the_msp
Lifetime Supporting Member
In 2009 I successfully completed 2 projects. The 1st, was to replace two machines controls that were using SLC 150's (with expansion units) and 1745-TCAT's as the HMI. The TCAT's were the driving reason, we couldn't get spares and it was costly to have them repaired. The second was on a third machine, same function just a newer version, that had a SLC 5/02 and a DTAM as the HMI. Again, the HMI was the driving reason. I upgraded to a 5/03 and installed a Panelview 300 (2711-K3A2L1).
Now I am potentially looking at a similar project again, only this time with 15 machines not 3.
The PLCs are 5/02's with DTAMs. The client wants 15 new panels, and new field hardware (pneumatics located in the base of each machine). This is within a food plant, so wash down environment with caustic a plenty.
My first question, would anyone consider in this situation replacing the 15 currently stand alone PLCs with a single (or redundant pair) CLX? On one hand, if the PLC (if not redundant) went down, you lose 15 machines, not one. But on the other, the PLC is the most reliable part of the puzzle, right? If there were 15 programs in the CLX, one for each machine - would it be >= 15x processing power of a 5/02? The SLC program used 1717 Instructions (2902 data table) leaving 2919 Instruction words left in a 4K memory. 32 Digital In and 32 Out, no analogs.
Secondly, I see the PV micro 300 (and it's brothers) are now obsolete. What would you recommend as a current day replacement?
Thirdly, the machines were designed with hard wired (relay) interlocks. Not so much for operator safety reasons, but because if two cylinders extended at the same time, they would bend each other. If I were to go hi-tech and put in an E/IP headed pneumatic manifold bank - would you consider software interlocks sufficient?
I will of course be contacting my local AB rep with the above questions, but it's good to get some unbiased and experienced opinions.
Now I am potentially looking at a similar project again, only this time with 15 machines not 3.
The PLCs are 5/02's with DTAMs. The client wants 15 new panels, and new field hardware (pneumatics located in the base of each machine). This is within a food plant, so wash down environment with caustic a plenty.
My first question, would anyone consider in this situation replacing the 15 currently stand alone PLCs with a single (or redundant pair) CLX? On one hand, if the PLC (if not redundant) went down, you lose 15 machines, not one. But on the other, the PLC is the most reliable part of the puzzle, right? If there were 15 programs in the CLX, one for each machine - would it be >= 15x processing power of a 5/02? The SLC program used 1717 Instructions (2902 data table) leaving 2919 Instruction words left in a 4K memory. 32 Digital In and 32 Out, no analogs.
Secondly, I see the PV micro 300 (and it's brothers) are now obsolete. What would you recommend as a current day replacement?
Thirdly, the machines were designed with hard wired (relay) interlocks. Not so much for operator safety reasons, but because if two cylinders extended at the same time, they would bend each other. If I were to go hi-tech and put in an E/IP headed pneumatic manifold bank - would you consider software interlocks sufficient?
I will of course be contacting my local AB rep with the above questions, but it's good to get some unbiased and experienced opinions.