Latest Oil & Gas Technical Articles

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft…

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore…

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and…

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why…

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why would we use VLANs, and how can you segment a network switch to create a VLAN?

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A…

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to…

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to use structured text to write executable programs for MELSEC’s FX series PLC.

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get…

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on…

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on single-phase motors. Can these types of motors be reversed, and if so, how?

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX…

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)…

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software powering IIoT, HMI, and I4.0 applications: Ignition by Inductive Automation.

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines…

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should…

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.

Transformer types can vary from small instruments to large power distribution systems. 3-phase systems require…

Transformer types can vary from small instruments to large power distribution systems. 3-phase systems require transformers that employ the same wye and delta arrangements common to industrial motors.

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others,…

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others, can be used to detect the presence of harmful gasses and heat in all industries.

Radiation, despite its reputation in pop culture as a harmful emission resulting from a natural disaster, is a property…

Radiation, despite its reputation in pop culture as a harmful emission resulting from a natural disaster, is a property of many materials and processes and must be carefully monitored for quality and safety.

Mitsubishi's FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and…

Mitsubishi's FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC.

Rubber belts have lived under the hood of nearly every car since they first took to the streets, but they also transmit…

Rubber belts have lived under the hood of nearly every car since they first took to the streets, but they also transmit power through all kinds of industrial machine drives as well.