Dual PID controller for SLC 500
April 2003
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Using multiple PID loops with an Allen-Bradley SLC 500, is made easier with Red Lion Controls' DLCD. The device is a DIN-rail mounted module that implements two independent PID loops, communicating with a SLC 500 over the DH-485 network to allow a PLC program to control and monitor each loop's operation. By lifting the burden of PID control from the controller, the need for expensive I/O cards is avoided, and valuable PLC memory and processing power are made available for other tasks. The DLCD not only provides a more elegant and effective control solution, it also offers considerable hardware cost savings for each loop concerned.
The DLCD is designed to be a true plug-and-play solution. It controls all the communication between itself and the SLC 500, avoiding the need for any ladder programming. All of the device's features can be configured using Red Lion Controls' Windows-based configuration package. Alternatively, by setting a few bits inside the PLC, the DLCD can be configured to read all of its parameters from the controller's data tables. This allows hot-swapping of devices without the need for any configuration operations beyond the setting of a few DIP switches - ideal for OEMs wanting to simplify maintenance procedures in order to reduce the cost of ownership of their machines.
The PID control algorithm used in the DLCD has been tried and tested in the field, having been used in Red Lion's temperature controllers for many years. It provides advanced auto-tune facilities, multiple alarms, heat-cool operation, plus input and output filtering. The control accuracy of the DLCD makes the product suitable for extruders, injection and blow moulders, ovens and furnaces, or food processing applications. In fact, any application where a SLC 500 is being used in conjunction with temperature control will benefit from the DLCD's improved performance and reduced cost.
Further reading:
Innovating control and display solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mimic Group, founded in 1971, started with electronic and mimic displays before expanding into control desks, software and display electronics.
Read more...
ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Read more...
EtherCAT Box modules for confined spaces
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Users of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box modules from Beckhoff’s EP and EPP series benefit from 25 years of IP67 expertise in the I/O sector. The broad product range for decentralised distribution of the I/O level directly at the machine or system has been continuously expanded and further developed during this time.
Read more...
ABB updates distributed control system
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...
Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Read more...
The convergence of intelligence: DCS, SCADA and TLC
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the early days of industrialisation, control systems were primarily mechanical, and relied on manual intervention and simple feedback loops to manage processes. Now, in the 21st century, industrial process automation systems are mind-blowingly intelligent, and provide almost unparalleled control and monitoring capabilities, making them integral to modern industrial systems.
Read more...
PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
ABB modernises key board mill
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 at its corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with DCS, accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance.
Read more...
The synapses of the distributed control system
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Industrial operations require a distributed control system (DCS) to coordinate and control their process subsystems in real time. Like the brain, a DCS is a multitasking maestro, controlling and coordinating complex processes in a myriad of industrial setting such as large manufacturing plants, providing valuable top-down control.
Read more...
Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...
printer friendly version