Production conveyor control system
Problem
Four bottling production line conveyor control systems were over 30 years old and reliant on obsolete control hardware, which hindered operational productivity. A fully overhauled solution for all four control systems was needed in a short 4-month development timeline.
Solution
Novum designed, developed, installed, and commissioned a fully-functioning conveyor control system utilizing the latest scalable, future-proofed PLC control and panel build hardware with thorough documentation for operator usability.
Condensed system footprint of each system into a 2-panel floor-standing control enclosure with built-in remote HMI (previous systems required 3-4 panel floor standing enclosures)
Utilized Phoenix Contact I/O blocks for efficient setup and implementation of digital photoeyes, which supported detection of bottle presence and jams
Integrated Phoenix Contact heavy-duty connectors for efficient cable management and streamlined on-site installation, allowing for quick motor connections and I/O block connections
Selected and implemented variable frequency drives (VFD) to minimize the severity of accel./decel. on conveyor sections, ultimately maximizing AC motor lifespan
Leveraged Allen-Bradley Powerflex 525 AC drives with Safe Torque Off for improved long-term control, reliability, and safer operation
