Temperature controllers self-tune and soft-start

ERO UK has launched two panel mounting temperature controllers which offer "smart" tuning and may be configured via front panel keys or alternatively by using a PC connected via an interface kit

ERO UK has launched two new low cost temperature controllers for a wide variety of applications in process, industrial, and commercial control environments.

The panel mounting units, Model LDE (a single line 4-digit display version) and LME (a dual line 3-digit display version) share the same functionality and the same compact case size.

Both offer "smart" tuning and may be configured via front panel keys or alternatively by using a PC connected via a configuration port interface kit (CPI).

The instruments, which incorporate a high stability switching power supply, will accept inputs from a wide range of standard thermocouple types, or RTDs, with programmable ranges.

This will make them particularly effective for applications such as ovens, chillers, spray booths and plastic injection moulding and extrusion systems.

Sampling update time is 500ms, while temperature drift is less than 400 ppm for input sensors.

Primary output may be either SSR or relay, with an optional second output (relay) for cooling applications.

Configuration and set up are made simple by a built-in configuration port, designed to connect with the optional CPI, which links the controller to the RS232 port of a standard PC running EROCnfg, a proprietory configuration software package.

Alternatively, configuration may be more conventionally achieved via the front panel keys.

In addition, the built in "Tune" function, incorporating an adaptive (Smart) algorithm, enables self-tuning of control parameters.

Another useful function is known as 'Soft Start', which allows the controlled process to be gradually pre-heated at the beginning of a start-up control cycle.

This routine is designed to increase heater life and avoid subjecting the process to damaging thermal shock.

An associated alarm masking function ensures that no false indication will occur during this soft start process, or after a set point change.

Depending on configuration, the control outputs have a proportional band from 1.0% to 100.0% of the input span (for heating actions) or 1.5% to 100% (for combined heating and cooling actions).

Setting it to zero causes the control action to become ON/OFF.

Integral Time may be set from 1 second to 20 minutes, and Derivative Time from 1 second to 10 minutes (or excluded).

When a single control output is used, integral preload can be from 0 to 100% of the output range, while for two control outputs this can be from -100% to +100% of the heating/cooling output range.

Accuracy is generally ñ0.3% fsv at 25øC.

The two controller versions both share the same rugged mechanical and electrical construction, which is designed to cope with a wide range of demanding environments.

The casings are moulded from tough, self-extinguishing ABS, and front panels are water resistant to IP65 and NEMA standards.

Instruments are CE marked and therefore conform to all relevant EC directives for electromagnetic safety and compatibility.

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