Schneider Provides Interfaces For Nicholl Food

Schneider Electric has supplied its Magelis HMIs to Nicholl Food Packaging after the company recognised the need for open connectivity so that HMIs could be integrated with existing PLCs. Nicholl Food Packaging is a specialist manufacturer of aluminium foil containers and catering disposables for all sectors of the food industry. At its 10-acre Cannock site, production is handled by a large number of electronically controlled presses.

The old HMIs and existing PLCs were installed a number of years ago and because the new HMIs would need to provide the vital control and monitoring capability, they had to be completely compatible with these existing PLCs. It was the need to replace these unreliable HMIs that led engineering manager Joe Taylor to Schneider Electric. 'We were experiencing ongoing problems with failure of our existing HMIs, some apparently caused by machine vibration,' he said.

'We spent a long time trying to rectify the problem but were eventually left with no alternative but to look for replacements. 'A key consideration was the need to integrate the new product with the existing systems and the open connectivity of Schneider Electric's Magelis HMI range met this need,' he added. The Magelis HMIs also offered flexible programming that provided a seamless transition between the old HMIs and the new ones.

'Our previous HMIs had physical function buttons whereas the Schneider Electric products have touch screens,' said Taylor. 'However, we were able to configure the screen to exactly match the layout that our operatives were familiar with, which meant that we did not have the time or inconvenience of re-training to the new models,' he added. Production at Nicholl Food Packaging is organised on a three-shift basis with operations running continuously from 10pm on Sundays to 10pm on Fridays.

Using the Magelis HMI's web-gate feature, Taylor is able to log onto the production system from any computer remotely to monitor operations and check on any faults reported by the system. The Schneider Electric range of Magelis HMIs offers a choice of touch-screen options in panel sizes from 3.8in to 15in. The accompanying Vijeo Designer configuration software enables fast processing of operator dialogue projects developed around six configurable windows, as well as offering comprehensive application management tools.

The Magelis HMIs are said to be providing a reliable service at Nicholl Food Packaging and have reduced downtime. To date, 18 Magelis XBT GT4330 HMIs have been installed, including one that has been built into a machine made at the Cannock site for the company's site in France. Taylor plans to roll out the replacement programme to all 46 of the pressing lines in Cannock.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more