Ascon AC Station

AC20 FREELY PROGRAMMABLE micro DCS         
The extensive and expandable hardware, the 4 communications ports, and mostly the complete freedom in programming Control Strategies, make the AC20 an advanced and powerful controller, suitable for every process, even the most complex.

The required Control Strategy (CS) can be selected using the keys of the front panel, or it can be freely programmed with a PC and the software package running under a Microsoft Windows.THe software allows the programming of a CS in a simple and guided manner, picking up from a library the required function blocks and drawing softwirings similar to a CAD program.

EXPANDABLE HARDWARE:

• 8 analogue inputs,
• 4 analogue outputs,
• 8 opto-isolated digital inputs,
• 8 opto-isolated digital outputs.

 External Expansion Units connected to the basic AC20 add:
            - 4 analogue outputs
            - 24 digital inputs and 24 digital outputs

COMMUNICATIONS:

• The RS485 serial port with Modbus / J-bus protocol permits connection to PC for supervision, parametrization and remote-tech support.
• The RS232 serial port permits, through the PC, the downloading, uploading and saving of parameters.
• A second RS485 port for the connection of the expansion units.
• Port for Peer-to-Peer LAN intended to build up a true mini DCS.

AC30 CONTROLLER PROGRAMMER        
Still maintaining the main hardware and software characteristics of AC 20- I/O channels, control functions, full programmability and digital communications- AC30 better fits the particular needs of batch process control. Setpoint profile generation and, more generally, sequence handling allow to easily manage many applications, like heat treatments, chemical reactions, environmental controls, crystal growing and material testing.

PROGRAMS:

• Up to 4 programmers can be simultaneously activated: each module can produce an auxiliary setpoint value and up to 16 digital commands (on/off) for each segment/step.
• Each programmer/ sequencer provides the following commands: Start, Halt, Next Step, Fast (for a fast execution of the sequence) and Reset.
• 64 configurable and selectable programs/sequences.
• Up to 400 segments/ steps totally.
• Powerful activity scheduler based on real time clock. Generates up to 56 events in a week.

DIAGNOSTICS AND SAFETY:

The AC30 is able to measure significant deviations of the controlled variables from the configured setpoint profiles and to detect short or long term power fails. As a consequence of these checks, convenient logics can be automatically activated to assure the safety of the staff and to prevent equipment or product damage.

REACTOR CONTROL:

A single instrument can control the following phases:

• Ingredients loading, in accordance with preset quantities
• Parameter control of the reaction in accordance with preset values and times; several control strategies are available.
• Activation of commands such as start/stop of stirrer, circulation pumps,...
• Product discharge and storage
• Washing cycle

Several ingredients for multi-product reactors can be stored and activated manually or automatically.     

                                  
EXPANSION UNITS:                                            

A complete and homogeneous series of DIN rail mounting expansion units allows to make easier field signal wirings and to increase the number of I/O channels.

    - Can be mounted at a distance of up to 1200 meters allowing reduction of cabling costs.
    - Up to 3 expansion units can be connected in multidrop to each controller.