Michael Brown has introduced an online control loop optimisation and tuning consultation service designed to help plant engineers all over the world understand why their loops are not behaving the way they should. Here’s how it works:
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
1. Michael will loan the Protuner loop analysis and tuning software to install in one of the plant’s own computers, which will then be connected to the control system via an OPC link.
2. One of the plant technicians or engineers will operate the system and share his screen with Michael via a Zoom link.
3. Michael will direct procedures over the link.
4. A full report will be provided after each session.
Several plants in various countries have already taken advantage of this service in troubleshooting and tuning some difficult loops, with excellent results achieved to date.
To illustrate this, consider how the wayward behaviour exhibited by this slurry flow loop at a platinum concentrator was tamed through a combination of practical insight and the implementation of good tuning practices:
1. When looked at with the initial ‘as-found’ tuning parameters, the system was taking nearly an hour and a half to fully respond to a 10% change in set-point (Figure 1).
2. When the correct tuning coefficients were substituted, the loop went wildly unstable (Figure 2).
3. It was quickly established that there was a 9-times incorrect scaling factor in the P gain term of the PLC controller module. When the gain was reduced by a factor of 9, the response was beautiful – getting smoothly to set-point in just 15 seconds (Figure 3).
Expert online help is now available to all plant personnel struggling with similar problems.
Mining sector turns to private renewables
News
As the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its permanent phase and global buyers tighten emissions disclosure requirements, South African mining operations are accelerating the integration of privately contracted renewable power into their energy mix.
Read more...Appointment Beckhoff Automation
News
Beckhoff Automation has appointed Luzuko Bulembu as technical support engineer.
Read more...From the editor's desk: You could be doing what? Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better ...
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...40 years of PC-based control Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version