Combined temperature and vacuum control
December 2003
Temperature Measurement
By creating a special vacuum control function for its established Model 2704 controller, Eurotherm has demonstrated that complex processes like those found in vacuum heat treatment furnaces may use a single combined function controller to save cost and space. This multifunction facility will also be useful for similar vacuum related processes such as freeze dryers, autoclaves, semiconductor furnaces and CVD furnaces.
Complex heat, pressure and vacuum cycles, such as those found in advanced heat treatment furnaces, usually require the use of high specification programmers or PLCs. In such cases, the temperature control function alone may be handled using one or more temperature controllers, either in cascade or single loop mode. Sometimes where vacuum bags are used the same controller can also regulate pressure.
In addition to separate temperature and pressure control facilities, systems of this type will usually have a dedicated vacuum control unit, designed and built to traditional standards, adding considerable cost and bulk to the equipment.
The introduction of the 2704 vacuum option has enabled Eurotherm to integrate both the temperature and vacuum control functions into one unit, providing both OEMs and heat treatment specialists with a more economic and compact control solution than they have available at present. Removing the need to buy separate expensive vacuum controllers can reduce the size of a system control PLC, or in some cases remove it completely. Eurotherm claims that the 2704 is the first DIN format temperature controller to offer this feature.
The use of a single 2704 in this type of application can offer clear advantages in processing efficiency. The unit provides a more informative display than most traditional vacuum control units, and in addition, it provides a smooth switchover function between high and low vacuum levels. This function is not generally available with traditional designs of vacuum controllers, a weakness that has been known to cause problems within some heat treatment processes.
For more information contact Jerry Smits, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700, [email protected], www.protea.co.za
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