PLC-Based Valve Automation for Filter System
Budget / Salary$750–1,500
TypeFreelance project
LocationRemote
Posted4 hours ago
I need a control system to automate the backwashing and drain valve operation of a bead filter (6-position valve + 2-way ball valve) and a waterfall spillway filter (3-way and 2-way ball valves).
The bead filter uses a 6-position valve. Normal operation is in the "filter" position. Backwashing is done by moving the 6-way valve from the "filter" position to the "backwash" position. There is a separate full-port 2-way ball valve on the bottom of the bead filter called a sludge drain. When the sludge drain valve is opened, sludge and debris that have settled to the bottom of the filter are washed into a drain pipe.
The backwash cycle for the bead filter will be: pump off, change 6-way valve to backwash position, open the sludge drain, pump on for a set time interval, pump off, close sludge drain, pump on until water leaving the backwash discharge port runs (more or less) clear.
The waterfall spillway filter is downstream of the bead filter. To backwash this filter, the pump is turned off, a full-port 2-way ball valve bottom drain is opened, a 3-way valve's position is changed from "waterfall" to "backwash", sufficient time is allowed for the spillway unit to drain completely, the pump is turned on and let run until the water leaving the spillway bottom drain runs (more or less) clear, the pump is turned off, the bottom drain valve is closed, the 3-way valve changes back to the "waterfall" position, and the pump is turned on again.
The pump must be off whenever any of the valves are changing position. If the system has an error that doesn't resolve it should automatically return to the base state of: the 6-position valve in the "filter" position, the 3-way valve in the "waterfall" position, and both 2-way drain valves closed. If the base state cannot be achieved, the pump must shut off. If there is a power failure, the 6-way valve must fail in the "filter" position.
The 6-way valve I have is made by Praher. I'm thinking of using the Praher Aquastar to control it, and the "safety pack" to move the valve to the "filter" position if there is a power failure. I basically need someone to set up a plc to control these various I/Os and help me choose/integrate some kind of controller or user interface.
I am also completely open to other solutions. The only part that is already purchased is the 6-way valve, so nothing is set in stone.
I am a contractor building a water feature in an outdoor habitat for red-footed tortoises. My client wants as much of the maintenance automated as possible.
Key Requirements:
- Use of PLC for automation
- Position sensors to ensure pump is off during valve operation
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Experience with PLC programming and setup
- Familiarity with valve automation and control systems
-Ability to set up user-friendly controls
- Knowledge of integrating position sensors into automation systems
- Background in fluid dynamics and pump systems would be advantageous
Please provide relevant experience in your bids.
The bead filter uses a 6-position valve. Normal operation is in the "filter" position. Backwashing is done by moving the 6-way valve from the "filter" position to the "backwash" position. There is a separate full-port 2-way ball valve on the bottom of the bead filter called a sludge drain. When the sludge drain valve is opened, sludge and debris that have settled to the bottom of the filter are washed into a drain pipe.
The backwash cycle for the bead filter will be: pump off, change 6-way valve to backwash position, open the sludge drain, pump on for a set time interval, pump off, close sludge drain, pump on until water leaving the backwash discharge port runs (more or less) clear.
The waterfall spillway filter is downstream of the bead filter. To backwash this filter, the pump is turned off, a full-port 2-way ball valve bottom drain is opened, a 3-way valve's position is changed from "waterfall" to "backwash", sufficient time is allowed for the spillway unit to drain completely, the pump is turned on and let run until the water leaving the spillway bottom drain runs (more or less) clear, the pump is turned off, the bottom drain valve is closed, the 3-way valve changes back to the "waterfall" position, and the pump is turned on again.
The pump must be off whenever any of the valves are changing position. If the system has an error that doesn't resolve it should automatically return to the base state of: the 6-position valve in the "filter" position, the 3-way valve in the "waterfall" position, and both 2-way drain valves closed. If the base state cannot be achieved, the pump must shut off. If there is a power failure, the 6-way valve must fail in the "filter" position.
The 6-way valve I have is made by Praher. I'm thinking of using the Praher Aquastar to control it, and the "safety pack" to move the valve to the "filter" position if there is a power failure. I basically need someone to set up a plc to control these various I/Os and help me choose/integrate some kind of controller or user interface.
I am also completely open to other solutions. The only part that is already purchased is the 6-way valve, so nothing is set in stone.
I am a contractor building a water feature in an outdoor habitat for red-footed tortoises. My client wants as much of the maintenance automated as possible.
Key Requirements:
- Use of PLC for automation
- Position sensors to ensure pump is off during valve operation
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Experience with PLC programming and setup
- Familiarity with valve automation and control systems
-Ability to set up user-friendly controls
- Knowledge of integrating position sensors into automation systems
- Background in fluid dynamics and pump systems would be advantageous
Please provide relevant experience in your bids.
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