PLC takes control of fuel filling duties

Advanced control and automation hardware has enabled a fuel distributor to reduce environmental impact as well as benefiting from cost reductions and increased levels of control.

With the use of advanced control and automation hardware from Moeller, a fuel distributor has been able to reduce any potential environmental impact as well as benefiting from cost reductions and increased levels of control.

The fuel distributor, in identifying two potential problems within its storage facility, contacted Angel Controls, a local Moeller Automation Support Partner, in order to address them.

The first problem was that the tanks could be overfilled, causing excess fuel to spill onto the ground.

Not only could this be damaging to the environment, but it would also be a costly and time-consuming task to clean up.

The second potential issue was the risk of cross-contamination - an expensive problem if red diesel is added to the "normal" diesel tank, as tax duty had been paid at "normal" diesel levels.

To address these issues, Angel Controls realised some clever equipment was required.

Its solution comprised a Moeller XC200 PLC with a built-in Ethernet and web-browser from the XSystem range, an XV display and various I/O.

"Thanks to the product synergy Moeller's hardware offers, all of the components fit together seamlessly".

"This kind of system is ideally suited for an application like this", explains Mark Easter at Angel Controls.

Moeller's XC200 series modular PLC, the heart of the system, offers high processing capacity and impressive communication features.

It can be used as the programming interface and for efficient data transfer between PLCs or other devices with Ethernet interfaces.

The OPC server also simplifies the connection with standardised OPC client applications.

With the newly installed automated system, cross-contamination and over fills are no longer a problem, as the filling and dispensing processes are absolutely foolproof.

When the delivery personnel connect hoses to the tanks, the XV display simply asks the user to confirm whether it is the right tank or not, if it is not, the PLC will prevent the fill valve from opening.

The XC200 PLC also monitors the levels in the tanks and informs the operator when they are full.

In addition, thanks to the built-in Ethernet and web capabilities, all monitoring can be done in the comfort of the office or wherever the operator chooses.

The fuel distributor is extremely pleased with the extra control it now has over the fuel tanks fitted with the equipment.

So happy in fact, that the remaining tanks will be kitted out by Angel Controls with Moeller equipment very shortly.

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