Application of Programmable Logic Controller PLC for Automated Weighing Control System

This paper analyses the large application possibilities offered by a Programmable Logic Controller PLC for control of dynamic systems in the mining industry. In general, a control system is a collection of electronic devices and equipment which are computerized and controlled in place to ensure the stability, accuracy and smooth transition of a process or a manufacturing activity. It takes any form and varies in scale of implementation, from a power plant to a semi-conductor machine. In underground mining, the electromechanical mining systems are quite nonlinear and dynamic being often too complicated and too fast to be accurately controlled by an usual control system. As a result of rapid advancement of technology, complicated control tasks can be accomplished with a highly automated control system, which may be in the computerized form of Programmable Logic Controller PLC. As a special and concrete application of the programmable logic implemented in the form of ladder program is the automatic weighing control for a coal mining hoisting installation with two skips.