Geflex splits itself in four.
Gefran presents the GFX4, an extension to the Geflex
range of modular power controllers.
GFX4 is a real innovation in the field of electric power control
in industrial heating processes.
The device has been designed to control 4 individual process
loops and directly manage and control the electric power,
providing a wide range of diagnostic and control information
(for example the current consumption, control of each zone,
efficiency of cooling and full alarm operation ).
The features and performance of the GFX4 "combine" all of
Gefran's experience and know-how, the result of more than
35 years in the industrial process control field. Its integration
into the most varied application architectures is fast and
immediate, as the GFX4 independently carries out the
requested tasks (it does not need to be programmed!) thanks
to the powerful onboard firmware.
From an operational viewpoint, the GFX4 consists of an array
of analogue/digital inputs, an electric power management
section, a digital and relay output control block, an interface
with the field bus and a powerful, intelligent CPU to control
the entire unit.
Inputs
The GFX 4 universal input ability offers great flexibility. Standard
process inputs such as thermocouples (types J,K,R,S,T,B and N),
RTDs (PT100, JPT100) and linear signals (0..60mVdc or 4..20mA)
are accepted.
A digital input option is available for input control of the unit (On/Off,
SetPoint1/SetPoint2 etc).
Outputs
Four standard outputs (TRIAC, Logic or Analog - typically used for
cooling), and two relay outputs are standard for alarm, process
tracking, DAQ or other communications.
The power section command outputs are normally dedicated to
the management of the unit's 4 power sections, but may also be
utilized for 4 external power units.
Power management unit
A portion of the available intelligence is dedicated to managing
the load power. The GFX4 is available in 4 basic models: for
the command of external power units, and for power up to 13, 22
and 35Kw (@ 220Vac). The distribution of the electrical load to
each of the available power zones is entirely settable by the user.
For example, in a 22Kw @220Vac model, where there would
theoretically be 4 zones of 25° available, it is possible to assign
percentage values that reflect the priority of each zone, allowing
the current limitations to be exceeded:
A series of powerful power management algorithms, a Gefran
innovation, enable control to be adapted to the most varied and
challenging applications.. For example, when the rated power
is less than the nominal power and the speed of start-up is not
critical, it is possible to exploit a power connection management
method (which also utilizes the internal control of their temperatures)
that can achieve power values up to double that of the nominal value.
Connectivity
All the products in the Geflex range are designed and configured
for connection by means of Field Buses.
The classical architecture foresees two different types of product:
the Master (which contains an interface bus) and the slave, which
connects to the Geflex subnet.
The supporting field busses are amongst the most commonly
used in the automation field: PROFIbus, CANOpen and Modbus.
Diagnostics
A portion of the GFX4's intelligence provides detailed information
regarding the correct operation of the device and the loads
connected to it.
A current transformer can provide information regarding the
actual load consumption or the correct functioning of the command
connection. A special absorption sensor provides information
regarding the functioning of the actuator connected to the cooling
outputs.
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For more information, please contact :-
Gefran CRL Ltd
Unit B10, Hortonwood 10, Telford, Shropshire TF1 7ES. UK
Tel: +44(0) 1952 604555 Fax: +44(0) 1952 677455
Email: sales@gefran.co.uk
Website: www.gefran.com
May 2005
