PLC

PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) is a widely-used standard for fieldbus communication in industrial automation systems. Developed in 1987 by a group of companies led by Siemens and supported by several research institutes, PROFIBUS is a crucial technology in industrial control systems. It is important to note that PROFIBUS and PROFINET (used in industrial Ethernet) are […]

In industrial automation and process control systems, the terms “control scheme” and “interlock loop” are often used, but they refer to different aspects of a system’s logic and safety design. Understanding their differences is important for proper system design, operation, and communication. 1. Control Scheme A control scheme (or control strategy) is the overall plan

In the field of industrial automation, the choice of signal transmission is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable communication between sensors, controllers, and actuators. Among the various signal transmission methods available, the 4-20 mA current signal is widely preferred over voltage signals (such as 0-10V or 0-5V) due to several inherent advantages. This article explores

Pressure control is a critical aspect of industrial systems, particularly in processes involving fluids or gases. Safety valves, as integral components, ensure that systems operate within safe pressure limits. To fully understand how these devices function, it is essential to distinguish between three related but distinct parameters: set pressure, popping pressure, and relieving pressure. Each

In the process industry, it’s often difficult to fully understand the characteristics of the controlled systems. Building a strict mechanistic model is time-consuming and costly. To reduce operational costs and manage uncertainties, the industry heavily relies on feedback control. Feedback allows the system to remain stable in the face of external disturbances and internal fluctuations,

Introduction Advanced Process Control (APC) technology has been widely adopted in the refining industry but remains underutilized in many other sectors. Understanding how to optimize APC systems can help businesses maximize their return on investment (ROI) and achieve higher operational efficiency. In highly commoditized industries such as refining, competition is fierce, and companies often sell

Modbus is one of the most widely used communication protocols in industrial automation and control systems. Among its various implementations, Modbus RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) and Modbus TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) are two prominent options. While they serve similar purposes, they differ in their communication mechanisms, application scenarios, and performance characteristics. This article explores these

Introduction In industrial automation, control systems play a critical role in ensuring efficient, stable, and safe operations. Among these, Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and configuration software are two essential components. While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and complement each other in many industrial environments. This article explores the fundamental differences between DCS

In academic circles, there is no specific algorithm formally defined as “advanced control.” Rather, the term broadly refers to any control strategy beyond the conventional PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) framework. In industrial practice, however, “advanced control” most commonly refers to Model Predictive Control (MPC). This article aims to revisit and clarify some common perceptions around advanced control

Implementing Safety Integrity Level 1 (SIL1) interlocks in a Distributed Control System (DCS) is a viable approach under specific conditions. SIL1, defined by the international standards IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, represents the lowest level of safety integrity and is often used for processes where the risk reduction required is moderate. However, achieving compliance requires