Latest Chemical Technical Articles

We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems:…

We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even some robotic controls. But how do they work?

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to…

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others,…

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others, can be used to detect the presence of harmful gasses and heat in all industries.

Vibration sensors measure the mechanical vibration of an object, making it possible to monitor machines for early signs…

Vibration sensors measure the mechanical vibration of an object, making it possible to monitor machines for early signs of failure to prevent costly and dangerous breakdowns.

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and…

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and download a simple program using discrete input and output ladder commands.

Engineering processes like robotics, feedback control, and security systems rely on position and distance sensors to…

Engineering processes like robotics, feedback control, and security systems rely on position and distance sensors to provide real-time information that enables machines to operate accurately and safely.

Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this…

Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this article, we will look at the sequence valve and its use in systems to automate fluid flow.

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and…

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and control processes, prevent system failures, and optimize performance.

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container.…

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container. Different types of level sensors include capacitive, ultrasonic, acoustic, and radar.

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic…

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic system to keep pressure quantities under control.

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the…

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the proper interval? Factors include environment, usage, and level of dependence on proper function.

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and…

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in…

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in…

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.

Operating just outside the visible light spectrum, infrared energy emits from anything with heat stored in it. Detecting…

Operating just outside the visible light spectrum, infrared energy emits from anything with heat stored in it. Detecting this energy, infrared sensors find use in applications from proximity detection to temperature measurement.

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using…

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using nothing more than your local machine and some simple Python programming.

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices…

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and…

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people…

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.