BatchTron-III

concrete batching controller

TOP PERFORMANCE FOR THE LARGER PLANT

All BatchTron concrete batching controllers are based on the reliable PLC and touch screen principle, giving them a reputation second to none.  BatchTron is one of the most popular controllers on the market and is the choice of large corporations such as Lafarge Construction Products as well as many smaller operations. 

Just a glimpse of tomorrow - available today!

BatchTron-III excels in controlling all types of central mix plant where several scales, several mixers and extensive plant automation is necessary. It can also handle the simpler applications with ease. If you have a complex precast application, BatchTron-III will simplify your life.

BatchTron-III has a 10.4" (264mm) colour TFT screen which is much bigger than BatchTron and BatchTron-II's screens.  It is also much brighter and can be viewed from any angle.  The larger screen allows up to 5 scales, 14 solid ingredients and 3 mixers to be viewed at the same time.  The operator screens, which can be paged through very quickly, have been ergonomically designed to simplify operation in these larger, more complex plants.  Also available are a double screen model and a larger PLC for the most demanding applications.

Everything in these complex plants can be monitored and controlled directly from the screen.  Coloured graphic symbols show the operation of all plant equipment while large buttons allow fully automatic or individual manual control of selected functions.  Optional bar graph symbols display motor current or power and trend graphs display moisture in the mixer.   

BatchTron-III is available as a free standing console or wall-mount cabinet.  Plants using one mixer can easily be run from one screen.  For plants with 2 or 3 mixers, we recommend two screens for ease of operation.  The two screens are programmed identically, giving you the security of full plant control from one screen, should the other break down:  display plant overview and batching progress on one screen while the other displays the mixing sequence or the list of batches being produced.  Have one operator run part of the system manually from one screen while a second operator monitors automatic operation on the other;  it's your choice.  Like the rest of the BatchTron family, BatchTron-III is very competitive in price and is tailored for the precast, block and paver markets.

Illustration is two screen BatchTron-III at Con Cast Pipe Inc., Guelph Ontario.
Click on picture for full size illustration

NEW - BATCHLINK software adds PC database capability, MICROMIX mixer water control is low in cost. See below.

• Large touch screen: full 10.5" diagonal, T.F.T. display, bright from any angle. Even complicated plants appear simple, requiring little training.
• Crisp, clear graphics: touch pads are a more convenient size and buttons are dynamic (they change colour and move - gates actually open and close) for better operator feedback, fewer mistakes.
• Ability to use special characters, such as Chinese - no need for operators to understand English.
• More ingredients, up to 14 solid ingredients plus 2 waters and 12 admixtures to handle the largest plants.
• 150 formulas standard, plus optional larger program memory for the most demanding applications.
• Tailored to all concrete batching applications. Our engineers ensure that the system fits your plant exactly. Special features and machinery are no problem.
• BatchLink PC computer based customer database gives you order entry, delivery tickets, production records, inventory and more.
• Built-in mixer moisture controllers - microwave based systems at a fantastic price.

Picture at right is BatchTron-III twin screen version with BatchLink database.
Click on picture for full size illustration

BatchTron-III uses a powerful industrial PLC, not a computer, for rock solid performance and tremendous reliability as well as lightning fast batching power. It operates completely automatically at high speed and can also be run manually or part manually when the need arises.

Of the hundreds of  BatchTron and other PLC systems in service over 15 years, only one PLC and 2 touch screens have ever failed.

ACCURACY AND SPEED

The fastest and most accurate batching you have ever seen.

• Automatic tolerance checks on all ingredients.
• Totally self-tuning for fast, precise batching every time.  
• Automatic moisture compensation for aggregates is standard.
• Delivery of separate formulas and batch sizes to different user stations.
• Programmable alarms for plant functions such as conveyors and mixer not running, gates and doors sticking.
• Programmable timers for adjusting mixer charging sequence, belt runout and many other functions.
• Password protection of all formula and setup information, safe from unauthorized access.
• SIMULATE mode allows system to run with outputs disabled for training and fault finding
• ALL AUTO button sets all controls to "auto", eliminating need to scan controls before starting operation
• Programming console feature on touch screen allows authorized personnel to monitor software and fine-tune internal settings
• Scale and liquid meter calibration in English or Metric.

  CONTROLS

BatchTron-III panels have only three manual switches - POWER key switch, EMERGENCY STOP push button and RUN lighted pushbutton.  All other functions, such as material feeds and conveyor belts, are controlled from graphic touch pads on the screen.  The full-load-cell scales, water and admix meters are all displayed on the touch screen, eliminating the need for separate indicators. A powerful Omron PLC controls material feeders, discharges scales and runs the mixers, allowing totally unattended operation.  Because the heart of the system is an industrial PLC - not a frail computer - BatchTron-III is truly rugged and will run for many years without service of any kind.

Tremendous power, plus unheard-of reliability in a simple desk console.

OPERATION

Operation is simplicity itself.  Like the pages of a book, BatchTron-III's many screens unfold at the touch of a finger.  The "page" arrows at the corner of every screen carry you through the control screens to menus for every function.

The BatchTron family even protects your operation after a power failure by returning to the point where it stopped, ready for you to press the RUN button and start the plant machinery again.  All these features and much more make BatchTron the best value ever in batching systems. 

APPLICATIONS

• BatchTron-III is ideal for larger plants in the precast, block, paver, dry products, prestressed and hollow-core industries as well as larger ready-mix plants.
• Color proportioning can be combined with concrete batching to centralize all controls, eliminating complicated setup for new production runs.  
• Screens and operating program are easily customized for plant variations and added features, making it ideal for non-standard applications. 
• Software updates can be downloaded by modem, making plant visits a thing of the past. 
• All our accessories such as demand stations, radio call, bin level sensors and, of course, the RadarTron and MixTron moisture sensors can be used with BatchTron-III. 

BatchTron-III meets the standards of NPCA, NRMCA and other associations for plant certification. 

OPTIONS:
Mixer and skip hoist controls, moisture meter interface, batch reports, totals reports, modem, multiple scales, slump meter and mixer moisture meter for water control, plant maintenance program, memory cassette, time and date, demand and mixer cleanout stations, radio call, bin level sensors, load cells and more. See menu at left for more information.

INSTALLATION

Installation can best be accomplished by an electrician familiar with industrial control systems. After a local scale company has calibrated the scale displays, we check out the system, start it up and train your operators.  Any oversights or last-minute changes can be accomplished during our visit.  After a day or two of testing and tuning, you are ready to run at full speed. Our qualified staff are ready to assist you by phone or modem after our return if necessary.

CABINET SIZE

Single screen console:      32" (800mm) wide, 51" (1300mm) high, 33" (850mm) deep.

Twin screen console:        47" (1200mm) wide, 51" (1300mm) high, 33" (850mm) deep.

Wall mount cabinets:         Basic model 24" (610mm) wide, 24" (610mm) high, 10" (245mm) deep.  Larger cabinets for larger systems.

STI (Service and Training by Internet)

BatchTron's lifetime and reliability are by far the best in the industry.  This is not where we stop, however.  Our customers tell us - loud and clear - when they do have a problem.  In order to solve problems quickly and efficiently we have called upon the latest Internet technology.  Through your company network and its Internet connection, or even through a phone connection to the Internet, we can access your batching system and monitor its progress to pinpoint faults.  Even if the faults are caused by mechanical problems in the plant (90% of all faults are), we can see the resulting holdup and guide the operator to a successful outcome, anywhere in the world.

Our engineers can monitor or control the PC computer running BatchLink or RediLink software, drilling down through levels of menus to check setup data, correct it and, most important, train personnel to understand the processes.  Together with a speaker phone, training sessions for groups can be conducted almost as easily as our trainer being on site.  The cost saving and convenience is obvious.  Scale-Tron is pioneering this technology to make your experience the best possible.

View BatchTron slide show

CUSTOMIZATION:

• BatchTron-III as described above is adaptable to almost any concrete plant. 
• Special versions available for loss in weight batching, colour pigment batching, food and chemical batching etc. 
• Many extra functions can be added - examples are conveyor belts, skip hoists, holding hoppers etc. 
• Power and I/O can be 24, 110/120 or 220/240 volt to suit any country. 
• Language of screen messages can be customized and special symbols can be created for Far Eastern countries. 

BatchTron options  Demand Stations   Radio Batch Call   Beaver Ready Mix Management  BatchLink Order Entry   BatchLink Reporting  Application questionnaire   Fax back questionnaire    Frequently Asked Questions   Product Index 

Free batch plant evaluation and suggestions - contact us now 

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