TEMPERATURE PROCESS TRAINING SYSTEM

The Temperature Process Training System is a compact and mobile unit for a wide range of experiments in temperature control. It gives students a greater understanding of the stability of simple control systems. The self-contained unit can do many experiments, but it can also connect to the optional Computer Control System (TE3300/06) for distributed control.

The main parts of the Temperature Process Training system are:

• Industrial controller with autotune feature
• Two-channel chart recorder
• Heat-exchanger and fan
• Temperature transmitter
• Thermocouples
• Delay coil
• In-line heater
• Three-speed pump
• Reservoir

To perform experiments, students fill the reservoir with clean water and prime the system. They then set the controller to regulate the power to the in-line heater and control the temperature of the water at any of three places. The heat-exchanger removes the heat from the water, to give quicker experiments. The thermocouples (selected by a three-way switch) give feedback to the controller.

For a realistic experience, the equipment has industrial standard instrumentation and parts.

The apparatus includes one gate valve that works as a flow bypass. A chart recorder shows and logs the changes of the process variable (temperature) and the controller output.

Provides a clean dry oil free compressed air supply for the TE3300 Series.

COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM

The Computer Control System (TE3300/06) is a computer control package for use with modules from IMPACT’s TE3300 Process Control range. It allows remote control and data acquisition from the controller of each process. This system will also control and collect data from the controllers of TE3300 modules when connected in cascade.

When used with the TE3300 Process Control range, computer control increases the student’s experience of industry-standard process control.

The package includes a high-specification computer, with large screen monitor, keyboard and mouse. The package includes connections and cables for connection to the TE3300 modules. Supplied as standard on the computer is a suitable Microsoft® Windows® operating system. The industry-standard control software includes applications specially written by IMPACT for use with the TE3300 range.

Just as in an industrial environment, the software applications mimic the variables measured by the controllers of each Process Control module. The user (operator) can easily see what happens at the remotely controlled process, as they adjust its performance. The fully configurable software logs all data and any alarm conditions. The operator can also see the changing data in real time (as a trend) and log it for later examination.

For ease of use, the software mimic (or graphical display window) and all data is in full colour.

PLC PROCESS

IMPACT’s PLC Process gives students and engineers practical experience of the principles and application of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The object is to connect and program an external, programmable logic controller to monitor and control the level and flow rate of water in a two-tank system.

The apparatus has two transparent tanks, mounted one above the other. A variable-speed pump transfers water from the reservoir (in the base of the unit) into the upper tank. The water can drain down to the lower tank and then back into the reservoir. Solenoid valves may be individually opened or closed to control and redirect the movement of the water. The pump control is on or off, but a manual control allows the user to set the speed. A float switch in the reservoir monitors the level of water. Each tank includes two level sensors which measure maximum and minimum water levels. An in-line flow sensor provides a pulsed output. Its frequency is proportional to the flow rate and the number of pulses proportional to volume.

Indicators next to each input and output socket show the on/off status of the pump, the valves, the maximum and minimum level in each tank, and the flow rate.

An overflow in each tank prevents accidental overfilling.

PLC TRAINER

The PLC Trainer shows students how to use a programmable logic controller. It also works with IMPACT’s PLC Process (CE111) to help students study how to use programmable logic controllers to control a process.

The clearly labelled front panel has all the input and output connections. Each input and output includes a socket and three push-button switches. One switch connects or disconnects the connection. The other two set the connection as permanently high or low to override the controller. This allows students to do some manual control, or add faults to see what effect it has on the process. Indicators show the status of the controller inputs and outputs.

A socket on the front panel connects to a suitable computer (not included). The user must install the software (included) onto their computer so they can program the controller to suit their needs. IMPACT supplies programs to match the experiments in the user guide (included).

The software introduces students to the features of a controller program. These features include:

• Normally open and closed contacts
• Timers
• Counters
• Shift registers
• Ladder logic