raiderrob11
Member
Hi All,
I have started a side project for the control on a table top scale, continuous chemical process for a startup (limited money). This system also needs to be scaleable as this can be considered a pilot build but if it takes off, more points will be added to this system. Right now looking at something like 50 to 70 I/O points with control loops. The process will involve both analog and discreet points but significant analog. For now, I just need the PLC and the HMI on a standalone computer. Would prefer to do the programming in Function Block Diagram.
My first thought as I have a back ground in chemical plants was Allen Bradley but that is just too expensive for this type of a project. Just the software licensing was like $10,000. I also know about Automation Direct but not sure how much confidence I have with them and that is only in ladder logic. With a little more research, I came up with ABB plc and Ignition as the SCADA. The reasons for this, is for now I it looks like I might be able to get by with the ABB Basic Automation software, which is free. And I think I can upgrade to a paid version later if I need to but not sure how much that will cost yet.
https://new.abb.com/plc/automationbuilder/platform/software
For the SCADA, I think I can get by with the Ignition Vision Module Limited software for $3500. Not sure about the OPC, drivers, and connectivity with the ABB plc if that will be a problem or more money yet. But it looks like other things I can add as I need them. I have not chosen the exact plc model yet.
https://inductiveautomation.com/pricing/ignition
So I do not have any experience with ABB or Ignition or really a project like this. I would be interested in your feedback.
Thanks much!
I have started a side project for the control on a table top scale, continuous chemical process for a startup (limited money). This system also needs to be scaleable as this can be considered a pilot build but if it takes off, more points will be added to this system. Right now looking at something like 50 to 70 I/O points with control loops. The process will involve both analog and discreet points but significant analog. For now, I just need the PLC and the HMI on a standalone computer. Would prefer to do the programming in Function Block Diagram.
My first thought as I have a back ground in chemical plants was Allen Bradley but that is just too expensive for this type of a project. Just the software licensing was like $10,000. I also know about Automation Direct but not sure how much confidence I have with them and that is only in ladder logic. With a little more research, I came up with ABB plc and Ignition as the SCADA. The reasons for this, is for now I it looks like I might be able to get by with the ABB Basic Automation software, which is free. And I think I can upgrade to a paid version later if I need to but not sure how much that will cost yet.
https://new.abb.com/plc/automationbuilder/platform/software
For the SCADA, I think I can get by with the Ignition Vision Module Limited software for $3500. Not sure about the OPC, drivers, and connectivity with the ABB plc if that will be a problem or more money yet. But it looks like other things I can add as I need them. I have not chosen the exact plc model yet.
https://inductiveautomation.com/pricing/ignition
So I do not have any experience with ABB or Ignition or really a project like this. I would be interested in your feedback.
Thanks much!
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