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.

13/11/2014 Gearing up Choice of gearbox type, not just sizing, is critical to the performance, efficiency, reliability and cost of any application. Brian Tinham takes advice from Brevini sales manager Dave Brown » Read More

13/11/2014 Fired up for success Bosch Thermotechnology's Worcester factory is already a benchmark site within its group for efficiency, but this engineering powerhouse has sparked yet more improvement, thanks to lean production lines and some serious energy-reduction ... » Read More

13/11/2014 Making manufacturing a party political issue As we go to press, with the 2014 party political conference season almost over and the closing speeches still ringing (perhaps somewhat hollow?) in our ears, it's interesting to ponder the dilemma for whichever government picks up the ... » Read More

23/10/2014 Age concern A sharp focus on maintenance can result in significant improvements in factory operations, but too many managers struggle to take seriously the upkeep of their plant and equipment, says Ian Vallely » Read More

23/10/2014 Good ergonomics is good economics Ergonomics – ensuring a good fit between people and their working environments – can help cut absenteeism, raise quality, boost productivity and reduce costs. Ian Vallely looks at the potentially profound impact of ergonomic design on a ... » Read More

23/10/2014 More for less Getting something for nothing isn't everyone's experience, but when it comes to energy efficiency it's easier than you might imagine to come close. Brian Tinham talks to Bosch Thermotechnology and Autoglym » Read More

27/09/2014 Money for nothing Combined heat and power is one of those rare examples of a system that breaks the rule that insists 'if something sounds too good to be true it probably is', says Ian Vallely » Read More

27/09/2014 Opportunity knocks? While the temptation is understandably to tackle energy-saving projects piecemeal on the shopfloor, taking a holistic approach will reap far bigger rewards. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

23/09/2014 Bring Cinders to the ball Steam generation and distribution plant still isn't getting the attention it deserves. Brian Tinham looks at what's required to bring this Cinderella to the high-efficiency ball. » Read More

29/08/2014 Health check Everyone involved with notified hazardous areas should be well aware of the legislation and ACOPs, and the seriousness of their duties. But part of that includes more audit than some may realise, says Brian Tinham » Read More

29/08/2014 Leading statement Maintenance safety is being sacrificed as site leaders stake all on satisfying production quotas, the WM Factory Health and Maintenance Conference heard. Max Gosney and Ian Vallely reveal the uncomfortable truth behind manufacturing's ... » Read More

27/08/2014 How to avoid the safety catch A forthcoming occupational health and safety management standard is set to help cut the awful toll of death and injury on Britain's factory floors, says Ian Vallely. » Read More

27/08/2014 Chicken and egg Plant and equipment condition monitoring systems are invaluable in any maintenance engineer's armoury. But you might need to get the basics and backup right first, suggests Brian Tinham » Read More

14/08/2014 You have the power The Energy Event – the exhibition and conference dedicated to energy procurement, management and efficiency – will welcome more than 6,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors when it returns to the NEC, Birmingham in its new halls 3 and 3A on ... » Read More

14/08/2014 Lay waste to poor recycling Manufacturers that have mastered the art of recycling reveal their secrets of success to Steed Webzell » Read More

06/08/2014 Time for a national strategy for success How many more times must we witness government officials wringing their hands over the skills shortage? It's hardly a new phenomenon. The dearth of talent has been holding back UK engineering for years. » Read More

06/08/2014 Devil in the detail Pump designs may not be subject to radical change these days, but the sheer variety of types and the challenges of pumping applications make this a specialist sector. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

06/08/2014 Spoilt for choice As process control systems advance and digital networks develop, is there still a place for 4–20mA analogue signalling? Brian Tinham talks to Chris Hoey, of Bürkert, about making the right choices. » Read More

09/07/2014 Changing maintenance safety for the better It may come as a surprise to many to learn that some 25–30% of work-based fatalities in manufacturing industry (which for the last five years has recorded around 30 deaths annually) are related to maintenance activity. » Read More

02/07/2014 Winning the power struggle Why fight only for production improvements when you can also add significantly to the bottom line by implementing a few simple energy-saving measures, asks Ian Vallely » Read More

01/07/2014 Court in the act Attending court, whether as defendant, plaintive or expert witness, can be a chastening experience. Brian Tinham talks to INITA's Jim Haire about a recent training event » Read More

01/07/2014 Wireless warning Just as wireless digital plant-level communications gets into its stride, the international standards bodies appear to be introducing a giant stumbling block. » Read More

30/06/2014 Flixborough revisited Forty years on from the Flixborough disaster, Brian Tinham looks at the lessons learned then and since – and the repercussions for safety throughout the process industries. » Read More

14/06/2014 Unsafe maintenance Sadly, maintenance engineers and technicians are still being seriously injured and even killed as they carry out their tasks. Brian Tinham asks HSE chair Judith Hackitt, why? » Read More

19/05/2014 Heat of the moment Thermal cameras have grown in popularity as fast as prices have fallen. But, while their inspection power is immense, there are issues for the unwary, warns Brian Tinham » Read More