Top 10 Control Engineering articles August 13 to September 12: PID control, ladder logic, tablet-based augmented reality, more

Articles about PID control and loop tuning fundamentals, ladder logic, tablet-based augmented reality, network best practices, and control system architectures were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from August 13 to September 12. Miss something? You can catch up here. Also see what ranked 6-10.

By Chris Vavra September 13, 2016

The top 5 most read articles online, from Aug. 13 to Sept. 12 for Control Engineering, covered PID control and loop tuning fundamentals, ladder logic, tablet-based augmented reality, network best practices, and control system architectures. Also see what ranked 6-10 over the last month. 

1. Understanding PID control and loop tuning fundamentals

PID loop tuning may not be a hard science, but it’s not magic either. Here are some tuning tips that work.

2. Ladder logic 106: One shots

Different programmable logic controller (PLC) manufacturers use one shots to develop a scan that is exactly one scan in duration and can be generated from the rising or falling edge of the signal.

3. Tablet-based augmented reality helps predictive maintenance for pumps

Video: sensors on critical pumps can feed a system to help technicians or operators identify when failures are pending and improve energy efficiency. A major U.S. refinery will host a pilot pump diagnostic project, similar to an NIWeek 2016 stage demonstration held on Aug. 2.

4. Applying network best practices via Ethernet network redundancy

Implementing redundancy in an industrial network and choosing an appropriate application method can ensure continuing reliability and operational success.

5. A new architecture for control systems being developed

Engineering and IT Insight: ExxonMobil is working to define a new architecture for distributed control systems (DCSs) by creating a system made up of programmable devices and distributed control nodes (DCNs) that can collective execute multiple layers of control strategies.

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. IoT technologies used to make power plants more efficient

Companies such as GE are launching digital power plant systems in gas and coal plants to make operations cleaner and more efficient by using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

7. Mechatronics efficiency achieved by designing for functional excellence 

Mechatronics design looks at complexity of interdisciplinary technologies, and there are a number of aspects such as teamwork, efficient design, and functionality that need to be considered.

8. Four ways to improve midstream process optimization

Boost output and use fewer resources while increasing plant life and performance.

9. Stepper motors use closed-loop technology for servo applications

Closed-loop stepper motors help deliver precision and efficiency to applications that require the performance of a servo motor. Learn about the characteristics and applications for servo motors and stepper motors.

10. How to keep process facilities safe

Proper safety management can be taken to minimize risk.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, August 13 to September 12, for articles published within the last two months.  

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

Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.