Reader feedback sent to Michael Brown

May 2014 System Integration & Control Systems Design

SA Instrumentation and Control contributing editor, Michael Brown, recently received some feedback on a loop optimisation article we published in the August 2013 edition. Since it is such a topical experience from a C&I engineer, we decided to publish it.

Mike,

I was reading your article in the August 2013 edition of SA Instrumentation and Control about strangely behaving valves and it reminded me of an experience I had when I was tuning a loop in a DMS plant. It was a simple loop controlling density with water flow, but I did not have a flowmeter to check the flow rates.

An I/P valve manufacturer had been issued with an order to provide a valve of a certain flow range that they did not have in stock, but they could modify the range of another valve by exchanging the seat. What they failed to do, however, was to recalibrate the valve for 4-20 mA: valve fully closed to fully open.

The valve only started opening above 8 mA and, since the loop was quite slow, this caused some problems as you will appreciate. Subsequently the project leader accused me of not knowing what I was doing, since the loop was not controlling the density satisfactorily. I stuck to my guns and said that the valve was not opening when it should.

I checked the density control later when I could open an outlet to see if there was water flowing, and sure enough there was no flow. Now it was my turn to make accusations about who had not done their job. Needless to say there were no apologies.

Regards,

Richard Mackay.

Further reading:

Seamless underground-to-surface truck automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Epiroc has extended its autonomous underground mine trucks to operate in surface environments, using 3D lidar for localisation, mapping and obstacle detection. A single Deep Automation system can now manage the full hauling cycle, from underground production areas to surface dumping locations.

Read more...

---

The Eplan Platform 2027 has arrived
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Eplan Platform 2027 is now live, bringing more than 500 enhancements across pre-planning, electrical engineering and control cabinet design, along with the new Eplan Copilot AI assistant and cloud-based, bidirectionally synchronised device management.

Read more...

---

Extending the life of a Milacron 500 through control system modernisation
Abacus Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
A complex control system modernisation has given a mechanically sound Milacron 500 injection moulding machine a new lease of life. By replacing obsolete SCADA and hydraulic motion control technology, the project improved reliability and maintainability while minimising downtime and avoiding the cost of a new machine.

Read more...

---

Grid connection design for solar IPP in De Aar
System Integration & Control Systems Design
   De Aar Grid Connection Design Grid Connection Design for De Aar Solar IPP    Project & Industry NewFields was engaged to provide the concept and detailed design for the grid connection of a solar Independent ...

Read more...

---

How certified industrial automation channels become co-creators in the AI era
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
As industrial automation becomes software-driven and AI-enabled, the role of channel partners is shifting from equipment supply to outcome-based consulting, software integration and lifecycle services that require continuous certification and capability development.

Read more...

---

Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.

Read more...

---

Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility
Process Dynamics System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.

Read more...

---

Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric’s Alliance Programme turns system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
: Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is helping system integrators across Africa move beyond one-off projects and build the skills and service models needed to become long-term industrial technology partners.

Read more...

---

Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment
Process Dynamics System Integration & Control Systems Design
   Project and industry Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s ...

Read more...

---