David V. Jones, program head for the Computer Engineering Technology Department at Lenoir Community College recently attended a Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) workshop in Columbus, Mississippi.
The workshop covered instructions involved in writing programs for the PLC along with hardware trainers that the company produces. Lee Trent of Future Tek of Columbus, MS was the instructor.
The Programmable Logic Controller is a computer that is used in industry to control processes. A production line can be controlled by the PLC. They are used to control product inventory, increase quality products, decrease manual labor, etc. A company use to have a lot of mechanical relays, timers, switches, and other items used to control a process. Now the PLC (computer) controls the process.
According to Jones, troubleshooting these mechanical items was a problem because of the time and energy needed to diagnose the bad part. Using the monitor connected to the PLC, diagnosing problems is a lot easier because one can look at the program and follow along with the process to solve the mystery or check voltages at various points.
“ A lot of the mechanical parts are replaced by the PLC, which means not as many moving parts to wear out. The mechanical items that are replaced are controlled by a program that is written by a PLC technician or engineer,” he said.
Diagnostics can also be performed over the Internet. A PLC technician or engineer can dial up the PLC in question and look at the process over the Internet without having to go to the plant. This saves time and money especially on the off shifts when the technician or engineer is not at work.
Future Tek produces several troubleshooting trainers that could be used to train a company’s technicians or future technicians. These trainers can be used to insert faults like what the technician will see in the plant. The technician then can learn how to solve the faults without interfering with production at the plant.
The trainers can also be used to qualify future industrial control or PLC technicians by having them perform a series of fault tests to see if the future technician knows what they are doing. The company can now qualify or disqualify a possible new hire. The trainers can also be used by a company to test the skill level of the company’s technicians.
Programmable Logic Controller training is taught in the LCC Computer Engineering Technology Program. “It is also is taught as standalone classes for industry in LCC’s service area,” Jones said. He has conducted a number of PLC and Industrial Control classes for industry in Kinston and the Lenoir county area.
For more information about the Computer Engineering Technology Program or for classes for industry contact Jones at 252 527 6223, ext. 102 |
