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Types of automation

  Basic automation Basic automation takes simple, rudimentary tasks and automates them. This level of automation is about digitizing work by using tools to streamline and centralize routine tasks, such as using a shared messaging system instead of having information in disconnected silos. Business process management (BPM) and robotic process automation (RPA) are types of basic automation. Process automation Process automation manages business processes for uniformity and transparency. It is typically handled by dedicated software and business apps. Using process automation can increase productivity and efficiency within your business. It can also deliver new insights into business challenges and suggest solutions. Process mining and workflow automation are types of process automation. Integration automation Integration automation is where machines can mimic human tasks and repeat the actions once humans define the machine rules. One example is the “digital worker.” In recent years,...

Step by Step Guide for Gas Flow Meter Calibration

  A  gas flow meter  is used to measure the volumetric or mass flow rate of various process gases in industrial plants and machinery. The flow rate refers to the speed at which fluid is moving through closed pipes or ducts at a given time. Modern instrumentation & control engineering design needs monitoring of fluid flow rates to optimize the use of gases and improve the efficiency of processes and equipment. Therefore, a gas flow meter device must be calibrated against a reference or a master calibration system. Due to process & environmental conditions flowmeters may have some drift in flowrate readings which needs recalibration periodically for the flow range it is designed for, to achieve the desired accuracy for smooth process operation. Some organizations have an ISO audit system in place which needs recalibration at a specific time frame. Types of Gas Flow Meters Available in Market Various flowmeter technologies are available currently in the market which ...

Problem with Choked Control Valve with Whisper Trim Cage

 Note: This root cause analysis (RCA) is from real-time scenarios that happened in industries during the tenure of two or three decades ago. These articles will help you to improve your troubleshooting skills and knowledge. Choked Control Valve with Whisper Trim Cage Usually producing > 1600 T/d a Saudi 1500 T/d NH3 plant could not produce > 1450 T/d. The operations engineer called the author to resolve this problem. The author found 7% less than the setpoint flow even with 100% open flow control valve (FCV) suggested choked control valve (CV). The valve nameplate told whisper trim cage – cage with numerous 2-mm holes drilled – fitted CV. The NG carried over tarry matter choking the holes during the two years of > 1600T/d NH3 production is easy. Fortunately, this CV had rare block and bypass valves. The author asked the operation superintendent to transfer the NG flow control to the bypass valve, close the block valves, drain the control valve (CV) and hand it over to him ...

What is SAMA Diagram?

 SAMA is an acronym of Scientific Apparatus Makers Association, in some plants, there has been greater adoption of SAMA diagrams which provide more detailed process diagrams which constitute various process symbols. SAMA drawings are sometimes referred to as “control functional diagrams”. SAMA symbols are rarely used on P&IDs. Rather, they are generally used to diagram control systems at a detailed functional level. They provide no information about the device’s location or function, nor about the technology used to implement it. SAMA Diagram Usually, SAMA symbols show the control system without reference to the processing equipment or piping details. Still, for complex control systems, because they can show greater functionality compared with other documentation formats, they are often preferred for presenting control strategy details in some industries. Because of the complexity of their control strategies, SAMA symbols are extensively used in the power generation industry. S...

What is 21 CFR in SCADA and HMI Systems?

 In this article, we will learn the concept of 21CFR in SCADA and HMI automation systems. SCADA systems are designed to control and view the operation of a machine or plant in a controlled and efficient manner. As more and more industries are adopting SCADA in their automation integration, some industries are such which require strict adherence to standards and norms for running a system. What is 21 CFR in SCADA? Majorly, they are food and pharmaceuticals. In every country, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regulatory board generates this compliance standard for a system to run. Without this compliance, a system cannot be passed to operate. This compliance is called 21 CFR Part Compliance. CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations. Almost all the SCADA systems have this facility of 21 CFR inbuilt in them fully or partially. Partially means some coding needs to be done by the programmer to achieve the remaining points. 21 CFR System A proper 21 CFR system ensures that the ma...

Working Principle of Single Phase Preventer Relay

 In this post, we will learn the working principle of a single-phase preventer relay. A three-phase supply drives the control components and field devices of an electrical panel. The controlling part is done by PLC. As the outputs are controlled by PLC, if the three-phase supply fails, then there must be some means to protect the field devices from operating. Table of contents Single Phase Preventer Relay Applications Types Working Principle Because, if there is any phase failure and still the field device is operating, then it may damage it. If one supply fails, then still the field device like motor will continue to operate. This will increase the load current in the remaining two phases and result in an unbalanced stator current. This can damage the motor windings. Single Phase Preventer Relay This protection can be done by a single-phase preventer relay. A single-phase preventer relay is a control device that detects any failure in phase supply and energizes its auxiliary relay...

Working Principle of Overload Relay

 In this post, we will learn the working principle of overload relay, types, and applications. Motor overload is defined as a condition where the motor draws excessive load current and heats it up. This condition can damage the motor windings. To protect it from damage, an overload relay is used in series with its contactor; to protect the motor from overload and over-current. It is used in almost every motor starter. The function of the overload relay is to continuously sense the load current and tripping the power supply to the motor. Thus, the motor is protected from overload and over current. Overload Relay Refer to the below image for its general connection. The three-phase supply from raw incoming power is fed to a contactor through MCB; and then to the motor through an overload relay. The overload relay continuously monitors the load current drawn and cuts off the power supply when it exceeds a certain high limit. Usually, the relay has the following terminals – L1, L2, L3 (...