Activity
  • Permitted and Actual Mode

    The input parameters of are function block are used by the algorithm in conjunction with the state of the function block application to determine if the algorithm can achieve the target mode of operation established for it. The target mode attribute as origianlly defined by ISA50 is the part of the mode parameter that indicates … Continue reading » Read the full text.
  • Tip #9 – The O-ring seal in an on/off actuator can be a decent indicator of its reliability

    Note: The following tip is from the upcoming book by Greg McMillan and Hunter Vegas titled, 101 Tips for a Successful Automation Career, inspired by the ISA Mentor Program. Tip #9 – The O-ring seal in an on/off actuator can be a decent indicator of its reliability By Hunter Vegas (Technical) Over the course of [...] Read the full text.
  • Dead Time Dominance Does Not Have to Be Deadly

    Severely dead-time-dominant loops are particularly challenging because a control loop cannot see and start to correct for an unmeasured disturbance until after one dead time. Complete correction takes at least two dead times. Also, such loops are more susceptible to noise, since there is not a major process time constant acting as a filter. Many tuning methods break down and model-based methods are prone to failure. Here…
  • Deadtime Dominance does not have to be Deadly

    Severely deadtime dominant loops are particularly challenging because a control loop cannot see and start to correct for an unmeasured disturbance until after one deadtime. Complete correction takes at least two deadtimes. Also, such loops are more susceptible to noise since there is not a major process time constant acting as a filter. Many tuning methods breakdown and model based methods are prone to failure. Here is…
  • Updated Native vs. Layered Foundation Fieldbus Whitepaper

    The Native vs. the Layered (Mapped) Approach to FOUNDATION Fieldbus. (213KB PDF) Read the full text.
  • Updated EDDL Technology Whitepaper

    Why Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) Technology is the Right Choice for Smart Plant Installations. (557KB PDF) Read the full text.
  • Updated Implementing Fieldbus in DeltaV Systems Whitepaper

    This whitepaper answers many questions users have asked about implementing Foundation fieldbus systems with DeltaV systems. (350KB PDF) Read the full text.
  • Updated Enhanced FOUNDATION Fieldbus Diagnostics Whitepaper

    The Enhanced FOUNDATION Fieldbus Physical Layer Diagnostics whitepaper provides possible solutions that allow enhanced Ff (FOUNDATION fieldbus) physical layer diagnostics using the Pepperl+Fuchs FieldConnex Fieldbus Power Hub family of Ff power supplies, power conditioners, and diagnostic modules when connected to the DeltaV system. (415KB PDF) Read the full text.
  • Updated Wrong way to Link Serial I/O Whitepaper

    The Wrong Way to Link Serial I/O Motor Protection Relays (MPRs) to the DeltaV System. (440KB PDF) Read the full text.
  • Hazards of Single Method of Cyber-Security Defense

    Over at the Tofino blog is a post, SCADA Security: A Call-out to Control Engineers about Air Gaps, which every process automation professional should read. Eric Byres opens the post: Last week I discussed how security experts and ICS / SCADA vendors are...
  • Mode Structure

    The PID block mode parameter as originally defined by ISA50 determines the source of the block setpoint and the source of its output. This mode parameter is structure to contain four attributes: Target – The mode of operation requested by the operator Actual – The mode of operation that may be achieved based on the … Continue reading » Read the full text.
  • Have You Read Our July 2012 Magazine Digital Edition?

    Don't miss the content-rich July issue of Control.  Our cover story " Process Automation Jobs: Help Wanted " tells you how to take advantage of the job boom in the process automation industries. read more
  • Tip #51 – Seek Conversations with Knowledgeable People

    Note: The following tip is from the upcoming book by Greg McMillan and Hunter Vegas titled, 101 Tips for a Successful Automation Career, inspired by the ISA Mentor Program. Tip #51 – Seek Conversations with Knowledgeable People By Greg McMillan (Philosophical) I earned a degree in Engineering Physics, a now-defunct program at Kansas University created [...] Read the full text.
  • The ABCs of Controller Tuning

    All of the major tuning methods end up with the same expressions for PID gain, reset time, and rate time when the tuning objective is maximum disturbance rejection. Differences come down to tweaking of the a, b, and c coefficients. Furthermore the use of external-reset feedback (dynamic reset limit), and options such as a setpoint filter, setpoint rate limit, and an enhanced PID for wireless eliminate the need to retune…
  • The A, B, Cs of Controller Tuning

    All of the major tuning methods end up with the same expressions for PID gain, reset time, and rate time when the tuning objective is maximum disturbance rejection. Differences come down to tweaking of the a, b, and c coefficients. Furthermore the use of external-reset feedback (dynamic reset limit), and options such as a setpoint filter, setpoint rate limit, and an enhanced PID for wireless eliminate the need to retune…
  • Press Release: Emerson automates Jubilant Life Sciences plants in India

    Technologies and expertise help increase manufacturing productivity and reduce operating costs and complexity AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2012) — Pharmaceutical company Jubilant Life Sciences has chosen process automation technologies and services from Emerson Process Management, a global business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), to help increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve efficiency at three manufacturing plants [..…
  • Mode – Bumpless Transfer

    As an operator changes the mode of a function block, it is important that this change not cause a sudden change in plant operation. In the ISA50 mode implementation, the status in the backward path plays an important role in providing bumpless transfer. For example, the actual mode of an analog output block will not transfer … Continue reading » Read the full text.
  • Tip #1 – Always Ask “Why?” – Never Stop Learning

    Note: The following tip is from the upcoming  book by Greg McMillan and Hunter Vegas titled, 101 Tips for a Successful Automation Career, inspired by the ISA Mentor Program. Tip #1 – Always Ask “Why?” – Never Stop Learning By Hunter Vegas – (Philosophical) Both Greg and I thought this tip was the perfect place to start a book [...] Read the full text.
  • What are the Alternatives to Reduce Noise?

    Nearly all loops have noise. Whether you see the noise is a matter of amplitude, frequency, resolution, and data compression. Signal filters and damping can reduce noise but the penalty is a measurement lag and deterioration in the ability to reject disturbances. Here are alternatives for noise reduction to decrease process variability and increase valve life. read more
  • Mode – The Role of Status

    As the ISA50 function block team considered how to improve plant operations through a more comprehensive implementation of mode in the control system, they realized it would be important that the control blocks, such as the PID, be designed to automatically take into account up-steam and downstream conditions that impact control operation. Thus, inputs and … Continue reading » Read the full text.
  • Improving efficiency of process control optimization for batch chemical systems

    One of the objectives of the ISA Mentor program is to increase the number of papers and presentations by users to share plant expertise and best practices to advance the automation profession. Each of the program participants will present a paper and/or participate in an ISA Mentor Program Panel session at ISA Automation Week, 24-27 [...] Read the full text.
  • Future PV Values are the Future

    Control loops have to deal with disturbances and setpoint changes, yet operator displays give a static picture. The simple identification of the loop deadtime and calculation of the process variable (PV) rate of change can be used to provide intelligent trends and future trajectories that not only help the operator but also offer equipment and environmental protection, optimization of setpoint response, and process analysis…
  • Read our June 2012 Digital Edition

    Control's June cover story reveals the multiple ways process control engineers, integrators and suppliers are reaching their "green goals," plus the results of our 2012 salary survey , getting the best shelter for your process analyzers and how object-oriented design can help you reach your project goals. Also don't miss Bela Liptak and his panel of experts talk about valve failures and Greg McMillan and Stan Weiner talk…
  • Distributed Control Systems’ Implementation of Mode

    To ease operator transition from panel-based systems to monitor-based systems, the manner in which first generation Distributed Control Systems (DCS) displayed information often mimicked the way this information had earlier appeared on the control panel. Since the control interface provided by the control panel was familiar and had proven to be effective, a similar presentation … Continue reading » Read the full text…
  • Effective use of key PID features

    One of the objectives of the ISA Mentor program is to increase the number of papers and presentations by users to share plant expertise and best practices to advance the automation profession. Each of the program participants will present a paper and/or participate in an ISA Mentor Program Panel session at ISA Automation Week, 24-27 [...] Read the full text.