Hai Long Jiang, Design Group Senior Controls Engineer, and Mark Zarychanski, Design Group SCADA Engineer-in-Training, have successfully developed a PLC Test Lab. It is comprised of two, mobile 19-inch electrical equipment racks populated with Allen & Bradley PLC and communications equipment that is representative of what is currently in the field.
The PLC Test Lab will improve the quality of automation system configuration and programing for new and upgraded plant automation systems by reducing the number of errors experienced during on-site commissioning. Additionally, the PLC Test Lab will provide a platform for the design group engineers to improve the technical support given to field engineering personnel through the ability to perform in-house troubleshooting, testing, and resolution of systems problems reported.
The Lab will also facilitate the development of innovative plant automation programs or communication concepts for inclusion in future plant automation system designs.
Great work by the team in developing this tool that will help us continually improve plant automation systems.