Witt-Gasetechnik (Germany) will commence fitting standard digital controllers in its mixing, metering and analysis units for technical gases. The first controllers will be launched this spring.
The new "Gas Control 100" processors will replace the program control units previously produced. "The chips act as control centre, performing all calculations and controlling the interfaces", explains Project Manager Martin Bender. "Units equipped with these controllers offer more functions than previous product supplied by Witt".
For example, the measurement and process data can be stored over a longer period of time and displayed on the units. From now on it will also be possible to operate the units by remote control through the intranet or internet. The man/machine interface consists of a newly developed touchscreen to replace all conventional switches and displays. The screen offers VGA resolution of 320 x 240 pixels in an 11.5 x 8.5 cm format.
The electronic logic based on a high-powered "Coldfire" processor by Motorola can be programmed individually. This brings a whole range of new possibilities, as users can have the units preconfigured to their
own specifications by Witt. "We have paid special attention to integration in the production process", says Bender in view of the numerous interfaces available with the new hardware and software. CAN-Bus, RS232, USB, SD-Card and Ethernet permit every conceivable form of data communication with other systems.
The open concept of the units also allows for modular extensions with the addition of sensors (e.g. pressure transmitters) and actuators (e.g. valves).
The first device equipped with Gas Control 100 is the new MAPY Gas Analyser which has been available since March. The portable control unit for carbon dioxide, oxygen and helium replaces the "MFA" series.
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