Process control
PID has been the mainstay of process control for more than 60 years, but technology and the ever-expanding role of plant engineers merit a new, closer look, advises Brian Tinham
Safety and savings
Compressed air continues to offer many advantages in process industry applications, especially in hazardous areas, but often continues to be used inefficiently. Help - much of it free - is readily available to help reduce energy costs and technical solutions often have surprisingly short payback times, which are likely to become even shorter as energy prices rise.
Keep things fluid
Innovation is continuing apace in the worlds of fluid power. Steed Webzell examines some of the developments most likely to be in demand
May the force be with you
Would hydraulics and pneumatics feature in a futuristic Star Wars setting? Either way, innovations are ensuring that more of the force is with you, as Dr Tom Shelley explains
Mersen mould station automation improves quality and yield
Thermal insulation supplier Mersen's site at Eurocentral, Scotland, is now running a new wet moulding station and effluent treatment plant that now automates a manual manufacturing process.
Hoses and pumps
Although hydraulics and pneumatics are very mature branches of engineering, Dr Tom Shelley finds useful developments involving specialist hoses and air pumps
SED Preview - The great outdoors
If you want to see construction plant and machinery demonstrated in as near as possible realistic working conditions, as opposed to simply static displays, Site Equipment Demonstration (SED) is the show for you. It has the largest assembly of plant, tools, equipment and accessories available in one place in the UK - making it the premier event for the industry.
Engineers under pressure
Operations engineers have never been so challenged as they are now. Look at the plethora of new tools, technologies and equipment flooding into industry generally. Look at the heightened requirements of competitiveness and efficiency, tightening budgets and also environmental awareness.
Filter facts
Pneumatic systems need to operate reliably, even in extreme conditions. John Hill examines the requirements, in terms of components, filters and maintenance
Cut your carbon
Modern electromechanical technology can help plant engineers to reduce the environmental impact of their operations, says Phil Burge