Dear all,
pls am handling a Brewery automation project using either of this two plcs (SLC 500 or Schnider Modicon ) and i need to get the following:
1. i need to knw the Processor module to use
2. the communication module
3. the power supply
4. i/o chassis
5. i/o module
6. i/o connection hardware
7. i/o programing software

from the system architecture i drew, the slc 500 will get values from the temperature controller connected to a specific gravity transmiter(the sg transmitter can measure both sg and temp of the wort in the cone (about 10 in number))
the slc 500 will do a controll work by conparing the set point to the measured value based on this it willl either open or close the electrical butterfly valve actuator connected to the glycol line.

i need to select what and what i will need as regard using the slc 500 so i will minimise cost.

i eagerly await your responses asap.
best regards

 

Dear O O D.
I would suggest not to select the SLC500. Why? well AB is going to emigrate sooner or later to the most advenced PLC's that have more capabilities, you should use the micrologix family and try the Allen Bradley PLC home page, they have a very useful web page and you can view and select the appropiate controller

 

Yes... A dream project.. I love it...

I love allen bradley Plcs but haven't had a projects with the schnider modicon's as of yet... So, lets focus on what I know..

By what method are you planning to obtaining the Temperature controller and specific gravity information of your beer? Analog (0-10vdc, 4-20ma), serial (modbus,ascii,RS232,RS422,RS485), etc.. That will help us define the hardware..
What is the name of this controller? I might want to purchase one for my own homebrew application.

Since you may be planning on using the slick 500 family. You will need RSlinx and RSLogix 500 software to communicate/program your PLC.

Most likely you can get away with a micrologix controller. The micrologix 1100 is a nice little unit that you can add a few additional cards too and program fast over ethernet.

You will need to count up your digital Inputs/Outputs, and Analog Inputs/Ouputs to help define which controller is best for you.. You only get so many I/O points with a Micrologix controller. You don't want to run out or use them all up so that you can't expand in the future. From your discription, it doesn't seem like you have that much I/O right now.. If you want to see some good Brewery Automation, take a tour at the Stone Brewing Company out in California.. They did an excellent job..

The Rockwell Automation Web sight has feature to help you select the appropriate processor if you enter in the amount of I/O..

Hope this helps... Good luck.

 

Hi O O D,

1. Always buy a bigger processor than you can really afford.
2. If it does'nt come with open protocol comms on board don't buy it.
3. Always buy the biggest power supply available for your PLC rack.
4. Always buy the biggest chassis/rack.
5. Always buy the highest i/o density available.
6. See comment later.
7. See comment later.

If it needs a special comms card for your PC worth more than about $200-300 DON'T BUY IT.

I have about $50-75,000 of software on site. Some programming and some SCADA.

The golden rule is who has the best support systems in your area. I have not seen an AB or MODICON rep for years. I had a MODICON failure and we got chartered planes to deliver a good result.

At the end of the day I have about 10 PLC brands on my site. Who are you able to get on the phone at 2 AM in the morning.

This is a one off investment, but a life time commitment.

Cheers Jaon.

 

Sounds like you have limited PLC experience.

There is little difference in functionality between brands of PLCs and
mostly little difference in cost.

I would select a brand based on what is already installed in the plant so that the people who maintain it don't have to go learn anything new, and the stock room does not have to stock any new parts.

All SLCs come with built in communications so you probably won't need a comm module.

I would select a power supply based on what is currently stocked, providing it is suitable for the loads.

I/O chassis is selected based on how many I/O cards you have plus how many spare slots you want.

I/O modules are selected based on what the input or output is.

I am not real sure what connection hardware you are asking about. AB SLC modules come with terminal blocks on the module. Some Schneider I/O modules require that you buy them seperately.

Programming software is whatever is appropritae for the PLC you decide on.

Based solely on the very, very basic questions you are asking, I am guessing you are probably not a good choice to make these decisions.

 

Consider what one brewer went with:

From Control Engineering Online & Magazine:
http://www.controleng.com/article/CA6643158.html

Case study video from Opto 22:
http://www.opto22.com/video/players...1378314825&bclid=1317865709&bctid=14643752001

New Belgium Brewery's Fat Tire Amber Ale is a pretty good beer to boot.