Learn about the many ways cyber-attacks threaten SCADA systems, and what can be done to keep manufacturing and utility plants protected. In the initial days of SCADA, OEMs used proprietary communication protocols for the communication network. Over time, however, systems required parts from multiple OEMs and the communication protocol converged. This shift was instrumental for … Read more
In industry, pressure can be used in various sectors for safety and containment. Before diving into specific applications, let’s learn about the types of pressure measurements. Various pressure measurements are used in the industrial environment. Pressure is one of the most critical process variables from a manufacturing and a safety perspective. Pressurized gases are used … Read more
Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges. Why Is Switching Power So Important? Most control panels on equipment with some level of automation will have contactors inside. A contactor is a device … Read more
This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’ Previously, we discussed various data types that contain information from text to numerical values, critical for every computer system, including PLCs, IPCs, and more advanced OS platforms. What … Read more
Functional safety is the safety of a system and is critical for industries such as medical devices, automotive, railways, and machinery. This article will focus on functional safety for machinery and the standards that help its implementation. Functional safety is one of the methods to ensure safety in various industries. It does not deal specifically … Read more
Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage? Industrial networking relies on the knowledge of professionals who are becoming more widely recognized with the term ‘OT’, meaning operational technology. … Read more
Learn about Modbus security in industrial automation, including vulnerabilities, fixes, and alternative solutions. There are many pros and cons associated with the integration of security on existing Modbus systems. The primary driver for security introduction is the addition of TCP/IP networking to utilize cloud networking, and this brings with it many potential vulnerabilities. Concern for … Read more
What are pH monitoring systems and how are they applied in control systems? This article explores the use of pH sensors in the industry, as well as the basic setup of a pH control system. A fundamental understanding of the pH scale and acid-base reactions are recommended before reading this article. pH Monitoring and Control … Read more
Learn about the considerations that must be accounted for when designing process controls for pH neutralization. Whether you need to achieve a target pH as part of a manufacturing process or to neutralize a waste stream, pH control is both a common and complex issue in the world of process control. This article presents various … Read more
In this instrumentation and control (I & C) article, we’ll go over the fundamental terminology and concepts used when working with industrial plants. In this article, we will discuss the basic concepts and principles that govern the operation of industrial plants. Concepts associated with measurements of flow, level, temperature and pressure, electronics and pneumatics instrumentation, … Read more