Automation and Controls Engineering and Design

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)/Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)/DCS Programming

We have an experienced group of highly proficient PLC/PAC programmers. Our team has developed a programming standard that provides for quick development, quality code and easy maintenance.

Our PLC/PAC experience is most extensive with Allen-Bradley applications, but also covers most of the available hardware and software programming environments including:

• Siemens
• Modicon
• GE
• Mitsubishi

Many industries rely on the power of distributed control systems. Our engineers have implemented solutions using a wide variety of DCS systems, including Siemens PCS7, Foxboro, Delta V, ABB and Legacy systems.

Batch Programming

Batch is a core competency, and Optimation has experience with batch systems across all industries, from food to chemical.

Optimation is a Rockwell Automation Recognized System Integrator, with deep experience in Allen-Bradley based batch programming.

Optimation has engineers with many years of experience with PlantPAx and other Rockwell products.  We have utilized Sequence Manager, Material Manager, Campaign Manager, Phase Manager (coupled with aliased tags for modularity), and Batch Reports.

Our team can automate material setup, execute split feeds, intelligently reordered batch schedules, and programmatically update completed batches with lab data.

Standardized

Our batch programmers follow a standard developed in-house, designing flexible, simple and intuitive interfaces for even the most complex systems. Our philosophy is to utilize standard functionality if possible, and only then customize, in a way that helps ensure that the system will be easier to maintain with future releases of the FTBatch package, not provide a proprietary solution. See an example here.

S88 and CFR Part 11

Optimation provides engineering services for S88 and 21 CFR Part 11 implementations. Our engineers specializing in batch process and control systems have experience with S88 and 21 CFR Part 11 the standard dating back to their inception/approval. We have implemented it on a wide variety of DCS and PAC/PLC platforms. Our engineer’s full range of project services expands across several industries including chemical, food and beverage and life sciences/pharmaceuticals.

SCADA and HMI

Our engineers are skilled in the configuration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems. Common implementation environments include:

• FactoryTalk View SE/ME
• InTouch/InTouch Machine Edition
• iFix
• Mitsubishi
• Ignition
• SIMATIC WinCC

Instrumentation and Controls Engineering

We have an experienced group of highly proficient instrumentation engineers. The industries served include chemical, life science/pharmaceutical, oil and gas, glass, utilities and much more. Working together with our other engineering disciplines, our instrumentation engineers ensure the system, including the electronic and mechanical devices operate efficiently and are safe through researching control technologies and coming up with ways to improve your system.

Instrumentation Specification

Our expertise includes instrumentation specifications for pressure, temperature, pH and flow, from basic measurements to complex process measurement instrument engineering. Examples include particle analyzers, web thickness gauging and color analyzers.

Control System Design

Our team develops control systems based on customer requirements, as well as conducts investigations to determine the requirements that are needed on a project-by-project basis. We recommend, engineer, design, and implement the appropriate PLC/PAC, SCADA, and/or stand-alone control system for each application. We examine and evaluate engineering applications and provide specifications and instrument selection.

By working very closely with our designers, our controls engineers participate in the development of the P&IDs (process and instrumentation diagrams) and design reviews as well. Our staff is experienced in the systems implementing variable speed drives, stepper and servomotors, and other motor control applications.

Instrumentation and Control System Start-up

Optimation’s controls engineers also participate or lead in the setup/configuration aspect of either new or existing control systems or measuring devices. Through start-up activities such as site acceptance testing and debug, our engineers verify devices are installed correctly and perform per project requirements. We can also assist with or provide hands-on training for your system operators.