Premier Foods Salt River Mill upgrade
September 2005
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Premier Foods Salt River Mill has been running for more than 30 years. Essentially the mill converts wheat into flour and is attached to a large Blue Ribbon bakery. The original PLC system architecture was based on a token ring network of which the hardware components have become obsolete. Furthermore the scada architecture at the time of tender was not locally supported. The urgency of the upgrade would render immediate spare PLC components.
A decision was made to keep the PLC vender (Omron) and upgrade using its latest technologies (CJ1G CPU with Ethernet IP). Wonderware was chosen as the preferred architecture for the management information system (MIS) and its Industrial Application Server (ArchestrA) as the redundant plant layer to facilitate a speedy upgrade path and ensure a solid standard for the Premier Foods Group (using intelligent objects and symbols).
The Omron PLC architecture allowed for a serial communication link to its existing fibre-optic token ring network. This gave an immediate gateway to the inter-PLC communication database. This means as each PLC node is replaced a stable network backbone is maintained.
ArchestrA was the preferred choice because Wonderware's Industrial Application Server allows for a scalable single application development environment using object-based technologies to create a process model of the entire factory. ArchestrA uses Microsoft .Net's software development platform, providing seamless integration between operations and business intelligence. This ensures fast, uninterrupted application development to the existing realtime platform.
Industrial SQL Server is the chosen Historian and when used together with ArchestrA is a mere filling-in-the-blanks process. This database compression engine uses Microsoft SQL server technology as its backbone.
Hirschmann intelligent industrial Ethernet switches have been selected for the upgraded copper and fibre-optic LAN. It provided easy to use configuration software tools to aid in the set up and implementation.
Issues addressed
The issues arising involved serial communications to the legacy weighing systems. This was achieved easily through the use of an Omron universal communication card allowing easy protocol macros to be developed and downloaded.
For more information contact Andrew Rennie, AMR Automations, 021 534 0838, [email protected], www.amr.co.za
Further reading:
Control system upgrade: Smelting
SAM Systems Automation & Management
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management recently completed a major control system upgrade in the smelting industry. The project was delivered on budget and achieved a positive ROI for the client.
Read more...
Gottwald drives upgrade: Ports and harbours
Abacus Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
In the ports and harbours sector, Abacus Automation completed a significant modernisation of a Gottwald crane, improving both operational reliability and serviceability.
Read more...
Mining industry upgrade: From ageing systems to maximum capacity
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Iritron recently undertook a major upgrade in the mining sector, focusing on washing and screening plants, jigs, thickeners, tailings, water systems, conveyors and reclaimers.
Read more...
Agogo Integrated West Hub Project: FPSO/subsea offshore Angola
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Agogo Integrated West Hub project represents a historic milestone in the FPSO and subsea industry, achieving first oil offshore of Angola. This project is the first FPSO deployment since ANPG’s establishment in 2019, and the first major project for Azule Energy since 2022.
Read more...
Digital transformation from the edge
DirectLogic Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Edge-enabled PLCs are an accessible and affordable way for most users to collect and create value from use field-sourced data.
Read more...
Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Oilpower
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year
Read more...
Metal plant automation upgrade
ABB South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.
Read more...
SIs - the channel’s conductors of light
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.
Read more...
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...
printer friendly version