Latest Nuclear Technical Articles

One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and…

One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and unavailable, and the lack of an upgrade plan can turn a simple failure into a catastrophe.

Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the…

Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the world of control systems. Learn how the hardware platforms have evolved into the familiar modern configurations.

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but…

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.

Hello acoustics, my old friend. I've come to monitor you again. Because a worn-out bearing softly creeping, slowly got…

Hello acoustics, my old friend. I've come to monitor you again. Because a worn-out bearing softly creeping, slowly got worse while I was sleeping. And the vibration that was planted in my brain still remains… Within the sound of Maintenance

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

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

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.

In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware,…

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.

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…

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?

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…

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?

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background…

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.

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…

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?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the…

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.

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

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.

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning…

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

Labels are such a small detail in the world of robotics and automation, they are often given very little attention.…

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.

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…

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.

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…

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.

Analog and digital multimeters have both enjoyed popularity in different generations of electrical systems. What is…

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?

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven…

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven by data and statistical methods.