Microcontroller based automation system to operate a soft drink factory.
Why: Control and monitoring of gas pressure, pneumatic rams, solenoids, position and timing – in order to deliver a consistent product.
How: Based around the PIC16F877 this system controls 24V relays (18 for liquid, 1 for mechanical use and 5 for pneumatics), uses laser detection to identify and eject bottle backward bottle caps and provides an easy to use interface for the operator. The operating environment is challenging; the system had to be physically robust and liquid proof. The factory has now been in use since 2000, running continuously all day every day and the system has never failed .