Bio Diesel Fuel Gets a Boost from Automation
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookEnergy/UtilitiesHMIIndustryIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsPneumaticsProcess ControlProcess Sensing & ControlProductProgrammable ControlSimple PLCUser Solutions

Bio Diesel Fuel Gets a Boost from Automation

Systems produce bio diesel for a total cost as low as 67 cents per gallon, turning waste into profit. Imagine if restaurants and other commercial food enterprises could turn used kitchen oil into fuel instead of simply disposing of it. Then imagine if they could do that in an economic and automated way for a…
CH2M HILL Joins AutomationDirect’s SIDirect Team
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem Integrators

CH2M HILL Joins AutomationDirect’s SIDirect Team

Since its beginning in 1946, CH2M HILL has become a global leader by providing full-service consulting and design, as well as design-build and operations and program management in over 80 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CH2M HILL was founded on the principle of meeting high-end challenges and creating technical innovations. CH2M HILL provides turnkey solutions…
Cellular Remote Access Gives Companies Competitive Edge
+Tech TopicsApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData and IIoTData CollectionData System MonitoringFeature StoryHMIIIoT and DataIssue 22 – 2012Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

Cellular Remote Access Gives Companies Competitive Edge

Internet and cellular technology make monitoring and control easier than ever. The automation world, with its distant and often isolated sites, has long sought reliable remote access to cut costs and improve reliability. Instead of sending technicians to distant locations, operators can now access critical information and control systems quickly and easily.
Automated Volleyball Server
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightDrivesEducation/DIYEntertainmentHMIIndustryIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMotorsNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCPLC eBookProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent SpotlightVariable Speed Drives

Automated Volleyball Server

Larry May, a student at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), contacted AutomationDirect and outlined his goal of building a volleyball setting and serving machine for his senior design project. Larry is active as a recreational volleyball player and is the father and coach of a competitive high school player. Larry is also a long time…
PLCs Give Wastewater Pumping Stations a Lift
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookData System MonitoringIndustryIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsWater/Wastewater

PLCs Give Wastewater Pumping Stations a Lift

Flexible, economical PLCs provide automatic failover, backup pump control, and remote lift station monitoring. The Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is part of the Interceptor Sewer System, which has served Chattanooga, Tennessee, and its surrounding metropolitan areas since it was built in 1952. The WWTP includes pumping stations as well as liquid and solids…
Advanced Automation, LLC Takes Baking To The Next Level
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFood and BeverageFood Beverage AutomationIndustryIssue 19 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlUser Solutions

Advanced Automation, LLC Takes Baking To The Next Level

Advanced Automation, LLC, in Riverdale, New Jersey, is an automation systems manufacturing company specializing in creating solutions for companies in need of more efficient automated processes. One such need is in the baking industry. Food associations, such as the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Safe Quality Food (SQF) and the American Institute of Baking (AIB), are…
Southern Polytechnic Students Produce Pad Printing Machine
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYIndustryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCPneumaticsProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Southern Polytechnic Students Produce Pad Printing Machine

Students Sergio Acevedo and Randle Johnson are two of the first students to complete their degrees in Mechatronics Engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, GA. The Mechatronics program at SPSU is a recent four-year degree offering, begun in 2007, which combines topics from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science to prepare graduates…
PLC-Based System Works Where Single Loop Temperature Controllers Fell Short
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookIndustryIssue 20 – 2011Learning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingNotebook IssueOperator InterfacePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlTech Thread

PLC-Based System Works Where Single Loop Temperature Controllers Fell Short

In many applications, single loop temperature controllers are sufficient to provide control of heating and cooling. But in some applications, including the one detailed in this article, closely coordinated control among many temperature control loops is needed. In those cases and others, PLC-based temperature control can be the best solution. A meltblown machine, a melted…