Tacoma, Washington Hylebos Drawbridge PLC Control System Upgrade
The Problem: The United States Coast Guard requires the City of Tacoma to perform regularly scheduled updates to the PLC control system that operates the Hylebos drawbridge. These scheduled updates are required to ensure the bridge functions properly and the critical waterway always remains accessible. Should the waterway ever become inaccessible due to a bridge […]
Microcontroller vs. PLC: What’s the Difference
Microcontrollers and PLCs can perform many of the same functions, such as mathematical operations, logic and data processing, and controlling devices. However, microcontrollers are significantly less expensive to obtain. So why aren’t manufacturers racing to replace their PLC systems with microcontrollers? The best way to understand why PLCs are still the clear choice for industrial […]
6 Key Questions to ask a Control Systems Integrator Before Hiring them for Your Project
Hiring a qualified and experienced control systems integrator can be the difference between a high-quality and successfully completed project vs having your project run late and over-budget, while also not meeting your requirements. Asking these 6 key questions during your vetting process can help you ensure you are selecting the right integrator for the job. […]
The Different Types of Compressors used in a Refrigeration System
In the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, compressors play a vital role in pressurizing vaporized refrigerant from a low pressure and temperature to high pressure and temperature in preparation for traveling through a condenser. While compressors all serve the same primary function within an industrial refrigeration system, there are actually numerous types of compressors with varying […]
A Brief History of the SCADA System
Modern SCADA systems can span across large geographical locations and provide operators a complete overview of their processes, as well as remote control of equipment, advanced alarming, and powerful data processing capabilities.
