Electricity + Control October 2017

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Extended range of products for hazardous areas In the process industries, demands are increasing for groundbreaking and innovative automation solutions that reduce costs. The greatest potential for optimisation is opened up by implementing a universal platform that covers both industrial automation and process automation. PC-based con- trol from Beckhoff fits this bill by integrating process specific protocols and interfaces, and by offering an extended range of products for hazardous ar- eas. Full implementation of HART functionality, both in the I/O system and in theTwinCAT engineering environment, promotes simple project planning and reliable commissioning. TwinCAT automation software clearly reduces development efforts in process technology because it facilitates the application of comprehensive HART functions directly from the engineering interface. In this way, the TwinCAT FDT (Field Device Tool) container enables implementation of any field device drivers (DeviceType Manager, DTM). Thus, an entire HART con- figuration can be implemented efficiently using a single tool. The Beckhoff CommDTM integrates the TwinCAT platform into exist- ing process control systems. With its help, the DTMs can be implement- ed in any FDT container. This applies to all field devices connected to the HART-capable EtherCAT Terminals. These devices can be configured and parameterised remotely in the known containers without requiring direct PLC access. Explosion protection systematically integrated into product portfolio The new, highly compact EtherCAT Terminals in the ELX series are also HART-capable. With intrinsically safe inputs/outputs, they enable the direct integration of field devices installed in hazardous areas, Zones 0, 1 or 2, into the automation system. The reduced wiring effort and associated space savings result in an in- tegrated, cost-effective solution for process applications. Furthermore, the new CPX series of Control Panels and Panel PCs makes the high-quality de- sign and advanced multi-touch display technology from Beckhoff available for locations subject to explosion hazards. Enquiries: Michelle Murphy.Tel. +27 (0) 11 795 2898 or email michellem@beckhoff.co.za

Measure, control and log data with MultiCon The Simex MultiCon, distributed locally by RET Au- tomation Controls , offers advanced controllers with the capability of controlling and data recording in one compact device. Although the MultiCon has been designed for ad- vanced applications in industrial automatic control engineering, the device can also be used in smaller systems.The MultiCon can be equipped with three iso- lated RS-485 interfaces which make it a perfect solu- tion for distributed systems with the MultiCon working as a CPU and when using an Ethernet interface the de- vice can be monitored via the internet. The wide range of input and output modules allows customisation of MultiCon to suite the customer’s needs. With colour TFT display and touch screen working with the user interface becomes a pleasure. The Mul- tiCon allows the use of PC keyboard and mouse op- eration as well as free DAQ manager software which makes for a user friendly experience. MultiCon’s CMC-99 has up to 48 measurement or digital inputs and 60 virtual channels whereas the CMC-141 has 50% more inputs / outputs and virtual channels. You are able to decide how you would like to use the virtual channels. They can be used for direct measurement readings, mathematical functions, tim- ers, profile creation, set points or virtual objects. SCADALite functionality has just been added to the MultiCon. SCADALite is an innovative feature that allows you to manage your process directly from the MultiCon display. Essential information can be pre- sented in a graphical form enriched with animations, dynamic graphs and the most significant numerical pa- rameters, as well as sounds in case of an alarm. SCA- DALite allows you to create as many as 15 individual screens, allowing you to present a range of required information. The SCADALite implementation is simple, you up- load a graphical design or a simple photo of the ap- plication into the device, and then just distribute the measurements / indicators. All done in a few minutes and directly on the MultiCon screen. Enquiries: BrandonTopham.Tel. +27 (0) 11 453 2468 or email brandon.topham@retautomation.com

20 Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2017