Smart Centrifuge

Smart centrifuge control for industrial separation processes

The precise and reliable separation of liquid mixtures is a key success factor in industries such as the food and beverage industry or chemical and environmental technology. Centrifuges not only need to be precisely controlled, but also flexibly adaptable to different media, process conditions, and throughput requirements. Stable separation performance, reproducible product quality, short commissioning times, and simple integration into existing plant structures are required.

The ctrlX AUTOMATION "Smart Centrifuge" solution set from Bosch Rexroth addresses these requirements with a ready-to-use, modular automation bundle specifically for centrifuge control. It is made up of the control system ctrlX CORE, the I/O systems ctrlX I/O, the drive system ctrlX DRIVE, and the HMI solutions ctrlX HMI (optional) as well as the engineering software module ctrlX WORKS and the ctrlX PLC app. This combination enables precise speed control, adaptive sensor integration, and flexible PLC programming, among other things. Open communication standards and ready-made interfaces reduce engineering effort, shorten commissioning times, and increase process stability – including when retrofitting existing plants.

The image shows a machine for the precise and reliable separation of liquid mixtures. A color filter with a blue-to-red gradient has been applied to the image.

The complete solution for smart centrifuge control:

• Optimized separation quality and higher product yield

• Quick commissioning through modular interfaces

• Reduced downtime thanks to adaptive process sensors

• Open communication for easy system integration

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Automation kit for industrial centrifuges

The picture shows a real factory environment. Hexagonal honeycombs are depicted. Within these honeycombs, the solution components of the solution set smart centri-fuge are illustrated. This is achieved through a combination of product images, app icons, a

The "Smart Centrifuge" solution set is a specially tailored automation solution for the control, regulation, and monitoring of industrial centrifuges. The ctrlX CORE functions as a central control unit and coordinates the speed control through frequency converters, sensor integration, and process logic. Density, fill level, pressure, and flow sensors are connected via ctrlX I/O and allow adaptive closed-loop control of the separation process in real time.

The application logic is implemented with the ctrlX PLC app either graphically or in IEC-61131-3 languages (CODESYS), and can be flexibly adapted to different centrifuge types and applications. Open interfaces such as OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP, and Profinet allow seamless integration into existing SCADA, control, and IT systems. A web-based HMI solution with WebIQ from ctrlX World partner Smart HMI is available as an option to complement the operation, diagnostics, and parameterization of the centrifuge control.

The modular architecture ensures scalability, short engineering times, and rapid adaptation to new process requirements.

ctrlX OS Community

Do you need further assistance? In the ctrlX OS Community you will find blog articles, GitHub applications or how to articles on automated centrifuge control and many other areas of application for ctrlX AUTOMATION.

Go to ctrlX OS Community!

Hardware and software components of the solution set

This image displays the control platform ctrlX CORE. Alongside it is the app icon for ctrlX OS, the Linux-based operating system that runs on the control.

ctrlX CORE – centralized centrifuge control

The ctrlX CORE is the central control system of the solution set and handles PLC, control, and communication tasks for the centrifuge control. It provides the runtime environment for the ctrlX PLC app and allows the flexible implementation of application-specific control logics. The open, app-based architecture supports scalable system design and is intended for continuous industrial operation.

The image shows various ctrlX I/O modules connected to a bus coupler.

ctrlX I/O – connection of process sensors

ctrlX I/O enables the deterministic acquisition of process data such as density, fill level, pressure, and flow. The connection is made via EtherCAT and supports precise regulation of the separation process in real time. Thanks to modular signal diversity, different centrifuge and plant concepts can be easily mapped.

The image shows a frequency converter from Bosch Rexroth.

Frequency Converter – speed control

Frequency converters handle the precise speed control of the centrifuge. They support application-optimized control concepts, protection functions, and energy-efficient operation. They are integrated via EtherCAT or open fieldbuses such as Modbus TCP, and it is also possible to connect external drives.

The image shows various ctrlX HMI devices, such as displays, web panels, housed panel PCs, and other devices from the ctrlX HMI portfolio.

ctrlX HMI (optional) – visualization and operation

ctrlX HMI provides web-based visualization for the operation, parameterization, and diagnostics of the centrifuge. In conjunction with the WebIQ solution from Smart HMI, individual operating concepts can be implemented – locally or remotely for service and maintenance purposes.

The image shows engineering app icon ctrlX WORKS.

ctrlX WORKS – engineering and device management

ctrlX WORKS is the central platform for configuring, commissioning, and managing all devices and apps. Standardized workflows and reusable project structures reduce engineering effort and accelerate project lead times.

ctrlX PLC App – flexible control logic

The ctrlX PLC app allows centrifuge control to be implemented in IEC-61131-3 languages such as structured text (CODESYS). Functions such as speed profiles, discharge control, or process monitoring can be mapped in a modular and application-specific manner.

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