Automation history
Apollo Space Program-1969
Apollo Space Program-1969
Apollo Space Program-1969
Direct digital control in the automation industry had limited success using single large unreliable computers for real time process control .
In 1969, the successful use of a small integrated circuit computer in the Apollo 11 Command and Lunar modules proved small computers could be successfully used in critical local applications without having to depend on a larger remote mainframe.
Apollo Space Program-1969
Apollo Space Program-1969
Apollo Space Program-1969
The Apollo computer was custom built with 2K of erasable memory and 32K of core memory pre-programmed to provide navigation, landing sequences and control of rocket engines and thrusters.
Astronauts would enter 2 digit commands through a calculator type keyboard and readout.
Software was designed to recover and save information as it did during the Apollo 11 Lunar landing.
Micro-Computers - 1970s
Apollo Space Program-1969
Micro-Computers - 1970s
The Apollo computer required over 2000 integrated circuits. Over 80% of the US ICs at the time were for the Apollo program. In 1971, the microprocessor 4004 was developed by Intel. This now allowed a distribution of cost-effective small computers improving performance and reliability in industrial automation. Yokogawa and Honeywell began developing microprocessor-based automation systems.
automation history
Automation -1970s
Automation - 1980s
Automation - 1980s
My first project was to witness a communication test of one of the first distributed control system for Exxon using a Honeywell TDC-2000 microprocessor based system. By the late 70s, global industries were updating from operator panels using lights, displays, and push-buttons to computer screens. In 1979, I participated in the simultaneous conversion of one 12 Esso refineries to a DCS,
Automation - 1980s
Automation - 1980s
Automation - 1980s
The first automation systems were limited in functionality. Special function needs prompted users to develop and build their own computer applications using Prolog and Intel Multi-bus computers for specific monitor, control and SCADA applications. In circuit emulation was used to develop programs in assembly language. Remote terminal units were assembled with programs burnt in EPROM memory.
Automation - 1980s
Automation - 1980s
Automation - 1980s
During the early 1980s, I worked on installing over 100 Intel 8085 Microprocessor based remote terminal units in California to monitor oil production, testing and steam injection. The micro-computers were programmed in assembly with radio and phone-line communication back to a central mainframe computer in Denver, CO. We assembled the computers using multi-bus card cages in panel shops.
automation history
Programmable Controllers -1980s
Programmable Controllers -1980s
Programmable Controllers -1980s
The advancement of programmable logic controllers (PLC) began to change the need for companies to build their own for unique or SCADA applications. The use of a PLC over a custom built computer saved time, costs and issues with maintenance . PLCs were considered ideal for smaller special purpose dedicated applications similar to Apollo computer dedicated application. (Photo Modicon 084 Team)
Operator Displays - 1980s
Programmable Controllers -1980s
Programmable Controllers -1980s
Operator display technology changed significantly. Early outdoor industrial LCD displays were hard to read. Vacuum florescent and later smaller CRT displays become more reliable and prominent. The industry also saw changes from keyboards to light pens and eventually touch screens in the late 80s and early 90s. I began to work on projects where operators had to adapt to touchscreens
Automation - 1990s
Programmable Controllers -1980s
Safety Automation - 2000
By the end of the decade, computer based computer systems became larger and more complex. By 1991, I was working on an overall automation that controlled a new offshore gas platform, new pipeline controls, NGL facilities and re-injection to production facilitates in a Qatar gas project Automation projects now covered up to 100,000 instruments in multiple plants over hundreds of square miles
Safety Automation - 2000
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
Safety Automation - 2000
IEC-61511 and ISA-84 established new process control system standards in Safety Systems. Methods to determine the risks with Safety Instrumented functions gave engineers the tools needed to identify critical applications and match an acceptable design reducing risk of failures. The open networks and Microsoft computer platforms used in other industries were adopted and used successfully.
Automation - 2010
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
Virtualization of servers allowed better reliability and reduction in hardware. As systems began to age from the 70s, obsolescence , maintenance and reliability became a concern for many locations. The Stuxnet virus believed to be responsible for damage to nuclear production control systems in Iran highlighted a growing concern for cybersecurity.
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
Automation - 2020 and Beyond
My final projects as a program director of system upgrades included replacement of systems at multiple plants using computer equipment developed at the beginning of my career nearly 50 years ago. PLCs began less common and replaced by one overall basic control system or safety system if in a critical application. Intelligence and AI is the new horizon.