NEW CENTRAL CONTROL SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR ANODE BAKING FURNACES

摘要

Conventional anode baking firing and control systems are composed of several mobile pieces of equipment with their own local controller to manage the high speed local tasks. Redundant central control units synchronize the actions of each local controller. A fast real time Ethernet network implementation allows simplifying the existing control system architecture: it uses only one real time central controller and remote Inputs/Outputs for each mobile piece of equipment. The robustness and reactivity of the control as well as the required safety loops are preserved. The maintenance and day to day operation are simplified. Furthermore, real time network and accurate time synchronisation between the pieces of equipment open new perspectives to improve the baking process management and to enhance safety.