Challenge
Integrating additional cooling towers in milk production can support a plant’s processing capacity and quality control. These results were desired by a leading American dairy producer who faced challenges with their milk production process. The dairy producer wanted to integrate two additional cooling towers with their existing system to improve production efficiency and support the increased demand for their milk products. The company engaged Automation Group for this project as the system integrator developed their existing system and had the integration expertise to successfully deploy this project on-time and within budget.
Solution
The project required comprehensive control engineering support. This included system design and development, input/output validation, system functionality testing, and custom control panel design and fabrication based on the customer’s requirements. PLC, HMI, and SCADA programing were also needed to control and monitor the new equipment as well as balance the water flow between the customer’s cooling towers. Automation Group engaged the engineering team to create the best controls strategy for the customer.
First, the project team verified the project scope with the customer and collaborated on proactive solutions to potential installation and integration challenges. Next, the project team developed the control system design including Rockwell Automation CompactLogix PLCs and PanelView Plus HMI, and Inductive Automation Ignition SCADA programing. New IFM I/O Link modules, PowerFlex drives and Soft Starters were also integrated to monitor new instruments and control new motors for pumps and fans added to the system. The project team integrated these components with the customer’s custom UL 508A control panel build, keeping safety, functionality, and durability of the design top-of-mind.
Results
The panel construction was executed in eight weeks and site commissioning was completed in three days including a few days planned for fine tuning. The integration and installation of additional cooling towers helped increase the customer’s milk processing capacity, supporting greater production efficiency and quality control. By investing in modern technology and upgrading their infrastructure, the plant was able to meet the growing and quality demand for their milk products and support its competitive edge in the market.
