ABB AC 700F Controller

ABB AC 700F Controller

AC 700F Controller Overview: The AC 700F controller enhances the scalability of the Freelance 800F compact control system for small applications (approximately 10 - 250 I/O), bridging the gap between PLCs and complex process control systems. It offers the advantages of integration into existing Freelance 800F systems, ease of operation using a single engineering tool, Control Builder F, with DigiVis visualisation tools, and advanced diagnostics and alarm handling.

Industry Examples

AlzChem GmbH (chemical industry, Germany): Previously, pour-filter centrifuges for the extraction of natural substances were controlled by PLCs with opaque programme codes and unintuitive operation. After replacing the PLC with an AC 700F controller, a single engineering tool simplified the engineering design and reduced commissioning time. During the operation and maintenance phase, the extensive diagnostic options and intuitive graphical user interface reduced costs and increased system efficiency.

Northam Platinum (South African metal production industry): In the past, direct motor starters were controlled by PLCs, resulting in low energy efficiency. With the AC 700F controller, motor output can be adjusted to achieve up to 50 per cent energy savings, improving productivity. At the same time, the controller was integrated into the existing Freelance 800F system, simplifying commissioning and maintenance.

Osby Parca (Swedish energy and steam production industry): For small solid fuel boilers, PLC control was used in the past with limited functionality. Now using AC 700F controllers, at a price close to that of a PLC + SCADA system, we have gained more functionality in the process control system, such as automatic generation of diagnostic information and alarms, easy online optimisation, etc., which has improved the economic efficiency of the plant.

Sasol (German chemical industry): The pneumatic conveying system for aluminium oxide powder, previously controlled by a PLC, is now controlled by an AC 700F controller. The controller is small enough to replace the old PLC without modifying the control cabinet and wiring. The Freelance 800F system is also easy to configure, supports remote access for maintenance, and will be used to modernise other control cabinets in the future.

Advantages of the AC 700F controller price over traditional PLCs

Cost-effective: AC 700F controller inherits the cost-effectiveness of PLC controllers, providing users with a more economical Micro DCS solution, the price is similar to traditional PLC, but with richer functionality. For example, in small application scenarios, AC 700F controller can meet the control needs of about 10 - 250 I/O, the price is comparable to the traditional PLC, but can achieve the function of the process control system, while the traditional PLC in the function of the implementation of the relatively limited.

Balancing price and functionality: The AC 700F controller offers more power at a similar cost to traditional PLCs. It has advanced diagnostics for sequence control, hardware, and interlock diagnostics, as well as sophisticated alarm and report management, which are lacking in traditional PLCs. In the Aluminium Oxide Powder Pneumatic Conveying System project, Sasol replaced the PLC with an AC 700F controller, gaining greater functionality at a similar cost.

Cost-effective in the long term: In the long term, the AC 700F controller reduces overall costs. During the operation and maintenance phase, its extensive diagnostic options, intuitive graphical user interface reduce downtime and maintenance costs. For example, in the AlzChem GmbH project, the AC 700F controller replaced a PLC at a slightly higher purchase cost, but these savings offset the slightly higher purchase cost in a short period of time, improving the economic efficiency of the system.