Strategic implementation of sensors helps maximize a process from the start and equips operators with enough information to constantly be aware of everything happening in a line. So, what type of sensor(s) will work best for your environment?

Looking for ways to support your systems more easily, more safely, and more quickly for your customers?? Perhaps you are wondering what remote access technology is for industrial control systems.

A lot must be reviewed before selecting the right fitting for power plant instrumentation applications. Among the choices are whether to use single- or double-ferrule designs; heat codes, lubrication, and corrosion resistance must also be considered.

Several different processes require a product to flow through a pipe from one piece of equipment to another. A certain level of heat is often required for this process piping, and this heat must be at very high levels for many applications.

Proper filtration is essential to process flow operation. Improper or lack of filtration can wreak havoc on components, reducing their life and changing the final product. This can lead to equipment failure, process upsets, increased quality issues and in some cases, unplanned shutdown. Learn more.

Achieving effective catalyst regeneration requires a process that produces a very high level of heat in a very efficient manner. Over the years, there have been several different approaches to create this required heat. Traditional steam and heated transfer media have limitations. Learn more.

The devastating effects cavitation can have on control valve internals are widely appreciated. In this article, the authors therefore explain the origins of cavitation, provide an easy-to-use method to estimate cavitation sound levels, and conclude with approaches to reduce or even avoid cavitation.

In many machines, as much as 90% of all particles suspended in the oil can be iron or steel and can be particularly troublesome to operators. This article looks at the advantages and benefits of magnetic filtration and how it can often outperform traditional methods.

Automation of product testing with IAI hardware and EtherNet/IP communication successfully eliminates monotonous manual labor and human error.

Laying out an effective heat tracing design requires careful attention to detail.?Every aspect of the system must be meticulously considered, including both the temperature requirements of the fluids being protected as well as the physical characteristics of the equipment being heat traced.

In the world of instrumentation, there are a number of different topics discussed and analyzed.  However, one that should not be overlooked is that of instrumentation fittings. Do you know what technologies are available? Do you know the strengths and/or weaknesses? Are there any new trends?

For automating machines that require only two to three axes of electric actuators, pulse outputs may be the simplest way to go.

An operator in a fluid handling process is only as effective as his ability to work with a given controller. If there are factors that keep this individual from doing what is necessary for a smooth operation, adjustments need to be made.

When manufacturing engineers are tasked with automating a process that is currently done manually, their main question for an automation supplier is "Have you ever automated this specific process before?" In complex applications, the answer is typically "no." Learn more.

In Joe Nettemeyer's long and productive career, he has had a front-row seat to a significant amount of change, and he's learned how to help others embrace transition. Nettemeyer spoke to Industrial Distribution Magazine about guiding everyone—even the skeptics—through major business shifts.

Premature heater failures can lead to unexpected process downtime. Tactics such as testing, planned replacement programs, and preventing moisture ingress can help prevent premature heater failures.

For many years, the industry has been guided to a liquid filter cartridge with an outside diameter (OD) measuring 2.5" or so with an inside diameter (ID) measuring 1", and a length that varied from 5" to 40". Of course, there are always a few exceptions. Learn more.

Closed-loop stepper motors may be the best choice for tasks typically done by servos because traditional steppers couldn't handle them.

A plant operator's biggest fear is an unplanned shutdown. The process can place a heavy amount of stress on both operations and maintenance personnel. Alternatively, taking full advantage of a planned shutdown or turnaround is critical.

Developing a strong preventative maintenance plan for plant shutdowns and turnarounds is the best way for operators to minimize the risk of equipment failure, which can lead to unnecessary shutdowns and ultimately, higher costs.

Predicting your plant's future depends on collecting and analyzing the correct type and amount of equipment and process data. Predictive maintenance (PdM), much like "IIoT," "Industry 4.0," and "Plug n Play," may be exciting concepts, but many plants still aren't leveraging them fully. Learn more.

Specifying control valves and engineering a system in which the flow of a particular product is completely optimized for superior performance and yield can be a challenging process. A number of factors must be considered during this practice to avoid process-destroying problems. Learn more.

Many engineers may wonder if it is possible to have flashing liquid flow in a control valve even if the flow is not choked. The short answer is yes, but it is not very common. This article provides a more detailed answer to this question.

Within a refinery, four main utilities are considered essential to operations: electricity, natural gas, water, and compressed air.