Company Information - News & Events
March 18, 2009
Control Advances Focus on Process Improvement
Two new control developments from Davis-Standard’s Extrusion Systems Group – the DS-eTPC and REACT systems -- offer processors more options while improving processing efficiencies. Information about these technologies will be available at NPE.
The DS-eTPC touch-panel control system has been improved to include coordinated one-line drive control and new features to support customers across all product lines, including elastomer, while maintaining pricing comparable to discrete controls. This system will be shown with a Super Blue® extruder during the show. Advantages include temperature control of up to eight barrel heating and cooling zones per extruder and a “Historian” package for viewing and storage of process variables. The expanded temperature control enables the system to be used on larger extruders, with sheet systems and for the majority of recycling/reclaim applications. Customers can name the temperature zones and drives for a more user-friendly operator interface. With the “Historian” option, the controller can be connected to any PC running Windows® Internet Explorer® so that temperature profiles, drive conditions, and pressure conditions can be saved in a report format for future analysis.
The REACT (REmote ACcess Technology) system, standard on all new EPIC III systems, is designed to reduce downtime and lost production. It enables Davis-Standard process engineers and technicians to support customers worldwide in real-time without a service call. Conditions at a customer’s plant can be viewed remotely and immediately during a production run via a secure, high-speed Internet connection without the need to stop the line. All required hardware and software for REACT is included with the new EPIC. Troubleshooting and assistance service is provided on a subscription basis. The first year’s subscription is included in the initial price and subsequent subscriptions are available with service plans of different lengths. Modifications and upgrades to EPIC III systems supplied with REACT are not part of the service plan, but available for additional fees. Existing EPIC III systems are not eligible for REACT due to PLC licensing agreements.
For more information about the DS-eTPC or REACT systems, contact Jerry Warren at jwarren@davis-standard.com or John Clemens at jclemens@davis-standard.com.
