Full automation of online particle size analysis
Full automation of online particle size analysis
Keywords: Malvern Instruments, Particles, Analysis, Software
Malvern Instruments reports that it has launched RTSizerX for use with its Insitec online particle size analyzer. RTSizerX is described as a software module that can control the Insitec software (RTSizer) over a Microsoft LAN via the Insitec use's SCADA package.
According to Malvern, RTSizerX can control the Insitec measurement (i.e. Start/Stop) and retrieve any size parameter that the instrument is capable of calculating. For example, it can export entire discrete or cumulative size distributions, or raw data. RTSizerX contains a buffer to catch data that can then be processed by the SCADA package to allow trending, archiving/logging,quality monitoring and process control.
RTSizerX is said to be capable of sending events to the SCADA to notify it when data are available and when the server has been disconnected. A rich array of other status/error messages can also be retrieved to provide the process operator with a full understanding of the instrument measurement status.
In a typical installation the SCADA is used with a plant PLC (programmable logic controller). The SCADA and PLC control the necessary valves for automation of the Insitec measurement, and tell RTSizerX when to make a measurement. The Insitec is controlled via the SCADA screens, and the results are viewed on the SCADA trend graphs.
The active-X control claims the advantage of being easy to install in most modern SCADA packages including Wonderware, Cimplicity, Intellution, as well as Visual Basic, or even spreadsheet packages such as Excel.
Malvern Instruments informs us that it can also supply a simple PC card that exports up to six process variables (e.g. Dv10, Dv50, Dv90)by 4-20mA current loops, which can be measured directly by the plant PLC.
Details available from Malvern Instruments Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456;Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789; e-mail: diptil@malvern.co.uk;Web site: www.malvern.co.uk
