Taking steps in a new direction

AppliedAutomation's new focus will emphasize application stories and case stories and the February issue focuses on how system integrators apply automation, instrumentation, and control theories and techniques.

By Jack Smith February 5, 2017

In this issue, AppliedAutomation begins its focus on application stories and case studies. Most of the content will explore how system integrators and control engineers apply automation, instrumentation, and control theories and techniques to help you operate your facilities profitably, efficiently, reliably, and securely.

The cover story is presented in three parts. The author explains how the plethora of industrial control system choices have evolved and how the lines that separate them continue to blur. He offers selection criteria for modern controls and provides valuable decision-making criteria. In addition, the author includes two case studies. Clarksville Light & Water Co. is a municipally-owned utility that has been serving the Clarksville, Ark. community since 1913. He explains how a new control system provides a secure platform for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), remote terminal unit (RTU) monitoring, and control of its electric, water, and wastewater utilities. In the other case study, the author describes how the controls for Russellville, Ark.’s treatment facilities were becoming obsolete, and how the legacy system was replaced with a secure industrial control system, which is now part of an integrated plantwide SCADA system.

The second article in this issue explains how a southern U.S. chemical manufacturer solved its alarm management issues while focusing on goals and aligning with industry standards.

Although the new focus of AppliedAutomation starts now, tutorial-based content still will be included. Such is the case with the third article in this issue, which provides an elementary understanding behind the terminology, concepts, theory, and physics behind permanent magnet motors.

This article appears in the Applied Automation supplement for Control Engineering 
and Plant Engineering

– See other articles from the supplement below.


Author Bio: Content manager, CFE Media