Product category:
Plantwide control
News Release from: Applied Weighing International | Subject: Control and instrumentation systems
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 12 August 2003
ID system lightens load for Castle
Cement
Applied Weighing has developed an innovative control and instrumentation system for the UK's second largest cement producer, Castle Cement.
Applied Weighing has developed an innovative control and instrumentation system for the UK's second largest cement producer, Castle Cement As part of a major development project at its marine terminal in West Thurrock, Essex, Castle Cement approached Applied Weighing to supply a bespoke control system for four existing weighbridges
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 10 Dec 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Weight indicator shows off its IQ
Applied Weighing has a pioneering new range of weight indicators it claims are set to change the future of the process control industry.
Load cells help in search for world-class rowers
Applied Weighing is set to make a huge impact on the future of the sport of rowing after developing a pioneering rowing machine that measures strength in three key areas of an athlete's body.
Castle Cement was keen to implement a system that would eliminate the need for a card system, a method that involved lorry drivers swiping a card to enter and access weight information.
This was causing a number of problems, including lost and damaged cards, incorrect data input and a lack of communication between the weighbridge and the control room.
Castle Cement's Project Manager, Steve Patch says: "Most of the weighing companies we approached could only offer us off-the-shelf packages.
We wanted a system we could tailor to our specific needs".
Engineers at Applied Weighing suggested abolishing the card system and implementing a fleet recognition system instead.
Each driver is able to tap in his or her own fleet number into a durable keypad.
With the aid of a visual display, the driver is guided through a series of visual prompts.
This ensures that the lorry is on the correct weighbridge.
The system also has the ability to ensure maximum safety for the operator.
Only when the correct information has been entered and confirmation received that all interlocks are healthy, will the system allow the cement sock to be lowered and the cement to commence flowing.
The control system is also linked to specially positioned "magic eyes", which cut off the cement flow if anyone enters the area.
Patch continues: "With large quantities of cement leaving the site every day we needed a system which could combine total accuracy with durability.
Applied Weighing were able to deliver a total solution which met our needs exactly".
Rod Morgan, Sales and Marketing Director says: "This project allowed us to use our expertise gained from a wide spectrum of weighing applications, to provide the exact solution for Castle Cements needs".
• Applied Weighing International: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
