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.

01/01/2010 Engineering appeal soars Anyone who has spent any time in plant engineering cannot fail to have been struck by its accelerating rate of change, not just in terms of the technologies - drawing on developments from across the engineering disciplines - but also, ... » Read More

01/01/2010 Asset improver Plant condition monitoring equipment is more accessible than ever. But where should you be thinking about using it? Brian Tinham takes expert advice » Read More

01/12/2009 Zero waste? In Europe, 10% of electricity consumed by industry is for compressed air, yet much of that energy is wasted. In a carbon-conscious era, something has to change, says Steed Webzell » Read More

01/12/2009 Sow’s ear to silk purse Making a silk purse from a sow's ear has never been a promising prospect. But, says Dr Tom Shelley, plants and processes are getting better at extracting cash from trash » Read More

01/12/2009 Reaching the parts Environmentally friendly and synthetic lubricants are creeping into mainstream plant applications as alternatives to conventional mineral oils – and for good, solid economic reasons, as Brian Wall reports » Read More

01/12/2009 Raise high the pallet, engineers It's too easy to go for the same old equipment for yet another lifting or handling task. Brian Tinham examines some of the options and the engineering issues in specifying plant » Read More

01/12/2009 Opening up on control valves There are three key steps to ensuring that control valves don't cause process plant instability. Mark Perry explains the problems and their solutions » Read More

01/12/2009 Naval sultans The Royal Navy turns out some of the smartest, most able plant engineers on the planet. Brian Tinham takes a look at HMS Sultan and finds out the secrets of success » Read More

01/12/2009 CDM-C compliance The CDM regulations 2007 put the responsibility for construction project safety on plant owner/operators. Brian Tinham reviews requirements and opportunities » Read More

01/12/2009 Boiler breakthrough While innovative energy- and emissions-saving add-ons are gaining in popularity for steam-raising plant, technology trialled on marine boilers is tackling water treatment. Brian Tinham examines the final piece of the jigsaw » Read More

01/11/2009 Mustang reborn Ford's classic Mustang is now being manufactured at the AutoAlliance car plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA. Brian Tinham looks at the automation now behind the all American icon » Read More

01/10/2009 Under pressure Boiler plant safety is generally well understood, but the demands of work may leave pressure systems exposed to danger. Brian Tinham re-examines concerns and best practice » Read More

01/10/2009 Take cover Whether you're protecting materials, components or assemblies against corrosion, heat or fatigue, there are specialist coating choices to be considered. Steed Webzell reports » Read More

01/10/2009 Saving the earth In the rush to save energy and reduce emissions, it's easy to forget the sheer range of potential solutions. Dr Tom Shelley reviews some of today's most powerful options » Read More

01/10/2009 Process control PID has been the mainstay of process control for more than 60 years, but technology and the ever-expanding role of plant engineers merit a new, closer look, advises Brian Tinham » Read More

01/10/2009 Making the case Plant engineers have serious value to add, way beyond their primary function. Brian Tinham talks to E.On's Ian Jackson about the need to stand up and be counted » Read More

01/10/2009 It’s a (dangerous) gas Gas detection is critical on a wide range of plants, in a wide range of industries. Brian Tinham looks at the issues with installation and particularly maintenance » Read More

01/10/2009 Babies and bathwater Plant, equipment, instrumentation and the regulatory frameworks have all been evolving to meet the challenges of pollution and climate change. Brian Tinham examines the issues » Read More

01/08/2009 The Energy Event 09 What: The Energy Event Where: The National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham When: 9-10 September 2009 How: Go to www.theenergyevent.co.uk » Read More

01/08/2009 Sustainable engineering 'Sustainability': that word is rising up the engineering agenda even faster than 'environmental' did before it. The latest development was last month's release of the Engineering Council's new guidelines on sustainability. Others, however, ... » Read More

01/08/2009 Motor Madness Man enough, simple and lowest cost have been the rules of thumb for specifying electric motors on plant. Brian Tinham explains how the guidelines are changing » Read More

01/08/2009 Mending maintenance Right tools, right parts and engineering team competence are all keys to getting maintenance slick and effective. But alone, they're not enough, as Brian Tinham discovers » Read More

01/08/2009 May the force be with you Would hydraulics and pneumatics feature in a futuristic Star Wars setting? Either way, innovations are ensuring that more of the force is with you, as Dr Tom Shelley explains » Read More

01/08/2009 Life in the old dog yet? Will plant that is specified to run for 20 years do so quite comfortably? Brian Tinham talks to Allianz Engineering's Glyn Amphlett about the real world of plant ageing » Read More

01/08/2009 ICL Plastics disaster With the publication last month of Lord Gill's inquiry report into the ICL Plastics Glasgow disaster, Brian Tinham reviews the lessons to be learned for plant engineers everywhere. » Read More