PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Weighing function built into premium PLCs

June 2006 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

From cosmetics to conveyors, beverages to paint, accuracy of the weight of the final product is crucial to the production process. Linda Eales, Schneider Electric South Africa's automation product manager says: "The integrated weighing function in Schneider's Premium PLCs has always been a strong differentiating key factor against competition. The Premium weighing module can be used for the spectrum of process weighing applications such as blending, batching, filling, discontinuous and continuous totalising, check weighing, weigh bridge, level by weight, counting by weight and weight rate monitoring".

The Premium TSXISPY 101 performs 50 measurements per second and manages two reflex outputs. It also fits legally for trade applications that are requiring a class III (6,000d) or class IIII (1,000d) accuracy according to OIML standards.

Any world-wide marketed load cells based on strain gauge technology (Wheatstone bridge principle) can be connected to the Premium module, no matter what their design topology is (single point, bending beam, shear beam, compression, tension/compression or bending ring) and whatever their nominal capacity is but respecting admissible excitation (supply voltage) of 10 V d.c., an output resistance no lower than 43 Ω and no greater than 1 kΩ, rated output from 1 mV/V to 4 mV/V and delivery via a four-wire or six-wire cable.

Load cells are connected to the weighing module, where there is more than one load cell (each having the same nominal capacity, rated output and internal resistance), using a summing box. Load cells must be connected parallel to one another.

A dedicated measurement cable is required from the summing box to the module. In the case where more than four load cells are needed to design the scale, for example, where there is a weighbridge or a long conveyor, and depending on the shape of the frame, three or more summing boxes are required.

When the application requires a local display in the event, for example, where it is located less than 100 metres from the weighing module, Schneider's TSXXBTH 100 display unit can be directly connected to the weighing module according to a reliable, dedicated weighing protocol. No program is required - just connection to the module with the proper cable. Current weight values and any other valuable information are instantly available. If required, as many as four display units can be connected on the same module.

Migration of a PL7 weighing configuration to Unity has two alternative factors to consider. If the PL7 application is based only on TSXISPY101 modules, there are no migration problems. In the event that the PL7 application is based on TSXISPY100 modules that are not managed by P-Unity: this legacy module has to be replaced by a new TSXISPY101 module, which is available at preferential pricing. A new module would require that the scale be recalibrated.

The TSXISPY101 module has held CE test certificate # LNE n°01-08 since 27 September 2001. It has also held CE type approval certificate n° 97.00.620.016.0, rev. 99.00.620.051.0, for non-automatic instrument application, such as a weighbridge, since 2 November 1999. Two further CE type approval certificates issued by French body SDM to address the following automatic weighing instrument (AWI) applications are available: continuous totalising automatic weighing instrument (when using SP7SA85 software): certificate #02.00.697.004.1, 3 May 2002 according R50 OIML recommendation and discontinuous totalising automatic weighing instrument (when using SP7SA40 software): certificate #02.00.697.003.1, 3 May 2002 according R107 OIML recommendation.

According to the new ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosible) European directive, an EC certificate of conformity is now available for a Premium weighing system connected to load cells placed in zone 1 or 2 (gas) and 21 or 22 (dust).

For more information contact Linda Eales, Schneider Electric, 011 254 6400.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

How smart signalling can transform Africa’s manufacturing future
Schneider Electric South Africa Industrial Wireless
Imagine a factory floor where humans and machines communicate in real time with issues flagged instantly, workflows adjusted seamlessly and downtime reduced to near zero. This is the reality unfolding across Africa as manufacturers embrace the next generation of intelligent signalling technologies.

Read more...
Unpacking the technoeconomic case for cleaner power in wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators.Together, they steadily drive up maintenance demands and elevate the risk of failure.

Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.

Read more...
Rethinking power for Africa’s data centres
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s digital economy is scaling faster than its power systems. If it wants resilient, competitive and sustainable data centres, the starting point must be a grid-to-chip architecture rather than a genset-first mentality.

Read more...
Unifying building information into a sea of insight
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Facility managers realise that in order to gain the most from building automation, they can longer deploy and operate technologies in isolation. Modern, integrated building management solutions address this challenge by bringing data from multiple sources and dispersed locations like HVAC, lighting, access control, lifts, generators, field devices, energy and

Read more...
Why digital LV switchboards matter
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s buildings account for up to 40% of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, buildings are also expected to deliver higher availability and stronger safety performance while also being sustainable. Digital swirchboards make a difference in the way buildings are developed, upgraded and managed.

Read more...
The new energy landscape for buildings will be enabled by e-mobility
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
The adoption of the electric vehicle continues to proliferate, and buildings are becoming a vital part of the e-mobility movement, which requires a whole new approach to energy management.

Read more...
Schneider Electric leverages its strengths in electrification, automation and digitalisation
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric is launching its NExT programme in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is designed to leverage its strengths in electrification, automation and digitalisation to guide customers and partners through a fast-changing energy and technology landscape.

Read more...
SF6-free MV switchgear for Western Cape Fruit Processors
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric and Technoserve Medium Voltage have installed the award-winning RM AirSeT SF6-free pure air MV switchgear at the Western Cape Fruit Processors facility in the Elgin Valley, Grabouw.

Read more...
Edge I/O NTS and the need for industrial speed
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
One of the most compelling solutions to emerge from industrial automation is Edge I/O NTS, which represents a natural evolution of computing from centralised servers to localised, device-level input/output processing, offering improved speed, efficiency and resilience.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved