Description
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 fl ow 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 fl oat 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 fl ow sensor provides a pulsed output. Its frequency is proportional to the fl ow 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 fl ow rate. An overfl ow in each tank prevents accidental overfi lling. Note: You must use the PLC Process with PLC Trainer. A multi-way lead connects the unit to the trainer. This lead carries the power for the pump and valve solenoids, and completes the return path for the input and output sockets. Refer to separate datasheet for details of the PLC Trainer
Learning Outcomes
- Basic programming of a PLC
- Basic level control
- Tank fi lling sequence
- Simulated batch processing (sequencing)
- Ladder logic programming
- Editing and adding comments in a PLC program
- The open structure of the allows the user to create additional experiments to suit their needs.
Specifications
ATICO is committed to a programme of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specifcation without prior notice.
Nett dimensions and weight:
560 mm x 330 mm x 810 mm; 25 kg
Packed dimensions and weight:
0.92 m3, 74 kg (approx – packed for export)
Inputs:
• 4 off solenoid type valves
• Pump on
Outputs:
• Reservoir level
• Tank 1 maximum and minimum level
• Tank 2 maximum and minimum level
• Flow
Other controls:
Manual control of pump speed
Operating Conditions
Operating environment:
Laboratory
Storage temperature range:
–25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
Operating temperature range:
+5°C to +40°C
Operating relative humidity range:
80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
