Systems Automation & Management
August 2011
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Software standardisation adds flexibility and easy upgrade to plants such as concentrators.
In March 2009, Systems Automation & Management (SAM) embarked on an 18 month contract to provide all the software for an automation project at an international company’s new concentrator plant.
“The client required standardisation of the control systems to ANSI/SIA S88 standards, together with modifications and adaptations that would allow them to remain up to date with changing products and process applications,” says SAM MD Claudio Agostinetto. “In addition, the system needed to be robust in order to reduce downtime.”
Agostinetto explains that by using existing blocks it is possible to create libraries that can be used in future projects, while at the same time, ensuring superior quality control and efficiency of the system. “The S88 model allows for a plant area to be divided into smaller, more manageable units and sub-units, with equipment modules in residing in each. Every process unit and equipment module contains a sequence which controls it.”
The scope of work for SAM incorporated the supply, engineering and commissioning of the PCS7, migration from version 6.1 to 7.0, engineering software tools that included the Import Export Assistant (IEA) software, nine S7-417 AS controllers, redundant servers for maintaining plant availability and Scalance X400 switches for supplying diagnostic information to the control system via an Ethernet connection to allow a complete view of the control system network for operators.
“The nine S7-417 automation stations control different sections of the plant and are linked to the client by means of the two redundant server pairs. The X400 product range is a modular managed switch which allows one to achieve redundancy and 1000 Mbit/s transmission rates,” says Agostinetto.
Accelerated implementation of the project was requested by the client, so SAM pulled out all the stops and migration took place over a weekend in order to minimise the impact of the engineering upgrade. Agostinetto says that the project was the first in South Africa to make use of version 7.0 and the successful running of the plant stands as a testament to both SAM’s capabilities and the superiority of version 7.0.
He adds that a control system needs to be expandable if additions are likely to be required at a later date. “Such extensions should be seamless and effortless. We believe we have achieved this in this particular implementation. Our client has reported great satisfaction with the system and start-up of the various areas within the plant is performed with an ease and speed that was not available previously. They are impressed at the reduced time to fault find and the system has been lauded as user friendly in the extreme.”
For more information contact Claudio Agostinetto, Systems Automation & Management, +27 (0)11 803 0570, [email protected], www.sam.co.za
Further reading:
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...
Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...
PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...
Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
Read more...
printer friendly version