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Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.


Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or arcing. How do you mitigate process noise from your control system?


Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic as a base for their ladder diagrams. Learn the basics and structures for boolean logic.


An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

AVEVA Solutions, formerly Wonderware, is a popular service that offers HMI, SCADA, and MES. How is each solution used in industrial automation?


How Are Robots Used in the Process Industries?

How Are Robots Used in the Process Industries?

How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?


Alternative Devices for Measuring Fluid Volume

Alternative Devices for Measuring Fluid Volume

Flow totalizers, flow sensors, and flow meters are popular devices for measuring flow. However, this article discusses alternative methods, such as ultrasonic level detection and resistive tape.


Predictive Maintenance Challenges and Mitigation Techniques

Predictive Maintenance Challenges and Mitigation Techniques

Learn about obstacles businesses face implementing predictive maintenance and how to overcome them.


Introduction to Smart Sensors

Introduction to Smart Sensors

Smart sensors differ from traditional sensors in that they offer benefits such as self-diagnostics, simplified wiring and communication, and more efficient remote monitoring.


Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs. Human-machine Interface (HMI)

Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs. Human-machine Interface (HMI)

Learn the similarities and differences between GUIs and HMIs in the industrial sector. Can they be used together?


Industrial Energy Systems (IES): Rising Technologies in Manufacturing

Industrial Energy Systems (IES): Rising Technologies in Manufacturing

Power plays a vital role in manufacturing. But, what are industrial energy systems (IES) and recent trends impacting the industry?


Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

This article reviews how to implement the data science lifecycle CRISP-DM model phases into industrial computer vision.


Types of Instrumentation Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Types of Instrumentation Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

What types of instrumentation are used in wastewater treatment plants? Let’s review the instrumentation and how treatment plants stand out from other industrial facilities.


Deep Dive Into the Data Science Lifecycle

Deep Dive Into the Data Science Lifecycle

Learn the definition and basic steps of the data science life cycle, particularly the popular CRISP-DM model.


Understanding Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Understanding Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Learn about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and how it is used in various sectors across the manufacturing industry.


Automation Systems Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Automation Systems Used in Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Critical infrastructures like wastewater facilities are largely automated. Let’s dive into the automation systems used in wastewater facilities.


Data Lake vs. Big Data for Industrial Applications

Data Lake vs. Big Data for Industrial Applications

This article teaches the definitions of big data and data lake, how to use them together, and industrial applications.


A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

MTTR and MTBF are metrics utilized to determine equipment downtime. How do you calculate these metrics, and how can a control engineer use them for machine reliability?