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technological advances in heating control

machinery, while still being able to process data and control commands are
acquire and identify its status. transmitted over the internet or intranet,
so equipment and wiring is significantly
Benefits of new technology reduced. It also makes functional
When we use IOT technology, we programming and human interface
can eliminate many of the system operation much easier as programmers
components of a typical PLC control can be in a remote location to access
system and use the IOT platform, secure data on IOT connected devices.
along with RFID, to collect the physical
data and send the commands over the Looking to the future
internet or intranet. New technology offered by PLC systems
For example, if we have a hot water along with other advanced technologies
generator used for an HVAC system in a provide a great opportunity for
large building controlled by a building commercial heating systems and
management system (BMS), we would applications to improve efficiency,
need at least one I/O node for each of flexibility, reliability and plant safety.
the control and measurement devices It’s an exciting period of technological
throughout the system (including duct advancement, with digitalisation set to
filters, pressure switches, fan coil, dramatically change the face of the gas
temperature thermostat for each room, industry as we know it.
boiler/burner operation I/O commands,
etc). In a typical high-rise building, this EOGB is a leading manufacturer and
can amount to hundreds of I/O points. distributor of oil, gas and dual fuel burners.
When we use IOT and smart devices, For more information, visit www.eogb.co.uk TOP: TRACKING A DESIGNED TEMPERATURE CURVE,
ABOVE: TRACKING TRENDING FUNCTION

BUILDING ON SUCCESS AT HG MATTHEWS

of only 50 per cent. By replacing
these with modulating Baltur gas
burners, integrated with custom
PLC controls, EOGB engineers
were able to specify the rate of
temperature increase as well as hold
set temperatures for a specific length
of time, resulting in most production
cycles achieving a 100 per cent yield.
A ‘smart’ trend function was
also implemented to monitor the
temperature and cool down phase so,
if a furnace is operated overnight, any
production issues can easily be traced
remotely and fixed, without constant
machine minding.
Due to the successful installation of
the new burners and custom controls,
which have doubled the output from
50 per cent wastage to almost zero,
two more furnaces have been built
with at least one more planned.
Martin Cooke, Technical Director at
EOGB, said: “By installing Baltur gas
burners with custom PLC controls, we have
INSIDE THE KILN AT HG MATTHEWS BRICKWORKS, WHERE
BRICKS ARE HEATED UP TO 1,200 DEGREES CELSIUS been able to tailor a personalised heating
solution for HG Matthews, improving
BRICK MANUFACTURER HG inconsistent colouration or surface efficiency and virtually eliminating all
Matthews selected EOGB Energy defects, the bricks must be heated wastage in the firing process.
Products to provide a more efficient in a kiln following a very specific “This installation illustrates the
heating solution to improve temperature curve. importance of keeping abreast with
production at its traditional brickyard The existing burners had a limited technological advancements, especially
in Buckinghamshire, which produces turndown ratio and could only operate for organisations in traditional
three million bricks every year. on high-fire due to the basic controls industries who can make significant
In order to avoid cracking, fitted, resulting in a production yield savings by adopting digital processes.”

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