Suppliers of automation and instrumentation systems to process plants sometimes stress the technologies embedded in their products and services, but focusing on technology alone does not solve problems. End users know this and are usually much more interested in specific applications and use cases than technology details.

For most industrial temperature measurements, the sensing element is never directly exposed to the process. The electronic element such as a thermocouple (TC), resistance temperature detector (RTD) or thermistor is encased inside a metallic enclosure, typically a section of stainless steel tubing closed at one end.

Wireless process temperature measurement technology brings quality and efficiency improvements to one pet food manufacturer. Founded in 1974, Mountain Country Foods is a family-run business that evolved from a small beef-jerky manufacturer to one of the largest pet-treat manufacturers in the United States.

Environmental regulations and the need for better control are driving increased use of temperature profiling in many process heating applications. 

As Process Heating wraps up another year of serving industrial processors who use low temperature industrial heating equipment and supplies, its editorial staff offers readers this handy reference guide to the feature articles published in 2015.

Platinum Series has a bright three-color (red, green, amber) nine-segment LED display with a wide viewing angle and full-scale positive and negative readings.

Model 6060 offers two PID sets, multiple inputs and outputs, heat/cool operation, soft-start function, self-tuning startup and optional Modbus/RTU RS485 communications.

UTAdvanced includes four DIN rail mounting-type controllers and one 1/8 DIN panel-type program controller.

Process manufacturing plants have a tendency to keep automation systems and associated networks up and running for decades.