From sensor to web using PLC with embedded web server for remote monitoring of processes

The goal of this present study is to monitor process values online using PLC with embedded web server. The system comprises of a three hopper silo with closed loop pneumatic transport line enabling particulate flow, multi sensor suite with Acoustic Emission (AE) sensors, optical level sensors, pressure and flow sensors and for verification purposes a Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA). Using Siemens S7-300 controller and the CP343-IIT communication controller and Profibus as the medium for sensor networking, a functional remote operated system was realized. This system has been used in various demonstrations within a Thematic Network supported by the European Union, with the acronym THEIERE. The performance of the system, some of the pitfalls encountered in the system integration and the strategy used in designing the remote operation of the system are presented here.