Advantech launches new generation PACs
May 2010
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Advantech’s new PAC product line, the APAX-5000 series, integrates control, information processing, and networking in a single control system with unique dual controller architecture. The APAX-5000 series is versatile, flexible and scalable to meet the demands of industrial automation applications. The series consist of controllers, I/O modules, backplanes, and power modules, all with excellent functionality and user-friendly I/O design.
To reduce operational risks, the new Advantech range features a unique architecture, two standalone CPU modules working together, each responsible for different tasks. One provides high computing power for HMI/SCADA, recipe, database and communication tasks, while the other is dedicated for SoftLogic I/O. This means if the HMI controller crashes, the I/O processing will not be affected and will work as normal. Engineers can simply check the HMI controller and maintain it without having to worry about the I/O processing tasks. Separating I/O processing tasks can prevent unexpected stoppage, decrease operational risks, and ensure higher reliability for critical control requirements.
Aside from the dual controller architecture, the APAX-5000 also supports backup functions. The same I/O processing program can be stored on two controllers, one will execute the I/O processing and if that controller fails, the second controller will automatically take responsibility for I/O processing within 2 seconds.
The modules are well equipped to be either local or remote I/O through their Ethernet backplane. One and two slot backplanes are available, each backplane offering one expansion port. Using a standard Ethernet cable to connect the expansion port on the two backplanes, a remote expansion with local-bus speed is built for distances up to 100 m. In addition, any standard Ethernet switch can be used between the two backplanes enhancing I/O expansion and increasing expansion distance.
The APAX series can easily be upgraded by exchanging the controller for a higher performance processor. This means that there is no need to re-write any program to upgrade the system. Changing CPU modules with different processors with the same I/O modules can meet the requirements of different control tasks.
The I/O modules are designed to be hot swapped when the system is powered and running. All the modules adopt clamp type terminal blocks, which have higher resistance to shock and vibration. The APAX-5000 series is a good choice for batch process production environments and critical environment management systems.
For more information contact Elton Prytz, ProMicro, +27 (0)11 706 7913, [email protected], www.promicro.co.za
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...
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...
Valmet’s supplies DCS to Europe’s largest electric boiler plant
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will supply an automation system to Helen’s Hanasaari electric boiler plant and a thermal accumulator being built in Helsinki, Finland. Once completed, it will be Europe’s largest electric boiler plant.
Read more...
Technology blueprint paves way for e-methanol fuel expansion
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric has delivered the technology stack behind European Energy’s Kassø Power-to-Xfacility, the world’s first commercially viable e-methanol plant.
Read more...
PCS Global delivers turnkey MCC installation in Botswana
PCS Global
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
PCS Global is delivering a turnkey containerised MCC installation for a major copper mining operation in Northwest Botswana.
Read more...
New energy-efficient evaporation line for dissolving pulp production
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will deliver a new evaporation line to Altri Biotek mill in Portugal. This delivery is part of Altri’s €75 million project to convert the Biotek mill to produce dissolving pulp for the textile industry.
Read more...
Valmet modernises turbine automation
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet has received an order to deliver a comprehensive replacement of plant DCS and turbine control systems at Ennatuurlijk’s combined cycle power plant in the Netherlands.
Read more...
Hybrid DCS for an evolving industrial landscape
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Today’s industrial automation continues to evolve at a blistering speed, which means traditional DCSs have to keep up to ensure continuous integration into modern, digital infrastructure.
Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...
Bringing the benefits of Ethernet to hazardous industrial environments
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Christian Johansson, global product manager for ABB Process Automation explains how Ethernet-APL lets plant owners unlock more value from their process data, optimise performance and promote safer operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version