Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, November 3-9: Determining a motor’s load, common engineering mistakes, electrical power measurement, more

Articles about determining a motor’s load, common engineering mistakes, electrical power measurement on motors, risk factors for automation projects, and bypassing safety systems were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, November 3-9. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra November 10, 2014

Plant Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Nov. 3-9, covered determining a motor’s load, common engineering mistakes, electrical power measurement on motors, risk factors for automation projects, and bypassing safety systems. Link to each article below.

1. Keeping it simple: Steps to determine motor’s actual load

Oversized motors cost more to operate-sometimes a lot more. Fortunately, there’s a simple procedure for determining the actual hp required by a load, without expensive equipment or engineering.

2. Two things engineers consistently get wrong

There are two concepts that consistently show up as weak areas with engineers in manufacturing environments. The first is true in-depth "root causes" problem solving and the second is relying on technical solutions rather than culture change to solve problems.

3. Electrical power measurement on 3-phase motors

Testing drive-and-motor systems is a three-step process.

4. Four risk factors jeopardizing automation projects

Pharmaceutical companies are making a beeline to automate manufacturing. Here are four primary risk factors, most of them non-technical, which might hinder the early phases of any automation project.

5. Bypassing safety systems a dangerous strategy

Safety and maintenance are two concepts that ought to go together. However, even two things in perfect harmony can get out of tune when there is a conflict as to which one is more important.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on plantengineering.com, November 3-9, for articles published within the last two months.

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


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