Control loops and advanced control applications across all layers of a plant often depend on the proper functioning of each other for successful process operation. Unavoidably, the performance of these control assets deteriorates over time, and identifying the cause among the vast army of possibilities is key for trouble free plant functionality.
When things go wrong, the first problem is to identify faulty instrumentation and poorly performing loops. This can become overwhelming on large plants, since the more control loops there are, the less the capacity to monitor them individually and the less time there is available to investigate and solve the problems. Without the proper tools, this can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
To help, Matrikon offers an effective monitoring tool that readily diagnoses control problems and can provide detailed on-line reports for every loop tested. It can also be used to affect loop tuning. This technology is the result of extensive industrial experience combined with focused university research.
The cause of poor loop performance is often due to cycling, response speeds, valves sticking, inappropriate proportional band, over/under tuned loop, controller design, interaction with other loops, defective instrumentation and hysteresis. The problem is identifying which one, and this requires investigation. The Matrikon tool pinpoints the cause using its one- screen-all-loops reporting system called Tree-Map coupled with a detailed tabular drill down report.
Tree-Map shows on one screen all the bad loops using a colour code and a proportional box sizing system in order to attract operator attention. The detailed reports display control loop performance analysis for easy interpretation, while also providing remedial action guidelines. Once the causes of poorly performing loops have been identified, users can then optimise and tune multiple loops simultaneously for best possible plant operation.
Beckhoff expands economy drive system Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: Beckhoff’s new AM1000 servomotor joins the company’s economy drive system. The compact, powerful motor and the AX1000 servo drive provide users with a perfectly coordinated, cost-optimised drive system.
Read more...CC-Link IE Field supports egg carton production
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Huhtamaki’s Franeker plant in the Netherlands manufactures more than 11 million egg cartons every week using recycled paper. To support its highly automated lines, the site has begun upgrading its automation systems from older serial network standards to CC-Link IE Field, an open industrial Ethernet technology that offers faster performance due to gigabit bandwidth and better diagnostics.
Read more...Ultra-compact industrial PCs exploit advances in CPU technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s C60xx scalable series of ultra-compact industrial PCs combines high computing power in an extremely compact format with a wide range of options for installation in the control cabinet.
Read more...How to protect your industrial network RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Network security is no longer a matter of preventing hacking or data breaches. Traditional defence mechanisms for perimeter protection may not fully address internal threats or device-level vulnerabilities alone.
Read more...High-speed precision and simplified architecture for slicing systems
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When KFT Food Machinery needed a way to support ultra-fast, multi-axis motion control in its slicer range, it turned to CC-Link IE TSN – the open industrial Ethernet technology from the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA).
Read more...Precise, synchronised control for automated steel mesh handling system
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Automation specialist Hambi Maschinenbau has developed a world-first system that automates the cutting, handling and stacking of heavy reinforcing steel mesh – a task that previously required up to six human operators.
Read more...Loop Signature Part 2-1: Loop signatures and process transfer functions Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The previous series of loop signature articles dealt with the basics of control loop optimisation, and concentrated on troubleshooting and ‘SWAG’ tuning of simple processes. In this new series, consideration will be given to dealing practically with more difficult issues like interactive processes, and with processes with much more complex dynamics.
Read more...Smart and seamlessly integrated I/O upgrade Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s entire portfolio of EtherCAT terminals is now undergoing a technological upgrade while remaining fully compatible with the existing series.
Read more...Introduction to Part 2 loop signatures and process transfer functions
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The previous series of loop signature articles dealt with the basics of control loop optimisation, and concentrated on troubleshooting and ‘SWAG’ tuning of simple processes. In this new series, consideration will be given to dealing practically with more difficult issues like interactive processes, and with processes with much more complex dynamics.
Read more...Siemens sets new standards in drive technology
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is setting new standards in industrial drive technology with the launch of its new high-performance drive system, Sinamics S220. This offers a seamless and innovative drive system with comprehensive simulation and analysis capabilities and advanced connectivity features that enable full integration into digital work processes.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version