In this issue of the Automation Notebook…
In each issue of the Automation Notebook we feature a section of brainteasers. These are the brainteaser answers from Issue 16, 2010 of the Automation Notebook. The brainteaser questions are repeated in black. The answers to the brainteaser questions are highlighted in red with explanations. You can view the brainteasers from Issue 16, 2010 without the answers here: http://library.automationdirect.com/brainteasers-issue-16-2010/…
1. Is bigger really better? Let’s say your goal is to reduce gasoline consumption. And, let’s say there are only two kinds of cars in the world. Half of them are Suburbans that get 10 miles to the gallon and half are Priuses that get 50. If we assume that all the cars drive the same number…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightData CollectionDiscrete SensingEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight
Racing as Field Lab for Automotive Design
The University of Wisconsin Formula SAE team competes against over 130 universities from around the world in an annual competition held at Michigan International Speedway. The competition is based on the design and manufacture of a small scale open wheel, open cockpit racecar. Teams are usually comprised of engineering students who, in the fall semester,…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionDistribution/LogisticsIndustryIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions
M.M. & I., Inc Provides Production Information 24/7 To Pratt Industries
Michael Miles and Investors (M.M. & I.) has been in the commercial and industrial electrical markets since 1986. The company began by offering Web-based database and Visual Basic applications supporting school systems. In 1994, we ventured into the computer market, becoming proficient in information technologies and high level programming. In 2002, we saw a need…
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData CollectionIndustryIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlWater/Wastewater
Evolution of the ChemFreePro® Ion Generator
In the 1960s, NASA conducted a research program to develop a small lightweight water purifier. The purifier was for use in the Apollo spacecraft, so low power usage and minimal maintenance were a must. The 9-ounce purifier, slightly larger than a cigarette pack and completely chlorine-free, was designed to dispense silver ions into the spacecraft’s…
+Tech TopicsApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryFood and BeverageIndustryIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control
Upgrading From Batch to Continuous Processes Requires High Level Automation
Many process plants use batch operations for all or part of their production operations. Some processes are inherently batch oriented, but many others can be converted to continuous. Converting a batch process to a continuous operation has many advantages including, but not limited to, better quality, more throughput and less energy use (see Table 1). These…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookElectrical PowerIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief
Transformers: Application, Construction and Efficiencies (Part 2)
The Conclusion of a Two-Part series In the last issue of NOTEBOOK, we discussed the two categories of transformers commonly available and typical applications for them. The final category is control transformers, which are commonly incorporated into a machine element. This is the broadest category, as voltage matching situations will almost certainly be encountered which, in…
Q. What is a “PAC” and how is it different from your existing PLCs? A. PAC is the acronym for Programmable Automation Controller where PLC is the acronym for Programmable Logic Controller. The Wikipedia* definition for a PAC is broad, but accurate; “A Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is a compact controller that combines the features and…
ApplicationAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem Integrators
DG Controls
In this issue of Automation Notebook, we introduce you to Dan Gulley of DG Controls in York, Alabama. With over 30 years of designing and troubleshooting industrial machine controls and system integration, they are experts when it comes to custom control panels and retrofitting equipment. How did you get started in your Controls/Engineering career? My…
We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: Six-inch Color C-more Operator Interface Panels, StellarTM line of soft motor starters, Space-Saving Molded Case Circuit Breakers, Universal Signal Conditioners, Hole saws, Power Distribution blocks line extended. Six-inch Color C-more Operator Interface Panels…
The C-more Micro family now includes a 6-inch TFT color touch screen panel. The panel’s 32,768 colors provide clear and colorful graphics for vibrant and intuitive screens. The larger panel can display even more text, graphics, or bitmaps to effectively communicate and display data to the operator. In portrait mode, the panel can display up to 40…
+Tech TopicsApplicationAutomation NotebookCover StoriesIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
Machine Automation 2010: What’s Hot and What’s Not
Machine and Robot Builders Look Ahead to the New Decade As a new decade dawns, machine and robot builder OEMs are looking to embrace new trends and put the past behind them. Recent economic travails seem to be lessening, especially in the developing world. The hope is for continued improvement in the world economy, spurring…