Introduction & Features
Based on more than 40 years of experience in automation, FLSmidth has designed a flexible and powerful solution for local control panels. FLSmidth has brought machine control to the next level by leveraging the power of FLSmidths proven Expert Control System (ECS™), a SCADA system to provide new features in a solution called ECS Sub Control System.
ECS Sub Control Systems are already the standard employed for most equipment supplied from FLSmidth, including:
• Traylor Primary Gyratory Crushers
• Raptor Secondary Cone and Pebble Crushers
• Traylor & Vecor Gear Driven Grinding Mills
• Eimco, Shriver and Pneumapress Filter Equipment
• FLSmidth Rahco Materials Handling Equipment
• FLSmidth Koch MVT Materials Handling Equipment
Definition: A Sub Control System is a platform using dedicated Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) to operate equipment, while providing an open interface and being optionally integrated with the Central Control System.
The ECS Sub Control System solution includes well known features from ECS systems such as trending, alarm management and data logging, thus resulting in a complete full-featured control system, available locally in selected departments.
A sub control system differs from a traditional local control panel as it integrates with the machine control, uses modern Ethernet based communication, is based on uniform engineering standards and optionally provides access on a plant-wide control system level.
Features
• Increased Flexibility
• Hardware Independence
• System Openness
• Standardisation
Benefits
Benefits from Using ECS Sub Control Systems
Using ECS Sub Control Systems results in two significant benefits:
• Faster and flexible commissioning
• Rapid trouble-shooting
Commissioning control solutions involves extensive testing and troubleshooting during initial start-up. Using ECS Sub Control Systems, engineers have advanced tools available that provide assistance during commissioning, thus resulting in faster installation and equipment start-up.
When faults occur, it is critical to establish root cause as fast as possible. ECS Sub Control Systems provide advanced tools developed from full-blown control systems to support trouble-shooting efforts, minimizing down-time.
Standardisation
Systems engineered on the Sub Control System platform follow industry best practices to deliver standards compliant and consistent engineering.
Being engineered for FLSmidth equipment, ECS Sub Control Systems include the extensive knowledge of its engineers, field experience and feedback from operators. ECS Sub Control Systems is thus a proven and reliable design that reuses knowledge to the greatest extent possible.
Factory Programmed and Tested
The configuration of an ECS Sub Control System are factory programmed and requires only minor customizations at site during commissioning, resulting in reduced commissioning time and increased flexibility. In addition, ECS Sub Control Systems are factory tested to ensure they comply with specifications, also reducing commissioning time and risk of damaging equipment.