Journal of Physics: Conference Series | 2021
Development of PLC Program for Multi-Process Parameter and Multi Profile-based Control Logic for Heat Treatment Industrial Applications
Abstract
The industrial heat treatment application is very critical generally. The implementation of process parameters like Temperature, Pressure, and vacuum should be controlled precisely along with pre-defined time slot, otherwise, it may impact the product quality in some applications. The process of vulcanization related to rubber, glass and aerospace products is done by hot air or steam autoclaves. The Temperature and Pressure are to be controlled with ramped setpoints and in some of the applications Vacuum is also considered. By using Industrial Autoclaves, there are two types of processes that can be carried out, namely the Vulcanization and Pre-Heating. Most of the Autoclaves were used for sterilization of medical equipment in the medical field also. The process parameters are controlled based on the Process time and pre-defined profile paths which are defined by the type of application used. Whatever the applications are available, the use of a control logic program remains same in all applications. The main agenda of control logic was to achieve the process set points and minimizing the amount of error and executing the Profile steps and logging the process data were purely depending upon the Control logic program and efficiency of logic. The development of the PLC program for Controlling the Autoclaves or Ovens, should capable to handle the Data acquisition, control and monitoring of Process parameters with the smooth functioning of associated sub-systems.