Skip to main content

PLC Example with Switches

 For example, the LED in this circuit will turn on if the liquid level rises above 14 inches and the pressure falls below 22 PSI and either the flow is less than 3 gallons per minute or the temperature is greater than 125 degrees Fahrenheit:

PLC Example with Switches


Since we know we need a switch to be closed in order to conduct electricity and provide a path for current in this circuit, we are looking for the necessary conditions to close each switch.

For any normally-closed (NC) switch, this means a stimulus value less than the actuation threshold.

For any normally-open (NO) switch, this means a stimulus value great enough to exceed the threshold and “hold” the switch in its actuated state.

The flow and pressure switches in this circuit are both NC, we are looking for flow and pressure values less than the respective settings.

Since the level and temperature switches are both NO, we are looking for level and temperature values in excess of their respective settings.

The present status of a switch may be determined by comparing its stimulating quantity against its trip (threshold) setting.

A switch will be in its “normal” (resting) state when the stimulus value is less than the threshold value. Conversely, a switch will be in its “actuated” state when the stimulus value exceeds the threshold value.

Determination of a switch’s status, therefore, is a matter of comparing the stimulus quantity to the threshold “trip” setting.

One cannot simply look at the schematic diagram to tell what the switch is doing – one must compare the switch’s setting versus against a known stimulus value in order to tell whether it will be in its resting state or not.

Likewise, if we happen to know the switch’s present status in a system, we may qualitatively determine the stimulating quantity by comparing the present status against the “normal” (resting) status.

If a switch is in its resting state, then the stimulating quantity must be less than the trip threshold. If a switch is in its actuated (non-normal) state, then the stimulating quantity must be greater than the trip threshold.

The next example showcases these determinations.
Since we know we need a switch to be closed in order to conduct electricity and provide a path for current in this circuit, we are looking for the necessary conditions to close each switch.

For any normally-closed (NC) switch, this means a stimulus value less than the actuation threshold.

For any normally-open (NO) switch, this means a stimulus value great enough to exceed the threshold and “hold” the switch in its actuated state.

The flow and pressure switches in this circuit are both NC, we are looking for flow and pressure values less than the respective settings.

Since the level and temperature switches are both NO, we are looking for level and temperature values in excess of their respective settings.

Also Read : Basics of Switches

The present status of a switch may be determined by comparing its stimulating quantity against its trip (threshold) setting.

A switch will be in its “normal” (resting) state when the stimulus value is less than the threshold value. Conversely, a switch will be in its “actuated” state when the stimulus value exceeds the threshold value.

Determination of a switch’s status, therefore, is a matter of comparing the stimulus quantity to the threshold “trip” setting.

One cannot simply look at the schematic diagram to tell what the switch is doing – one must compare the switch’s setting versus against a known stimulus value in order to tell whether it will be in its resting state or not.

Likewise, if we happen to know the switch’s present status in a system, we may qualitatively determine the stimulating quantity by comparing the present status against the “normal” (resting) status.

If a switch is in its resting state, then the stimulating quantity must be less than the trip threshold. If a switch is in its actuated (non-normal) state, then the stimulating quantity must be greater than the trip threshold.

The next example showcases these determinations.
We may determine a switch’s degree of stimulation by comparing its present status with its “normal” status.

If a switch happens to be in the same state as its normal state (i.e. resting), we know its stimulus must be less than the threshold (trip) value.

Consider, If a switch happens to be in the opposite state as its normal state (i.e. actuated), we know its stimulus has exceeded the threshold (trip) value. The states of these four switches may be shown in a table:





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is a Torbar? – Averaging Pitot Tubes

 The Torbar is employed for flow measurement of liquids, gases, or steam in circular, square, or rectangular section ducts for large flow rates. The Torbar is an insertion type multi-port self-averaging primary sensor for flow measurement. Torbar TORBAR is a set of Pitot tubes mounted on a bar across the pipeline with no moving parts. An averaging Pitot tube is a technology, while TORBAR is a manufacturing brand name. There are several brands available in the market with VERABAR, ANNUBAR, etc. Averaging Pitot Tube Principle Purpose Averaging Pitot tube can be employed when the average velocity of the flow profile, rather than the velocity in a specific point in the cross-section is desired. Averaging Pitot Tubes Principle It measures the differential pressure between the static pressure tap and the tap of full pressure of a stream. Thus such magnitude of differential pressure is directly proportional to the square of the flow rate. Working The TORBAR is designed in such a way that ...

Ferrules and Cross Ferruling

 Ferrules are identification labels provided for every wire terminations in an instrument, equipment, or electrical/instrumentation control panels. These tube-shaped sleeves can be inserted easily on each individual wire in a multi-core cable. In earlier days fixed digits/letters are used as ferrules, but now Instrumentation engineers/technicians prints out desired ferrules by using a ferrule printing machine. Typical Ferrule The numbers/ letters on the ferrules will be given as per the approved electrical hook up or loop diagrams. This helps technicians to easily identify a particular loop/wiring from a series of terminal blocks and to troubleshoot the desired terminal connection. Separate numbers on the ferrules distinguish the positive and negative polarities of wires, thus ensure the polarity protection of the instrument. Cross Ferruling  As a wire is connected on its both ends, it is quite useful to use a cross reference method for wire identification. Unlike normal ferru...

The Method and Process of Siemens PLC Hardware Configuration

 The hardware configuration of Siemens PLC can usually adopt the following methods and processes: Determine control tasks and system requirements: Before hardware configuration, it is necessary to clarify the tasks and requirements of the control system, including the requirements for input and output points, control accuracy, speed, and safety. Select the PLC model and module: According to the control task and requirements, select the appropriate PLC model and module, including CPU, I/O module, communication module, power supply module, etc. Assemble the cabinet and install the modules: According to the selected PLC model and module, assemble the cabinet and install the modules, pay attention to the installation sequence, cable wiring, wiring method, etc. Connect the input and output devices: connect the input and output devices with the input and output modules of the PLC, you need to pay attention to the correctness, stability and safety of the wiring. Perform software configura...