Cut the Foam with LonWorks Networks
In the Beginning
At the turn of the century, dozens of small, local breweries produced
lagers, pilsners, porters, stouts and pale ales. Their home was the Twin
Cities and the breweries were as common as your local deli or bakery.
Slowly the small breweries became a thing of the past.
In 1986, Summit Brewing Company was started, bringing
local brews back to the area. They grew so fast that they quickly
found themselves operating their 25 barrel brew house seven days
a week.
Brewing & Hopping
The rapid growth experienced by Summit led them to expand their
brew house and cellar capabilities. The brewery knew that it would
need some sort of control system in order to make their expansion
a successful one. They turned to Industrial Systems Integrators,
Inc. to find a solution. ISI immediately assessed the situation.
They found that one vessel was being used for two stages of the
brewing process. By adding a third vat, Summit would be able to
double their brewing capabilities. |
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LonWorks to the Rescue
Working with Summit to understand the brewing process and their own situation,
ISI suggested LonWorks networks as a solution for several reasons.
Summit Brewery faced several key problems that could easily be addressed
with LonWorks. First, the points to be monitored are in two buildings
separated by an alley. Second, there are many parameters not being monitored
today that may be in the future. The most unique issue that Summit faces
is the frequent regulatory changes within the food industry.
The flexible nature and scope of LonWorks networks allowed ISI to offer
a solution that could address all of these concerns. Specifically, LonWorks
has vast networking capabilities, and allows for low future expansion
costs. LonWorks can also easily monitor parameters in multiple locations
from any point on the network.
It’s As Easy As 1-2-3
ISI designed a system for Summit that is very accurate, easy to use, and
can be expanded as needed in the future. The first phase was to accurately
control the batch process temperature rise and soak time. A programmable
ramp/soak controller was used to control the two steam valves that heat
the vat. The 4-20ma output control was also interfaced to a node that
date and time stamps the data and stores it in a file.
In addition, a pulse counter and meter node was installed
to measure the 350+ gallons of water for each batch. An effluent
pump controller was also installed and will be added to the network
as a digital I/O node in the next phase.
The ramp/soak temperature parameters stored in the data collection
node can be summoned on demand by an MMI node that is also on the
network. The file can be used with Lotus 1-2-3 to generate reports
and graphic analysis of each brew process. |
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Here Come the Suds!
Summit Brewery’s new LonWorks system has allowed them to reach levels
of accuracy not previously attainable. At their current rate of expansion
it is clear that they will need even greater control over the batch process.
With their new LonWorks control system in place, Summit is able to monitor
every last detail of the brewing process. The mash temperature and length
of the brewing cycle are more accurate. And, the mash process is so automated
that it no longer requires someone to monitor the process.
| The Future of Barley
Summit Brewing Company is so impressed with their LonWorks system
that they plan to expand its capabilities in the very near future.
Expansion plans include gathering data from treatment sites in order
to stay in compliance with pollution regulations, and fermentation
temperature and process control. “I am confident that LonWorks
networks will continue to be an important part of our brewing and
fermentation process. The possibilities seem endless!” said
Jon Lindberg, Production Manager at Summit Brewing Company. |
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