TEST-BED AUTOMATION FOR COMPRESSOR TESTING

Mechanical Engineering

The objectives of this paper is to monitor pressure, temperature, F.A.D. (Free Air Delivery) and power consumption automatically in compressor with the help of integrated SCADA system and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) interfaced to it, primarily reducing the errors which occurs during manual testing and minimize the human intervention optimizing the accuracy and efficiency of results. After considering the objectives of the project, the P and I diagram comprising all the sensors required for automation was prepared and the Pressure transmitter, Temperature element (RTD) with transmitter, Differential Pressure transmitter, Flow meter and Energy meter sensors were selected according to required specifications. After collecting, the number of sensors and the type of their inputs the specifications of PLC was decided. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) refers to a system that enables remote monitoring, co-ordinate, control equipment and real-time mode from a remote location with acquisition of data for analysis and planning from one control location. PLC on the other hand is like the brain of the system and acts as a medium between electrical system & Personal Computer for SCADA to take input and output bits. With the joint operation of the SCADA and the PLC, it is possible to monitor the compressor testing remotely. This system enables to intercept the faults at an early stage and helps to take corrective measures. Automating testing procedure for monitoring the compressor by implementing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system is the one of the most cost-effective solutions for improving reliability and quality, increasing efficiency, productivity and utilization. Nowadays consumer requires more reliable and turnkey solutions that can be modified as per demand and requirement in future.

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