Layered Security Goes Beyond Hardware In IIoT Implementations
+Tech TopicsApplicationCommunicationsData and IIoTData System MonitoringeBookIIoT and DataLearning ResourcesOperator InterfaceProductWhy HMI

Layered Security Goes Beyond Hardware In IIoT Implementations

Industry is certainly starting to take note of the IIoT, which raises cybersecurity issues because it requires connecting field devices and other automation system components to the outside world, often through the internet. Connectivity capability is built into many automation components, typically via an Ethernet port, but can these connections be made secure?
Condition Signals as Needed
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Condition Signals as Needed

Discrete and analog field devices provide the bulk of information to control, monitoring and data acquisition systems. Connecting these devices with the proper signal level and without any issues is therefore critical. Fortunately, signal conditioners can smooth or change the signal, address issues, and even provide some simple logic. Signal conditioners often eliminate the need…
Lockout/Tagout and Machinery Guarding
+Tech TopicsLearning ResourcesOnline OnlyProductSafety

Lockout/Tagout and Machinery Guarding

In today’s automated world, advances in machine complexity, speed and efficiency can result in hazardous risks to operators and equipment. Knowing that faster and more complicated systems are commonplace, it is critical to ensure that today’s machines provide the necessary safety features to protect human lives and equipment. In the U.S. and other parts of the world,…
A Quick View of SCADA in Oil and Gas
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A Quick View of SCADA in Oil and Gas

For quick and secure access to production and process data, a PC-based supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is often the best solution. Whether upstream, midstream or downstream in the process, data can be collected by the SCADA system using a variety of built-in tools. Once collected from controllers and smart devices, the data…
Pneumatic Circuit Symbols Explained
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 35 - 2016Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOnline OnlyPneumatic eBookPneumaticsPneumatics eBookProductTechnology Brief

Pneumatic Circuit Symbols Explained

Directional air control valves are the building blocks of pneumatic control. Pneumatic circuit symbols representing these valves provide detailed information about the valve they represent. Symbols show the methods of actuation, the number of positions, the flow paths and the number of ports. Here is a brief breakdown of how to read a symbol.
Understanding Pneumatic Air Preparation
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Understanding Pneumatic Air Preparation

A steady supply of clean and dry air is required to protect all the pneumatic components in machines, equipment and processes and to ensure their proper operation. While controlling mechanical motion with pneumatics—such as clamping, positioning, pushing and lifting—is often the focus, clean and dry air with enough flow to provide the required pressure must…
Pneumatic Actuator (Air Cylinder) Basics
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Pneumatic Actuator (Air Cylinder) Basics

There are thousands of industrial applications that require a linear motion during their operation sequence. One of the simplest and most cost effective ways to accomplish this is with a pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic actuators are also very clean operating because the operating fluid is a gas, which prevents leakage from dripping and contaminating the surroundings.
Valves for Pneumatic Cylinders | Actuators
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Valves for Pneumatic Cylinders | Actuators

In the pneumatic world, valves are the equivalent of relays controlling the flow of electricity in automation systems. Instead of distributing electric power to motors, drives and other devices, pneumatic valves distribute air to cylinders, actuators and nozzles. Valve Activation Pneumatic valves, also called directional control valves, are activated in a variety of ways including…