Logitech Automazione

Logitech Automation, a company that operates in the design of automation plants and systems, wants to build a new type of test bench for three-way valves.

Realization of a test bench for three-way valves

The goals

Logitech Automation, a company that operates in the design of automation plants and systems, wants to build a new type of test bench for three-way valves, in which the critical functions are managed by a PLC and all user interaction and test strategy are entrusted to a PC. Having in its interior a highly experienced team of PLC programmers, Logitech Automazione relies for the PC part on T4SM. 

Application requirements are: 

• Intuitive interface optimized for touch screen;
• Possibility of reprogramming the test sequences for each type of valve in an easy and fast way;
• Compatibility with the manufacturing enterprise management system of the user client;
• The system must be able to operate with different National Instruments data acquisition boards and sensors configurations;
• Access to various functionalities reserved for users with different levels of privilege.

Test Bench

The solution

T4SM has developed a custom application for Logitech Automazione based on iDaq, a configurable and expandable software for acquisition, visualization and data insertion, also developed by T4SM. Below the diagram of the solution is shown.
 

Solution Diagram

In the machine, there are three pressure sensors and a torque sensor, which signals are acquired through a CompactDAQ to iDaq.
The three-way valve to be tested contains a ball, which rotating regulates the passage of what the valve has to convey. The ball rotation is driven by a motor controlled by a Siemens PLC. During the ball rotation, the torque is controlled.
 

Benefits and results

With the proposed solution, all the goals have been achieved. The immediate benefits experienced by Logitech Automazione are in particular:

• Quick sensors configuration due to iDaq, in particular the calibration of filters for the electrical noise removal;
• Possibility of reprogramming the test sequences for each type of valve in an easy and fast way;
• Intuitive interface that allows operators to be productive from the first use;
• Thanks to iDaq technology any acquisition board or type of sensor can be replaced without changing the downstream applications of iDaq;
• The possibility of future updates to come in the evolution of Industry 4.0.
   

Combining the PLC with a PC and iDaq, Logitech Automazione obtained the best of available technologies in security, versatility, and ease of use.
Working in a coordinated way, Logitech Automazione and T4SM could create, test and deliver the test bench to the customer in a very short time.

Software Interface