PLEIGER Process Control System (PPC)
Pleiger Process Control (PPC) is a PC-based control system for operation, monitoring, and automation in ship operations
Multiple operator stations are connected via Ethernet. Depending on the application, one or more of these operator stations can assume a PLC function. The connection of the process I/O signals and the connection to external systems is carried out via up to six independent Modbus RTU interfaces or Modbus TCP.
Hardware
Highlights:
- Compact design and construction – DIN rail mounting for control cabinet and "in-desk" installation
- Flash card storage – data storage resistant to vibration
- Flexible standard interfaces – easy data access to peripherals
- Flexible interfaces for external system data exchange via standardized or customized data exchange protocols, e.g., to the loading computer or alarm system
- Identical hardware for all stations – reduced spare parts inventory and quick assistance on board
- Monitors for various installation methods (console or desk mounting), dimmable, touchscreen operation
Functions
Valve / Pump Automation
Reliable control, indication, and monitoring of the operating states of valves, pumps, and other equipment.
Tank Gauging Systems
Acquisition and calculation of filling levels, volume calculation with trim correction, adjustable alarm limits, clear displays with all detailed information, bar graphs for intuitive assessment of the overall state.
Bilge Automation
Automatic emptying of bilge wells, valve and pump control depending on the fill level, avoidance of additional alarms, smoother ship operation through automatic system function.
Source / Destination Control
Partial automation of all pumping processes in the ballast system, simple operation – even by non-specialized personnel, reliable monitoring and alarming of operating states:
The operation is reduced to the simple selection of a source (e.g., sea), a destination (e.g., tank), and input confirmation. All actions associated with the pumping process, such as opening valves, starting pumps, and monitoring limit values, are carried out automatically.
Heeling Automation
Automatic heeling during loading operations, with an operating range of +/- 10°, adjustable alarm limits, monitoring of tank capacities, valves, pumps, variable inclination setpoint for optimizing the loading process.
Stability Test System
Reliable verification of ship stability – The In-Service Inclining Test System ISITS enables fast and safe testing of the ship's stability. In this case, the heeling of the ship is determined in response to a defined heeling moment using two high-precision inclinometers. The heeling moment is generated by pumping ballast water between the heeling tanks. In addition, the displacement of the vessel is determined by precise draft measurement. With these values, the GM stability value is calculated. Graphical output of the measured values facilitates checking the correct progress of the measurement. A report can be printed out or a PDF file generated for each measurement.
Ballast Water Exchange
Automatic ballast water exchange to relieve operating personnel and ensure compliance with regulations. In accordance with the operating philosophy of source/destination control, the tanks are preselected and the process is enabled. Emptying and filling of the wing tanks and continuous exchange in the bottom tanks takes place automatically with notification of the respective status.
Overall System
Highlights
- Clear displays, intuitive operation
- Understandable and detailed system diagnostics – simple troubleshooting; system diagnostics as well as auxiliary functions, such as self-tests, provide clear indications of problem points
- Clear system structure – clear relationships
- Coordinated system components – consistently compatible interfaces
- Consistency across all systems – from actuator/sensor to control system, a homogeneous solution
- Simple system maintenance/diagnostics – detailed status and fault messages simplify commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance
- Clear interfaces to external systems – standard protocols and detailed documentation guarantee reliable operation
- Powerful functions – from individual valve control to complete automation