Powerscreen take control
Powerscreen have announced a series of improvements to the plant automation and control systems used in their crushing and screening equipment, simplifying the interaction between operator and machine.
In 2011 Powerscreen began implementing a wide-ranging upgrade to their plant control system to coincide with the redesign of their machines for compliance with Tier 4i/Stage IIIB emissions legislation. The upgrade transformed the user interface into a more streamlined and integrated solution.
In earlier iterations within the mobile cone crusher range, the system had a multiple controller set-up with different interfaces for the engine, cone setting, choke control and machine power. With the latest-generation system, all engine and machine functions are controlled and operated on a single, intuitive and graphically driven human–machine interface (HMI) colour display.
The menu interface and display are designed to provide the operator with a balanced amount of process detail for any given task – from tracking the machine to crusher setting to full plant operation. The operator can access more detailed information through a secondary menu within the set-up, diagnostics and alarm-settings menu, which can help the operator or service technician identify and resolve faults.
Within the screening range, the new colour HMI display provides improved diagnostic capabilities, such as fault log history, electronic engine information and fault code support, while retaining the industry-standard fault icons for shutdown and derate warnings. A small PLC unit inside the display panel houses the main operational software.
The aligned roll-out of these systems with Tier 4i/Stage IIIB-compliant Powerscreen machines means that the 1000 Maxtrak, 1000SR and 1300 Maxtrak cone crushers, as well as some Warrior and H-Range screens, that are already in operation include the new plant control with HMI display. The same models with Tier 3/Stage IIIA engines are to be upgraded soon.
In the US, Ian Williamson, who represents local distributors Powerscreen Mid-Atlantic, is certain of the benefits of the system improvements. ‘The control system advancements have made life much easier for our customers and service department. Our team is able promptly to help customers by resolving any breakdowns in the quickest of times. This system on the newest models is operator-friendly and the screen is incredible; even in direct sunlight the graphics are really clear,’ he said.
Next year will see the release of more new Powerscreen models. These machines will be launched with the ‘next generation’ of plant automation as standard. This new system has already been developed and the results of initial testing are said to be promising. More information will be available in 2013.
