Interactive Control

If you work with controls in power generation as an Operator, Engineer, Maintenance Person, or Plant Manager, this podcast is for you. Our focus is on answering real questions and solving real problems with real controls experts. We cover topics such as unit startup issues, alarm rationalization, loop tuning, instrumentation calibration, various system overviews, component breakdowns, and much more. ** Voted one of the Top 20 Instrumentation Podcasts of 2021 ** If you have questions or ideas for a topic, please message me on LinkedIn or at: sebastien.bertrand@ge.com

Advanced Turbine Controls Part 3 – Load Flexibility

This episode is part 3 of a 4-part series on Advanced Turbine Controls. In this episode I talk about Load Flexibility with my guest Bob Bellis. Other topics covered in this series are Startup Agility, Combustion Versatility, and System Reliability.

10-02
51:27

In Consideration of Controls Service Offerings

In this episode I discuss different Control Service Offerings with my guest Robert Lewis. Topics covered include Phone and Remote Support, Site Visits, Preventive Maintenance, Patching, and more.

06-30
43:13

Lessons Learned from Controls Project Management

In this episode I discuss controls project management and ways you can help your project run more smoothly with my guest Brett Maclaren. Topics include Brett's experience as a nuclear submarine officer, responsibilities of a controls project manager, as well as common challenges and advice for controls projects.

05-30
46:10

Cogeneration – Maximizing Profits While Reducing Emissions

In this episode I discuss ways to maximize profits while reducing emissions in cogeneration operations with my guests, Ben Janvier and Mike Schoof.

04-26
46:33

Parts Management Strategies to Mitigate Operational Risks

In this episode I discuss how parts management can reduce your operational risks with my guest, Brad Shochat. Topics covered include cost vs risk tradeoffs, on site spares and alternatives, non-new electronics options, cybersecurity for parts, and more.

03-17
29:00

Generator Control & Protection: What’s the Difference?

In this episode I discuss Generator Control and Protection – what’s the difference, how a generator works at a high level, the different methods of protecting equipment and personnel, and what operators need to be watching out for with my guest, Chris Eckert.

02-10
43:15

Surge Phenomena on Centrifugal Compressors

In this episode I discuss surge phenomena on centrifugal compressors with my guest, Sangram Ghanto. Sangram explains what surge phenomena is, its potential impacts, how it happens, how to protect against it, and what to look for when choosing your compressor control system. 

01-13
29:16

Overspeed Protection - What's the Big Deal?

In this episode I discuss overspeed protection – what it is, why you should care, and what you can do about it – with my guest, Steve Foss. Topics include examples of problems related to overspeed and their impacts, recommendations for implementing overspeed protection, and other important factors. 

12-20
26:35

Nuclear Energy Part 4 – Fusion is Fun!

This is the final episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we discuss Fusion – its history, challenges, and current status. We even get to hear what it sounds like. We end with a summary of the key points from the overall series. You won’t want to miss this exciting conclusion!

11-08
01:01:18

Nuclear Energy Part 3 – Future of Fission Continued

This is the third episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we continued with our discussion on fission technologies of the future including fast neutron reactors, high temperature gas, TRISO fuel, and Thorium. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

09-12
59:45

Nuclear Energy Part 2 – Accidents and the Future of Fission

The second episode of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we continued to discuss some of the challenges facing nuclear – namely the major accidents that have occurred, potential for misuse, and public perception. Then we moved into some of the ongoing and future advancements expected in Fission technology, including small modular reactors or SMRs. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

08-19
01:00:11

Nuclear Energy Part 1 – Atomic Structure and History

The first of a 4-part series on nuclear energy with my guest Paul Rix. In this episode we cover the nitty gritty of atomic structure and stability, the history of nuclear power, how fission technology works and we start on some of its challenges. The intent of this series is to give listeners a sufficient understanding of the political, economic, technical, and scientific aspects around nuclear energy to form educated opinions on how it fits into green energy and the energy transition.

07-07
48:03

Industrial Cybersecurity Part 3: Tools for Implementing your Cybersecurity Plan

In part 1 of this series, we discussed emerging threats and attack vectors facing the industrial automation space. In part 2 we covered Operational Technology (or OT) and how to move from a reactive approach to cybersecurity to a proactive approach. In Part 3 we’ll cover specific tools that can be used to address challenges and implement a cybersecurity plan with my guest, Mohammed Al Afoo. Techniques discussed include non-repudiation, anomaly detection, perimeter protection, allow-listing, and more. 

05-13
40:42

Drones and Robots in Industrial Process Automation

In this episode we talk about a very exciting topic – drones and robots – with my guest Tim Shea from ARC. Topics covered include roles and applications  in Industrial Process, market and competitive landscape, and special considerations such as regulations, piloting, battery life, and more. 

03-23
46:42

The Energy Transition with Dr. Alex

In this episode I discuss the pressing topic of Energy Transition with my guest, Alex Cruz. Alex gives his take on what it means and how it will impact control system users. Topics include carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, emissions management, clean integrated power, policy and external funding consideration, and more. 

02-10
20:49

Industrial Cybersecurity Part 2: A Proactive Approach to Operational Technology (OT)

In part 1 of this series, we discussed emerging threats and attack vectors facing the industrial automation space. In part 2 we cover Operational Technology (or OT) and how to move from a reactive approach to cybersecurity to a proactive approach with my guest, Matt Leipnik. You won’t want to miss Matt’s practical suggestions for getting started!

01-07
23:12

DCS Ownership and Lifecycle Considerations – Part 2

In this episode I continue my discussion on the different phases of a typical DCS lifecycle with my guest Paul Rix. Phases covered include: Vendor Selection, Spec Creation, Tendering, Negotiation, Contract Management, Engineering & Commissioning, Lifecycle Support, Expansion & Enhancements. Don’t miss the end where Paul gives his recommended best practices for each phase!

12-16
57:20

DCS Ownership and Lifecycle Considerations – Part 1

In this episode I discuss the different phases of a typical DCS lifecycle and the resulting ownership considerations with my guest Paul Rix. We cover each of the phases at a high level - Vendor Selection, Spec Creation, Tendering, Negotiation, Contract Management, Engineering & Commissioning, Lifecycle Support, Expansion & Enhancements - with deep dives into vendor selection and spec creation. 

11-19
59:13

The Many Faces of Performance Management

In this episode I discuss several different aspects of performance management with my guest Tim Wallace. Topics covered include an explanation of performance management and why it matters for Industrial Control, the difference between performance monitoring and performance optimization, real world examples to showcase the value of each, and more!

10-28
22:58

Why Should You Participate in Your Controls Upgrade?

In this episode I discuss the importance of end user participation in controls upgrades with my guest Carly Blaes. We cover different points throughout the upgrade including - Kick Off Meeting, Drawing Review, Screen Review, FAT, Training, Outage Planning, and Installation - and how end users can participate in each step. We also discuss some of the challenges and solutions that have occurred due to COVID. 

10-07
41:13

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