4 TANKS MODEL

Description

The 4-tanks industrial model implements the control problem proposed by Karl Henrik Johansson (The Quadruple-Tank Process. A multivariable laboratory process with an adjustable zero. IEEE Transaction on Control Systems Technology. 2000). LThe main feature of this scale model is its implementation by industrial elements.

The Automatic Remote Laboratory of (ULE) provides a remote access via internet to this model. The tanks, pipes, tools, drive and control cabinets are mounted on a stainless steel frame (2mx2m). In this design has been claimed that the operation is quick for both SISO systems to MIMO systems. The drives of the three way valves are pneumatic, while the drives of the pumps have variable frequency. It has 4 solenoid valves, one for each tank, that can disturb the operation. The control cabinet is designed to connect systems based on PLC’s and systems based on DCS’s and it incorporates a number of interlocks and safeguards that ensure the integrity and functionality of the industrial model when they are managed both, locally and remotely. The design of the models has been made based on the following objectives:
  • Portability: Models can be installed in any location, since they have a frame equipped with wheels. All the elements are electric and only require a process fluid outlet, a drain, an Ethernet network outlet and power supply. The fluid in this case is water.
  • Flexibility in the control: The design contemplates the possibility of being controlled by PLC, DCS, PC.
  • Remote access via internet: For this, they have been provided with wired interlocks that allow safe remote operation.
  • Broad spectrum of operation: Models can be configured to establish basic control experiences or advanced multivariable control due to the interactions that can be established between the different regulation variables.

The SUPPRESS Research Group (Supervision, Control and Automation) of the University of León designed, developed and implemented this system. There are also replicas available at the Universities of: UNED (Madrid), Almeria and Oviedo.

Fact Sheet

TAG VARIABLE TYPE SIGNAL I/O
LT01 Level D01 Analog 4-20 mA Input
LT02 Level D02 Analog 4-20 mA Input
LT03 Level D03 Analog 4-20 mA Input
LT04 Level D04 Analog 4-20 mA Input
LV05 Level Valve D01-D04 Analog 4-20 mA Output
LV06 Level Valve D02-D03 Analog 4-20 mA Output
SZ01 Pump Converter P01 Analog 0-10 Vdc Output
SZ02 Pump Converter P02 Analog 0-10 Vdc Output
ES01 Confirmation Pump ON P01 Digital 24 Vdc Input
ES02 Confirmation Pump ON P02 Digital 24 Vdc Input
ES03 Pump failure P01 Digital 24 Vdc Input
ES04 Pump failure P02 Digital 24 Vdc Input
ES05 Voltage presence 24 Vdc Digital 24 Vdc Input
ES06 Voltage Presence 220 Vac Digital 24 Vdc Input
FY01 On/Off Pump P01 Digital 24 Vdc Output
FY02 On/Off Pump P02 Digital 24 Vdc Output
LY01 Solenoid Valve D01 Digital 24 Vdc Output
LY02 Solenoid Valve D02 Digital 24 Vdc Output
LY03 Solenoid Valve D03 Digital 24 Vdc Output
LY04 Solenoid Valve D04 Digital 24 Vdc Output

Pictures Gallery

RECIRCULATION PUMP

UPE 25-40 Grundfos pump equipped with a frequency inverter (Grundfos 40/60) to control it through an analog signal. This pump can operate in two modes: proportional pressure, or constant pressure. It can also be controlled by a signal bus.


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