Westfalia PLC?? 1

[Bluenoser337]

Two Westfalia-Separator PLCs just landed on my desk for evaluation...not something I've ever seen before. They are used on a ship to operate oil separators...hence the brand. They are identified as Type PLC 100/3(C) Nr.31907324. The unit is a PLC and OP all in one. There is a slot in the back for a memory cassette, but I don't have those. When one unit is powered up, the "F-Key" LEDs all come on steady and the display does not illuminate. When the other unit is powered up all the LEDs flash rapidly, and the internal relay operates at the same rate. I need to determine if these are functional. Anybody have any info on these? The guts of the unit doesn't reveal any PLC brand names. It is a German made unit filled with RIFA relays and chips from Motorola, Toshiba, Hyundai, and Philips.

 

[jraef]

Westfalia can probably tell you. Many large OEM machinery makers use their own brand-labeled PLCs (or other controllers) as a way of not having to learn and support multiple brands to try to appease users with brand loyalty. It has been a real problem for OEMs with complex systems. If for example they use a Siemens PLC, some end user somewhere will insist on having A-B, or vice-versa. So a trend has been to not use any brand name (other than their own) or to not call it a PLC at all!

From the looks of their website however, it appears as though they are using Siemens PLCs.

http://www.westfalia-separator.com/en/index.htm

http:/

http://www.jraef.com

Eng-Tips: Help for your job, not for your homework Read faq731-376

 

[Bluenoser337]

Doesn't appear to be a Siemens. I think it was manufactured by GEA?? Call is in to Westfalia.

 

[jraef]

GEA is just the parent corporation that owns the Westfalia brand name.

http:/

http://www.jraef.com

Eng-Tips: Help for your job, not for your homework Read faq731-376

 

[Bluenoser337]

Does have that Siemens S5 look to it. The memory cartridge plug is orange...and the model is 100/3 (CPU103?).

 

[powerjunx]

Bluenoser337,

We have exactly the same PLC 100 series from Westfalia (GEA).

"The unit is a PLC and OP all in one. There is a slot in the back for a memory cassette, but I don't have those. When one unit is powered up, the "F-Key" LEDs all come on steady and the display does not illuminate. When the other unit is powered up all the LEDs flash rapidly, and the internal relay operates at the same rate. I need to determine if these are functional. Anybody have any info on these? The guts of the unit doesn't reveal any PLC brand names "



Let me clear this; you have two PLC unit,

PLC # 1. When powered up, F-Key (Function Keys) LED lit up on steady, while display (you mean LCD display?) does not illuminates.


PLC # 2. When powered up, all LEDs flashes rapidly (F-Key, I/O LED indicator), and internal relay operates at the same rate.

If you have check all possible factors affecting the operation of the unit such as SITOP 5 voltage regulator, CPU, I/O fuse. Then, the following you have cited above are definitely not normal. PLC units are defective. You may order a new unit for replacement.

PLC 100 as i'd experienced is very sensitive to voltage supply abnormalities, it has no feature for such cases. That's why while in operation, the former dilema you have mention above is obviously the course.

We have several Westfalia PLC units operation, excluding spares. It's not surprising that it lasted its life (the PLC) for about 8 years of service (it's quite tough) , consequently, we replace the PLC itself due to malfunctions as you describe, eventually other unit followed. Attempting to repair the unit was never realized, rather replace a new one.

I suggest to buy a spare from Westfalia, CAT. No. and specs is on its operating manual. Siemens S5 is absolutely different.

DOes your PLC unit comes along with ELWA ETR 96 temp controller?