Red Lion's new Modular Controller speeds up PID control system integration
Red Lion Controls has
launched a Modular Controller Series which enables multiple PID loops to be integrated into a
system in a fraction of the time required
by conventional systems. PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control, in simple terms, takes a
set point (a desired value), and compares it to an actual measured value.
It then calculates how long and how much power to apply to an output in
order to reach the set point, without overshooting. PID control is
used in many industrial processes that require precise control of an output to
a given set point, such as temperature, flow, and motion control.
Examples of such processes include temperature control for
injection moulding and packaging equipment, and flow control for water treatment
plants.
Flexible, versatile
and cost-effective, Red Lion's modular controller provides solid, reliable
PID control whilst reducing engineering time. PID modules can be added
from the easy-to-use software, which also configures values, alarm settings,
and other parameters. The Modular Controller has built in drivers and
communication protocols (including Ethernet) to allow it to easily integrate
into any system, regardless of whether it is PC based, or PLC based. A
key benefit of the system is in the master module, which provides power
and high-speed communications for up to 16 PID loops (slave modules).
If any of the slave modules, or the master itself fails, the rest of the
system keeps working. Additionally, the master knows the configuration
of each module, allowing a failed module to be replaced with the process
powered up. Once the new replacement module is snapped into place, the
master will automatically program it, thus reducing downtime.