March 2002System Integration & Control Systems Design
Flexible Electronic Systems was recently commissioned to design and manufacture two applications for Kgalagadi Breweries in Gaborone, Botswana.
The first phase of the project was to install and automate a de-aerated water plant in the most cost-effective manner. The cost of installing a conventional PLC with an operator panel proved to be too high for the customer's budget.
The SI opted for a solution offered by Bosch Automation in South Africa. The system involved a Bosch PCL-card within a Bosch Industrial PC. The PCL is essentially a PLC in the form of a PCI card running as a virtual network card and using VxWorks realtime system as its platform. The card's on-board Unix processor uses the resources of the IPC including its CPU with full access to all Microsoft applications, while still giving the realtime capability of a conventional PLC. This is what differentiates it from a so-called 'Soft-PLC'.
The PCL-card acts as a Profibus-DP master (or any other standard fieldbus), communicating with the Bosch B~IO decentralised I/O-modules as slaves.
System configuration. Embed within system configuration diagram
The operator's interface was realised with a Wonderware InTouch scada software package, run on the same IPC catering the Bosch PCL with a Bosch touchscreen as the operator panel and process visualisation.
The second phase included the expansion of the system to automate the fusion AFB plant. This was easily achieved by simply adding Profibus-DP slaves in the field and incorporating the fusion AFB plant into the PCL program and scada system. By using the new Bosch technology and the standard Tuchenhagen software and philosophies, a low cost, simple and well-engineered solution was delivered to the customer.
Understanding the role of AI in generative engineering design
System Integration & Control Systems Design
When a design engineer sets out to design a new part, component, or assembly, the intent is to meet the design requirements for fit, form and function, and also incorporate a certain degree of innovation and elegance to the overall design. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel by introducing a new design.
Read more...PCS stays up so you don’t have to PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Maybe it’s time to look at a solution that stays online 99,99999% of the time so you don’t have to. This the world of Stratus computer platforms, tailor-made for your critical applications.
Read more...Four ways the global parts shortage has led to innovation and openness
System Integration & Control Systems Design
For those who use automation parts, the unpredictable nature of the supply chain is one of the biggest problems faced today. The shortfall has impacted every industry, but automation components have been especially affected.
Read more...Iritron’s year of consolidation Iritron
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Despite the multiple challenges faced by businesses in South Africa, the buoyancy of the technology sector worldwide has produced some green shoots for automation specialist, Iritron.
Read more...Five edge opportunities for SIs to maximise revenue in 2024
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators continue to face the challenge of doing more with less – supporting complex operations, while meeting production schedules with limited resources, and innovating to increase efficiency, maximise safety and reduce risk.
Read more...Condition monitoring in a forging press retrofit Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Significantly increased vibration on machines can result in many forms of negative impacts such as reduced system performance or damage to the machine and foundation. Using the example of retrofitting a forging press with a maximum press force of 2000 tons, Wölfel Engineering explains how efficiently the process was tailored and implemented with PC-based control and measurement technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...System integration in the digital age
System Integration & Control Systems Design
To meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive marketplace, many manufacturers (end users) must focus on their core competencies and outsource the rest to experts.
Read more...Choosing a system integrator
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Automation is an essential part of manufacturing today. Whatever the size, an upgrade or migration project can be complex, and the risks can be high. This is where system integrators (SIs) can help. They can bring together complex subsystems or components of a larger system and make them operate as a whole.
Read more...Iritron awarded international contract for furnace control Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Iritron has been awarded two international, multimillion-Rand furnace drying projects. The company has extensive expertise in furnace drying control systems, and provides solutions in the fields of electrical, instrumentation, control systems, and decision support systems.
Read more...Capitalise on risks by turning them into opportunities for growth Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
In spite of the challenges facing the global and local economy, systems integration expert, Iritron remains optimistic for the year ahead, and believes that there are significant opportunities to be found during a challenging economic climate.
printer friendly version