Programmable electronic control unit NOVATRONIC C3

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Product overview
The NOVATRONIC C3 is a fully customizable electronic control unit from Sensor Control GmbH, derived from the proven Novatronic C2 and engineered for the ceramics industry to control moisture and plasticity in ceramic masses with high reproducibility.

Features and benefits

• Uniform plasticity: maintains a consistent and reproducible clay plasticity required for optimal drying and firing.
• Energy efficiency: precise moisture control reduces energy consumption and operating costs.
• User friendliness: intuitive interface for rapid adjustment to varying production conditions.

Control
The NOVATRONIC C3 is PLC-based and suitable for single processing machines and production lines with up to five processing machines (examples: pan mills, rotary screen feeders, single and double shaft mixers feeding extruders). The system can regulate addition of water, steam and dry substances using the following parameters:

• moisture [%]
• current consumption [A]
• plasticity [%]
• temperature [°C]
• weight [kg]
• material flow [cm3]
• level detection [%]
• belt speed [ms-1]

Customers can choose PLC hardware between SIEMENS S7 or B&R solutions. Single-loop, cascade and—when combined with a belt weigher—feed‑forward control are supported.

Analysis
Measured data are logged in a database and presented graphically for process evaluation. In addition to control parameters, the following data can be stored:

• consumption of water / steam [L]
• temperature of water / steam [°C]
• flow rate of water / steam [Lh-1]
• consumption of material [kg]
• active power [Ws]
• load profile [W]

Networking
All measured data can be imported into the company network via a secured VPN connection to ensure data security. Mobile and office operation are supported. Remote service and diagnostics are available over a broadband connection with visual and acoustic communication between customer and service technician.

Novatronic C2+ (enhanced version)
The Novatronic C2+ is a compact PLC-based controller for individual processing machines, compatible in size with the C2 for straightforward replacement. Key capabilities:

• measurement of the unit's power consumption (mandatory for operation)
• options to connect control variables (e.g. belt scale, inlet humidity sensor) and additional measurements (pressure via plastometer, outlet humidity, optional temperature) for cascade control
• control of up to three valves (1x impulse valve, 2x control valves) with manual override; two potential-free alarm contacts for exceeded/undershot values
• integration with belt weighers for feed-forward control and pairing with plasticity and humidity sensors as required
• available complete with dosing units for water and steam or as a standalone device to integrate with existing peripherals

Technical specifications

• Brand: Sensor Control GmbH
• Commercial model: NOVATRONIC C3 (product family: Novatronic, incl. C2+)
• Technology: PLC-based control (customer choice: SIEMENS S7 or B&R)
• Application: single machines and production lines (up to five processing machines: pan mill, mixer, circular screen feeder, vacuum units, extruder feed)
• Measurable control parameters: moisture [%], plasticity [%], current [A], temperature [°C], weight [kg], material flow [cm3], level detection [%], belt speed [ms-1]
• Data logging / analysis: water/steam consumption [L], water/steam temperature [°C], flow rate [Lh-1], material consumption [kg], active power [Ws], load profile [W]; stored in database and shown graphically
• Networking: secured VPN, remote operation (mobile/office), remote service and diagnostics
• Outputs / dosing: controlled addition of water, steam and dry material (single loop, cascade or feed-forward)
• Novatronic C2+ specifics: up to 3 valves, 2 potential-free alarm contacts, cascade and feed-forward control options