Control system has special tools for metallurgical processes
July 2007
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
StarCS is an open, plant-wide, control platform with a wide-ranging and versatile set of tools aimed at process stabilisation and optimisation in the mining and metals industry. Using the latest technology in both software and advanced process control, the control system integrates all of Mintek's process-specific control systems (FurnStar, MillStar, FloatStar and LeachStar). Although StarCS was developed specifically for the metallurgical process industry, it can be used to control any industrial process. The control system's layered approach enables implementation of a wide range of controllers, while the use of OPC communication means that the system can interface to most plant control scada, PLC and data acquisition systems.
The MillStar mill feed controller helps to address the large conveyor transport lags in the solids feed stream of milling circuits. It incorporates an advanced algorithm using time delay compensation techniques to overcome the effect of these delays. To accommodate the various disturbances such as varying input, the mill feed controller includes a feed coarseness controller which calculates the overall coarseness of the feed and uses this as a process variable to control the feeder size, by manipulating the fine and coarse feeder speeds relative to each other. Improved throughput and product size control are achieved by minimising disturbances propagating from varying input.
In addition to the various process-specific controllers, the system has other specialised modules such as Autotuner, Advanced Control Package, Model Predictive Control, Simulator and Fuzzy Logic.
The StarCS Autotuner automatically adjusts controller parameters of the control loops on a plant online to reduce the time required for the commissioning and ensure ongoing optimal plant operation.
For more information contact Hans Alink, Mintek, +27 (0)11 709 4379, [email protected], www.mintek.co.za
Further reading:
How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.
Read more...
Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.
Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.
Read more...
Siemens launches new generation of logic controller
Siemens South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Siemens has launched the latest generation of its proven intelligent logic controller, LOGO! 9. This enables simple implementation of small automation projects.
Read more...
DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...
Future-proof automation
Vepac Electronics
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The highly adaptable SALZ control system consists of open hardware, modular engineering software based on a virtualisation concept and an integrated app store.
Read more...
Robust PLC for field applications
ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.
Read more...
ABB’s new flagship DCS
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.
Read more...
Adroit Technologies drives global SCADA for Iochpe-Maxion
Adroit Technologies
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Read more...
Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.
Read more...
printer friendly version