Batching processes are traditionally controlled by programmable logic controllers. However, when high flexibility and consistent product quality is required, a weighing terminal with batch control logic offers a cost effective alternative. Mettler Toledo’s IND780batch terminal is designed to control gravimetric batching processes and replaces PLC based systems in such applications. Engineered for batching applications in the specialty chemical, plastics, glass and aggregates industries, IND780batch functions as a stand-alone terminal for single or multi-scale applications. For more demanding processes, the system can incorporate advanced predictive adaptive control (PAC) algorithms for accuracy and throughput.
The overall batch control solution needs to manage the various types of material transfer onto the weigh platform and weigh each ingredient. A weigh terminal that can manage both activities lends itself to batching applications and can help a control engineer simplify processes, since ingredient weighing and material transfer are essentially two parts of a single action. The IND780batch is capable of handling the entire batch control process including scales, auxiliary equipment (such as mixers, heaters, etc,) and operator control panel interface.
A PLC system can be applied effectively, particularly in instances when the batch process is fixed and does not see a great deal of switching between ingredients and recipes. However, this may not be the best solution for the small to mid-size operation that requires flexibility in their process because of limited resources to re-program the PLC and associated HMI when the process requires it.
The new system is designed to meet any process-based application while maximising productivity and minimising operating costs. It is capable of handling multi-material filling, manual formulation, blending or dosing, simultaneously on four scales without the need of an additional PLC and can fill 28 materials per scale using Mettler Toledo’s material transfer control algorithms. High-speed filling, fast update rates and multiple speed capabilities ensure that the target weights are achieved quickly and accurately with extremely precise cut-offs.
The BatchTool 780 PC-based configuration utility simplifies recipe and order creation, track and trace logging, security setup, usage reporting, and configuration back-up and restore. Equipment view screens show system status for advanced diagnostic capability.
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