Module Code - Title:
PT4014
-
PLANT AUTOMATION
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To introduce the student to industrial sensors and their applications in automation.
To introduce the student to fundamental control systems within automation.
To outline the various types of hardware elements within a production environment.
To provide the student with the ability to control and monitor data flowing to and from a production line - LABView software.
To introduce the student to programmable logic controller hardware and software.
To introduce the student to material transportation systems used within industrial environments.
Syllabus:
Introduction to Automation Basic elements of an automated system, networks, interfacing and levels of automation within the manufacturing plant. Open Vs Closed loop systems Hardware: Sensors types and applications, correct selection, Analogue to Digital Converters, Digital to Analogue Converters, encoders, logic gates, Boolean algebra, signal conditioning. Programmable Logic Control Siemens PC based, Mitsubishi code, ladder logic, timers, counters, industrial applications and uses. LabVIEW Continuous monitoring of data, graphical user interface, control of systems, programming language, industrial applications and uses. Material Transportation Systems Material handling, transport equipment, AGVs, conveyors, design of systems, rating of systems, SMEMA control. Material storage systems, retrieval systems, carousels. Automated Identification: Bar-coding, 1D barcode, 2D barcodes, Radio Frequency ID, smart sensors linked to production control and warehousing.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1.Given a sequence of operations individually design a logic gate and ladder logic solution.
2. Specify and Design LABView software programmes capable of monitoring data from sensors and controlling actuators.
3. Determine the properties of open and closed loop systems - outline the block diagrams and mathematical calculations of transfer functions and steady state.
4. Illustrate the use of sensors.
5. Specify and Design an automated materials handling system.
6. Specify correct material transportation options for handling a variety of products and determine the communication code to allow communication through the production line.
7. Identify automated identification and the applications for 1D and 2D barcode and be able to select the correct identification for specific industrial applications.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Computer software programming, fabrication of parts, wiring of sensors.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered in a formal lecture setting complimented with laboratory practical sessions.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
N/A
Prime Texts:
Groover, Mikell (2007)
Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
, Prentice Hall
Festo Didatic ()
Fundamentals of Pneumatic Control Engineering
, Festo
Fraser C. and Milne J. (1994)
Integrated Electrical and Electronic Engineering for Mechanical Engineers
, McGraw Hill
Other Relevant Texts:
Groover, Mikell (2010)
Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing
, Wiley
Barney, G. C. ()
Intelligent Instrumentation
, Prentice Hall
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
alan.ryan@ul.ie