Automation and Control Collection – serie

Automated machinery, such as computer numerical control machines (CNM), require constant monitoring for accuracy and precision. Thus, a correct understanding of 'metrology' - the science of measurement - is essential to the successful running and maintenance of all automated machines, and especially CNC machines.

This book presents the main methods and means for measuring and monitoring the accuracy of geometrical parameters for CNC and automated machines, including modern 'Coordinate Measuring Machines' (CMMs). Parameters such as straightness, perpendicularity, flatness, pitch, and yaw and roll, and so on are considered, presenting different methods and means for their determination. A particular focus is given to the analysis of ISO written standards of accuracy control, terms and definitions, and methods for evaluation of the results of measurement during performance verification.

This book provides readers a useful, accessible introduction, with practical examples and guidance covering:

The measurement systems and techniques for monitoring of processes, systems, and equipmentTesting of geometrical accuracy parameters and their assessmentMeasurement and monitoring of scales and encoders, including standards of measurement for length and angle, circular scales , linear scales, and methods and means for vertical angle calibration.Future trends in machine monitoring and performance verification

Modern automated industrial systems depend on accurate and prompt monitoring for equipment and system performance, along with determining pending faults and maintenance issues.This book offers approaches to developing and writing the software algorithms that underlie automated monitoring. Starting from a careful analysis of the state-of-the-art techniques and design principles of software architectures for measurement and test applications, this practical book illustrates how to develop a framework capable of addressing the needs for both general quality (re-configurability, extendibility, flexibility, reusability, and so forth) and specific requirements of applications in the field of test and measurement.Engineers and technicians interested in the development of a software platform capable of integrating into one single environment all the measurement devices and techniques used in their domain or company will find this book to be incredibly useful, time-saving, and results-oriented. It offers readers: * a software framework for measurement applications, for both object-oriented programming and aspect-oriented programming. * guidance on how to create a methodology, including framework kernel, fault detector, synchronizer, automatic generation of user interfaces, and software quality assessment. * an extended case study based on automated magnetic measurements at CERN International Particle Accelerator Project.

Offers detailed case studies on how various industries have learned how to best allocate their resources - technical, human, and financial - for enhancing productivity. It includes efforts to improve resource utilization from around the world. Case studies cover topics ranging from distributed virtual manufacturing enterprises to integrating green technology in a cost-effective manner to materials and energy savings.It explores how energy-efficient smart materials and structures hold tremendous potential for realizing cost savings and improving energy use in the modern industrial workplace. It also shows how industrial engineers have developed a variety of analytical and computer-based tools and technologies for planning, forecasting, and schedul-ing resources including time, labor, and more recently, energy.

For several decades now, mobile robots have been integral to the development of new robotic systems for new applications, even in nontechnical areas. Mobile robots have already been developed for such uses as industrial automation, medical care, space exploration, demining operations, surveillance, entertainment, museum guides and many other industrial and non-industrial applications. In some cases these products are readily available on the market. A considerable amount of literature is also available; not all of which pertains to technical issues, as listed in the chapters of this book and its companion. Readers will enjoy this book and its companion and will utilize the knowledge gained with satisfaction and will be assisted by its content in their interdisciplinary work for engineering developments of mobile robots, in both old and new applications. This book and its companion can be used as a graduate level course book or a guide book for the practicing engineer who is working on a specific problem which is described in one of the chapters. The companion volume for this book, Designs and Prototypes of Mobile Robots, is also available from Momentum Press.

This two-volume book comprises a comprehensive up-to-date body of knowledge that provides a total in-depth insight into valve and actuator technology – looking not just at control valves, but a whole host of other types including: check valves, shut-off valves, solenoid valves, and pressure relief valves.Research studies within the process industry routinely indicate that the fluid control valve is responsible for 60 to 70% of poor-functioning control systems. Furthermore, valves in general are consistently wrongly selected, regularly misapplied, and often incorrectly installed. A methodology is presented to ensure the optimum selection of size, choice of body and trim materials, components, and ancillaries. Whilst studying the correct procedures for sizing, readers will also learn the correct procedures for calculating the spring 'wind-up' or 'bench set'. Maintenance issues also include: testing for deadband/hysteresis, stick-slip and non-linearity; on-line diagnostics; and signature analysis. Written in a detailed but understandable language, the two volumes are presented in a form suitable for both the beginner, with no prior knowledge of the subject, and the more advanced specialist.