Control unit provides dual redundancy

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 31, 2008

The T2550 PAC's redundant logging feature records data to the internal Flash memory of the processor.

The T2550 PAC from Eurotherm is a high-performance, affordable control unit that maximises ROI by offering automatic dual redundancy options to guarantee process efficiencies and protect against controller or communications failures.

The unit now also provides secure data recording with dual redundancy at point of measurement.

The redundant logging feature records data to the internal Flash memory of the T2550 processor.

The data can then be pushed, as tamper-resistant historical data files, to a remote file server using FTP (file transfer protocol).

Up to three servers are supported for additional security of data.

Alternatively data can be pulled from the product using Eurotherm Review software.

Eurotherm Review is then used to quickly and easily create a graphical representation of the process data.

Data can be recorded at one-second intervals and pushed to a server as and when required, depending on the archiving strategy adopted.

The T2550 also supports online configuration changes to a running database, allowing additional parameters to be added to the data management strategy as and when required.

"Online reconfiguration provides a useful foundation for enhancement of the deployed control system and enables modification of the systems application database when it is running", explains Product Manager, Darren Mardell.

"It enables active strategy components to be modified, wrapped with additional functionality or replaced with a different implementation".

At the heart of the system is the LINtools configuration and engineering station incorporating graphical configuration of block structured continuous control, sequence control SFCs, ladder and graphics.

View and online reconfiguration modes allow dynamic monitoring and editing of running databases and flow charts.

The instrument can automatically create its own database, including all necessary module and I/O function blocks, based on I/O detected in the base unit.

When the detection is complete, an operational database is created and runs automatically.

A set point programmer is also being integrated into the T2550 so that customers can vary set points in a pre-determined way for a specific period.

Temperature is a very common application where it is required to 'ramp' and 'dwell' the process value from one level to another over a set period of time.

The T2550 can be operated using analogue, logic and sequence control and used as a stand-alone solution or a powerful addition to a larger system.

It communicates over 10/100baseT Ethernet (ELIN) and is suitable for interlocking, signal conditioning, alarm monitoring, remote data acquisition or devolved control.

Key application areas for the T2550 include batch reactors, fermenters, building management systems, glass furnaces, specialist heat treat furnaces, freeze dryers, boilers, ovens, power stations.