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News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: UC Davis
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 December 2007
Nanobrewery control system from Rockwell
The University of California, Davis, teaches how a nanobrewery can combine the latest in quality control technology with traditional techniques using Rockwell control systems
At the University of California, Davis, brewing is a scholarly pursuit UC Davis is home to one of America's foremost brewing science schools, preparing students to join the next generation of brew masters
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 13 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Their nanobrewery was recently updated with state-of-the-art production systems donated and designed in part by Rockwell Automation, allowing students to practice their craft with technologies similar to those used by commercial breweries.
Today, the UC Davis programme teaches traditional brewing techniques - such as hand-selecting the hops - along with lessons on the most advanced automation technology, including an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix programmable automation controller and FactoryTalk View human-machine interface and production-monitoring software.
These advanced control technologies from Rockwell Automation monitor variables such as temperature, pressure, agitator speed and time in the fermentor tanks, as well as advanced process parameters in the brewing process.
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Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 40 variable-speed drives are networked via Ethernet, allowing students to collect parameters from all steps of the process.
This data gives students the ability to trend and compare information among multiple batches to ensure a consistently high quality product.
"The students need to get down and dirty - in a nice, safe way of course.
So, for example, they manually hoist grain to the mill and then cart the milled grist over to the mash mixer," said Dr Charlie Bamforth, chairman of the university Food Science and Technology department.
"But automated technology is the future of brewing, because it is key to consistent quality".
The updated pilot brewery offers other benefits to students, Bamforth said.
"It's a brewery on which the students can learn, but also on which we can do sophisticated research," he explained: "It is a testimony to the commitment of many people, notably of course the architects of the project from Anheuser-Busch, but also various other companies so generous with their input, including Rockwell Automation".
Rockwell Automation is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses.
The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...
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