GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and…
GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.
Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines…
Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods…
Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC…
Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.
Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…
Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics…
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for…
Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?
Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…
Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.
How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?
How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?