Improving Remote I/O Reliability
Customers along the US Gulf Coast are experiencing premature failures of remote I/O. The problem is the relatively low temperature rating of the I/O (typically around 65°C), the temperature rise that occurs within traditional stainless cabinets, combined with often ineffective or undersized cooling.
Having experienced these issues, the Chalmette Refinery was interested in alternative solutions to enclose the remote PLC’s that would be deployed as part of their Coker unit upgrade. The thermal advantages of our GRP products coupled with our ability to provide smaller and properly sized cooling systems lead to a sole source INTERTEC specification. Including a Burner Management System (BMS) Triconex PLC enclosure and a smaller Modicon PLC conveyor enclosure.
Both cabinets have been installed and are operating below 20°C, exceeding expectations.
Another interesting aspect to this opportunity was our interaction with Schneider Electric who provided the PLC’s. They were very pleased with the outcome and have begun promoting our enclosures for several other applications that we have quoted.
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