Multizone temperature control
December 2004
Temperature Measurement
An OEM that builds extruders wanted to integrate multiple PID control loops, along with the rest of the machine controls, into a single operator interface. Historically, the builder would either use standard panel mount controllers, or controllers equipped with serial communications. While this did allow the integration he desired, it was expensive and redundant, and took unnecessary panel space. The Red Lion dual loop modular controller offered a low cost, easy to integrate solution.
The typical extruder that the OEM builds has eight heat/cool zones that need to be controlled. It also wanted to monitor a 4 to 20 mA pressure sensor that measures barrel pressure. Four dual loop controllers were used to control the eight temperature zones, and a fifth module was used to measure the pressure. Windows-based Crimson software allowed the customer to custom-configure each modular controller to the individual tasks.
To tie all of the machine information together, the customer chose a G3 series operator interface. The G3 can communicate via five different protocols, allowing it to act as a bridge for the PLC and motor drives included in the system. Using the Crimson 2 programming software, the customer created an intuitive interface that allowed the operator to view and control any system parameter.
For more information contact Trevor Vine, Micropower Instrumentation, 011 462 1106, sales@micropower.co.za, www.micropower.co.za
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