By Webster, MW; McGrath, GJ; McAllister, DL; McLean, CJ
As part of an ongoing program of reducing costs and manning levels, Pioneer Mill began implementing a policy of introducing distributed control systems to suitable sections of the factory. The first step towards this policy was taken in 1981, with the installation of a Honeywell TDC 2000 basic control unit on the bagasse handling system. This system was totally devoted to analogue control loops with level indication via LA 201 auto/manual control modules. In 1983, we were able to justify the installation of a TDC 3000 multifunctional controller and centralised operating station to control the juice handling, effets and mud filtration stations. The system was installed and programmed entirely by Pioneer Mill personnel and operated during the 1984 season.