Read more...Loop Signatures 3: Process Dynamics – process gain September 2020, Leaderware, Editor's Choice If one wishes to control a process, then it is important to have a reasonable understanding of the process itself and certainly one should also be aware of the external influences that can act on it.
Read more...Loop Signatures 2: The two classes of processes. July 2020, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Editor's Choice This article will discuss the two classes of processes called self-regulating and integrating (or ramping) processes. This subject is absolutely vital to regulatory control, but strangely is seldom taught ...
Read more...Control loop: Case History 171 - Instability in a metallurgical plant March 2020, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Editor's Choice I have written several articles about the unique problems I have encountered, specifically in the mining processing industry. This article is about some experiences in a mining operation where recently ...
Read more...Smart devices for Ex areas: Unbelievably simple mistakes that prevent control. September 2019, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Editor's Choice, Motion Control & Drives I am often astounded by finding really basic problems with controls in plants, which have operated that way for years. These problems are so basic that one can only wonder at how these controls could ...
Read more...Control loop question answered June 2019, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Editor's Choice Control loop expert Michael Brown recently received a question from reader, Hansell Williams. The question relates to applying neural network and machine learning concepts to plant automation and control. ...
Read more...Control loop: Case History 166 - Feel and understanding, or lack thereof May 2019, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Motion Control & Drives I was present at a very interesting discussion the other day with people who are leaders in the automation and control industry. The subject was how jobs would disappear over the next decade or two as ...
Read more...Control loop: Case History 164 - More on valves that do not control properly. January 2019, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Motion Control & Drives I often publish articles showing valve problems. One of the reasons is that I do not think many people understand that valves are generally responsible for 75-80% of all control loop problems. When it ...
Read more...Control loop: Case History 163 - Control limitations on mineral processing plants November 2018, Michael Brown Control Engineering, Motion Control & Drives I was recently asked to conduct a control loop audit on a mineral extraction processing plant which was fairly old and had been acquired by new owners. A new and very modern control system had been installed ...