Today’s topic involves a project I have been working on over the last few months. The project consists of adding process equipment including tanks, pumps, valves and instrumentation to an existing system… while it is running. Because production runs 24 …
One of the best things about teaching technical classes around the country is getting to meet people from all kinds of different industries. Sometimes, like a couple of weeks ago in Raleigh, NC a class will have people from several …
Jargon, Buzzwords and Acronyms: Understanding the Process Read more →
Last March I wrote a post on working in New England on a consulting project. Much of the post was about the travels during my days off from the project, describing what the area was like in the Winter. I …
A couple of weeks ago I started a poll on device numbering methods, here are the results. Responses came from comments on this site and five different Linked In forums. Method 1: Labeling the device based on the I/O point …
Recently I was involved in a discussion on the best method of numbering and labeling devices for systems and machinery. I have used several different methods in the past, depending on customer preference and the type of application; these methods …
Well, I’m back from another automation training adventure, this time just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. After my previous trip to Denver, I thought it might be a good idea to discuss PID control, since that is what I spent …
Last week I mentioned that I would be traveling to Denver to do some work in a field I am not so familiar with. Well, I returned yesterday after what I would consider a very successful and interesting trip. The …
Next weekend I am flying out to Denver for another adventure in the automation world. This time I will be a little out of my element as I will be at a water plant, which brings up the topic of …
Automated production lines and cells often have stations that require operator interfacing with the equipment. Typically this is due to the extreme costs that are associated with manual loading of parts into a machine. Parts may be too large or …
Processes may take various forms in automated production. They may be continuous as with the mixing of chemicals, synchronous where operations are performed in unison or asynchronous where operations are performed independently. Manual and automated tasks may be mixed to …
