Channels of Change

摘要

Virtually every aspect of ethanol production has been made better by new technology, and distributed control systems (DCS) are no exception. In this month's cover story, "Optimized Upgrade," on page 16, we learn that ethanol plants running 10, 15 or 20 years on their original control systems are reaping immediate gains from quick DCS upgrades. As EPM Managing Editor Lisa Gibson reports, these systems are being installed with impressive speed—it takes just two or three days—by experienced integrators that make "one system talk to another" while replacing all or part of a plant's existing control platform. The story includes candid feedback from producers who have recendy experienced system overhauls, and helpful tips for those preparing to make the leap.