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.

07/04/2011 Ultrasonics solve level problems at Ayr Pumping Station Scottish Water is reporting success with non-contacting ultrasonic level measurement equipment that has resolved a difficult deep-well measurement issue. » Read More

07/04/2011 Novel emergency stop improves efficiency at Airbus Filton The Airbus plant at Filton, Bristol is reporting improved safety and efficiency since installing Siemens' innovative 'e-stop' emergency stop buttons. » Read More

07/04/2011 Chester Zoo monorail upgrade is smooth improvement Chester Zoo is reporting improved performance from its newly refurbished 1.5km long straddle beam monorail system – in large part due to new Parker drives and ac motors. » Read More

07/04/2011 Astrum foundry halves energy costs with Variable speed compressors Two regulated-speed compressors are helping steel components maker Astrum to halve compressed air energy costs, while also increasing productivity. » Read More

07/04/2011 Advanced agitator design shaves 60% off plant energy bill Process engineers at AkzoNobel's Birmingham coatings plant are reporting energy consumption cut by more than 60%, with batch times reduced by 20 minutes, since installing EKATO agitators. » Read More

07/04/2011 Machine safety Following last year's update of the Machinery Directive, Laura Cork uncovers concerns and confusion over safety-related issues – for machine builders, specifiers and users » Read More

07/04/2011 Fail to danger Most toxic and flammable gas detectors feature the fundamental flaw of failing to danger. Dr Tom Shelley looks at the problem and some useful solutions » Read More

07/04/2011 Automation upgrade With computing technology not known for standing still, it should come as no surprise that the control systems it underpins are getting cleverer and cheaper. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

07/04/2011 Managing maintenance Computerised maintenance management systems – CMMS – are helping to breathe new life into enlightened plant operations, as Brian Wall reports » Read More

07/04/2011 Uplifted engineering The revised Machinery Directive will have an effect on operations engineers using lifting equipment. Dr Tom Shelley reports » Read More

07/04/2011 Risk-based changes Get it right and the savings can be huge, but get it wrong and the cost is unimaginable. Brian Tinham talks to John Wintle about changing best practice for hazardous plant inspections » Read More

07/04/2011 Safety under the microscope With the publication in mid February of the final report into the 2005 Buncefield explosion and fire – Britain's most expensive industrial disaster – any remaining doubt that the primary causes were failings in safety management will have ... » Read More

09/02/2011 Maintec 2011 preview This year's tightly focused maintenance technologies event is aimed at engineers, technicians and managers specialising in plant assets. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

09/02/2011 Peristaltics take on the nasties Surface treatment technologies specialist AHC Benelux reports that its peristaltic pump is working well, handling aggressive wastewater fluids. » Read More

09/02/2011 Chains need the right lubricant Tests by leaf chain manufacturer FB Chain reveal that the choice of lubricant, not just the frequency of greasing, has a dramatic impact on forklift truck chain performance. » Read More

09/02/2011 Ceramic liner is tougher than coal clinker Material protection specialist Kingfisher says it has solved a problem of rapidly wearing surfaces at an unnamed power station, where two other firms' trial installations had failed. » Read More

09/02/2011 Compressor cuts costs at oldest brewery Weihenstephan brewery in Freising near Munich is reporting a 30% reduction in compressed air energy costs since installing a variable speed, oil-free compressor from compare. » Read More

09/02/2011 Variable speed drives save £22,000 on HVAC Operators of the Omnibus building in Reigate, Surrey, report savings of £20,000 per year on HVAC energy costs since installing ABB standard variable speed drives. » Read More

09/02/2011 Hot stuff Proper maintenance and repair of furnace linings and insulation can result in significant energy savings, with the cost of new materials often being recouped within 12—24 months. Thomas Rebernak and Steve Chernak explain » Read More

09/02/2011 Bioenergy:the next generation Biomass plants are more advanced and more prolific than many realise. Birmingham City University's head of bioenergy research Dr Lynsey Melville looks at what's out there – and the future » Read More

09/02/2011 Training for tomorrow When times get tough, tough cuts follow, with training and continuing professional development suffering, too. But will that wreak long-term irreparable damage? Brian Wall reports » Read More

09/02/2011 Downsizing CHP Combined heat and power has come a very long way since Battersea Power Station. Dr Tom Shelley looks at some of the advances and offers engineering advice » Read More

09/02/2011 No Crystal Ball A wide range of tools and techniques is now available to ease the task of predicting when and what maintenance is required on machines and plant units. Steed Webzell reports » Read More

09/02/2011 Control Revisited Control valves, actuators and positioners aren't renowned for rapid technological development, but advances are changing the shape of best practice. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

09/02/2011 Get stuck in for the Big Society Engineers of all stripes might have been forgiven for raising an eyebrow at the close of last year, as the coalition government launched its nattily named Growth Review Framework for Advanced Manufacturing. » Read More