Like in the case of electric power management, by automating several manufacturing processes and improving or implementing plant control and monitoring systems, we can optimize the use of the many resources involved in production processes. Thus, the efficiency of manufacturing processes is improved on a continuous basis, aligned with new trends in technology and industry standards.
We automate ammonia plants and their alternative or screw compressors, including them in the cold storage plant’s comprehensive control system. Algorithms are implemented for self-configuration of all basic operation parameters at start-up, according to evaporation temperature, evaporation pressure or coldest site desired temperature. We also implement self-correction algorithms to optimize parameters under operating conditions or to correct them upon unexpected changes in operating conditions. Our vast experience in protections allows easy and safe operation of large facilities—regardless of their centralized or distributed architecture. We protect processes by implementing the following variables: out of range values of refrigerant fluid pressure, low oil pressure or low oil level in separator, filter clogging, high or low discharge temperature, high oil temperature, among others. These alarms also feed the monitoring system based on high-performance SCADA software. We build control systems as open-source systems using widely used control systems brands and communication protocols and open-source monitoring software. We focus on sophisticated detailed design of user applications in operation interfaces on the basis of expert operators’ experiences, using intuitive user-friendly tools for operation. For comprehensive plant automation, we also include widely used dedicated controllers in compact Freon refrigeration equipment, providing seamless integrated solutions.
We implement temperature control systems for wine storage tanks based on the use of PLC with distributed architecture. This minimizes and facilitates distribution of control conductor lines and measurement in large areas. We provide cost-effective tank level controls and highly accurate temperature control systems with PT100. Centralized visualization systems facilitate operation and process monitoring by plant staff as specified by winemakers. Availability of automatically acquired data facilitates report preparation and implementation of traceability systems.
We provide telemetry solutions to measure levels of oil and fuel tanks using microwave technology or highly-accurate complex floatation electromechanical systems. Our solutions include data communication to the control system, based on PLC or DCS, and from there to general plant supervision.
Scope of services: implementation of processes and supply of tools to measure temperature, pressure, level, and flow; control and coordination of battery pumps and well pumps through a remote control system.
We have supplied more than 4000 HP in speed variators to activate well pumps and batteries. By combining our experience with adequate integration, pumping regimes can be optimized improving the efficiency of the plant as a whole. Low- and medium-voltage (<30 HP - > 400HP) individual pumping units (AIB), PCP pumps and electric submersible pumps can all be adapted to more efficient technologies such as solid state motors, which offer better conditions for intelligent operation through remote supervision systems, so commonly found in the oil industry.
Coordination of stock in continuous production processes through adequate measuring technology and careful integration. Processes continuity and final product quality can be ensured by measuring aggregates—even under difficult conditions—with ultrasonic level sensors, guided-wave radars or electromechanical systems, an adequate handling of production formulas with accurate doses of all compounds, and automatic regulation.
El uso de líneas de transporte con velocidad variable y coordinada, tecnología de detección precisa y robusta, más un algoritmo de control flexible, permite que se armonice el régimen de funcionamiento de la cadena de producción, facilitando la detección de cuellos de botella, se disminuya el descarte de productos por daños en el transporte y en definitiva se puedan concretar programas de trabajo según lo requiere la demanda. Con el manejo de la producción bajo condiciones conocidas y gobernables, se hace posible la programación del manejo de stocks de insumos y materias primas, logrando una administración de todos los recursos en forma más previsible.
Variable-speed and coordinated speed control in conveyor lines, accurate and reliable detection technology and a flexible control algorithm can all be used to streamline the production chain, facilitating bottleneck detection, reducing transport-related damages, and meeting work schedules as required. Better control of supplies and raw materials stocks, and a more predictable administration of resources can be achieved by working under known and controlled conditions.
Today, more affordable prices make it possible to access state-of-the-art image processing technology. Modern artificial vision systems can be used to automate new tasks and visualize hard-to-access areas (whether due to process speed or environmental conditions). Currently, it is possible to classify products according to certain variables, measure the results of washing or cleaning processes and product quality. Among others, we can provide solutions for: identification of partially-empty boxes; classification of bottles per height, color, or format; inspection of washed bottles to check for stains, cracks, foreign objects, or strange liquids, inconsistent fill levels, missing or tilted caps, missing or faulty labels; and high-speed product rejection.
As software developers, we can provide endorsed open-source SCADA solutions for controlling and monitoring. With regard to SCADA software for industrial plants, we work with the most widely used brands on the market according to client needs and requirements.
In the case of electric power, we work with Survalent (from Canada) offering a product initially conceived to run and control electric power systems, with specific modules for electricity generation and electricity transmission or distribution. In this case, integrity is ensured by the availability of a large object library, and special protocols such as DNP3.0, IEC870, IEC61850—provided by brand owners. However, we also include other less specific but commonly used protocols, such as Modbus, TCP, OPC standard or proprietary protocols for different industrial hardware (especially PLCs and DCSs manufacturers). There are economic dispatch modules of generation sources, operation of distribution networks, power factor correction and voltage regulation, measurement systems infrastructure, fault recording management, mobile operator consoles, load estimation, training operator consoles, substation control and monitoring, etc.
We can integrate software solutions with rugged hardware without mobile components, using special computers for high-availability SCADA servers, designed to work under harsh conditions (extreme temperatures ranging between 104 °F - 185 °F), and protected against high electromagnetic interference, no mobile parts, etc.
