Join industry professionals as they share insight into the world of process safety, including news related to updated codes and standards, recent incidents and what you can learn from them, and their take on all elements of process safety. With decades of combined experience in real, practical implementation, they aren’t just advisors, they practice what they preach. Whether you’re new to process safety, in a role where you interact with aspects of process safety, or an experienced process s ...
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Amplify Process Safety Podcasts
The Control Amplified Podcast offers in-depth interviews and discussions with industry experts about important topics in the process control and automation field, exploring underlying issues affecting users, system integrators, suppliers and others in these industries.
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Amplify your impact with Jonathan Ballon, a technologist and business leader focused on how advances in technology can create inflexion points that disrupt conventional norms, create economic and societal value and, in the process, reshape the human experience, ultimately for the better. A “Force Multiplier” is intelligence or technology that creates an advantage. In each episode, JB and his special guests dive inside the edge of technology innovation, providing listeners with sharp insights ...
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Takatalks: Stories of Financial Systems, Crypto, and the Islamic Economy Join husband and wife duo, Morrad Irsane and Sharene Lee, the entrepreneurs behind the groundbreaking Web3 startup Takadao, as they guide you through engaging discussions on the pivotal pillars of the modern economy. Delve into the realms of finance, technology, and ethics, exploring the disruptive technologies and the principles underpinning Islamic finance. Through captivating conversations and thought-provoking inter ...
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Modern SCADA: ensuring safety, relevance and convenience
13:51
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13:51SCADA applications are responsible for far more than facilitating real-time process monitoring and alarm management. The process history they compile over time is critical to providing the data-driven insights that industry relies on when optimizing their systems to control costs, maximize uptime and increase the life of infrastructure. Modern SCAD…
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Episode 127 - CSB AR3 Breakdown - Preventing Incidents with Proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
17:39
17:39
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17:39In this episode, Magi and Jackson discuss the importance of lockout/tagout procedures in process safety, analyzing several incidents that highlight failures in energy isolation and the consequences of neglecting safety protocols. They delve into the need for thorough procedures and best practices to prevent accidents in industrial settings. For mor…
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Leading factory floor monitoring with Hope Industrial Systems
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14:26Every control system on the factory floor needs reliable monitors, touchscreens and related products to keep their operation running efficiently. For the last 25 years, Hope Industrial Systems (HIS), based in Atlanta, Ga., has been at the forefront of manufacturing monitors and supplying them quickly to customers all over the world. How did the com…
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Episode 126 - Designing Chemical Plants with Process Safety in Mind
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37:36In this episode, Rob interviews Alex Pawlowski, Vice President of Design and Operations at SPEC Process Engineering and Construction. They discuss the critical role of process safety in engineering and construction, particularly in projects involving hazardous materials. Alex shares insights on how SPEC integrates safety into their design and const…
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2025 Process Automation Hall of Fame: Sandy Vasser shakes up the industry
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39:25Editor in chief Len Vermillion is chatting with the newest inductees for 2025's Process Automation Hall of Fame in this Control Amplified mini-series. In his final interview of the series, he and industry legend Sandy Vasser discuss a lifetime in process control.By ControlGlobal
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In this episode, Magi and Jackson discuss some of the incidents included in Volume 2 of the CSB's Accidental Release Reporting Rule, and some safeguards that can be put in place to prevent such incidents from happening. For more about the 2023 Heater Fire at Marathon Martinez Renewables Facility, check out episode 122 here. For more information abo…
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Achieving smart factory connectivity with product modification
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26:48Editor in chief Len Vermillion speaks to Felix Dozzi, customer services supervisor for Pro-face America, Schneider Electric, about how coordinating HMI with other devices and customizing the applications in smart factories can create more effective workplace solutions.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 124 - Managing Process Safety with APSM Software with Guest Tyson Alexander
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28:21
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28:21In this episode, Rob is joined by Tyson Alexander, head of sales at APSM. Tyson has been at APSM for over 18 years and he talks us through some of the history of APSM, including what the "A" stands for, the evolution of process safety management, and real-world application of APSM software. For more information about APSM, visit their website at ht…
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2025 Process Automation Hall of Fame: John Hedenglen runs the future
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23:43Editor in chief Len Vermillion is chatting with the newest inductees for 2025's Process Automation Hall of Fame in this Control Amplified mini-series. In this interview with John Hedenglen, they discuss how working with fellow Hall-of-Famer Thomas Edgar on process dynamics and controls kickstarted Hedenglen's career of academia, prestigious accolad…
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2025 Process Automation Hall of Fame: Duncan Schleiss stays humble
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31:46Editor in chief Len Vermillion is chatting with the newest inductees for 2025's Process Automation Hall of Fame in this Control Amplified mini-series. First up: Duncan Schleiss. From pioneering Emerson's DeltaV technologies to teaching at Louisiana State University, Schleiss continually recognizes the help and support of his colleagues amid all his…
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Episode 123 - Simultaneous Operations - a Safe Work Practice from CCPS
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21:43
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21:43In this episode, Rob and Magi discuss the recently released Safe Work Practice from the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) about Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) for offshore and operating plants. SIMOPS are defined as "two or more different activities occurring at the same time that are close enough to interfere with each other and transfer…
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"Point on wave" motor starter sets new performance standard
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21:44It’s often said that good things come in small packages, and that adage seems especially apt in describing Rockwell Automation’s new M100 Electronic Motor Starter. In this special Solutions Spotlight episode of Control Amplified, group publisher Keith Larson speaks to Bill Meindl, Jr., business manager for industrial components at Rockwell on the M…
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Episode 122 - Incident Breakdown: 2023 Heater Fire at Marathon Martinez Renewables Facility
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16:18In this episode, Magi and Jackson breakdown the most recent CSB final report. They cover the 2023 fire at the Marathon Martinez Renewables Facility that resulted in a significant injury for one employee and $350 million in property damage. This breakdown includes a review of the event, contributing factors and recommendations from the CSB. Tune in …
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While uncertainty over tariffs and inflation confuses the industrial sector, we wondered how the industrial processing market is affected. To get answers, Control editor in chief Len Vermillion talked with Connor Lokar, senior forecaster for ITR Economics, to try to make heads or tails of the situation. While some processing business might be frett…
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In this episode Magi and Jackson break down the CSB's Accidental Release Reporting Rule (ARRR) - what it is and some of the incidents reported under this rule. The ARRR requires reporting certain incidents to the CSB and has led them to deploy to some incidents that they may not have otherwise investigated. For more information about the Accidental…
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Increasing the power of real-time data analysis
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21:31The only constant in today's industrial landscape is the rapid evolution fueled by digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). It is estimated that more than 90% of businesses engage in some form of digital activity. While innovation and adaptability are keys to staying ahead, the digital transformation journey for industrial organizat…
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Control Editor-in-Chief Len Vermillion recaps his thoughts from ARC Forum 2025 in Orlando. While winning with artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the conversation, the migration of Foundation Fieldbus to Ethernet APL is also on the minds of CEOs these days.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 120 - The New & Improved Combustible Dust Standard - NFPA 660
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31:57In this episode, Rob and Jackson lead listeners through NFPA 660; the new and improved combustible dust standard, which was released in late 2024. They discuss the reason for the new standard, other meaningful changes in the standard, general requirements of the standard, the titles of the industry specific chapters, which requirements are retroact…
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Episode 119 - Behind the Curtain - Updating of PRD Standards with Guest Casey Houston
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29:06In this episode, Rob is joined by Casey Houston, principal engineer of Chemitics, a consulting firm that specializes in overpressure protection and effluent handling system designs. Casey has been a participant with the AIChE DIERS group since 2006 and has been a member with the API Subcommittee on Pressure Relief System designs since 2011. He is a…
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How to get the most out of your AI journey
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14:00In this episode of Control Amplified, Editor in Chief Len Vermillion looks at the journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in industrial operations. He gets help from the words of Dustin Johnson, chief technology officer at Seeq; Tathagata Basu, global head and general of sustainable fuels and chemicals at Honeywell; and John Rezabek, process contro…
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Episode 118 - Recent Natural Disasters and Their Process Safety Consequences
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12:44In this episode, Rob and Magi discuss some of the natural disasters that have contributed to process safety incidents in recent years, including the impacts that Hurricanes Harvey, Laura, Ida, Ian, and Helene have had. For related content, please check out our past episodes below. Episode 26 - Natural Hazard Assessment and Planning Episode 103 - Qu…
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Control editor in chief Len Vermillion and Joe Weiss - managing partner of Applied Control Solutions Inc., ISA99 ICS cybersecurity pioneer, 2024 Process Automation Hall of Fame honoree and Unfettered blog author - sit down for a discussion on cybersecurity. What should everyone know about cybersecurity? And what can we do to represent cybersecurity…
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In this episode, Rob is joined by Jackson Colley, the newest member of the Amplify Process Safety team. Rob sits down with Jackson to talk about his background and what ultimately led him to joining Amplify. Welcome to the team, Jackson! To connect with Jackson, find him on LinkedIn here or email him at [email protected]. To lea…
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Exploring wireless advances in industrial process
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20:34In the first Control Amplified podcast of 2025, wireless technology expert Ian Verhappen joins Len Vermillion for a discussion on the past, present and future of wireless technology for industrial operations. Among their topics are the fast advances and usage of wireless in industrial plants, why Wi-Fi advancement enables more efficient operations,…
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The role flowmeters play in the renewable energy space
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10:28In this final episode of 2024, Control’s editor in chief, Len Vermillion and Jesse Yoder discuss the future of flowmeters in renewable energy application. Climate change is almost universally recognized by governments worldwide, and many large corporations make combating climate change a priority. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and substituting …
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Episode 116 - 2024 (Process Safety) Wrapped
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18:34In this special episode, Rob and Magi present 2024 (Process Safety) Wrapped. They cover regulatory changes that took place this year, major incidents the CSB has deployed to, metrics on other minor process safety incidents they've tracked this year, CSB reports issued this year, and their hopes for a renewed focus on process safety in 2025. Do you …
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How system integrators are embracing OT cybersecurity
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10:11Editor in chief Len Vermillion calls upon executive editor Jim Montague, who wrote a very informative cover story for the November issue of Control on cybersecurity with a series featuring seven systems integrators, now on Control Global. Len will read the first of that series to get a taste for where Jim’s reporting is going and what engineers can…
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The Future of Insurance: Technology and Trust
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58:23
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58:23Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep7): In this episode, the discussion revolves around how actuaries work, the struggles of improving healthcare access, and why insurance in California is so expensive. They also talk about making insurance fairer, using technology to make it easier to understand, and creating community-b…
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Overpriced Insurance, Blockchain Fixes, and the Rise of Pay-As-You-Go
1:00:20
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1:00:20Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep6): This discussion explores how technology and community-focused solutions are reshaping the insurance industry, especially in Africa. It emphasizes the importance of trust, customer-centric models, and mutual protection funds to address rising costs and low adoption rates. The convers…
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News updates from process control industry events
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9:59In this episode of Control Amplified, editor in chief Len Vermillion runs down highlights from the Safety and Risk Conference at the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center at Texas A&M University and Aveva World 2024 in Paris.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 115 - RMP 101 with Guest Mathew Todaro
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59:27In this episode, Rob welcomes back Mathew Todaro, a partner at Verrill Law who defends and negotiates on behalf of his clients under statutes such as the Clean Water Act, EPCRA, and FIFRA, with a particular focus on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. Today, Rob and Mat give listeners a crash course on the EPA's Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule. Th…
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Len Vermillion and the rest of the Control team was in Houston for Yokogawa’s YNOW users’ conference during the week of Oct. 28. He came away with five key points that were made throughout the conference, topics that found their way into several sessions that were on the tops of people’s minds.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 114 - What's New with OperAid? with Guest Neil Beekie
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29:34In this episode, Rob welcomes back guest Neil Beekie, CEO and Co-Founder of OperAid. Listeners may remember him from Episode 79 (listen here) back in the summer of 2023, where he introduced us to OperAid, a software tool that assists operators with real-time verification of manual tasks. Today, Rob gets an update on present-day OperAid, including s…
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Insurance in Crisis: Your Safety Net or Just a Profit Trap?
1:05:59
1:05:59
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1:05:59Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep5): This episode examines Florida's insurance crisis, discussing the role of insurers, the effects of climate change, and rising costs. It explores alternative models like mutual insurance and blockchain, emphasizing transparency and better consumer education. The guests also discuss in…
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It’s already been three years since Emerson unveiled the concept of Boundless Automation as its future vision of operational technology architecture at Emerson Exchange 2021 in Nashville. How has the automation landscape evolved since then? Joining Control publisher Keith Larson for a wide-ranging discussion on AI, sustainability, Boundless Automat…
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Claims Game: How Insurers Manipulate Processes to Deny You What's Yours
1:04:49
1:04:49
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1:04:49Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep4): This conversation dives into the struggles people face with insurance claims, highlighting the need for transparency and clear communication between insurers and policyholders. Participants agree that a fair and efficient claims process is crucial for building trust, and they sugges…
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Episode 113 - The Challenges of Aging Facilities
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42:26In this episode, inspired by the CSB investigation update into the 2023 explosion and toxic chemical release at the Honeywell facility in Geismer, LA, Rob and Molly discuss the challenges of aging equipment and infrastructure at chemical plants and refineries. They discuss the aforementioned Honeywell incident, as well as three others where poorly …
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What Your Insurance Won’t Tell You – Hidden Fees, Fine Print, and Denied Claims Uncovered
1:06:38
1:06:38
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1:06:38Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep3): In this episode, the participants discuss a lawsuit involving State Farm overcharging on a life insurance policy, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the insurance industry. They talk about the importance of understanding policy terms, the role of brokers, and the…
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5 questions to ask about SCADA redundancy
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13:07
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13:07Resilience, the ability to carry on in the face of adversity, is a hot topic among those who manage industrial systems. Automatic server failover is an important building block for making automation systems resilient. Not long ago, this was a luxury only large systems could afford. With increased accountability and advances in technology, industria…
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The Hidden Scandal Behind Insurance Claims and Big Tech
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55:16Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep2): This episode focuses on the challenges faced by insurance companies in covering unexpected events like cyber risks and highlights the tension between insurers and policyholders. It explores alternative models like Takaful and DAOs, emphasizing the need for innovation, blockchain tec…
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Episode 112 - Why the CSB is Calling for More Remote Isolation Equipment
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16:41
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16:41In this episode, Rob and Magi discuss the CSB's new safety study titled "Remote Isolation of Process Equipment" that includes recommendations to regulators and emphasizes the need for greater adoption of remote isolation equipment at chemical facilities across the country. Rob and Magi run through the list of recent CSB investigations that are spec…
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Why is No One Talking About This?! The Untold Truth of AI, Blockchain, and Takaful’s Future
1:10:17
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1:10:17Let us know what you think of this episode Summary(Season 3, Ep1): Join us as we dive into the world of mutual insurance and Takaful, exploring their impact on the insurance industry. We discuss the fall of mutual companies, the rise of Takaful in Islamic finance, and how tech innovations like blockchain and AI are transforming the game. Plus, we t…
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Case study: Optimizing an MSG process plant
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16:04In this episode of Control Amplified, written by Ajinomoto's Meg Lashier and Control Station's Ziair DeLeon, editor in chief Len Vermillion shares how Ajinomoto amped up production with technology investments.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 111 - PHA Principles Part 3 - Safeguards
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21:14The final part of our mini deep dive into different aspects of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) is finally here. In today's episode, Molly and Magi talk PHA safeguards, including hierarchy of controls, common types of safeguards (including how and when operator response can be credited in a PHA), quantitative vs. qualitative risk assessment for safeg…
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Len Vermillion talks about something that’s been on the tongues of many for a couple of years now, but it seems to really be heating up again now that digitalization and remote operations are in the forefront of everyone’s minds, and that is Ethernet-APL.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 110 - PHA Principles Part 2 - Consequences
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20:56This episode is the second of a three part series in which Molly and Magi take a deep dive into different aspects of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). In today's episode, they talk PHA consequences, including some common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to considering consequences in a PHA, general types of impacts used for PHA consequences, tools to …
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Is Coriolis the secret to process performance improvement?
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16:00In this episode of Control Amplified, editor-in-chief Len Vermillion discusses flow measurement in the second half of a two-part series.By ControlGlobal
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Episode 109 - PHA Principles Part 1 - Causes
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21:58
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21:58This episode is the first of a three part series in which Molly and Magi take a deep dive into different aspects of Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs). In today's episode, they talk PHA causes, including identifying causes of deviation in HAZOP, What-If, and Checklist methodologies, some common pitfalls they've observed regarding causes in PHAs, and wh…
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Deciding the right techniques for flow measurement
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7:58In this episode of Control Amplified, editor-in-chief Len Vermillion discusses flow measurement in the first half of a two-part series.By ControlGlobal
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In this episode, Rob and Magi cover the recent changes made to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Risk Management Program (RMP) Final Rule. The changes fall into four categories: the prevention program, emergency response, availability of information, and other areas of technical clarification. In this episode, they discuss each change, …
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