Essential Process Control Books for Automation

Essential Process Control Books for Industrial Automation Professionals

Industrial automation experts emphasize the growing importance of reliable technical literature in today’s digital landscape. As Michael Taube, a seasoned process industries consultant and regular contributor to ISA’s Ask the Automation Pros column, observes: “The current proliferation of online content creators has created confusion about genuine expertise in areas like loop tuning, performance criteria, and instrument selection.”

The Value of Authoritative Technical Literature

Greg McMillan, a renowned automation authority and prolific author, recently gathered recommendations from ten industry professionals. They identified the most valuable publications covering measurement techniques, final control elements, control strategies, and controller algorithms. This collective wisdom comes at an opportune moment, given this publication’s focus on industrial process control systems.

Matching Solutions to Process Requirements

Taube highlights a critical industry concern: “Many practitioners attempt to force processes into predetermined instrumentation and control frameworks. However, successful automation requires the opposite approach. Professionals must adapt control structures and tuning parameters to match specific process characteristics and operational objectives.”

The most beneficial publications thoroughly describe process behaviors, operational goals, design limitations, and mechanical considerations. These include distinctions between centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps, plus various quality measurement methodologies.

Recommended Resources for Control Systems

Industry professionals consistently recommend Harold L. Wade’s “Basic and Advanced Regulatory Control: System Design and Application,” now in its third edition. Peter Morgan specifically endorsed McMillan’s “Tuning and Control Loop Performance” (4th Edition) as essential reading for all process control students and practitioners.

Morgan noted: “This reference distills a lifetime of practical experience into an accessible format that automation specialists can immediately apply.” Technical books provide comprehensive knowledge that social media snippets cannot match.

Learning from Industry Pioneers

The recent passing of Hans D. Baumann reminds us how veteran expertise informs foundational texts. His two seminal works, “Control Valve Primer” (Fifth Edition) and “Fluid Mechanics of Control Valves,” continue to educate new generations of automation professionals.

Similarly, McMillan’s latest publication, “Advanced pH Measurement and Control – Digital Twin Synergy and Advances in Technology” (Fourth Edition), incorporates decades of research. The ISA St. Louis section will feature his presentation based on this book in their October 2025-2026 Technical Program. Advanced registrations include complimentary copies.

Accessing ISA Technical Publications

ISA is currently transitioning its book distribution to publishing partner Wiley. Consequently, print editions became temporarily unavailable through isa.org after August 12, 2025. However, Kindle and ePub formats remain accessible via links on individual book pages.

Starting January 1, 2026, all ISA publications will be available in both print and digital formats through Wiley. Meanwhile, professionals can purchase ebooks through VitalSource using links on ISA product pages, or Kindle versions via Amazon.

Practical Applications and Industry Solutions

Whether addressing fundamental principles or advanced techniques, authoritative books provide the insights needed to solve complex automation challenges. The industry professionals who systematically document and share their knowledge represent invaluable assets to the manufacturing sector.

From my perspective, the transition to digital formats combined with established reference works creates unprecedented access to proven methodologies. However, practitioners should critically evaluate online content against these verified sources, particularly when implementing safety-critical control systems.

The International Society of Automation continues to connect professionals with trusted experts and resources, maintaining technical standards amid rapidly evolving technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes process control books more reliable than online tutorials?
Authored publications typically undergo rigorous peer review and incorporate decades of field experience, whereas online content may lack verification.

Which book should beginners start with?
Greg McMillan’s “Tuning and Control Loop Performance” provides foundational concepts immediately applicable to industrial environments.

How can I access ISA books during the distribution transition?
Digital formats remain available through existing channels, with full print and ebook availability returning through Wiley in January 2026.

Why are process-specific considerations important in control system design?
Generic solutions often underperform because they ignore unique process dynamics, equipment limitations, and operational requirements.

What distinguishes expert knowledge in industrial automation?
Genuine expertise demonstrates understanding of how theoretical principles apply to real-world constraints and process behaviors.