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.

31/08/2023 A guide to machine safety It is a common assumption among machinery owners that if their equipment has a CE or UKCA mark then no further action on their part is required to ensure machinery safety. However, it is vital that employers who provide machinery to ... » Read More

31/08/2023 AI sorts waste When it comes to sorting waste on a conveyor ready for recycling operations, AI-based robotic technologies are setting the tone for a step-change in this challenging process, reports Steed Webzell » Read More

31/08/2023 Climbing the ladder I believe that education is life-long. I am professionally registered to IEng. But I am now considering starting a master’s degree. Now that I work in site engineering team leadership, I am considering extending my competence. » Read More

31/08/2023 Parts storage: the vital links Establishing efficient ways to store small components at small and large scales – from bins, racks to vertical conveyors – is the gateway to achieving the highest levels of productivity… and profit, reports Brian Wall » Read More

31/08/2023 Toasters similar to open feedback loop Production management software brand Planeus compares an open feedback loop in an industrial process to a toaster: given inputs of electrical current running through wires, it will cook bread for a fixed duration. A timer dial allows the ... » Read More

31/08/2023 All about ESOS For large companies, there is a six-month reprieve for filing the next (Phase 3) Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) report. Although a clear deadline is in place, 5 June 2024, other details remain unclear as the underpinning ... » Read More

31/08/2023 Analysing gas Gas analysers are used to measure the chemical composition or some other property of a gas. Typically gas analysers are configured to detect specific chemical elements or compounds in a gas flow. This is most commonly achieved using ... » Read More

31/08/2023 The potential of water reuse Rising concerns over water scarcity and environmental impacts mean industries are increasingly recognising the importance of water reuse as a critical strategy for sustainable resource management. Tom Austin-Morgan reports » Read More

10/08/2023 All about energy Digitalisation and distributed energy allows even the smallest companies to have a two-way relationship with their energy supplier and grid connection » Read More

09/08/2023 Using recovered waste heat The presence of spare heat is a necessary but not sufficient condition to turn it to a good use, explains Jody Muelaner » Read More

08/08/2023 Solar panel potential With more plants becoming interested in adopting renewable energy, how easy or complex is the task of integrating solar panels to reduce mains supply dependency? » Read More

08/08/2023 Dealing with cyberattacks Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents access to devices and the data stored on them, usually by encrypting files, the key to which requires paying a ransom. How can organisations resist such attacks, and respond if the worst were ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Fostering a maintenance culture Our society has become a throw-away one, and part of the problem is a lack of knowledge and capability in repair » Read More

08/08/2023 Switching from copper landlines We’ve been making telephone calls over copper landlines since the days of plummy-voiced Post Office operators plugging cables into exchange switchboards. Now the deadline’s finally looming for the copper network’s retirement party. And ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Hydraulic motors Rotating assemblies apply the movement of incompressible fluids to mechanical advantage in many different ways, reports Toby Clark » Read More

08/08/2023 Comment: Hello from me Thanks to David Young, my predecessor in this role, for steering the BES over the last few years into the great position we find ourselves today. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue his work, and hopefully grow the sector in ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Technology trends Equipment supplier ystral has published a white paper (www.is.gd/iyuvoc) exploring some of the trends that it believes will shape the future of mechanical process technology. This is an edited summary » Read More

08/08/2023 Cyber round-up ?Cyber attacks resulting from vulnerabilities within the supply chain can result in devastating, expensive and long-term ramifications for affected organisations, their supply chains and their customers. But despite these risks, many ... » Read More

13/07/2023 Green is growing Environmental issues run through this month’s magazine like a stick of rock. The cover feature addresses coming regulation of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ used for their waterproofing and non-stick properties, and many other consumer and ... » Read More

21/06/2023 Avoiding hump instability Hump instability is a type of unstable fluid flow that can result in increased drag, vibration or buffeting, similar to vortex shedding, stall or cavitation. It is a flow phenomenon typically occurring at high flow speeds or pressure ... » Read More

21/06/2023 The vertical farming solution How we feed eight billion people – and growing – is a challenge the world is now grappling with. Could vertical farming be part of the solution, asks Brian Wall » Read More

21/06/2023 Understanding EMC Understanding EMC obligations can be challenging, but is essential for machinery manufacturers and end-users, explains TÜV SÜD chief engineer Ian Wright » Read More

21/06/2023 AM materiel While still in its infancy, the use of 3D printing technology by the UK’s armed forces is rapidly gaining momentum, reports Peter Shakespeare » Read More

21/06/2023 Growing with technology Sensor supplier Vaisala explains why measurement and control technology will be key to the success of this rapidly growing sector » Read More

21/06/2023 Less persistent chemicals New policies are being proposed for the control, disposal, and eventual replacement of ‘forever chemicals.’ Tom Austin-Morgan investigates what this could mean for industry » Read More