Advanced control, data management and visualization in a modular platform solution
A healthcare OEM chose the Eurotherm™ E+PLC400 with E+HMI150 touch panel for updating the monitoring of their endoscope storage/dryer cabinets.
The requirement was to replace obsolete Eurotherm 5000B data acquisition units which were previously used to monitor and record the temperature and duration of the drying process.
The OEM selected the E+PLC400 modular platform for its combination of tight temperature measurement specifications, tamper resistant recording, and CODESYS®integrated programming and visualization development environment. CODESYS libraries enabled faceplate customization that helped the company differentiate themselves from their competitors, while Eurotherm libraries provided functions designed to aid batch recording.
The HMI was designed to instruct the operator through the drying process by a step-by-step workflow procedure. Built in USB barcode scanner connectivity was utilized to log endoscope serial numbers, locations, and machine operator details along with the time and date that the equipment entered and exited the cabinet. Parameters such as temperature, airflow and door interlocks were monitored and recorded, and process alarms were programmed to indicate events.
At the end of the batch the HMI was used to clearly indicate the seven day shelf life status of each endoscope and when they needed reprocessing, in line with endoscope management and decontamination guidelines HTM 01-06.
