PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Weighing function built into premium PLCs

June 2006 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

From cosmetics to conveyors, beverages to paint, accuracy of the weight of the final product is crucial to the production process. Linda Eales, Schneider Electric South Africa's automation product manager says: "The integrated weighing function in Schneider's Premium PLCs has always been a strong differentiating key factor against competition. The Premium weighing module can be used for the spectrum of process weighing applications such as blending, batching, filling, discontinuous and continuous totalising, check weighing, weigh bridge, level by weight, counting by weight and weight rate monitoring".

The Premium TSXISPY 101 performs 50 measurements per second and manages two reflex outputs. It also fits legally for trade applications that are requiring a class III (6,000d) or class IIII (1,000d) accuracy according to OIML standards.

Any world-wide marketed load cells based on strain gauge technology (Wheatstone bridge principle) can be connected to the Premium module, no matter what their design topology is (single point, bending beam, shear beam, compression, tension/compression or bending ring) and whatever their nominal capacity is but respecting admissible excitation (supply voltage) of 10 V d.c., an output resistance no lower than 43 Ω and no greater than 1 kΩ, rated output from 1 mV/V to 4 mV/V and delivery via a four-wire or six-wire cable.

Load cells are connected to the weighing module, where there is more than one load cell (each having the same nominal capacity, rated output and internal resistance), using a summing box. Load cells must be connected parallel to one another.

A dedicated measurement cable is required from the summing box to the module. In the case where more than four load cells are needed to design the scale, for example, where there is a weighbridge or a long conveyor, and depending on the shape of the frame, three or more summing boxes are required.

When the application requires a local display in the event, for example, where it is located less than 100 metres from the weighing module, Schneider's TSXXBTH 100 display unit can be directly connected to the weighing module according to a reliable, dedicated weighing protocol. No program is required - just connection to the module with the proper cable. Current weight values and any other valuable information are instantly available. If required, as many as four display units can be connected on the same module.

Migration of a PL7 weighing configuration to Unity has two alternative factors to consider. If the PL7 application is based only on TSXISPY101 modules, there are no migration problems. In the event that the PL7 application is based on TSXISPY100 modules that are not managed by P-Unity: this legacy module has to be replaced by a new TSXISPY101 module, which is available at preferential pricing. A new module would require that the scale be recalibrated.

The TSXISPY101 module has held CE test certificate # LNE n°01-08 since 27 September 2001. It has also held CE type approval certificate n° 97.00.620.016.0, rev. 99.00.620.051.0, for non-automatic instrument application, such as a weighbridge, since 2 November 1999. Two further CE type approval certificates issued by French body SDM to address the following automatic weighing instrument (AWI) applications are available: continuous totalising automatic weighing instrument (when using SP7SA85 software): certificate #02.00.697.004.1, 3 May 2002 according R50 OIML recommendation and discontinuous totalising automatic weighing instrument (when using SP7SA40 software): certificate #02.00.697.003.1, 3 May 2002 according R107 OIML recommendation.

According to the new ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosible) European directive, an EC certificate of conformity is now available for a Premium weighing system connected to load cells placed in zone 1 or 2 (gas) and 21 or 22 (dust).

For more information contact Linda Eales, Schneider Electric, 011 254 6400.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

All eyes on the modern DCS platform
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised DCS platforms are no longer confined to hardware-dependent architectures. These systems have evolved to combine the strengths of both PLCs and DCS while adding capabilities that make them more open, resilient and collaborative.

Read more...
Why choose between Capex and Opex if you can Totex?
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
In a sector marked by cyclical demand, high capital intensity, and increasing regulatory and sustainability pressures, mining, minerals and metals (MMM) companies are re-evaluating how they approach procurement and investment.

Read more...
AI and the smart factory
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Imagine walking into a factory where machines can think ahead, predict problems before they happen and automatically make adjustments to realise peak performance. This isn’t science fiction, it’s happening right now as AI continues to transform how we run industrial operations.

Read more...
Why your supply chain should be a competitive advantage
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The last five years have placed unprecedented strain on global supply chains. Leading companies are turning the challenge into an opportunity to transform their supply chains into a competitive advantage.

Read more...
Real-time modelling is the key to a resilient, bi-directional energy grid
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Utilities and municipalities are facing a challenge as the country’s legacy power grid, engineered for one-way energy delivery from centralised suppliers to end-users, must rapidly evolve to meet a new paradigm.

Read more...
Shielding data centre growth from the looming power crunch
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Today’s digital economy is placing unprecedented strain on the power grid. The good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. By adopting proactive strategies such as alternative power sources, infrastructure planning and software, operators can secure capacity, build resilient facilities and scale sustainably.

Read more...
Circuit breaker innovations
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology have seen a major step forward in setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in data centres, industrial and commercial infrastructure.

Read more...
Automation solution for waste management at incineration facility
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in South Korea. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimise energy production, minimise emissions and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle.

Read more...
Buildings and microgrids for a greener future
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Buildings are no longer passive consumers of power. Structures of almost every size are evolving into dynamic energy ecosystems capable of generating, storing and distributing their own electricity. Forming part of this exciting transformation are microgrids.

Read more...
Africa’s brightest young battery innovators
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric and Enactus, the international NGO dedicated to inspiring students through entrepreneurial action, have announced the winners of the 2025 Energy Transition Battery Innovation Challenge, funded by the Schneider Electric Foundation. It empowers young innovators to design battery solutions addressing the region’s most pressing energy challenges.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved