Definitions
& Terminology
A chart recorder is an electronic device which reads thermocouples, transducers, and other sensors and provides a time-stamped paper trend chart (or numeric data log) of the sensor values.
ASC is proficient at the installation and operation of many different makes and models of chart recorders. These include Honeywell, Leeds & Northrup, Yokogawa, Johnson Instruments, Kaye, and others.
Comparing ASC:
ASC's equipment and control systems rarely require a chart recorder due to our dual-PC control architecture. The lack of this requirement results in a less expensive system and a system which is easier to maintain.
Other names:
Data logger
Compressors are electro-mechanical devices that use a reciprocating piston or multiple pistons to pressurize (or compress) gas.
ASC can provide a compressor(s) to meet the needs of auxiliary equipment components (ie. valves) or for larger applications such as pressurization of pressure-vessels and autoclaves.
Note: Compressors can be very expensive, especially on applications requiring high pressure (ie. greater than 150 psig) or high flow rates (ie. autoclave applications.) Prices range from $250.00 to $50,000.00 depending on the applicaton.
CPC is the Windows NT/2000/XP version of ASC's leading "Composite Processing Control" software. CPC has been controlling autoclaves, ovens, presses, and many other types of equipment for over 17 years. Click here to learn more about ASC's software products: ASC's Software
This is the Boeing autoclave certification document which must be adhered to prior to being allowed to run Boeing parts in your autoclave.
The "D6" document, originally released in May 1981, is written by Boeing and is the standard certification document used by hundreds of companies. The D6 document focuses on the accuracy of sensors, the uniformity of the autoclave, and the ability to perform an empty-autoclave and dummy-load run to specific cure cycle standards.
Dynamic scheduling is the term that describes a method of controlling multiple hoists (or cranes) in a electroplating or part-finishing process. In a dynamically scheduled system, the control system automatically schedules and fits multiple recipes concurrently in one tank-line. This "fit" utilizes software-initiated automatic adjustment of tank times between pre-selected min and max windows.
ASC's FLEXTIME-DS is a dynamic scheduling package that provides full tank-line controls coupled with a powerful dynamic-scheduling engine.
The Econoclave is an affordable, tightly integrated autoclave system designed for cost-conscious buyers and organizations.
PS. It's trademarked too.
Fixed-Timeway is the term that describes a method of controlling multiple hoists (or cranes) in a electroplating or part-finishing process. In the fixed-timeway method, the control system repeats a series of preprogrammed, "fixed" crane movements which act to transfer the parts through multiple tanks in order to achieve a specific chemical process (or Recipe). Fixed-timeway solutions are usually optimized for single recipes at a time, and do not accommodate concurrent mixes of different recipes.
ASC's FLEXTIME-FS is a fixed-timeway package that provides graphical design capabilities to ease the creation and maintenance of fixed timeways.
FLEXTIME is a software-package developed by ASC to serve the wet-process industries. The software encompasses all of the process-control power of CPC with the added functionality of dynamic and fixed-timeway scheduling and control of multiple hoists on one tank-line.
Honeywell manufactures controllers, PLCs, chart recorders, and valving (in the past) used on autoclaves, ovens, presses, and other equipment.
ASC is proficient in the installation, operations, and service of many different Honeywell components, including UDC2300, UDC3300, DPR recorders, valving, I/P, and many more components.
Due to the 100% automation capability of the CPC control system and the dual-PC redundancy, ASC rarely has a need to utilize setpoint controllers or recorders. If the customer requires backup controllers, ASC will generally utilize Honeywell # UDC2300 or UDC3300 controllers.
Web site: Honeywell
Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) is used as the source of pressurization supply to autoclaves and other pressure vessel applications. LN2 has a very low boiling point and therefore must be stored in vacuum-lined tanks. In order to utilize LN2 in autoclaves and pressure vessels, the liquid must first be gasified by passing through an LN2 Vaporizer. The expansion rate of LN2 is: 1 gallon liquid = 100 cu.ft gas.
ASC can provide LN2 Tanks and Vaporizers for your equipment applications.
M&P is the acronym for Materials & Process engineering. An M&P engineer in an aerospace or composite company is responsible for testing materials for quality and specification adherence. M&P engineers also develop and qualify cure and bonding cycles for parts based on laboratory results.
Leeds & Northrup are no longer in business, but during the 80s and 90s they manufactured setpoint controllers and chart recorders used on many autoclaves, ovens, presses, and related equipment.
ASC is proficient in the maintenance, service, and replacement of many different Leeds & Northrup instruments, including Speedomax Recorders and ElectromaxV controllers.
Due to the 100% automation capability of the CPC control system and the dual-PC redundancy, ASC rarely has a need to utilize setpoint controllers or chart recorders. If the customer requires manual controllers, ASC will generally utilize Honeywell # UDC2300 or UDC3300 setpoint controllers.
Web site: None available
NoShok manufactures pressure and vacuum transducers for industrial and commercial applications.
ASC standardizes on NoShok series #100 and #200 transducers for vacuum and pressure monitoring on its autoclaves, ovens, and related products.
Note: NoShok manufactures a special unit for our autoclaves and ovens rated at .25% accuracy.
Web site: NoShok Transducers
Opto22 is a manufacturer of PC-based data-acquisition and control hardware.
ASC has standardized, and strongly recommends Opto22's Ethernet-based I/O system and Snap-IO hardware for all control applications (autoclaves, ovens, presses, building management, wet-process lines, tank monitoring, etc.)
Opto22 products we currently use
The following links will access the datasheets of the components that ASC has standardized on. The datasheets are in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download a free reader by clicking on this link: Free Acrobat Reader
- Racks, 16 pt and 8 pt analog/digital racks
- Snap-B300-Enet (Analog/Digital Brain)
- Snap-Enet-D64 (Digital-only Brain)
- Snap-IO Analog Input modules
- Snap-IO Isolated Analog Input modules
- Snap-IO Analog Output modules/
- Snap-IO Digital Output modules
- Snap-IO Digital Input modules
Web site: Opto22
A setpoint controller is a manual control device used on autoclaves, ovens, presses, and other processes.
Most ASC control systems do not utilize setpoint controllers due to the backup and complete redundancy of our CPC dual-PC control system.
ASC is proficient at the installation and operation of many different makes and models of setpoint controllers, including Honeywell, Leeds & Northrup, Barber Colman, Yokogawa, Watlow, Omega, and others.
Comparing ASC:
Due to the inclusion of dual PCs, ASC seldom utilizes setpoint controllers on our systems or equipment. Because of this, the future maintenance costs, calibration costs, and training are dramatically reduced when compared to a control system that has many different controllers to be maintained.
Other names:
Manual Controllers
A thermocouple is a standard sensor that is used to measure temperature in autoclaves, ovens, presses, and a range of other process equipment and applications.
A thermocouple is created by joining two dissimilar metals (ie. iron and constantan) which creates a voltage potential which can be measured by a computer, controller, or recorder. There are many different types of thermocouples, depending on the metal being used. The most typical types used by ASC are:
Type J - Iron/Constantan - Used from ambient - 800 F
Type K - Chromel/Alumel - Used from ambient - 1200 F (less accurate than Type J)
Thermocouple accuracy can range from +/- 2F.
A transducer is a device which converts pressure, vacuum, or flow into a linear electrical signal for monitoring by a controller, recorder, or computer system. Transducers are purchased with a given range (ie. 0-500 psig) and a specified output (ie. 0-5VDC or 4-20ma).
ASC uses transducers for monitoring vessel pressure, bag vacuum, water flow, water pressure, and many other applications. ASC standardizes on NoShok transducers, with an accuracy of .25%
Tranducers are mounted in a transducer panel with common calibration network.
Comparing ASC:
ASC uses transducers with an accuracy of .25%. The competition uses .5-1% accurate transducers. Note: Transducer accuracy is of concern if you are required to meet Boeing's "D6" autoclave certification.
Other names:
Vacuum Supply Line
A transducer panel is an enclosure that contains a group of transducers for an autoclave or oven.
The transducer panel includes a common calibration network with one 3-way selection valve per transducer for switching all transducers to a common calibration source for calibration and certification operations.
ASC utilizes Hoffman enclosures for its transducer panels.
Comparing ASC:
ASC's transducer panel is plumbed with high quality stainless-steel tubing and no-leak Swagelok fittings. The competition either has no transducer panel or uses copper tubing or sub-standard plastic tubing for transducer connections - this is susceptible to future leaks.
Other names:
Calibration panel
A vacuum source line is a pipe that passes through the autoclave or oven wall for the purpose of connecting the internal bagged part with a specified vacuum (0-30"Hg, 0-760 mmHg, etc.).
All source lines are externally plumbed to a vacuum header/manifold, usually by means of manual or automatic source line valves. In most applications, the source lines can be computer controlled to be connected to vacuum or to a separate vent header.
The source line "draws" the vacuum down, while the probe line monitors the vacuum.
Comparing ASC:
ASC uses the highest quality stainless-steel pipe and stainless-steel tubing with Swagelok fittings for all vacuum line connections. The competition uses copper tubing or sub-standard plastic tubing for source line connections.
Other names:
Vacuum Supply Line
A vacuum probe line is a pipe that passes through the autoclave or oven wall for the purpose of monitoring the vacuum/pressure level of the internal bagged part. The probe line does not "draw" vacuum - it is only a static line (See Vacuum Source Line for more information).
All probe lines are externally plumbed to a transducer panel. Each transducer is connected to the CPC control system for vacuum viewing, vacuum alarming, and leak-test operations. Each transducer is plumbed to a 3-way calibration valve for easy group calibration and certification operations.
Comparing ASC:
ASC uses the highest quality stainless-steel pipe and stainless-steel tubing with Swagelok fittings for all vacuum line connections. The competition uses copper tubing or sub-standard plastic tubing for source line connections.
ASC uses transducers with an accuracy of .25%. The competition uses .5-1% accurate transducers. Note: Transducer accuracy is of concern if you are required to meet Boeing's "D6" autoclave certification.
Other names:
Static line, transducer line, monitor line