Temperature Controllers
Industrial Temperature controllers are used for monitoring and controlling industrial production processes. Also known as Loop Controllers or PID Controllers, the two most common sizes are 1/16 and 1/4 DIN. Typically, these types of controllers mount on electrical enclosure doors so the operator interface can be seen easily. In addition, they are easy to program to your necessary application specifications.
We will focus on industrial controllers used to control temperature, their functions, and applications. However, the state-of-the-art technology advances of these types of products can also allow you to accurately control other variables such as pressure, force, humidity, and displacement.
Features of Temperature Controllers
These have a wide range of brands and options available, and it is good to have a basic knowledge of what you require for your process. You may only need a basic controller for a simple resistance heating application or analog (4-20ma) output control of a single modulating valve. Some processes require or benefit from a high feature model with logic functions, profile programming, timers, or communication capabilities. There are also controller models that include web servers, trending temperature displays, data recorders and touch screen graphical displays.
Temperature Controllers - Videos
At Marshall W. Nelson & Associates, we are ready to help you evaluate your needs and help you find the correct controller for your application. We stock a variety of models that can cover most basic operations that use a thermocouple or RTD input signal and control the process with a relay or analog output. Many of our basic options also include a secondary relay to be used as an alarm or auxiliary output.
Temperature Controllers - Shop
Configuration and Programming of Temperature Controllers
Once you know what features are needed there are two aspects to getting the temperature controller ready for use.
- The first is selecting the physical configuration of the Controller
- The second is programming the controller.
Checklist of Physical Configuration Details
Questions
DIN Size?
Inlet Power?
Input Signal?
Output Signal?
Additional Outputs?
Specialty Functions?
Environmental Rating?
Communications?
Typical Answers
Ex: 1/4 DIN
Ex: 120 VAC
Ex: Type J Thermocouple
Ex: Analog/4-20ma
Ex: Second Relay/Alarm
Ex: Ramp/Soak Profile or Single Point
Ex: NEMA 12
Ex: Modbus
Programming of Temperature Controllers
Programming the temperature controller once in hand can be a challenge if you are unprepared. For replacement scenarios it is helpful to start with getting a detailed list of the programmed parameters from the previously installed controller. We recommend having a detailed list of program parameters for all Loop Controllers in your facility to make replacement easier in the future. Some controllers have complex menu’s and sub menus that must be navigated to program the controller, having the device manual close by will help you interpret the options. Other controllers have quick startup configuration prompts that make simple operations easy and programming software for more complex jobs.
Temperature Controller Summary
Temperature Controller brochures and datasheets say: “Easy Configuration”, yet it can be overwhelming to comprehend all the options and functions. At Marshall W. Nelson & Associates, we have been helping customers select and program their industrial temperature controllers since 1958.
We have a selection of temperature controllers from: Gefran, Honeywell, Future Design and more. The key is to understand what you need, and how it will apply to your industrial process.
View and shop all our temperature controllers
shop.marshallwnelson.com/temperature-controllers/
If you can’t find the product you are looking for, simply contact us and we will help you find a solution for your application.