ProcessOnline Feature Articles

Bridging the intrinsically safe fieldbus disconnect

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:16:40 +1000

At first glance, the concept of intrinsically safe (IS) fieldbus is a study in opposing concepts. After all, fieldbus is about powering multiple devices, while the idea of IS is to limit energy flowing into hazardous areas.

Matching valve type to function: a tutorial in valve selection

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:07:35 +1000

In selecting valves for instrumentation, the choices are many and varied. The choice depends mostly on the application the valve is to be used for.

To err is human: using technology to try to solve this problem is equally human

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:43:42 +1000

Humans are wonderful, complex beings. That our very name, homo sapiens, can be translated to wise man, is an indication of our intelligence. We have the ability and capacity to do so much and, along with our advanced language capability, we can reason, problem-solve, introspect and quickly adapt to current conditions around us. But we are not infallible.

The true cost of bearing lubrication

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:20:15 +1000

By eliminating lubrication systems where possible, OEMs can reduce production costs, while at the same time making their equipment more marketable and less expensive to operate for the end users.

Cleaning in place: how it works and where you should use it

Tue, 01 May 2012 16:00:43 +1000

Cleaning in place (CIP) refers to the use of a mix of chemicals, heat and water to clean machinery, vessels or pipework without dismantling the plant.

Clever pumping

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:01:58 +1100

Climate change, increasing water demands due to global urbanisation and regulatory obligations are all making the water sector an attractive arena for technologies that can help reduce costs and contribute to reducing the effects of climate change.

The DNP3 protocol: advantages for water and wastewater telemetry systems

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:50:13 +1100

DNP3, or Distributed Network Protocol, has been around for close to two decades now. It was developed by Westronic in 1993, primarily for the power industry.

Redundancy in industrial networks - Part 2

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:18:22 +1100

In Part 1 of this article we looked at standard methods of Layer 2 network redundancy that involve auto-reconfiguration of the network topology after a failure. This time we continue and look at redundancy methods that are fully redundant.

How to build industrial computers that resist vibration and shock

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:56:59 +1000

Industrial computers need to be designed to withstand vibration and shock, which are a fact of life in many industrial applications.

National OHS harmonisation: will it arrive?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:13:16 +1100

The harmonisation deadline set by COAG in 2008 was 1 January 2012, but that deadline has well and truly passed with us seemingly no closer to the desired end state.

Redundancy in industrial networks - Part 1

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:15:45 +1100

The costs of failure in today’s industrial networks can be very high, making network redundancy essential.

Designing, simulating and implementing automation systems using model-based design

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:11:12 +1100

Automation engineers have traditionally implemented and tested their control algorithms by running them on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) connected to actual machinery. A major drawback to this approach is that it can be expensive, difficult, or dangerous to test the control strategy for the first time on the machine.

Changing, machining, compensating: current trends in robot accessories

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:47:52 +1100

The need for greater robot reliability and efficiency is leading to the development of new technologies in robot accessories.

Single loop integrity: replacing devices while operational

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:46:15 +1100

Compared with parallel wiring, fieldbus systems have a negative impact on the availability of process-related plants and systems. This is because users have to isolate the entire bus segment from the network in order to, say, replace a defective component.

Energy saving has benefits beyond compliance

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:05:24 +1100

Businesses must find a balance between strong financial outcomes and the responsibility for sustainable energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Changes made in processes to facilitate sustainability should be viewed as a long-term proposition that rewards with more than just regulatory compliance.

Informal training is the most powerful form of engineering education

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:17 +1100

People learn 70% of what they know about their jobs through informal means. So stop pouring your money into formal training without pausing to consider these other more powerful options.

Corrosion monitoring: breaking down the misconceptions

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:21:12 +1100

The latest technology links corrosion to process conditions more directly and immediately. It also allows corrosion depreciation to be assessed in much shorter time intervals with the ability to control and mitigate the rate of damage and more accurately factor in its true economic impact on plant operations.

NMW 2012 in Sydney to feature a record 12 Product Zones

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:53:30 +1100

National Manufacturing Week (NMW) 2012 returns to Sydney this May, and it’s going to be big: 10,000 anticipated visitors, over 300 local and international manufacturing industry suppliers and a record 12 Product Zones.

10 key steps in selecting and using background suppression photoelectric sensors

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:40:09 +1100

Over the past decade, photoelectric sensing has undergone a steady transition in which older, conventional sensors are being replaced by an innovative technology called background suppression (BGS).

Wireless communication in track-guided transport systems

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:30:44 +1100

Track-guided transport systems have been used in highly automated production environments for some time now. Whether in automobile production, automation of material flow or warehouse logistics, rail-based mobile units transport the required parts in all of these areas. Normally, communication to the mobile units is established using contact lines and mechanical contacts.