THAT X2 is the new version of the control system for tunnel lifting equipment 3CTR. It is installed on three-arm lifts for tunnels: two baskets to lift the workers, as well as a central arm to lift the ribs to be placed in the tunnel.
The controls on the baskets are equipped with proportional manipulators and LCD monitors. Proportional manipulators control proportional solenoid valves, which make the movements of the lifting equipment very smooth and also accurate. To operate a movement, you must first press the consent button. This device serves to avoid movements not wanted by operators, which could compromise their safety.
The LCD monitor indicates the status of the lifting equipment and helps operators to optimize their work. In addition, the emergency buttons are an important safety to lock the whole machine in case of emergency situations.
The DAT X2 lifting equipment control system is equipped with the following features:
- area limiter, moment limiter and load limiter, which allow operators to lift the ribs in conditions of absolute safety;
- stabilization controller, which ensures that the tunnel lifting equipment is perfectly stabilized before starting the rib assembly session;
- command selector, which avoids incompatible simultaneous maneuvers, which then allows operators to focus on the movements they are performing.
DAT X2 for lifting equipment, the project
The automation for lifters THAT X2 it is different from the previous control system 3CTR. The new DAT X2 system is, in fact, composed of programmable boards THAT CB, which I designed for DAT instruments. A very important role is played by the central processor (DAT DR MR4A2R), which coordinates all functions. The other peripherals (DAT CB 8DA, DAT CB 8A8D, DAT CB 8I4O, DAT CB 8I4ORL) function as distributed I/O logics and also as independent controllers, with pre-programmed functions. To ensure redundancy and absolute safety for operators, many functions are performed by two control units in parallel and the results are compared by the central CPU. To sum up, the entire system consists of more than 14 electronic boards.
The control system for lifting equipment THAT X2 it controls more than 20 solenoid valves (on/off and proportional) and receives the status of more than 20 sensors.
DAT X2, list of electronic boards
DAT DR MR4A2R, central processor
Central data processing system.
DAT CB 8I4ORL staff 1
Controller for the stabilization of lifting equipment for tunnels.
DAT CB 8I4ORL staff 2
Secondary controller for equipment stabilization. The second electronic board provides redundancy of data processing.
DAT CB 8I4ORL lim
Area, load and moment limiter.
DAT CB 8I4O
I/O module consisting of 8 digital/analog inputs and 4 mosfet outputs to control as many solenoid valves on/off.
DAT CB 8DA
Output module consisting of 8 analog outputs to control proportional solenoid valves.
DAT CB 8A8D
I/O module consisting of 8 digital inputs and 8 on/off inputs for the control joysticks.
To complete the project there is a tool in a Windows environment to configure the operating parameters of the equipment, for remote control, as well as for diagnostics.
Programming languages: C, Assembler, VB.
Project start: September 2007.