FEATURE TRACKING & TRACEABILITY
CUTTING DOWN ON PAPERWORK
A digital data recorder from ABB is saving paperwork by simplifying data collection for aircraft seals manufacturer, Adpol
T
he installation of an SM500F digital data recorder from ABB has helped a
manufacturer of seals for the aircraft industry to eliminate the need to produce vast volumes of paper charts. Adpol in Worthing, West Sussex, makes
a wide range of silicone seals and gaskets for various applications, including aerospace. As the company is accredited to ISO 9001, manufacturing processes need to be documented and fully traceable. Further requirements are imposed by the AS9100 quality management system for the aerospace industry. One of its demands is that records are kept for the lifetime of each aircraft where the seals are used, which can be as long as 30 years. “We were generating an awful lot of paper charts that we then had to archive and keep track of,” said Adpol director Gary White. Now, with the SM500F digital data recorder from ABB, all the data is backed-up automatically and stored off-site. “The recording of data takes place in the background and our IT company gives monthly reports to show it has all been done,” added White. Using the SM500F data recorder, Adpol records batch processes in the curing oven, where finished products are heated
28 FEBRUARY 2015 | AUTOMATION
Below: the SM500F digital data recorder from ABB
to eliminate volatile organic compounds from the material and ensure the seals achieve the correct rigidity. Different materials require different temperatures and curing times.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION White continued, “Switching to digital data recording has been quite effortless. The SM500F’s intuitive menus make it easy to use and to find your way around. In addition, ABB’s local distributor, KC Controls, has been great, with one of the system engineers popping in from time to time to make sure everything is working OK.” The SM500F recorder provides a host of
functions for recording batches, including tagging of data records with batch numbers and information. Data can be entered via the front panel or automatically via MODBUS, offering integration with PLCs and control systems. When a new batch is initiated, the SM500F will automatically start recording it, including any associated batch information. This eliminates the need for the operator to duplicate the data entry process on both the recorder and the PLC, saving time and reducing the potential for errors. “Switching from a paper-based to a
paperless data recording device was definitely a good move and will make it much easier for us to find specific records if we should ever need to find them,” added White. The unit includes a secure chart
signature feature, enabling authorised operators to securely annotate an electronic chart as if they were signing a paper chart, making it well suited for any application where traceability is critical. With 64Mb internal memory, there is
plenty of space for historical data, providing enhanced data security as well as an added back-up for the data stored on the SM500F’s removable memory card. The onboard web server offers access to real time data for remote monitoring. With the built-in Ethernet communications link, historical data can be remotely downloaded to a PC. It can also interface with a SCADA system using Modbus TCP protocol. A choice of mounting options means
the SM500F can be easily installed onto a panel, wall or pipe without the additional expense associated with the enclosures normally required to field mount a traditional videographic recorder. This makes it a flexible solution for any installation where local indication and recording of process conditions is needed.
ABB
www.abb.com T: 01925 741 517
Enter 212 /AUTOMATION
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