Sequences are ubiquitous pieces of software found throughout a variety of industries and applications. This diversity, however, creates problems for both the user and the developer as it becomes difficult to define standards that allow for robust operation, recovery and error handling in the event of a plant malfunction or process abnormality. The aim of this article is to expand on the basic guidelines and ensure minimum requirements that will make it easier to develop test and maintain sequence software irrespective of the application or hardware. The different concepts and processes are discussed through the use of practical plant examples.
The reader is introduced to the following operating modes:
* Automatic.
* Semi-automatic.
* Manual.
In addition, the ways in which abnormal conditions can be accommodated and where each of the following sequence modes should be used is also discussed:
* Running.
* Hold.
* Interrupt.
* Abort.
As further supplementary information, examples of generic configurations for each mode are supplied.
The documentation required to enable the programming of robust software is discussed in depth with examples of each document type and an explanation of why the specific document is required. The difference between operations and steps is explained and details provided on the following documents required for programming and testing:
* Process overview flowchart.
* Detailed flowchart.
* Sequence matrix.
All the information is then brought together in a practical example of how a typical (in this case filter plant) system would be implemented. The information provided should enable the reader to build robust and easy to test sequence and batch applications. The documents and principles described can be easily customised to cater for the majority of sequence applications. The detailed information can be found at: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C15525
Bringing brownfield plants back to life Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Today’s brownfield plants are typically characterised by outdated equipment and processes, and face challenges ranging from inefficient operations to safety hazards. However, all is not lost, as these plants stand to gain a lot from digitalisation and automation.
Read more...Development of motor control units for automotive industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.
Read more...Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.
Read more...South Africa’s role in the AGI revolution
IT in Manufacturing
AI has found its way into general conversation after the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT. However, the discussion is increasingly turning to the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could entirely change the game.
Read more...Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
Read more...Intelligent automation primed for $47 billion revenue by 2030
IT in Manufacturing
According to GlobalData, the intelligent automation market is set to grow from $18 billion in 2023 to $47 billion in 2030, driven by advancements in AI, particularly the rapid adoption of generative AI.
Read more...Chocolate manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Freybadi, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Indonesia and a trusted supplier of chocolate in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African regions, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to optimise its manufacturing and production processes.
Read more...A CFO’s guide to unlocking the potential of gen AI
IT in Manufacturing
CFOs of leading global organisations understand that their role extends beyond mere financial oversight; they are pivotal in steering organisation-wide transformation, particularly in the realm of technological advancement.
Read more...Higher level cybersecurity certification for Schneider Electric Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT NMC3 platform has obtained a new and higher level of cybersecurity certification, making it the first data centre infrastructure management network card to achieve SL2) designation from IEC.
printer friendly version