Endress+Hauser and Rockwell Automation announced the opening of a new Process Training Unit (PTU) in Philadelphia. The PTU features Endress+Hauser instruments and the Rockwell Automation PlantPAx process automation system designed for the purpose of educating field technicians, engineers and sales personnel. The PTU provides a unique learning experience through hands-on activities. Participants learn the application, installation, operation and diagnostic procedures related to many types of process instrumentation and control processes. Various communication protocols are also demonstrated including: EtherNet/IP, HART, PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus.
"Not only is Endress+Hauser making major investments in the U.S. to expand manufacturing capability, but additional investments are also being made around the country to offer best-in-class Instrumentation training schools by constructing the type of Process Training Units that are unequaled in the industry. And this is in cooperation with our Alliance Partner Rockwell Automation. No other supplier of instrumentation or controls can claim this type of commitment to addressing the process training needs of its customers," said Jerry Spindler, training manager - Customer and Field Service Training.
In the Philadelphia PTU, there are three process demonstration units designed specifically for the market needs.
The first unit includes numerous fully functional flow, pressure, temperature, level and analysis instruments. The Rockwell Automation PlantPAx system regulates the flow paths and velocity of the process by actuating control valves and adjusting the speed of pump drives. It also provides operators with a real time view of the process and continuous monitoring of critical parameters.
The second unit simulates the types of processes and procedures found in the life sciences industries. In this unit, analytical instrumentation measures the pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and optical density which give a picture of the health of the cells and the effectiveness of the cleaning processes within the bioreactor. The controls of the bioreactor are implemented with the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PAC and PlantPAx system.
Lastly, the PTU includes a demo unit that simulates environmental, water and wastewater treatment applications. The system uses common additives to simulate the same type of conditions found in environmental monitoring and water/wastewater treatment applications.
The PTU includes over 5,000 sq ft of classroom and hands-on training space.
Other PTUs are located at La Porte (Houston), Texas; Memphis, Tenn.; Mobile, Ala.; Matthews, N.C.; and Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, with additional units being planned around the U.S.
Source: Endress+Hauser
