What is Process Manufacturing?
Process manufacturing refers to the continuous flow or batch production of something, often using automation, controls and instrumentation to improve quality, throughput and safety. Examples of process industries include refining, chemical, petrochemicsal, pulp and paper, electric utilities and wastewater, and many metals production methods.
How to operate manufacturing remotely
Address five areas to improve remote operations, of growing importance to keep manufacturing sites running efficiently, reliably and safely from a distance, to address COVID-19 pandemic concerns and demographic workforce pressures. Secure software and devices can improve remote access, cybersecurity and digitization.
Know when to migrate a process control system
There’s a big difference between a phased process control system migration and just putting delaying the problem of control system obsolescence. Those who don’t plan for distributed control system (DCS) obsolescence will see options narrow.
Deploy IIoT sensors and networks in remote locations
IIoT adds value within a plant, but also is a natural fit for field data gathering
Understand partial-stroke testing
Partial-stroke tests (PSTs) of emergency shutdown (ESD) valves improve safety instrumented system (SIS) performance; monitor these critical valves to ensure the system’s ability to shut a process down in the event of an emergency
How to select, apply process sensors
When specifying process sensors, several common factors need to be considered such as the operating environment, mounting options and cable connections.
Get flow measurement right the first time
Understanding, monitoring and controlling flow rate are essential elements to the viable operation of production systems and must be done right. See five key flow considerations.
How to evaluate a system integrator for a project
There are many aspects to consider when evaluating a system integrator for a project, and taking the time to ask important questions up front allows a company to reap long-term benefits.
Temperature measurement with RTDs, thermocouples
Process sensing: The most common process sensor measurement is temperature and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and thermocouples are the most widely used sensors for industrial temperature measurements. See 11 summary tips for temperature sensor selection.
Process control sensor types and applications
Taking accurate, reliable measurements of process parameters that matter is the first step to optimizing any control loop. You cannot improve what you do not measure. Process sensors help, including temperature sensors, pressure sensors, level sensors and flow sensors (flow meters).
Three major VFD trends
Variable frequency drive (VFD) development is shifting focus away from general-purpose motor controls that are already meeting market demands toward reduced installation costs. Consider industrial VFD installation time, VFD installation space and VFD harmonics.