PLC control with LCD screen in the Cleaning System. is it worth it?
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PLC Control with LCD Screen in Cleaning System: Is It Worth It?
A PLC controller connected to an LCD screen is an additional functionality that enables monitoring of the pump's operation and real-time insight into all its parameters, including remote access thanks to GSM integration.
In this solution, the PLC controller is connected to a series of sensors (measuring flow, pressure, and temperature) as well as a touch LCD panel, displaying all the necessary information. Thanks to this solution, the user can control all alarm states, increasing the safety of the device's operation and control over water consumption.
In automatic mode, the PLC controller collects data from the following sensors attached to the system:
- Water meter with pulse transmitter – sends signals to the controller every 2.5 liters, allowing for the collection of water consumption data (daily and monthly).
- Flow sensor – sends a signal to the controller above a flow of approx. 1.7 [l/min].
- 1-bar pressure switch – informs whether the input pressure is greater than 1 bar. If the input pressure is lower, an alarm will be triggered.
- Pressure transducer 0-25 [bar] – indicates the current output pressure.
- Temperature sensor – indicates the current water temperature in the pumps and the delivery manifold, as well as the air temperature inside the control cabinet. If the value is too high, an alarm will be triggered.
- PTC sensor – monitors the temperature of the pump motor windings.
- Phase control sensor – protects the system against incorrect phase connections, which could lead to reverse rotation of the pump impellers.
Based on the signals from the water meter's pulse transmitter and the current consumption on the frequency converter, the PLC controller collects data on water and electricity consumption. The data is presented in tables divided into daily, monthly, and annual consumption.
The controller's memory allows for storage of data from the last 3 full years of device operation, counted from January to December. When a new year of operation begins, the data from the last (third) year is deleted, making room in the memory for the next year.
The graphs collect data on the following parameters:
- water pressure on the delivery side;
- water flow rate;
- energy consumption of the entire system;
- water temperature in the pump.
The PLC controller is equipped with a USB port, allowing for the recording of operating parameters on a portable drive. Data is recorded every day and is automatically saved in a new, separate file, divided into folders (year / month).
The device is equipped with an alarm system. In case of an emergency, the PLC controller stops the pumping unit and displays the appropriate alarm message on the LCD panel.
This solution is recommended for large pumping systems and complex cleaning systems serviced by external service companies, where monitoring the pump parameters can help verify the correctness of the cleaning and disinfection process in the facility.
PLC control is excellent for analyzing the cause of pump failure, which can often be fixed remotely, thanks to GSM integration. The LCD control panel also displays reminders for the need to vent the pump and alerts about irregularities requiring verification.
