Control Automation Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

14/11/2022 Digital ID for industrial valves To further drive digitisation in the process industry, manufacturers should supply clearly identifiable devices and make standardised product data available digitally. The DIN SPEC 91406/IEC 61406 and VDI 2770 standards provide support in ... » Read More

14/11/2022 Successfully sizing up valves Specifying a replacement control valve can be a challenge. Making the right choice ensures optimum system control and accuracy, but sizing requires time, as well as a certain level of expertise. To help resolve these challenges, flow ... » Read More

14/11/2022 Blue, green or both? The government has doubled its target for hydrogen production, from five to 10GW by 2030, as part of its new Energy Security Strategy. But how ready is UK industry? » Read More

31/10/2022 What’s up with HAZOPs? A hazard and operability study (HAZOP) is a type of risk assessment used for chemical process systems at the design and planning stage. It was first created as part of ICI’s six-stage hazard study process in the 1960’s, and subsequently ... » Read More

27/10/2022 From the ground up The aerospace industry has developed one of the most mature models for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). We look at how the process works and what future changes are coming » Read More

24/10/2022 Medical-grade air The medical and pharmaceutical industries use compressed air for a range of applications. Because medical gases often have a direct impact on patient health, it is critical that the compressed air used for these purposes is 100% oil-free » Read More

17/10/2022 Blades drawn in 1 billion contract battle Several heavyweight aircraft manufacturers are to fight it out for ascendancy as the MoD looks to replace its aging fleet of medium-lift helicopters with a new dynamic task force » Read More

17/10/2022 Steady on Britain’s strategic reserve of military vehicles is now safe to use, thanks to a £20m asbestos decontamination operation, thought to be the biggest ever undertaken in the UK » Read More

17/10/2022 Digital transfer for safety data Four regional automotive manufacturer and supplier associations have endorsed a free and open-source digital transfer system of chemicals safety data sheets, ESDScom, in a joint position statement, an edited version of which is published ... » Read More

17/10/2022 Track materials in continuous processes Continuous flow chemistry processes can benefit from a process analytical technology (PAT) framework that incorporates material tracking and tracing functions. By Martin Gadsby, director at Optimal Industrial Technologies, and Ernie ... » Read More

16/10/2022 How to commission a motor repair Karl Metcalfe, technical support at the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades, explains what to look for when commissioning a repair. » Read More

04/10/2022 Pallet truck care A guide to the care, inspection and maintenance of pallet trucks, as covered by PUWER » Read More

04/10/2022 Raising standards It is becoming increasingly important to evaluate the design working period (DWP) of cranes to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe to use » Read More

23/09/2022 Solving the burning issue of tyre disposal How the ancient process of pyrolysis will be used in the UK to – literally – change the landscape of tyre recycling toward greater sustainability. By Tom Austin-Morgan » Read More

23/09/2022 Waste no more: change comes to Magnox at Sellafield nuclear site Sellafield recently began removing waste from one of its most hazardous buildings, culminating a huge engineering and operations project that has been many years in the making. By Steed Webzell » Read More

23/09/2022 Power generation: heating in the city E.ON is commissioning a £4 million project to install one of the UK’s largest zero carbon heating and cooling systems beneath the streets of London » Read More

23/09/2022 Chance of a second life There’s an untold quantity of used batteries ‘out there’, abandoned and unwanted. Now the race to give many of these renewed purpose – a second life – is gathering pace amongst suppliers By Brian Wall » Read More

23/09/2022 Visualising the invisible Umicore shines a light on gas sensors at work » Read More

23/09/2022 Understanding motor current signature analysis By continuously monitoring the current supplied to the stator, it is possible to detect many electrical faults in induction motors, including opening or shorting conditions on the stator, as well as some mechanical faults such as bearing ... » Read More

23/09/2022 Making the grade Calibrating and maintaining a gas analyser is a critical business, with the potential of fines and even plant shutdowns for any companies reporting incorrect readings. By Steed Webzell » Read More

23/09/2022 Minimising the risk of summer downtime Dave Palmer, general manager for the UK and Ireland at ICS Cool Energy, explains how manufacturers can future-proof their temperature control equipment – and their productivity – against the effects of unplanned summer downtime » Read More

23/09/2022 Feeling the heat: industrial temperature control The temperature of the office is an ongoing debate in businesses globally. Employers often search for the optimal temperature to ensure employees are comfortable and productive, but did you know there’s also an optimal air temperature for ... » Read More

22/09/2022 Serving with pride A couple of months ago, Society member and former REME warrant officer Eddie McLellan was profiled here (www.is.gd/ilobot). The article recounted his transition out of the Armed Forces. » Read More

21/09/2022 Documenting Ex repairs Wherever there are gaseous atmospheres and dust, there is the potential for explosions with disastrous results. It is easy to see why legislation relating to hazardous areas and ensuring it is followed is important. When repairing ... » Read More

21/09/2022 Bulking up Using the right kind of bulk bags and handling equipment is paramount for the transportation, storage, processing and packaging of many solid materials – as is ensuring the highest levels of safety. By Brian Wall » Read More