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Monday, November 22, 2010
Gunkul Engineering IPO a Success in Thailand
Gunkul, a supplier of electrical and green energy equipment, has set its initial public offering price at 5.40 baht a share and is scheduled to start trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand on Oct 19.
The shares were trading at 9.00 Baht at 2.41pm local time.
The funds raised from the IPO will be used to invest in a solar power project that will generate 30.9 megawatts of electricity in its first phase. The second phase, which will produce an additional 4 MW, will start construction soon and is expected to be completed in the next six months.
The entire solar power project, due to be completed by 2012, will generate at least 80 million baht in revenue starting from next year, said the company’s executive chairman, Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawat.
With dedication and a remarkable a breadth of vision of Mr. Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawut, a highly experienced founder and executive, the Company has continued to expand at an exceptional rate along with the formation of strong subsidiary companies to facilitate the expansion of the business.
G.K. Assembly Co., Ltd. was found in 1992 to produce and assemble protective equipment used in the electrical power transmission system. Concurrently, the Company also created G.K. Power Products Co., Ltd, one of the subsidiaries, to produce low- and high-voltage electrical equipment. The years passed and all subsidiaries grew even larger, which supported the business operations of GK Group as a whole to expand at a phenomenal rate.
In 2009, Gunkul Powergen (GPG) was found in order to do business as an electrical power producer, which mainly generates electricity from renewable energy resources. As producing electricity from clean resources, it contributes to reduce CO2 emission, which is a major cause of global warming issue.
Today, Gunkul Engineering Public Company Limited stands tall as a leading supplier of quality electrical equipment not only domestically but also internationally to Myanmar, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
The Company has registered in the stock exchange of Thailand since August 10th 2009 with an ambition to raise fund to fuel future growth and achieve the leadership position as Thailand’s number one leader in producing electricity from renewable energy resources and providing the electrical equipments. The company has continually increased its registered capital, which is currently raised to Bt400 million.
The shares were trading at 9.00 Baht at 2.41pm local time.
The funds raised from the IPO will be used to invest in a solar power project that will generate 30.9 megawatts of electricity in its first phase. The second phase, which will produce an additional 4 MW, will start construction soon and is expected to be completed in the next six months.
The entire solar power project, due to be completed by 2012, will generate at least 80 million baht in revenue starting from next year, said the company’s executive chairman, Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawat.
With dedication and a remarkable a breadth of vision of Mr. Gunkul Dhumrongpiyawut, a highly experienced founder and executive, the Company has continued to expand at an exceptional rate along with the formation of strong subsidiary companies to facilitate the expansion of the business.
G.K. Assembly Co., Ltd. was found in 1992 to produce and assemble protective equipment used in the electrical power transmission system. Concurrently, the Company also created G.K. Power Products Co., Ltd, one of the subsidiaries, to produce low- and high-voltage electrical equipment. The years passed and all subsidiaries grew even larger, which supported the business operations of GK Group as a whole to expand at a phenomenal rate.
In 2009, Gunkul Powergen (GPG) was found in order to do business as an electrical power producer, which mainly generates electricity from renewable energy resources. As producing electricity from clean resources, it contributes to reduce CO2 emission, which is a major cause of global warming issue.
Today, Gunkul Engineering Public Company Limited stands tall as a leading supplier of quality electrical equipment not only domestically but also internationally to Myanmar, Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
The Company has registered in the stock exchange of Thailand since August 10th 2009 with an ambition to raise fund to fuel future growth and achieve the leadership position as Thailand’s number one leader in producing electricity from renewable energy resources and providing the electrical equipments. The company has continually increased its registered capital, which is currently raised to Bt400 million.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
40A, three-phase power supply is 'smallest on the market'
Puls UK is launching its latest Q-series unit, the super-compact QT 40, which measures only 110 x 124 x 127mm and weighs just 1.5kg. According to Puls, this makes it the smallest 40A, three-phase power supply on the market. First shipments are expected early in 2010.
Two versions of the new QT 40 are available, namely 24V 40A and 48V 20A, both delivering 960W with an efficiency of 95.3 per cent.
The QT 40's high performance has been achieved by the use of three microcontrollers to maintain optimum efficiency at all levels of load. The high efficiency also makes power sharing easy by allowing multiple units to be mounted side-by-side on the DIN rail without the need for a fan cooling.
Other features include near-zero inrush at switch-on, shut-down input with high mean time between failure (MTBF) values and, despite its diminutive size, built-in mains fuses. Puls UK's Bonus Power overload design provides 150 per cent current reserves for up to four seconds to help start demanding loads.
The QT 40 is suitable for industrial bulk power applications such as control systems for large electric motors powering production equipment, conveyors and machine tools. It is also useful for outdoor applications where the ability to operate at low temperatures is important; ambient temperatures as low as -25 degrees C can be tolerated without difficulty.
Harry Moore, Puls UK's managing director, says: "Because the new QT 40 is so compact and has such a high specification it is going to make a big difference to the way engineers design equipment in the future. As they say, the best things come in small packages."
Two versions of the new QT 40 are available, namely 24V 40A and 48V 20A, both delivering 960W with an efficiency of 95.3 per cent.
The QT 40's high performance has been achieved by the use of three microcontrollers to maintain optimum efficiency at all levels of load. The high efficiency also makes power sharing easy by allowing multiple units to be mounted side-by-side on the DIN rail without the need for a fan cooling.
Other features include near-zero inrush at switch-on, shut-down input with high mean time between failure (MTBF) values and, despite its diminutive size, built-in mains fuses. Puls UK's Bonus Power overload design provides 150 per cent current reserves for up to four seconds to help start demanding loads.
The QT 40 is suitable for industrial bulk power applications such as control systems for large electric motors powering production equipment, conveyors and machine tools. It is also useful for outdoor applications where the ability to operate at low temperatures is important; ambient temperatures as low as -25 degrees C can be tolerated without difficulty.
Harry Moore, Puls UK's managing director, says: "Because the new QT 40 is so compact and has such a high specification it is going to make a big difference to the way engineers design equipment in the future. As they say, the best things come in small packages."
Supercharger system is driven via variable-speed mechanical drive
Rotrak presented a novel supercharger system in a paper at the 15th Supercharging Conference in Dresden on 24 September 2010. The joint venture company combines a Rotrex supercharger with a Torotrak full-toroidal traction drive in a mechanical supercharger system that overcomes the problems inherent in conventional supercharger and turbocharger systems.
With a turbo, the delay in response, called lag, becomes increasingly intrusive as engines get smaller. Superchargers are mechanically geared to enhance performance at either low or high engine speeds. The Rotrak alternative overcomes this constraint by connecting the supercharger to the engine via a compact variable drive, enabling efficient operation across the whole engine speed range.
Torotrak engineering manager David Burtt, co-author of the paper, explains: "The need to reduce CO2 emissions is leading to downsized engines, heavily boosted by turbo- or supercharging. But while these engines easily reach high peak power and torque figures, they struggle to provide the required low-speed response. A fully integrated centrifugal compressor connected to the engine via a variable drive will achieve a unique combination of low- and high-speed performance with a highly cost-effective system."
Gasoline engines are typically much cheaper than diesels for the same application but have higher exhaust temperatures, making advanced turbocharging more difficult.
Burtt states: "Independent analysis has estimated that the world market for pressure-charged gasoline engines will grow from 2.5million today to 12million by 2016. The emergence of a practical and cost-effective way to supercharge small gasoline engines could have significant market impact."
With a turbo, the delay in response, called lag, becomes increasingly intrusive as engines get smaller. Superchargers are mechanically geared to enhance performance at either low or high engine speeds. The Rotrak alternative overcomes this constraint by connecting the supercharger to the engine via a compact variable drive, enabling efficient operation across the whole engine speed range.
Torotrak engineering manager David Burtt, co-author of the paper, explains: "The need to reduce CO2 emissions is leading to downsized engines, heavily boosted by turbo- or supercharging. But while these engines easily reach high peak power and torque figures, they struggle to provide the required low-speed response. A fully integrated centrifugal compressor connected to the engine via a variable drive will achieve a unique combination of low- and high-speed performance with a highly cost-effective system."
Gasoline engines are typically much cheaper than diesels for the same application but have higher exhaust temperatures, making advanced turbocharging more difficult.
Burtt states: "Independent analysis has estimated that the world market for pressure-charged gasoline engines will grow from 2.5million today to 12million by 2016. The emergence of a practical and cost-effective way to supercharge small gasoline engines could have significant market impact."
One-part epoxy preforms solid at room temperature
Multi-Seals Inc is offering an innovative alternative to liquid epoxy for high-volumehigh-quality epoxy sealing applications.
Uni-form epoxy preforms are one-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature. When heatedUni-forms melt and cureforming a consistent seal that protects components from dustmoistureoilfluxsolventsconformal coatingsand other contaminants.
Close tolerances on preform configurationsconsistent pre-mixed ratios of resin to catalystand consistent viscosity from beginning to end of batch ensure uniformhigh-quality results.
Preforms can be dispensed as rapidly as 200 to 600 parts per minute with little or no operator trainingand extensive operator experience is not required to produce uniform results. Preforms also eliminate pot-life concerns and costly cleanup procedures.
Multi-Seals’ one-part epoxy resins are solid at room temperature. When heatedthey melt and cureforming a consistent seal that protects components from dustmoistureoilfluxindustrial cleaning solventsconformal coatingsand other contaminants.
Fully cured MSI epoxy will not reflow when exposed to subsequent elevated temperatures.
Uni-forms are available in a wide range of shapessizesand materials to accommodate diverse applications
Uni-form epoxy preforms are one-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature. When heatedUni-forms melt and cureforming a consistent seal that protects components from dustmoistureoilfluxsolventsconformal coatingsand other contaminants.
Close tolerances on preform configurationsconsistent pre-mixed ratios of resin to catalystand consistent viscosity from beginning to end of batch ensure uniformhigh-quality results.
Preforms can be dispensed as rapidly as 200 to 600 parts per minute with little or no operator trainingand extensive operator experience is not required to produce uniform results. Preforms also eliminate pot-life concerns and costly cleanup procedures.
Multi-Seals’ one-part epoxy resins are solid at room temperature. When heatedthey melt and cureforming a consistent seal that protects components from dustmoistureoilfluxindustrial cleaning solventsconformal coatingsand other contaminants.
Fully cured MSI epoxy will not reflow when exposed to subsequent elevated temperatures.
Uni-forms are available in a wide range of shapessizesand materials to accommodate diverse applications
Boosting the life of bearings
As end-users of rotating equipment seek to extend the life of these applications, increasing emphasis is being placed on reducing contamination in the bearing environment. Bearing Isolator technology, originally developed by Inpro/Seal in 1977, has been an integral part of increasing the mean time between repair (MTBR) and improving the reliability of a variety of rotating equipment.
The Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolator is a two part dynamic seal consisting of a stator, most commonly press-fitted into the bearing housing, and a rotor attached to the shaft. The rotor and stator join together to form a non-contacting compound labyrinth seal with no wearing parts. It protects in two ways: bearing lubricant is captured in the inner portion of the labyrinth and flows back to the bearing housing; outside contamination attempting to enter the bearing housing is captured in the outer labyrinth paths and expelled through a port in the rotor by centrifugal force and gravity. The Bearing Isolator was invented to replace lip seals as a sealing solution in industrial process equipment, such as pumps, motors, gearboxes, pillow blocks and other types of rotating equipment. Because of their contacting design, friction against the shaft limits the life span of lip seals to approximately 3000 hours. Alternatively, an Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolator lacks any wearing parts thereby sealing the bearing for the life of the equipment. The original Bearing Isolators had been in service for more than 25 years when the pump line on which they were installed was finally taken out of service. Currently there are over 4 million Bearing Isolators installed worldwide.
The Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolator is a two part dynamic seal consisting of a stator, most commonly press-fitted into the bearing housing, and a rotor attached to the shaft. The rotor and stator join together to form a non-contacting compound labyrinth seal with no wearing parts. It protects in two ways: bearing lubricant is captured in the inner portion of the labyrinth and flows back to the bearing housing; outside contamination attempting to enter the bearing housing is captured in the outer labyrinth paths and expelled through a port in the rotor by centrifugal force and gravity. The Bearing Isolator was invented to replace lip seals as a sealing solution in industrial process equipment, such as pumps, motors, gearboxes, pillow blocks and other types of rotating equipment. Because of their contacting design, friction against the shaft limits the life span of lip seals to approximately 3000 hours. Alternatively, an Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolator lacks any wearing parts thereby sealing the bearing for the life of the equipment. The original Bearing Isolators had been in service for more than 25 years when the pump line on which they were installed was finally taken out of service. Currently there are over 4 million Bearing Isolators installed worldwide.
Control of flow properties
The technique of shear testing has been utilised to optimise the flow behaviour of powdered snack flavours. The specification of these powders is extremely challenging, with the finished material 'engineered' from a mix of blended or co-process ingredients to provide not only the desired taste and fragrance, but also acceptable flow propert
If the flavour is too free-flowing it does not adhere well to the snack after blending, leading to excessive wastage and dust generation. Yet if the flavour is too cohesive or 'sticky' it will not flow reliably into the snack blender, giving inconsistent coating.
Traditionally, flow property control has been subjective, adding oil to reduce flow of blends considered to dusty or adding free flow to blends considered to 'sticky'.
The Brookfield Powder Flow Tester (Fig. 1), an automated shear tester has been used to measure the flowability of the snack flavours providing a measurement of the minimum outlet size through which a cohesive or 'sticky' powder will flow reliably under gravity. This measurement has been used to quantify the flowability of new snack flavours and to optimise additive levels on a small scale in the laboratory, prior to committing to batch manufacture
If the flavour is too free-flowing it does not adhere well to the snack after blending, leading to excessive wastage and dust generation. Yet if the flavour is too cohesive or 'sticky' it will not flow reliably into the snack blender, giving inconsistent coating.
Traditionally, flow property control has been subjective, adding oil to reduce flow of blends considered to dusty or adding free flow to blends considered to 'sticky'.
The Brookfield Powder Flow Tester (Fig. 1), an automated shear tester has been used to measure the flowability of the snack flavours providing a measurement of the minimum outlet size through which a cohesive or 'sticky' powder will flow reliably under gravity. This measurement has been used to quantify the flowability of new snack flavours and to optimise additive levels on a small scale in the laboratory, prior to committing to batch manufacture
AUMA - modular actuators from engineering experts
Established in 1964, AUMA has expanded to gain a presence in all continents and the international organisation includes 20 subsidiary companies. The AUMA group has 1,700 members of staff. 900 people are employed at the company’s prestigious German R&D and production headquarters, which is over 12,000 sq ft.
Typical applications are water and wastewater treatment plants, conventional and nuclear power plants, tank farms and gas transfer stations as well as civil and military vessels
AUMA is a competent partner offering expertise for local applications in any location around the globe.
The AUMA portfolio of modular actuation products includes:
- multi-turn actuators
- part-turn actuators
- linear actuators
- lever actuators
- controls
- multi-turn gearboxes
- part-turn gearboxes
- linear gearboxes
- lever gearboxes
- test equipment
AUMA Launches Generation .2
The new Generation .2 multi-turn actuator range SA 07.2 – 16.2 and new actuator controls AC 01.2 have been launched by AUMA: the products will be ready for order and delivery from first quarter 2010. Designed to cater for existing market needs, and next generation requirements, capabilities include the integration of field devices into Asset Management Systems. AUMA has introduced a number of enhanced features and expanded the functionality of its range, while retaining proven design principles.
The devices, both actuators and controls, are fully compatible with AUMA’s previous products: this ensures low-risk investment and guarantees that the company will always be at the forefront of technological development. Mechanical enhancements include:
- improved positioning accuracy
- the output speed range of modulating actuators
- extension of the expected actuator lifetime
- enhanced corrosion protection
AUMA’s innovative product developments are the result of an intensive exchange between valve manufacturers, consultants, plant operators and control/communication system manufacturers. It was recognised that standards should be followed as closely as possible for all developments outside of the products’ new intelligent functions. For example, the status signals of the AC 01.2 are classified in compliance with NAMUR recommendation NE 107. Consequently, the plant operator receives clearly interpretable signals from the actuators and all other field devices and new diagnostic features of the actuators are supported.
Temperature/vibration sensors and applied torque recording are used to continuously monitor all parameters which contribute positively to the actuator’s life. If an actuator is operated outside the specified operation conditions, for example with an impermissible high number of starts, the plant operator receives advance information enabling appropriate action to avoid malfunction.
In line with AUMA’s previous products, the new controls are available with different fieldbus interfaces, including the Profibus DP interface with V2 services.
Recruitment
BAPCO is a world-class organisation, striving for excellence in what has become a highly competitive global arena. We face the continuing challenges of maximising our onshore oil and gas production, pursuing offshore oil exploration opportunities, refining crude oil into more valuable products, and meeting our customer needs for environmentally friendly solutions. At BAPCO our work environment is characterised by cutting-edge technology, constant innovation, and teamwork – consequently our people are critical components in our success. With the future in mind, BAPCO two-pronged approach to adding enthusiastic and skilled people to our team consists of securing talented young Bahrainis to join our scholarships programme and on successful graduation to work at BAPCO, as well as attracting experienced and qualified professionals, both local and international.
The Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C
BAPCO, wholly owned by the Government of Bahrain, is engaged in the oil industry including exploration and prospecting for oil, drilling, production, refining, distribution of petroleum products and natural gas, sales and exports of crude oil and refined products.
The company owns a 260,000 barrel-a-day refinery, storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal for its petroleum products. Ninety-five per cent of refined products are exports.
BAPCO’s prime customers for crude oil and refined products are based in the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East Asia and Africa, and production of low-sulphur diesel which started in 2007 allows expansion in the European and US markets.
The company owns a 260,000 barrel-a-day refinery, storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal for its petroleum products. Ninety-five per cent of refined products are exports.
BAPCO’s prime customers for crude oil and refined products are based in the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East Asia and Africa, and production of low-sulphur diesel which started in 2007 allows expansion in the European and US markets.
Optimise planning of piping systems using CAE
Ulrich Feldhaus on how computer-aided engineering (CAE) programs allow reliability planning to be enhanced significantly. For complex chemical plants to survive in an extremely competitive market, failures can be the difference between profit and loss, or in the worst case an environmental disaster. Obtaining reliable statements on the behaviour of a plant requires comprehensive and accurate information. To achieve this level of understanding, the use of computer-aided engineering (CAE) is continually increasing.
The term 'large-scale plant' has changed its meaning over the years. Traditionally methanol production would have a daily production rate of 2000 tons per day, today the production rate is typically 5000 tons per day and some up to a capacity of 10000. The challenge is not only the rapidly increasing production rate for engineering departments, but the knowledge of how to get there. More and more often multi-stranded plants are substituted by single-stranded production lines. In such cases, faults can impact on the whole plant, therefore high reliability of processes is absolutely necessary.
One of the enterprises that has a central position in the market is the Frankfurt, Germany- based Lurgi GmbH. The company which employs 1450 people worldwide, 750 of them in Germany, is engaged in the construction of plants for the production of petrochemical intermediates and final products as well as synthetic fuels and oleo chemistry. One of the main fields of activity for plants is gas production and treatment. Lurgi itself does not have a production line, but orders are given to contractors.
The term 'large-scale plant' has changed its meaning over the years. Traditionally methanol production would have a daily production rate of 2000 tons per day, today the production rate is typically 5000 tons per day and some up to a capacity of 10000. The challenge is not only the rapidly increasing production rate for engineering departments, but the knowledge of how to get there. More and more often multi-stranded plants are substituted by single-stranded production lines. In such cases, faults can impact on the whole plant, therefore high reliability of processes is absolutely necessary.
One of the enterprises that has a central position in the market is the Frankfurt, Germany- based Lurgi GmbH. The company which employs 1450 people worldwide, 750 of them in Germany, is engaged in the construction of plants for the production of petrochemical intermediates and final products as well as synthetic fuels and oleo chemistry. One of the main fields of activity for plants is gas production and treatment. Lurgi itself does not have a production line, but orders are given to contractors.
Better control through predictive behaviour
In order to optimise plant operations at its chemical production facility in Spain, Solvay looked for a partner to help increase production and achieve better control through predictive behaviour.
Solvay is an international chemical and pharmaceutical group with headquarters in Brussels and operations in more than 50 countries. At its Torrelavega production centre in Spain, it produces a wide variety of chemical products. With various control solutions already in place, the company looked to further optimise its plant and incorporate the best elements of traditional PID algorithms and model-based control and optimisation technologies.
Solvay's plant in Torrelavega, Spain is a production centre for chemical products such as soda ash, sodium bicarbonate (BICAR), chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda. In order to optimise plant operations at its chemical production facility, Solvay looked for a partner.
With Honeywell's Experion PKS and TPS control systems already installed at the Torrelavega site, Solvay had extensive knowledge as to how these solutions worked. This assisted the company in implementing Honeywell's Profit Loop algorithm for most of its existing control loops.
Profit Loop is Honeywell's algorithm that represents a single input/single output (SISO) model-predictive controller specifically designed with the operating simplicity and computational efficiency of a standard PID controller. By using a simple model of the process to predict the effect of past, present and future control moves on the process variable, the controller knows how much to move the process in order to meet a company's desired control objectives.
Having already implemented Honeywell's Experion Process Knowledge System and TotalPlant Solution control systems, Solvay had extensive knowledge of Honeywell's control solutions. The company subsequently selected Honeywell's Profit Loop, a patented algorithm representing SISO model-predictive controller to help predict the effect of past, present and future control moves on the process variable.
By using the Profit Loop algorithm over standard PID, Solvay identifed several benefits:
Easy Loop Tuning - With Profit Loop tuning, it was no longer necessary to adjust the gain, reset and derivative times. With only one parameter, via the performance ratio, the 'one-knob' tuning enabled single-variable adjustment depending on the loop response.
Robust Range Control Algorithm (RCA) - The use of Honeywell's RCA allows Profit Loop to control the process variable within a dead band without controlling to a particular setpoint. This is especially valuable for tank levels in which the process variable is maintained within those levels while significantly reducing control valve wear. The solution minimizes valve movements as well as valve maintenance.
User-friendly Profit Loop Assistant - When other PID equations, operators had used the assistant for loop tuning. This acts in a way that performs the steps on the output values and stores the results. When a result is reached, there are two options: either a model with the transfer equation or suggested parameters dezpending on the type of loop and on the required response. This provides signficant time savings when implementing PID gain, reset and derivative parameters.
"We found that Profit Loop incorporates the best elements of traditional PID algorithms and model-based control and optimization techologies," said Rafael Truan Cacho, Control and Instrumentation Manager, Solvay Torrelavega.
Solvay is an international chemical and pharmaceutical group with headquarters in Brussels and operations in more than 50 countries. At its Torrelavega production centre in Spain, it produces a wide variety of chemical products. With various control solutions already in place, the company looked to further optimise its plant and incorporate the best elements of traditional PID algorithms and model-based control and optimisation technologies.
Solvay's plant in Torrelavega, Spain is a production centre for chemical products such as soda ash, sodium bicarbonate (BICAR), chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and caustic soda. In order to optimise plant operations at its chemical production facility, Solvay looked for a partner.
With Honeywell's Experion PKS and TPS control systems already installed at the Torrelavega site, Solvay had extensive knowledge as to how these solutions worked. This assisted the company in implementing Honeywell's Profit Loop algorithm for most of its existing control loops.
Profit Loop is Honeywell's algorithm that represents a single input/single output (SISO) model-predictive controller specifically designed with the operating simplicity and computational efficiency of a standard PID controller. By using a simple model of the process to predict the effect of past, present and future control moves on the process variable, the controller knows how much to move the process in order to meet a company's desired control objectives.
Having already implemented Honeywell's Experion Process Knowledge System and TotalPlant Solution control systems, Solvay had extensive knowledge of Honeywell's control solutions. The company subsequently selected Honeywell's Profit Loop, a patented algorithm representing SISO model-predictive controller to help predict the effect of past, present and future control moves on the process variable.
By using the Profit Loop algorithm over standard PID, Solvay identifed several benefits:
Easy Loop Tuning - With Profit Loop tuning, it was no longer necessary to adjust the gain, reset and derivative times. With only one parameter, via the performance ratio, the 'one-knob' tuning enabled single-variable adjustment depending on the loop response.
Robust Range Control Algorithm (RCA) - The use of Honeywell's RCA allows Profit Loop to control the process variable within a dead band without controlling to a particular setpoint. This is especially valuable for tank levels in which the process variable is maintained within those levels while significantly reducing control valve wear. The solution minimizes valve movements as well as valve maintenance.
User-friendly Profit Loop Assistant - When other PID equations, operators had used the assistant for loop tuning. This acts in a way that performs the steps on the output values and stores the results. When a result is reached, there are two options: either a model with the transfer equation or suggested parameters dezpending on the type of loop and on the required response. This provides signficant time savings when implementing PID gain, reset and derivative parameters.
"We found that Profit Loop incorporates the best elements of traditional PID algorithms and model-based control and optimization techologies," said Rafael Truan Cacho, Control and Instrumentation Manager, Solvay Torrelavega.
Intelligent motor centres help reduce downtime
Intelligent motor centres help reduce downtime
Advances in intelligent motor control centres now allow for the detailed diagnostics needed to improve maintenance schedules and reduce downtime. Sean Ottewell reports.
Keeping manufacturing processes running smoothly often hinges on the ability of engineers to access real-time production data. Fortunately, advanced monitoring and sensing technologies that integrate smart devices, device-level networks and software into motor control centres now exist, allowing manufacturers to capture and use equipment and process data.
Today's intelligent motor control centres (MCCs) offer a textbook example of this, with an integrated design that delivers real-time monitoring and detailed diagnostics to help improve productivity and maximise critical asset availability. These systems occupy a prominent role in control schemes, housing a comprehensive array of control and monitoring devices, and a built-in network that opens up access to process data from virtually every corner of the plant.
MCCs have moved rapidly to include the latest component technologies. Integrating these advanced technologies presents a major opportunity for manufacturers to transform islands of data into useful information. Now Rockwell Automation has published a white paper which explains how advanced MCCs provide process application users with critical information that ultimately helps to minimise - and prevent - downtime.
Intelligent Motor Control Centres Lay the Foundation for Improvements in Manufacturing Efficiency and Reliability provides an overview of the industry drivers and evolution of MCCs, including technology considerations, configuration methods, networking advantages, as well as costs and benefits gained from real-world application examples.
The intelligent MCC
Distinguishing itself from a standard unit, the intelligent MCC integrates three major system components - communications, hardware and software. While early versions of MCCs with communication networks contained variations of these elements, today's solutions leverage a harmonised design that deliberately integrates these elements into a unified solution. Furthermore, with a lower installation cost than traditional MCCs, plus the protective, monitoring and troubleshooting advantages, integrating intelligent MCCs presents a major opportunity for manufacturers to capture and use equipment and process data to improve productivity and maximise asset availability (Fig. 1).
Traditionally, MCCs consisted of primarily electromechanical components with hard-wired connections. These components remain the workhorses of MCCs, but advances in solid-state technology are ushering in a wave of more intelligent, programmable devices that do more than just turn on and off a motor. These include variable frequency drives, solid-state starters and electronic overload relays. Today's MCCs monitor motor current and thermal capacity, perform protective troubleshooting functions, and provide detailed diagnostics to help avert downtime. Distinguishing itself from a standard unit, the intelligent MCC integrates three major system components - communications, hardware and software.
A reliable, robust network
The communication network lies at the heart of an intelligent MCC. Therefore, it's important to implement the right network. The trend toward open networks offers clear and well-documented advantages. In general, the network should provide adequate throughput (up to 500 kbps), offer a low cost per node, and be accepted by a wide range of suppliers and users. The best choice is a robust, reliable network, such as DeviceNet, which provides ease of configuration advantages and superb diagnostic capabilities.
Users also should consider differences in network media. Because of the way data is handled for various applications, most facilities require multiple networks. However, providing seamless communication from one network to the next can present a major obstacle when using different network protocols.
Using a range of network protocols is similar to dialing a three-way telephone call from the US to extensions in France and Japan. Just because the phone rings on the opposite end and someone answers doesn't mean all parties can understand one another without a translator. A common language is needed for conversation.
This is where a common application layer, such as the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), proves to be a major differentiator. CIP is a single, media independent platform that provides seamless communications between plant-floor devices and enterprise-level systems. This allows manufacturers to integrate control, configuration and data collection across multiple networks, getting real-time information to where and when it is needed.
The CIP networks including DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP - are open networks that share the CIP at their upper levels while remaining media independent at lower levels. This allows manufacturers to specify the best network for each application and eliminate costly gateways when connecting dissimilar upper-level networks. More importantly, it opens the door to system-wide communication while offering better tools to control motors and increase plant efficiency.
When properly deployed, the intelligent MCC allows users to monitor and analyse operations from anywhere at any time. With access to more detailed information over longer periods of time, users can better predict potential problems and prevent catastrophic failures. For maximum network efficiency, engineers can configure devices to report data as often and in whatever format as needed. For example, a drive controlling a rapidly fluctuating process might report status every 50 milliseconds, while a motor on a slower changing process may only be required to report status every 60 seconds. For most parameters, devices can be configured to communicate only on a change of state. Diagnostic data can be accessed outside of the regular data scan, keeping all data available without clogging the network with information that's only used occasionally. Information reported by devices in the system can be recorded for later analysis, if needed, or used to generate alarm messages as important events occur in the process.
Up until now, MCCs lacked interwiring and required extensive field wiring, documenting, testing and system integration. Conversely, the intelligent MCC arrives preconfigured, pretested and ready to install. The communication cables are installed and tested, intelligent devices are preprogrammed and software screens are pre-configured, all of which help reduce start-up time.
The primary drawback of many network configurations, such as those in a daisy-chain configuration, is the inability to make device changes or additions without shutting down the network. With this type of topology, moving or adding devices requires the technician to break the chain, thus disabling the network. A better approach is to isolate trunk and drop lines behind barriers, avoiding potential damage to communication cables during installation and maintenance activities. Trunk and drop network design provides easy-connection communication ports that allow devices to be plugged or unplugged without network disruption. This configuration should also provide independent, readily accessible ports to simplify installing, withdrawing, relocating and adding plug-in units.
Engineers require detailed documentation for fast start-up and efficient troubleshooting, but this documentation is often misplaced or incomplete With an intelligent MCC, users can access electronic documentation on the same PC running the monitoring software.
A prime opportunity
As the cost of intelligent devices continues to decline, intelligent MCCs offer manufacturers an excellent opportunity to benefit from advanced technology of these control systems, including improved diagnostics, increased system reliability, design flexibility and simplified wiring. While a robust, reliable design is critical for helping to contain faults and minimis downtime, equally important is the device-level networking capabilities of today's intelligent MCCs.
Advances in intelligent motor control centres now allow for the detailed diagnostics needed to improve maintenance schedules and reduce downtime. Sean Ottewell reports.
Keeping manufacturing processes running smoothly often hinges on the ability of engineers to access real-time production data. Fortunately, advanced monitoring and sensing technologies that integrate smart devices, device-level networks and software into motor control centres now exist, allowing manufacturers to capture and use equipment and process data.
Today's intelligent motor control centres (MCCs) offer a textbook example of this, with an integrated design that delivers real-time monitoring and detailed diagnostics to help improve productivity and maximise critical asset availability. These systems occupy a prominent role in control schemes, housing a comprehensive array of control and monitoring devices, and a built-in network that opens up access to process data from virtually every corner of the plant.
MCCs have moved rapidly to include the latest component technologies. Integrating these advanced technologies presents a major opportunity for manufacturers to transform islands of data into useful information. Now Rockwell Automation has published a white paper which explains how advanced MCCs provide process application users with critical information that ultimately helps to minimise - and prevent - downtime.
Intelligent Motor Control Centres Lay the Foundation for Improvements in Manufacturing Efficiency and Reliability provides an overview of the industry drivers and evolution of MCCs, including technology considerations, configuration methods, networking advantages, as well as costs and benefits gained from real-world application examples.
The intelligent MCC
Distinguishing itself from a standard unit, the intelligent MCC integrates three major system components - communications, hardware and software. While early versions of MCCs with communication networks contained variations of these elements, today's solutions leverage a harmonised design that deliberately integrates these elements into a unified solution. Furthermore, with a lower installation cost than traditional MCCs, plus the protective, monitoring and troubleshooting advantages, integrating intelligent MCCs presents a major opportunity for manufacturers to capture and use equipment and process data to improve productivity and maximise asset availability (Fig. 1).
Traditionally, MCCs consisted of primarily electromechanical components with hard-wired connections. These components remain the workhorses of MCCs, but advances in solid-state technology are ushering in a wave of more intelligent, programmable devices that do more than just turn on and off a motor. These include variable frequency drives, solid-state starters and electronic overload relays. Today's MCCs monitor motor current and thermal capacity, perform protective troubleshooting functions, and provide detailed diagnostics to help avert downtime. Distinguishing itself from a standard unit, the intelligent MCC integrates three major system components - communications, hardware and software.
A reliable, robust network
The communication network lies at the heart of an intelligent MCC. Therefore, it's important to implement the right network. The trend toward open networks offers clear and well-documented advantages. In general, the network should provide adequate throughput (up to 500 kbps), offer a low cost per node, and be accepted by a wide range of suppliers and users. The best choice is a robust, reliable network, such as DeviceNet, which provides ease of configuration advantages and superb diagnostic capabilities.
Users also should consider differences in network media. Because of the way data is handled for various applications, most facilities require multiple networks. However, providing seamless communication from one network to the next can present a major obstacle when using different network protocols.
Using a range of network protocols is similar to dialing a three-way telephone call from the US to extensions in France and Japan. Just because the phone rings on the opposite end and someone answers doesn't mean all parties can understand one another without a translator. A common language is needed for conversation.
This is where a common application layer, such as the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), proves to be a major differentiator. CIP is a single, media independent platform that provides seamless communications between plant-floor devices and enterprise-level systems. This allows manufacturers to integrate control, configuration and data collection across multiple networks, getting real-time information to where and when it is needed.
The CIP networks including DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP - are open networks that share the CIP at their upper levels while remaining media independent at lower levels. This allows manufacturers to specify the best network for each application and eliminate costly gateways when connecting dissimilar upper-level networks. More importantly, it opens the door to system-wide communication while offering better tools to control motors and increase plant efficiency.
When properly deployed, the intelligent MCC allows users to monitor and analyse operations from anywhere at any time. With access to more detailed information over longer periods of time, users can better predict potential problems and prevent catastrophic failures. For maximum network efficiency, engineers can configure devices to report data as often and in whatever format as needed. For example, a drive controlling a rapidly fluctuating process might report status every 50 milliseconds, while a motor on a slower changing process may only be required to report status every 60 seconds. For most parameters, devices can be configured to communicate only on a change of state. Diagnostic data can be accessed outside of the regular data scan, keeping all data available without clogging the network with information that's only used occasionally. Information reported by devices in the system can be recorded for later analysis, if needed, or used to generate alarm messages as important events occur in the process.
Up until now, MCCs lacked interwiring and required extensive field wiring, documenting, testing and system integration. Conversely, the intelligent MCC arrives preconfigured, pretested and ready to install. The communication cables are installed and tested, intelligent devices are preprogrammed and software screens are pre-configured, all of which help reduce start-up time.
The primary drawback of many network configurations, such as those in a daisy-chain configuration, is the inability to make device changes or additions without shutting down the network. With this type of topology, moving or adding devices requires the technician to break the chain, thus disabling the network. A better approach is to isolate trunk and drop lines behind barriers, avoiding potential damage to communication cables during installation and maintenance activities. Trunk and drop network design provides easy-connection communication ports that allow devices to be plugged or unplugged without network disruption. This configuration should also provide independent, readily accessible ports to simplify installing, withdrawing, relocating and adding plug-in units.
Engineers require detailed documentation for fast start-up and efficient troubleshooting, but this documentation is often misplaced or incomplete With an intelligent MCC, users can access electronic documentation on the same PC running the monitoring software.
A prime opportunity
As the cost of intelligent devices continues to decline, intelligent MCCs offer manufacturers an excellent opportunity to benefit from advanced technology of these control systems, including improved diagnostics, increased system reliability, design flexibility and simplified wiring. While a robust, reliable design is critical for helping to contain faults and minimis downtime, equally important is the device-level networking capabilities of today's intelligent MCCs.
Engineering 1 to 300 Guide
Okay. I decided to pick up engineering, Here's the guide that I created last night, trying to spend the least amount of gold I could. I must admit that it's about 70 gold for EVERYthing, But in the end, you'll have like 20-25 gold in your pocket. This is the Quick and Dirty way. If you can't keep up with the bill, I suggest getting mining, as it alleviates nearly 90% of your costs when you just straight mine to 300.
Before I start, you need to realize this is not a 1-80 leveling guide, it's just a guide that will help you get your engineering up quick, if you need a leveling guide, the best ones are: Joana's 1-80 Horde leveling Guide for horde, and Penn's 1-80 Alliance leveling guide for alliance.
First is the shopping list of all items I used in my powerlevel. You WILL have leftovers on most things but I padded for the unlucky.
Next is the List itself. What to skill up on until the level desired. For instance, 1-40 means stop doing it when you get your 40th profession point. Next, what typically you can do with the item. Then, AHed ingredients and finally the ingredients in ONE make of the crafted item.
Before I start, you need to realize this is not a 1-80 leveling guide, it's just a guide that will help you get your engineering up quick, if you need a leveling guide, the best ones are: Joana's 1-80 Horde leveling Guide for horde, and Penn's 1-80 Alliance leveling guide for alliance.
First is the shopping list of all items I used in my powerlevel. You WILL have leftovers on most things but I padded for the unlucky.
Next is the List itself. What to skill up on until the level desired. For instance, 1-40 means stop doing it when you get your 40th profession point. Next, what typically you can do with the item. Then, AHed ingredients and finally the ingredients in ONE make of the crafted item.
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