FEECO Lab Upgrade: Control System

This article was co-authored by:

Carrie Carlson
Technical Writer

Craig Peppin
Service & Lab Manager

One of the most important aspects to the FEECO lab upgrade, was the data collection system.

FEECO’s electrical upgrade features a top of the line Allen Bradley Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC. This PLC is the centerpiece for data acquisition during process testing and tolling. This data collection system will not only allow for real-time data collection, but will also save data for monitoring historical data.

The PLC is assigned variables such as feed rate, temperatures, flow rates, horsepower, and differential pressures. Once the appropriate variables are defined within the PLC, the PLC constantly transmits data from the equipment to a touch-screen panel, where variables can be monitored and adjusted in real-time by an operator. The ability to monitor and adjust variables in real-time allows for the trending of variables together, so effects from the adjustment of one part of the process can be seen throughout other parts. This ability will prove invaluable in the development of process, or when working with new materials, because it will allow lab technicians to optimize a process to its full efficiency. Lab technicians will be able to make adjustments and see what effects those adjustments had on the whole process, and each individual part as well.

Not only does FEECO’s new PLC allow for real-time trending and process optimization, but the PLC also works with Rockwell software in order to collect and manage all of the trending data it receives. This will allow for further analysis of historical data for use in future processes. Though FEECO already boasts an impressive resume in terms of process design and optimization, this data collection system will be an instrumental piece in future process design and optimization. This will also allow for a well documented database for trouble-shooting other processes.

Aside from the process optimization and design capabilities that the PLC will add, this new system will also be a showpiece for FEECO customers looking at new processes, or upgrading their current one. FEECO has recommended Allen Bradley systems to customers in the past, but now customers will be able to come in and actually see their material running through FEECO’s lab nearly the same as their own system would run.

For over 60 years, FEECO has been providing process design and optimization to various industries. The recent upgrade of their lab will be a fundamental piece in continuing to provide their customers with the highest quality of testing and tolling capabilities.

For more information on the FEECO lab, contact us today!

About the Authors . . .


Carrie Carlson is a technical writer and visual designer.

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Craig Peppin is FEECO’s Customer Service Manager and Lab Manager.

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