It is possible to add a feeder to a existing BLX system.
Main idea is to export the current configuration and change only in the part of the configuration that needs to be changed. Before importing, you simply replace one of the existing feeders with a new one and do the same with the raw material. After this, you make an incremental import. For the HMI it is even simpler as you just alter the reference to the mimic, and rename the given detailed feeder mimic. Manual work in regards to recipes and mimics will be required, but it is limited.
Step by Step
- Make a backup of configuration and runtime databases… in the unlike event of something goes bad
- Export the specific solution and the HMI solution where you need to add a feeder
- Unzip the two specific solution to two separate folders
- In the specific solution: keep the following files (delete the rest)
Open the files (use something like Notepad++ to ease the work) and
search and replace the following in
ALL files. Before you need to find the following:
- Representative feeder added to the same merger as the new feeder will be. In example we use feeder 5 to Create feeder 6
- The Raw Material in the origin feeder to make new Feeder raw material. In example we use KilnDust to LowSilicaClay
| Search Example | Replace Example | Example on |
| Feeder_5 | Feeder_6 | Feeder base changes |
| >F5 | >F6 | Feeder texts |
| Feeder 5 | Feeder 6 | Feeder texts |
| Feeder5 | Feeder6 | Feeder changes |
| KilnDust | LowSilicaClay | Raw Material text and base |
As the feeder display order must be unique, you must alter the display order for your new feeder in the Fls.QcxBlx.Mill.Config.xml file. This number is the same as the feeder number (in our example 6). In the screendump below that correspond to the last line.
On site in QCX Lab Editor add a new raw material with the name used above (example = LowSilicaClay)
Open the HMI solution folder
Open the Fls.Core.Hmi.xml file and copy replace in regards to the feeder (following the example above)
| Search Example | Replace Example | Example on |
| Feeder_5 | Feeder_6 | Feeder base changes |
| Feeder5 | Feeder5 |
Browse to the subfolder \Fls.Core.Hmi\Mimics
Rename the original feeder detail file to the new feeder name… would in our example look like (partly list)
Edit the renamed file (in example Feeder_6)
Search and replace as shown in the table above.
Copy the two target folders to site and import them, while in maintenance or halt mode
Use Incremental import.
If in trouble while importing, please do read the error text and try to fix the problem
Go to configuration and change capacities etc.
If changed to a disturbance feeder, please set up accordantly without SP, Sel and WSP signals
Update the HMI Matrix
Update the following mimics:
- Silo Details (controller screen)
- The merge screen where the feeder is added
- The feeder limits if the feeder is controllable
Ensure that you are in Operation Mode and the Halt flag is unselected
IF a new Controllable feeders is added:
- Add the feeder to the controller recipes or things will not work
Tests:
- Recalculate set points.
- Validate your updated mimics