Examine conveyor control module through Programmable

logic controller operation.

Theory:
Introduction:
Conveyor is one of the most important parts of Industry. It carries products from one location to another. It is
the most efficient way of moving objects. Even in airports conveyor belts are used to carry luggage and from the
passenger.
Types of Conveyor Belt
There is a broad range of types of conveyor systems. Flat belt conveyors, wheel conveyor, roller conveyor,
chain conveyor, magnetic conveyor, are the major types. Other types includes pneumatic conveyor, chute
conveyor, tow conveyor, slat convey etc.
Flat Belt Conveyor:
Flat belt conveyor is the most popular type of conveyor belt used in industries today. This belt is used for
transporting light- and medium-weight loads between operations, departments, levels, and buildings. These belts
can be used on places where an inclination or declination is required. This conveyor also provides considerable
control over the orientation and placement of the load. No smooth accumulation, merging, and sorting on the
belt. The belt on this conveyor is supported by roller or slider bed; the slider bed is used for small and
irregularly shaped items while the roller bed is used for heavy objects. We have used this conveyor.
Wheel Conveyor:
Wheel Conveyor uses a series of skate wheels mounted on a shaft (or axle), where spacing of the wheels is
dependent on the load being transported. It works on the principle of gravity, that is the conveyor is designed in
such a way that there is a slope from source to destination which depends on load weight, so that the load can
move its self with the help of gravity. This conveyor belt is most economical as it uses gravity to move objects
from one location to another. This conveyor belt is used on places where objects are to be moved from height
and is used for light-duty applications.
Roller Conveyor:
Roller conveyor belts are of two types powered (or live) or non-powered (or gravity). Materials to be
transported on these conveyors must have a rigid riding surface. It requires minimum of three rollers that must
support smallest loads at all times. Tapered rollers on curves are used to maintain load orientation. Gravity roller
conveyor is used as an alternative to wheel conveyor, but unlike wheel conveyor this conveyor is designed for
heavy-duty applications. As in wheel conveyor, the slope for gravity movement depends on load weight. Live
roller conveyor is composed of belts or is chain driven. Force-sensitive transmission can be used to disengage
rollers for accumulation. This conveyor is used for accumulating loads and merging/sorting operations. This
conveyor has the capability to provide limited incline movement capabilities. 5 Chain Conveyor:
Chain conveyor uses one or more endless chains on which loads are carried directly to destination. For pallets
transportation, parallel chain configuration is used.

Procedure:
The ladder program given with module has to be downloaded first in the PLC (for downloading procedure of
ladder program please refer operating manual of PLC trainer) and then run; the apparatus should be connected
with inputs and outputs of PLC. There are two modes of operation, one is “Auto” and other is “Manual”. In auto
mode the proximity sensor gives the count of metallic containers while IR sensor gives the total count of
containers moves on belt. These counts are given to PLC by which we can control the direction of motor. Using
these counts we can also sort out the metallic and nonmetallic containers. A “beep” sound is given for every
count of metallic container and a “beep” is given for total number of containers. Sound of beep is generated by
buzzer. Inputs & outputs of PLC can be seen on the LEDs of PLC. In manual mode all the operation will be
done manually, for changing the direction of motor i.e. forward and reverse, two push buttons are given.
Specifications:

Interface: 40 pin FRC cable needed with PLC.

Digital Input pin voltage: 24VDC, particular I/P is activated from PLC

Digital Output pin voltage: 24VDC, particular O/P is activated from PLC

Power supply: From PLC trainer

• Connect PLC Output Common 1L with 24VDC.

Pin Connections on PLC Trainer

Sr. Module PLC Trainer

No.
1 IR X0
2 Proximity X1
3 A/M X2
4 Process Reset X3
5 Forward direction Y0
6 Reverse direction Y1
7 Buzzer Y2
8 LED Y3
Comments:

Q1. What are the problems of PLC?

Q2. What are the four main components of a PLC?

 Instrumentation and Control
Lab13

Q3. How do you read a PLC diagram?

Q4. What is PLC wiring?

Q5. Why relay is used in PLC?

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