Columnbus

Open source tools can help manage your network footprint

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Tuesday, 14 May 2013 13:20

The industrial networking environment is continuing to evolve with additions to protocols, new tools and, with the Field Device Initiative (FDI), even amalgamation to some extent. However all the ‘buzz’…

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TMI from your HMI? How to deal with data overload

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Friday, 15 March 2013 08:46

All of us are aware of the amount of data available from modern control systems, their field devices and the algorithms used to infer additional information from that data. The…

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Developing the next generation by developing ourselves

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Thursday, 24 January 2013 18:41

As a chemical engineer who graduated 30 years ago, I know that other than the basic skills I learned at university (which formed the platform on which I was able…

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Getting to know IEC TC65 for measurement and control

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Tuesday, 27 November 2012 10:47

IEC TC65 and its subcommittees are responsible for preparing “international standards for systems and elements used for industrial-process measurement and control concerning continuous and batch processes.”There are four subcommittees within…

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Having it all: How to use all your data for plant asset management

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Monday, 22 October 2012 11:54

An estimated one-third of maintenance expenditures are wasted due to improper or unnecessary practices. According to a report issued by the E.I. duPont de Nemours Company, “The largest single controllable…

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RFID: Not just for asset tracking anymore

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Thursday, 20 September 2012 14:15

Although smart wireless sensor nodes and networks are coming into maturity, the cost per measurement point is still high and functionality somewhat limited, which means that there is still opportunity…

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Protocols: Sorting through the options to choose one

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Thursday, 21 June 2012 15:02

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between communications and networking. Networks are the infrastructure used to get the data from one node to another, while…

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How to achieve power supply reliability

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Friday, 18 May 2012 13:22

The increase in the use of field-mounted equipment that requires a reliable power supply reinforces the need for power supply equipment and designs. Unfortunately, when I talk to companies that…

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Measure and manage: Going green with energy management

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Tuesday, 13 March 2012 08:11

There is a lot of discussion these days about energy conservation, energy management and "going green" - for both environmental and economic reasons.

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All about control: Process control and Control in the Field

Written by Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. Tuesday, 24 January 2012 13:59

Original pneumatic process control loops were implemented with Control in the Field. In those days, the analog input (transmitter) and output (valve) needed to be connected by the air line…

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