Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, December 1-7: PID loop tuning, rules for pumps and fans, plant workflow obstructions, more

Articles about PID loop tuning advice, rules for pumps and fans, removing obstructions for plant workflow streams, integrating vs. self-regulating fundamentals, and selecting inductive proximity switches were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, December 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra December 8, 2014

Plant Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Dec. 1-7, covered PID loop tuning advice, rules for pumps and fans, removing obstructions for plant workflow streams, integrating vs. self-regulating fundamentals, and selecting inductive proximity switches. Link to each article below.

1. Learning PID loop tuning from an expert

Hands-on experience helps accelerate the PID learning curve. 

2. DOE pushes new rules for pumps, fans, and compressors

With 90% of motors being regulated under efficiency laws, DOE are now making rules to improve the efficiency of other industrial parts. 

3. Removing obstructions to your plant’s workflow streams

Plant operation and maintenance people routinely handle complex plant processes, yet many aren’t sure how to tackle moving plant information strategically across departments and locations. 

4. Fundamentals of integrating vs. self-regulating processes

Sometimes a process is easier to control if it "leaks." Here’s a look at why.

5. Selecting inductive proximity switches

Follow these guidelines to select the right inductive proximity switch for your application.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, December 1-7, for articles published within the last two months.

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


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is senior editor for WTWH Media LLC.