Top 10 Control Engineering articles, January 9 to February 8: Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, SI Giants, process models, more

The top 5 most read articles online, for Jan. 9 to Feb. 8 for Control Engineering covered Microsoft Windows XP Embedded, the 2015 System Integrator Giants, process models and feedback control, wireless for closed-loop applications, and overcoming flow measurement challenges. Link to each article below. Also see what ranked 6-10 over the past month. 

1. The long goodbye to Microsoft Windows XP Embedded

Microsoft’s extended support for Windows XP Embedded ends on January 12, 2016, and those using the system after the expiration date need to take stock of their situation with a complete system inventory to assess the systems’ support availability and where upgrades are really needed.

2. 2015 System Integrator Giants

The System Integrator Giants program (SI Giants) lists the top 100 system integrators among companies listed in the CFE Media Global System Integrator Database, ranked solely on total system integration revenue.

3. Process models facilitate feedback control

Mathematical models of process behavior can be used to improve the design and performance of feedback controllers.

4. Using wireless for closed-loop applications

When considering wireless for control applications, including it in the system design early can prevent surprises during or after installation.

5. Overcoming flow measurement challenges

Matching the flowmeter to the application can help engineers overcome flow measurement issues. Magnetic, vortex, and differential pressure (dP) flowmeters are the leading technologies used to measure volumetric flow or flow velocity. Know when to use each.

More popular stories on Control Engineering

As an online-only feature, we’re featuring the stories that finished 6-10 over the past month.

6. Real-world impact of simulation

Disruptive simulation technologies enabled a large oil pipeline company to maximize profits. Twenty percent savings in capital projects were realized, amounting to $85 million. An additional $24 million in benefit was achieved in additional annual, recurring revenue.

7. Motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency

Engineers must understand how the components in the HVAC systems they design use power and how they can be optimized without compromising traditional design values. Motors and drives are shown in relation to the design of HVAC systems.

8. Applying heat exchanger control strategies

Integrating control schemes, such as feedback, cascade, and feedforward techniques, can satisfy the control requirements of even highly challenging heat exchanger temperature control applications.

9. Open-source robotic software expands capabilities, communications, international influence

ROS-Industrial, an open-source factory automation software project, expanded its influence in 2015 as additional US and European organizations became more engaged.

10. Distributed control system upgrades for process control systems

There are many reasons to upgrade a distributed control system (DCS) for a process control system, but there are many considerations and challenges to consider when doing so.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, January 9 to February 8, for articles published within the last two months.  

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

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Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.

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