Why process control and power are better together

Dec. 8, 2015
The benefits of combining and coordinating electrical and process controls and their related systems can be huge.

[javascriptSnippet]

The ones and zeroes don't care what physics or events they represent. Pressure, temperature, flow, oil, gas, chemicals, water, ore, slurries, pulp or tapioca pudding—it's all the same to them. Likewise, mathematics, algorithms, software and microprocessors are equally willing to chew on whatever digital data comes their way—and now it's power and electrical control's turn to join the process automation party.

The separation between process control and power is one of the oldest organizational barriers on the plant floor. However, digital data is starting to flow more freely between them, and their convergence is allowing users to achieve many and varied gains, improve efficiency and reliability, and reduce costs at the same time.

"We're seeing demand for integration of electrical control and process control across the board among our clients from hydropower to large production plants, mostly due to greater awareness of the IEC 61850 standard," says Brian Harrison, president of Coast Automation Inc., a CSIA-member system integrator in Vancouver, B.C. "I think it began six or seven years ago, when users tried to settle on a common programming language based on the IEC 61131 standard, and then this commonality spread via the fieldbuses and Ethernet-based protocols. Of course, everyone is looking for efficiency and energy savings, and IEC 61850 lets them look at power use at the production level, add meters to their motors and drives, and monitor their consumption and efficiency on a combined SCADA package."

To learn more about process control and power, read “Process and power/electrical controls merging into unified systems” from Control.

Sponsored Recommendations

A Paradigm Shift in Pump Selection

Jan. 22, 2025
Discover how INNOMAG® is transforming pump selection with innovative design and unparalleled performance. Learn how this breakthrough solution simplifies operations, enhances ...

The Need for Speed: The Most Advanced Sealless Pump is Also the Fastest

Jan. 14, 2025
Struggling with a troublesome pump? Get a reliable solution in just five days with the fastest, most advanced sealless pump on the market.

Say Goodbye to Pumping’s Weakest Links

Jan. 14, 2025
Shaft seals and ball bearings cause nearly 80% of pump failures—but not with INNOMAG®. With no seals, no bearings, and a thrust-balanced design, these pumps deliver unmatched ...

Ready to Reduce the Cost of Energy with a Highly Efficient, More Forgiving Pump?

Jan. 14, 2025
INNOMAG® pumps save energy and maintain peak efficiency over time—no wear and tear. Discover how they can lower your operating costs and increase reliability.