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.

06/02/2024 A new direction for reverse osmosis At a molecular level, the natural process of osmosis normally causes water to move through a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area where the concentration is higher, moving the concentrations into ... » Read More

06/02/2024 Mine water treatment relies on borehole loggers Some 125 OTT digital loggers are used alongside manual readings with dip tapes to measure water levels at former mines across the Coal Authority estate managed by Severn Trent Services » Read More

06/02/2024 Preventing sewage discharge We’ve all read the headlines about the amount of sewage being discharged into the UK’s rivers and beaches, but what technologies are the water companies implementing to reverse this trend? Tom Austin-Morgan finds out » Read More

06/02/2024 On display at SPS 2023 With automation a major theme, the 32nd edition of German trade fair SPS, Smart Production Solutions, provided a space for 50,000 interested parties to learn more about developments in November 2023 » Read More

06/02/2024 Switching phone lines The Fit to Switch industry awareness campaign has highlighted the importance of the retirement of the public switched telephone network by the end of 2025; see also http://tinyurl.com/mvbve4cb » Read More

08/01/2024 New methods for pothole repairs New machines, methodologies and materials are emerging that enhance the productivity and quality of pothole repairs » Read More

08/01/2024 Testing AI regulation Artificial intelligence is starting to enter the nuclear sector with substantial investment. The UK nuclear regulator, ONR, convened its first regulatory sandbox to learn more about how it might manage the technology » Read More

08/01/2024 When a professional gets it wrong Professionals provide vital guidance to us and enable us to make decisions with confidence on many important matters. But what if that advice or guidance turns out to be wrong? What is the extent of a professional’s duty to us, and are we ... » Read More

08/01/2024 All about EV chargers An increasingly common piece of electrical infrastructure are electric vehicle chargers. These devices are fast becoming a crucial component of the electricity grid of tomorrow, finds Will Dalrymple » Read More

08/01/2024 Fighting rogue suppliers As non-compliant and dangerous products flood into the UK, when the government doesn’t act, industry can, reports Brian Wall » Read More

08/01/2024 Comment: Mutual recognition Recently there have been some announcements by the Engineering Council covering the introduction of bilateral engineering competency initiatives, the most recent being with the Netherlands. » Read More

08/01/2024 Proving driver competency On the back of continuing incidents involving on- and off-road plant vehicles, new driver training is being brought in to prove drivers can do the job, reports Tom Austin-Morgan » Read More

08/01/2024 Rehabilitating construction products Industry has responded to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, which called for radical change in construction products, particularly in the areas of ... » Read More

08/01/2024 Safety first in construction Health and safety standards have become a major focus for many organisations across the construction industry when it comes to procurement. Brian Wall explores how they work in practice » Read More

08/01/2024 The importance of regular pump system maintenance Regular pump system maintenance is essential to prevent significant cost and reputational issues » Read More

08/01/2024 Trustworthy and responsible AI Customers are investing significant amounts in AI and AI readiness, but often struggle to demonstrate trustworthiness of the emerging solutions to key stakeholders. This is the trust gap that DNV seeks to close with the launch of new ... » Read More

05/12/2023 Wind turbine lift safety An HSE alert has raised concerns about the safety of the design of maintenance lifts inside wind turbines. Now, publication of a relevant new design standard has been delayed, reports Toby Clark » Read More

05/12/2023 Measuring low liquid volumes via Coriolis sensors To optimise measurement and control accuracy for low liquid volumes, Coriolis sensors are often the prime technology choice. Providing a true mass flow reading, these devices are also highly repeatable. Coriolis technology is suited to ... » Read More

05/12/2023 Improving maintenance for Navy aircraft A new initiative that is transforming the speed and efficiency of maintenance and turnaround times on operational aircraft within the Royal Navy is being described as a ‘game changer’, reports Brian Wall » Read More

05/12/2023 AI metrics for lifts A set of standardised metrics would be helpful for consultants and building management when considering an investment in AI, and for evaluating the efficacy of an installed AI system. However, some of the concepts common in lift industry ... » Read More

05/12/2023 Comment: Making changes safely When you are offshore and things go wrong, sometimes you have to make do with what is available; you can’t pop down the road to the supplier for a quick replacement. » Read More

05/12/2023 Digital developments TK Elevator offers views about how digital elevators (lifts) transform buildings in a new report available via www.is.gd/ataduy » Read More

05/12/2023 All about bolts New technology and techniques can directly monitor the stresses and strains experienced by bolts, with the purpose of checking they remain tightly connected, as well as monitoring the health of the surrounding machine, reports Will ... » Read More

05/12/2023 Could consumers be paid to use power? Wholesale power prices were negative for significant periods in the spring. Does that mean consumers can be paid to use power? That may be the case: some current electricity contract products already give hints about the direction of travel » Read More

05/12/2023 DSEI 2023 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) has seen an increase in attendance at its 2023 edition and the appeal of this trade show extends way beyond the defence sector. » Read More