YOKOGAWA

Yokogawa Electric: A History of Precision and Innovation in Measurement, Control, and Information

Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a multinational electrical engineering and software company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global leader in industrial automation and control, test and measurement, and information systems. With a legacy spanning over a hundred years, Yokogawa has been consistently innovative to provide solutions that optimize operations, maximize safety, and enhance efficiency across a range of industries.

History of Yokogawa:

·        Foundation:

The history of Yokogawa began in 1915, the year when there was a period of rapid industrialization and a growing demand for precise measurement instruments. Dr. Tamisuke Yokogawa, a talented industrial architect who had graduated from the University of Tokyo, sensed this demand and inspired by a dream to contribute to the growth of Japanese industry, founded the Yokogawa Electric Works in Shibuyaku, Tokyo. Its initial focus was the manufacture and sale of electrical meters, an early commitment to accuracy and precision.

The firm was established on the principles of meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. This emphasis on quality quickly established Yokogawa as a reputable provider of reliable measuring instruments for research and development, manufacturing, and construction activities all over Japan. The initial decades saw a steady expansion of the product line to feature a more extensive range of electrical meters, recorders, and accessory instruments. The corporation's attention to detail in design and production meant its products were not just accurate, but also long-lasting and reliable, establishing itself firmly in the early industrial economy.

·        First product:

The final turning point, however, came with the development of the very first domestically produced oscillograph in 1933. The milestone proved the company's capability for innovation and made Yokogawa the industry leader in advanced technology. The oscillograph, a key instrument used for displaying and analyzing electrical signals, enabled engineers and researchers to gain further insights into complicated systems, hence stimulating innovation and development across numerous fields. This success confirmed Yokogawa's vision to be a total solutions provider of industrial measurement and control.

·        Broadening Horizons: From National to Global Leader

Following World War II, Japan started its high economic growth, and Yokogawa was in the frontline of this movement. The firm utilized its foundation in control and measurement to create sophisticated automation systems for diverse industrial uses, ranging from petrochemicals to power generation and steel. The diversification strategy positioned Yokogawa to take advantage of the growing need for automation technologies with the potential to enhance efficiency, lower costs, and provide safety.

The mid-20th century marked a period of significant technological advancement, particularly in the realm of electronics, with the development of recorders, controllers, and computer-based control systems. Yokogawa, at the vanguard of this revolution, capitalized on these advancements to deliver increasingly sophisticated and reliable industrial automation solutions, facilitating a paradigm shift from manual to automatic control and fostering enhanced productivity and operational efficiency.

 

Recognizing the potential for global impact, Yokogawa embarked on international expansion in the 1960s, establishing overseas sales offices and production facilities. This strategic move, driven by technological innovation and a commitment to customer satisfaction, enabled the company to tailor solutions to local needs and contribute to industrial growth across diverse geographic regions.

 

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Yokogawa continued its pursuit of innovation, focusing on high-level control systems, field instruments, and information management. The embrace of digital technologies and the development of advanced software packages for process control, data analysis, and asset management, further solidified Yokogawa's position as a leader in providing integrated solutions that streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance competitive advantage for its clients.

Product Categories: Mastering the Pillars of Automation and Control

Yokogawa Electric has a broad range of products and solutions for different industrial sectors today. These can be categorized into the following principal categories:

 

Control Systems: These form the heart of Yokogawa's offerings, enabling the automation and optimization of complex industrial processes. Key products are:

·        Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Yokogawa’s flagship product is the CENTUM VP DCS, which is a very reliable and scalable system for controlling and monitoring large industrial processes on a large scale. It offers an integrated platform for unifying different control functions such as regulatory control, sequence control, and batch control.

 

·        Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Pro Safe-RS SIS is designed to protect people, equipment, and the environment by automatically shutting down processes in an emergency. It meets rigorous safety standards and provides a firm and dependable solution for safety-critical applications.

 

·        Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Yokogawa's FA-M3 and other PLC products are utilized for the control of discrete manufacturing processes, including machine automation and material handling. They offer a cost-effective and configurable solution for automating routine tasks and optimizing production efficiency.

Instruments: These are measuring and monitoring instruments for process variables such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level. Yokogawa is a leading provider of high-precision field instruments of high quality, and they are renowned for their reliability, accuracy, and durability. Key products are:

 

·        Pressure Transmitters: These measure pressure and translate it into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to a control system. Yokogawa pressure transmitters find uses in a vastly diverse range of areas, from pipeline pressure monitoring to reactor pressure monitoring.

 

·        Temperature Transmitters: These sense temperature and transfer it in the form of an electric signal. Yokogawa temperature transmitters find application across several industries that range from petrochemicals to power generation to food and beverages.

·        Flow Meters: They measure the flow rate of liquids, gases, and steam. Yokogawa has a range of flow meter technologies such as magnetic flow meters, vortex flow meters, and differential pressure flow meters.

 

·        Level Transmitters: This device is used for the measurement of liquid or solid levels in tanks and vessels. Yokogawa's level transmitters are utilized in various areas, e.g., for tank level measurement in chemical plants and for water level measurement in reservoirs.

Recorders and Data Acquisition: Yokogawa offers a variety of recorders and data acquisition systems for monitoring, recording, and analyzing process data. The product finds applications in a wide range of applications, from monitoring device performance, process troubles, to satisfying regulatory requirements. The major products are:

·        Paperless Recorders: These recorders utilize digital displays and data storage in place of paper charts. They provide better data handling, less maintenance expense, and enhanced data analysis.

·        Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ): DAQ systems are used for the acquisition of data from various sensors and instruments, providing an overall view of process performance. Yokogawa DAQ systems are used in a variety of applications including research and development, process monitoring, and quality control.

Test and Measurement Instruments: Yokogawa also offers a wide range of test and measurement instruments for various industries. These include:

Oscilloscopes: Sophisticated oscilloscopes for detailed examination of electrical signals.

Power Meters: Devices used to measure electrical power consumption and quality.

Signal Generators: Equipment used to generate accurate electrical signals for calibration and testing.

 

Information Solutions: Yokogawa offers software and services to help customers optimize operations and make more informed decisions. Its major products are:

Advanced Process Control (APC): Computer software that uses complex algorithms to optimize process operation and minimize variability.

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): Computer systems for managing and monitoring manufacturing processes, giving real-time visibility to manufacturing operations.

Asset Management Systems (AMS): Programs that assist customers in managing their assets, enhancing maintenance productivity, and minimizing downtime.

Looking Ahead: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

Yokogawa Electric has developed from a small electric meter factory to a world leader in industrial automation, control, and information solutions. Its unwavering focus on precision, innovation, and customer satisfaction has been the secret to its success. As businesses of today are turning their attention towards digitalization, sustainability, and excellence in operations, Yokogawa is ready to be at the forefront with its cutting-edge technology and end-to-end solutions. The firm is investing heavily in fields like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to meet future customer requirements and help construct an efficient and sustainable future. Yokogawa's tradition of accuracy and innovation guarantees that it will continue to be a driving force for development in various industrial environments globally.