmental applications (where outdoor ambient temperatures fluctuate) and at heated-process applications (with elevated process-fluid temperatures). The valves are rated to 3,000 psig (206 bar) and temperatures from -65 to 300 °F (-53 to 148 °C). Construction includes: a single-piece modified-PTFE, patent-pending, encapsulated packing design; and live-loaded packing system, reducing packing adjustments and improving thermal-cycle performance.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2005

By the Numbers – 2005-11-01

3 weeks was how long it took an educated hacker from Idaho National Labs to take control of automation, reaching through the Internet, enterprise network, control network, and related software and hardware. See "Think Again" in this issue for details. Idaho National Labs www.inl.gov 8.4% is the compounded annual growth rate worldwide for machine safeguarding hardware and services over the next ...

By Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2005

ISA moves to electronic certification testing

Three ISA (Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society) certification exams will be offered electronically and will be available at test sites globally in 2006. The tests are Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM).

By Staff
Process Safety October 25, 2005

ISA announces electronic certification testing

Research Triangle Park, NC —Three ISA (Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society) certification exams will be offered electronically and will be available at test sites globally in 2006. The tests are Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), and Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (CIMM). ISA will use Thompson Prometric global network of testing centers, hundreds of which are located around the world. Candidates must still meet the eligibility requirements, complete the application, and take the exam in a proctored environment in a testing center. Electronic testing will use a secure delivery network.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 24, 2005

ISA Expo ’05: OPC seeks continued input on UA spec

OPC is expected to discuss its Unified Architecture (UA) specification, it’s benefits, and results of a Web-based survey at ISA Expo ’05 in Chicago. Survey results are said to cover end-user input about the features, functions, and improvements end-users would like the vendors to provide in the interest of secure, reliable interoperability. Under development by OPC members since 2003, the first release of the multi-part UA specification is nearing completion. Previously stated goals for UA aim to make enterprise information integration a reality, without custom code, while incorporating Web service and migrating away from DCOM (but allow use until DCOM-based servers until they’re retired or upgraded.) Portions pf UA became available for review this month.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 20, 2005

Sensor resists oxidants, organic solvents

Rosemount Analytical Model 398 TUpH pH/ORP sensor from Emerson Process Management is intended for harsh applications. Rosemount Analytical Model 398 TUpH pH/ORP sensor from Emerson Process Management is intended for harsh applications, such as pulp and paper, chemical, and plastics manufacturing. Featuring chemical resistance and mechanical durability, the unit is designed to protect the reference element from contamination by ions, such as sulfides, cyanide, mercury, and ammonia, which would cause the pH signal to drift during measurement.Device reportedly uses technology that ensures long life in processes that typically coat, foul, and poison most other electrodes.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 13, 2005

‘First’ Ph.D.s in microsystems engineering

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which launched its doctoral studies in microsystems engineering in December 2002, has granted the first-ever Ph.D. degrees in that field anywhere to two candidates in May 2005, according to a recent RIT publication. This "first" distinction goes to graduate students—Anand Gopalan and Mark Steinke—from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Gopalan's research with built-in, self-test circuits and methods for high-speed communication devices has created new ways for efficient and cost-effective testing of RF circuitry.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2005

Combined control and safety debate

Discussion about the acceptability of combining safety and process control functions in a common system has heated up recently. Much of the public debate, however, isn't fueled by end-users, but by suppliers of traditional, multi-modular redundant systems who have a vested interest in their technologies.

By Ged Farnaby
Process Safety September 5, 2005

Intrinsically safe vibration transmitters

Line of 4-20 mA vibration transmitters with intrinsic safety certifications for monitoring critical machines complies with ATEX and CSA North American standards and is used to monitor critical rotating machinery in refineries, grain processing facilities, or mines where hazardous gases or dust may be present.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 2, 2005

Custom valves pave way for nuclear waste cleanup

A set of custom valve and valve automation products from Flowserve is playing a significant role in a major nuclear waste cleanup effort. The devices are being used for the control, isolation, and treatment of radioactive waste slurries at the Hanford Waste Treatment Project (WTP) in Washington State. The site has one the of the largest concentrations of radioactive waste in the world, the result of 45 years of plutonium production for nuclear weapons from the Manhattan project through the Cold War. Some 53 million gal.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2005

Bring a tax credit to the table

As an engineer, you're always on the lookout for ways to reduce costs associated with your company's products and processes. But what if you could help deliver a significant tax credit that might positively impact your company's bottom line as much as a new source of revenue, just for doing what you already do? Virtually any manufacturer has the potential to qualify for federal research and dev...

By David Greenfield, Editorial Director
Process Safety September 1, 2005

M2M: We do that

Buzzwords can bring blessings and cause grief, depending how they're handled. Many engineers I know are careful to define buzzwords as they're first used in any context, which seems like a positive approach. Key is to ensure people know what you're talking about without assuming the word includes more or less than what's intended.

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety September 1, 2005

Pack Expo providing intelligent, Web-based data mining for visitors

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) reports that it's partnering with technology software developer BDMetrics to streamline the upcoming Pack Expo tradeshow experience with a personalized, Web-based tool available for each visitor. The "My Pack Expo" software tool intelligently mines through the event's database of people, products, and conference sessio...

By Staff
Process Safety August 31, 2005

Project: Biopharmaceutical filtration automation, August 30, 2005

August 30, 2005 No HMI hardware has arrived this week either, so development of the user interface must remain on hold. However, work continues on equipment module design in parallel with equipment module development. We expect to complete the first pass design on all equipment modules by next week. The design will then be given to the customer for review.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 22, 2005

IC processes signals for multiple sensors

Sensor Platforms Inc. offers SSP1492 Sensor Signal Processor Integrated Circuit, said to be a low-cost, low-power, flexible sensor signal drive, acquisition, and processing platform that en-ables easy development, cost-effective manufacturing, and improved time-to-market of sensor applications. It uses proprietary technologies that enable direct and simultaneous interfacing to a broad selection of sensor-element types.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 11, 2005

RFID vendors dive into patent pool

A group of 20 RFID vendors has announced the formation of a 'patent pool' consortium intended to simplify and streamline users' access to RFID intellectual property. The announcement made a splash with analysts. 'RFID is about integrated solutions,' said Erik Michielsen, ABI Research's director of RFID and ubiquitous technologies, in a statement. 'It's not about standalone companies taking ownership of the whole marketplace.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 8, 2005

Industrial process modeling software

Process Modeler is a software tool for creating predictive models of product properties, production, and process events.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 8, 2005

Square LEDs provide high-brightness color

OVF Series high-current Super-Flex LEDs come in white, blue, green, amber, red/orange, and red in 7.6 mm2 four-pin through-hole packages with water clear lenses that provide viewing angles from 40 to 120 deg.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 2, 2005

GE introduces loop-powered, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter

Billerica, MA—GE Industrial, Sensing has launched its UTX878 loop-powered, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 19, 2005

Eaton purchasing Hayward’s industrial filtration business

Cleveland, OH—Eaton Corp. reports that it’s agreed to buy Hayward Industries Inc.’s industrial filtration business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in 2005’s third quarter.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 14, 2005

Honeywell allies with OLI for simulation enhancements

Honeywell has announced an alliance agreement with OLI Systems Inc. to enhance Honeywell's UniSim Design simulation solution for the process industries.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 12, 2005

PackExpo providing intelligent, Web-based data mining for visitors

Las Vegas, NV—The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) reports that it’s partnering with technology software developer BDMetrics to streamline the upcoming Pack Expo tradeshow experience with a personalized, Web-based tool available for each visitor.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2005

Honeywell Users Group showcases products and strategy

More than 800 users from 28 countries attended Honeywell Process Solutions' 30th annual users group conference on June 12-16, representing a 30% increase in attendance over 2004. The meeting is organized and planned by the Honeywell Users Group. Kicking off the conference, Jack Bolick, president, Honeywell Process Solutions, reported that the company's orders were up 16% in 20...

By Staff
Process Safety June 14, 2005

Flir launches infrared camera to detect volatile organic compounds

Portland, OR—To help improve safety at petrochemical refining, transportation, and storage facilities, Flir Systems Inc. has introduced its new GasFindIR infrared (IR) camera, which reportedly can detect volatile organic compound (VOC) gas emissions.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 14, 2005

Flowmeters Product Research for June 2005

Research was undertaken to gain a better understanding of Control Engineering subscribers’ applications and needs regarding flowmeters. Specific areas under evaluation included: • In-Plant vs. OEM Requirements • Applications • Flowmeter Types • Communication Protocols • Purchases in the Past and Next 12 months • Supplier Selection Criteria • Magazines Received

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 2, 2005

Asyst, Facts partner on automation software conformance testing

Asyst Technologies Inc. and Facts Inc. have agreed to jointly ensure that users requiring objective conformance assessments will be able to access Asyst's software products and implementations and stringent automation guidelines established by International Sematech.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 1, 2005

Arbitrator orders Magnetek to pay $23 million in patent dispute

Magnetek Inc. reports that an arbitrator has decided it must pay $23.4 million in damages to Ole Nilssen as a result of their long-running patent dispute and former litigation. As disclosed in the firm's SEC filings during the past seven years, Nilssen filed a lawsuit in April 1998 alleging infringement of patents pertaining to certain types of electronic ballasts previ...

By Staff
Process Safety May 12, 2005

MTL acquires operator display manufacturer

MTL Instruments Group has acquired the GeCma group of companies. Kerpen, Germany-based GeCma manufactures operator display units for use in hazardous industrial areas.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 12, 2005

Global Display Solutions, schools, partner to foster electronics careers

A partnership between Global Display Solutions (GDS) and several Italian and Romanian schools is helping exchange ideas and provide students with information about careers in electronics.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 4, 2005

Multi-component gas analyzers help FAA monitor jet fuel

A multi-component gas analyzer from Rosemount Analytical is helping the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) find safer jet fuel solutions.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 3, 2005

Interphex 2005: Invensys exhibits PAT solution for online moisture measurement, control

New York, NY—Invensys Validation Technologies, a unit of Invensys Process Systems, demonstrated a new process analytical technology (PAT) solution for online moisture measurement and control at Interphex 2005 last week at the Jacob K. Javits Center.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 21, 2005

New technology monitors, ensures accuracy of adhesive mixing

A new technology developed by Real Time Ware Inc. is designed to monitor the mixing of adhesives, powders, paints, cement, asphalt, rubber, and any two or more components.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 21, 2005

Sulfur analyzers suited for lab, at-line, on-line applications

A range of Total Sulfur analyzers from Thermo Electron Corp. addresses laboratory, at-line, and on-line applications in the refinery, hydrocarbon, and petrochemical sections.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 21, 2005

U.S. government buys Agilent instruments, services

TestMart, a marketplace operator and service provider for the test and measurement industry, will provide the U.S. government and federal contractor marketplace with a range of Agilent Technologies instruments and associated services, according to a recent agreement.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 7, 2005

Digi buys FS Forth-Systeme, Sistemas Embebidos for $4.4 million

To help create what it reports is the broadest range of ARM-based, embedded networking solutions, Digi International has purchased FS Forth-Systeme GmbH and Sistemas Embebidos S.A.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2005

Intermec rejects claims in Symbol’s patent infringement litigation

Intermec Technologies Corp. reports that Symbol Technologies recently filed a lawsuit in Delaware alleging that Intermec infringed Symbol's wireless communication patents. Intermec says it believes there is no basis for this lawsuit. Symbol reports that its lawsuit, filed in the U.

By Staff
Process Safety March 21, 2005

Intrinsically safe accelerometers

Two accelerometer series, 786 and 787, are now available with intrinsic safety certification.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 10, 2005

ESC 2005: WinSystems’ PC/104-Plus module hooks to Gigabit Ethernet

At Embedded Systems Conference (ESC)-San Francisco (March 8-10, 2005), WinSystems' exhibited its new PC/104-Plus Module that connects to Gigabit Ethernet networks.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 2, 2005

Invensys flow measurement technology earns two new patents

Invensys has received two additional patents for the core technology of its Foxboro CFT50 digital Coriolis mass flowmeter.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 10, 2005

ESC 2005: GE Fanuc’s Processor PCI Mezzanine Card

GE Fanuc Embedded Systems Inc. will show its new Processor PCI Mezzanine Card (PrPMC) that integrates an IBM PowerPC 440GX processor with up to 512 MB dual-data rate SDRAM, 8 MB on-board flash memory, and a 133 MHz PCI-X bus interface—at Embedded Systems Conference (ESC)-San Francisco (March 8-10, 2005).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 11, 2005

Exclusive: Delta Systems combining real-time automation, motion control

Rogers, AR—Delta Systems Inc. reports that its subsidiary, Delta Controls, Inc., is introducing an upgraded software solution, SoftFlow 4.0, for enterprise-connected, real-time industrial control.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 6, 2005

Electrical safety, test equipment, 100 best products

Recent items of interest from other Reed Business Information publications, such as Plant Engineering, Design News, and EDN, include a Webcast on electrical safety, tips for getting more mileage out of test equipment, and the best electronics products of 2004.&/& body>

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 5, 2005

Watson-Marlow Bredel to showcase pumps at upcoming PittCon show

Pumps that can be placed anywhere on an instrument are being targeted for display by Watson-Marlow Bredel at the upcoming PittCon show and conference.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 5, 2005

Compliance package helps food companies meet tracing, tracking regulations

>Wonderware, a business unit of Invensys Systems Inc., is introducing a compliance solution package to help food companies meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration reporting and record-keeping mandates.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2005

Sealless gear pumps reduce downtime

Mag Drive 855 Series internal gear pumps offer a sealless design to eliminate seal leakage. Pump's driver turns an outer magnet, whose force passes through a stationary o-ring-sealed canister to turn an inner magnet, which drives the pump shaft without the need for seals. Features include adjustable end clearance to maximize efficiency and ANSI- or DIN-flanged ports for sealing reliability.

By Staff
Process Safety December 16, 2004

Mogas wins contract to supply valves for refinery upgrade

Mogas Industries, severe-service, metal seated ball valve provider, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply high- and low-pressure ball valves to Fortum’s Porvoo (Finland) refinery upgrade project.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 5, 2004

Honeywell subsidiary acquires rest of Tata Honeywell joint venture

Pune, India—Honeywell International Inc. reports that its subsidiary, Honeywell Asia Pacific Inc., has acquired Tata Group’s 40.62% stake in their former joint venture, Tata Honeywell Ltd.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2004

Get immediate, inline benefits

Walk the floor, look at visual gauges, make checks on a clipboard, take a sample, analyze it, and calculate results. Forty-five minutes later [or even longer] when lab results are ready, there's either a whole lot of out-of-specification scrap, or the process may have done six other things since then.

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety November 1, 2004

Software for process optimization

aspenONE software solution is said to help process manufacturers improve operational performance. Set of six DVDs is tailored for six process industry markets: oil & gas, petroleum, chemicals, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Modules address key business processes in engineering and innovation, plant operations, and supply-chain management.

By Staff
Process Safety October 22, 2004

Rockwell works with Intel on industrial processor technology

Milwaukee, WI—To help users to maximize competitive advantage using plant-floor information, Rockwell Automation reports that it’s working with Intel Corp. to expand use of Intel’s network processor technology in industrial automation applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 21, 2004

New technology addresses control valve stem seal maintenance, regulatory issues

Packing serves as the primary valve stem sealing system in today’s control valves. This seal typically incorporates a mixture of packing rings that are compressed against the valve stem to eliminate or reduce process fluid leaks.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 19, 2004

Honeywell launches Business Flex software for process industries

Phoenix, AZ—To increases the operational flexibility, improve production, and cuts costs, Honeywell has introduced it Business Flex Release 140 software for the process industries.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 5, 2004

eBay launches industrial automation category

San Jose, CA—eBay, the Web site known worldwide as the place to buy and sell everything, has launched an Industrial Automation and Control category within the eBay site that can be directly accessed at www.ebay.com/mro.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2004

Solutions shine at Embedded Systems Conference 2004

Numerous innovations highlighted Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) 2004 on Sept. 13-16. Some of the most significant included:

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2004

Protecting your PC resource

The personal computer (PC) has been a boon to the control of industrial systems. The PC provides many advantages over the traditional PLC, like the ability to do complex calculations, connect to the outside world, offer feature-rich operator interfaces, and collect and analyze real-time data. Through the use of PLC emulation software, PCs can even do things that have been traditionally the work...

By Paul Karnopp
Process Safety October 1, 2004

SBC suited for harsh conditions

F9 Pentium-based single board computer (SBC) is suitable for harsh industrial conditions. One-slot 32-bit CompactPCI system controller is based on the Pentium M (LV) with frequencies up to 1.8 GHz or Celeron M (ULV) processors with clock speeds up to 600 MHz. Device is equipped with a specially designed heat sink that eliminates the need for fans in many embedded applications.

By Staff
Process Safety September 13, 2004

Node transforms workstations

Integrated operator node (I.O.N.) transforms TDC Universal Stations into operator consoles with Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) functionality.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 7, 2004

Woodhead’s machine wiring is NFPA compliant

Northbrook, IL—Woodhead Industries Inc. reports that it’s Brad Power flexible wiring systems comply with new National Electrical Code (NEC) standards from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Digital positioners

Logix 3200IQ and 500SI Series of high-performance digital positioners offers quick setup and calibration of either diaphragm or piston-operated valves without the need for additional handheld devices, software, or configuration/calibration tools. Devices are used in oil and gas production, and refining, chemical processing, pulp and paper production, and other industries that use control valves.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Regulations, Quality Boost Batch Software

The old family recipe: Sometimes it is carefully copied onto an index card and stashed away in a wooden box; sometimes it is scribbled in the margins of an old cookbook; and sometimes it is just part of someone's culinary experience committed to memory. Special recipes are part of family pride—history, lovingly preserved and passed on.

By Dick Johnson
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Coriolis flowmeter verification

Emerson Process Management's Micro-Motion division recently introduced a patented "in-service" Coriolis flowmeter verification procedure that uses density measurement to confirm that the flowmeter's flow-tube structure remains unchanged. The in-service procedure ensures that the meter's mass-flow calibration factor remains valid and minimizes needless recalibration.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Liquid food processing

PEF (pulsed electric field) based pasteurization system handles up to 200 l/hr of liquid foods and provides pilot plant functionality for R&D and low-volume production applications. System features a PowerMod solid-state pulse modulator to generate uniform bi-polar electrical pulses at ±60 kV/cm field strength with 25 kW average power.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Pressure-reducing regulators

Ten new models of pressure-reducing regulators provide accurate, consistent delivery pressures to processes and equipment, reducing the likelihood of process variability and protecting sensitive equipment, according to the manufacturer. Available in a variety of piston-type and diaphragm-type designs, all models feature a captured inlet gauze-type filter and fine pitch stem threads.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2004

Emerson to automate $2.6-billion oil sands project in Canada

Austin, TX—Emerson Process Management reports that it recently won a $27-million contract to serve as general automation contractor for a $2.6-billion oil sands extraction project in Canada.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 24, 2004

ARM acquiring Axys

Cambridge, UK—To expand its RealView design tools portfolio with ESL expertise, ARM Holdings plc recently bought Axys Design Automation Inc.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 19, 2004

Process points: Monoflange assemblies, butterfly valves, controllers

New process-control-related products entering the marketplace this month include a series of monoflange assemblies from Swagelok Co., a corrosion-resistant butterfly valve from Nil-Cor CompositeValves, and controllers with remote setpoint capability from Danaher Industrial Controls.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 19, 2004

Updated guide to safety-critical system standards available

An updated guide to designing and assessing safety-critical systems to international standards is now available.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2004

Emerson’s SIS promotes safer process plants

Emerson Process Management's new smart safety instrumented system (SIS) extends PlantWeb digital plant architecture to allow customers to implement safer process plants. It employs digital intelligence and diagnostics from sensor to logic solver to final control. Automated safety-loop testing and a variety of other features increase system availability while reducing life-cycle...

By Staff
Process Safety July 26, 2004

SBC meets FBCB2 requirements

VCP P3A COTS single-board computer (SBC) meets FBCB2 Common Card program’s hardware and software requirements.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2004

Temperature scale redux

Numerous scales and units have been devised for measuring temperature—the most commonly sensed and monitored physical parameter—but only two major units now find everyday usage. Two 18th century European scientists are credited for today's degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and degrees Celsius (°C) scales, of which the latter is virtually universally used except in the U.

By Frank J. Bartos
Process Safety July 1, 2004

RFID: software, readers, migration

Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers collect information from tags, and connecting software helps process information for use.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2004

Oxygen transmitter manages emissions, aids control strategy

Shell Canada's Burnt Timber gas plant in Canada's Alberta foothills uses plant tail gas incinerators to oxidize sulfur compounds—including hydrogen sulphide (H2S), carbonyl sulphide (COS) and carbon disulphide (CS2)—that cannot be released directly into the atmosphere. These incinerators oxidize all sulfur species to sulfur dioxide (SO2) prior to release in the flue gas.

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2004

Advancements propel touchscreens to HMI forefront

Recent advances in touchscreen technologies have done much to make touchscreens the method of choice for HMI system interaction. Once questionable in terms of durability, reliability, and ease of use, these devices have improved in performance, often replacing keyboard and mouse. Progress has been made on many fronts, from refinements in long-standing, widely used resistive types to totally new...

By Jeanine Katzel Control Engineering
Process Safety June 17, 2004

Test, measurement products from GE Infrastructure Sensing focus on advanced technology, ease of use

A variety of sensing and measurement products from recently formed GE Infrastructure Sensing are making their way into marketplace.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 9, 2004

Metso to supply valves, analyzers for Brazilian pulp mill project

Helsinki, Finland—Metso Automation will supply valves and online analyzers for the Veracel Celulose S.A. pulp mill project in Brazil. Total value of the delivery will exceed 6 million euros.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 31, 2004

Pulsation dampeners remove shock

Sentry pulsation dampeners remove virtually all pumping-system shock to enhance performance and reliability of fluid flow in process applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 28, 2004

OMAC Packaging Workgroup, World Batch Forum forming joint group

Chicago, IL—World Batch Forum (WBF) recently held a meeting with the Open Modular Architecture (OMAC) Users Group’s Packaging Workgroup (OPW) to form a joint working group to identify common goals and how they might work together.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 20, 2004

AGA, API report advances use of Coriolis flowmeters

Micro Motion Coriolis meters have been identified by the American Gas Association and American Petroleum Institute as a "recognized technology" to measure natural gas flow.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 18, 2004

Augmentix introduces servers for applied computing

Houston, TX—Augmentix Corp. recently introduced a new line of mission-critical servers for applied computing applications that it says offer up to twice the performance of competing systems for as little as half the price.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 10, 2004

Real-time extension platform

CeWin 3.1 real-time (RT) extension platform is progressive software that allows Microsoft Windows CE .Net and Windows XP Embedded to reside concurrently on a single CPU.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2004

Valveless metering pump

GLV Series valveless metering pump eliminates gas locking during sodium hypochlorite injections. It is designed specifically for 12-15% sodium hypochlorite or other chemicals with severe off-gassing problems. Pump capacity ranges from 0.002 to 5.7 gph; discharge pressure is rated to up to 150 psi. Capacity is adjusted by changing the stroking speed manually or by an external 4-20 mA signal.

By Staff
Process Safety April 19, 2004

Control system development

ISaGRAF version 4.20 includes significant enhancements in many areas, including logic password protection, a new events viewer, step-by-step debugging, and flexible licensing options.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 8, 2004

In, out and about HMI: GUIs, monitors among new offerings

New HMI products this month include high-resolution GUI modules, a graphical operator interface for weighing systems, and a 15-in. LCD monitor.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 8, 2004

Present, future displays; business opportunities focus of conference

How technologies and human needs influence computer display designs are among topics to be addressed at SID 2004, a major international display show and conference taking place in Seattle this spring.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 5, 2004

InTrack TM 7.11 by Wonderware Invensys

Resource Tracing Software

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2004

‘electronicaUSA with ESC’: Kuka shows real-time extension for Windows XP

San Francisco, CA—Kuka Controls GmbH is exhibiting the latest version of its CeWin real-time extension platform at “electronicaUSA with Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) 2004,” Mar. 29-April 1, at the Moscone Convention Center.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 23, 2004

Shipments of DSP boards with FPGAs projected to increase

Natick, MA—Shipments of merchant digital signal processing (DSP) boards are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2003 to 2008, according to a new study, 'Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Global Market Demand Analysis,' by Venture Development Corp. (VDC).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 22, 2004

EMI-hardened torque transmitter

MCRT 39000X Series 2-wire, 4-20 mA torque transmitters are robust, non-contact devices that measure torque, speed and power of rotating machines.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 16, 2004

Food safety rules fuel Europe’s processing equipment market

San Antonio, TX—Despite its relative maturity, players in Europe’s 13.14-billion-euro industrial food processing equipment market are confident of slow, steady revenue growth, according to recent research by Frost & Sullivan.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 10, 2004

NAM urges advocating for U.S. manufacturing

Washington. D.C.—The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has set up an area of its Website to make it easier to learn about issues and participate more actively in the political process.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 4, 2004

Emerson extends PlantWeb for smart safety management

Emerson Process Management reports that its new PlantWeb Smart SIS safety management architecture extends the innovations of its proven digital process automation architecture to enable safer process plants and facilities.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 25, 2004

NMW 2004: Lapp USA launches lead-free initiative

Chicago, IL—Lapp USA reported at National Manufacturing Week 2004 that it has started manufacturing its cables with lead-free components.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 19, 2004

Capital expenditures dominate oil, gas industry spending

Plant-level expenditures in the oil & gas industry are expected to grow at a cumulative annual growth rate exceeding 2%, according to a recent study. The research by the ARC Advisory Group shows that the worldwide market totaled more than $196 billion in 2003 and should reach nearly $218 billion by the end of 2008.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 22, 2004

Research identifies three-level measurement markets

A study of inventory tank gauging system and process level measurement device markets in the U.S. has identified three major classes of vendors. The types of competitors are: those offering a narrow range of technologies; those offering a broad range of technologies; those for which only portions of their products are used in inventory tank gauging/process level measurement.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2004

Equipment analysis software

Enhanced version of AMS Suite: Machinery Health Manager provides comprehensive health analysis of mechanical equipment. Software uses technologies including online and portable vibration, oil analysis, and infrared thermography to support maintenance decisions. Version 4.81 (previously known as RBMware) is fully integrated with Emerson's new AMS Suite: Asset Portal.

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2004

Quick assembly, easier reconfiguration

Swagelok reports that its Modular Platform Components (MPC), together with new configuration software, make it easy to develop and assemble complete process analyzer and sample-handling systems using an ANSI/ISA 76.00.02-compliant miniature modular design. MPC's interface controls the dimensions and location of the sealing surfaces to allow change of just one element of the system without modi...

By Staff
Process Safety December 23, 2003

Federal-Mogul, Siemens VDO developing glow plug with combustion sensor

Southfield, MI—Two automotive suppliers, Federal-Mogul and Siemens VDO, are jointly developing a Piezo-based combustion sensor that is integrated into the glow plug in diesel engine applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 22, 2003

Equipment health analysis software

Enhanced version of AMS Suite: Machinery Health Manager provides comprehensive health analysis of mechanical equipment. Software uses technologies including online and portable vibration, oil analysis, and infrared thermography to support maintenance decisions.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 15, 2003

Metering pump

Series 7000 line of metering pumps now includes mechanical actuated diaphragm types able to handle viscosities in excess of 5,000 cps.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 21, 2003

Automation Fair 2003: HMI devices deliver data to optimize production

Products designed to bring more and better information to both the plant floor operator and boardroom executive were among those in the spotlight at Automation Fair 2003. Now in its 12th year, the annual Rockwell Automation-sponsored gathering featured exhibitors, hands-on labs and technical sessions on a variety of automation topics, all held in collaboration with the company’s partner network.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 6, 2003

Payne using MOST’s control system to automate gas plant

MTL Open System Technologies (MOST) and Barry D. Payne & Associates Inc. (BDP) announced Oct. 31 that they've won a contract to automate and control the cryogenic gas process at Western Gas Resources' Benedum gas plant near Midland, TX.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2003

Integrated SBC

EBC-C3 highly-integrated, full-featured single-board computer offers a wide operational temperature range from -40 to 85 °C. EBX-sized unit runs Microsoft Windows CE.Net and XP embedded, Linux, and other x86-compatible operating systems, such as VxWorks and QNX. Board is based on the 733 MHz VIA fanless Eden ESP7000 processor.

By Staff
Process Safety October 28, 2003

ISA Expo 2003: Cidra exhibits Sonartrac flow monitoring system

Houston, TX—Developed using sonar array technology, Cidra’s Sonartrac flow monitoring system provides a non-intrusive means of accurately and repeatedly measuring single and multi-phased medias including pulp slurry, sewage, and those with entrained air

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 9, 2003

Partnership/Product Announcements

Fall seems to providing fertile ground for new partnerships and products designed to address the needs of the control and automation markets. Here’s a sampling of just a few.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 3, 2003

Emerson Process management users dance in Nashville

Nashville, TN—For the first time ever, users from all of Emerson Process Management’s divisions met under one roof at the “Emerson Global Users Exchange Conference,” Sept. 29-Oct. 3, at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2003

Steam-turbine controllers

310SV and 320 controllers provide configurable control solutions for steam turbine applications. The 310SV provides automatic startup sequencing, speed control, and process control for a single-valve steam turbine driving a mechanical load. Windows-based software interface lets users configure the controller from a PC, trend and record I/O values and states, and view alarm and trip history.

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2003

Process automation market to surpass $58 billion in 2007

Despite poor growth recently, the worldwide process automation market is projected to grow at a 4.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years and exceed $58 billion in 2007, according to a new study, "Total Automation Business for the Process Industries Worldwide Outlook," released by ARC Advisory Group.

By Staff
Process Safety September 8, 2003

Product Focus: Single-board computers

Control Engineering’s September 2003 Product Focus article surveys the magazine’s subscribers for their views and preferences on single-board computers (SBCs).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2003

FTC challenges AspenTech’s acquisition of Hyprotech

Cambridge, MA—Aspen Technology Inc. reported Aug. 7 that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed an administrative complaint challenging its May 2002 acquisition of Hyprotech Ltd.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 21, 2003

Connecting process analyzers to flare stacks

Online process analyzers are often critical to plant performance, however obtaining accurate, repeatable analyzer results requires very stable inlet and outlet flow and pressure control.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 8, 2003

Opto 22 debuts new ioControl, ioManager, ioDisplay, OptoOPCServer

Temecula, CA—Opto 22 introduced Aug. 4 its ioControl 5.0, the latest version of its control programming software, and ioManager 5.0, which is software for configuring and managing Ethernet-based I/O products.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2003

Choose the right programming language

Which language should you choose for use with your programmable controller? Among the five languages defined in IEC 61131-3, generally ladder diagrams or ladder logic is most widely applied in North America. Other languages have practical applications and should not be overlooked. Choice depends on programmer's skill, the programming task, the level and structure of the problem and control syst...

By Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief
Process Safety June 20, 2003

Control Engineering Instrumentation eNewsletter for June 2003

Subscribe to National Instruments Newsletters Packed full of product information, industry news, and customer application successes, NI gives you valuable technical information for creating your measurement and automation solution based on industry-standard technology. For your FREE Instrumentation Newsletter, NI News, or eSupport News subscription, click here : National Instruments Tel: (800) 452-6914 (U.S. and Canada)Fax: (512) 683-9300Email: info@ni.com Risks of low-technology visualization How well do we understand wireless field instrumentation? Small video borescope inspects sensors and valves Wood-handle screwdriver replacement Do you know the answers? Risks of low technology visualization At one time or another, we've all used the simplest, lowest tech means of seeing into a process - sight glasses. But did you know that just three separate failures of sight glasses, two in chemical processing and one in a pharmaceutical plant, resulted in the deaths of 28 people, more than $67 million in damages, and $1.5 million in lost business? I came across an eye-opening article titled 'Process Observations Sight Glasses No Longer Need to be the Weakest Link' on the L.J.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety May 22, 2003

U.S. pressure switch market withstands competition, slow growth

Natick, MA—Despite growing competition from pressure transducers and transmitters, pressure switches will continue to be used in many applications, according to a recent study, 'The U.S. Market for Pressure Switches,' by Venture Development Corp. (VDC).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 3, 2003

Interphex 2003: Invensys forms Production Solutions unit

New York, NY—To help provide operational compliance and control solutions for the process and regulated industries, Invensys plc (London, U.K.) announced March 31 that it has formed a new Production Solutions business unit during the International Pharmaceutical Industry Congress (Interphex 2003).

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2003

New release of ProduceIT

Wickliffe, OH —The latest release of ProduceIT Batch provides tighter procedural control for the production management component of IndustrialIT automation systems. Advantages of tighter procedures include improved consistency of manufactured products. The software permits configuring, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling multi-product/path processes to support real-time decision supp...

By Staff
Process Safety March 31, 2003

Wind River launches Platform for Industrial Automation

Alameda, CA—To reduce development costs and speed up time-to-market for industrial automation devices, Wind River Systems Inc.  unveiled March 31 its Platform for Industrial Automation (Platform IA)

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 26, 2003

AspenTech enhances Hysys solution for oil & gas and refining markets

Cambridge, MA - Aspen Technology recently announced a new release of its Hysys steady-state and dynamic simulation software.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety March 18, 2003

Invensys Foxboro honors employees for awards, changing approach

Foxboro, MA—Invensys Foxboro recently honored its employees with a luncheon for 500 thanking them for innovative thinking required to capture four awards in just a few months.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 9, 2003

GSE undertakes multiple simulator, upgrade projects

Columbia, MD—GSE Systems Inc. announced Jan. 6 that it recently secured several simulator and simulator upgrade projects in the U.S. and Ukraine.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2003

IT contactors, starters have 24 V dc control

New electromechanical contactors and starters from Eaton Corp.'s Cutler-Hammer business unit (C-H, Milwaukee, WI) are using 24 V dc for control power as part of C-H's evolving Intelligent Technologies (IT.) program to develop efficient, cost-effective power control products. IT. Electromechanical (EM) line consists of microprocessor-based contactors and motor starters, both reversing and non-re...

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2003

Visual monitoring via the Internet

Eagan, MN —ScadaCam System is an industrial camera and data system intended to monitor plant and remote site operations. ScadaCam collects images, event information, and other data and makes them available to the plant security staff through any secure Web browser. The system uses a custom-built camera to deliver real-time snapshots and video of any location.

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2003

Pumps measure, control pH, ORP

Stamford, CT— PHP-700 series pumps combine PHP-600 series dosing pumps with controllers, simplifying installation and wiring, and reducing compatibility problems. These pumps measure and control pH or ORP; features include proportional dosing and alarm and recorder signals. Housing is fiber-reinforced polypropylene and rated IP65.

By Staff
Process Safety December 6, 2002

Ericsson, National Semiconductor agree on Bluetooth license

Stockholm, Sweden—Ericsson Technology Licensing announced Dec. 3 that it has signed a licensing agreement to provide its latest Bluetooth radio core, K-D1, to National Semiconductor, an analog company focused on the market for wireless handsets.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 1, 2002

Norgren-Herion Brochure #NA-266

Norgren-Herion Brochure #NA-266 highlights the company's new Model 33D Solid-State Pressure switches for pneumatic, hydraulic and process-control applications. Switches are available with single, dual and optional analog outputs for pressure ranges from vacuum to 9100 psi. Brochure provides detailed technical specifications, part number selection, and a feature overview.

By Staff
Process Safety December 1, 2002

Seeing is Believing!

No special effects here-operator interface terminals (OITs) provide the necessary look into the process. Seeing process variables juxtaposed with the spot in the process where they are occurring makes keeping track of the operation more hands-on and less hands-off. This OIT Product Focus article FEATURES AN EXCLUSIVE EXPANDED ONLINE PRODUCT SECTION.

By Dick Johnson
Process Safety November 25, 2002

M-Systems, ARM agree to technology collaboration

Cambridge, U.K.; Kfar Saba, Israel—ARM, a provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, and M-Systems, a leader in flash-based data storage products, announced Nov. 20 that they've signed a technology collaboration agreement to optimize M-Systems' SuperMAP cryptographic coprocessors for use with ARM's SecurCore family of cores.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety November 5, 2002

Zendex replaces ZF Micro processors in PC/104 products

Dublin, CA - Zendex Corp. introduces ZXE-ST586/104P Single Board Computer (SBC) in PC/104 and PC/104+ formats. It includes on-board memory and is capable of  ''booting-from-the-box'' without the need for additional hardware or software.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety October 17, 2002

Worldwide Market for Process Automation Systems (PASs)

The pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries will continue to be the highest growth sectors for the worldwide process automation systems (PASs) market during 2001-06, according to ''PAS Worldwide Outlook, Market Analysis & Forecast Through 2006'' by ARC Advisory Group (Dedham, MA).

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 2002

Valves Earn the Title of Process ‘Workhorses’

Tour any process plant and one of the first stops is the control room. The implied message, ''This is where the work takes place.'' But if you really want to see where the work takes place, chances are you will need to visit the plant's basement, climb over pipes, and peek behind vessels because that's where the workhorses of the process industry are located. EXPANDED VERSION ON-LINE

By Dave Harrold
Process Safety October 1, 2002

IMTS 2002: Positive notes despite attendance drop

Chicago, IL The 75th anniversary edition of the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) maintained its prior level of about 1,300 exhibitors in 1.3 million ft2 of space during its eight day run, Sept. 4-11, at McCormick Place, despite a close to 26% decline in attendance from two years ago.

By Staff
Process Safety September 6, 2002

Trikon orders Cimetrix connectivity software

Salt Lake City, UT - Cimetrix Inc. announced September 4 that Trikon Technologies selected its CIM300 and CIMConnect for use in its 300 mm plasma etching, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and physical vapor deposition (PVD) process tools.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 5, 2002

Anadigm ships dynamically reconfigurable, field-programmable analog array

Campbell, CA— Anadigm began shipping its new AN220E04 on Aug. 30. The firm reports that AN220E04 is the first field-programmable analog array (FPAA) that can be dynamically reconfigured to allow real-time control, updating and manipulation of analog functions by microprocessors in electronic systems.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 23, 2002

MontaVista Software Unveils Embedded Linux Kit

Sunnyvale, Calif. - MontaVista Software announced August 20 availability of a Preview Kit for MontaVista Linux Professional Edition 2.1. Designed for developers of embedded applications, the free kit demonstrates several key packages and technologies included in MontaVista Linux Professional Edition.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2002

Feed verification sensor

The Posiflow feed verification sensor is designed to detect the flow of liquid output by a pump, which veri-fies the metering pump is moving liquid and has not lost prime.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety August 1, 2002

Elbow process conditioners

San Marcos, CA— Vorel 90°-elbow flow conditioner isolatesflow disturbances, reduces swirl, and develops a highly symmetrical, repeatable flow profile with minimal pressure loss at the inlet to process equipment. According to its developer, today's compact plant designs, pumps, and valves are required to operate with inadequate length of straight pipe runs upstream of process equipme...

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2002

Vane operated flow switch

The C-WD15-SO vane-operated flow switch is designed to provide protection against flow variation or stoppage in fluid or gas pipelines.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2002

Fisher Fieldvue valve controller receives TÜV certification

Emerson Process Management announced June 5th that its Fisher Fieldvue DVC6000 Series Digital Valve Controller has received certification from TÜV Rheinland (Cologne, Germany), an internationally-recognized inspection authority.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 13, 2002

Lenze AG working on `Drive-based’ automation

Hamelin, Germany - Modern engineering for the development of modular automation solutions is playing an increasingly important role in systems and mechanical engineering. "Its purpose is to reduce the overall costs of a machine," says Thorsten Sienk of Lenze AG . To this end, engineers at Lenze are working on a tool to implement "drive-based automation," which is a method centred on the functional division of systems into partial processes. Integrated software tools work with libraries of basic machine modules which can be adapted for specific solutions by setting parameters and archiving them in a database. This makes it possible to realise considerable savings by re-using existing application knowledge and grouping together various production steps to form an entire process. "Applying the principles of modularisation and decentralisation consistently leads to reducing costs," says Mr.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety June 1, 2002

How to Get the Most from a Database

Databases help record, analyze, and relay plant-floor information, often behind the scenes. Data arrive from manufacturing, controls, instrumentation, automation software, human-machine interface software, execution systems, and even clipboard-wielding personnel, who may still manually collect and enter information.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety May 30, 2002

Control Engineering’s E-News for Process Instrumentation – February 2002

In this issue: 'Smart' sensors pack a punch Keep those instruments in tip-top condition! Industrial sensor market, stunned by 9-11, should rebound quickly Is there a Coriolis flowmeter in your future? Help with flowmeter selection Specialty instrument department Archive 'Smart' sensors pack a punch Chicago - Dr. James Truchard, president, ceo, and co-founder of National Instruments ( https://www.ni.com ) will be the keynote speaker at National Manufacturing Week, which includes the Industrial Automation Show. Dr.

By Dick Johnson
Process Safety May 28, 2002

Pilz introduces a micro SafetyPLC

Hannover, Germany; Hannover Fair - Borrowing from the microPLC concept from PLC manufacturers safety relay manufacturer Pilz introduced a safety controller called PNOZmulti that handles from 4 to 14 safety functions, including emergency stop, safety gates, light barriers, and two hand control.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2002

PlantWeb adds predictive maintenance alerts

Emerson Process's PlantWeb Alerts, in combination with Emerson's digital intelligent field devices and systems, automatically performs predictive diagnostics, prioritizes maintenance alerts, assembles diagnostic result information, and includes repair recommendations all in an effort to improve process availability, reduce process variability, and help avoid unscheduled process shutdowns.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety April 1, 2002

New IT contactors and starters offer all 24 V dc control

Milwaukee, Wis.—Focus on 24 V dc for control power expands into new electromechanical contactors and starters just introduced by Eaton Corp.'s Cutler-Hammer business unit. They're part of Phase 2 in an evolving program called Intelligent Technologies (IT ), with the goal to develop various efficient, cost-effective power control products.

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 2002

Civil War submarine is iron; not wood

Glad to hear that Emerson is working on the H.L. Hunley. However, I believe that the submarine is iron, not wood, as stated in the article ["Rosemount Analytical continues to assist preservation of Civil War sub," Best Practices, News, CE, Jan.'02, p. 19]. Also, the most important element of the Hunley's history is that it was the first submarine that succeeded in sinking an enemy craft i...

By George Scott
Process Safety February 4, 2002

Pumps eliminate fugitive emissions

American Lewa offers a full line of high pressure, zero-leakage process pumps that have no dynamic seals or bearings in contact with the process fluid, provide double containment, high reliability, and meet API 675 standards.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2002

Solid-state simplifies multiple pressure point measuring, control

Measurement and control of multiple pressure points is a common application. Typically, four pressure points require as many as 12 different pieces of hardware. This same goal can be accomplished with one solid-state pressure switch, which can save both time and money. A duplex pump control system, for example, requires control logic based on four pressure settings with low- and high-pre...

By Terry Merlihan
Process Safety January 2, 2002

Chromalox’s heater controller provides small footprint

Pittsburgh, Pa. - Chromalox reports its recently introduced MaxPac compact silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) power controllers have a footprint approximately 30% smaller than competing systems.

By Jim Montague, news editor
Process Safety January 1, 2002

Rosemount Analytical continues to assist preservation of Civil War sub

North Irvine, Calif.—In 1864, the H.L. Hunley, a Civil War submarine and the first ship capable of maneuvering completely underwater, sank off the coast of South Carolina while returning from its first mission. Now, after over 135 years at the bottom of the Atlantic, one of the most sought-after artifacts in the history of naval warfare has been raised and is being restored.

By Staff
Process Safety December 19, 2001

Impulsesoft releases WinCE Bluetooth solution

San Francisco, Calif. - Impulsesoft Pvt. Ltd. (Bangalore, India) released its WinCE Bluetooth protocol stack solution.

By Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor
Process Safety December 19, 2001

Brooks pending merger with PRI subject to request for additional information

Chelmsford & Billerica, Mass. - Brooks Automation and PRI Automation jointly announced December 14, 2001 that they have received a request for additional information (commonly known as a "second request") pertaining to the pending acquisition of PRI by Brooks.

By Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor
Process Safety December 11, 2001

Wonderware offers simplified Chinese version

Irvine, Calif. - Wonderware Corp., a unit of the Invensys Software Systems division of British-based Invensys plc, December 10 introduced InTouch 7.11 Simplified Chinese version of its FactorySuite human-machine interface (HMI) software.

By Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor
Process Safety December 1, 2001

Measure moisture in oil

Woburn, Mass.— The HMP228 continuously measures moisture in oil using the its-developer's Humicap sensor. The microprocessor-based transmitter measures temperature and the full measurement range of water activity. It detects the saturation point regardless of oil type, age, or additives.

By Staff
Process Safety October 24, 2001

FastObjects’ embedded database used by manufacturer

San Mateo, Calif. - FastObjects by Poet, the object database solution for embedded applications, announced that FastObjects t7 has been chosen as the embedded data management component for Hyperion, International Truck and Engine Corporation's sales order processing application.

By Gary A. Mintchell, senior editor
Process Safety October 1, 2001

Why Not Wireless?

Several forms of wireless communication, data acquisition, monitoring, networking and control are making inroads into control and automation. Wireless, like most new technologies, is fueled by the only force stronger than corporate inertia—the constant search for cost savings, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

By Jim Montague, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Process Safety September 1, 2001

Vision-guided robots inspect air conditioners at GM

Braintech Inc. recently received an order from ABB Flexible Automation of Canada to supply a vision-guided robotic (VGR) inspection system for air conditioners in a General Motors' truck plant (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada). Braintech's vision technologies allow industrial robots to "see and react" to changing conditions in factory environments.

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2001

Right tool for the right job

I heard an end-user say, "These tools are killing us." Not too long ago, having the wrong tool meant barking your knuckles and muttering under your breath, or wasting time trying to troubleshoot with a multimeter when a more sophisticated diagnostic tool was needed to recreate a long-lost design diagram.

By Mark T. Hoske
Process Safety August 1, 2001

Orifice plates: Out of sight not out of mind

Because orifice plates are so unassuming in appearance, and because they are out of sight, their impact on flow accuracy is often ignored or even worse, not understood. The fact is orifice plates are precision industrial grade devices. Seldom does one encounter the words "precision" and "industrial grade" used to describe the same device, but in the case of orifice plates that's exactly what ...

By Dave Harrold
Process Safety July 1, 2001

The changing environment of discrete sensors

We've all experienced some sort of change within our lives that render us to question, why weren't things that way in the first place. Change, inevitably, is a part of life that helps you realize growth has occurred, for nothing is static. That idea rings true for various characteristics of discrete sensors.

By Antonia E. McBride, assistant editor
Process Safety March 7, 2001

Advance-warning system reduces machine failure

Lisle, Ill. -Patented SmartSignal ECM technology improves analysis of existing sensor data, which provides a quantum leap in early detection of abnormal machine behavior. Advanced data interpretation detects faults before failure or damage.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2001

Wonderware announces restructuring, 150 layoffs

Wonderware Corp. launched Jan. 16 a restructuring program designed to streamline its organization and improve its ability to deliver software functionality, web-enabled plant information, and product ordering and configuration.The company will also reduce its worldwide employment by about 20% by the end of January 2001.

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2001

Moisture sensor interface for web/bulk processes

Greensboro, N.C. -The Type 1035 moisture-to-computer interface is intended for web and bulk materials in process. Moisture measurement is often done by an electrically insulated roller, plate, or insertion probe that is applied to the material after it leaves the hot air or cylinder-type dryers.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 1, 2000

Fisher-Rosemount extends DeltaV into bioprocess system

Fisher-Rosemount Systems' DeltaV automation system was selected Nov. 9 by New Brunswick Scientific's (Edison, N.J.) BioProcess Systems Group to automate a custom designed bioprocess system for a California-based biotechnology firm. The system consists of two 500-liter fermentation units, each with a 300-liter feed vessel.

By Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2000

First half of 2000 shines for control users, suppliers

The first half of 2000 turned out to be rosy for the controls industry due to increasing sales and profits earned by users and suppliers of control products, especially when performance is compared with industry as a whole. These results were tallied in Business Week magazine's Scoreboard, which compared performances of more than 900 companies during the first halves of 2000 and 1999.

By George J. Blickley, consulting editor
Process Safety November 1, 2000

Software helps processor developers

Phoenix, Ariz.—SCORE, (Safety Critical, Object-oriented, Real-time Embedded) integrated development environment (IDE), addresses the growing need to combine reusable software components, written in different languages, targeting different processors and developed on different development platforms.

By Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2000

Intrinsically safe flow/level switch

San Marcos, Calif.— NuTec Switch Series is said to be the first thermal level switch design with a low-power 4-20 mA loop power option that meets intrinsic safety requirements. NuTec flow switches are also available in advanced nonintrusive thermal flow sensor configurations with a 10 Ra surface finish suitable for use in high purity and sanitary media.

By Staff
Process Safety November 1, 2000

Package aids calibration management

Maintenance of a control system after commissioning requires routine scheduled calibration of component parts including sensors, transmitters, and gauges. Scheduled calibration is a major quality assurance requirement for facilities operating under ISO9000 or QS9000 guidelines and a regulatory mandate for pharmaceutical processes governed by the U.

By Tracy J. Coates
Process Safety October 1, 2000

Package builds web pages for process monitoring

Part of defining a complete control system includes identifying how different users must interact with it. Interaction types to be considered range from data only to full graphical interface and from monitor only to full supervisory control. Other facets in this decision process are the type of system used and the method of providing information to that platform.

By Tracy J. Coates P.E.
Process Safety October 1, 2000

ExperTune optimizes loop performance

Hubertus, Wis. -Loops tuned for setpoint changes often perform poorly during process disturbances and loops tuned for process disturbances are likely too agressive during a setpoint change. ExperTune's new software optimizes loop performance for both scenarios by combining a setpoint filter with optimal steady state tuning ensuring the loop reacts equally well to plant startups, product switchovers, and steady state operations.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2000

Low flow Coriolis-based controller

Hatfield, Pa.— Brooks Instrumentation has introduced Quantim, a device intended for low flow (less than 1,000 gal/hr) applications. The device uses the Coriolis principle. According to its developer, it's the first time this technology has been introduced to the low-flow market. Quantim is said to offer several advantages over traditional inferred mass technologies, including better prec...

By Staff
Process Safety September 1, 2000

Differential Flowmeters: Simple Can Be Better

In 1502, Leonardo da Vinci noted, "A river in each part of its length in an equal time gives passage to an equal quantity of water, whatever the width, the depth, the slope, the roughness, the tortuosity." This simple observation provided the basis for simple flow measurement—the principle of continuity.

By Dick Johnson, CONTROL ENGINEERING
Process Safety August 1, 2000

Product & Literature Showcase – 2000-08-01

Side-mounted valve positioner Cincinnati, O. -Model 2-IQ is a side- mounted valve positioner intended for use with ball valves for process control. The device can change the valve's action at the touch of a button, perform split ranging without changing parts, characterize the flow pattern through the positioner, and make deadband adjustments.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2000

Augment process simulation interoperability

Barcelona, Spain -Hysis.Cape-Open-kit v1.0 combines the AEA Technology-Hyprotech process simulator Hysis and Hyp/Cap-Open-kit v1.0. Cape-Open is a cooperative projects sponsored by the European Union to define software interfaces that allow plug-and-play simulation components within various process simulators on the market. The software plugs into existing Hysis software and encapsulates legacy code.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2000

Pump selection software simplifies ordering

Minnetonka, Minn.— Free Tonkaflo PumpTools pump selection software reduces the time to select multi-stage centrifugal pumps, reverse osmosis systems, and components. The user enters desired flow rate and boost, and pump curves show which Tonkaflo pumps meet requirements. www.osmonics.com Osmonics Circle 426

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 2000

Documenting pressure calibrator

New Fairfield, Conn.— DPI 615 is a battery powered, microprocessor-based fully documenting digital pressure calibrator. The device provides upload and download of calibration procedures and calibration results. Other features include error calculation of stored data and an "on display" graph of results.

By Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2000

One motion chipset does work of two

Lexington, Mass.— Navigator MC2800 Series motion processors control both brushed and brushless servo motors in one chipset. Supported are sinusoidal commutation of 2- or 3-phase brushless motors as well as positioning and velocity control of brushed servo motors. The 2- or 4-axis processor allows selection of each axis as brushed or brushless.

By Staff
Process Safety May 1, 2000

Integrating business technologies

According to Bill Reedy, vp of business integration at IBM Software (Somers, N.Y.), the world is in the midst of a "digital revolution" that is of the same magnitude and significance as the Industrial Revolution. E-commerce, he says, is a manifestation, and the Internet is a communication device.

By Laura Zurawski
Process Safety May 1, 2000

Weathering winds of change means learning to work in the rain

In 1901, J. P. Morgan created U.S. Steel by buying Carnegie Steel, sparking a merger mania that has continued ever since. Over the past 50 years, there have been hundreds of thousands of mergers, acquisitions, downsizings, bankruptcies, and company failures, so it's easy to see why employees become stressed during periods of change.

By Dave Harrold
Process Safety April 1, 2000

CD-ROM highlights sulfur recovery technology

Newark, Del.- A new CD-ROM offers a complete seminar on sulfur recovery and process analyzer technology. The PC-compatible compact disk serves as a complete tutorial of the Claus sulfur recovery process. It provides over four hours of in-depth technical discussion on the intricacies of the Claus method, enhanced Claus processes, and applications.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2000

Low cost purge systems

Chagrin Falls, O.—The Mini-Z-Purge for Class I & II, Division 2 and Mini-Y-Purge for Division I explosive atmospheres are available in either backplate or panel-mount configurations. These purge systems are said to be smaller, lighter, and easier to install than conventional systems. The "L"-shaped backplate system merely requires four fixing holes and a small cutout to mount the purg...

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2000

Digital pressure gauge

Rochester, N.Y.— CheckMate 600 is said to be the first digital gauge to incorporate a switch test circuit, and the only small handheld device with this built-in switch tester. The gauge can test dry-contact (nonpowered) pressure switched for trip points on both rising and falling pressures. Its microprocessor looks for a change of state in continuity, so both normally open and normally c...

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 2000

Calibration software

State College, Pa.— Calibration Manager LE is a calibration management software product that is intended for use by QA/QC and R&D labs, small manufacturers, and other operations in need of managing ISO 9000, FDA, and QS 9000 equipment calibration. The software maintains the full cycle of calibration management.

By Staff
Process Safety January 5, 2000

Weathering winds of change means

I n 1901, J. P. Morgan created U.S.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety January 1, 2000

Safety calculation software

Amsterdam, The Netherlands -Honeywell Safety Management Systems (HSMS) has released SafeCalc, a new software tool that was specially developed to perform reliability calculations for safety functions in accordance with IEC 61508. New safety standards, such as IEC 61508 and ANSI/ISA S84.01, demand that safety functions realize a certain risk reduction, which is expressed as a Safety Integrity Level (SIL). If a safety integrity level for a specific safety function is defined, it is important to validate whether the proposed or implemented safety measure is sufficient to comply with the defined level. The new SafeCalc tool helps users carry out a quantitative analysis of the reliability (safety integrity) of the designed safety-instrumented functions.

By Control Engineering Staff
Process Safety December 15, 1999

Salad Days for Kraft

Kraft Foods produces salad dressings at three plants in Garland, Tex., Allentown, Pa., and Champaign, Ill. The company wanted to maximize ingredient usage in its pourable dressings, maintain and/or improve product quality where necessary, and find a standard control solution that could be applied at its three plants.

By Staff
Process Safety December 15, 1999

Integrator Partnerships Offer Pros and Cons

Anyone who has ever taken a car, a PC, or a sewing machine in for repairs knows that some service options are better than others. When replacement parts or product-specific expertise are required, the best choice is often the original vendor or one of the vendor's "authorized" service centers. These are typically independent service contractors who have been trained, supplied, and endorse...

By Vance VanDoren, Control Engineering
Process Safety December 1, 1999

Sequencia, Mettler Toledo partner on batch automation weighing solution; resellers named in Europe

Sequencia Corp. and Mettler Toledo Inc. (Columbus, O.) have formed a marketing alliance to create the first integrated batch automation weighing solution, using ActiveX controls. The firms will integrate Sequencia's batch automation and enterprise integration software with Mettler Toledo's weighing and measuring system for the process industries.

By Staff
Process Safety December 1, 1999

AC Induction Motor Designs, Types

W orldwide popularity of ac induction motors in numerous applications has led to some standardized motor designs. Concentration on a finite number of motor types also brings design and manufacturing efficiencies, while helping to achieve attractive pricing. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, (NEMA, Washington, D.C.) has developed specifications for so-called NEMA design A, B, C, and D motor types. These designs are based on standardizing certain motor characteristics such as starting current, slip, and specified torque points (see below).

By Frank J. Bartos, Control Engineering
Process Safety November 1, 1999

Selecting pressure transducers

P ressure transducers are found in numerous OEM applications including appliances, on- and off-road vehicles, medical equipment, industrial machinery and military/aerospace applications. They are also used widely in process control. Introduction of the microprocessor has spurred both functionality and expansion in the use of pressure transducers over the past 15 years.

By Bob Torsiello
Process Safety October 1, 1999

Run-mode debugging software

Dallas, Tex.—OSE Systems and Green Hills Software have collaborated to develop a run-mode debugging software that enables developers to debug multiple blocks of processes or load modules simultaneously. The software also supports testing multiple nodes in distributed systems over a single target connection.

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 1999

ON Semiconductor starts up

Barely three months after it was bought for $1.6 billion by the Texas Pacific Group, Motorola's former Semiconductor Components Group (SCG) has been renamed and relaunched as ON Semiconductor. The acquisition was initiated in May 1999 and completed in August. Motorola also owns 10% of the new firm's stock.

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 1999

Module minimizes safety instrumented system efforts

Spring House, Pa.— The Critical Analog Module (CAM) reduces efforts in implementing safety instrumented systems by integrating conventional 4-20 mA transmitters, and a variety of fire and gas detector sensors without writing any application or communication software. Using the NAMUR NE-43 standard, the CAM includes 32 software-configurable channels to monitor inputs from transmitters and...

By Staff
Process Safety October 1, 1999

Y2K help on the web

The last quarter of 1999 is officially underway and most U.S. Y2K efforts are completed or nearly completed. Don't relax just yet, though. Representatives for the National Association of Manufacturers (Rosslyn, Va.) estimate that 0.5-1% of Y2K error points will go unfound in the U.S. While this may seem like a small number, there's no way of knowing if these errors will appear in a chip ...

By Laura Zurawski
Process Safety October 1, 1999

Steeplechase releases VLC 4.2

To help users update manufacturing operation control system logic while it's executing, Steeplechase Software Inc. recently released its Visual Logic Controller (VLC) 4.2 software with flowchart programming. This update capability, On-Line Programming (OLP), allows changes to be tested to determine validity.

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 1999

Manage your procedures

Phoenix, Ariz.— Sequencia's Procedure Manager is said to provide advantages of process automation for process manufacturers who have manual or only partially automated processes within their facilities without requiring equipment or process upgrades. This software solution brings the advantages of batch automation including recipe management, batch tracking, and operator logging by combi...

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 1999

European pavilion to highlight second Sensors Expo in 1999

The Great State of Ohio may seem a lot closer to Europe this fall thanks to a new European Pavilion at this year's second Sensors Expo, Sept. 14-16. The 1,000-ft² pavilion will feature numerous leading European equipment and systems manufacturers. (For more sensors coverage, see this issue's Product Focus section.

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 1999

Ziatech launching CompactPCI Linux development platform

Ziatech Corp. stated July 21 it will unveil a Linux-based CompactPCI development system at LinuxWorld Conference and Expo, Aug. 19-21, in San Jose, Calif. The development platform will include an 8U-high, 19-in. rack-mounted system using an Intel Pentium II processor, a core set of development peripherals, power supply and system cooling, and Hard Hat Linux o...

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 1999

Process Controller Tuning Guidelines aid users

You can tune a process controller, but you can't tuna fish. To efficiently manage their controllers, however, many users need some assistance.To help calculate tuning parameters, Control Engineering senior editor Dave Harrold recently compiled "Process Controller Tuning Guidelines" to serve as an introduction or refresher for users.

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 1999

SCADA package provides range of capability

When examining requirements for personal computer-based supervisory systems, users should consider several levels of functionality. These include a graphical operator interface, trending capability (real time and historical), report generation capability, the dynamic links to other software packages through Dynamic Data Exchange, data archival capability, statistical analysis, and the ex...

By Tracy J. Coates
Process Safety July 1, 1999

Protect process instruments to ensure performance

Too frequently, instrumentation protection is not considered until the snow is flying and then a problem is discovered. The summer months are the best time to examine instrumentation winterization problems and take measures to ensure the instrumentation performs accurately and repeatedly when the mercury falls.

By Dave Harrold
Process Safety June 1, 1999

Trapped key interlock systems help eliminate human error

Frequently, human error is listed as the contributing factor in safety and environmental incidents. Training and procedures can improve the situation, but the best way to eliminate risk is to make it impossible for people to perform actions that lead to dangerous situations. One way to eliminate human error is to use trapped key interlock systems.

By Dave Harrold
Process Safety June 1, 1999

Air driven vacuum pumps

Rockland, Mass.—PIAB Vacuum Products announces an improved series of pneumatically driven vacuum pumps; the Low Pressure M Series have been designed to handle low or fluctuating compressed air pressures. These vacuum pumps, at an inlet pressure of only 49 psi, provide up to 27 in of Hg vacuum. Each Low Pressure M pump has very broad application capabilities that allow the user to choose a...

By Staff
Process Safety June 1, 1999

ABB sells subsidiary to Siemens AG

ABB agreed May 18 to sell Elsag Bailey's gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer business to Siemens AG for an undisclosed sum. The division, part of Elsag Bailey's Applied Automation Inc., employs about 320 people and generated revenues of $50 million in 1998.

By Staff
Process Safety June 1, 1999

Software for online predictors of process variables

Houston, Tex.—PrimusTech has announced the release of Soft ANN-alyzer v. 2.0. The company states that it is the first software product specifically designed to deliver intelligent inferred properties for online applications in the process industries. With this product, the engineer can quickly and easily develop reliable models from plant historical data or test data for online use.

By Staff
Process Safety May 1, 1999

Neural network optimizes processes

Cambridge, Mass.— NeurOn-Line Studio (NOL Studio) guides users step-by-step through data preprocessing, model configuration, training, validation, and deployment for process analysis, modeling, and optimization. Users can analyze data sets with over 100,000 records and 100 variables. Applications include inferential measurements of product quality, model-based control, and process fault ...

By Staff
Process Safety April 1, 1999

Pressure/vacuum deadweight tester

New Fairfield, Conn.— T3500 series is a primary pressure standard capable of both pressure and vacuum calibrations in one unit. Testers are NIST traceable and provided in ranges from 5 to 400 in H2 through 3-500 psi for pressure and 1-30 in Hg for vacuum. Standard accuracy is 0.015% of reading with 0.

By Staff
Process Safety April 1, 1999

Manufacturing Marketplace revamp saves time, money

Cahners Business Information introduced the next generation of its Manufacturing Marketplace web site on March 15. Located at www.manufacturing.net, Manufacturing Marketplace combines data from 23 industry-leading Cahners publications, five vertical communities of interest, customized news feeds, an exclusive stock index, original analysis, and comprehensive sourcing...

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 1999

High performance mini SBC

Baden-Dattwil, Switzerland— VCM332SD is an add-on single-board computer to the MPL's existing product line and is said to be compatible with MPL products. The small board has a Motorola MC68332 processor and operates up to 25 MHz. It also features on-board 1 Mbyte SRAM and programmable 1 Mbyte Flash ROM.

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 1999

Digital phosphor oscilloscope combines analog, digital strengths

Most engineers use digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) for simultaneous, multi-channel operation, measurement automation, and waveform storage. Many also keep their old analog real-time (ART) oscilloscopes for intensity-graded displays, varying brightness, and fast waveform capture rates that can indicate frequency of different signal sections.

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 1999

Techmation deadband reset scheduling algorithm

N ot intended to replace good valve selection and maintenance procedures, the Techmation Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz.) deadband reset scheduling algorithm provides a good compromise between the competing requirements of steady-state stability and speed of response. Deadband Reset Scheduling (DRS) is the name given to a modified PID control algorithm developed by Techmation. It has been successfully implemented on thousands of control loops on a wide variety of digital control systems, according to Techmation.

By David B. Ender, President, Techmation Inc.
Process Safety February 1, 1999

LN1000 annunciator for hazardous areas

Manassas, Va.— Exloc's LN1000 annunciator monitors and displays alarm signals in a Div. 1 hazardous location. Its low-power requirement makes it suitable for intrinsic safety and a single standard IS interface is all that is needed to energize up to 32 alarm channels. The LN1000 annunciator displays visual alarm status through a combination of LCDs and LEDs, including "first-up" informa...

By Staff
Process Safety January 1, 1999

ABB’s acquisition of Elsag Bailey approved

ABB announced Dec. 16 it has received approval from the European Commission (EC) to complete its purchase of Elsag Bailey Process Automation N.V. The company also reported discussions are continuing with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and that it expects a final ruling on the proposed acquisition in mid-January 1999.

By Staff
Process Safety December 1, 1998

Windows CE bows in at ISA Expo/98

No doubt recognizing Windows CE's integration abilities and real-time application potential, numerous exhibitors showed products using Microsoft 's (Redmond, Wa.) platform at ISA Expo/98. Intellution (Norwood, Mass.) unveiled Fix Dynamics for Windows CE, a visualization component and control solution based on Microsoft Windows CE with a seamless one-step database configuration. Based on Paradym-31 for Microsoft Windows NT, FIX Dynamics for Windows CE is a control and visualization package featuring the small footprint possible with the embedded operating system. The goal of the control component is a scalable product capable of running under Windows NT, NT with real-time extensions, or Windows CE running on either Intel, Hitachi, or Mips chips.

By Staff
Process Safety December 1, 1998

Level indicators wave the red flag

Rendering is a process that takes what normally would be animal waste and transforms it into usable product. The cycle begins by heating the animal product in a tank using steam from a boiler. Once the heat is used, the steam it's taken from is collected again and condensed in a separate tank where it starts the process over again .

By Michael Drakulich
Process Safety November 1, 1998

ABB buying Elsag Bailey

To expand into new markets and strengthen key technologies, ABB announced Oct. 14 plans to acquire Netherlands-based Elsag Bailey Process Automation N.V. In agreements signed with Elsag Bailey and its owner Finmeccanica SpA, ABB will offer about $2.1 billion for all of Elsag Bailey's outstanding common shares and trust originated preferred securities (TOPrS), i...

By Staff
Process Safety November 1, 1998

Testing facilities available

Lambda Electronics Inc. recently made its three-meter anechoic test chamber, test equipment, and technicians available to consult, test, and certify that electronic equipment meets required safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance standards. Lambda states its 50 years of experience in manufacturing and testing power supplies with investments in tes...

By Staff
Process Safety August 1, 1998

Elsag Bailey Process Automation seeks buyer

The supervisory board of Elsag Bailey Process Automation N.V. (EBPA) began seeking offers June 4 to purchase the whole company. The process automation firm has annual revenues of about $1.5 billion, and employs 11,000 people in 30 countries.The board's action followed a May 28 privatization move by Elsag Bailey's controlling shareholders—Finmeccani...

By Staff
Process Safety July 1, 1998

Siemens— A Work in Process

Sometimes, even when you're number one, you have to try harder. Here's the challenge. You're the world's largest supplier of industrial and building automation systems. Where do you go and how do you grow from here?Edward Krubasik, executive vice president of Siemens AG's industrial segment, faces this challenge daily.

By Jane S. Gerold
Process Safety July 1, 1998

Transmitter takes on hazardous duty

Stratford, Conn.— Ashcroft hazardous-duty process transmitters meet various standards for intrinsic safety. Sensors and signal conditioning circuits are interchangeable, making the transmitter upgradable and repairable by the user, which allows changeover on site. It offers 0.25% accuracy, male and female process connections, and a 4-20 mA output.

By Staff
Process Safety May 1, 1998

Hard real-time control on PCs

Hard real-time efforts appeared in many forms at NMW. [See also CE, April 1998, "PC-based Control Goes Real Time," p. 54.]Radisys' (Hillsboro, Ore.) exhibited its INtime real-time solution. Alex Doumani, general manager for embedded software, says semiconductor equipment, robotics, and other factory automation manufacturers are among INtime's users.

By Staff
Process Safety May 1, 1998

Multivariable pressure transmitter

Sharon, Mass.— The IPX Series smart multivariable transmitter is designed for pressure measurement of high temperature processes in applications requiring both high accuracy and temperature stability. Both process pressure and temperature outputs are available through this HART-compatible device.

By Staff
Process Safety April 1, 1998

Family of advanced control, optimization solutions

Phoenix, Ariz.— Users can select and combine applications from the Profit Suite to achieve various levels of process optimization. Profit Suite applications include multivariable control algorithms, multiunit steady-state, and dynamic optimization, and first-principles modeling of nonlinear processes.

By Staff
Process Safety April 1, 1998

Operator workstation adds enhancements

Billerica, Mass.— ProPanel from Azonix is now available in a 14 in. flat-panel screen option. With this display, a "hi-bright" is available for sunlight viewing. A self-adjusting option modifies screen brightness in relation to ambient light conditions. ProPanels are available with Intel Pentium processors with speeds up to 166 MHz and main memory up to 128 MB.

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 1998

Instant Fulfillment Promises Fast Access to Product Information

Want information on products advertised in Control Engineering but don't have the time for mail-in reader service? The answer is Instant Fulfillment.In addition to the current process of mailing in a reader service card and waiting for more information through the mail, readers can also access more information "instantly" on the web.

By Matthew Bellm
Process Safety March 1, 1998

Pacific Scientific Shareholders to Vote on Danaher Offer

Newport Beach, Calif.— Pacific Scientific Co.'s shareholders will vote March 27 on the proposed $460 million acquisition of the company by a wholly owned subsidiary of Danaher Corp. (Washington, D.C.). Shareholders on record as of Feb. 25 will be able to vote at the special meeting, which was called by Pacific Scientific's board of directors on Feb.

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 1998

Probe Kit, Testing Software Aid EMI Testing

Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Calif..— Two recent innovations from the Golden State may help users in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing and compliance fields.First, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently picked EMI probes from Credence Technologies Inc. for use by its field inspectors to ensure compliance with FCC radio frequency (RF) emission regulations.

By Staff
Process Safety March 1, 1998

Intelligent Pressure Scanners Enhance Chillers

To help build more efficient centrifugal compressors for its chillers, McQuay International recently researched the thermodynamic state of HFC-134a refrigerant throughout the compression process at its plant in Staunton, Va. The company discovered that conventional equipment was expensive and difficult to use, but eventually found and incorporated System 9000 in...

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 1998

Nematron Signs OEM Agreement with Schneider Automation

Nematron Corp. announced Jan. 27 that it signed a multimillion dollar contract to supply a series of its Pentium- and Pentium II-based open architecture industrial control computers (ICCs) to Schneider Automation (North Andover, Mass.) under a private label OEM agreement.

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 1998

Off-Line Editor

El Cajon, Calif. —Mazatrol Off-Line Editor is engineered to allow users the option of writing or editing Mazatrol programs without tying up Mazak machines. This Windows-based application makes it possible to write, copy, and paste; insert a line; or change processes within Mazatrol programs while allowing the Mazak machines to operate without costly interruptions.

By Staff
Process Safety February 1, 1998

New Sensor Has PreciseColor Discrimination

Engineers have long sought a sensor that can identify the subtlest color differences at the speeds and repeatability required by production lines. Well, their search may be over thanks to Omron Electronics Inc. (Schaumburg, Ill.). The company recently released its new E3MC RGB (red/green/blue) color sensor, which Omron says features a unique threshold sensitivity adjustment that allows pr...

By Staff
Process Safety January 28, 1998

Open, Modular Architecture Controls at GM Powertrain — GMPTG PC-Based Control System Implementations

Spectrum of Control Applications at GMPTG Current Implementation of PC-Based Control Systems In order to execute the control strategies, GMPTG started to implement PC-based control systems on its factory floor. It needs to be clarified that a PC-based control system is only the first step toward the realization of the OMAC concept. The initial implementation of PC-based control systems enables an 'open' hardware platform to be used on the factory floor, even though there are still proprietary elements in the software environment.

By C. Michael Taylor, et al.
Process Safety January 27, 1998

Open, Modular Architecture Controls at GM Powertrain — Migration Plan

Validation Process he current implementation of PC-based control systems is strictly in discrete logic control applications. The OMAC concept certainly is not limited to discrete control systems only. GMPTG is taking steps to migrate the OMAC direction into CNC and robotics control systems. Table 2 gives an overview of the control migration plan for GMPTG by application types.

By C. Michael Taylor, et al.
Process Safety January 1, 1998

Selecting the Right Industrial Network

The vast number of available networks makes it a daunting task to pick one (or several) to best meet the needs of a particular application. This has probably hindered the use of networks in controls applications. The intent here is to discuss the process of picking a network best suited to an application, and not to compare the specific capability of different networks.

By Gary C. Peterson, Alvey Systems Inc.
Process Safety November 1, 1997

WorldFIP Network Helps Citroën Build Automobile Doors

BUS OF THE MONTH: WorldFIP

By Control Engineering Staff

A letter from the editor

At Control Engineering we strive to connect the global industrial engineering audience through online and print media and in-person events. Control Engineering covers and educates about automation, control and instrumentation technologies in a regionally focused, actionable manner. Established in 1954, Control Engineering provides information for automation engineers to do their jobs better. We want to connect engineers who design, implement, integrate, maintain and manage control, automation and instrumentation systems, components and equipment. This active and engaged audience regularly accesses free premium content from Control Engineering due to comprehensive coverage of automation technologies and applications.

Mark Hoske - Control Engineering