Our client had an increased need for testing their compressor products with natural gas. They sought improved cycle time, better process control, tighter tolerance, better data, and room for future expansion of the controls for this test stand, the only one that could run on natural gas. Long cycle times and older control/DAQ systems with no room for expansion limited amount and type of tests that could be run.
Client wanted to run the loop at conditions near the gas/liquid phase boundary without crossing over into liquid phase. Significant decrease in time for loop to respond to step changes in test conditions (previously 4-8 hours for loop to stabilize).
ACS developed an NI VeriStand DAQ (Data Acquisition) system and remote I/O cabinets designed for Class 1/Division 2 environment and a high-speed data acquisition (up to 20 kHz) system. Safety features are integrated with an Allen Bradley Compact Guard Logix PLC.
Testing throughput has been significantly increased with new faster loop control. Tighter tolerances allow client to run tests closer to real-world conditions. New DAQ and PLC systems were designed with large amount of extra capacity to allow for future growth in testing capability.
ACS worked with our client to 1) minimize downtime for test stand during upgrades, 2) make modifications to existing gas loop to allow for tighter loop control, 3) add VFDs to loop cooler fans and modulating actuators to cooler louvers, and 4) understand needs for future expansion to allow for this in the design of control cabinets.
Systems Integrator, Controls Engineering and Design, Control Panel Build, Integration with Client’s Existing Equipment, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), Commissioning
View this case study on ACS’ NI Partner Page.