Automation

Introduction Among instrumentation and control (I&C) specialists, the word "loop" can mean two completely different things. On the one hand, it is a complete control circuit: from the primary sensor or transmitter, through the controller, to the final control element. On the other hand, it is the very same 4–20 mA "current loop" through which the analog signal is transmitted. When we talk about commissioning or troubleshooting, a loop check is the cornerstone without which th

Introduction When I first started my career in industrial automation, it seemed to me that PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and DCSs (Distributed Control Systems) were just different names for the same thing. Controllers, after all. What could be complicated? Years have passed, and I have come to understand that behind these acronyms lie two fundamentally different philosophies, two approaches to production management. And the choice between them determines not only the

Introduction In this article, I want to touch on a topic that sometimes nullifies the most advanced engineering ideas. You arrive at a customer's site, and a shiny new piece of equipment bears a nameplate reading "Made in USA." And you begin to understand: they brought it in, alright, but it will only work here until the first attempt to mate it with our piping, power outlet, or controller. The whole trouble is that the technical languages of different regions are different u

Introduction Calibration gas mixtures are not merely cylinders of gas. They are the foundation upon which the accuracy of all gas analytical measurements in industry, environmental monitoring, and scientific research rests. Without them, it is impossible to confirm that a gas analyzer on a factory stack is telling the truth, or to ensure that a methane leak detector will provide a timely warning of danger. Calibration gas mixtures are state reference materials of gas composit

Introduction Industrial gas analysis is a field where the cost of error is measured not only in monetary terms but also in personnel safety, equipment integrity, and compliance with environmental regulations. When a potential customer faces the need to select a gas analytical system, they inevitably immerse themselves in a world of abbreviations: NDIR, UV, FTIR, TDLAS, FID, CLD... Behind each designation lies a specific physicochemical principle that determines which gases th

Introduction: Why Is Pressure Measurement So Important? Pressure is one of the fundamental parameters without which modern industry, transportation, energy, and medicine are inconceivable. The accuracy of pressure measurement determines the safety of technological processes, the efficiency of equipment operation, and the quality of final products. Pressure sensors are devices that convert the mechanical action of a liquid or gas into an electrical or pneumatic signal suitable

Introduction: Why Measure Temperature? Temperature is one of the key parameters that determine the state of virtually any physical, chemical, or biological process. Accurate temperature control is indispensable for modern industry, medicine, transportation, and even household appliances. A temperature sensor is a device that measures the degree of heating of an object or environment and converts the acquired data into an electrical signal suitable for analysis. These instrume

Industrial controllers are the «brains» of any modern production facility. They manage conveyors, machine tools, pumps, and entire factories. The market for these devices in Russia and neighboring Central Asian countries is currently undergoing tectonic shifts. The familiar picture, where Siemens, Schneider Electric and Rockwell Automation dominated unconditionally, has been shattered. But it has not been replaced by a monopoly of Russian manufacturers. Instead, a new, tripol

If one word could describe the path of Russian microelectronics in recent years, it would be «breakthrough». The numbers are impressive: over the past five years, production output in the industry has more than doubled, reaching 3.4 trillion rubles in 2024. In 2025, the figure is expected to exceed 3.5 trillion rubles. At the same time, the range of domestically produced electronic products has expanded from 2,500 to 36,000 items. This is the result not only of government in

For most people, artificial intelligence (AI) is associated with chatbots or neural networks that generate images. But the real revolution is happening where the news rarely covers it — in factories, mines, oil platforms, and logistics centers. In this article, we’ll break down what AI means from a practical standpoint and how it is transforming industry right now. What Is Artificial Intelligence in Simple Terms? Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer system to

In the face of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, rising energy costs, and global competition, industrial enterprises worldwide are faced with the need to modernize their production facilities. Key challenges today include not only improving efficiency and safety but also minimizing environmental impact. A whole class of high-precision equipment—industrial gas analyzers and automatic emission monitoring systems—is dedicated to solving these problems. Modern tec

Any industrial production today involves not only machinery and reactors but also dozens, if not hundreds, of measurement channels. Level and flow sensors, gas analyzers, emission control systems, automated water treatment lines — all these work in unison to ensure product compliance with standards and that environmental safety raises no questions from regulators. The task is challenging: one must simultaneously monitor flue gas composition, wastewater quality, process fluid