Welkom Industrial Controls
September 2011
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Keeping maintenance to a minimum with integrated solutions.
Welkom Industrial Controls (WIC) recently upgraded the scada system of a major mining house from Wonderware’s Intouch to the ArchestrA System Platform. The drive behind this was the size that the shaft had grown to with regard to the equipment to be monitored and controlled.
“Over the past five years WIC has been involved in the upgrade and automation of two surface compressors, 20 underground pumps, two surface fans and the monitoring for all the underground MV switchgear,” says WIC’s Llewellyn Coveney-Winter. “This was all automated using Schneider Electrics’ Quantum and Momentum PLC solutions.
“The scada’s historian is logging approximately 50 000 I/O points with zero failures. This ensures accurate, up to date and efficient data at the operator’s fingertips. The system has been deployed over six high-end Dell servers with two application object servers in place for full redundancy.
“A standalone Galaxy repository and development machine, a historian to log historical data, a Wonderware Information Server and a view node complete the system. The two application object servers afford the client a seamless transfer if there is a hardware failure on one of the servers.
The Wonderware information server gives the mine’s managers access to critical reports and graphical overviews of the equipment via a web browser. This assists them in a hands-on way to manage the mine better. Custom reports can be set up to run at predetermined times and published to the information server, making information readily available and meaning engineers no longer have to wait for reports.
“As ArchestrA is an object-based system it is easy for the client to do modifications and upgrades on their own. We tried to simplify the complex system requirements, especially the graphical representation, in order to make it as user friendly as possible. Our aim here is to improve efficiency in the control rooms as well as in troubleshooting,” explains Coveney-Winter.
He adds that one of the main advantages of the upgrade is that a single application is used for the entire system that allows for substantial expansion when required. “The interface between the scada and PLC systems has proven itself time and time again. This is our preferred solution combination whether it is in a plant, shaft or process environment.”
The Schneider Quantum and Momentum PLCs used to automate the equipment are ideal for the application as they are especially robust for the underground mining environment. Reliability is critical in the mine, since it is difficult to tackle underground breakdowns. In addition, with the drive towards energy conservation, unexpected breakdowns at peak energy times can lead to energy wastages.
A standard, including the use of only one software type, has been maintained on site in order to limit stock holding and ensure rapid maintenance and support. All design and engineering as well as the manufacturing and installation of the hardware component was undertaken in-house by WIC. “This allows for a better understanding of the system and makes the integration of the components simpler,” says Coveney-Winter. “This is the fifth ArchestrA system implemented by Welkom Industrial Controls for a major mining house.”
For more information contact Llewellyn Coveney-Winter, Welkom Industrial Controls, +27 (0)57 357 5724, [email protected], www.wic.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