Latest Nuclear Articles

Categories

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.


Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.


US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).


News Apr 27, 2022 by Seth Price
Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?


ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics announces the release of its new four-legged inspection bot, ANYmal X, for use in extreme environments, designed specifically for the oil & gas and chemical industries.


News Apr 19, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background information on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the publishing organization.


Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as performance monitoring through secure NFC, app-based communication.


News Apr 13, 2022 by David Peterson
DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

DC Motors - Why Are We Still Using Them?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?


Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

New non-obstructive sensor series adapts to a wider variety of piping materials, providing accurate data with lower influence from viscosity and bubbles.


News Apr 07, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.


ASRock Industrial Introduces IoT Controller for Factory Automation

ASRock Industrial Introduces IoT Controller for Factory Automation

ASRock Industrial announces the new iEP-5000G family of IoT controllers with power inputs, tolerances, and IO communication capabilities designed for the factory floor.


News Apr 06, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

How-To: Building a PLC Project with Modbus Communication

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.


Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering recently released a series of programmable multicolor (RGB) indicators for advanced industrial machine status and diagnostics.


How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

How IIoT is Transforming Predictive Maintenance

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning algorithms provided with vast quantities of data.


Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Methods of Marking and Labeling for Wiring and Tubing

Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention. However, they play a vital role in proper system function - from installation to troubleshooting.


Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Info Byte: Preventing Relay Burnout with Flyback Diodes

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.


Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.


Phoenix Contact Releases New Line of Data-Driven Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact Releases New Line of Data-Driven Circuit Breakers

Phoenix Contact’s new CAPAROC system of low-voltage circuit breakers provides remote reset functions as well as discrete and networked access to branch circuit data for rapid troubleshooting.


News Mar 23, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Info Byte: Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeters

Info Byte: Difference Between Analog and Digital Multimeters

Analog and digital multimeters have both enjoyed popularity in different generations of electrical systems. What is unique about the analog meters, and in what situations might they be preferred over their digital counterparts?