Plant Engineering

Maintenance March 9, 2020

Rethink 3D metal printing of turbomachinery parts

Higher-performance pumps and compressors are now possible through support-free additive manufacturing (AM)

By Dr. Zach Murphree

Figure 6: “The architecture of the RCS allows you to achieve very high safety and reliability,” said Dr. Angela Summers. “And by designing it into the manifold, you also can eliminate many sources of maintenance errors, which further improves the reliability of your installation.” Courtesy: Emerson

Sensors, Actuators November 15, 2019

Double up on solenoid safety

Adding two solenoid valves to a safety instrumented system keeps equipment, facility and personnel safe and the system online.

By Joseph D. McHugh II

Figure 1: Packaging lines benefit from the increased controllability of electromechanical actuators as they often eliminate the need for changeover when switching from one product to another. Courtesy: Thomson Industries Inc.

Sensors, Actuators November 12, 2019

Eight selection criteria for actuation components

Electromechanical systems offer advantages over hydraulic and pneumatic actuators

By Chad Carlberg and Chris Diak

Endress+Hauser’s booth at WEFTEC had several sensors and tools designed to gather quick and accurate readings that could be sent to a display for the user so they know when something is wrong. Courtesy: Chris Vavra, CFE Media

Sensors, Actuators September 27, 2019

Water, wastewater industry is going digital and getting smarter

The water and wastewater industry is improving digitalization and automation with smarter sensors designed to make operations safer.

By Chris Vavra

Pump selection for parallel pump control is critical in determining the desired total system output. Check pump curves to make sure that the number of pumps, flow, head, and multi set points are adequate for your system needs. Head pressure may not remain constant in some cases, as the flow is increased to multiple pumps. Courtesy: Crane Pumps & Systems.

Motors, Drives August 15, 2019

Use of variable frequency drives in injection molding saves money

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) improves process cooling optimization and pump efficiency.

By Timothy Albers and Dan Roberts

Sensors, Actuators August 5, 2019

Test smart process control valves in minutes

An automated loop calibration tool can screen valves and identify which ones require more testing and should be pulled.

By Jim Shields

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) named Brian Larry, Jerry Gray and Tim Bieber to their international board for the 2019-2020 administrative year. Courtesy: EASA

Pumps July 22, 2019

Association names international officers for 2019-2020

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) named Brian Larry as chairman of the board for the 2019-2020 administrative year.

By Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)

A new MIT-invented system automatically designs and 3-D prints complex robotic actuators optimized according to an enormous number of specifications, such as appearance and flexibility. To demonstrate the system, the researchers fabricated floating water lilies with petals equipped with arrays of actuators and hinges that fold up in response to magnetic fields run through conductive fluids. Courtesy: Subramanian Sundaram, MIT

Robotics July 18, 2019

Automated system generates robotic actuators

MIT researchers have developed an automated system that designs and 3-D prints robotic actuators, which are optimized and automatically created, which is almost impossible for a human to do.

By Rob Matheson

A soft-actuating robot gripper and a collaborative conveyor system enable safer human-robot interaction. Courtesy: Shuttleworth, LLC/RIA

Robotics May 6, 2019

Fenceless safety methods embrace human-robot interaction

Human-robot collaboration (HRC) is becoming more common, but humans still need to be aware of their machine counterparts. Companies have developed techniques to make it easier for humans and robots to safely interact and improve plant floor productivity.

By Tanya M. Anandan

Events and Awards April 17, 2018

Plant Engineering 2017 Product of the Year Winners

The 2017 award recipients represent the best in innovation

By Bob Vavra, Content Manager, Plant Engineering