Application of process automation. Objects of automation of production processes and their parameters

In the main directions of economic and social development, the task becomes to develop the production of electronic control and telemechanics devices, actuators, instruments and sensors for complex automation systems of complex technological processes, units, machines and equipment. Automated control systems can help with all this.

An automated control system or ACS is a complex of hardware and software designed to control various processes within the framework of a technological process, production, or enterprise. ACS are used in various industries, energy, transport, etc. The term automated, in contrast to the term automatic, emphasizes the retention of certain functions by the human operator, either of the most general, goal-setting nature, or not amenable to automation.

The experience gained in the creation of automated and automatic control systems shows that the control of various processes is based on a number of rules and laws, some of which turn out to be common to technical devices, living organisms and social phenomena.

Automated process control system.

An automated process control system (abbr. ACSTP) is a set of hardware and software designed to automate the control of technological equipment at industrial enterprises. May have a connection with a more global automated enterprise management system (EMS).

A process control system is usually understood as a comprehensive solution that provides automation of the main technological operations of a technological process in production as a whole or in some part of it that produces a relatively completed product.

The term “automated”, in contrast to the term “automatic”, emphasizes the need for human participation in certain operations, both in order to maintain control over the process, and due to the complexity or impracticality of automating certain operations.

The components of the process control system can be separate automatic control systems (ACS) and automated devices connected into a single complex. As a rule, the process control system has a unified operator control system for the technological process in the form of one or more control panels, means for processing and archiving information about the process, and standard automation elements: sensors, control devices, actuators. Industrial networks are used for information communication of all subsystems.

Automation of a technological process is a set of methods and means designed to implement a system or systems that allow the control of the technological process itself without direct human participation, or leaving the right to make the most responsible decisions to a person.

Classification of automated process control systems

In foreign literature you can find a rather interesting classification of automated process control systems, according to which all automated process control systems are divided into three global classes:

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). This term can be translated into Russian as “telemechanics system”, “telemetry system” or “dispatcher control system”. In my opinion, the last definition most accurately reflects the essence and purpose of the system - control and monitoring of objects with the participation of a dispatcher.

Some clarification is needed here. The term SCADA is often used in a narrower sense: many refer to this as a software package for visualizing a technological process. However, in this section, by the word SCADA we will understand a whole class of control systems.

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Translated into Russian as “programmable logic controller” (or PLC for short).

Here, as in the previous case, there is ambiguity. The term PLC often refers to a hardware module for implementing automated control algorithms. However, the term PLC also has a more general meaning and is often used to refer to an entire class of systems.

DCS (Distributed Control System). In Russian, distributed control system (DCS). There is no confusion here, everything is clear.

To be fair, it should be noted that if in the early 90s such a classification did not cause controversy, now many experts consider it to be very arbitrary. This is due to the fact that in recent years hybrid systems have been introduced, which, based on a number of characteristic features, can be classified as one class or another.

Basis of process automation - this is the redistribution of material, energy and information flows in accordance with the accepted management criterion (optimality).

The main goals of process automation are:

· Increasing the efficiency of the production process.

· Increased security.

· Increased environmental friendliness.

· Increased efficiency.

Achieving goals is carried out by solving the following tasks:

· Improving the quality of regulation

Increased equipment availability

· Improving the ergonomics of process operators

· Ensuring the reliability of information about material components used in production (including through catalog management)

· Storing information about the progress of the technological process and emergency situations

Automation of technological processes within one production process allows you to organize the basis for the implementation of production management systems and enterprise management systems.

As a rule, as a result of automation of the technological process, an automated process control system is created.

An automated process control system (APCS) is a set of software and hardware designed to automate the control of technological equipment at enterprises. May have a connection with a more global Automated Enterprise Management System (EMS).

A process control system is usually understood as a comprehensive solution that provides automation of the main technological operations of a technological process in production, as a whole or in some part of it, producing a relatively completed product.

The term “automated”, in contrast to the term “automatic”, emphasizes the possibility of human participation in certain operations, both in order to maintain human control over the process, and in connection with the complexity or impracticality of automating certain operations.

The components of the process control system can be separate automatic control systems (ACS) and automated devices connected into a single complex. As a rule, the process control system has a unified operator control system for the technological process in the form of one or more control panels, means for processing and archiving information about the process, and standard automation elements: sensors, controllers, actuators. Industrial networks are used for information communication of all subsystems.

Due to the different approaches, automation of the following technological processes is distinguished:

· Automation of continuous technological processes (Process Automation)

Automation of discrete technological processes (Factory Automation)

· Automation of hybrid technological processes (Hybrid Automation)

TOOLS FOR AUTOMATION OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES

A means of automating a technological process is understood as a set of technical devices that ensure the movement of the executive (working) organs of a machine with given kinematic parameters (trajectories and laws of motion). In the general case, this problem is solved by means of a control system (CS) and a drive of the working body. However, in the first automatic machines it was impossible to separate the drives and control system into separate modules. An example of the structure of such a machine is shown in Fig. 1.

The machine works as follows. The asynchronous electric motor drives the camshaft into continuous rotation through the main transmission mechanism. Next, the movements are transmitted by the corresponding pushers through transmission mechanisms 1...5 to the working bodies 1...5. The camshaft not only provides the transmission of mechanical energy to the working bodies, but also serves as a program carrier, coordinating the movement of the latter in time. In a machine with such a structure, the drives and control system are integrated into single mechanisms. The above structure may, for example, correspond to the kinematic diagram presented in Fig. 2.

A similar machine of the same purpose and corresponding performance can, in principle, have a block diagram shown in Fig. 3.

The machine shown in Fig. 3 works as follows. The control system issues commands to drives 1...5, which move working bodies 1...5 in space. In this case, the control system coordinates trajectories in space and time. The main feature of the machine here is the presence of a clearly dedicated control system and drives for each working element. In the general case, the machine may include sensors that provide the control system with the relevant information necessary to develop reasonable commands. Sensors are usually installed in front of or after the working element (position sensors, accelerometers, angular velocity sensors, force, pressure, temperature, etc.). Sometimes sensors are located inside the drive (in Fig. 3 the information transmission channel is shown as a dotted line) and provide the control system with additional information (current value, pressure in the cylinder, rate of change of current, etc.), which is used to improve the quality of control. Such connections are discussed in more detail in special courses. According to the structure (Fig. 3), a variety of automata that are fundamentally different from each other can be built. The main feature for their classification is the type of control system. In general, the classification of control systems according to the principle of operation is presented in Fig. 4.

Loop systems can be closed or open. The machine, the structure and kinematic diagram of which are presented in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively, has an open-loop control system. These machines are often called "mechanical fools" because they work as long as the camshaft rotates. The control system does not control the parameters of the technological process and in the event of misregulation of individual mechanisms, the machine continues to produce products, even if it is defective. Sometimes the equipment may contain one or more drives without feedback (see drive 3 in Fig. 3). Figure 5 shows the kinematic diagram of the machine with an open-loop control system and separate drives. An automatic machine with such a circuit can be controlled only by time (to ensure consistent starts of movement of the working bodies in time) using a reprogrammable controller, a command device with a camshaft, a logical circuit implemented on any element base (pneumatic elements, relays, microcircuits, etc. .). The main disadvantage of time management is the forced overestimation of the cyclic parameters of the machine and, consequently, a decrease in productivity. Indeed, when creating a time control algorithm, one has to take into account the possible instability of the drives in terms of response time, which is not controlled, by overestimating the time intervals between the issuance of control commands. Otherwise, a collision of the working parts may occur, for example due to an accidental increase in the stroke time of one cylinder and a decrease in the stroke time of the other cylinder.

In cases where it is necessary to control the initial and final positions of the working bodies (in order, for example, to prevent their collisions), cyclic control systems with position feedback are used. Figure 6 shows the kinematic diagram of the machine with such a control system. The reference signals for synchronizing the responses of working bodies 1...5 come from position sensors 7...16. Unlike the machine with the structure and kinematic diagram presented in Fig. 1 and 2, this machine has a less stable cycle. In the first case, all cyclic parameters (working and idling times) are determined solely by the camshaft rotation speed, and in the second (Fig. 4 and 6) they depend on the actuation time of each cylinder (is a function of the state of the cylinder and the current parameters characterizing the technological process ). However, this circuit, in comparison with the circuit presented in Fig. 5, allows increasing machine performance by eliminating unnecessary time intervals between issuing control commands.

All the above kinematic schemes correspond to cyclic control systems. In the case when at least one of the drives of the machine has positional, contour or adaptive control, then it is customary to call it a positional, contour or adaptive control system, respectively.

Figure 7 shows a fragment of the kinematic diagram of the rotary table of an automatic machine with a positional control system. The drive of the rotary table RO is carried out by an electromagnet consisting of a housing 1, in which a winding 2 and a movable armature 3 are located. The return of the armature is ensured by a spring, and the stroke is limited by stops 5. A pusher 6 is installed on the armature, which, through a roller 7, a lever 8 and a shaft I connected to the rotary table RO. Lever 8 is connected to the fixed body by spring 9. The moving element of the potentiometric position sensor 10 is rigidly connected to the armature.

When voltage is applied to winding 2, the armature compresses the spring and, reducing the gap of the magnetic circuit, moves the RO through a rectilinear link mechanism consisting of a roller 7 and a link 8. Spring 9 ensures the force closure of the roller and the link. The position sensor provides the control system with information about the current coordinates of the control unit.

The control system increases the current in the winding until the armature, and, consequently, the RO rigidly connected to it, reaches a given coordinate, after which the spring force is balanced by the force of electromagnetic traction. The structure of the control system of such a drive may, for example, look like that shown in Fig. 8.

The SU works as follows. The program reading device outputs a variable x 0 to the input of the coordinate converter, expressed, for example, in binary code and corresponding to the required coordinate of the motor armature. From the output of the coordinate converters, one of which is a feedback sensor, the voltages U and U 0 are supplied to the comparison device, which generates an error signal DU, proportional to the voltage difference at its inputs. The error signal is applied to the input of the power amplifier, which, depending on the sign and magnitude of DU, outputs current I to the electromagnet winding. If the error value becomes zero, then the current stabilizes at the appropriate level. As soon as the output link, for one reason or another, moves from the specified position, the current value begins to change in such a way as to return it to its original position. Thus, if the control system sequentially sets the drive a finite set of M coordinates recorded on the software medium, then the drive will have M positioning points. Cyclic control systems usually have two positioning points for each coordinate (for each drive). In the first positional systems, the number of coordinates was limited by the number of potentiometers, each of which served to store a specific coordinate. Modern controllers allow you to specify, store and output in binary code an almost unlimited number of positioning points.

Figure 8 shows a kinematic diagram of a typical electromechanical drive with a contour control system. Such drives are widely used in numerically controlled machines. A tachogenerator (angular velocity sensor) 6 and an inductosyn (linear displacement sensor) 7 are used as feedback sensors. It is obvious that the mechanism presented in Fig. 8, can be controlled by a positioning system (see Fig. 7).

Thus, according to the kinematic diagram, it is impossible to distinguish between contour and positional control systems. The fact is that in a contour control system the programming device remembers and produces not a set of coordinates, but a continuous function. Thus, a contour system is essentially a positional system with an infinite number of positioning points and a controlled time of transition of the PO from one point to another. In positional and contour control systems there is an element of adaptation, i.e. they can ensure the movement of the RO to a given point or its movement according to a given law with various reactions to it from the environment.

However, in practice, adaptive control systems are considered to be those systems that, depending on the current reaction of the environment, can change the algorithm of the machine’s operation.

In practice, when designing an automatic machine or automatic line, it is extremely important to select mechanism drives and control systems at the preliminary design stage. This task is multi-criteria. Typically, drives and control systems are selected according to the following criteria:

n cost;

n reliability;

n maintainability;

n constructive and technological continuity;

n fire and explosion safety;

n operating noise level;

n resistance to electromagnetic interference (applies to control system);

n resistance to hard radiation (applies to SU);

n weight and size characteristics.

All drives and control systems can be classified according to the type of energy used. The drives of modern technological machines usually use: electrical energy (electromechanical drives), compressed air energy (pneumatic drives), fluid flow energy (hydraulic drives), vacuum energy (vacuum drives), drives with internal combustion engines. Sometimes combined drives are used in machines. For example: electro-pneumatic, pneumo-hydraulic, electro-hydraulic, etc. Brief comparative characteristics of the drive motors are given in Table 1. In addition, when choosing a drive, the transmission mechanism and its characteristics should be taken into account. So, the engine itself can be cheap, but the transmission mechanism can be expensive, the reliability of the engine can be high, but the reliability of the transmission mechanism can be low, and so on.

The most important aspect of choosing a drive type is continuity. So, for example, if in a newly designed machine at least one of the drives is hydraulic, then it is worth thinking about the possibility of using hydraulics for the remaining working parts. If hydraulics are used for the first time, then we must remember that it will require the installation next to the equipment of a very expensive and large hydraulic station in terms of weight and size parameters. The same must be done with regard to pneumatics. Sometimes it is unwise to lay a pneumatic line or even buy a compressor for the sake of one pneumatic drive in one machine. As a rule, when designing equipment, one should strive to use the same type of drives. In this case, in addition to the above, maintenance and repair are significantly simplified. A deeper comparison of different types of drives and control systems can only be made after studying special disciplines.

Questions for self-control

1. What is called a technological process automation tool in relation to production?

2. List the main components of an automatic production machine.

3. What served as the program carrier in the first cyclic automata?

4. What is the evolution of automatic production machines?

5. List the types of control systems used in process equipment.

6. What is a closed and open control system?

7. What are the main features of the cyclic control system?

8. What is the difference between positional and contour control systems?

9. Which control systems are called adaptive?

10. What are the main elements of the machine drive?

11. By what criteria are machine drives classified?

12. List the main types of drives used in technological machines.

13. List the criteria for comparing drives and control systems.

14. Give an example of a closed cyclic drive.

Otherwise it may be questioned and deleted.
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This mark is set August 1, 2014.

Process automation- a set of methods and means designed to implement a system or systems that allow the control of the technological process itself without the direct participation of a person, or leaving the right to make the most responsible decisions to a person.

As a rule, as a result of automation of the technological process, an automated process control system is created.

The basis of automation of technological processes is the redistribution of material, energy and information flows in accordance with the accepted control criterion (optimality). The concept of level (degree) of automation can be used as an evaluative characteristic

• Partial automation - automation of individual devices, machines, technological operations. It is carried out when the control of processes due to their complexity or transience is practically inaccessible to humans. As a rule, operating equipment is partially automated. Local automation is widely used in the food industry.

• Integrated automation - provides for the automation of a technological section, workshop or enterprise functioning as a single, automated complex. For example, power plants.

• Full automation is the highest level of automation, in which all production control and management functions (at the enterprise level) are transferred to technical means. At the current level of development, full automation is practically not used, since control functions remain with humans. Nuclear energy enterprises can be called close to full automation.

Automation goals

The main goals of process automation are:

• reduction in the number of service personnel;
• increase in production volumes;
• increasing the efficiency of the production process;
• improving product quality;
• reduction in raw material costs;
• increasing the rhythm of production;
• improved safety;
• increasing environmental friendliness;
• increased efficiency.

Automation problems and their solutions

The goals are achieved by solving the following tasks of process automation:

• improving the quality of regulation;
• increasing the equipment availability factor;
• improving the ergonomics of process operators;
• ensuring the reliability of information about material components used in production (including through catalog management);
• storage of information about the progress of the technological process and emergency situations.

Solving problems of process automation is carried out using:

• implementation of modern automation tools.

Automation of technological processes within one production process allows you to organize the basis for the implementation of production management systems and enterprise management systems.

Due to the different approaches, automation of the following technological processes is distinguished:

• automation of continuous technological processes (Process Automation);
• automation of discrete technological processes (Factory Automation);
• automation of hybrid technological processes (Hybrid Automation).

Notes

Automation of production presupposes the presence of reliable, relatively simple in design and control machines, mechanisms and devices.

Literature

L. I. Selevtsov, Automation of technological processes. Textbook: Publishing center "Academy"

V. Yu. Shishmarev, Automation. Textbook: Publishing center "Academy"

Widespread implementation of automation is the most effective way to increase labor productivity.

At many facilities, in order to organize a correct technological process, it is necessary to maintain set values ​​of various physical parameters for a long time or change them over time according to a certain law. Due to various external influences on the object, these parameters deviate from the specified ones. The operator or driver must influence the object in such a way that the values ​​of the controlled parameters do not go beyond acceptable limits, i.e., control the object. Individual operator functions can be performed by various automatic devices. Their influence on the object is carried out at the command of a person who monitors the state of the parameters. This type of control is called automatic. To completely exclude a person from the control process, the system must be closed: devices must monitor the deviation of the controlled parameter and accordingly give a command to control the object. Such a closed control system is called an automatic control system (ACS).

The first simple automatic control systems for maintaining specified values ​​of liquid level, steam pressure, and rotation speed appeared in the second half of the 18th century. with the development of steam engines. The creation of the first automatic regulators was intuitive and was the merit of individual inventors. For the further development of automation tools, methods for calculating automatic regulators were needed. Already in the second half of the 19th century. a harmonious theory of automatic control based on mathematical methods was created. In the works of D.K. Maxwell “On Regulators” (1866) and I.A. Vyshnegradsky “On the general theory of regulators” (1876), “On direct action regulators” (1876) regulators and the object of regulation are considered for the first time as a single dynamic system. The theory of automatic regulation is continuously expanding and deepening.

The current stage of automation development is characterized by a significant complication of automatic control tasks: an increase in the number of regulated parameters and the interconnection of regulated objects; increasing the required control accuracy and speed; increasing remote control, etc. These problems can only be solved on the basis of modern electronic technology, the widespread introduction of microprocessors and universal computers.

The widespread introduction of automation in refrigeration units began only in the 20th century, but already in the 60s large, fully automated units were created.

To control various technological processes, it is necessary to maintain within specified limits, and sometimes change according to a certain law, the value of one or several physical quantities at the same time. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that dangerous operating conditions do not arise.

A device in which a process requiring continuous regulation occurs is called a controlled object, or object for short (Fig. 1a).

A physical quantity, the value of which should not go beyond certain limits, is called a controlled or adjustable parameter and is denoted by the letter X. Could this be temperature t, pressure p, liquid level H, relative humidity? etc. We denote the initial (set) value of the controlled parameter as X 0 . As a result of external influences on the object, the actual value of X may deviate from the specified X 0 . The amount of deviation of the controlled parameter from its initial value is called mismatch:

External influence on an object, independent of the operator and increasing the mismatch, is called load and is designated Mn (or QH - when talking about thermal load).

To reduce misalignment, it is necessary to exert an effect on the object opposite to the load. An organized influence on an object that reduces the mismatch is called a regulatory influence - M p (or Q P - for thermal influence).

The value of the parameter X (in particular, X 0) remains constant only when the control action is equal to the load:

X = const only for M p = M n.

This is the basic law of regulation (both manual and automatic). To reduce the positive mismatch, it is necessary that M p be greater in absolute value than M n. And vice versa, for M p<М н рассогласование увеличивается.

Automatic systems. With manual regulation, to change the regulatory effect, the driver sometimes has to perform a number of operations (opening or closing valves, starting pumps, compressors, changing their performance, etc.). If these operations are performed by automatic devices at the command of a person (for example, by pressing the "Start" button), then this method of operation is called automatic control. A complex scheme of such control is shown in Fig. 1, b, Elements 1, 2, 3 and 4 transform one physical parameter into another, more convenient for transmission to the next element. Arrows show the direction of influence. The input signal for automatic control X control can be pressing a button, moving the rheostat handle, etc. To increase the power of the transmitted signal, additional energy E can be supplied to individual elements.

To control an object, the driver (operator) needs to continuously receive information from the object, i.e., conduct control: measure the value of the controlled parameter X and calculate the value of the mismatch? X. This process can also be automated (automatic control), i.e., install devices that will show, record the value? X or give a signal when? X goes beyond acceptable limits.

The information received from the object (chain 5-7) is called feedback, and automatic control is called direct communication.

With automatic control and automatic control, the operator just needs to look at the devices and press a button. Is it possible to automate this process, so as to completely dispense with an operator? It turns out that it is enough to apply the automatic control output signal X to the automatic control input (to element 1) so that the control process becomes fully automated. In this case, element 1 compares the signal X k with the given X 3 . The greater the mismatch? X, the greater the difference X to - X 3, and accordingly the regulatory effect of M r increases.

Automatic control systems with a closed circuit of influence, in which the control action is generated depending on the mismatch, are called an automatic control system (ACS).

The automatic control elements (1--4) and monitoring (5--7) form an automatic regulator when the circuit is closed. Thus, the automatic control system consists of an object and an automatic controller (Fig. 1, c). An automatic regulator (or simply a regulator) is a device that perceives a mismatch and acts on an object in such a way as to reduce this mismatch.

Based on the purpose of influencing the object, the following control systems are distinguished:

a) stabilizing,

b) software,

c) followers

d) optimizing.

Stabilizing systems maintain the value of the controlled parameter constant (within specified limits). Their settings are constant.

Software systems controls have a setting that changes over time according to a given program.

IN tracking systems the setting continuously changes depending on some external factor. In air conditioning systems, for example, it is more profitable to maintain a higher room temperature on hot days than on cool days. Therefore, it is advisable to continuously change the setting depending on the outside temperature.

IN optimizing systems The information received by the controller from the object and the external environment is pre-processed to determine the most favorable value of the controlled parameter. The setting changes accordingly.

To maintain the set value of the controlled parameter X0, in addition to automatic control systems, an automatic load monitoring system is sometimes used (Fig. 1d). In this system, the controller perceives changes in load, not mismatch, ensuring continuous equality M p = M n. Theoretically, this ensures exactly that X 0 = const. However, practically due to various external influences on the controller elements (interference), the equality M R = M n may be violated. The mismatch?X that arises in this case turns out to be significantly larger than in the automatic control system, since there is no feedback in the load monitoring system, i.e., it does not react to the mismatch?X.

In complex automatic systems (Fig. 1, e), along with the main circuits (direct and feedback), there may be additional circuits of forward and feedback. If the direction of the additional chain coincides with the main one, then it is called straight (chains 1 and 4); if the directions of influences do not coincide, then additional feedback occurs (chains 2 and 3). The input of the automatic system is considered to be the setting action, and the output is the controlled parameter.

Along with automatically maintaining parameters within specified limits, it is also necessary to protect installations from hazardous conditions, which is performed by automatic protection systems (APS). They can be preventive or emergency.

Preventive protection affects control devices or individual elements of the regulator before the onset of a dangerous mode. For example, if the water supply to the condenser is interrupted, the compressor must be stopped without waiting for an emergency increase in pressure.

Emergency protection perceives the deviation of the regulated parameter and, when its value becomes dangerous, turns off one of the system nodes so that the mismatch no longer increases. When automatic protection is triggered, the normal functioning of the automatic control system stops and the controlled parameter usually goes beyond acceptable limits. If, after the protection is triggered, the controlled parameter returns to the specified zone, the EPS can turn on the disabled unit again, and the control system continues to operate normally (reusable protection).

At large facilities, single-action self-protection protection is more often used, i.e., after the controlled parameter returns to the permissible zone, the nodes disabled by the protection themselves are no longer turned on.

The SAZ is usually combined with an alarm (general or differentiated, i.e. indicating the reason for the triggering). Benefits of automation. To identify the advantages of automation, let us compare, for example, the graphs of temperature changes in the refrigeration chamber with manual and automatic control (Fig. 2). Let the required temperature in the chamber be from 0 to 2°C. When the temperature reaches 0°C (point 1), the driver stops the compressor. The temperature begins to rise, and when it rises to approximately 2°C, the driver turns on the compressor again (point 2). The graph shows that due to untimely start or stop of the compressor, the temperature in the chamber goes beyond the permissible limits (points 3, 4, 5). With frequent increases in temperature (section A), the permissible shelf life is reduced and the quality of perishable products deteriorates. Low temperature (section B) causes drying of products and sometimes reduces their taste; In addition, additional work of the compressor wastes electricity and cooling water, causing premature wear of the compressor.

With automatic control, the temperature relay turns on and stops the compressor at 0 and +2 °C.

Devices also perform basic protection functions more reliably than humans. The driver may not notice a rapid increase in pressure in the condenser (due to a loss of water supply), a malfunction in the oil pump, etc., but the devices react to these malfunctions instantly. True, in some cases, problems will be more likely to be noticed by the driver; he will hear a knock in the faulty compressor and feel a local ammonia leak. Nevertheless, operating experience has shown that automatic installations operate much more reliably.

Thus, automation provides the following main benefits:

1) time spent on maintenance is reduced;

2) the required technological regime is more accurately maintained;

3) operating costs are reduced (for electricity, water, repairs, etc.);

4) the reliability of installations increases.

Despite the listed advantages, automation is advisable only in cases where it is economically justified, i.e., the costs associated with automation are offset by the savings from its implementation. In addition, it is necessary to automate processes whose normal operation cannot be ensured with manual control: precise technological processes, work in hazardous or explosive environments.

Of all automation processes, automatic regulation has the greatest practical importance. Therefore, further we mainly consider automatic control systems, which are the basis for the automation of refrigeration units.

Literature

1. Automation of technological processes in food production / Ed. E. B. Karpina.

2. Automatic devices, regulators and control machines: Handbook / Ed. B. D. Kosharsky.

3. Petrov. I. K., Soloshchenko M. N., Tsarkov V. N. Devices and automation equipment for the food industry: Handbook.

4. Automation of technological processes in the food industry. Sokolov.

Have you studied “automation of technological processes and production”, but don’t you even imagine what kind of work you’ll do? This probably indicates serious gaps in your education, but let’s try to understand the issue together. We use it daily automated systems without even realizing it.

The need for automation - is it there?

Any production process is a waste of resources. Thanks to new technologies and production methods, we can save the amount of raw materials and fuel that goes into making products.

But what about human resources? After all, highly qualified specialists can be used to implement other projects, and the control of the conveyor by workers itself is an expensive pleasure, which increases the price of the final product.

The problem was partially solved several centuries ago, with the invention of steam engines and conveyor production. But even now, most workshops in the former Soviet Union still have too many workers. And in addition to additional costs, this is fraught with the “human factor”, which is the main cause of most problems that arise.

Engineer or 5 other specialties?

Having received a diploma upon graduation, you can count on a position:

1. Engineer.
2. Designer.
3. Designer.
4. Researcher.
5. Head of Development Department.
6. Operations department employee.

The engineering profession was fashionable 40 years ago, but now few people are ready to think with their heads and take responsibility. Of course, with your diploma you will be a very narrow specialist; the list of main tasks will include the implementation and development of new management and control systems in production.

But most often, all you need to do is maintain the entire system in working order, correct minor faults that arise, and further plan the work.

Any projects to optimize or update the system will be carried out under the leadership of immediate superiors, through the efforts of the entire department. So don’t worry, on the very first day you won’t be forced to develop something innovative or implement a completely new control method. The requirements for specialists are quite adequate; wages depend on the region and industry.

Development and design of the project.

U designers and constructors the tasks are slightly different. They're already doing it new projects, at almost all stages of development. First of all, these employees are required to formulate and set the task.

When the goal and scope of future work have been determined, they begin to draw up a general plan for the implementation of the future project. Only after this does the designer have the right to move on to drawing up more detailed plans, developing architecture and selecting means.

And at the final stage it will be necessary to draw up documentation for the same engineers.

The designer’s work is not much different from the given work plan, so there is no point in focusing on this. We can only say that representatives of these two professions are somewhat closer to theory and science, but still maintain a direct connection with production and are well aware of the final product of their work.

Researchers in the field of production automation.

And now it's time to talk about those who like white coats and science laboratories. Actually we are talking about mathematics in its purest form. Design, creation and improvement of models, new algorithms. The ability to solve such theoretical problems, sometimes somewhat divorced from reality, manifests itself even at school or university. If you notice this about yourself, you should adequately assess your abilities and find a place for yourself in a research center.

Offers from private entities are more highly paid, but most firms will require all rights to the results of your intellectual activity. Working in a government structure, you can conduct scientific activities and have a greater chance of gaining some recognition among your colleagues. The only question is to set your priorities correctly.

Leadership positions and personal responsibility.

You can count on the position of department or project manager in two cases:

1. An attempt to curry favor by realizing one’s ambitions and aspirations.
2. High level of responsibility and personal skills.

Immediately after university, the first point will not suit you; a young specialist will not be trusted with a serious position, and you will not be able to cope with it without a certain experience and set of knowledge. But it will be problematic to shift responsibility for failure onto someone else.

So just know that if you perform your duties in a high-quality and timely manner, you can count on career advancement; your diploma allows this. Therefore, no arguments from the authorities about the discrepancy in the level of education will not work. But think about whether it’s worth it - responsibilities will increase and the level of responsibility will noticeably rise.

Professionals from the Faculty of Automation of Technological Processes and Production know who to work with already from their first years. Do not be embarrassed if you managed to get a job thanks to acquaintances. No one will keep a useless specialist in a responsible position, so this is not a very compelling argument.

Video about the profession

Next, in the video, within the framework of the “Specialists of the Future” program, it will be discussed who to work with after graduating from the Faculty of Automation of Technological Processes and Production. What are the nuances, pros and cons of this profession: