Automatic control

It is frequently a question how far it is advisable to go in the application of automatic control, and the writer discusses a number of typical examples from the standpoint of a field engineer of a manufacturing company. Any successful scheme of control must be such as can be produced by the manufacturer and used by the purchaser with profit to both. A review of many of the well-established systems of automatic control emphasizes the advantage of appreciating just what is to be accomplished, having the conditions of operation clearly defined, and knowing the economical limit to which special refinements should be carried. The elimination of the human element in routine operations is one of the most effective means of preventing accidents to life and property and herein lies an important function of automatic control.