Harzer Antriebstechnik, based in Bad Lauterberg in Lower Saxony, Germany, specialises in the planning and engineering of sophisticated automation solutions focusing on drive technology. The company recently began to fit honey extractors with Siemens technology, optimising the efficiency of the entire honey centrifugation process from the controller through the frequency converter to the operator unit.
To harvest the best quality honey, beekeepers use what are known as honey extractors to extract the honey out of the comb by centrifugal force. The key to efficient operation is to ensure the seamless interaction between the controller, the operator unit and the drive. The production conditions for the different types of honey are defined at the discretion of the beekeeper by simply selecting the spin program and setting the drive parameters.
Honey extractor
A honey extractor comprises a cylindrical stainless steel drum which accommodates a honeycomb basket with a rotating axis. This is connected to the drive below the drum. Depending on the size of the extractor, the honeycomb basket can accommodate between 4 and 16 comb frames in which the combs are placed. Once the lid is closed and the spin program has been selected, the drive sets the honeycomb basket in rotation. The centrifugal force flings the honey against the inner wall of the drum. It flows down the wall and is collected at the base of the drum. To ensure that honey is centrifuged out of both sides of the comb, the combs are turned by reversing the motor direction. Finally, the honey is guided through a drain valve into a collecting bin.
Centrifugation
Harzer Antriebstechnik GmbH honey extractors work using a controller model based on Simatic technology, and a Sinamics G110 frequency converter as a variable-speed drive.
During the extraction process, a motor connected to the frequency converter is controlled via the communication module CM1241 (RS-485) by a Simatic S7-1200 controller from Siemens. Depending on the extractor and drive type, central processing unit (CPU) model 1212C or 1214C is used. Communication takes place using the Universal Serial Interface (USS) drive protocol. The motors have an output of between 0,37 and 2,2 kW with a single- phase 230 V AC supply. Using a Simatic HMI KTP400 Basic combined button and touch operator panel, the beekeeper selects the spin program and the configuration. It is also possible for the beekeeper to monitor the program sequence and individually modify the set motor speed. An exchangeable cover film protects the panel’s control buttons and switches from becoming gummed up with honey. If maintenance is required, only the controller itself needs to be sent in.
Harzer Antriebstechnik has been producing series control units using Siemens technology to be used in honey extractors by beekeeping specialist Carl Fritz Mellrichstadt (CFM) for around a year. Until introducing the new control units, CFM worked using conventionally produced controllers, which required a high degree of experience and intuition to ascertain precisely the right parameters.
By introducing new control units, the company was aiming at a more compact solution with self-explanatory functions which were easier to control. Harzer Antriebstechnik founder, Marcus Warlich and his project team opted for a Siemens solution. “We have put our trust in Siemens technology across the board, from the controller through the frequency converter to the operator unit, and the experience has been all positive. Key factors contributing to the success of the solution have been the outstanding reliability and the optimum cost-to-performance ratio of the components, as well as the innovative engineering software,” he says.
For more information contact Jennifer Naidoo, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2795, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za
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