THE OPERATIONAL BENEFITS OF INTEGRATED PC CONTROL OF GAMMA-IRRADIATION PLANTS

Compared with the traditional PLC control systems used on many gamma i rradiation plants, the semi-intelligent decision making capabilities o f a fully integrated PC control system can bring many benefits to the plant operator. The authors will describe how plant operation is fully automatic with the PC control providing all the input-output data req uired to run the plant efficiently and safely. Detailed product tracki ng, with live on-screen data, can be incorporated to give both plant o perator and product manufacturer complete confidence in the irradiatio n process. Advanced features such as on-line diagnostics and mechanica l part failure prediction are also described. Also available is automa ted dosimetry, reducing the opportunity for human error, whilst at the same time saving on staff costs and providing highly professional dos e validation reports and comprehensive routine dosimetry documentation . The benefits of PURIDEC's PC control system are not only available w ith its new plants. The system can be supplied as an upgrade to plants of all ages and design giving the current operator all the benefits d escribed in the paper.