PROTECNO - 2013 - PS013V - ACTUATOR PRESSURE CONTROLLER (APC)

Description The Actuator Pressure Controller (APC) is a pressure control system developed for the calibration and testing of pneumatic control boxes. With this APC, it is possible to generate a pressure or vacuum level to be reached instantly or with a predefined control ramp. In addition, an external sensor can be used to measure the pressure obtained. It is possible to check the calibration of a pneumatic control box with a complete hysteresis cycle, defining all the parameters of the adjustment process. The pressure data from the sensors is recorded and analysed to check the maximum permissible hysteresis, either as an absolute value or as a proportion of the movement of the control box. Different control configurations can be saved and reloaded on demand. The calibration control cycles are carried out via 3 ports, 2 inlets from the test bench supplying the APC box with dry and clean air under pressure of up to 1 bar and a negative pressure of -800 mbars minimum, and an outlet driving the pneumatic control box. This is the outlet that will receive the external pressure sensor if necessary. The control valve integrated into the APC is precisely regulated to generate time-based pressure ramps or to reach a vacuum or pressure as quickly as possible. The APC is equipped with a National Instruments cRIO board with a real-time operating system that ensures consistent response times and deterministic results. The APC is able to communicate with various interfaces such as PLCs and PCs via Ethernet or RS232 links. Communication with PLCs is implemented via a proprietary protocol, while RS232 communication is based on GE-Druck's standard DPI520 protocol.