Rockwell Automation has introduced what it claims is the industry’s first repeatable, standard fluid routing system delivered on a process controller platform. The system provides consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers with a flexible, configurable system that offers an efficient method of transferring fluids from one destination to the next, while helping to reduce system life cycle costs and minimise waste.
Many CPG manufacturers employ custom programming to develop routing paths and sequences, requiring complex logic that is time-consuming, error-prone and difficult to maintain since systems are frequently uniquely configured. Moreover, when any changes are made to the plant or process, new code has to be written to accommodate the changes in functionality.
Rockwell Automation Fluid Routing, which is delivered on the Logix Control Platform and the FactoryTalk integrated production and performance software suite, addresses this problem by applying standard control technology and 'reusable' engineering that can be easily deployed in virtually any production environment.
The system can accommodate static routing with pre-defined paths; static routing with business rules; and dynamic routing, where the system will select the best path based on the availability of devices, process piping and defined cost or performance criteria.
The system is ideal for process plants that have:
Multiple paths and simultaneous material movement
Frequent process changes, conversions or piping modifications
Routing path selection based on product sequencing, material compatibility, or time since path last used
Extensive cleaning requirements