Jaxon Renewables Case Study

Mar 17

Project Drive

Jaxon Energy once again relied on the team at Corso to remodel a previous control system tailoring it for use on a new project. The new facility was a complete overhaul of an existing facility utilizing a control system previously implemented by Corso, and required a control system redesign for a new process used to make renewable diesel fuel from vegetable oils. With total plant control and visibility in mind, Corso wrote PLC logic for system control, designed the HMI screens for operator use and data collection, and deployed a document tracking system for shipping and receiving tracking. RSLogix 5000 was used for PLC logic and control, and the FactoryTalk View suite of software products was used for screen design and various other system controls and alarming.

Solution

Having worked with Corso before, Jaxon Renewables knew the quality of work they would be receive when designing and commissioning a new facility. With a new process, new control scheme, and new end product, Corso needed to design a new system to automate this process, while keeping the look and feel of the old system. With safety and fully automated control being of upmost importance, Corso took what we had learned from the existing system and applied it to the new facility.

HMI and PLC logic development were first on the list. Working with the new P&IDs provided from the customer, as well as operators and management, Corso was able to come up with a layout that suited everyone’s needs. FactoryTalk View SE was used, with a distributed network project in mind to be accessed by different clients on-site as well as remotely. Ease of navigation and understanding of the process were some of the driving forces behind the project. With Allen Bradley PLCs being used for controls, the integration with Rockwell Automation software made for a seamless architecture and integration into the new facility. By using some provided AOIs in RSLogix 5000, Corso was also able to utilize the PlantPAX graphics in the HMI design. This allowed for extended control of individual devices and equipment, such as alarming, set-point adjustments, range configuration, analog and digital control, and many other features that made full system control feasible.

FactoryTalk Historian was used for historical data logging, and FactoryTalk VantagePoint was used for trending and reporting. The facility also used FactoryTalk Viewpoint for remote, web-based access into the HMI.

This project was a success, and Corso Systems has been tasked with integrating a much larger facility currently under construction using a similar process incorporating changes from the initial facility.

Benefits

New facility is easy to use and recognizable for operators and managers
Rockwell Software and Allen Bradley controllers make for robust and reliable control system
Full control and adjustment of system devices
Centralized records for reference and compliance needs
Trusted support of facility from Corso Systems

Updated - 6/9/2022