From Classic to Modern: Huber Controller Comparison

Huber Controller Technology

An easy decision: The modern Pilot ONE, and the simple KISS/OLÉ offer a range of functionality to suit all temperature control requirements. Depending on budget and application, a controller can be selected that meets the requirements of the application. If only basic functionality is required, an inexpensive model with a KISS/OLÉ could be chosen. If the application requires more extensive features, a unit that has the powerful Pilot ONE controller could be the best choice. Pilot ONE models offer the added advantage of functionality upgrades with “E-grades” where the software can be updated by entering a unit-specific upgrade code.

KISS / OLÉ controller

Simple operation, economically priced and robust with all of the basic functions

Pilot ONE controller

Brilliant 5.7" TFT color touchscreen with comfortable operation, high-end functions and USB-/Ethernet interfaces with all of the basic functions

Pilot ONE vs. KISS/OLÉ

Note: E-Grade "Professional" Installed as Standard on all Unistats

• 1 - 30 day evaluation version TAC function available
• 2 - For units with integrated over-temperature protection
• 3 - For models with variable-speed pump or an external bypass
• 4 - Pt100 external sensor connection optional, only available factory fitted (additional charge)
• 5 - Standard on Unistats, otherwise via optional Com.G@te or POKO/ECS interface
• 6 - Via optional Com.G@te

Controller Functions in Detail

Plug & Play Technology

Unique operation since 1982. The modular concept of the controllers facilitates easy field repairs and thanks to the unique Plug & Play technology, both Pilots are easily upgradeable using modern flash technology, as new software versions become available. Circulators and chillers all operate with a standard user interface; an advantage for users of multiple Huber temperature control systems. The Pilot ONE controller can be mounted remotely to control the unit via a data cable, offering unprecedented levels of functionality and flexibility.

Process Relevant Data - Always in View

The new Pilot ONE^® is plain-talking, gives user confidence, is easy to operate, and keeps the user continuously informed of all relevant process data. The colorful LCD display shows all Pilot ONE information in plain text. Process temperature, internal (flow or jacket) temperature, pump pressure, and all safety-relevant information can be read easily and quickly. The display can be varied as required and in addition to a concise but comprehensive list of data, the most important information (set-point, actual, and internal/process temperature and Over Temperature limit) are shown in a larger format, making the essentials easier to read from a distance. The temperature resolution can be displayed to 0.1 K or 0.01 K and the temperature can be viewed in Celsius or Fahrenheit format.

Depending on the configuration of the system, the pressure is variable using the “VPC” (Variable Pressure Control) feature protecting against breakage, e.g. glass reactor. The parameters of the PID control system can be manually adjusted or with intelligent “TAC” (True Adaptive Control) – the self-optimizing cascade control is fully automated, ensuring tight control and the best results through highly dynamic responses. The “set-point limit” function, “Programmable alarms” and the user-defined alarm actions add further dimensions to safe working practices.

In the event of a problem, visual and audible alarms can be activated. The clock and calendar functions allow individual settings for “auto-start” in the event of power failure or a timed automatic commencement of a program. A calibrated function facilitates both off-set and span calibrations of the internal and (optional) process sensors. Depending on the software version, a digital and/or analog interface records data.

Extention

E-grade^® innovative activation keys for functionality upgrades to suit your budget and process requirements. Every application requires specific functions. If the circulator is to be used in a range of applications it will generally require greater functionality. The required functionality grows with the complexity of the application. The innovative E-grade (Electronic Upgrade) has the answer. Units with the Pilot ONE, supplied with the basic version, have a comprehensive range of functions suited to classic temperature control applications. The E-grade allows the functionality to be extended at any time to suit new process requirements and budget. E-grade is simple to do! To extend functionality, a unit-specific code is entered via the controller. This code is specific to the serial number of the unit and can be pre-ordered (entered at the factory) on new units or activated at a later date by the user. The code is sent by email and there are no hardware or software updates required.

The E-grade “Explore” turns a Unistat into a development tool for process and chemical engineering. This E-grade is an advanced development of the previous Unistat abilities and uses the equipment features of the Unistats to represent important process and performance data on the device display/output via interfaces. E-grade “Explore” provides temperature, HTF pressure and (with an optional Flow Sensor) HTF flow rates. When a Flow Sensor is used, Flow Rates can also be controlled. This measurement and control of various parameters and the display of process data make this E-grade ideally suited for the development and optimization of processes, the determination of heat balances and abort criteria, use tests of raw materials, and for the advanced data collection for scale-up trials.

Using the E-grade OPC-UA, Huber temperature control units can communicate with Pilot ONE via the modern OPC-UA protocol. The OPC-UA (OPC Unified Architecture) communication protocol describes data semantically and thus enables data exchange between automation systems without having to program a driver for this purpose. Huber temperature control units are ready for Industry 4.0 and IoT (Internet of Things) with the E-grade OPC-UA.

Self-Optimizing Temperature Control

Varying research criteria and process demands change the thermal load on the temperature control system. What does not change is the requirement for good control. The solution is "TAC” which has the capability to automatically change with those demands, By building a multi-dimensional model of the process, the TAC is able to automatically adjust its PID parameters to cope with and respond rapidly to sudden changes in the process. Operating in both "Jacket” and "Process” control, TAC provides responsive and close control. Rapid changes with no overshoot, that is what TAC brings to the process – automatically and under all conditions. User-defined ramp rates allows for a faster or slower response. If TAC is not required, the user can manually adjust the PID parameters.

Pressure Control with Controllable Soft Start

VPC was developed to protect glass reactors from damage caused by high fluid pressure. VPC also compensates for changes in viscosity as heat transfer fluid is heated and cooled. Unistats for typical laboratory applications have a variable speed pump with soft-start, and using a pressure sensor can control their maximum fluid pressure. Unistats with larger capacities (as an option) can control the pressure using a pressure sensor and a stepless bypass. Minimal pressure and maximum flow encourages optimal heat transfer. The VPC allows enables the best operation while remaining within the defined pressure limits of the application.

Programmer

Single temperature changes can be achieved using the linear ramp function. The easy-to-use programmer, with 100 steps, is available for more complex temperature requirements. Individual steps can be pieced together to form a profile. Each step of the program can be selected to be either temperature or time stable. For each step, additional functions (Potential Free contact, Analogue Interface, temperature control mode) can be activated or deactivated. Designed for crystallization processes, non-linear temperature profiles allow higher purity crystals to be produced. Instead of using the temperature programmer to piece together rectangular or linear ramps, e-functions can be used to define a continuous setpoint form.

Safety

Unistats have many features for handling temperature control applications remotely and safely during continuous operation. Over-temperature, setpoint and alarm limits can be adjusted according to the conditions of the application. The temperature and pressure sensors can be calibrated and the microprocessor controller monitors the operating status. VPC (Variable Pressure Control) monitors the maximum pressure in the fluid loop. Passive components ensure an extraordinarily high level of reliability.

In case of emergency, Unistats can be electrically isolated. For critical processes, Unistats offer emergency cooling. "Process safety over-temperature protection”: This unique user-activated feature disables the heater while initiating 100 % cooling should an over-temperature condition be caused by a thermal runaway in the process.

Two ATEX compliant solutions are available for ATEX zones 1 & 2: The Unistat can be placed in a Stainless Steel Ex-p pressure enclosure. Compressed air is pumped in purging the cabinet of any potentially dangerous vapors and creating a pressure slightly above atmospheric. Alternatively, an ATEX certified controller II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 is located in the ATEX zone, controlling the Unistat situated in the safe zone.

Communication

The Pilot ONE temperature controller has USB and LAN interfaces fitted as standard: Data can easily be stored directly onto a USB stick via the USB ports on the Pilot ONE. The USB port also allows a connection to a PC or notebook. Together with the spy software, requirements such as remote control or data transmission are easy and cost-effective.

The built-in RJ45 Ethernet connection on the Pilot ONE controller allows easy integration of Huber temperature control systems into LAN networks. Remote control, data logging, or integration into process control systems is also straightforward.

Software

SpyControl is software that offers all the functions of SpyLight. In addition, it allows the user to control one or more machines with a programmer. The user can provide temperature programs for the machines, which then automatically run. Segments of a temperature control program can be entered easily using the Temperature control-Xplorer which is a module of SpyControl. The temperature control programs produced can be modified or changed and archived. The basic course of a temperature control program can also be displayed graphically.