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.

06/04/2020 Looking through the training window Companies across industry are starting to introduce virtual reality and augmented reality training into the workplace. This is providing operators and engineers with the opportunity to hone their skills and learn relevant safety protocols ... » Read More

06/04/2020 Sight sensing Motion amplification is a powerful technique for visualising vibration and other motion in mechanical systems, which can lead to rapid diagnosis of potential problems » Read More

30/03/2020 The cobots have landed The UK has been lagging behind much of Europe when it comes to embracing collaborative robot (cobot) technology. But that is rapidly changing as the productivity gains such investment can bring become clear » Read More

30/03/2020 Handy advice Irritant contact dermatitis is an eczema that can be triggered by a range of substances used across industry. This article focuses on employee hands and looks at what measures can be put in place to prevent it » Read More

23/03/2020 Hidden gems Vibration sensors can monitor the health of different assets, including motors, pumps, compressors and fans. These small, low-cost devices can be a godsend to operators by highlighting potential catastrophic failure via data » Read More

16/03/2020 Manchester makeover Atlas Copco has recently upgraded compressed air and vacuum systems for Manchester-based brick maker Wienerberger, resulting in energy cost savings, along with reduced CO2 emissions and production downtime » Read More

10/03/2020 Safe cleaning with gas A series of vehicle explosions has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to issue guidance for mobile oven cleaning businesses that use LPG to heat dip tanks. While much of the advisory may be considered common sense, raising ... » Read More

04/03/2020 Pump it up A heat pump, in simple terms, is a device that transfers heat from a source to another location. With the rising popularity of renewable energy sources, they have become effective alternatives to fossil fuels and can even reduce utility ... » Read More

04/03/2020 Comment: Uncharted waters The headline figure from the recently released Subsea UK Business Activity Review for the fiscal year 2018/19 was that the UK underwater engineering industry is set to recruit nearly 9,000 people in the next three years, suggesting ... » Read More

04/03/2020 The stage is set Plant & Asset Management returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 21-23 April 2020, alongside co-located events Drives & Controls, Smart Industry Expo, Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech, as well as MACH (20-24 April) » Read More

04/03/2020 Clearing the air Using air to dry, cool or clean can be achieved using both compressed air and blower-operated systems. But what are the principal differences and benefits of each system? » Read More

05/02/2020 Ship shape From the advanced polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough to the new £6.2 billion Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, on-board water systems are playing a vital role at sea » Read More

05/02/2020 Comment: Floating cities The November 2019 issue of Operations Engineer featured an interview with new SOE patron Sir John Parker, a near 60-year veteran of industry who started his career in shipbuilding. Among other comments, he said: “Ships have every ... » Read More

05/02/2020 Joining plastic pipe High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the polymer used for water and wastewater pipes. In thicker formulations, the same material is also used for buried gas lines. Sections can be joined together under heat and pressure, and there are ... » Read More

05/02/2020 Protecting nature Water companies need to adopt efficient ways of reducing phosphorus levels in water, in order to banish harmful algae from rivers and lakes » Read More

05/02/2020 Fighting floods There are a range of products and equipment that can aid in flooding scenarios – before, during and after they happen. OE highlights some examples currently on the market » Read More

05/02/2020 Identify & rectify Rising energy costs have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for many UK businesses. Correctly identifying and accounting for potential energy losses could help save money on fuel bills » Read More

05/02/2020 Polishing up on feedwater The bulk of boiler failures are due to problems with water. Poor feedwater chemistry can lead to scale deposits, sludge and corrosion in boilers and pressure vessels with potentially catastrophic failure as a result. For boilers, water ... » Read More

05/02/2020 Oh snap! OE’s editor and thermal camera novice Adam Offord visited Flir Systems to test its product range and user-friendliness » Read More

05/02/2020 Staying focused There are a wide range of infrared training courses on the market, from general introductions to specialist and sector-specific instruction » Read More

08/01/2020 Earth movers Tunnel boring machines are anything but boring, having been responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious construction projects. OE investigates these ubiquitous, but largely unseen, underground monsters » Read More

08/01/2020 Comment: More of the same As we enter a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on 2019. So many major events have taken place, from the political turmoil that has gripped the UK, to mass environmental protests and even severe flooding to parts of the nation. And ... » Read More

08/01/2020 Tipping the balance A consortium of construction organisations has developed a seven-point strategy on the proper and safe use of forward tipping dumpers » Read More

08/01/2020 Electric Avenue Global warming concerns have been reignited across the world. In the mobile plant sector, companies are starting to rock down to Electric Avenue to help tackle such problems, among others. Highlights of some latest efforts follows » Read More

08/01/2020 Forging closer bonds The British Pump Manufacturers’ Association and Lancaster University are working together to support pump manufacturers in solving their technical challenges. The tie-up also aims to raise the standard for pump engineers » Read More