Control Engineering articles from September 2005

Control Engineering archives from September 2005

Bring a tax credit to the table.(EDITORIAL)
September 1, 2005... 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...

Mathcad 13 streamlines tasks.(product EXCLUSIVE)
September 1, 2005... Mathcad 13, newest version of Mathsoft Engineering & Education's calculation management software, captures and reuses knowledge locked in engineering calculations. It allows engineers to document and capture calculations, design intent,...

Software speeds HMI configuration.(product EXCLUSIVE)
September 1, 2005... Simatic WinCC flexible 2005 HMI software from Siemens allows consistent configuration of all Microsoft Windows-based Simatic HMI operator control and monitoring devices from a micro panel to PC-based solutions. Users can carry out...

Blend viscosity into the control loop.(Biode Inc)
September 1, 2005... Viscosity management is a missing capability of many process control systems because of the absence of reliable digital instrumentation that can be incorporated into the process stream. Acoustic wave viscometers can fill this need for OEMs and...

No vacation for control stocks.(market UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... Second-quarter 2005 stock price performance for control and automation sector companies showed an overall flat performance through June, but look closer, and you'll see things were anything but quiet. Within the group, Badger Meter rallied...

Can spreadsheets work for engineering?(opinion SOAPBOX)
September 1, 2005... Outside of engineering, the spreadsheet has evolved nicely in its 25 years from an accounting tool to an application for anyone working with data, including business managers, bookkeepers, and statisticians. But spreadsheets do little to...

Get personal for quality.(Software Engineering Institute)
September 1, 2005... Although organizational capability is important when it comes to programming control applications, individual capability is critical to a quality product. It is not uncommon to see 10 to 1 differences in errors per thousand lines of code...

NEMA reports industrial control indices surge in 2Q05.(National Electrical Manufacturers Association)
September 1, 2005... Rosslyn, VA -- Sales of industrial control products and systems, as measured by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association's (NEMA) Primary Industrial Controls Index, expanded by 4.8% in the second quarter of 2005 (2Q05). Compared to the...

Ethernet upswing underscores PTO meeting.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Scottsdale, AZ -- At the Profibus Trade Organization's (PTO) annual general assembly on Aug. 2-4, the continuing upsurge in industrial Ethernet served as the cornerstone for much of the meeting's discussions. Harry Forbes, ARC Advisory Group's...

Embedded, LabVIEW-based PAC Delivers.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Embedded, LabVIEW-based PAC Delivers: * Low-Cost Customization * Advanced Control Capabilities * High-Speed--Up to 1 MHz Digital Control Loops [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Download a technical white...

Emerson digitally automates Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical complex.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Shanghai, China -- Emerson Process Management reports it recently completed a digital automation project at Shanghai SECCO Petrochemical Co.'s $2.7-billion, 10-plant ethylene cracker complex. SECCO picked Emerson in 2003 as its digital...

ISA Expo 2005 offers exhibits, training.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Chicago, IL -- Planners at ISA--The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society--expect thousands of people to attend ISA Expo 2005, Oct. 25-27, in Chicago, along with professionals from more than 70 countries. The show offers keynote...

Worldwide tablet PC revenue forecast.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Compound annual growth rate of 35.1% from 2004 through 2009 [GRAPHIC OMITTED] The worldwide market for tablet PCs is projected to increase to $5.4 billion in 2009 from $1.2 billion in 2004, according to a new report, "Tablet PC 2005:...

FF enhances Interoperability Test Kit.(Fieldbus Foundation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Austin, TX -- The Fieldbus Foundation (FF) has released its enhanced Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) version 4.61. The test kit has been updated and functions added that expand the scope of interoperability testing to benefit end-users of...

Pack Expo providing intelligent, Web-based data mining for visitors.
September 1, 2005... 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...

Honeywell agrees to acquire Lebow.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Minneapolis, MN; Troy, MI -- To expand its sensing and control portfolio, Honeywell reports that it's agreed to acquire Lebow Corp., which manufactures automotive and aerospace force and torque sensors and load cells. Lebow will become part of...

Triconex to supply safety, critical controls to Canadian oil sands project.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Fxboro, MA -- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. recently selected Invensys Process Systems to provide Triconex safety and critical control systems and related services for Phase I of the $6.8-billion Horizon Oil Sands Project under construction...

Accu-Sort installs automated RFID labeling at Schering Plough.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Philadelphia, PA -- Accu-Sort Systems Inc. reports it recently installed a Fast Tag In-Motion automated RFID and barcode system at Schering Plough Corp.'s distribution center in Memphis, TN. Fast Tag reportedly will help the distribution center...

Tektronix, Virginia Tech collaborate on developing cognitive radio.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Beaverton, OR -- Tektronix Inc. reports that it's conducting joint research with the Mobile and Portable Radio Research Group (MPRG) at Virginia Tech to develop Cognitive Radio (CR) technology and a test methodology for it. This effort extends...

Pemex picks ABB's System 800XA control, safety systems for marine terminal.(NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Wickliffe, OH -- Pemex Gas y Petroquimica Basica has selected ABB's System 800XA High Integrity to provide integrated control and safety for its Pajaritos marine terminal in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. System 800XA will be used for process control...

Next generation platform for C/C++ development tools released.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Ottawa, ON, Canada -- Next generation Eclipse CFT platform for building C/C++ development tools is now available, the Eclipse Foundation (www.eclipse.org) announced. Developed under the leadership of QNX Software (www.qnx.com), CDT 3.0 delivers...

By the numbers.
September 1, 2005... 70 Nearly 70 registered members are listed at the CSIA site as of late July. At www.controleng.com/integrators, other criteria can be added to CSIA membership in a multiparameter search. Control and Information System Integrators Association...

M2M: we do that.(Editorial)(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... 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...

6 asset management myths: moving beyond predominant asset management myths requires a multi-dimensional assessment of culture, knowledge, processes, and technology.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Most companies agree asset optimization is a good thing; many strive to optimize each and every asset--or at least achieve a broad level of optimization across all assets. The problem is you can't optimize something until you first are able to...

When you blend canola oil, outside help improves workflow.(AN ADVERTISEMENT)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... How a canola oil products maker refined production with Rockwell Automation. Canbra Foods knows how to spin seed into golden oil. Canbra is Canada's largest, fully integrated oilseed crushing, refining, processing, and packaging company....

MES: from device to decision; Manufacturing execution systems were all the rage in the late 1990s before falling out of favor during the ERP backlash at the turn of the millennium. Now that plant floor data access is increasingly viewed as the key to better decision-making, increased competitiveness, and lower operations costs, here's what you need to know about MES today.(manufacturing execution systems)
September 1, 2005... Manufacturing management increasingly is looking upon the plant floor as a source of untapped wealth. Value there lies in the rich vein of data streaming through automation control systems--data to be mined to improve critical enterprise...

Micro PLCs: small, rugged programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are among the fastest-growing areas of control logic. Programmable automation controllers (PACs) serve similar functions with different options.(SMALL CONTROLLERS)
September 1, 2005... So do you need a micro PLC or a PAC (programmable automation controller)? What's the difference, and, if you do want a programmable logic controller, what designates a "micro PLC," and do traditional monikers still apply? It may be that...

Starting, stopping motors softly: solid-state soft starters are the newest of reduced-voltage devices, offering current and torque control during critical 'takeoff' and 'landing' phases of motor operation. They often include protection and diagnostic features.(SOFT STARTERS)
September 1, 2005... Good reasons not to start (or stop) ac induction motors under full input voltage include exposure to extremely high locked-rotor currents and torques up to 230% of full-load torque. Solid-state, reduced-voltage (SSRV) soft starters serve to...

HMI investment reflects a growing market.(human machine interface)
September 1, 2005... If one area of automation and control has experienced change and growth of late, it is the human-machine interface (HMI). Advancements in hardware and software technology have brought sophistication and precision to the display and the systems...

Control methods series Part 5, advanced process control: fuzzy logic and expert systems; Examining the results of applying fuzzy logic and expert systems for reactor control.(INSIDE PROCESS)
September 1, 2005... Applying fuzzy logic to control the reactor using only the three existing process measurements--output flow, composition, and temperature--imposes a severe performance limit on the system. Without a mathematical derivative capability in the...

Measuring pH under adverse conditions: field measurement of pH within process batch reactors at the Polychemie plant in Mississippi is crucial to producing a precursor monomer product. High temperatures and corrosive and abrasive conditions within reactors have lead to numerous sensor failures in the past.(INSIDE PROCESS)
September 1, 2005... Polychemie manufactures coagulant and solution flocculants for its parent company, SNF Inc. SNF is one of the world's largest suppliers of water-soluble polymers, widely used for water and wastewater treatment and a broad range of specialty...

Change management for consistency, compliance: when your processes must meet tight regulations--such as in the food and beverage, life sciences, or even water treatment industries--software changes should be authorized and documented.(INSIDE PROCESS)
September 1, 2005... When it comes to process-oriented manufacturing, change can happen quickly. Here's a common scenario: The master program for a plant floor controller resides on a floppy disk stored in an engineer's desk. A technician--not knowing where to find...

Controller for water, wastewater uses.
September 1, 2005... Controller for water and wastewater applications is said to set up easily to handle flow proportional control, residual control, compound loop control with lag times, and de-chlorination with sulfur dioxide. The 1/4-DIN 555 unit features NEMA...

Electric globe control valve.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Compact electric globe valve designed for precise flow control is available in plastic body materials of PVC, PP, PVDF, and PTFE in sizes from 1/2-2 in. Modulating control valve features a self-diagnostic actuator, a number of field selectable...

Intrinsically safe IR thermometer.(inside process PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Non-contact infrared thermometer, designed for measuring surface temperature in potentially explosive or flammable environments, is Factory Mutual approved as an intrinsically safe device. Applicable in such industries as petrochemical,...

Immersible in-transit data logger.(inside process PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Immersible data logger can collect up to 8,000 sample readings for liquids or packages in transit or process measurements. Ki-8818 standalone device can be programmed to log ambient temperature from every 1 sec to every 2 hr, placed in a...

Sanitary magmeters for process applications.(inside process PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... FXE4000 electromagnetic flowmeter lets users take a range of measurements from simple to extreme in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. With universal applicability for flow measurement of all conductive fluids,...

Environmental condition monitor.(inside process PRODUCTS)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Model ECM environmental condition monitor is designed for rapid detection of corrosive conditions, including humidity, temperature, and differential pressure. Corrosion monitoring system provides constant surveillance of the atmospheric...

Pump for viscous fluids.(inside process PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... KDS 410 high-pressure syringe pump is suited for delivery of flow to chemical reactors or fluids to pressurized reactors or for viscous fluids. Pump works with syringes form 10 [micro]l up to 140 ml capacity, with accurate flow delivery from 1...

Flowmeter for high-volume water use.
September 1, 2005... Mc Propeller Model MO300 flowmeter is intended for applications requiring high-volume water use, including industrial and municipal water and wastewater, agriculture, horticulture, and irrigation. Bolt-on saddle type instrument provides an...

5 ways to improve engineering communications: ever have someone look at you as if you were speaking a different language? Tips to getting your point across effectively could help lead your next project to success.(JOB SKILLS)
September 1, 2005... How many engineers does it take to communicate a concept or idea to a team effectively? The answer is six; five to develop a collaborative communication system, and one to explain it. As an engineer, I've heard my share of engineering jokes...

CNC platform for machine tool design.(PRODUCTS & software)
September 1, 2005... Sinumerik solution line CNC system platform consists of panel-based Sinumerik 802D sl, PC-based Sinumerik 840Di sl, and "flagship" Sinumerik 840D sl with panel- and PC-based versions. Network-centric architecture can be combined with Sinamics,...

Compact, modular vacuum pump.(PRODUCTS & software)
September 1, 2005... P3010 AVM mini-sized compressed-air-driven vacuum pump reportedly offers multiple integrated control functions. Suitable for highly automated manufacturing processes where robots are used for handling metal sheets, boards, and plastic items in...

Plug-and-play linear motion.(SKF Linear motion)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Electromechanical cylinders offer an all-electric plug-and-play alternative to hydraulic or pneumatic technologies for linear motion applications where high acceleration and high force are required. Three designs are available: modular with...

IEC 61499 automation software.(PRODUCTS & software)
September 1, 2005... ISaGRAF 5.0 is said to be the "world's first commercially available IEC 61499 automation software." (IEC 61499 presents guidelines for using function blocks in distributed industrial process, measurement, and control systems.) Product...

Step-down dc/dc converter.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... LT3437 60 V (with transients up to 80 V) 200 kHz step-down switching regulator has quiescent current under 100 [micro]A. It operates within a [V.sub.IN] range of 3.3-60 V, making it suitable for load dump or cold-crank conditions common in...

High-drive digital I/O capability.(input/output)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... DT9817-H data acquisition digital I/O mini-instrument for USB 2.0 provides high-drive digital I/O capability. Suited for applications requiring a large number of high current outputs, the module provides 28 programmable digital I/O lines, is...

Eight-port PC/104 RS-485 module.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... SIO-104 + 8.485 eight-port PC/104 RS-485 module is designed to meet core needs of PC/104 applications requiring high reliability, small size, and long-term availability. Board conforms to PC/104 specifications and includes UARTs with 128-byte...

Source-code generator for panel design.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... GUI Builder source-code generator runs on a Mosaic touchscreen controller to help OEMs create effective, interactive HMIs. Builder goes beyond the company's GUI Toolkit by actually coding the HMI. It provides a WYSIWYG approach to creating...

Distributed intelligence puts processing power where it's needed.
September 1, 2005... The Perils of Processor Overload Machine design engineers are increasingly replacing mechanical motion systems with servo-based axis control to yield higher speeds, more productivity, and greater reliability. But as designers shift more of...

Intrinsically safe vibration transmitters.(Line of 4-20 mA vibration transmitters)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... 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...

Industrial Ethernet solutions.(Products & software)
September 1, 2005... Industrial Ethernet solutions help users address network design issues, including determinism, efficient traffic management, quick recovery from network faults, and integrity of the physical infrastructure. Product line can outfit users with...

Software forecasts energy efficiency.(Products & software)
September 1, 2005... Energy Savings Predictor (ESP) software, free to owners of Yaskawa E7 drives, accurately forecasts energy efficiency and savings potential for HVAC systems, fan, pump, and cooling tower applications. It is said to produce predictable results...

Input/output systems.(back to BASICS)
September 1, 2005... Today's I/O systems can add intelligence, broader communications, and flexibility across multiple logic platforms, central or distributed. I/O modules, installation, retrofits, and associated labor can account for half of an automation...