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Why Is the IEC 61131 the Standard Programming Language in Open Architecture Control Systems?
First released in 1993, the International Electrotechnical Commission’s IEC 61131 programming standard remains a key element in the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in a variety of industries across the globe. The IEC 61131 standard is especially useful in Open Architecture control systems, which use standard programming languages to operate
The Difference Between Isochronous and Droop Control Modes
The main difference between droop and isochronous control modes lies in their relationship to frequency. In isochronous mode, generators maintain a constant frequency, whereas droop mode allows for changes in frequency in response to changes in load. This guide explains the implications of these differences and applications of the two
Petrotech CEO John Kazour featured in Business In Focus Magazine
Petrotech, Inc. is honored to be featured in the May 2019 edition of Business In Focus Magazine. Petrotech’s President & CEO, John Kazour, sat down with the publication to discuss how Petrotech became a leader in the latest industrial instrumentation and controls technology. Read More
Turbomachinery Control Solutions: Building an Effective TCS
A mechanical engineering term, “turbomachinery” describes machines that transfer energy between a rotor and a liquid or gas. Turbines and compressors both fall into this category. Turbines use a fast flow of water, air, or gas to generate shaft power; while compressors pressurize substances by transferring energy from the rotor
Stand-Alone Product Spotlight: EM-400 Multi-Body Anti-Surge Compressor Controller
Plant operators shouldn’t have to continually monitor or adjust their compression system to maintain optimum air mass flowrates. If a plant’s compression and surge control system is antiquated, it can cause delays in operation times, ultimately resulting in potential lost net gains. Both axial and centrifugal compressors are susceptible to
The Features and Functions of Reciprocating Engines
Powerful, efficient engines of many types supply the energy needed to deliver electricity or drive in the energy supply sector. The oil and gas industry uses combustion engines in three primary markets: power plants, compression, and pumping. In power plants, the engines burn fuel that cannot be used in turbines;
Changes in Supply and Demand: Energy Trends and Predictions for 2019
Ups and downs in energy are a function of supply and demand. Yearly energy market trends, as well as longer-term development trends in this sector, reflect both the abundance of product and the impetus for consumption. Global energy contractors and predictors of energy trends see some specific changes in supply
A Guide to Operating Efficiently With Steam Turbine Oil
In addition to being subject to tough environmental standards, tight budgets, and penalties for supply interruptions, today’s power companies must ensure efficient and reliable operations to keep up with high demand. This means that power-generating turbines often run under more intense conditions than ever, including 24/7 cycles and frequent stopping
What Is the Function of a Governor in a Steam Turbine?
A steam turbine governor is a component of the turbine control system that regulates rotational speed in response to changing load conditions. The governor output signal manipulates the position of a steam inlet valve or nozzles which in turn regulates the steam flow to the turbine. In this post, we’ll
Petrotech (UK) Limited Announces Their UK Office Relocation to Bunting Road in Suffolk
2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SUFFOLK, England, Jan. 24 — After 45 years in residence, Petrotech (UK) Limited has announced the relocation of its former Western Way facility to a new location just 10 minutes away on Bunting Road in Bury St. Edmond, Suffolk. The new office is near three main
How Does Surge Testing Work?
Anti-Surge controllers use measurements from suction pressure and temperature, discharge pressure and temperature, and either suction or discharge flow, to determine the flow at which the condition of surge will occur. Within these controllers a surge limit is calibrated, initially from OEM provided data, and later from a field testing
How Does the Spinning of a Turbine Generate Power?
Although electricity was discovered as early as the 18th century, humans have made significant strides in producing electrical power through various means since that time. Among the most common means of producing energy is with turbines of different types, including gas and steam turbines. At the core of a turbine’s