Interactive Control

This episode is the conclusion of a 4-part series on Advanced Turbine Controls. In this episode I talk about System Reliability with my guest Bob Bellis. Other topics covered in this series are Startup Agility, Combustion Versatility, and Load Flexibility.

This episode is part 3 of a 4-part series on Advanced Turbine Controls. In this episode I talk about Load Flexibility with my guest Bob Bellis. Other topics covered in this series are Startup Agility, Combustion Versatility, and System Reliability.

This episode is part 2 of a 4-part series on Advanced Turbine Controls. In this episode I talk about Combustion Versatility with my guest Bob Bellis. Other topics covered in this series are Startup Agility, Load Flexibility, and System Reliability.

This episode is part 1 of a 4-part series on Advanced Turbine Controls. In this episode I talk about Startup Agility with my guest Bob Bellis. Topics covered include changing role of turbine startup, benefits of fast start and startup assurance, relationship to ancillary services, and considerations for simple cycle vs combined cycle plants.

In this episode I discuss different Control Service Offerings with my guest Robert Lewis. Topics covered include Phone and Remote Support, Site Visits, Preventive Maintenance, Patching, and more.

In this episode I discuss controls project management and ways you can help your project run more smoothly with my guest Brett Maclaren. Topics include Brett's experience as a nuclear submarine officer, responsibilities of a controls project manager, as well as common challenges and advice for controls projects.

In this episode I discuss ways to maximize profits while reducing emissions in cogeneration operations with my guests, Ben Janvier and Mike Schoof.

In this episode I discuss how parts management can reduce your operational risks with my guest, Brad Shochat. Topics covered include cost vs risk tradeoffs, on site spares and alternatives, non-new electronics options, cybersecurity for parts, and more.

In this episode I discuss Generator Control and Protection – what’s the difference, how a generator works at a high level, the different methods of protecting equipment and personnel, and what operators need to be watching out for with my guest, Chris Eckert.

In this episode I discuss surge phenomena on centrifugal compressors with my guest, Sangram Ghanto. Sangram explains what surge phenomena is, its potential impacts, how it happens, how to protect against it, and what to look for when choosing your compressor control system. 

In this episode I discuss overspeed protection – what it is, why you should care, and what you can do about it – with my guest, Steve Foss. Topics include examples of problems related to overspeed and their impacts, recommendations for implementing overspeed protection, and other important factors. 

This is the final episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we discuss Fusion – its history, challenges, and current status. We even get to hear what it sounds like. We end with a summary of the key points from the overall series. You won’t want to miss this exciting conclusion!

This is the third episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we continued with our discussion on fission technologies of the future including fast neutron reactors, high temperature gas, TRISO fuel, and Thorium. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

The second episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we continued to discuss some of the challenges facing nuclear – namely the major accidents that have occurred, potential for misuse, and public perception. Then we moved into some of the ongoing and future advancements expected in Fission technology, including small modular reactors or SMRs. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

The first of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we cover the nitty gritty of atomic structure and stability, the history of nuclear power, how fission technology works and we start on some of its challenges. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

Have you ever wondered if you should be using a Distributed Control System (DCS) or a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for your application? Well, look no further because my guest for this episode, Nate Martin, will answer this question and more! Topics include differences between DCS and PLCs, as well as pros and cons of each with applications and examples. 

In part 1 of this series, we discussed emerging threats and attack vectors facing the industrial automation space. In part 2 we covered Operational Technology (or OT) and how to move from a reactive approach to cybersecurity to a proactive approach. In Part 3 we’ll cover specific tools that can be used to address challenges and implement a cybersecurity plan with my guest, Mohammed Al Afoo. Techniques discussed include non-repudiation, anomaly detection, perimeter protection, allow-listing, and more. 

In this episode we talk about a very exciting topic – drones and robots – with my guest Tim Shea from ARC. Topics covered include roles and applications  in Industrial Process, market and competitive landscape, and special considerations such as regulations, piloting, battery life, and more. 

In this episode I discuss the pressing topic of Energy Transition with my guest, Alex Cruz. Alex gives his take on what it means and how it will impact control system users. Topics include carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, emissions management, clean integrated power, policy and external funding consideration, and more. 

In part 1 of this series, we discussed emerging threats and attack vectors facing the industrial automation space. In part 2 we cover Operational Technology (or OT) and how to move from a reactive approach to cybersecurity to a proactive approach with my guest, Matt Leipnik. You won’t want to miss Matt’s practical suggestions for getting started!

In this episode I continue my discussion on the different phases of a typical DCS lifecycle with my guest Paul Rix. Phases covered include: Vendor Selection, Spec Creation, Tendering, Negotiation, Contract Management, Engineering & Commissioning, Lifecycle Support, Expansion & Enhancements. Don’t miss the end where Paul gives his recommended best practices for each phase!

In this episode I discuss the different phases of a typical DCS lifecycle and the resulting ownership considerations with my guest Paul Rix. We cover each of the phases at a high level - Vendor Selection, Spec Creation, Tendering, Negotiation, Contract Management, Engineering & Commissioning, Lifecycle Support, Expansion & Enhancements - with deep dives into vendor selection and spec creation. 

In this episode I discuss several different aspects of performance management with my guest Tim Wallace. Topics covered include an explanation of performance management and why it matters for Industrial Control, the difference between performance monitoring and performance optimization, real world examples to showcase the value of each, and more!

In this episode I discuss the importance of end user participation in controls upgrades with my guest Carly Blaes. We cover different points throughout the upgrade including - Kick Off Meeting, Drawing Review, Screen Review, FAT, Training, Outage Planning, and Installation - and how end users can participate in each step. We also discuss some of the challenges and solutions that have occurred due to COVID. 

In this episode I discuss current emerging threats and attack vectors facing the industrial automation space with my guest, Ed Turkaly. Topics include defining what threat landscape is, insider threats, social engineering, data leakage, ransomware, nation state attacks, and more. 

In this episode I discuss different types, schemes, safety considerations, troubleshooting techniques, and more around electrical grounding of your industrial control system with my guest Mariah Hake.

In this episode I discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with my guest Dr. Rajeeva Kumar. In part 2 of this two-part series, we continue our discussion on 4IR with more on edge computing, recommendations on how to get started with 4IR, and several other factors to consider including cybersecurity. Don’t forget to check out Part 1 if you missed it!

In this episode I discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), with my guest Dr. Rajeeva Kumar. In part 1 of this two-part series, we cover what 4IR is, how it compares to the previous industrial revolutions, and why it matters to users of Industrial Control Systems. We discuss the different elements of 4IR such as low cost sensors, computing power, cloud computing, connectivity and network protocols, data analytics, edge computing, and more. 

In this episode I discuss open process automation and how it is transforming industrial control, with my guest Brandon Williams, co-founder of CPLANE.ai and a member of the Open Process Automation™ Forum (OPAF).

In this episode I discuss how data analytics and other recent technology trends are impacting industrial control applications, with my guest Craig Resnick, Vice President of the ARC Advisory Group.

In this episode I discuss instrumentation concerns and recommendations, with my guest Djair Zanini. We cover common issues that Djair sees in his role as a Senior Mechanical Engineer responsible for mechanical solutions and instrumentation retrofits at Nexus Controls.

In this episode I discuss preventative maintenance and outage planning techniques that can reduce unplanned downtime and add up to big savings for your operation in the long run, with my guest Deepak Kashyap. We cover common issues that Deepak sees in his role as a Technical Support Manager and ways that these can be prevented.

In this episode I discuss how to troubleshoot unit startup issues with my guest, Juan Roman. Juan is an Industrial Control instructor and unit startup issues are one of the most frequent topics that he is asked about in his classes. He shares his thoughts on how to analyze the common potential causes.

This is Part 3 of a discussion on Gas Turbine Operation with my guest, Robert Hawkins. In Part 1 we covered concepts related to the basic operation of Gas Turbines, which are important to understand for effective troubleshooting when issues arise. In Part 2 we covered issues that can occur with startup, shutdown, and combustion. In Part 3 we cover considerations related to support systems, compressor performance and water wash, turbine performance, and vibration monitoring.

This is Part 2 of a discussion on Gas Turbine Operation with my guest, Robert Hawkins. In Part 1 we covered concepts related to the basic operation of Gas Turbines, which are important to understand for effective troubleshooting when issues arise. In Part 2 we cover issues that can occur with startup, shutdown, and combustion. In Part 3 we will cover considerations related to support systems, compressor performance and water wash, turbine performance, and vibration monitoring.

This episode is Part 1 of a discussion on Gas Turbine Operation with my guest, Robert Hawkins. In Part 1 we cover concepts related to the basic operation of Gas Turbines, which are important to understand for effective troubleshooting when issues arise. In Parts 2 and 3 we will cover common Operational Issues and how to troubleshoot these in more detail.

Welcome to the trailer for Interactive Control, the place to get all your burning Industrial Control questions answered. If you work with controls as an Operator, Engineer, Maintenance Person, or even a Plant Manager, this podcast is for you. Our focus is on answering real questions and solving real problems with real controls experts. Each episode will feature one or more Industrial Control experts with various backgrounds, typically ranging from 15-30 or more years of experience in their field. Together we will cover topics such as unit startup issues, alarm rationalization, loop tuning, instrumentation calibration, various system overviews and their component breakdowns, and much more.