Process control applications range from small laboratory automation systems to large-scale plants. The process control system offered by B&R provides distinctive scaling possibilities that make it possible to cover every area of an application. It also provides support to system integrators and operators throughout the system's entire lifecycle – from planning, library creation and configuration to commissioning and operation. Seamless integration and intuitive operation reduce setup times and ensure the highest level of machine and system productivity while providing flexibility for product changeovers.
01 Plant automation
Standardized system components developed with object-oriented programming make it possible to modularize entire systems. At the same time, the associated time and cost of commissioning is reduced. Centralized project management together with a standardized library makes maintaining systems around the world both easier and more efficient. System availability is maximized by secure, integrated remote access for maintenance, service and upgrades.
02 Factory automation
Factory automation includes things like line automation of assembly lines, for example in the automotive and foodstuffs industries. Centralized acquisition of data from every module in a production line allows for comprehensive online performance control. Tracking the flow of materials allows each completed production step to be traced seamlessly at any time.
03 Process control
A completely integrated process control system massively reduces the amount of engineering on the one hand while also lowering operation and maintenance costs throughout the entire life cycle of a system on the other. An integrated version control system expedites the validation of systems. Integrated alarm and trend systems ensure complete transparency without requiring additional costly expert systems.
04 Infrastructure automation
Centralized acquisition of data from machines and plants using standard protocols enables comprehensive online performance monitoring and visualization. Consistent archiving ensures long-term documentation for quality control. Integrated standard reports are the basis for convenient and detailed analysis of all process data for continuous improvement of production processes.
05 Energy monitoring
Integrated energy measurement modules supply all electrical values and quality assurance data. Data is collected from all energy sources (natural gas, oil, etc.) to provide complete and automatic collection of all energy usage. The ability to calculate and view consumption and costs makes it considerably easier to implement energy management systems as defined in ISO 50001. Evaluation and visualization of historical data allows energy consumption to be analyzed at various levels of detail in order to accurately identify cause-and-effect relationships.
06 Condition monitoring
Online vibration measurement integrated in the I/O module makes it possible to identify the mechanical condition of the machine and allows performance degradations to be detected early on so that serious damage can be prevented. Condition-based predictive maintenance reduces the number of unpredicted outages, thus keeping the costs associated with downtime and repairs to an absolute minimum.
07 Advanced process control
It is possible to regulate multiple interdependent physical values at the same time since the model predictive controller utilizes models of the actual process. Operators can optimally compensate for disturbances and optimize the size of system components. Advanced process control modules can be used to optimize throughput and maximize efficiency.
08 Process data acquisition
Centralized acquisition of data from machines and systems enables comprehensive online performance monitoring and visualization. Long-term archiving ensures the ability to assess the quality of the manufacturing process. Integrated reports provide detailed analysis of all process data in order to optimize production processes. Combined display of ongoing data, alarms and events in the TrendViewer make it easy to trace cause and effect.
