MATRIX PROJECTS

Barge Cover Production Gantry System with 7-Axis Servo Control

Mar 01, 2012

Matrix Industrial Systems provided the complete control system with necessary programming and HMI integration for two large scale production units that perform plastic spray molding of barge covers.


We provided two cabinets for control of each individual spray molding system with one AB ControlLogix processor and remote I/O all communicating on a common Ethernet ring.  We provided Rockwell Servo Motors and high resolution multi-turn encoders for positional tracking of each motion axis along with AB Kinetix 6500 Servo Controllers with safe stop modules. We also provided the complete PC based SCADA system with historian for recording batch information for each cover.



We programmed 4 linear axes on each machine for horizontal and vertical translation of three rotary axes through a given mold profile. The gantry would apply three different material coats through 18 spray guns on at a controlled velocity for a repeatable thickness of the plastic covering based on the consistent application of the polyethylene powder. One of the machines took care of the outer profile of the barge cover, while the other gantry machine was programmed for the inner profile on the same cover. The environment was harsh and dirty with room temperatures in excess of 150F.

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LUMP DISSOLVE FEEDER

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Matrix provided conceptual and hard mechanical design of a heavy duty screw feeder for metering phosphorus pentoxide (crystallized phosphoric acid) into a dissolve tank. Due to the hot reaction during hydration in the tank (resulting into very hot phosphoric acid) the variable speed screw feeder consisted of a 316L S/S 12 inch diameter auger and 1/2 inch thick trough. A special dump hopper with automated closing lid was designed with a large grated opening and bypass chute at the inlet of the feeder. Very special design considerations were made for protecting the conveyor seals and bearings from making contact with the hot acid. Our design allowed the acid crystals or hot liquid to fall out into an isolated gap and into the tank before it challenged the seal. This was a highly successful design has virtually eliminated the huge stock piles of drummed feedback material that accumulated due to the inability to dissolve the crystallized acid safely.

MATRIX AND THE SHARK TANK EXPERIENCE

By Darren Jarvis • 03 Jan, 2021
Matrix Industrial Systems was proud to work in conjunction with AC Marine in designing and supplying critical systems for Georgia Aquarium's newest venue to experience sharks directly with the grand opening of their 1.2MM gallon Shark Tank. This attraction allows you to submerge into the tank within a shark cage and begin an underwater journey traversing the pool as it is suspended and moved by a hoist/monorail system. Breathing air for the participants is supplied through an umbilical tethered to the cage and connected to a specialized Breathing Air Control System (BACS). Matrix supplied and installed this system with its umbilical as a turnkey project. Matrix and AC Marine were proud to be guinea pigs (or should I say SHARK BAIT) on the maiden voyage!
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