PLC Control in Microbrewery Equipment

 
Now in a brewery, more and more brew masters would like to have a PLC control.
After discussing with the customers, we found that everybody has different understanding on the PLC control.
Someone thought PLC means fully automation, someone thought that only PLC is suitable for their plant, someone thought that PLC can do everything.
Here are some points that customers concerns about the PLC control:
1. So far we can only use the siemens touch screen&PLC. It is not a consideration of cost but we are already very experienced to use siemens PLC to make the programs.
It is also used a lot in the beer brewing field. So if use another new brand, it will be much difficult for us. The program will be made newly.
2. PLC model is S7-1200, Touch screen is KTP1200
3. It is easier to use a mobile to check the screen content and also click the buttons.
4. If you have idea buy more tanks in a few years, it is better to add more controls for the expanded tanks at the beginning.

Here are share with you our advice:
If you only use the PLC program and touch screen, but the valve is still manual, then the PLC will not show any advantages on reducing labor compared with the PID. The PID is still recommended.
So if you really prefer the PLC, we recommend to change the pneumatic valves instead of the manual valves at the beginning 
as there will need solenoid valves for each pneumatic valve and also need to connect with compressed air.
It will be quite complicated to add more modules and more pneumatic valves controls. then the brewhouse can control the valves on the control panel,
no need to walk around the brewhouse, then it can reduces the labor.
 
Edit by Cody
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