Emerson Exchange 365

Tight reactor temperature control enables the optimization of capacity and yield. What happens upfront in the reaction sets the stage for downstream processing and what ultimately ends up in the final product. Generally, increasing reactor temperature will increase reaction rate (capacity) but if the temperature is too high, side reactions may develop reducing reaction selectivity (yield). Oscillations and errors will prevent operating closer to the optimum temperature. read more

Cascade control is an effective way of providing better feedback and feedforward control. The peak error in the primary loop can be reduced by more than an order of magnitude for disturbances originating in the secondary loop. The nonlinearity a control valve can be removed from the primary control loop. Flow feedforward and ratio control can become more effective. The following checklist provides some guidance on how to get this and more from cascade control. read more

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 #29 – Tricks for control panels By Hunter Vegas (Project Management/Execution... Read the full text.

What is the most effective type of simulation? What is the fidelity needed? How can you automatically increase fidelity? How can you help operators deal with abnormal situations? How can you have a laboratory that behaves like the real plant to learn how the process responds, demonstrate creative control solutions, and quantify the benefits? read more

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 #24 – When performing a DCS retrofit, take the time to study the I/O cards... Read the full text.

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... Read the full text.

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... Read the full text.

Winner of ISA’s prestigious ISA Life Achievement Award in 2010 and many times recognized and awarded for his achievements during the course of his career, Greg McMillan is ISA’s most prolific author. Greg cranks out at least one book—sometimes two—a year... Read the full text.

In the ISA Automation Week Mentor Program, I am providing guidance for extremely talented individuals from Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. We will be sharing a question and the answers each week. If you would like to provide... Read the full text.

In the ISA Automation Week Mentor Program, I am providing guidance for extremely talented individuals from Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. We will be sharing a question and the answers each week. If you would like to provide... Read the full text.

In the ISA Automation Week Mentor Program, I am providing guidance for extremely talented individuals from Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. We will be sharing a question and the answers each week. If you would like to provide... Read the full text.