Control Systems
Control systems are integral to modern manufacturing, engineering and technology, providing the framework for managing and regulating the behavior of dynamic systems. These systems use sensors to collect data from the environment, which is then processed by controllers to generate appropriate responses or adjustments. Control systems are found in various applications, from industrial automation and robotics to climate control and automotive systems, ensuring optimal performance, stability, and efficiency. By employing feedback loops, control systems can dynamically adjust operations to maintain desired outcomes, making them crucial for achieving precision and reliability in complex processes.
Control Loop Tuning: Get Started with a Few Simple Rules
Understanding proportional gain and integral time’s functions in control loop tuning values and how they work together is important.
Control Loop Tuning: Get Started with a Few Simple Rules Read More »Manage Expectations for Project Scope
When a client and system integrator share goals, the potential for success is maximized for a project if the expectations are managed and the project has a clear vision.
Manage Expectations for Project Scope Read More »How to Evaluate and Mitigate Process Control Safety Risks
Automation and safety systems protect us from accidents that can cause serious incidents leading to loss of production, equipment damage, environmental releases, and harm to personnel. Here’s how to prevent these potential catastrophes before they occur by applying proper safety procedures and standards. For a process facility to operate effectively,…
How to Evaluate and Mitigate Process Control Safety Risks Read More »Keep Your Systems Secure - One Patch At A Time
Why aren’t control system patch management best practices higher on a manufacturer’s priority list?
Keep Your Systems Secure - One Patch At A Time Read More »Independent Protection Layers – Are We Inherently Safe?
Explore how each protection layer performs in a real-world hazardous environment. A safety risk can arise at anytime, anywhere, due to any combination of factors. What happens if an abnormal situation occurs? Is your first line of defense solid or does it have a few potential pitfalls? For hazardous environments,…
Independent Protection Layers – Are We Inherently Safe? Read More »PID Controller Loop Tuning Made Simpler
From complex mathematical algorithms to various tuning techniques, loop tuning often presents itself as a black box that requires a certain mathematical artistry to open. One way to open this box is to ask, “What kind of process is being controlled?”
PID Controller Loop Tuning Made Simpler Read More »DCS Migration Best Practices Open the Door to the Modern World
A new digital age has dawned for manufacturers, and many must update or migrate their outdated distributed control systems (DCS) to stay competitive and meet ever-changing consumer demands. Their legacy systems have served them well, but as technology evolves, change is inevitable. In 1959, for instance, the computer revolution met…
DCS Migration Best Practices Open the Door to the Modern World Read More »Pulp and Paper Mill Partners with MAVERICK to Migrate Recovery Boiler Controls
A leading pulp and paper company engaged MAVERICK to migrate recovery boiler control panels to a modern distributed control system and consolidate the operator HMI of three PLC platforms.
Pulp and Paper Mill Partners with MAVERICK to Migrate Recovery Boiler Controls Read More »Modular Design Improves Control System Implementation
Object-Orientation for Automation Design A modernization project utilizing smart and emerging technologies requires a good holistic design to be successful. When that design also incorporates a proper degree of modularity and standards-based components, the upgrade will be faster, more agile, and provide a foundation to better support a facility’s long-term…
Modular Design Improves Control System Implementation Read More »Proper Alarm Management Helps Prevent Unplanned Downtime
It is a typical start to the day for the facility operator. A few alarms need handling, but all systems appear to be running well on site and out in the field. Suddenly, an alarm pops up on the human-machine interface (HMI) display – the compressor is down! Wait, what?…
Proper Alarm Management Helps Prevent Unplanned Downtime Read More »Control System Selection - Finding the One That's Just Right
The process control system (PCS) ties together all the automation elements of a process manufacturing unit and affects every aspect of operations. As the brain and central nervous system of a facility, the level and quality of its performance is key to keeping operations up and running. As new technology…
Control System Selection - Finding the One That's Just Right Read More »5 Key Factors to a Successful Migration Project
Legacy control system obsolescence is the main driver for migrations in the industry today, as well as the need to avoid the significant cost and risk associated with losing operational control of a process. Companies know they need to migrate to stay competitive, but uncertainty and fear of change hinders…
5 Key Factors to a Successful Migration Project Read More »Legacy Control System Turnarounds: A Planned Approach
As the digital transformation evolves and gains traction, industrial manufacturers can no longer take a wait-and-see approach to modernize their facilities. To improve operational efficiency, reliability and predictability, they must change and evolve, too, or face inevitable equipment obsolescence. What happens if parts fail or break? Few original equipment manufacturers…
Legacy Control System Turnarounds: A Planned Approach Read More »The Challenge of Maintaining Legacy Systems
For many manufacturers, the struggle is real when it comes to maintaining aging automation platforms. In fact, according to ARC Advisory Group, there are $65B worth of installed distributed control systems (DCSs) nearing end of life with many of those systems more than 25 years old. Unfortunately, manufacturers experience…
The Challenge of Maintaining Legacy Systems Read More »