COS
Sensors:
The sensor suite includes pH, ORP and temperature sensors for each tank and a DO sensor which may be plugged into the MCU 500 control unit or used stand alone to provide online monitoring and spot checking of any tank. Each tank is equipped with a level detector probe, consisting of four level float switches that provide indications and alarms for overflow, normal, low water (for controlling pumps) and low level.
Controller:
Each configuration of four tanks uses one MCU500 and an expander box. The MCU 500 is the system controller and comes complete with 16 dual channel signal interface modules installed. The expander houses a general purpose signal connection block for wiring out to the sensors, level detectors and other functions. The expander also contains a relay module for controlling up to 16 relays, a 100 to 19200 baud V12 modem (for pager support), a 12 VDC power supply for providing power to external sensors and line amplifiers, Ethernet interface, fan and a fibergralss water tight NEMA 4 enclosure with see-through front panel. The MCU 500 is easy to use from your preferred workplace. Our system is a self-contained controller that normally operates stand alone. It performs alarm monitoring and controls system functions using simple on/off control logic to more complex setpoint functions. When an alarm occurs, it will call your host PC, page you, send emails, print an alarm message or perform whatever action you request of it.
It may also be controlled from your PC. You can operate the MCU 500 from the convenience of your office or home, including reading system perameters, operating switches, setting setpoints as well as many more customizeable features. The MCU 500 data logging output is fully transportable into all common spreadsheet programs.
It may also be controlled from your PC. You can operate the MCU 500 from the convenience of your office or home, including reading system perameters, operating switches, setting setpoints as well as many more customizeable features. The MCU 500 data logging output is fully transportable into all common spreadsheet programs.
Line Amplifiers:
To make it all come together our line amplifiers are dual channel versions with one channel optically isolated. The optically isolated (also called galvanic isolation) amplifiers are used to interface with ground referenced probes, such as PH, ORP, and other ion selective probes which typically come in contact with large grounded bodies of water. The optical isolation provides exceptionally clean signals, eliminating the typical power line ground noise which is usually present and often masks or disturbs the low level signal from the probes. The total isolation also extends the life of the probe, eliminating electrolysis and depletion of probe electrolytes due to system ground currents. A total of six AC switch modules are provided with the system. Each switch module contains a twin outlet GFI receptacle, integral 40 amp solid state relay, status indicator, Local/remote/off switch and a six foot cord with plug. These units are rated at 15 amp, single phase, 120 (or 220) VAC. They are designed for mounting onto a panel board, post, ect. and provide a convenient way of controlling power to feeders, pumps, air compressors, fans, heaters and more. Larger versions are available.
The Aquaculture system design as shown is designed to handle installations of up to approximately four tanks each. More importantly it gives the system planner the option of procuring the components in well defined not too large subsets of sensors and controls with spares. As the installation grows, additional systems are added and networked together. In the multi MCU configuration, one MCU 500 is normally designated the master controller. Typically, this unit is equipped with the modem, or Ethernet port while the others are not. A second unit can be configured with a modem to provide pager support and communications redundancy.
There is literally an unlimited combination of sensors and controls that the Aquaculture system can support. Each MCU can be configured with more than one expander unit, increasing the total number of analog channels up to the maximum of 64 per MCU, up to 256 Relay control points, up to 64 digital inputs and 64 digital outputs. Within these constraints virtually any combination of sensors and controls can be added, including salinity, photometers, level detecors, control of valves, ORP, ozone and pH control.
Programming is very easy and user friendly. We provide a complete set of tools to create the MCU's database and to communicate with the MCU to configure it and control it from your desktop. You can implement timers to control feeders, set points to control pH, DO, aerators, lights, heaters, ventilators, shade cloth, etc. You can implement alarms from simple two state alarms to more sophisticated five state alarms and prioritize them based on type of alarm, time of day and any parameter you wish to monitor.
The MCU also has a very powerful yet easy to use script language which lets you create functions and process control routines as you need them. At your desktop we also provide you with the tools to communicate with the MCU (by modem, ethernet, or direct serial), data capture and display tools giving you the capabilities you need to best run your facility.
The Aquaculture system design as shown is designed to handle installations of up to approximately four tanks each. More importantly it gives the system planner the option of procuring the components in well defined not too large subsets of sensors and controls with spares. As the installation grows, additional systems are added and networked together. In the multi MCU configuration, one MCU 500 is normally designated the master controller. Typically, this unit is equipped with the modem, or Ethernet port while the others are not. A second unit can be configured with a modem to provide pager support and communications redundancy.
There is literally an unlimited combination of sensors and controls that the Aquaculture system can support. Each MCU can be configured with more than one expander unit, increasing the total number of analog channels up to the maximum of 64 per MCU, up to 256 Relay control points, up to 64 digital inputs and 64 digital outputs. Within these constraints virtually any combination of sensors and controls can be added, including salinity, photometers, level detecors, control of valves, ORP, ozone and pH control.
Programming is very easy and user friendly. We provide a complete set of tools to create the MCU's database and to communicate with the MCU to configure it and control it from your desktop. You can implement timers to control feeders, set points to control pH, DO, aerators, lights, heaters, ventilators, shade cloth, etc. You can implement alarms from simple two state alarms to more sophisticated five state alarms and prioritize them based on type of alarm, time of day and any parameter you wish to monitor.
The MCU also has a very powerful yet easy to use script language which lets you create functions and process control routines as you need them. At your desktop we also provide you with the tools to communicate with the MCU (by modem, ethernet, or direct serial), data capture and display tools giving you the capabilities you need to best run your facility.
"Aquaculture System" A Design Concept
In response to the many who have asked "what does it take to make a typical system", we have put together a design proposal for a complete, fully featured status monitoring and control system which we designed to meet the needs of a 4 tank commercial aquaculture farming facility.This system consists of a set of basic components we have found to be the most often specified for a four tank installation (three grow out tanks and one make up tank). This system is a purely hypothetical design as each situation is unique and must be designed to suit the individual needs of the customer. Pricing will vary accordingly.
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