Objective
Outdated control systems and discontinued replacement parts – typical causes of unplanned machine downtime!
A comprehensive retrofit was required for the existing conveyor system used to fill a flat silo at the Kerspleben Agricultural Cooperative. While the system’s mechanical components were still in good condition, the electrical equipment in the control cabinet used to operate the system was outdated.
A case for REX Automation Technology: To ensure long-term, efficient operational reliability, the team was commissioned to modernize the electrical equipment, including software development, for the grain silo.
The Customer
AGG Kerspleben grows grain, rapeseed, and corn on its land. Various facilities are available for processing and storing the harvest, including silos, washing facilities, and drying facilities.
One of the largest storage facilities is the flat-storage hall – equipped with an automatic filling system and conveyor belts running beneath the hall’s ceiling.
The conveyor system is used exclusively during harvest season – and within this narrow time window, the operational safety and reliability of the system are crucial: if the conveyor system stops, there is a risk of crop loss.
Performance by REX Automatisierungstechnik
- Assessment
- Electrical Design
- Electrical Equipment and Control Systems
- PLC Software Development with CODESYS V3
- HMI User Interface Development
- Installation, Including Wiring
- Commissioning
- Service and Support
Application
The system handles the storage of grain in a flat silo operated by AGG Kerspleben. The harvested grain is first received as bulk material via an upstream unloading device. It is then transported via a conveyor system that feeds the grain into the silo and distributes it evenly there.
The system is conveniently operated via an easy-to-use touch panel. A remote control is also available to manually operate the conveyors in the facility. Users can choose between automatic mode and manual control, allowing the system to be flexibly adapted to operational requirements.
Area
2000
ha
Grains
up to
10000
t/season
Stored in the hall
up to
4000
t
Operating hours conveyor
approx.
150
h/year
The new control cabinet with the renewed electrical equipment and control technology.
Drive and wiring of the conveyor system: the mechanical components were kept, the electrical equipment was renewed.
Special Features
- The retrofit was completed in just 2 weeks – including commissioning and test runs
- Optimized storage of the grain harvest, taking the harsh environment into account
- The HMI can be operated by untrained personnel after a brief introduction
- Seamless, automated documentation even during stressful harvest periods
The conveyor belts beneath the hall ceiling distribute the grain evenly across the flat silo.
Eckardt Bauer, CEO Agrargenossenschaft Kerspleben e.G.
“Our 20-year-old control system in the flat grain storage facility was no longer functional and could not be repaired. With REX Automation Technology, we had the perfect partner by our side from the very beginning. Together, we replaced the control system. The implementation went absolutely smoothly, professionally, and on schedule. We are more than satisfied with the collaboration and the result.”
Do you have questions?
Uwe Schulz
Sales Manager
REX Automatisierungstechnik GmbH
Email: vertrieb@rex-at.de