Platform combines communication and control.

The rugged Graphite® platform has been expanded by Red Lion Controls, to include a new Graphite Core Controller and Graphite Crimson® Control Module that combine communication and control capabilities to reduce cost and ease operations. Both hardware offerings leverage an enhanced version of Red Lion’s powerful Crimson 3.0 software with added Crimson Control functionality to provide a single programming solution for control, networking and data visualization.

Crimson Control enables customers to use IEC 61131 programming languages – such as Ladder Logic, Function Block, Structured Text and Instruction List – to solve specific application needs by developing logic control much like a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) without the added expense. This control functionality is now available as part of:

• Graphite Core Controller: rugged standalone industrial controller that features all-metal construction and works with a variety of I/O modules to combine IEC 61131 control capabilities with networking and data visualization alongside the core functionality – protocol conversion, data logging and web serving – of a Graphite seven inch HMI minus the graphical display.
• Graphite Crimson Control Module: control module that plugs into Graphite HMIs to form an all-in-one industrial solution that adds IEC 61131 control functionality without requiring additional panel space or a separate programming package.

“Adding control and expansion options to our Graphite platform enables organizations to take communication and control capabilities even further to enhance factory automation and process control applications,” said Paul Bunnell, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. “Customers can easily reduce equipment cost and complexity by using our new IEC 61131 control functionality to program logic control code without the need for additional software or hardware.”

To support this extended functionality, Red Lion now offers rugged Graphite expansion racks that work with the Graphite platform to provide a scalable solution enabling organizations to remotely mount up to twelve plug-in modules to the back of a cabinet without extensive wiring. Each rack supports up to three plug-in modules and can be installed for a maximum of twenty modules per tethered Graphite connection.

Red Lion’s Graphite platform includes a built-in web server that enables users to monitor and control applications via PCs, tablets or smartphones. SMS text-messaging and email alerts provide early warning of process issues, which helps avoid costly downtime or site visits. In addition, protocol conversion lets customers select from more than 300 industrial protocols to seamlessly integrate disparate devices such as PLCs, drives, cameras, barcode readers and panel meters.

The Graphite platform is ideal for factory automation and process control environments that may include manufacturing, oil & gas, water/wastewater, power, utility transportation and maritime. Applications include tank batteries, pipelines, salt water disposal, pump stations, lift stations, substation controls, solar array positioning and railroad trackside controls.

• Red Lion products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology

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