Bagging Controller

DSL's Bagging Controller is easy to use and runs on standard off-the-shelf hardware.

• Flexible and versatile
• Easy to use
• Runs on a standard Allen Bradley PLC
• User configurable

Simple to operate, simple to understand

DSL's Bagging Controller is simple to operate with a straightforward layout and simple texts. It's intuitive for the operator and uses words such as RUN, HOLD and CLEAN. Alarms are displayed in clear English such as "Over tolerance", "Invalid bag size" etc. The unit continually displays the current status such as fast feed, slow feed, stabilising, discharging etc. and the number of bags and tonnes bagged so far this run.

The system is supplied with an operators manual but all normal operations are intuitive.

Standard Hardware

The system runs on a standard Allen Bradley Micrologix Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with Allen Bradley Panel View Plus 600 operator terminal. The Panel View terminal is a colour unit but a monochrome version is available for a lower cost.

Allen Bradley equipment is widely available in most countries in the world. Using Allen Bradley equipment means that spares are readily available and it will be supportable for the foreseeable future. There is also an upgrade path if required, together with plenty of available expertise.

Accurate and Fast

Modern weighing algorithms make DSL's bagging controller both accurate and fast. The system can operate in a number of modes including minimum weight, average bag weight, sample weight checking and so on. All settings are user-selectable (password protected).

Built-in Integration to other Control Systems

The Allen Bradley Micrologix PLC has serial and Ethernet communications built in as standard. Fixed register allocations are pre-set to enable other computer systems to read and write data at will.

The following information can be sent to the bagging controller:

• Required bag size (kg)
• Initial in-flight compensation (kg)
• Fast/slow changeover set point (dribble weight)
• Command to reset last run's totals

The following information may be read from the bagging controller:

• Total weight bagged (kg) (this run)
• Number of full bags (this run)
• Weight of last partial bag (kg)
• Current in-flight compensation
• Current fast/slow changeover set point (dribble weight)
• Average (mean) bag weight (this run)
• Standard deviation (this run)
• All current alarms

Comprehensive integration prevents mistakes, ensures accurate bags at the start of a run and gives you all the actual production values.

The system also allows a host computer system to read the actual electrical inputs so that signals such as bin low levels, gate closed etc. do not have to be duplicated, saving on wiring costs.

Flexible

The system has all the advanced weighing algorithms built in but other settings, including upstream equipment, downstream equipment, shakers, catch gates etc., can easily be configured for each installation. If you have your own PLC programming expertise, you can even perform changes in the PLC yourself. This flexibility allows any changes you may wish to make in the future.

Remote Support, 24-hours per day

When connected to a suitable PC with the RS Logix programming package and PC Anywhere, DSL are able to provide remote support via the internet or a modem, 24-hours per day. This includes investigation into any problems and any bespoke modifications that you may require. A number of DSL Engineers have modem equipment at home to provide this service out of hours.

32 Groups

The system can store settings for up to 32 groups. This allows the operator to select a group, for example, "20 kg bags of premix" and the system automatically retrieves all the stored settings such as in-flight values, fast/slow changeover, tolerances and so on.

OIML approval for trade use

The system is not currently approved for trade use. If you need an OIML approved system please contact us and we will give you a timescale for approval.