Where's my Opto?
Where's Your Opto 22?
Where's my Opto?
oleron1
04-11-2005, 11:31 AM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reposted from Opto 22 Website submission ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ed W. Story: I have at present 14 different applications using SNAP LCSX, LCSX Plus and Ultimate IO Controllers. The combined hardware includes 14 controllers, 24 racks with over 330 modules. The different types of applications I am controlling are, several plastic extruder lines, a plastic drying oven, two multi platen laminating press operations, a thermal oxidizer with two process ovens, a dipping and air curing process, three aluminum foil web cleaning/printing lines, a plastic process chiller/cooling tower system, an adhesive mixing system and a portable unit on a cart for short term data collecting and device calibration/setup. I am using the controls for everything from typical on/off logic, temperature PID control, VFD speed matching/ramping, static pressure control, foil web rewind taper tension control to pre-heating equipment prior to operators start time. All of the different applications I have installed are using Display Runtime as the HMI. I am using it for everything from simple temperature display, process recipe control, time clock control, many different forms of temperature and run value data collection as well as requiring operators to enter batch numbers and product data before allowing a process to be started. One of the more unique applications involves monitoring 14 electric meters. The LCSX controller I was using started out with its primary function controlling an adhesive mixing process but due to its close proximity to my electric distribution gear I replaced it with a LCSX Plus. I then set up one of the extra com ports for RS485 and added the Modbus subroutines to read data from all of the meters. Using Display Runtime I am collecting historical data on each meter as well as triggering alarms if the amp readings get to a potential overload state. Part of the alarming feature includes running batch files that send text files to an email server, which sends them to text pagers worn by our staff notifying them of the problem. I spend a lot of time on the floor with operators and supervisors explaining how the control system works for the equipment they use, and by showing them the program functions in OPTO Control and how the logic is defined. Because of the Flow Chart programming, it is very easy for them to follow along. This not only helps them to better understand how the equipment they use everyday functions, but also helps them to improve their own ability to understand technology. As they start to get a better understanding of the potential of the control system, I ask them for ideas on improving the operation or process. They normally come up with some great ideas that help to improve performance, reliability and usability. Their ability to participate at this level gives them a feeling of ownership. I have not found this to be as easy with other types of Control/HMI products. I have found that the only limitation with the hardware and software is your imagination, and expect to find many more uses for OPTO 22 in the future. ------------------------------ Reposted by Oleron1 ------------------------------