Flexible Electronic Systems was recently contracted to install the complete control system on a prototype tracked loader, which will be operating underground in the platinum mines, clearing the blast area and moving the ore. The need for safety in this hazardous process of removing the ore was the driving motivation behind the design of the 'tank' type loader, which is only 1,4 m in height, enabling it to operate near the rock face where the roof is not supported yet. A Deutz diesel engine was used to drive the hydraulic pumps, Bosch hydraulic proportional servo valves for the bucket lift and tilt and a Bosch PLC as the controller, with two Euchner joysticks each having two-control axis.
The loader had to be built with components that could be subjected to heavy mechanical stress, without having to constantly bring the machine up to the surface for maintenance. Accessing the machine once it is in the field is a time-consuming and cumbersome exercise, so it had to be built for flawless operation. We found that the Bosch CL150 PLC was robust enough to operate in such a harsh environment. Diverse functions are controlled by this compact PLC, including the hydraulic servos, the remote control and the engine management. For its size the little PLC can handle most tasks that would previously have required a bigger and more costly PLC, much to the delight of the OEM. By employing this level of technology, we gave the client total flexibility, as all the functions and controls are software driven. A software solution for a 'hard-wear' application.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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...Selecting the best remote access solution for your application
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In today’s Internet of Things (IoT) world, remote mobile access is a necessity for many industrial applications. There are several ways of implementing this connectivity with routers and virtual private networks.
Read more...PLCs and PACs simplify data acquisition
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Data acquisition, data logging and data analysis are required functions for most modern industrial control systems. The simplest and lowest cost way to provide these functions is often by using the same platform providing real-time control, namely the PLC or the PAC.
Read more...Small-scale custom development in the information age H3iSquared
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the twenty-first century, the ability to put together custom electronic devices has become much more accessible to smaller companies, and even the private user. With the open nature of these platforms, potential developers can start learning systems easily, and do not need a massive capital output to do so.
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