Choosing the right PLC panel

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Programming logic controller (PLC) panels come in almost every shape and size with some of them being freestanding and others being wall-mounted and choosing the right solution for a particular application can be difficult.

David Manney, L&S Electric
11/18/2016

Programming logic controller (PLC) panels come in almost every shape and size with some of them being freestanding and others being wall-mounted and choosing the right solution for a particular application can be difficult. Courtesy of: L&S ElectricControlling equipment has always been of interest in industrial applications. Before modern-day computers came into existence, a series of relays controlled that equipment and may have numbered into the thousands. Any updates required expensive and time-consuming manual labor by electricians who needed to rewire all of the relays.
The adoption of digital computers gave rise to the modern programmable logic controller (PLC): a digital computer utilized for the automation of various processes within an industrial facility. The PLC is designed for applications ranging from controlling parts of an assembly line to automating and controlling the light fixtures in an establishment.
There are similarities between a personal computer and a controller. Both a PLC and a personal computer have a CPU, memory, and input/output (I/O) units. On the other hand, a controller is built for industrial applications. It is designed to operate under harsh environments often seen in many facilities. In essence, the PLC and a PC gather and release information.
The PLC panel can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, primarily for automating processes and increasing control over critical systems. The processor controls electrical power and is commonly referred to as an automation panel. PLCs are utilized in many industries including:

  • Automotive industry: the automotive industry is one of the largest users of PLCs and one of the first industries to embrace factory automation fully. The industry still makes use of automation through PLC panels on an ongoing basis.
  • Marine: from controlling specific parts of the vessel to a full vessel system, it is an important part of maintaining operation where failures can cause severe consequences.
  • Power generation: PLC panels can be used for some processes within a power generation facility, such as automating the soot blower controls
  • Paper making: PLC panels can be used for controlling many processes within the paper mill industry.
  • Automation control: The applications that achieve automation through the use of PLCs include HVAC systems, car wash systems, material handling, and conveyor systems

 
RELATED PRODUCT:  IDEC PLC+HMI SmartAXIS
 
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OPEN CCTV Systems for hazardous areas

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camera functionCamera Systems provides a complete camera portfolio for industrial process monitoring and security surveillance for hazardous and industrial areas. Due to our innovative SNF*-technology, all cameras are considerably lighter than any existing ones, and extremely robust. Almost all of our cameras are designed for operation in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +75°C, even our infrared camera with day/night vision.

We are therefore able to design complete surveillance systems for any type of production plant, be it an oil rig, a tank farm, onboard ship or in process plants in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. For control and standard monitoring, we have the ISview software package.

Larger surveillance systems with up to several hundred cameras are covered by the professional SeeTec software.

*(SNF – sensor-controlled nitrogen filling)

Green Energy – Meters from Weschler

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Green Energy

Energy management and energy conservation start with the ability to monitor power and energy use.   For electrical systems, this involves measuring DC or AC power (Watts, VA, VAr) or energy (Wh, VAh, VArh).
In fixed installations, digital meters offer a range of display formats, capabilities & sizes. Single display power/energy meters start at $150.  Multiple display meters with user selectable parameters are available for $200-800, depending on configuration and capabilities. Bargraph power meters, which show a digital reading and analog level, start around $350.Advanced parameters, including power factor, demand & harmonics, are standard on many models. Most meters also offer options for setpoint alarms & network communications.  Specialized meters are available for applications such as generator monitoring or load shedding.  See the more popular digital:
Power Meters
Energy Meters
Bargraph Meters
For older systems, we offer a selection of Analog Power Meters and panel adapters.		 Energy Meters & Monitors for & Energy Conservation – Weschler Instruments 
 
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