Aug 29
Compact Profinet I/O Modules Measure Short Distances
Posted August 29, 2016
by Carl Henning
Printing industry supplier Beil GmbH uses TBEN-S compact Profinet I/O modules directly on 40 millimeter aluminum profiles in a punch bender for print shops. Data is now implemented using Industrial Ethernet, which has proved to be considerably easier and more economical to set up than conventional fieldbuses.
Jun 9
A Sweet, Simple Solution for Greater Manufacturing Efficiency
Posted June 9, 2016
by Carl Henning
By leveraging a single process controller and the latest SCADA solution from Siemens, a confections manufacturer realized new levels of process efficiency and plant-wide data transparency to support strong, ongoing growth.
Specifically, the S7-319 provides all necessary communications interfaces right on board the CPU. This was important for the manufacturer’s desired application. Of the three on-board communications interfaces, two handle serial-based protocols for PROFIBUS networks and distributed I/O applications and drives. Further, the controller also has an on-board Ethernet interface that handles PROFINET protocol for distributed I/O.
Apr 22
PROFIBUS Network audit on one of the longest networks in the Netherlands
Posted April 22, 2016
by Carl Henning
A tunnel is actually a large cabinet you build around an installation. That is certainly true of the extension of the A4 motorway between Delft and Schiedam; the route has been there for years and the tunnel was built over it.
Last December I worked as a support employee in the PROCENTEC test team carrying out the network audit on this very special network. The stretch of motorway is actually 7 km long: 1 km at ground level, 2.6 km half-sunken, 1.4 km sunken and a land tunnel extending for 2 km. This resulted in an incredibly long PROFIBUS network where we had no less than 190 segments to check.
Mar 7
Steel Coils, Cranes, Wireless, and PROFINET
Posted March 7, 2016
by Carl Henning
Automakers are buying huge volumes of high-strength steel as they attempt to build solid, lightweight cars. Annealing and galvanizing plants throughout the Midwest process these thin steel sheets, creating steel coils that weigh up to 40 tons. Hoisting and moving these huge coils through the plant is no simple task, it requires large bridge cranes…
Dec 16
Quarry Carves Out Twice the Production
Posted December 16, 2015
by Carl Henning
Faced with completing one of the largest projects in its history, Canyon Rock, a Northern California quarry, used a system integrator and universal programming software to meet deadlines, save programming time through reusability of code, simplify training, and enable diagnostics to determine failures anywhere on any device. The company knew success depended on making major changes to its operations—and making them quickly—using automation and software that could replicate success in subsequent phases of the project. It would have to double production to meet the specifications of the bid it had just won.
The success of the phased approach turned largely on the implementation of Profinet, the newly applied communications architecture. "Before this project, the plant had no network," Schulz pointed out. "Once we rolled out a backbone for the entire plant, and put all components on a common network, the PLCs could talk to the HMIs which could talk to the VFDs and the motor monitoring devices."
Oct 1
Automation Drives Asphalt Innovations
Posted October 1, 2015
by Carl Henning
Astec, widely recognized as the largest U.S. producer of asphalt manufacturing plants, is increasingly turning to automation technologies to optimize plant energy use, reduce waste, and speed its assembly process.
“Our control systems use Profibus or Profinet for networking because of its ease of troubleshooting and fast connections,” said Mark Chambers, who added that Astec is increasingly moving toward standard use of Profinet because of its greater bandwidth capabilities and speed.
Jun 24
Railroad Axle Manufacturing Retrofit Using PROFINET
Posted June 24, 2015
by Carl Henning
Remanufacturing and updating a three-stage lathe was more beneficial than purchasing a new modern machine. Everything was already in place; it just needed updated drives and hydraulic systems.
May 28
First electrical car ferry in the world in operation in Norway now using PROFIBUS
Posted May 28, 2015
by Carl Henning
The world’s first electrical car and passenger ferry powered by batteries has entered service in Norway. The ferry only uses 150 kWh per route, which corresponds to three days use of electricity in a standard Norwegian household. Built in conjunction with shipbuilder Fjellstrand, Siemens installed the complete electric propulsion system and put up charging stations with lithium-ion batteries which are charged from hydro power. With the change to battery, ship owner Norled is reducing the cost of fuel by up to 60 percent. The Norled ferry represents a milestone on the road to operating completely emission-free ferries along Norway’s long coastline, with at least 50 other routes currently able to sustain battery-operated vessels.
The integrated automation systems control and monitor the machineries and auxiliaries on the ferry and are connected via Profibus to all other subsystems.
May 12
The IIoT Meets Automated Grain Operations
Posted May 12, 2015
by Michael Bowne
When you think about how to keep grain operations running smoothly with zero downtime and no undetected safety hazards or unnecessary operating costs, the Internet of Things is probably not the first answer that comes to mind. But that’s the approach TempuTech used in developing a cloud-based system for Riceland Foods’ grain facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The system is designed to provide continuous monitoring and actionable information to help operators proactively prevent problems by managing both grain and equipment conditions.
Read this Application Story to find out what they achieved.
Apr 29
Cement Handling Systems at Chinese Shipyard Use PROFIBUS
Posted April 29, 2015
by Carl Henning
"The advantages begin in the shipyard and extend throughout the vessel's lifetime," says Mr. Wong. "This is because the distributed control and Profibus system are quick and easy to install, while maintenance costs are low. MacGregor's global service network ensures excellent customer support wherever these new vessels are deployed."