SCADA Alarm System

SCADA Alarm System

Following an incident occurring at a Tank Farm of one of Elite’s key clients, it was highlighted that their whisky supply system can be left unattended during specific times (lunch break/night shift/weekends).
During these periods, it was discovered that a high risk of missing critical alarms is present. Our client required a solution to alert key personnel of the plant immediately when any of the critical alarms is active.

The Elite proposed solution involved the use of a cost-effective, secure, remote connection to read the alarms from the existing Siemens S7-400 PLC. The system had to work independently from the client’s main SCADA system and if an alarm was detected, an SMS text message had to be sent to both the C&E Engineer and the Engineering Manager.

Due to the critical nature of the plant operation, this work had to be fully implemented with no impact to the plant operations.

As a result of the successful implementation of this project, our customer now has a robust and enhanced alarm monitoring system. They can now identify situations (e.g. power cuts during weekends) where they were previously unaware that some alarms had been triggering.

#engineering #project #SCADA #plc #ics #pcs #electrical #electricalengineering

Grain Intake Optimisation

Grain Intake Optimisation

Our customer, a main manufacturer of whisky and spirits, required to optimize and simplify the cereal intake process in their distillery. The project included the removal and replacement of obsolete equipment and the optimization of the control system.

The scope of the project included replacement of an old MCC and the design and installation of Siemens S7 based process control system. In addition, the new S7 system required integration with the existing ABB DCS. Following implementation and testing, site installation of MCC and commissioning took place. Solution developed by Elite has additionally incorporated a client/server SCADA based network and a HMI for Process Visualization, Management, Maintenance, Diagnostics and Standard features for alarming, trending and user configuration.

The new system employed has been optimized simplified compared to the previous iteration. The new process control equipment should be more efficient and reliable. Operation and maintenance personnel have improved monitoring and diagnostic capability available in runtime; this in turn should help reduce plant downtime.

Expanding on the knowledge and expertise gained by Elite, we are once again proud to offer a solution to one of our key clients and build upon our relationship with our partners.

New Home of The Macallan

New Home of The Macallan

A Control System Engineering Achievement

 

The Macallan’s new distillery is an exceptional architectural landmark with a completely unique design

When Elite Control Systems completed the final commissioning of a turnkey software control system for The Macallan’s new distillery, it represented more than successful completion of a job. It was an engineering achievement carried out on behalf of Edrington for The Macallan, its world-renowned single malt whisky.

“It was a real honour to be given the opportunity to provide the critical software control system for a product that many people regard as the Jewel in the Crown in Edrington’s portfolio,” said Brian Sneddon, General Manager for Elite Control Systems.  “There is no other distillery quite like this one. It’s not only an exceptional architectural landmark, it’s a completely unique design. Some of the challenges from a software control point of view actually lay in the uniqueness of that very design.”

Edrington invested a tremendous amount of thought and planning before finalising its vision: to create a visually striking piece of architecture that would blend seamlessly into the Speyside hills, while providing the production capability to meet customer demand for The Macallan for generations to come.

Three pods are better than one

To make certain that its production capability is both reliable and adaptable, Edrington broke from tradition. Instead of constructing a traditional distillery that features one main production facility, The Macallan distillery features three individual production “pods”.  There are many advantages to this design. Having three production pods means that production needn’t stop when maintenance schedules demand. The new distillery enables production of The Macallan to increase by one third, if required.

From a controls perspective, the three-pod design means a much more complex system than normal was required. The real challenge, however, was developing a system to manage the production interfaces alongside all the sequencing, interlocking, etc. that is required between each of the pods. These pods operate and interface both individually and collectively with the distillery’s single mash house. “This raised the software control aspect of the project to a much higher level, making it a real engineering challenge,” said Sneddon.

Production pod with several Spirit & Wash Stills on the upper level

Once the commissioning checks were completed, and the control system was deemed fully operational, the distillery was nearly ready to begin production. Given the complexity of a distillery with three production pods, the required control system represented a different way of working for both Edrington and Elite. Throughout the construction of the plant and development of the control system, Elite had a dedicated team of engineers working alongside both the main contractor and Edrington’s engineers. Elite housed their engineering team in their own cottage minutes from the site, helping facilitate communications and teamwork. For months beforehand, Elite had worked closely with Edrington’s engineers to ensure that everyone was fully aware as to how the control system would operate, allowing production to commence as planned.

New distillery up and running

Elite Control Systems provided the critical software control system for the new Macallan Distillery

Production pod with the Spirit & Wash Stills on the upper level in the background, and the production equipment on the lower level

The project progressed and Edrington commenced ready for production in November 2017, running its first spirit in December 2017.  Since then, Edrington has operated all aspects of the plant from the main onsite control room.  Should Edrington require added assistance, Elite can also monitor the status of the new control system from its base in Livingston. “As part of our standard services, we provide 24-hour support.  Although the production process is not managed remotely, should Macallan request assistance, we can login remotely and securely to monitor production and support the automated system,” said Sneddon.  “If something untoward were to disrupt operations, we can respond immediately, allowing production to resume without missing a beat.”

The Macallan distillery project is an historic achievement, not only in terms of its innovative design and architecture, but for those involved, it was an exciting, rigorous challenge. “To realise The Macallan vision, it was essential that we work with a trusted systems integrator we could rely upon to operate this innovative, yet extremely complicated distillery,” said George McKenzie, UK Engineering Manager for Edrington.  “Elite had worked for The Macallan and other Edrington distilleries previously, so we were confident in their ability to design a reliable control system. In the end, Elite lived up to our expectations, and were both responsive and flexible throughout.”

For Elite, The Macallan project represents a major milestone. “To have contributed successfully to such an innovative distillery, it’s a critical milestone for us in terms of the credibility it lends to us as a respected systems integrator,” said Sneddon.

If you would like information on our services, please fill out our contact form and a member of our team will be in contact with you.

 

 

Celebrating Great Achievments at the IBD Scottish Section Annual Awards Dinner

Celebrating Great Achievments at the IBD Scottish Section Annual Awards Dinner

Last Friday saw the Institute of Brewing and Distilling hold their Scottish Section Annual Dinner in Glasgow at the Doubletree Hilton. The event was the biggest yet, with over 500 people in attendance, celebrating the great achievements of Brewers and Distillers within the Industry.

Elite Control Systems Limited were proud to be in attendance as a leading Supplier to the Industry, with both clients and partner suppliers equally represented including Glenmorangie Distilleries and North British Distillers.

The IBD leads the way for people working in the Brewing and Distilling Industry, with over 5000 members. It dates as far back as 1886 which means it is the largest global professional body for Brewers and Distillers.

About Elite Control Systems Limited

 

Formed in 1992, Elite Control Systems is known for its expertise in providing engineering services to a variety of Industries who use fast-moving process control, automation and information technology. Elite are a recognised provider within the Whisky Industry providing Software Control Systems and Priority Support to various distilleries and bottling facilities.

Celebrations at the IBD Scottish Section Annual Awards Dinner

Celebrations at the IBD Scottish Section Annual Awards Dinner

Institute of Brewing and Distilling Annual Awards Dinner celebrating achievements within the Brewing and Distilling Industry

Elite Control Systems with both Clients and Partner Suppliers at the IBD Annual Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Last Friday saw the Institute of Brewing and Distilling hold their Scottish Section Annual Dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). The event, which was attended by over 500 people, celebrated the achievements of Brewers and Distillers within the Industry and Elite Control Systems were proud to be in attendance as a leading Supplier to the Industry.

The Institute of Brewing and Distilling dates back to 1886 with over 5,000 members which means it is the largest global professional body for Brewers and Distillers. The IBD leads the way for people working in the Brewing and Distilling Industry.

Elite Controls are a recognised provider within the Whisky Industry, delivering fully operational Software Control Systems alongside a Dedicated Support Division that offers “around the clock” support to various distilleries & bottling facilities. Elite were more than happy to fill a table at the event with both clients and partner suppliers in attendance. Both of Glenmorangie’s Distilleries (Ardbeg & Tain), along with locally based North British Distillers were all represented. Elite look forward to attending the event next year, celebrating more achievements within the Brewing and Distilling Industry.

About Elite Control Systems Limited

Elite Control Systems was founded in 1992, and specialises in System Integration and Engineering Support. It is known for its expertise in providing engineering support to a variety of Industries to use fast-moving process control, automation and information technology.

 

Elite Controls Secures Key Contract for New Macallan Distillery

Elite Controls Secures Key Contract for New Macallan Distillery

Elite Controls Secures Key Contract for New Macallan Distillery

LIVINGSTON, Scotland – 19 October 2016 – Elite Control Systems are delighted to announce that it has been been awarded a major contract by Scotland’s leading premium spirits company Edrington for its new distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan whisky, one of the world’s leading luxury Scotch malt whiskies.

Nestled in the parklands of The Macallan Estate in Speyside, the contemporary distillery promises to be, according to Edrington, “a site of major architectural significance,” as well as a huge boost to tourism and the local economy.  With architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, designers of the Millennium Dome and Pompidou Centre, commissioned to design and build it, the new facility will not only “complement the natural beauty of the area,” but be highly innovative and environmentally sound.

Edrington is relying on Elite Control Systems to write the full process software control package, and provide ongoing support services following commissioning. This combination of technology and 24-hour technical support will ensure that the automated control systems that Edrington uses to operate the new plant function properly, so that production remains on track and the visitor centre remains open to welcome thousands of visitors all year-round.

 Whisky distillery project from “ground up”

For Elite Control Systems, the project represents the challenge of providing a fully operational software control system for a distillery from the “ground up.”  “It’s very exciting that a brand new distillery of this size, sophistication and calibre is being built in Scotland,” said Ewan McAllister, Technical Director for Elite Control Systems.

“The fact that Elite Control Systems were selected by Edrington to provide a full software control system for the entire facility illustrates that we have earned our reputation as a recognised leader in providing control systems for the whisky industry.  Clearly, Edrington are confident that we will deliver the large, complex system that this high profile facility demands.  It’s an honour to have been given this opportunity to contribute to what is certain to become a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of The Macallan brand, and an outstanding experience that will attract visitors from around the world,” added McAllister.

Prior to installing the software control system on-site in Speyside, Elite will make certain that it conforms with

Edrington’s specific requirements.  Initially, the control software will be simulated, tested and fully documented at Elite’s facility in Livingston to ensure a smooth commissioning period, with minimal programming required on-site.

After the facility is up and running, Elite’s dedicated Support Services division will provide around-the-clock support of the new distillery’s state-of-the-art control system. Should any hardware or network problems arise, Elite Control Systems engineers will be on standby to respond immediately to rectify the situation so that operations will resume as soon as possible.  To make certain that the system functions properly, Elite will also conduct regular preventative maintenance checks, minor system modifications and training of Edrington technical staff.

Improving efficiencies for Edrington

For the past six years, Elite Control Systems has worked alongside Edrington to ensure that its process control systems operate reliably, so that production continues at optimum levels. For example, last year Elite Control Systems helped Edrington improve efficiencies at a large tank farm located at its Great Western Road facility in Glasgow, Scotland.  Elite carried out an upgrade to the control system that was being used and, by doing so, eliminated the need for operators to manually route batches for blending and preparation.  These functions are now carried out within the new SCADA & PLC control platform, which also allows for real-time monitoring via an internal web portal. This effectively allows management to view tank levels, transfers, final product and routes, as required.

About Elite Control Systems Limited

Founded in 1992, Elite Control Systems Limited specialises in systems integration and engineering support.  It is known for helping companies within a variety of industries to use fast-moving process control, automation and information technology to achieve their business objectives.

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