How To Program Pumps

I am new to PLC programming. I am using a ControlLogix processor with the RSLogix 5000 software. I have a station that has a water tank 0-100% full. There are six discharge pumps. I need to program the discharge pumps to come on at certain tank levels. The pumps need to rotate in the start sequence i.e.

First Start 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Next Start 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1

Next 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2

etc

But also only a certain number of pumps need to run based on the tank level so lets say...

Tank Level = 20% Run only 1 pump
Tank Level = 40% Run only 2 pumps
Tank Level = 50% Run only 3 pumps
Tank Level = 60% Run only 4 pumps
Tank Level = 80% Run only 5 pumps
Tank Level = 90% Run only 6 pumps

So there is a rotation between the pumps that are needed to run. Also, each pump has to be checked to see if it is in Auto mode and if it is not then it should be skipped and not be part of the sequence.

I hope this makes sense. I have to idea how to accomplish this but I am sure it has been done before lol. I appreciate any help that can be provided.

I think most of the members on here like to see what you've got programmed first and then make comments/corrections on it as you go.

Post it up...

I am sure it has been done before

Click to expand...

Ya think?
I am not a big fan of equal run time it usaly ends up with everything breaking down at once. just somthing to think about. maybe cycle half at the first 3 set points as a group and the others could cycle with the lessor used setpoints. giving you time between failures to maintain or replace pumps motors and seals.

Cow said:

I think most of the members on here like to see what you've got programmed first and then make comments/corrections on it as you go.

Post it up...

Click to expand...

I haven't got anything programmed on this station yet. I am not sure where to begin with it or how to accomplish this.

bce123 said:

Ya think?
I am not a big fan of equal run time it usaly ends up with everything breaking down at once. just somthing to think about. maybe cycle half at the first 3 set points as a group and the others could cycle with the lessor used setpoints. giving you time between failures to maintain or replace pumps motors and seals.

Click to expand...

Yea I don't think equal run time is the greatest either but it is not my choice, it is a requirement.

some of the ideas used in the post below might be useful as a starting point ...

http://www.plctalk.net/qanda/showthread.php?p=65066&postcount=39

if you don't have the RSLogix500 software required to open the file, there is a PDF version in post #61 of that same thread ...

good luck with your project ...