Controllers

Article (1)
  • Integrating distributed energy resources into the smart grid - Part 1
    The electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system thrived for decades with limited intelligence. But present and future demands are necessitating a transition to a smart grid, particularly the need to incorporate distributed energy resources (DERs) into the generation mix.
Feature (3)
  • Six key control applications: Is there one controller that can do it all?
    What kind of controller is best for your application? Is it a PLC? Perhaps you should use a PAC? Maybe a PAD? When it comes down to it, the name is not that important. What is important is developing a clear understanding of your needs and then finding the controller that best targets them.
  • How to find energy savings in process plants
    Process plants can make significant reductions in energy usage, with appropriate focus. Using the techniques presented here it is typical to see energy savings from 0.5% to 2% of total energy cost, with some plants seeing as much as 20% reduction. These techniques can be applied with little capital investment.
  • DCS or PLC? — Seven questions to help you select the best solution
    The convergence of PLC and DCS technologies has created a situation where it is more challenging than ever for process manufacturers to select the best technology for their application. A successful evaluation should start by developing a clear picture of the requirements of your application and the needs of your engineering, maintenance and operations personnel. To help clearly define these requirements and needs for your company, this paper outlines the seven key questions that will lead you to making the right choice.
Product (41)
  • Burkert MFC Type 8713 gas mass flow controller
    MFC Type 8713 is an instrument for the control of the mass flow of gases. The measured value provided by the sensor is compared in the digital control electronics of type 8713 with the setpoint given via the RS485 interface. In case of a control deviation, the opening of the solenoid control valve is changed by a PI-control algorithm.
  • GE Intelligent Platforms PACSystems RX3i CPU315
    GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the RX3i CPU315 for its PACSystems range. It is aimed at the needs of high-performance control applications and is suitable for a wide range of applications where larger amounts of data and application optimisation are needed. Typical applications where the CPU is useful are in water and wastewater, power and general process control.
  • Honeywell HC900 control system
    Honeywell has announced new features for its 900 Control Station touch screen operator interface, part of the HC900 control system, used in industrial facilities to control stand-alone processes and SCADA applications. The control station now includes features that allow engineers to more quickly configure the system and operators to monitor their processes more efficiently and reduce data-entry error.
  • ICP Electronics WStrider-200A embedded controller
    The WStrider-200A rugged embedded controller is designed to operate under harsh conditions. Its aluminium die-cast enclosure and M12 watertight connector provide IP67-grade protection against dust and water and enable it to sustain high impact and resistance to vandalism.
  • Watlow Ez-Zone RM multiloop temperature/process controller
    Watlow has introduced the Ez-Zone RM, a configurable multiloop temperature and process controller. The Ez-Zone RM integrates an entire assembly of control loop functionality in one DIN rail mounted package.
  • Hardy Instruments HI 1756-FC single-feeder control module
    Hardy Instruments’ HI 1756-FC is a single-feeder control module that mounts directly into an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix chassis.
  • Siemens Cemat version 7.1 process control system
    Siemens has equipped version 7.1 of its Cemat process control system for the cement industry and associated sectors with multiple new functions. An enhanced signalling and diagnostics concept is designed to reduce plant downtimes as well as operating and maintenance costs, thus increasing plant availability and productivity.
  • Siemens Simatic S7-300 and S7-400 controllers with enhanced Profinet
    Siemens has enhanced the Profinet functionality of its Simatic S7-300 and S7-400 controllers with Shared Device, Intelligent Device (I-Device) and Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP). These features facilitate easier system configuration - for example, in failsafe applications, leaner and more versatile topology architectures with multiple networked controllers, and higher plant availability.
  • Furzy Electronics C601 mobile machine controller
    The C601 controller from Furzy Electronics has been designed for mobile machine monitoring applications and for installations where physical size is an important consideration.
  • Siemens ECO RTG optimised control for gantry cranes
    ECO RTG from Siemens is designed to provide improved control functions for the operation of rubber-tyred gantry cranes, based on the simulation of the load curve and the optimisation of the control of the diesel-electric hybrid drive. By storing braking energy in ultracapacitors when containers are lowered and by optimising the utilisation of energy, fuel consumption can be reduced by approximately 70%.
  • VersaMax Micro Plus controller firmware revision 4.0
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the release of VersaMax Micro Plus controller firmware revision 4.0, expanding the controller’s applicability to a wider range of applications.
  • Batch controller
    The IBS is a powered batch controller for liquids with an 85-265 VAC or 12-72 VDC power supply and an 8-digit display. The instrument can be configured from the front touch buttons to batch volumes from 0.01 to 999,999.99 litres and K factors from 999,999 to 0.01 can be used. Also included is an adjustable 8-20 VDC loop supply that can be used to provide the excitation power supply for flow sensors.
  • High-amperage temperature controllers
    The EZ-Zone family of integrated controllers from Watlow incorporates Watlow’s No-Arc technology that extends the life of relays.
  • Process control system
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has released Version 1.6 of Proficy Process Systems, a fully integrated process control system that is designed to provide customers in different industries with an advanced DCS or hybrid process control system to meet their specific needs. These systems are intended to improve operational performance and productivity and provide customers with a sustainable advantage for their business.
  • CANbus remote I/O adapter
    The Unitronics EX-RC1 remote I/O adapter allows multiple adapters to connect to a single programmable logic controller, with up to eight standard expansion modules to each adapter via CANbus.
  • Process controller
    The ATC880 is a compact 1/4 DIN auto-tuning process controller. It is a cost-effective way to control a single process parameter, such as for a plastics extruder.
  • High-availability PAC solution
    GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has introduced a scalable high-availability solution for the company's PACSystems RX3i controller.
  • Rate controller
    Hardy Instruments’ HI 4060 is a compact, single-feeder, closed-loop rate controller for use in a variety of applications, including auger, belt and vibratory-based feeders, converting them from volumetric to gravimetric. After supplying excitation to the load sensors and digitising the weight signal, the rate controller provides an analog output to control the feeder speed and adjusts this signal based on the required rate at which the feeder is losing weight. This rate controller features an embedded web server, true five-point automatic rate calibration, automatic feeder refill, various alarms including rate tolerance and disturbance, and optional DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, remote I/O, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP and analog communications. It also includes Hardy’s Waversaver technology to eliminate the effects of surrounding vibration for fast, stable weight display, electronic calibration without test weights, an <0x000A>SD memory module card for fast transfer of configuration data and integrated system diagnostics and troubleshooting.
  • Temperature controllers with ladder logic
    The UTAdvanced is a digital indicating controller with a sequence control function, which offers greatly improved measurement, display, operation, control and networking functions. It also eliminates the need for peripheral devices and associated wiring.
  • PID temperature controllers
    Practical Control Solutions offers a full range of PID temperature controllers from Sanup Electrical Company. Inputs for the SDU line of temperature controllers are universal and include a wide range of thermocouples, RTDs and linear DC signals. Available control outputs include relay contact, logic (for driving solid-state relays) and 4–20 mA. A full range of DIN panel sizes is offered, from 48 to 96 mm2.
  • PLC data access module
    Omron Electronics has released the Data Access Module (DAM01) — a small user interface for its micro PLC range. Fitting neatly into a communication board slot, the DAM01 empowers the user with knowledge of the process the PLC is controlling.
  • Quadraplex pump controller
    The series QPC is used where four pumps are required to alternate to provide equal run time on each. Alternating loads allows for equal wear on all pumps, lengthening their operation life. The series QPC has five inputs allowing the four outputs to operate properly even if one of the inputs fails to open or close. Four LED indicators show the load that is energised by the SPST output contacts.
  • Programmable dispensing system
    The PDS-100 from Fluid Metering Inc is a programmable dispensing system which uses precision stepper motors to control a variety of FMI’s valveless piston pumps.
  • Batch controller
    The IBC is an intelligent batch controller for liquids with an 8-digit 14 mm character height LED display. All functions of the instrument are programmable from the front panel by touch buttons with tactile feedback. Variables are stored in EEPROM non-volatile memory.
  • Chlorine controller
    Unlike ORP control, using free or total chlorine control can give precise readings of the actual hypochlorous acid or free (residual) chlorine content of the water being treated. Hypochlorous acid content fluctuates with changes in pH and regular ORP readings can give false impressions of the actual ‘effective kill’ of the chemicals being used.
  • Process control system
    Proficy Process Systems Version 1.5 is a fully integrated process control system that is intended to provide customers with improved quality and reliability, increased throughput, performance and efficiency, and reduced total cost of ownership.
  • ALD control system
    The AVT ALD system enables automation of an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. It is a PC-based control system that is supplied with electronic hardware that is integrated with any existing ALD equipment for full automation of its process.
  • Integrated automation software
    Omron Electronics has released version 3 of CX-One. Running on Windows Vista and built-in Omron’s SmartPlatform technology, CX-One programs nearly all of Omron’s industrial components, including the latest PLCs, HMIs, networks, VSDs, servos and temperature controllers.
  • RTU for hazardous areas
    The Kingfisher G30 RTU has successfully completed the MET certification process for safety standards UL 1604, Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and Class II, Division 2, and Class III Hazardous (Classified) Locations; and CSA 22.2 No. 213-M1987, Non-Incendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations.
  • Programmable logic controller
    The Click PLC is the first of a range of inexpensive PLC components designed to offer practical features in an easy-to-use, compact yet expandable design. This line of micro-brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software is suitable for first-time users as well as experienced programmers.
  • Compact Modbus RTU master
    The microNCS Modbus RTU master and distributed I/O system can be used to send just a few, or hundreds of, process signals between the field or factory floor and a control system.
  • Small to midrange system controller
    The AC 700F controller is designed to close the gap between generic PLCs and complex process control systems.
  • PLC CPU
    Omron Electronics has released the CJ2H PLC CPU. Using all the existing CJ1 cards and power supplies, the CJ2H allows users access to improvements in performance and technology while maintaining backward compatibility.
  • PLC software
    Galil Motion Control has released Ladder Interface Software for converting Relay Ladder Logic programs into optimised, deterministic code for its compact RIO-471x0 PLC.
  • PLC scope software
    Graphic display of curves is essential for optimising controllers and setting drive axes.
  • Wind power PLC library
    Beckhoff has announced a PLC library for its automation suite, TwinCAT PLC IEC 61400-25. The IEC 61400-25 standard defines communication for monitoring and controlling wind turbines. Its integration in TwinCAT is designed to simplify the control of heterogeneous wind farms.
  • Valve automation package
    The ATEX-certified Jamesbury Cintac advanced automation package for rotary valves comes in a compact, rugged design.
  • Micro PLC
    Panasonic has released six add-on cassettes for the micro PLC, the FP-X. There are now 16 I/O and communication cassette options available, the highlight being an ethernet communications cassette.
  • Pump controller
    The MultiSmart pump controller combines 'out-of-the-box' pump control with the flexibility of open protocols and high-speed communications. It provides ease of use plus advanced functionality for up to nine pumps and open interfaces.
  • Online technical certification
    Study online, at your own pace, and earn your technical certificate in electronics, electromechanical and programmable logic controllers.
  • Industrial controllers with enhanced communications
    Enhancements to the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 family of industrial controllers from Rockwell Automation provide users with increased speed, power and communication capabilities. The Series B MicroLogix 1100 and MicroLogix 1100 DWD controllers deliver improved control and communications in one compact system.
News (2)
Case Study (2)
  • Aussies as good as gold in Laos
    Australian expertise has been showcased in the development of the Phu Kham Copper-Gold Operation in Laos. PanAust Limited, which has a 90% stake in the operation, appointed Brisbane-based Ausenco Limited to design and engineer the project on an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) basis.
  • Premium platform for SolarGas
    Engineers and scientists around the world are looking for ways to harness the sun’s thermal energy to replace the diminishing global supplies of fossil fuel with a ‘clean’, carbon-neutral energy source. Australia is particularly well placed to do this, since it has the highest average amount of solar radiation per square metre per year on Earth.
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