Control Amplified: The process automation podcast

Remote I/O offers large plants critical advantages

Traditionally, process plants were deployed with point-to-point wiring, custom, multi-pair homerun cables and large complex marshalling cabinets with hundreds or sometimes thousands of termination points. Deploying remote I/O in large-scale plants can deliver major positive impacts thanks to easier installation, simpler serviceability and reduced cabinet space. Jesse Hill, process industry manager at Beckhoff Automation USA, recently talked with Control’s editor-in-chief, Len Vermillion, about the many benefits of remote I/O, including enhanced physical layer diagnostics, wiring reductions, lower cost, and increased flexibility in plant network topologies.

Connecting OT and IT in process applications

Connecting operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT) in process applications offers many distinct advantages for processing plants. While technology has made the task easier, there are still challenges to consider. That’s why following several best practices can save plant operators a lot of headaches down the road.

The ’100-year SCADA system’

One of the most important considerations for new and updated monitoring and control applications is scalability. The question is: once a significant investment is made, how do end users get the most return on their investment? Or more simply put, how long will the system last? Chris Little, media relations, VTScada by Trihedral, talked with Control editor-in-chief Len Vermillion as they wondered, "What if a SCADA system could last 100 years?"

On a mission to enable an intelligent planet

Advantech is in the midst of a big year. Specifically, the developer of intelligent systems and embedded platforms for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the company recently announced a succession plan for the future and a held a groundbreaking for a new North American headquarters in Tusin, Calif. Joseph Su, director of business operations at Advantech talked with Control editor-in-chief Len Vermillion about the company’s 40-year history and its future.

Measuring the flow of hydrogen value chain

Measurement technology has become a vital piece of the puzzle for hydrogen’s growth as a resource for energy transition. But where and how can flow measurement, such as Coriolis sensors, help the overall process of hydrogen development. Mark Butler is an application innovation director in the measurement solutions business unit at Emerson, and he joined Control’s editor-in-chief, Len Vermillion, for a detailed conversation about hydrogen’s potential and the flow measurement technologies being used to facilitate the three main functions that deliver hydrogen as an alternative way of handling energy.

Why modularization matters for today’s industrial PCs

In today’s industry, the trend is to move away from standalone PCs. Why? Many end-users in the process industries find benefits in modularization. Marc Seissler and Aaron Severa, both of Pepperl+Fuchs, recently talked to Control editor-in-chief Len Vermillion about industrial PC trends and process automation to provide some answers. Seissler is head of product management for HMI and based in the Manheim, Germany, headquarters of Pepperl+Fuchs. Severa is a regional product manager and Level 2 technical support for the Americas region.

Operational flexibility drives new process power generation

Power systems for plant-level process control continue to evolve, particularly as the quest to create efficient and sustainable operations garners increased importance for industry. Technology is already addressing operators’ need for high-powered, flexible and fast-distributed control. Chris Smith, Director of EcoStruxure Power and Process, Industrial Automation Business, Schneider Electric, talked with Control’s editor-in-chief, Len Vermillion, about the emerging landscape of power and process control systems.

Non-contacting radar: Emerging opportunities in new markets

A Control Amplified podcast with Christoffer Widahl, director of solutions management for radar new markets at Emerson.

Digital transformation: The benefits of a value-based approach

A Control Amplified podcast with Chris Hamlin, capability development lead at Seeq.

The evolution of non-contracting radar in chemicals, oil & gas and utilities

A Control Amplified podcast with Ilya Rikhter, general manager of Rosemount Process Level at Emerson.