As I look back over my experience with pH and conductivity measurements, the following opportunities stand out. (1) Selecting the best sensor technology for a wide range of process conditions (2) Eliminating measurement noise (3) Predicting sensor demise (4) Developing process temperature compensation (5) Developing inferential measurements of process concentrations (6) Finding the optimum sensor …
Monthly Archive: January 2010
Jan
19
Exceptional Opportunities in Process Control – Measurement Noise
It is well known that measurement noise reduces or eliminates the use of derivative action. Since rate is not popular (another story), the exclusion of rate is not seen as a significant disadvantage even though temperature loops could benefit from rate since it can compensate for thermowell and heat transfer surface lags and reduce overshoot. …
Jan
12
Exceptional Opportunities in Process Control – Virtual Plants
Simulation was such an integral part of my job it is difficult for me to visualize a process control career without models. I was asked to join Engineering Technology (ET) at Monsanto in 1976 because I had developed a dynamic compressor model as the lead Instrument and Electrical engineer for what was the largest Acrylonitrile …
Jan
05
My Top Twenty Broken New Years Resolutions
For comic relief for the New Year I offer here some of my broken resolutions published in my Control Talk column plus a new number one. (20) Listen intently to my wife’s instructions. Why does my mind still jump to weighty matters like what is next for dinner? (19) Stop making cheap control valve jokes. …
