SmartConnex Feeder Controls

Coperion K-Tron KCM-III Feeder Control Module with LCD display
The K-Tron KCM control module is the brain of the feeder
Coperion K-Tron K-Vision Line Controller with touch screen
K-Vision-III Line Controller
Coperion K-Tron K-Vision Line Controller
K-Vision offers a variety of connectivity options

SmartConnex Control Environment for Feeders

K-Tron's machine controllers and operator interfaces deliver full functional flexibility and the connectivity you need. K-Tron’s SmartConnex control environment provides comprehensive control capability with maximum flexibility and connectivity for systems up to 24 weigh belt feeders, loss-in-weight feeders, volumetric feeders, batchers, flow meters, Bulk Solids Pump (BSP) feeders or PID controlled devices as well as pneumatic refill systems.

Key Benefits

  • Puts the "Brain" at the feeder
  • Fewer components and less wiring mean lower costs
  • Simple configuration & less programming needed
  • Integrated controls for vacuum conveyor or vertical agitator
  • Improved short-term accuracy
  • Remote diagnostics and configuration
  • Host connectivity at all levels

Simple Control Architecture

Each SmartConnex control system comprises a combination of the following control components: a Control Board & Motor Drive Module (KCM) for each feeder and an optional Operator Interface.

SmartConnex offers a choice of two operator interfaces: KSU-II Single Unit Interface or K-Vision-III Line Controller for line control. These display and data entry units can be employed individually or in combination as required by the application.

SmartConnex Controls

Coperion K-Tron KCM-III Feeder Control Module with LCD display

KCM-III Control Module

The newly redesigned KCM-III has a variety of new features, including a larger 5-inch LCD screen with an improved user interface, context-sensitive help, stainless steel enclosure, and built-in Ethernet capability with optional Wi-Fi. With Ethernet capability (wired or wireless) the KCM-III can be accessed via a user-friendly feeder web page that includes a full feature user interface. In addition, the KCM-III is ready for Industry 4.0 functions such as predictive maintenance, electronic service options, overall equipment effectiveness, outlier detection, machine optimization and much more.

The KCM-III combines feeder control and motor drive modules into a compact housing, offering more flexibility and excellent performance. Each feeder has its own KCM, generally mounted directly on the feeder, which is available in various configurations depending on the application.

Download KCM Product Specification Sheet
KSU-II Single Unit User Interface

KSU-II Single Unit User Interface

The KSU-II is an economical user interface for single feeders with KCM. It can also be used as a portable display for maintenance or configuration in larger systems where the feeder‘s primary display point is a higher level unit. The KSU-II can be dedicated to a single feeder or it can network to multiple KCMs.  The KSU-II will only view one feeder at a time, but the user can switch between feeders.

Download KSU-II Product Specification Sheet
Coperion K-Tron K-Vision Line Controller with touch screen

K-Vision-III Line Controller

The K-Vision-III™ controller simultaneously controls max. 24 devices in one process line. Operator interface is via 15 inch color LCD with a touchscreen. K-Vision-III provides recipe entry and a detailed overview of the process line with extensive real-time monitoring of feeder status and performance.  This user friendly HMI offers a wide range of easily configured charting and trending capabilities.

Download K-Vision Product Specification Sheet

Features

Coperion K-Tron smart controls can compensate for pulsing in single screw feeder output
The Screw Speed Modulation algorithm adapts the drive command to minimize massflow pulsation

Single screw loss-in-weight feeders operating at low rates often produce an unsteady discharge within one revolution of the screw, resulting in mass flow pulsation. K-Tron’s exclusive Screw Speed Modulation algorithm records the pulsation and adjusts screw speed to compensate for the effect, minimizing mass flow variability and ensuring smoother discharge.

  • Short-term accuracy improved by a factor of 2
  • 2-Sigma accuracy at a 10 second sampling time improved tremendously
  • Ideal for low feed rates (speed < 1 screw rotation per second)
The Coperion K-Tron refill array limits the impact of refill on weighing accuracy
Smart Refill Technology improves accuracy during feeder refill

During loss-in-weight hopper refill, sensed weight is not useful to control feed rate. While others simply freeze screw speed until refill is complete, Coperion K-Tron’s exclusive Smart Refill Technology memorizes recent gravimetric performance at various hopper weights and varies screw speed to compensate for changes in material density during refill. This maintains accurate performance and enables a smoother transition to full gravimetric control.

Coperion K-Tron's SFT software filters out environmental vibrations for a cleaner weight signal
Dynamic digital filtering minimizes weigh errors due to environmental influences

Achieving high gravimetric feeding performance on the process line requires discriminating between weight data and the contaminating effects of inertial forces induced from ambient vibration and shock. Coperion K-Tron’s exclusive dynamic digital filtering algorithm continuously identifies and extracts spurious inertial components from the weight measurement, even in severe process environments.

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The K-Tron KCM-III feeder control module features a completely new, powerful CPU with extended memory and optimized control algorithms ensure faster communication with the feeder drive, weighing system and peripherals. With its built-in Ethernet capability (wired or wireless) the KCM-III allows an operator with a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other device to remotely control the feed rate, check status or view files.

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