Testing and Sampling Case Studies

Case Study 130: Gas Recovery System Industry Sector: Testing Equipment • Gas Recovery System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus
  • Rockwell RSView32 SCADA

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system that purified contaminated ground water. The system consisted of three wells. Water was pumped from two of the wells.  Flow from the wells was monitored.  The flow rate could be regulated either by fixed flow rate or by monitoring the level of the wells and adjusting the flow to keep the level of the wells at a fixed setpoint. The operator selected the desired method of control. A chemical was added to the water and it was pumped back into a third well. The flow rate of the chemical was paced to the flow rate of the water.  Data was collected which included well levels, water flow, and chemical flow. The data was stored in Excel format.

Case Study 127: Platinum Recovery Industry Sector: Testing & Sampling • Platinum Recovery System

New Technology Applied:

  • AB SLC 500
  • AB PanelView Plus

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system to process discarded catalytic converters to collect the Platinum for resale. The installation provided the user with the ability to automatically start the line in production mode, controlling the delivery of the pre-crushed material to the Hammer Mill to optimize the loading of the unit. In addition, complex calculations were incorporated in the control system to perform lot size and sample size requirements for a given order. The system then monitored the weight of the accumulated lot and automatically shut the system down when calculated weight was reached. Other functionality included was:

  1. Maintenance alarms for individual system components based on hours of operation and the amount of processed material processed.
  2. Real time and historical trending for key variables of the process.

A second process train was added to the original system to allow the user to optimize system utilization and limit the downtime to a minimum. This addition incorporated hardware and control strategies to provide the ability to process two lots of material at the same time, thus maximizing the throughput of the system.

Project Outcome:
Enabled the customer to maximize the production capabilities of the installation and provide the ability to effectively schedule operating personnel to limit operations dead time.

Case Study 112: Automated Testing Industry Sector: Testing & Sampling • Hardness Testing Machine

New Technology Applied:

  • AB SLC 500
  • AB PanelView Plus

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed an automatic machine that tested the hardness of railroad wheels. The wheels were of different sizes and with different model numbers. The information about the wheels was received from a DCS system. The DCS provided data on wheel diameter, model number, serial number, along with the minimum and maximum allowable hardness ranges. When the wheel arrived at the testing machine, the machine head was lowered into position. A mill was used to clean the surface of the wheel to be measured. The hardness head was then engaged. When the hardness was determined, the value was sent to the PLC serial port as ASCII characters. The ASCII characters were evaluated to determine the hardness number. If the value was in range, the part was passed and sent out. If the hardness failed, the wheel was retested a second time. If the wheel still didn’t pass, it was marked with paint and sent out as a reject.

Project Outcome:
By adding this system to their production line, the end user was able to guarantee product quality and maximize profitability.

Case Study 116: Pressure Vessels Industry Sector: Testing & Sampling • Repeater Pressure Testing Control System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Rockwell RSView32 SCADA System

Scope of Work:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system to do high pressure testing for Trans-oceanic fiber-optic repeaters. The repeaters were put into a high pressure vessel. The outside of the vessel was pressurized to 10,000 PSI with a mixture of air and helium. The inside was monitored using a helium leak detector. Multi-stage pumps had to be used to attain the required pressure; this pressure had to be held for a selected time. Since the plastic content in the repeater could be damaged if the pressure changed too quickly, the pressure had to be reduced over several hours.

Project Outcome
By utilizing the new control system, repeaters could be tested more quickly allowing production to meet increased sales demands.

Life Sciences Case Studies

Case Study 117: Batch Industry Sector: Life Sciences • Bioreactor Control System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView HMI                      

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system to control a bioreactor. The bioreactor controlled the temperature of a vessel with an accuracy of +/- 1 degree C. The dissolved oxygen level was controlled by purging air through the vessel. The ph was controlled by the addition of chemicals. The cycle also included a CIP (Clean in Place) cycle to sterilize the vessel between cycles.

Project Outcome:
The bioreactor controller was able to operate the process with great accuracy to meet FDA specifications.

Water Treatment Case Studies

Case Study: Water Treatment and Filtration

New Technology Applied:

  • Wonderware System Platform 2017 R2
  • ControlLogix Redundant PLC System

Project Description/Development:
Client was in need of a Redundant PLC system that incorporated over 200 I/O points for the water Treatment and filtration industry.  All controls needed to be fail-safe.  All motors/pumps were to be integrated over an Ethernet network from an MCC at a remote location.  End user required a very detailed and specific programming method that also required integration with the Plant’s System Platform system.  Historization and specific graphic objects needed to be utilized and accessible at different security access levels throughout the plant. 

Project Outcome/Solution:
Multiple remote ControlLogix PLC racks were implemented with redundant ControlLogix processors.  A device level ring Ethernet network was implemented to eliminate possible communication loss.  All data was recorded and historized through the Wonderware System Platform software.  The control of the system was implemented using a Wonderware Premier Series Industrial computer that was configured on an independent network to reduce Ethernet data transfer speeds.  All motors were controlled via Ethernet with User Defined Function Blocks located on a separate network to allow for better control of the data.  All data traffic was networked through managed switches to prioritize data networking traffic.

Case Study: Chlorine Sanitation System

New Technology Applied:

  • Compact Logix PLC
  • Panelview Plus 7 HMI

Project Description/Development:
Prototype development of a new sanitation system to allow for full customization and configuration of the system via the HMI.  System was to control pump speed and valving configuration to incorporate chemicals to facilitate proper sanitation of water to meet specifications.  Calibration of transmitters and speed controllers to regulate proper flow control to allow constant generation of sanitized water.   

Project Outcome/Solution:
Collaborated with client to develop a fully function system to be sold as a standard product.  System was developed to customized each system via the HMI depending on the various options that were purchased with the product.  Various levels of security were put in place to protect the calibration settings and configuration set points.  Trending and data logging were added to record system .

Expansion:
System has since been implemented across other platforms including Siemens TIA portal via Siemens S7-1200 and Comfort Panel HMI’s.  Future systems to include Modicon PLC’s and HMI systems.

Case Study 105: Polymer Systems Industry Sector: Water Treatment • Polymer Process Machine

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley ControlLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system for polymer mixing machines. Polymer is used in the process to remove particles from both drinking water and treated sewage. The system involved monitoring the level of a polymer tank. When the level dropped to a pre-determined point, a new batch of polymer was added. First water was added to a mixing tank to a pre-determined level. When the tank reached this level, a polymer powder was weighed and added. As the powder was added, a mixer started blending the water and polymer. The pre-determined polymer concentration was calculated. The mixture was then sent to a second mixing tank where more water was added to get the polymer concentration down to the required level. Finally the polymer was pumped into the final polymer tank. The system was set up to operate in two modes, demand batching and bulk batching; each having different control characteristics.

Project Outcome:
System allowed for customization of recipes enabling quality control of the product. HMI alarm indication reduced operator error and increased the machine life cycle.

Food and Beverage Case Studies

Case Study 115: Oven Control Baking Industry Sector: Food and Beverage • Cake Machine

Technology Replaced:

  • Old VFD System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView
  • Allen Bradley VFDs

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation was approached to design a system to control a multi-layer cake baking machine. The machine consisted of multiple conveyors which produced a continuous baked cake. The operator entered the number of cakes per minute required. This number was used to calculate the speed of the conveyors, which determined baking time by changing the transit time through an oven. The speed information was sent to multiple VFDs to change the speed of conveyors. The speed control had to be accurate enough to prevent the tearing or bunching of cake as it transitioned between conveyors and as the multiple layers were brought together. VFDs with feedback were used to obtain the required accuracy. The cake was then delivered to a cutter to divide the cakes into the correct size.

Project Outcome:
The old VFD system was hard to adjust since each VFD needed to be individually adjusted. With the new system, VFDs were adjusted based on operator’s input which allowed for less downtime when the line was changed for different products. As a result, a significant increase in product throughput.

Government Case Studies

Case Study 129: Multiple Ground Fault Systems Industry Sector: Government • Railroad

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed and fabricated a safety ground fault system for the railroad industry which allowed either 800 Amp or 400 Amp service to be manually connected via high amperage power cables to the passenger cars. This system permitted passenger cars to be climate controlled, readying cars for service, without the use of a locomotive to generate the power. A back feed option was available whereby a locomotive could be directly connected to the control panel. This permitted the locomotive to be used to generate power needed at various railroad facilities during brownout conditions.

Project Outcome:
By adding these systems, locomotives and associated personnel were not needed resulting in great financial savings and increased efficiency to the railroad. The back feed option, by utilizing a locomotive, allowed for an alternate source of power during extreme brownout conditions.

Case Study 128: Multiple Card Access Control Panels Industry Sector: Government • Security

Process or Machine Fabricated:

  • Multiple Card Access Control Panels

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation fabricated over 1,000 card access control panels over a one year time frame. Panels were dropped shipped to various locations for field installation. Scheduling and coordination of project was critical since panels being replaced contained the Y2K software bug and security would be compromised if dates were missed. The project scope doubled in size from original estimates as new locations were discovered with old equipment during site evaluations.

Project Outcome:
Client was able to make all necessary upgrades and test all installations prior to Y2K deadline. By meeting the critical delivery dates, the financial impact of overall project stayed within budget.  This successful high profile project built a relationship resulting in multiple ongoing contracts.

Environmental Case Studies

Case Study 118: Scrubbers Industry Sector: Environmental • Stack Emission Control System

Technology Replaced:

  • Square D 784 PLC System

New Technology Applied:

  • Modicon Quantum Redundant System

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation replaced outdated PLCs with new Redundant Modicon Quantum PLCs for air pollution and dust collection equipment at a power plant. The system was programmed utilizing existing loop drawings along with additional input from client’s engineering staff. The hardware was replaced in a manner which allowed for minimum down time. The existing field wiring was unchanged. Because the new PLC equipment was so much smaller than the original, Staneco came up with a design that added terminal blocks in the same physical locations as the original I/O. These terminals were located on sub-panels along with the new PLC hardware. The terminals were wired to the new PLC I/O. The entire assembly was installed on the existing panel. When the old I/O was removed, the original field wiring was landed back on the new terminals without disturbing the field wiring. This allowed the change to be made in the short outage window.

Project Outcome:
Since the old PLC hardware was obsolete and replacement hardware becoming harder to obtain upgrading the system was essential to the plant’s operation. The new system provided additional fault monitoring and greater data collection making the process easier to troubleshoot and monitor.

Case Study 130: Gas Recovery System Industry Sector: Environmental • Gas Recovery System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus
  • Rockwell RSView32 SCADA

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system that purified contaminated ground water. The system consisted of three wells. Water was pumped from two of the wells.  Flow from the wells was monitored.  The flow rate could be regulated either by fixed flow rate or by monitoring the level of the wells and adjusting the flow to keep the level of the wells at a fixed setpoint. The operator selected the desired method of control. A chemical was added to the water and it was pumped back into a third well. The flow rate of the chemical was paced to the flow rate of the water.  Data was collected which included well levels, water flow, and chemical flow. The data was stored in Excel format.

Case Study 102: Stack Emission Control Industry Sector: Environmental • Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description:
Staneco designed controls for two thermal oxidizers used at a corn-to-ethanol plant to remove organic chemicals from discharged air. The oxidizers consisted of multiple gas burners which heated combustion chambers containing ceramic pellets. When the process gas is passed through the pellets, the organic chemicals are oxidized, neutralizing them. In order to prevent overheating of the ceramic pellets, a series of dampers were switched based on either time or chamber temperature. As the chambers were switched, some gas escaped unprocessed. To remove these gases, a purge operation was included to re-circulate the untreated gasses. The motors were controlled over Devicenet which included two VFDs. Temperatures and operation of the valves are monitored and alarmed. Data was made available to the plant DCS system.

Project Outcome:
System met and exceeded the required emission acceptable limits. The process also helped minimize fuel consumption.

Case Study 103: Scarfing Industry Sector: Environmental • Scarfing / Crusher Conveyor System

Technology Replaced:

  • Antiquated Relay Panel

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley MicroLogix
  • Allen Bradley Component HMI

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a crusher conveyor control system to replace an existing relay panel. The system consisted of conveying material through a series of conveyors and hydraulic crushers. Crushed material was then conveyed and separated by size and conveyed to different piles. Speed of the conveyor was controlled by VFD based on operator input. Safety interlocks were applied to prevent any possibility of injury. The system was able to operate in automatic, remote and manual modes. HMI displayed alarm conditions and location of fault events.

Project Outcome:
The combination of the PLC and HMI provided a more modernized system which increased throughput and minimized downtime while meeting all safety requirements.

Case Study 104: Air Pollution Controls Industry Sector: Environmental • Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers

New Technology Applied:

  • Siemens Simatic S7-300
  • Siemens Simatic HMI MP 277

Project Description:
Staneco designed controls for two thermal oxidizers used for treatment and abatement of malodorous emissions at a waste treatment facility. The oxidizers consisted of multiple gas burners which heated combustion chambers containing ceramic pellets. When the process gas was passed through the pellets, the organic chemicals are oxidized, neutralizing them. In order to prevent overheating of the ceramic pellets, a series of dampers were switched based on either time or chamber temperature. As the chambers were switched, some gas escaped unprocessed. To remove these gases, a purge operation was included which re-circulated the untreated gasses. Temperatures and operation of the valves was monitored and alarmed.

Project Outcome:
Malodorous emissions were eliminated meeting local requirements.


Case Study 109: Air Pollution Controls Industry Sector: Environmental • Carbon Dioxide Recovery System

New Technology Applied:

  • Siemens PCS7

Project Description:

Staneco Corporation designed an experimental control system for a government study to remove carbon dioxide from a coal fired power plant stack exhaust. The system controlled the flow and temperature of amines to absorb and release the carbon dioxide.

Project Outcome:

Various types of amines were tested to find the most effective.

Process Control Case Studies

Case Study 105: Polymer Process Industry Sector: Process Control • Polymer Process Machine

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley ControlLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system for polymer mixing machines. Polymer is used in the process to remove particles from both drinking water and treated sewage. The system involved monitoring the level of a polymer tank. When the level dropped to a pre-determined point, a new batch of polymer was added. First water was added to a mixing tank to a pre-determined level. When the tank reached this level, a polymer powder was weighed and added. As the powder was added, a mixer started blending the water and polymer. The pre-determined polymer concentration was calculated. The mixture was then sent to a second mixing tank where more water was added to get the polymer concentration down to the required level. Finally the polymer was pumped into the final polymer tank. The system was set up to operate in two modes, demand batching and bulk batching; each having different control characteristics.

Project Outcome:
System allowed for customization of recipes enabling quality control of the product. HMI alarm indication reduced operator error and increased the machine life cycle.

Case Study 114: Batching
Industry Sector: Process Control • PVC Compounder System

Technology Replaced:

  • Relay Panel

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system to produce batches of compounded PVC. The system automatically weighed out batches of PVC resin and calcium carbonate. The material was conveyed with a pneumatic conveying system into a compounder drum. The drum was rotated and heated with the temperature being monitored. A liquid stabilizer and additional chemicals were automatically added to the mix when the temperature reached predetermined temperatures. At the end of the cycle, the material was unloaded into a cooling drum until it was cool enough to be transported into a storage silo. The material was then automatically distributed to several lines of extruders based on demand from the extruders.

Project Outcome:
The new control system eliminated repeat failures which were greatly impacting production and quality.

Machine Control Case Studies

Case Study: Historization, Data Management and Reporting

New Technology Applied:

  • Winderware System Platform 2014
  • Dream Reports
  • Pro-face HMI Controllers
  • Allen Bradley Compact Logix PLC
  • Panelview Plus 7 HMI

Project Description/Development:
Develop data acquisition of various PLC’s and controllers throughout the plant.  Historization and data reporting required to organize data into charts and spread sheets to monitor performance of various machines in the facility.

Project Outcome/Solution:
Data was configured to be captured through Wonderware System Platform 2014.  Each machine was organized to record specific data points to monitor performance of difference applications.  Data was historized and accumulated into reporting software to display data in a useful manner.

Case Study: Automated Machine Conversion

Problem: Current system using legacy PLC without networking capabilities 

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley Compact Logix PLC
  • Panelview Plus 7 HMI
  • Kinetic 550 Servo Controllers

Project Description/Development:
Replaced existing legacy PLC and HMI with Allen Bradley CompactLogix PLC and Panlview plus 7 HMI.  Replaced obsolete hydraulic control system of machine to new automated servo-controlled motors.  Incorporate PLC control with machine functionality to simplify machine operation.

Project Outcome/Solution:
Control panel was modified to incorporate CompactLogix PLC and HMI.  Controls system was configured to be on an Ethernet network for future data acquisition.  Machine was customized to mount servo motors and reducing gear boxes to reduce torque requirements of the drive motors.  New PLC program was configured to efficiently control the speed and regulate torque of servo motors to smooth out machine operation.

Case Study 101: Servo Industry Sector: Machine Control • Fiberglass Fiberization

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley ControlLogix
  • Allen Bradley Servo Drives
  • AMCI Encoders
  • Rockwell RSView32 SCADA System

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a fiberglass insulation machine which operated faster and more efficiently than the old equipment. Four fiberizer units deposited fiberglass on a moving conveyor. Any three could be used or all four depending on the type of insulation being made. The fiberizers were pivoted and deposited the fiberglass in a sine wave pattern. The pivot speed and conveyor speed were all adjustable depending on the product and stored recipes. To make uniform fiberglass, the pattern on the conveyor had to be adjusted. The phase angle of each pivoting fiberizer had to be calculated (frequency of pivot and conveyor speed both affect the phase angle). The information was used to control servo motors which controlled the motion of the pivot.

Project Outcome:
The key to successful resolution of this process problem was deciphering the complex relationship between belt speed and controlling the deposition sine wave of the fiberizer. The result was improved consistency, quality of product, and higher production rates.

Case Study 114: Extruders Industry Sector: Machine Control • PVC Compounder System

Technology Replaced:

  • Relay Panel

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley SLC 500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a control system to produce batches of compounded PVC. The system automatically weighed out batches of PVC resin and calcium carbonate. The material was conveyed with a pneumatic conveying system into a compounder drum. The drum was rotated and heated with the temperature being monitored. A liquid stabilizer and additional chemicals were automatically added to the mix when the temperature reached predetermined temperatures. At the end of the cycle, the material was unloaded into a cooling drum until it was cool enough to be transported into a storage silo. The material was then automatically distributed to several lines of extruders based on demand from the extruders.

Project Outcome:
The new control system eliminated repeat failures which were greatly impacting production and quality.

Case Study 110: Blending Industry Sector: Machine Control • Alloy Blending Machine

Technology Replaced:

  • Obsolete Relay Panel

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1500
  • Allen Bradley PanelView
  • AMCI Stepper Motor

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed controls for a machine that produced alloys in small batches. There were 20 recipes for different alloys. The cycle started by purging the chamber of air followed by gases being introduced into the chamber. The metal was heated to the required temperature by an induction heater. When at temperature, the crucible was then tilted in steps at different speeds using a servo motor to pour the metal into a mold. The crucible was then returned to the home position and atmospheric pressure was re-introduced. Temperatures were recorded on an electronic chart recorder.

Project Outcome:
The new control system provided increased reliability along with a more efficient operator interface.

Burner Management Case Studies

Case Study 122: LNG Industry Sector: Burner Management • Vaporizer Control System

Process or Machine Automated:

  • Submerged Combustion Vaporizer Control Systems

New Technology Applied:

  • GE Fanuc 90-30 series PLC
  • GE QuickPanel HMI
  • Wonderware InTouch SCADA

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed controls for multiple liquefied natural gas vaporizers for use in a re-gasification process at a peak shaving facility. Each vaporizer contained a large burner that heated a water bath for the evaporation process. Two PLC systems were utilized for control of each vaporizer; one system for burner management as required per the NFPA and one system for other process controls. All units had automatic ignition and bath temperature control. In addition to the gas control required to operate under normal conditions, interlocks were added to safely handle alarm conditions. Each control system provided feedback to the plant DCS.

Project Outcome:
The addition of these peak shaving units enabled the plant to meet the critical requirements of peak consumption periods. Operators praised the ease of use provided by the control system and the ability to make adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

Case Study 108: Ovens / Dryers Industry Sector: Burner Management • Conveyor Dryer

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a PLC panel with burner and motor controls for an industrial dryer. The drying process consisted of several stages which were heated by natural gas burners. Each stage had exhaust and combustion blowers which were started automatically by the PLC. The burner ignition was controlled by Honeywell flame relays. The material was carried through the dryer by a conveyor with VFD speed control. The temperature of the dryer stages was controlled by PID control loops in the PLC.

Project Outcome:
The ability to monitor many variables and store product recipes allowed for greater quality control and increased throughput.

Case Study 102: Stack Emission Control Industry Sector: Burner Management • Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description:
Staneco designed controls for two thermal oxidizers used at a corn-to-ethanol plant to remove organic chemicals from discharged air. The oxidizers consisted of multiple gas burners which heated combustion chambers containing ceramic pellets. When the process gas is passed through the pellets, the organic chemicals are oxidized, neutralizing them. In order to prevent overheating of the ceramic pellets, a series of dampers were switched based on either time or chamber temperature. As the chambers were switched, some gas escaped unprocessed. To remove these gases, a purge operation was included to re-circulate the untreated gasses. The motors were controlled over Devicenet which included two VFDs. Temperatures and operation of the valves are monitored and alarmed. Data was made available to the plant DCS system.

Project Outcome:
System met and exceeded the required emission acceptable limits. The process also helped minimize fuel consumption.

Case Study 121: Ovens / Dryers
Industry Sector: Burner Management • Ceramic Sintering Furnace

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix
  • Rockwell RSView32 SCADA System

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a sintering oven to produce special purpose ceramics. The process was temperature and time dependent. There were numerous recipes for the different ceramic products produced. The temperature of the furnace was ramped up over a predetermined time to a selected temperature. At various temperatures different gasses were introduced into the process. The flow rate had to be controlled. When the maximum temperature was reached, it was held for a selected time. The temperature was then ramped down once again controlling the gas flows. Since one of the gasses was hydrogen, special interlocking and monitoring had to be used to prevent dangerous situations. The gas flows and temperature over time were logged and put into an Excel file for record keeping and examination. The cycle typically lasted from 12 to 16 hours.

Project Outcome:
Client praised the flexibility of the new system and its enhanced data collection abilities resulting in improved quality control.

Conveying Case Studies

Case Study 103: Bulk Industry Sector: Conveying • Scarfing / Crusher Conveyor System

Technology Replaced:

  • Antiquated Relay Panel

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley MicroLogix
  • Allen Bradley Component HMI

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a crusher conveyor control system to replace an existing relay panel. The system consisted of conveying material through a series of conveyors and hydraulic crushers. Crushed material was then conveyed and separated by size and conveyed to different piles. Speed of the conveyor was controlled by VFD based on operator input. Safety interlocks were applied to prevent any possibility of injury. The system was able to operate in automatic, remote and manual modes. HMI displayed alarm conditions and location of fault events.

Project Outcome:
The combination of the PLC and HMI provided a more modernized system which increased throughput and minimized downtime while meeting all safety requirements.

Case Study 106: Pneumatic Industry Sector: Conveying • Pneumatic Conveying Systems

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley ControlLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed controls for multiple baghouse systems and hydrated lime injection systems used at multiple coal-fired power plants. The hydrated lime system had multi-point injection points and was used with fluid bed boilers. Hydrated lime is a proven alkaline reagent used to remove SO3 from the flue gas. Both pressurized and vacuum conveying was implemented. Blower motors, feeders, and rotary airlocks were controlled and monitored. Alarm conditions were monitored and control interlocks utilized allowing the system to operate safely.

Project Outcome:
Systems provided an effective and cost-efficient way to reduce emissions from the fluid bed boilers. The use of control interlocks and alarm monitoring kept the systems operating safe and increased the equipment’s performance.

Case Study 108: Manufacturing Industry Sector: Conveying • Conveyor Dryer

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMI

Project Description Applied:
Staneco Corporation designed a PLC panel with burner and motor controls for an industrial dryer. The drying process consisted of several stages which were heated by natural gas burners. Each stage had exhaust and combustion blowers which were started automatically by the PLC. The burner ignition was controlled by Honeywell flame relays. The material was carried through the dryer by a conveyor with VFD speed control. The temperature of the dryer stages was controlled by PID control loops in the PLC.

Project Outcome:
The ability to monitor many variables and store product recipes allowed for greater quality control and increased throughput.

Case Study 113: Material Handling Industry Sector: Conveying • Material Handling System

New Technology Applied:

  • Allen Bradley ControlLogix
  • Allen Bradley PanelView Plus HMIs

Project Description:
Staneco Corporation designed a system to deliver 400 to 1600 pound rolls of paper to printing presses using an in-floor chain conveyor. The system consisted of carts holding rolls of newspapers that traveled through the press room until a press operator needed a roll of paper; at which time the operator pressed a button diverting the new roll to the press. At the press the roll was removed, the empty cart detected and sent back to an area where it could be refilled. Filled carts were automatically merged back onto the main line. Special carts were used to remove waste such as the roll covering and empty spools. Full waste carts were diverted to the waste area, emptied, and automatically merged back to the main line. The critical functions included controlling the cart stops at the merge area and implementing a shutdown if a collision was about to occur at the merge point.

Project Outcome:
The implementation of the system reduced cart collisions thereby increasing operational safety and allowing quicker reloading of the presses.