MACHINERY | CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION
Right: Coperion K-Tron’s KCM-III feeder controller includes built-in Ethernet capability
and kilogrammes (or pounds) per hour.
“Given the high speeds
involved, any coating errors can quickly escalate into severe rejection rates, extensive downtime, and costly waste of polymer compound and conductor or optical fibre,” said Paul Edmondson, managing director of Maguire Europe. “The control system enables the manufacturer to maximise throughput while maintaining tight tolerances.” Maguire + Syncro extrusion control is also
appropriate for a range of pipe and profile extrusion processes, including both mono- and co-extrusion lines.
Right: Conair says its SmartFLX conveying control system is easier to configure and install
Smart move Conair has upgraded its FLX conveying control system, which it says is easier and more cost-effec- tive to configure and install. The new system, called SmartFLX, has a new system architecture with a more powerful PLC processor, Universal I/O panel structure and an intelligent configurator. This simplifies and reduces costs for system design and installation, system expansion, and remote diagnostics, according to Conair. The original FLX conveying control was devel- oped as a ‘flexible’ alternative to complex, large- scale control systems. Users could start small with a basic system of eight loaders and two pumps yet retain the flexibility to increase capacity and capability over time. “The new SmartFLX incorporates all the FLX system capacity, but with a new system architecture that is easier and more cost-effective to configure, install, manage, and expand,” said Nick Paradiso, product manager for conveying systems at Conair. “This new platform supports intelligent features: system self-configuration to aid installation; system simulations and modelling to manage system growth; and self-diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities that eliminate most on-site service calls.” Communications are separated into two channels. Control and diagnostic signalling for Conair equipment travels on a channel built to the Powerlink standard. All third-party equipment, plus system reporting functions, are carried on the second data communica- tions channel, which uses Modbus.
26 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | January/February 2021
If system growth is
required, a SmartFLX configu- rator can automatically identify available panel and I/O capacity, assess whether this capacity is sufficient to meet the additional need, then provide an optimised installation plan. Paradiso says that new
SmartFLX product additions are already being developed,
which involve inventory management, line proof- ing, enhanced system diagnostics and new Wave Conveying automation.
Chilling time At the same time, Conair says a new control system has boosted the performance of the company’s EP2 chillers. The latest portable chillers include PLC control and a 7in touchscreen as standard. The touch- screen is mounted on an angled panel that puts it at an ideal height and angle for easy viewing and operation. The new control system allows digital pump
pressure, compressor/pump/fan running hours, and performance trend charts – for key operating parameters such as process fluid temperatures – to be displayed. An optional, premium EP2 control system
provides an expanded PLC system that provides additional communications capabilities such as Modbus TCP/IP, LonWorks and OPC/UA.
Medical quality NDC Technologies has helped a medical tube manufacturer maintain product quality as it ramps up production.
�
www.pipeandprofile.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
