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Welcome to the May 2010 issue of ICEnews, the Instrumentation, and Control Engineering news source.  ICEnews is a compendium of useful information which we endeavour to issue quarterly.

We want to make this newsletter a source of information that YOU can use in YOUR job, while also keeping you informed on what is happening in our industry both directly and indirectly.  We welcome your Press Releases, information, AND any technical articles you may have that could be appropriate for this newsletter or our web site. If you have something you would like to contribute, please send it to ICEnews.

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Editorial

Globalisation for Engineers

I am not one to generally get into politics as my interest is associated with technical aspects of engineering rather than "spin". However one thing which does concern me in Australia is the continuing trend of design engineering contracts going offshore. This is occurring in most developed countries of the world.  For example here we are experiencing unprecedented announcements of billion dollar projects BUT the majority of these are NOT being engineered in this country. With all this development what dividend are Australian Engineers getting?...well just about nothing.  We have engineers unemployed here whilst the multinationals are using overseas engineering houses because they are cheaper. What galls me most is that successive governments both State and Federal let them do it.  As a result our engineers get less exposure to these high tech processes and associated Instrumentation and Control, thus they are being "Dumbed Down", this can only result in future projects saying we do not have the capability...exasperating the problem.  Back in the late 70's here in Perth we had major developments but the governments of the day insisted on high local content...this seems to have gone by the board these days with multinationals dictating terms rather than the governments. We could do with some "pollies" who care about engineering rather than "brownie points" associated with what will be another foreign multinational project reaping the benefit of our huge resources.   

Food for thought, what do you think?

Jim Russell

ICEart - Technical articles related to instrumentation and control (Just "click" on the Hyperlink for the full article or paper)

Video Surveillance of Remote processes and Assets - Control Microsystems Inc have announced the ability of the SCADA host platform, ClearSCADA, to provide video surveillance of remote processes and assets. Existing industrial networks can conveniently and cost-effectively transmit video images over the SCADA communication infrastructure. Control Microsystems’ ClearSCADA host platform can be integrated with the Longwatch Video Surveillance Platform and Video Historian Platform, along with IP surveillance cameras, as a solution to capture and convey important security information for critical infrastructure.  

Emerson Process Management has announced that it has entered into a 5-year Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with Shell to serve as a Main Automation Contractor (MAC) on future capital projects globally. Under the Agreement, Emerson will provide project and support services for Main Automation Systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems. The contract also provides for ongoing maintenance of existing systems, plus the supply of new systems for Brownfield and Greenfield facilities.

Endress+Hauser have introduced the Liquiphant M, a density meter that provides on-line measurements, eliminating the need for extensive and expensive off-line procedures and laboratory measurements. A built-in density calculator can be end user customized with complex tables and mathematical interdependencies, allowing the meter to provide the same kind of density and concentration measurements once possible only with lab instruments. Because the Liquiphant M provides on-line measurements, it allows control systems to react much faster to changing process conditions. Instead of waiting for results to come back from the lab, a control system can take corrective action immediately by performing closed-loop control.  

Paintable Electronics? NIST Studies Spray-On Manufacturing of Transistors - A multidisciplinary research team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found that an organic semiconductor may be a viable candidate for creating large-area electronics, such as solar cells and displays that can be sprayed onto a surface as easily as paint. While the electronics will not be ready for market anytime soon, the research team says the material they studied could overcome one of the main cost hurdles blocking the large-scale manufacture of organic thin-film transistors, the development of which also could lead to a host of devices inexpensive enough to be disposable.

National Instruments have announced the release of two CompactRIO programmable automation controllers (PACs), which offer engineers and machine builders an ideal solution for high-performance measurement and control applications operating at extended temperatures. They have also announced the NI USB-TC01, a USB data acquisition (DAQ) device that measures and records temperature data from a thermocouple.

McCrometer's new RemoteCONNECT Telemetry System Offers One-Stop Shop for Automated Irrigation Flow Metering which Supports Row, Center Pivot and Drip Applications - Irrigators will find the new McCrometer enhances irrigation by delivering up-to-date flow data via the Internet for centralized monitoring and control, which takes the guesswork out of water management and frees irrigators to focus on other critical tasks.

McCrometer have also announced their FS100 Flow Straightener which establishes Accurate Flow Measurement in Limited Space Installations and is Ideal for Water Metering in Agriculture Applications. It assists agriculture districts, well drillers and flow meter installers cope with the latest water metering conservation programs. It also provides advanced flow conditioning technology in support of new and retrofit flow meter installations.

Like a chuckle? Have a look at Automation.com's Techie Lounge - Videos, Cartoons and other fun Automation stuff.

Facility Piping - Whilst not Instrumentation related this article is interesting for those in the offshore industry. Composite piping reduces offshore platform loads, saving cost in system design. From Composites World.

Honeywell have announced that it has signed a global five-year agreement to be a Main Automation Contractor (MAC) for Shell. The Global Framework Agreement (GFA) is part of Shell’s long-term MAC strategy to maximize production while lowering total operating costs by equipping its worldwide facilities with integrated process automation technology.

ICEbooks – Useful books, software and new releases related to Instrumentation and Control.

Need some technical “know-how”? ICEweb has a page which details a selection of excellent Instrumentation, Automation, Control, Electrical, Electronic and Information Technology books from IDC Technologies. These can be purchased from ICEweb . Also detailed are other links to more useful references.

What’s in your pocket? Why not fill your pocket with an IDC pocket guide. Their six Engineering Pocket Guides are bursting with over 500 pages of valuable information.  The six titles include: Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, Data Communications, Formulae and Conversions, Electronic Engineering and Industrial Automation. Whether you are interested in just the one title or if you need the whole set send an email to books@idc-online.com .

PIDTutor has released a new book "Mastering Split-Range Control".  This 30-page book deals with all aspects of split-range control, including: When to Use Split-Range Control, Costs and Benefits of Split-Range, How to Configure in a PLC or DCS, How to Calibrate Valves for Split-Range, Operator Training and Troubleshooting. This book is available on-line via Amazon's CreateSpace at https://www.createspace.com/3395995 .

SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, 4th Edition - Stuart A. Boyer - Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology has evolved over the past 30 years as a method of monitoring and controlling large processes. This reference book offers overviews of SCADA’s component technologies, as well as details necessary to understand the big picture. This Fourth Edition includes a unit about improving the security of SCADA systems and has been rearranged to provide a more logical presentation of the subject.

Advanced pH Measurement and Control, 3rd Edition - Gregory K. McMillan and Robert A. Cameron - This best-selling book provides a clear, concise, and comprehensive view of how to select, install, and maintain electrodes, control valves, and control strategies for pH applications critical for product and water quality in the process industry. The book covers every aspect of system design including the mixing and reagent piping requirements that are important for a successful application. The essential concepts are summarized as key insights and the best practices are presented as rules of thumb throughout the book.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) have announced the publication of;
- Essentials of Modern Measurements and Final Elements in the Process Industry: A Guide to Design, Configuration, Installation, and Maintenance by Gregory K. McMillan. Dedicated to automation engineers and technicians, this comprehensive resource aims to increase awareness of the opportunities afforded by modern measurement instruments and final elements, and to show how to get maximum benefit from the revolution in smart technologies.
-  Industrial Network Security, 2^nd Edition by David J. Teumim - This easy-to-read book introduces managers, engineers, technicians, and operators to how to keep industrial networks secure amid rising threats from hackers, disgruntled employees, and even cyberterrorists. It describes how commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software moves into Industrial Networks as legacy equipment is phased out. As described through the writer’s eyes in the new Chapter 9, other industrial sectors (e.g., passenger rail) are coming up-to-speed on industrial network security as COTS become commonplace in that sector’s control systems.

ICEbus - Information on any of the 26 different bus systems in use in the area of Instrumentation and Control.

With very little of the "fanfare" which this document deserves the latest update of the Fieldbus Foundation System Engineering Guidelines is available. It includes a Project Requirements section, FOUNDATION Fieldbus for Safety Instrumented Functions, Revised Host System Requirements, Revised Software Configuration Guidelines, Revised Field Device Requirements, Revised Ancillary Device Requirements, Revised Fieldbus Network/Segment Design Guidelines, Revised Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, Revised Site Installation Guidelines, Revised Documentation Requirements. Congratulations to all the contributors to this update - a job well done. The System Guidelines are available via the Fieldbus Foundation free download.

The Fieldbus Foundation has announced that the University of Miskolc, Hungary, has reached a significant milestone in its application to become an accredited training site that offers fieldbus training courses certified under the Foundation™ Certified Training Program (FCTP). The University of Miskolc and the Fieldbus Foundation have signed a license agreement that recognises the University of Miskolc as a certified training centre that is undergoing the rigorous process of auditing its educational curriculum and instructors in order to achieve full certified training centre status. Read more.

The FFSAMC has announced a series of end user "Introduction to Foundation Fieldbus" seminars to be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town - 10 & 11 May: Bryanston Country Club, Johannesburg -13 May: Casia@Nitida Wine Estate, Durbanville, Cape Town - Presenter: Ian Verhappen, Internationally acknowledged expert in Foundation Fieldbus technology. The seminar will be a one-day course designed to provide delegates with a good understanding of Foundation fieldbus technology including the economic justifications for selecting digital communications technology in their facility. The concepts used will be based on best practices from greenfield facilities around the world and the associated life cycle impact of Foundation technology on engineering (including documentation and workflow), start-up & commissioning, and operational excellence & asset management. The agenda will include presentations addressing: Understanding the physical layer, Methods for powering the bus and Foundation communications (macro cycles, function blocks) and Basic elements of segment design...For more information and registration click here.

ICEed - Educational links associated with Instrumentation, Control and Fire & Gas.

Call for Papers - If you have an upcoming conference and are calling for papers please contact us.

E-Learning 

IDC have a range of E-Learning courses Covering  Data Communications,   Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering,  Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering and Project Management . 

IDC have launched a new Engineering Institute of Technology which is focused on advanced distance learning in engineering and technology in areas such as industrial automation, electrical and mechanical engineering and industrial IT. The EIT is intended to aid career advancement for trades-people, technicians and engineers that have limited time to go onto a campus, want real world practical courses (such as accredited certificates and advanced diplomas) and want to get the maximum most cost efficient return for their hard earned dollars.

Training and Workshop Schedules

IDC have a huge range of workshops and training courses worldwide. 

Information Security School - 19-23 July 2010, Singapore - Today's organizations are under increasing pressure to ensure the effectiveness of their infosecurity efforts and as a result, information security has become a priority business issue. In this information-packed, five-day training course, delegates will cover the essential areas they need to know to construct or audit a comprehensive infosecurity framework.

IT Audit School - 26-30 July 2010, Hong Kong - Delegates will cover the concepts of information technology relating to key risks in the IT environment, and explore such IT areas as operating systems, database management systems, and networks. Delegates will review the IT audit concepts they need to know to effectively audit existing application systems, new systems under development, mainframes, and distributed systems.

ICEfolks - News about promotions and changes for people in the Instrumentation and Control Engineering World.

Please let us know of any personnel or other job changes in your organisation.

Siemens Ltd have announced the appointment of Mr David Keenan to the position of Vice President in Industrial Automation, Drive Technologies, and Industry Solutions for Australia and New Zealand.

ICEJobs – Vacancies and Wanted  

Looking for a job? See ICEweb's employment pages.

Gas Jobs, Careers and Vacancies: Your Energy Jobs - Your Energy Jobs is a job site dedicated to finding you the best energy industry jobs, careers and vacancies in the UK. The site includes hundreds of vacancies across key UK energy industry sectors, including gas, oil, coal, nuclear, electrical and renewable energy jobs.

ICElinks - Electronic newsletters and links of potential interest to our readers.

A really great website for the latest news is the Read-Out Instrumentation Signpost.

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Are you into Hydraulics? Brendon Casey's Inside Hydraulics Newsletter contains loads of technical tips and money saving techniques.

Automation World offers some electronic newsletters of interest including;

• Automation Skills - Tips and tricks to improve your business, IT and control system skills.
• Industrial Ethernet - How to apply Ethernet networking in manufacturing.
• OPConnect - The Newsletter of the OPC Foundation.
• Packaging Automation Review
• Process Automation - Getting Value from Process Automation
• PROFINET News - The Ethernet Source for Industrial Automation and Integration.
• Motion Control - The Latest in Motion Technologies and Applications.
• Safety Automation Review - Solutions for the Safety Professional.
• Totally Integrated Automation - Your Source for Automation News.
• Wireless World Review - The present and future of wireless innovation.

The Flow Control Network has a excellent newsletter for flow "buffs".

Jim Pinto's Website has lots of great content pertaining to Automation..

ICEmerge — Mergers, acquisitions and news from the Instrumentation Control Engineering community.

Things must have been pretty quiet over the past three months!

ICEnew — Great new Technical Links posted on ICEweb.

Just click on the title header to go to ICEweb's super pages on each of the following subjects.

Analysers - ICEwebs Analyser pages cover many types of analysers plus their associated sample systems.

Honeywell has announced it has added Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) Measurement – a key parameter for minimizing corrosion in power plant equipment such as turbines and piping – to its HPW7000 High-Purity Water Measurement System, which should enable plants to better maintain critical equipment, reduce capital expenses and lower chemical usage.

Engineering and Troubleshooting Process Analyzer Systems Seminar 2010 - July 26-30 • Sunway Resort Hotel, Kuala Lumpur • Malaysia - Focusing on a detailed understanding of analyzer sampling systems and process chromatographs, students will learn how to troubleshoot and improve the reliability of these important instruments. Although these classes are advanced, they start from first principles, so even students having no previous experience with analyzers will rapidly gain valuable knowledge and understanding. This residential school is an intensive 5-day learning experience, not a nine-to-five classroom. Instruction is by lecture, individual class exercises and project team assignments, some conducted out of class hours.

Cables  

The Adventures of Conduit Phil - Stephen H. Lampen - So you're designing your installion and you have a choice: conduit or non-conduit. A lot of cable today is made non-conduit, (i.e. "plenum rated"). This is almost always a better deal. Plenum-rated cable can go anywhere you want it to. Cable in conduit can only go where the conduit goes. There are almost no limitations on how much plenum cable you can put in a drop ceiling. Cable in conduit is limited by the size of the conduit, and big conduit is mighty expensive. It's easier to install plenum cable (not to mention the cost of conduit installation), so your labor costs will be a lot lower. You can add, change or modify an installation of plenum cable easily...just add another cable. With conduit, you might have to add new conduit. Not a simple task. From Belden.

Haloarrest® Low Smoke Zero Halogen Jacket Compound - Sarah Gladding - The Haloarrest jacket offers a unique solution to fit many applications. The Haloarrest jacket is a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) alternative to traditional wire and cable jacket compounds. Cables with the Haloarrest LSZH jacket provide a useful alternative for industries that require restricted use of halogenated products. Materials that contain halogens emit potentially harmful and corrosive gases when they are burned. Haloarrest jacketed cables offer excellent flame resistance, low smoke properties, and reduced toxicity. From Beldon.

How Wire Fails - Stephen H. Lampen - Wire and cable can fail from a number of causes. This paper is an overview of the various failure modes wire can exhibit, how to predict each and how to help prevent it. Often, installers or users mistakenly suspect one failure mode when in fact another (or even none) is to blame. This article will also present an analysis template to determine just which failure mode might be expected.

Pyrotenax® MI Cable Industrial Wiring Installation Manual - This manual covers storage and installation of Pyrotenax Alloy 825 Sheath MI industrial wiring cables. It is assumed that the cables have been correctly sized and the installation properly designed. From Tyco.

Control Valves - A Control Valve Repository which just has heaps of great useful technical information.

Emerson has;
- Published a New Brochure that describes Fisher® cavitation control for dirty service applications.  The brochure introduces four Fisher technologies that can be used in severe liquid flow conditions. 
- Expanded its FIELDVUE™ instrument product line with the DVC6200 Series digital valve controller, featuring linkage-less, non-contact feedback technology. The FIELDVUE DVC6200 instrument was designed for applications that experience high levels of vibration, corrosion, or material entrapment. The linkage-less, non-contact feedback technology improves reliability by eliminating linkage wear.

Composite Pipe Valves Offer Corrosion-Free Performance - Composite valves and actuators have gained entry into offshore facilities, as well. At about one-third the weight of steel, fibre-reinforced composite flow control components are a welcome addition to piping systems and increasingly in demand for marine environments as a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alternative to steel or injection-moulded plastics. From Composites World.

Applications for Specialist Power Valves - This technical bulletin provides some information on the various applications.

HORA Turbine Bypass System - A turbine bypass system permits operation of the boiler independently from the steam turbine during start-up, commissioning, turbine trip (shut down) and load alternations. It gives a higher plant availability and operational flexibility over all different operating conditions. The start-up time under cold, warm and hot conditions is reduced. Keeping the thermal transient in the boiler to a minimum continuous flow through superheater and reheater (maintained tube cooling) must be provided and the pressure during the entire start-up has to be controlled. This article describes how the bypass valve achieves this. From www.flowandcontrol.com

Control Systems - Covering vast array of technical subjects on Control Systems such as Advanced Process Control, Alarm Management, Batch Control, Cascade Control, Compressor Surge Control, Control Room Design, Control Forums, Fuzzy Logic, Decentralised Control,  Pneumatic Controllers,  Process Sequence Control Documentation Standards, Programmable Automation Controllers, Loop Tuning and much more.

This GREAT page which gets over 330 page views per month (this is control people actually looking at the content rather than hits) is available for sponsorship, for details please contact ICEnews 

OPC Communications - Stephen Mueller/ Dean McNair - OPC (OLE for process control) is the modern standard of choice for establishing seamless open communications between the plant and enterprise levels in today’s industrial process applications. OPC technology is implemented where end users choose to maintain an open, non-proprietary communication philosophy within their businesses thereby ensuring freedom of choice, the power to negotiate commercially and the ability to choose best-in-class technology. Since the first release of OPC standards in 1996, this emerging technological development has come of age and interfacing over Ethernet via OPC technology today presents a cost effective, reliable and straightforward alternative to aging serial communications protocols or restrictive proprietary communications networks. Thanks to HIMA Australia.

Corrosion - Need to know about a corrosion issue? You are likely to find an answer in these pages.

Pepperl+Fuchs CorrTran MV Corrosion Detection Transmitters are now available with Wireless Output. The company says that these devices, known for their ability to deliver multivariable outputs, can now deliver that information wirelessly via the WirelessHART protocol. This functionality enables users to determine the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and keep tabs on potential maintenance issues before they become a costly problem.

Condition Monitoring - This is a new page on ICEweb, hence we are looking for more technical papers. 

Data Loggers - ICEweb has added numerous papers and articles to our  Comprehensive Data Logger page page thanks to our valued sponsor HINCO.

These include the following but to see lots more see the Data Logger page.

The Energy Professional’s Guide to Data Loggers & Building Performance - This comprehensive 30-page guide details how portable data loggers can be applied in a number of building monitoring applications, such as HVAC systems monitoring, commissioning, Measurement & Verification, and load profiling. The guide offers practical tips and techniques on a range of topics, including data logger installation, monitoring plan development, safety, and data interpretation.
Degrading of Building Materials - A building materials manufacturer is investigating the effects of the weather on the products which they produce. An on-site weather station is required as part of this long term monitoring project to measure various properties including solar radiation. Their primary aim is to determine how rapidly and in what way degradation occurs to different materials. The weather station must be rugged and have a large storage capacity so that it may be left to record autonomously for extended periods of time.
Key Research Laboratories use Data Loggers to Monitor and Record the Environmental Conditions within Clean Rooms - A key research laboratory was using a single data logger semi-mobile unit to monitor clean rooms and store long term data of pressure and room temperature in order to explain any incidence of pressure loss.
Remote Access to Data for Different Parameters throughout an Environmental Site survey - Saving time and avoiding unnecessary travel is a bonus for busy engineers. Recently, a large instrumentation company was required to supply a system to collate and monitor various parameters throughout a remote environmental survey off site. Monitoring flow rate, pressures, temperatures, current state of all pump motors and valve positions, was essential to ensure all elements were working at their optimum efficiency and to avoid downtime.
Datalogger Aids Rainforest Research - With the aim of assessing the potential impact of deforestation Data loggers have been put to the test in one of the most demanding environments – the Pacific Cloud Forest in Colombia. In conditions of extreme humidity, the data loggers are providing a reliable and durable means of recording meteorological data for an environmental programme called HERB project.
Monitoring Rotating Ovens in the Food Industry - Monitoring temperatures of rotating ovens is critical and difficult. Constant movement of the products within the oven give a challenge to those facing the practical problems of checking ambient and cooking process temperatures.
Monitoring  Freezers, Blast Freezers, Chillers, Ovens and Ambient Air Temperature Remotely - A leading food company manufacturing frozen and chilled savoury and patisserie products has chosen a data logging system to maintain the quality of their products.
Analysing Steel Mill Function - Alex Wiseman, senior technical officer in BHP’s Long Products Division at Whyalla has stated that many people in charge of industrial processes remain unaware of the full capabilities of the plant under their control. It is only when all the variables that contribute to a process are measured and analysed that optimum performance can be obtained.
Get your ‘Gobs’ Right - ACI Operations in Victoria Australia manufacture glass bottles and jars. The furnace contains a constant level of molten glass. There is an opening in the furnace that releases the product to pour at a continual constant rate. The glass is then cut at a predetermined size by shears. The molten glass at this stage is called a gob. By inserting a gob of molten glass into a mould and applying compressed air completes the bottle manufacture process. It is crucial that the size of each gob is correct or the bottle will have inconsistent wall thickness. ACI were experiencing varying sizes in the production of the gobs at infrequent intervals resulting in a large number of rejects. But what was causing it? Was it a mechanical fault on the shears that cut each gob? Was it the motor driving the shears? Was it the Variable Speed Drive (VSD) driving the motor?
Monitoring a Cancer Research Facility - Monitoring various equipment and the ambient laboratory environment at a leading medical research center.
Fiberglass Mouldings Monitoring with Wireless Blue Tooth™ Technology - A company specializing in the manufacture of precision fiberglass mouldings found that the temperature monitoring of semi-mobile fiberglass moldings during the curing process has in the past posed problems of safety and possible cable failure. Previously, the communication links between the data logger and the host PC were hard wired Ethernet connections, resulting in trailing cables which can be hazardous, or may break causing loss of communications. This problem has been resolved by a BlueTooth™ wireless communication solution.
Air Compressor Energy Savings: Finding the Low-Hanging Fruit - This paper discusses different ways to measure compressed air system performance and identify savings opportunities. It provides insight into how portable data loggers can be used to monitor compressor power, and references various compressed air upgrade funding programs throughout the United States.
Calibrating Industrial Gas Meters - With South Australian Government regulations requiring industrial gas meters to give readings that are accurate to within plus one percent, the South Australian Gas Company which supplies industry with both the gas and the meters, has evolved a cost-efficient method of calibrating its meters using a datalogger.
Loggers keep watch over High-Value Plant - Today's heavy earth moving equipment includes some of the most expensive vehicles in the construction industry. Their maintenance is therefore critical, ensuring that the equipment is kept constantly operational and avoiding expensive downtime. DataTaker DT800 data loggers are now used as part of the maintenance regime, checking oil pressures and temperatures in the gearbox and transmission.
Logger helps keep Brake Performance on the Rails - It was required to periodically check predetermined parameters that could affect braking efficiency. The system had not only to process and record the necessary information but also to operate under difficult conditions, while the train was in service. Placing an engineer on a train or withdrawing it from service was not an option, as this would prove too costly and disruptive.
Fatigue Monitoring on Ships - There are few constructions that are subject to a more varied set of forces than ships: engine, shaft and propeller vibrations, wave impact and slams, swell length and amplitude, wind loading, cargo and passenger loading and movement, diurnal temperature variation, and longer term; temperature and salinity variation of water. Swell in particular, of the order of the ship length and of sufficient amplitude, can produce massive stress cycles on a ship, alternately supporting the hull at bow and stern, and midships.
Train Third Rail Height Measurement - Atkins Rail a developed train based system for the dynamic measurement of third rail height. A data logger is ideal for many monitoring applications and was chosen by Atkins Rail for this application due to its speed and flexibility. The third rail carries high voltage and a pickup shoe makes contact with the third rail to deliver power to the train. If the third rail is set too low "Gapping" or lifting of the shoe from the rail can occur. There are many causes of gapping, the major factor being the condition of the third rail and running rail support ballast.
Water Quality and Trade-waste Monitoring Systems - In service with municipal authorities around the country, these systems continually monitor the condition and quality of stream, effluent or process water and automatically generate remote alarm messages.
Monitoring and Controlling Water Quality - Continuously monitor and manage the quality of the water in a catchment area to test for a variety of chemical and biological agents as well as clarity, rate of movement and height.
Managing Water Pumps - An automatic water pumping station requires monitoring of remotely located automatic pumps. Previously chart recorders were used to log various properties such as flow and pressure, but this requires too much manual effort to maintain. It has also become necessary in the event of operational failure, to send warnings to mobile phones carried by maintenance personnel so that any problems can be rectified as soon as possible.
Remote Automatic Weather Station - A weather station is required by both a farmer and an agricultural scientist in order to research the direct effects of weather on crop planting and crop yield. The weather station will also be used for daily weather forecasting for a small community. Due to the inaccessibility of the proposed weather station location by the scientist, solar power and remote access communications are necessary.

You need to register to access the following white papers.
- Monitoring Geothermal Heat Pump Performance - This paper discusses how portable data logging technology can be used to measure, record, and document the performance of geothermal heat pumps, and provides specific case study examples of how the technology is being applied in geothermal system monitoring applications.
- Wind Resource Site Assessment: A Guide to Selecting Monitoring Equipment -  This paper provides project managers and others involved in small- to moderate-scale wind energy projects with details on how data loggers are used to evaluate wind resources. It helps simplify the equipment selection process by providing tips and guidance on choosing the right data loggers, sensors and other components for your project.
- Guidelines For Successful Soil Temperature Monitoring - This paper provides guidance and tips on how data loggers can be effectively used to monitor soil temperatures in various conditions. 
- Optimizing Solar Thermal Performance with Data loggers - This white paper discusses how solar thermal systems, with the help of portable data loggers, can be optimized to deliver the financial benefits residential and commercial users hope to achieve through their investments. The paper shows installers and engineers how portable data logging devices can be used to measure performance of solar thermal systems, pinpoint any defects or inefficiencies, and optimize performance for greater return on investment.
- Monitoring Green Roof Performance With Weather Stations - This paper offers guidance and tips on how data logging weather stations can be effectively used to monitor green roof performance. It discusses a range of monitoring applications that can help verify requirements for LEED® Certification credits, such as stormwater management performance documentation.
- Weather Stations: Saving Time & Money with Remote Communications - This white paper provides specific information about three ways weather stations with remote communications can save time and money, and helps you decide whether these systems are right for your application.

Dynamic Process Simulators and Training Systems - Plenty of information on this subject.

Electrical - Many pages on the various Electrical subjects.

Driving out Counterfeit Motor and Drive Technologies - This recent useful article from the excellent publication www.processonline.com.au  is highlighting counterfeit motors and drives in Australia but it is relevant to other parts of the world as well - In recent times, the offshore manufacture and importation of counterfeit gear units and motors has increased significantly. Advancements in reverse engineering techniques have made the unlawful replication - partially, but invariably not completely - of some of the world’s leading drive technology brands more achievable than ever before. Here, overseas manufacturers - located in regions with an inherent disregard for international patent and copyright law and ‘relaxed’ labour laws - are pairing with unscrupulous local importers to introduce inferior drive technologies to the Australian market.

Building a Reliable VFD System - Brian Shuman - Special consideration must be given to the proper installation and operation of the overall system that comprises the VFD, the motor it controls, and the cable that connects them. From Belden.

Cable Alternatives for PWM AC Drive Applications - This paper describes an alternative solution for cables used with Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). New IGBT technology has introduced voltage stresses on motors and cables that leads to unpredictable system performance and reliability. This paper includes a performance and cost comparison between a continuously welded armoured option, the option of lead wire in conduit, and a proposed shielded tray cable. Unique physical characteristics of the cables are discussed. A proposed cable with increased insulation thickness is discussed that insures long-term cable service life under VFD operation, while the shielded coaxial braid contains VFD EMI emissions. Other applications, options, and termination considerations with respect to the petro-chem industry is discussed. Cable performance is documented with theoretical and experimental support. From Belden.

Enclosures  - Thanks to our sponsor Weidmuller you can find information on Cabinet design, construction, NEMA and IP ratings, Maintenance, EMC and lots more!

Engineering Tools for Control, Fire and Gas, Instrumentation and Electrical Engineers - Watch Out - a new ICEweb page coming soon!

How Woodside Deployed AVEVA NET - This interesting article in the latest edition of Pipeline is worth a read, it highlights how Woodside achieved breakeven 3.4 years after commencement thus a substantial return on investment after 10 years is forecasted. Go to page 4 of pipeline for the story. 

ESD Valves - Shutdown and Blowdown - This comprehensive page includes  technical information on  Emergency Shutdown Valves, Shutdown Valves, Blowdown Valves, Actuators, Fire Safe Actuators, ESD Valve Fire Shelter, Partial Stroke Testing along with Design Information.

Flow - These pages cover; Coriolis, Metering,  Multiphase, Orifice Plates, Ultrasonic, Thermal, V-Cone, Vortex and more!

Flowmeter Selection for Improved Gas Flow Measurements: a comparison of DP and Thermal Dispersion Technologies - As the costs of fuels and consumables continue to rise, the ability to accurately measure the amount used in a process becomes significant in controlling costs and determining bottom line profits. Therefore, it is important to implement a strategy of adding cost-effective, accurate, gas flow measuring devices to heaters, boilers and cogeneration equipment. From AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd and www.processonline.com.au 

FPSO Flow Meter Fits Just Right - Space-Saving Flow Meter Gets Engineers Out Of Tight Spots In Offshore Applications: Ideal for Measuring Wet Gas, Condensate and Dirty or Abrasive Flows. Thanks to our sponsor McCrometer, have a look at their comprehensive V-Cone page.

Liquid & Gas Flow Measurement for Oil/Gas FPSO Vessels - Marcus Davis -The ability to eliminate long required straight pipe runs for flow meter technologies while meeting necessary technical specifications reduces installation real estate and allows for flexible layouts while cutting overall pipe weight, material and installation costs. McCrometer’s uniquely designed differential pressure V-Cone® Flow Meter is now frequently utilised by the industry’s major FPSO Vessel builders and operators.

Variable Area Meter Sizing - This useful technical data sheet details sizing calculations for both Gas and Liquid VA meters -From  King Instrument Company

Fire and Gas - Technical Papers covering many aspects of Fire and Gas Engineering.

Honeywell Analytics Gas Book - This updated handbook is intended to offer a simple guide to anyone considering the use of gas detection equipment. It provides an explanation of both the principles involved and the instrumentation needed for satisfactory protection of personnel, plant and environment. The aim has been to answer as many as possible of the most commonly asked questions about the selection and use of industrial gas detection equipment.

Smoke Alarms + Sprinklers + Closed Doors = Lives Saved in Dorm Fires - Experimenting on a university dormitory that was scheduled to be torn down, fire researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated that the correct combination of automatic fire sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and closed doors provided enough time and safe conditions for residents to escape safely and for fire fighters to perform their job without undue hazard.

Honeywell have announced;
- The EMEAI launch of XNX, a highly flexible, universal gas transmitter that can be used with any of Honeywell Analytics’ range of gas sensor technologies. XNX helps to simplify installation and reduce costs by providing all the industry standard output signals, enabling users to have a single interface to all their gas detection needs; even when different types of detectors are employed to address the different gas detection applications on site.
- The release of Series 3000 MkII. Series 3000 MkII is a direct replacement for the company’s Series 3000 XPIS gas detector, offering a more robust Aluminium LM25 or 316 stainless steel enclosure. Additionally the enclosure now has two cable gland/conduit entries. Series 3000 MkII is suited to a wide range of applications and can detect toxic gases or Oxygen in a 2-wire 4-20mA format.

Abhisam Software have announced a discounted rate for all e-learning products. The Gas Monitors course is just US$69!

Hazardous Areas Instrumentation and Electrical Equipment - A huge technical library of Technical Information covering a wide range of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas.

Abhisam Software have announced a discounted rate for all e-learning products. The Hazardous Area Instrumentation course is now available for just US$99! Also their E-Book - Practical Guide to Hazardous Area Classification only costs US$27!

FISCO ic and FNICO Are Interchangeable...for Now - FISCO, FNICO Are Like Two Clouds of Flammable Gases Passing in the Night - Many fieldbus practitioners have wondered if the IEC’s revision of its field intrinsically safe concept (FISCO) standard would mean the death of fieldbus non-incendive concept (FNICO) - from ControlDesign.com 

The following papers and presentations are from the IDC Technologies "Hazardous Areas: Classifications and Equipment Conference 2009", these papers are recommended reading.
It’s Not Rocket Science Unless You Do It Wrong - Dave Adams - Technical Advisor - Hazardous Locations Equipment: Canadian Standards Association International -  The certification of hazardous locations electrical equipment is changing, and will continue to change, for some time. There has never been a more confusing time for manufacturers, end-users, and certification agencies alike. This paper does not really have a point, or maybe it has several. While it provides answers, it will also raise new questions. It is really just a strung-together collection of miscellaneous observations, ramblings, and rants, garnered from 18 years in the business of certifying hazardous locations equipment.
Proper Grounding of Instrument and Control Systems in Hazardous Locations - Joe Zullo - Regional Sales Manager: MTL Americas - Grounding is defined as electrical equipment connected directly to mother earth, or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth, such as the steel frame of a plant and its earth mat or the hull of a ship or oil drilling platform. Proper grounding is an essential component for safely and reliably operating electrical systems. Improper grounding methodology has the potential to bring disastrous results from both an operational as well as a safety standpoint. There are many different categories and types of grounding principles. This paper’s primary focus is to demonstrate proper grounding techniques for low voltage Instrument and Control Systems (IACS) that have been proven safe and reliable when employed in process control facilities.
The New Dimension of Intrinsic Safety - Rick Ogrodzinski - Project Leader - Global Projects Team, Process Automation Division: Pepperl + Fuchs, Inc -  intrinsic safety type of protection is currently achieved by limiting the available power. This limitation of power – usually to less than 2 W – provides intrinsic safety (Ex i) and is therefore mainly employed in the area of control and instrumentation in the power supply to actuators and sensors with low connected load. A significantly higher direct power with the simultaneous safeguarding of all the positive characteristics of intrinsic safety offers the user a new and essentially wider scope of application. These aims are achieved through DART technology (DART: Dynamic Arc Recognition and Termination). DART is a means of instantaneous tripping, which dynamically detects an undesired condition or a fault in the electrical system precisely as it occurs and instigates an immediate transition to a safe condition before any safety-critical parameters are exceeded. DART is based on the detection of fault conditions and their characteristic rate of rise of current.
Fire and Explosion Protection of Electrical Installations with New Advanced Suppression Systems - Andrew Kim - Senior Research Officer - Fire Research Program, Institute for Research in Construction - National Research Council of Canada The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has carried out projects to evaluate the fire and explosion protection effectiveness of new technologies technologies which will be examined and discussed.  There is a potential for a very large fire or explosion when using electrical equipment in areas where flammable gases could accumulate or in room containing power transformers. Recently, several new fire suppression technologies have been developed to provide protection in an environment with an explosive atmosphere or to provide suppression of a large fire involving electrical equipment, such as power transformers. In one project, the explosion suppression effectiveness of hybrid gas generators in providing safety to occupants in a compartment against a deflagration type explosion was evaluated. Hybrid gas generator systems combine gas generator technology with a liquid fire suppression agent. In another project, the effectiveness of a newly developed compressed-air-foam (CAF) system was evaluated to provide fire protection in power transformers. Thanks to the National Research Council Canada.

High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems - (HIPPS) -A swag of information on this interesting subject.

HIPPS-High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems - By now if you have been working in the process industries (like chemicals, oil & gas, petrochemicals and so on) for some time, you must have come across the term HIPPS. What is it? It is an acronym for High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems. These protection systems can be considered to a special subset of Safety Instrumented Systems, that are meant to provide protection to pressurized equipment (tanks, pipelines and so on) against overpressure and consequent rupture. Thanks to our sponsor Abhisam Software.

HIPPS solutions - Safe Operation and Nonstop Availability - The main reasons for using HIPPS (high-integrity pressure protection systems) are safety, environmental and economic. Safety to ensure that you can confidently operate close to design limits. Environmental to avoid unnecessary flaring and thereby limiting air emissions. And economic to reduce costs, because it is always cheaper to use HIPPS than to install full-flaring capacity and full-schedule piping and equipment. The continuous operation of equipment is a prerequisite. Nonstop operation – this is the advantage offered by HIMA HIPPS solutions. All applicable standards up to SIL 3 and even SIL 4 are also met. Thanks to HIMA Australia.

Hydraulics - Need some information on Hydraulics?  Look at ICEweb's page. 

Instrumentation Valves and Fittings - ICEweb has very comprehensive pages on this subject. 

Value Added Solutions - This white paper outlines some of the traps and solutions for Tubing Bundles.

Innovations in Stainless Steel Tube Installation for Solar Applications - For years, Semiconductor, Biopharmaceutical and Solar facilities have used stick tubing for gas delivery systems. In addition to longer installation time, and multiple welds, other risks can occur with stick tubing: leaks, slugs, purity degradation, vapour and particle entrapment, and tube corrosion. This bulletin addresses this and gives solutions.

Level - Technical Information covering a wide range of level subjects including General Theory, Capacitance, Displacer, Float/Magnetic, Radar, Ultrasonic, Boiler Level and more!

Magnetrol have a huge library of level applications which detail possible level measurement solutions - so if you need help in this regard just hit this link. Thanks to our valued sponsor Austral Powerflo Solutions

Don't take the Risk - Is your Bulk Liquid Storage Tank Protected?- Do you have bulk liquid storage tanks containing petroleum products, ammonia, caustic chemicals, acids, ethanol, bitumen, pharmaceuticals, beverages, tallow where overflow could occur. This article describes how an high integrity, independent level switch, preferably of different technology to that used for the tank gauging system, is required to monitor any failure of the auto tank gauging system and shut down product transfers -thanks to our sponsor Austral Powerflo Solutions

Flexibility, Powerful Performance from Magnetrol Ultrasonic - Magnetrol’s new Echotel Model 355 Transmitter Can Handle Applications That Were Unthinkable Just a Few Years Ago - As advances in digital signal processing and low-power operation circuits make their way into the design of field instruments, ultrasonic level transmitters have gotten smarter and more effective. Thanks to www.controlglobal.com 

New Technologies - This section of ICEweb is dedicated to new and emerging technologies.

Pressure - Covers General Theory,  Technical Papers,  Transmitters, Regulators, Safety Tips, Blockage Tool and more Pressure Related Technologies.

Seven Steps to Select a Pressure Gauge - Covers those important considerations required when selecting a pressure gauge - from Ashcroft.

There are a huge "swag" of Pressure Regulator papers on the excellent CEESI website, just go to their technical page and type in "Pilot Operated Regulator" on their search engine. 

Pressure Relief Valves - A very comprehensive resource covering Technical Papers, Technical  Manuals, Engineering Handbook, Calculations, Sizing, Selection and Relief Design.

Rupture Discs - Specifications, Standards, Technical Papers and Articles.

Security - We all need to be much more today of security issues and the technology available to overcome them. 

Solenoid Valves   - A comprehensive Technical Reference

Surge and Lightning Protection - It will never happen to me? Don't you believe it...Globally, some 2000 on-going thunderstorms cause about 100 lightning strikes to earth each second!! This page provides a comprehensive range of links to help resolve the potential effects.

Test and Calibration - Technical Papers and Articles on  how to test and calibrate along with typical equipment.

ICEweb has added the following to our Test and Calibration page thanks to our valued sponsor ZEDFLO Australia

- Field Calibrators Make Everything Better - Users Are Opening Their Eyes to How Much Clearer Their Data Is - and How Much Better Their Processes Can Run - with Field Calibrators - From www.controlglobal.com 
-  Martel Process Calibrators Blog - Lots of Interesting Calibration Related posts.
- Who Do You Trust? - Can you Trust your Vendor’s Calibration Certificate?
- Martel Calibrator Newsletter - Martel Matters is an e-newsletter from Martel Calibrators. It provides information on new and existing products and calibration "tips". Highlights from the Latest Newsletter include;
- Tips on performing Low Pressure Calibration
- Getting Rid Of Leaks
- Adding Volume To Your System
- Watching Out For Temperature Effects
- Considering Head Pressure Errors
Calibration - Calibration is the validation of specific measurement techniques and equipment. At the simplest level, calibration is a comparison between measurements-one of known magnitude or correctness made or set with one device and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible with a second device. This article from Wikipedia covers all the basics pretty well.
The Expression of Uncertainty and Confidence in Measurement - M3003 - The general requirements that testing and calibration laboratories have to meet if they wish todemonstrate that they operate to a quality system, are technically competent and are able to generate technically valid results are contained within ISO/IEC 17025:2005. This international standard forms the basis for international laboratory accreditation and in cases of differences in interpretation remains the authoritative document at all times. M3003 is not intended as a prescriptive document, and does not set out to introduce additional requirements to those in ISO/IEC 17025:2005 but to provide amplification and guidance on the current requirements within the international standard. This 82 page document is certainly comprehensive - from www.ukas.com 
The Internet resource for the International Temperature Scale of 1990 - Temperature Scale and General Temperature information for metrologists, scientists, calibration engineers and those with an interest in the temperature scale and its realisation.
Standards Related to Temperature and Calibration - A list of ASTM standards
Why Calibrate Test Equipment? - You’re serious about your electrical test instruments. You buy top brands, and you expect them to be accurate. You know some people send their digital instruments to a metrology lab for calibration, and you wonder why. After all, these are all electronic — there’s no meter movement to go out of balance. What do those calibration folks do, anyhow — just change the battery? These are valid concerns, especially since you can’t use your instrument while it’s out for calibration. But, let’s consider some other valid concerns. For example, what if an event rendered your instrument less accurate, or maybe even unsafe? What if you are working with tight tolerances and accurate measurement is key to proper operation of expensive processes or safety systems? What if you are trending data for maintenance purposes, and two meters used for the same measurement significantly disagree? Thanks to the Cole-Parmer Technical Library.

The Following Technical Tips are from Advanced Instruments Inc
What Is Instrument Calibration and What Does It Do? - Instrument calibration is one of the primary processes used to maintain instrument accuracy. Calibration is the process of configuring an instrument to provide a result for a sample within an acceptable range.  Eliminating or minimizing factors that cause inaccurate measurements is a fundamental aspect of instrumentation design.
Why is Calibration Important? - How a properly performed calibration can improve product performance.
What Factors affect Calibration? - Once the benefits of a properly performed calibration are understood, it becomes evident that care must be taken during the process to prevent potential error sources from degrading the results. Several factors can occur during and after a calibration that can affect its result.
How Frequently should a Product be Calibrated? - The simple answer to this question, although not a very helpful one, is “when it needs it.”  From a more practical standpoint, daily or periodically testing the control solutions of known values can provide a quantitative indication of instrument performance, which can be used to establish a history.

The Following Papers are from Fluke
Glossary of Loop Calibration Terms
Glossary of Pressure Calibration Terms
Glossary of Temperature Calibration Terms
Measurement Uncertainty - How does DMM Accuracy affect your next Measurement? - Measurement uncertainty is an estimate of the possible error in a measurement. It's also an estimate of the range of values which contain the true value of the measured quantity. It's also the probability that the true value lies within a stated range of values.

Temperature - Covering a whole range of temperature measuring techniques along with General Theory, Conversions, Selection, Application this page must be your first choice when looking for quality technical information.

Valves - ICEwebs Valveweb page has been completely reworked to help you get to your required information quickly and efficiently.  Thanks to our sponsors tyco flow control pacific

Variable Speed Drives - Check out ICEwebs new Variable Speed Drives Page. We are looking for more technical papers on these and other Electrical subjects. 

ICEsafety — Information and News on Safety Instrumented Systems , Burner Management Systems, Manufacturing & Safety Automation,  and Health & Safety.

Data collected from the Australian offshore petroleum industry by NOPSA over a five year period shows that a majority of all major gas releases had equipment design problems reported as a primary root cause. Gas releases are recognised as precursors to major accident events, highlighting the importance of safety management at the design stage of a facility.

Operators must choose risk control solutions to meet safety goals - NOPSA inspectors are frequently asked what minimum standards apply to safety-related equipment in Australia’s offshore petroleum industry. The answer is that very few standards are prescribed in the safety legislation. This is because the occupational health and safety arrangements in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGSA) are for a performance-based regime where safety solutions are not rigidly prescribed – rather the safety laws set broad safety goals and the offshore operator has flexibility in how it meets these. It is the operator who specifies the risk control solutions that will be used to meet a safety performance goal. This approach allows for flexibility in matching controls to risk so that rapid technological change can be accommodated. Standards which are appropriate to a particular facility and its operations must be specified in the safety case. Except for some limited examples concerning noise and hazardous substances, the Act does not prescribe specific occupational health and safety standards. A leaflet with frequently asked questions on this topic Prescription and Standards is available on the NOPSA website.

An Offshore Information Sheet from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights the need for systems to monitor and protect against the accumulation of flammable/toxic gases in ballast tanks and voids adjacent to cargo tanks on FPSO and FSU installations. The provision of suitable systems for gas detection and advanced warning of hazardous accumulations is considered to represent good practice in reducing these risks to as low as reasonably practicable. These systems also give a warning of structural defects on the bulkhead between ballast and cargo tanks.

Water Deluge Systems: Testing and Performance Measurements - This information sheet from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on water deluge systems, their testing requirements, data recording in relation to performance standards, and new knowledge of fire attack scenarios. It is noted that deluge testing offshore is generally being carried out as required. However some flow measurements are not being recorded effectively, and data recorded is not being analysed to provide the best information for use in optimising maintenance and performance. This note does not cover water mist, or spray systems in enclosed spaces.

Safety – Status and Signals an annual magazine from the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) focuses on safety issues and challenges for the offshore petroleum industry. Articles include management and risk, developments in carbon capture and storage as well as breakdown of safety barriers.

Regulators’ Use of Standards - An excellent new report from the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) investigates how selected national regulators refer to and use standards. This report has a particular focus on standards for materials, equipment, systems and structures for the offshore petroleum industry. It also reflects the current situation of selected national regulators’ reference and use of national, regional, international and industry standards in their regulatory documents, with a particular focus on standards for materials, equipment, systems and structures for the offshore petroleum industry. Further, it attempts to analyse the documents prepared by national and provincial lawmakers and the regulators themselves. The report investigates the use of standards in a total of 14 countries, including Norway.

Exida has certified the communication security and robustness of Honeywell’s Experion® Safety Manager to the AchillesTM Level I evaluation standard. Certification provides Honeywell and other equipment manufacturers with an independently verified and internationally recognised means to demonstrate the resiliency of their Ethernet-enabled critical control and safety systems to customers.

Inside Safety  - Functional Safety Forum - This is a very useful forum. 

HIMA Australia are running the following courses;
- TÜV Functional Safety Program - This course has been developed to provide an overview of current industry standards such as AS 61508 and AS 61511, functional safety concepts and current tools used to determine safety levels while applying industry recognised techniques and methodologies.  
Perth 29 June- 2 July 2010 , Melbourne 23-26 November
- Analysis & Design of SIS Course - The objective of this course is to provide engineers with the functional safety knowledge required to analyse and design safety instrumented systems for the process industry in compliance with the analysis and realisation phases of the AS 61511 safety lifecycle.
  Perth 20 April , Adelaide 27 April, Brisbane 8 June .
- Operation & Maintenance of SIS Course - The objective of this course is to provide operations and maintenance personnel with the functional safety knowledge required to operate and maintain any safety instrumented system such that the designated functional safety is maintained throughout the operation and maintenance phase of the AS 61511 safety lifecycle.
Brisbane 9 June .  

Integration today - Integration solutions - For years people have been discussing the subject of “integration” in automation technology. There are a variety of solutions available for the integration of safety and control systems. Provided the right decision is made you can take advantage of all the opportunities and potential synergies of integration, long-term.

Summary of Offshore Health and Safety Performance Report 2007-08 - The Offshore Health and Safety Performance Report 2007-08 was produced by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA), with the aim to "move beyond the view of safety as compliance with codes and standards and towards an overall improved safety culture within an organisation. The report contains statistics, trends and observations of health and safety within the Australian offshore petroleum industry for the financial year 2007-08. Areas of concern highlighted include equipment design, risk awareness and management, procedures, ageing equipment, supervision and a shortage of skilled personnel.

SIF Proof Testing Yields Process Sector Reliability Data - William H. Hearn, Patrick Skweres, A. D. Arnold, and Angela E. Summers, Ph.D. - ANSI/ISA 84 requires periodic proof testing of SIFs to demonstrate the correct operation of the loop elements along with sufficient historical documentation to support analysis of discrepancies and validation of the SIF integrity and reliability. The analysis of proof test records is an important element of the quality assurance process necessary to support continued use of installed equipment. The CCPS Process Equipment Reliability Database (PERD) project has developed failure data taxonomies which provide a structure to capture data to support chemical process data collection and analysis. SIS-TECH® has been distributing a device failure rate database for more than 10 years. This paper describes how SIS-TECH® will collect device performance data under a quality plan during periodic SIF proof testing. This data will be contributed to PERD for review and analysis so that SIL Solver® failure rates can be validated against operating environment data.

Overfill Protective Systems - Complex Problem, Simple Solution - Angela E. Summers, Ph.D - Overfills have resulted in significant process safety incidents. Longford (Australia, 1998), Texas City (United States, 2005), and Buncefield (United Kingdom, 2005) can be traced to loss of level control leading to high level and ultimately to loss of containment. A tower at Longford and a fractionating column at Texas City were overfilled, allowing liquid to pass to downstream equipment that was not designed to receive it. The Buncefield incident occurred when a terminal tank was overfilled releasing hydrocarbons through its conservation vents. The causes of overfill are easy to identify; however, the risk analysis is complicated by the combination of manual and automated actions often necessary to control level and to respond to abnormal level events. This paper provides a summary of the Longford, Texas City, and Buncefield incidents from an overfill perspective and highlights 5 common factors that contributed to making these incidents possible. Fortunately, while overfill can be a complex problem, the risk reduction strategy is surprisingly simple.

Lessons Learned While Auditing Automation Systems for PSM Compliance - Angela E. Summers, Ph.D - While reliance on instrumentation has increased at an incredible pace, resources allocated to design and manage the equipment have declined in many companies, leading to more burden and expectations being placed on fewer and fewer people. Quality instrumented system performance relies on a rigorous management system that minimizes human error and equipment failure potential. This paper focuses on safety instrumented systems and applicable process safety management requirements. Observations from assessments and audits are provided, illustrating poor performing instrumented systems, inadequate operating and maintenance procedures, recordkeeping and retention practices, and out-of-date documentation.

Consistent Consequence Severity Estimation -Angela Summers, PhD, PE William Vogtmann and Steven Smolen - Most risk analysis methods rely on a qualitative judgment of consequence severity, overstatement creates excessive risk reduction requirements, understatement results in inadequate risk reduction. This paper provides justification for developing semi-quantitative look-up tables to support a LOPA team's assessment of consequence severity.
Safety Management is a Virtue - Angela E. Summers, Ph.D - This paper discusses various challenges to sustaining safe operation of process equipment. Each challenge is introduced using a Chinese fortune cookie to remind the reader that the barriers against progress are not new but have existed from many years. In most cases, the solutions are also well known and generally require deployment of robust equipment, proven techniques, and competent resources.

SafetyBase.com is a site that is full of some excellent information about Boiler Management Systems, Machine and Process Safety. You’ll be able to share ideas with colleagues across the country, stay current with compliance requirements, and read the latest case studies, white papers, and articles that can help you keep your people safe and your process moving.

An Introduction to Inherently Safer Design - Inherently safer design (ISD) is a philosophy for addressing safety issues in the design and operation of chemical processes and manufacturing plants. When considering ISD, the designer tries to manage process risk by eliminating or significantly reducing hazards. Thanks to Centre for Chemical Process Safety.

Center for Chemical Process Safety - The Global Community Committed to Process Safety - CCPS is a not-for-profit, corporate membership organization within AIChE that identifies and addresses process safety needs within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and petroleum industries. CCPS brings together manufacturers, government agencies, consultants, academia and insurers to lead the way in improving industrial process safety.

Burner Management Systems - The following Burner Management System Papers, Articles and Links have been added to ICEweb's BMS page

Integration of Burner Automation into the Safety System - The Combustion Engineering Centre at BASF AG commissioned HIMA to install a safety related automation system for the burner controller in its thermal exhaust cleaning plant at the Ludwigshafen production facility. The plant operator decided to install the combustion plant’s regulating and control equipment in one compact, centralised system and to replace the conventional burner controller with a safety-related automation solution.
- Designing a Burner Management System to Comply with NFPA 85 & ANSI/ISA 84 - Mike Scott/Bud Adler- This paper explores and contrasts the system implementation requirements for a Burner Management System mandated by NFPA 85 – The Boiler and Combustion System Hazards Code 2001 Edition - and those mandated by ANSI/ISA 84.00.01-2004. Thanks to www.safetybase.net 
- Combustion Safety for Furnace Operation - Glenn Showers - This article provides an overview of the requirements of NFPA Standard 86 with an emphasis on the theory of combustion safety as it applies to any type of combustion device, especially a direct-fired furnace- from www.industrialheating.com
- Boiler Safety Intuition - Diagnosing Boiler Problems Sometimes Takes all the Senses - John  R Puskar - This very interesting article gives some great tips on how to identify when your BMS is not working too well - from www.combustionsafety.com
- Guidelines help identify SIFs in Burner Management Systems - Is your BMS an SIS? How do you ID SIFs in your BMS? - Sound like the latest text messages on your teenager’s mobile phone? To some perhaps, but for those involved in functional safety and safety instrumented systems (SIS) in the process industries, these questions need no translation and demand serious answers—many of which are to be presented a new ISA (International Society of Automation) technical report from the Burner Management System (BMS) Working Group under ANSI/ISA 84.00.01-2004 (IEC 61511 Mod) Functional Safety: Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industry Sector. Thanks to www.safetybase.net .

Manufacturing and Automation Safety - See ICEweb's comprehensive page which covers a huge volume of super information on this subject!

Distributed Control Provides Plug and Play Function Blocks - Mechatronics with distributed processing provides a modern object-oriented application that can help machine builders to reduce costs and give more flexibility in building customer-specific products. For the efficient realisation of creating mechatronic objects - functional assemblies that can slot together to make new systems - the communication, control system and engineering tools must all be optimised for distributed control. SafetyNET p ticks all the boxes says Ralf Möbus of Safety Network International.

In Control - Safety relay PNOZsigma can now Monitor Standstill, Speed and Direction of Rotation - Pilz is expanding its range of PNOZsigma safety relays: the new PNOZ s30 monitors safe standstill, speed and direction of rotation. Safe working practices with the safety gate open, reduced setup times and rapid access to the machine once standstill is initiated - these are the key benefits for users. Application of the new speed monitor also allows you to meet the Machinery Directive's requirement for safe speed monitoring.

Concepts for Secure Safety Gate Monitoring - The Right Sensor for every Requirement - Where there’s flying metal swarf or hazardous movements on plant and machinery, safety guards or gates ensure the safety of operating personnel. Their position can now be monitored with a wide range of safety switches, which consider not just the safety-related aspects, but economic considerations too. The challenge for the designer is to harmonise safety, productivity and user friendliness on the plant or machine.

Compact modules for decentralised I/O system PSSuniversal - Economical solution - Pilz have announced that their Compact modules are now available for the decentralised I/O system PSSuniversal. Modules are available with 16 digital standard inputs and 16 digital standard outputs; there are also modules with digital inputs and outputs.The three new compact modules are also compatible with the electronic and base modules in the system PSSuniversal.

Manipulation Impossible – Pilz makes Safety Gate Monitoring Safe - The non-contact safety gate systems PSENslock are a safe alternative to existing mechanical technology. With an electromagnetic holding force of up to 1000 N, PSENslock units prevent swing gates and sliding gates from being opened unintentionally. The actuator is manipulation-proof, providing added safety.

Packaging for experts - Safe, Flexible Drive Technology for Surimi, Sandwiches etc - Whether it’s a pudding in a glass, with or without outer packaging, fresh herbs in a plastic tray, or the spoon in an ice cream tub – different products require different packaging solutions. In this case the quality of the packaging is just as important as the productivity and multifunctionality of the actual packaging line. Packaging lines must also satisfy the highest requirements in terms of productivity, flexibility and reliability. Flexible drive technology guarantees that foodstuffs are packaged quickly, precisely and carefully.

Abhisam Software have released a comprehensive e-learning course on Safety Instrumented Systems - This course on Safety Instrumented Systems is designed to make the learning experience comfortable and easy. Everything is explained in easy to understand terms, with plenty of graphics, interactive simulations and worked problems. Everything that you need to know about Safety Instrumented Systems, put together, in an easily digestible form, stripped of all the complexity, but still useful to impart skills to you that you can actually use in your work. This course is NOT a rehashed power point presentation. It is a full fledged e-learning course with interactive animations, simulations, graphics and text. It also has many worked out example problems, to help understand the logic behind designing and operation of Safety Instrumented Systems. For full details of the contents see here.  Order now for a Special Price of only US$157!

ICEtools— Software and offers that will help with engineering design.

Really excellent free tools to help you in your job and at home can be found on ICEweb’s “Tools” page.

ICEwireless – News and technical links to Industrial Instrumentation Wireless items of interest

The following wireless links are thanks to our sponsor Abhisam Software  http://www.abhisam.com/index.htm

RFID Case Study ebook -This excellent 61 page technical reference has details on 25 different RFID applications from around the world. The password to the document is "abhisam". . http://www.iceweb.com.au/Newtech/RFID/RFIDCaseStudyBook.pdf

Sponsor Abisham Software have provided the world's first FREE RFID e-learning course which is a no obligation , no strings attached, absolutely free RFID course, that can be downloaded to your own PC and you can view it without any restrictions at all! Plus it's a REAL e-learning course, NOT somebody's stale Power-Point presentation! It has plenty of flash based animations, graphics and text, with a self-assessment test. The visuals help you learn key concepts QUICKLY and EASILY.

ICEweb's comprehensive wireless page has many links to a wide range of excellent papers on wireless.

The ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute (WCI) recently launched a new website to support ISA100 conformance programs, education, and technical support for suppliers and users of ISA100 Wireless Networking Technology.

The HART®Communication Foundation (www.hartcomm.org) have announced that the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has approved the WirelessHART® specification as a full international standard (IEC 62591Ed. 1.0)....Read More Here.

Wireless Committees get their Wires Crossed - The long running saga of the ISA 100.11a wireless standard took a further intriguing turn in Orlando, Florida last month when a number of related sub-committees met alongside the ARC forum. Thanks to the Instrument Signpost.

Honeywell has added Universal input/output (I/O) Transmitters to its Wireless Products. The transmitters allow manufacturers to wirelessly monitor more plant points with fewer devices. By transmitting signals from up to three different types of inputs – including measurement devices with a high-level analog, temperature or milli-volt, or contact-closure switch input – the Universal I/O transmitters can help plants save up to 30 percent in costs over similar devices that can transmit signals from only two inputs.

ICEtime¾ Seminars, Tradeshows, Conferences and Events of interest to our readership.

If you would like to have your event listed in ICEtime, please send a note or press release to ICEnews.

Take a look at ISA's comprehensive calendar of Automation events

May

10 - 11 The bi-annual Yokogawa Australasian User Group Conference - Perth Exhibition Convention Centre, Western Australia

10 - 14 56th International Instrumentation Symposium - Rochester Marriott Airport, Rochester, NY United States

11-13 The 85th International School of Hydrocarbon Measurement - Oklahoma City, USA

12-13 Safety Control Systems Conference 2010 - Calgary, Canada

18 - 20 10th Annual ISA Fugitive Emissions-LDAR Symposium - Crowne Plaza Riverwalk San Antonio, 111 Pecan Street East
San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

26-28  Chinese Control and Decision Conference (2010 CCDC) - Xuzhou, China 

June

15-17 Ultrasonic Meter User’s Workshop - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

7 - 9  Sensors Expo & Conference - Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre, Rosemont, IL United States

29 to July 2  The 3rd International Multi-Conference on Engineering and Technological Innovation: IMETI 2010 – Orlando, Florida, USA

June 29 & 30   PROFIBUS & PROFINET User Conference - Stratford Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK.

August

3 - 5  5th ISA Water/Wastewater Automatic Controls Division Symposium (WWAC) - Doubletree Castle Hotel. Orlando, FL , United States

September

27th to October 1st 2010 Emerson Global Users Exchange conference - Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Centre in San Antonio, TX. 

October

4 - 7 ISA Automation Week: Technology and Solutions - Westin Galleria Complex, Houston, Texas, USA.

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