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Automation solutions for dyeing and finishing

Adaptive Control has headquarters in both the UK and the United States. The USA operation primarily services North and South America, while the UK facility is responsible for overseeing Europe and the rest of the world. Formed in 1998, the Adaptive group offers PCbased automation solutions for the dyeing and finishing sectors of the world textile market.

Dyeing and finishing systems

The Adaptive EPC and APC controllers give advanced control using touchscreen technology combined with powerful VB.NET programming tools. Cost-effective automation solutions can be offered, from the entry level EPC with its 6.4 inch TFT display and Windows XP embedded operating system, through to the APC, starting with the popular 12.1 inch TFT display and utilising the Windows 2000/XP operating systems. Web browser technology allows full monitoring of the controller via a local network or through Adaptive’s comprehensive central system ‘Plant Explorer’.

Functions within the software include:-

Program Screen - The current job screen provides the user with a clear display of the actual position within the theoretical profile and also highlights the current step in the procedure.Overruns are highlighted by each step.
Work List Screen - Provides the user with a real-time schedule of jobs. The work list can be created or updated locally with start and end times of all other jobs in the schedule being updated automatically.
Live Graph - A full colour graph is continually plotted and updated. The traces can be redefined at any time to provide the relevant information to the user. Fault diagnosis is also assisted, as the inputs and outputs are also displayed.
Machine Mimic - Real time mimic provides a graphical interface showing clear and rapid simulation of the machine status. Password-protected engineering modes permit testing of inputs and outputs from the touch screen mimic.
History Viewer - Using an onboard industry-standard database, the units can store years of production data. All I/O, variables and parameters are contained within the history files and can be printed as part of quality assurance and non-conformance reporting.
Connectivity - Standard networking and web browser tools allow the systems to connect to a company network for on-line monitoring.

Cost-effective liquid dispensing & distribution

Adaptive offers a highly-accurate yet simple volumetric dispensing system for batch and continuous operations, designed to re-use supplier containers in order to reduce cost. Controlled by our advanced industrial touchscreen PC and incorporating stock control of each product, the systems are easily linked to third-party recipe management systems. Rapid installation and low cost of ownership enables a quick payback, as well as eliminating all manual handling and associated COSHH problems.

Hardware features include:-

Batch or continuous operations - It is possible to have one system dispensing to both batch and continuous machines.
Utilisation of suppliers’ containers - One major cost advantage of the dispenser is that additional tank farms are not necessary. Utilising chemical supplier containers (i.e. IBCs, barrels or bulk store tanks) reduces costs, installation time and space requirements.
Single or multiple lines - The system can be configured with more than one product or destination lines. This offers the benefit of either isolating non-compatible products or simply reducing the distance from product to machine.
Variable speed pump - The variable speed pump is used to give high accuracy dispensing while still offering low overall dispense times.
Quality engineering - Made from chemically-inert materials, the system uses high-quality valves, pumps and flow meters with micro-switch feedbacks to indicate leakage or failure.
Hot and cold water feeds - Depending on the chemical being dispensed, hot or cold water can be selected for line priming and/or rinse chase water.

Software features include:-

PC Controller - Using the Adaptive APC 12.1 inch touchscreen controller, the software uses the latest web browser tools to allow the system to be viewed remotely.
On-board database - An industry-standard on-board database records each dispense with desired and actual amounts along with any system alarms.
Automatic stock control - The stock control screen is used to display current stock levels and will display warning indicators for stock low and re-stock required.
User-friendly interface - The large full-colour graphical interface allows effortless product reassignment.