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Essentials of Modern Measurements ---- Book Review |
January 27, 2010 |
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Posted by Joe Lewis at January 27, 2010 10:27 AM |
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“Essentials of Modern Measurements and Final Elements in the Process Industry” is a new book assembled by author Gregory K. McMillan, with a host of contributing writers. I first became aware of this new book from a post at ControlGlobal.com, one of the leading industry news and editorial sites on Internet. I was intrigued by the fact that someone took the time to put a new book together that was about process MEASUREMENT and not control automation. I remember GIGO (garbage-in, garbage-out) and still place a strong priority on measurement technologies rather than the control system. In the end, both are necessary but it is my opinion that many within the Measurement, Control and Automation industry seem to have forgotten about the process measurements and their importance.
I have completed much of the Level Measurement section, Section 5, which begins on page 229 and continues through 273. I have a few observations and constructive comments regarding this section of the book:
ABSENCE OF POINT LEVEL SENSING. Well I guess some folks don’t consider point level “level measurement” and in the strictest possible sense of the phrase it is arguable. However, even third-party market research firms such as Venture development Corporation include point level with continuous level when assessing the Process Level market. This subject should have been included, especially given the introduction of several point level products from a variety of companies rated for SIL-2 use, such as this unit from Magnetrol. I also point to the recent recommendation by the board that reviewed and assessed the aftermath of the Buncefield accident late in 2005. One of the conclusions stated that the failure of the inventory measurement sensor system and the absence of a separate overfill detection and prevention system may have been contributing factors to the accident. Point level sensors have a place within the “level measurement” arena.
FOCUS ON DP, RADAR AND ULTRASONIC. I do agree that these are very important technologies. I also concur that Radar, whether in its contact guided wave form or non-contact form, is the fastest growing technology for level measurement. DP and Ultrasonic also are large segments and heavily used. However, the absence of any discussion about Magnetosrtictive technology, Displacers and only a limited discussion on RF Admittance capacitance type sensors was disappointing, and those are for liquid apps. In addition, the category of smart weight & cable inventory systems, like all else for solids, was absent as well.
I definitely recommend this book as one of the better reference books available. However, I do feel and wished the above deficiencies would have been corrected before publishing.
Joe Lewis
BlueLevel Technologies, Inc.
www.bluelevetechnologies.com
joe@blueleveltechnologies.com
