Eurotherm's latest range of advanced process controllers provide precision control of temperature and a host of other process variables together with an abundance of advanced options making it, arguably, the most adaptable product in its class.
The emphasis is on flexibility yet the 3500 controllers still maintain ease of use. A simple 'Quick Start' code is used to configure all the basic functions essential to controlling your process. This includes input sensor type, measurement range, control options and alarms making 'out the box' operation truly achievable. More advanced features are configured using a PC-based graphical configuration tool enabling users to pick function blocks from a library then connect them together using soft wiring.
The large 5-digit display on the 3504 is complemented by the 4½ digit display on the more compact, 1/8th DIN, model 3508 provides a clear and unambiguous indication of the process value. A four-line message centre provides custom or standard views of important information to the user while vertical and horizontal bar graphs provide at a glance visual indication of the process.
Two independent PID loops make the 3500 suitable for interactive processes such as those found in carburising furnaces, environmental chambers and autoclaves. The loops may also be 'soft' wired together in creative ways to create cascade, ratio or other intelligent control strategies.
Alarms can be logically combined to provide custom solutions from the simplest to the more demanding applications. Alarms can be configured as latching, non-latching or blocking. Custom messages can be displayed to provide operators with clear process specific information.
Heat treatment and other profiles, enabling a process to change its setpoint automatically with time, can be programmed. Fifty programs with up to two channels can be stored with a total of 500 segments.
A range of plug-in I/O modules caters for individual application requirements minimising stock and spares holding. A total of 15 module types, including relay, logic, triac and analog, are available to fit into either three slots on 3508 or six slots on 3504. The DIN rail mounted IO Expander can add a further 20 digital inputs and 20 digital outputs to the 3504 and 3508 controllers. All inputs and outputs are fully insulated. The standard realtime clock ensures that regular or routine actions can be triggered at a particular time or day.
Carbon potential
The 3500 calculates carbon potential from measuring both the oxygen concentration and temperature of a furnace using a Zirconia probe. This enables a dual loop 3500 to be used to control both carbon potential and temperature in an atmosphere controlled furnace.
Motorised valve positioner
The new motorised valve positioning algorithm provides single valve positioning (VP), heat or cool outputs as well as dual valve position control for individual heat and cool valve control. The controller can work with and without valve position feedback by using the bounded and unbounded control algorithm and can be configured to continue to function even if valve position feedback fails. The horizontal bar graph indicator graphically shows the valve position.
Graphical Wiring Editor (GWE)
The GWE is an easy way to create applications. It allows users to select the function blocks they wish to use in their application then connect them together using 'Soft Wiring'. The GWE gives the user a pictorial view of exactly what he has configured and can also be used to monitor runtime conditions.
The 3500 is more than just a process controller. It also provides a selection of application blocks including maths, logic and timing functions offering the ability to develop custom solutions and create cost effective machine controllers. The custom User Page feature allows an operator to view current information in a style most suitable to the process and terminology of the industry. Communications to the 3500 can be achieved by using an infrared adaptor. Clipping onto the front fascia it provides iTools communications allowing configuration and commissioning to be performed without the need to access the rear terminals of the controller.
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