Company: Readco

Website: www.readco.com

Technology Snapshot: The Readco Process Control System (RCS) from process equipment manufacturer Readco Kurimoto, LLC, York, Pa. (www.readco.com), integrates mixing, heating, cooling and feeding into a single, touch-screen HMI. Offered as an option on the company's continuous processors, the Readco Process Control System eliminates the multiple interfaces needed to control individual machines in a batch process in favor of a single interface offering automated, precise control over every step in the mixing process. Powered by Melfi Technologies, Concord, ON, Canada, the Allen-Bradley PLC-based controller enables a single operator to setup, monitor and adjust heating and cooling zone temperatures, material feed rates, throughput rates, shear intensity, and other process variables quickly, easily and on the fly from one screen. The system may also be accessed remotely via the Web or VPN connection or via redundant monitors installed anywhere in the facility, all protected by multiple layers of security to ensure process integrity.

Storing an extensive recipe database, the proprietary Readco continuous operating system archives pre-programmed product formulations that may be instantly recalled for fast, accurate setup and consistent, repeatable processing year after year. In operation, the system automatically logs data for all process variables for live review, recall and analysis. The RCS is proven in continuous processing for foods, chemicals, plastics and other products and integrates seamlessly with loss-in-weight, screw, belt and vibratory metering feeders and other equipment from many manufacturers without requiring external controls.