ACE Blender Operator Manual

Chapter 7 System Information

CHAPTER 7 SYSTEM INFORMATION

There are system files that the application reads on start up. These files contain information such as
calibration and operator set ups. Normally the operator would use the displays to set up the blender. Refer
to the Technical manual for information concerning the configuration files.
CHAPTER 7 SYSTEM INFORMATION............................................................................................... 7-1
7.1
BRINGING A NEW REMOTE BLENDER ON LINE ............................................................................ 7-2
7.2
LOCAL ONLY TAB ..................................................................................................................... 7-3
7.2.1
Button Definition ................................................................................................................. 7-3
7.2.2
Auto Self Tune...................................................................................................................... 7-5
7.2.3
Model on the Training Simulator...................................................................................... 7-6

Surveillance should precede salutation

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7.1 Bringing a new remote blender on line

A set up window will pop up when a blender is detected by the ACE code and that
blender has no configuration file associated with that blender. The ACE code will
present a pop up window that will allow the operator to configure the GUI display for the
number of additive devices that exist on that blender. The operator will select the number
of Sand Screw devices, the number of Liquid Additive devices and the number of Dry
Additive devices. The operator may select a type of blender or name for the blender from
the drop down list, i.e. slurry, blender 75 bbl, GELPRO, etc. Selecting a predefined type
of blender will force the display to a typical display for that unit type. Optionally the
operator may wish to type in a name for the blender such as Jell-O Mixer.

Select the browse button to choose a blender configuration file that is stored on a remote
unit or on another computer on the network. Use the IP address to locate the blender
computer.
The Internet Address (IP) numbers list the IP address of the computer that originated the
start up of the application; My IP. The Sel truck displays the IP address of the blender
that was selected on the Main display.
Select the Save Done button to save that information to the blenderXXXXX.txt file in the
c:\jlan directory. XXXXX represents the unit number of the blender. Press the cancel
button to exit the window with no changes. This file may be edited later if any changes
need to be made.

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7.2 Local Only Tab

The Local Only Tab displays and controls the status of functions that are unique to the
Blender that the operator is physically standing next to or on. Most of these functions
can not be used to remotely affect another Blender. Refer to Chapter 10 System
Information for detailed information.

7.2.1

Button Definition
English / Metric Units Selects the units being displayed on the ACE
Controller as either English or Metric for the selected blender. Thus one
blender can be viewed in English units and another unit can be viewed in
Metric units.

Auto Self Tune Turns on the Auto Self Tune routine for the local unit only.

OFF Turns off the Auto Self Tune Routine for the local unit only.

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Model ON The training simulator will be turned on for the ACE selected
unit when the Model ON button is pressed. Do not turn the simulator on
before, during, or after a job.
Model OFF The simulator will be turned off for the Ace selected unit when
the Model OFF button is pressed.

Zero All Stage Totals The accumulated stage volumes for ALL devices on
the selected unit will be set to zero when the Zero all Stage Totals button is
pressed.
Zero All Job Totals The accumulated job volumes for ALL devices on the
selected unit will be set to zero when the Zero all Job Totals button is pressed

Save local blender file The set up and calibration information for only
the local unit will be saved to the configuration file. Use this button to
save changes such as calibration factors. All current Blenders set up and
calibration factors will be saved.

Read local blender File The set up and calibration information for
only the local unit will be read into the Ace Controller and used
immediately. Use this button to remove any changes such as
calibration factors. All Blenders set up and calibration factors will be set back to original
values.
Read BlednerConfigXXX select this button to read a predefined file
that configures the display. The file can located locally or on a remote
computer via the network.

Used when the Ace controller has been set up as a remote display
station. Once started, the unit will work in conjunction to the simulator
to create a fictitious blender that will perform as though it was real. To
remove the local blender the application will have to be shutdown. This
may be used when the stage plan needs to be entered before the actual
blender is connected to the network. NOTE the min / max values would not reflect
the actual blender when using the add a local blender function.

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7.2.2

Chapter 7 System Information

Auto Self Tune

The Auto Self tune routine will automatically characterize the Additive devices that are
installed on the Blender. Do not use the Auto Tune routine on the Suction Pressure,
Discharge Pressure, Tub Level and Engine controls. The following items will be
established.

PID terms
Start up and maximum drive levels
Maximum additive rates
10 point drive calibration, used in Open Loop control mode.

Follow the steps listed below to perform the routine;

Increase engine to provide maximum Hydraulic Horse Power

Be sure there is a fluid supply to the liquid additive pumps
Select the items that need to be tuned
Turn on the Enable Commands Auto button
Select the Set to AUTO & open Valves button to start
The controller will then run the device
A pop up window will inform the operator of performance during tuning
Observe performance of device during tuning
The routine takes approximately 1 minute to run

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7.2.3

Chapter 7 System Information

Model on the Training Simulator

The simulator is an aid to assist with operator learning. The controller will
now seem to perform as though the blender was completely functional. The
training simulator will be turned on when the Model ON button is pressed.
Do not turn the simulator on before, during, or after a job. The Model OFF
button will remove the functions that were turned on by the model on
button. This function will perform the following listed functions.

All additive devices will placed in the Forced Open Loop mode.
The Suction side flow meter will be set to the MAG meter
Feedback information will be sent back to the controller

The operator will then be able to perform normal blender processes; such as
bringing fluid on board, starting liquid additives, etc. To simulate Horse Power
pumps pulling fluid from the blender the operator will need to follow either of the
steps listed below.

Hard enter in a rate for the Discharge TFM. This can be done by calibrating
the Discharge TFM and entering the desired rate via the Adjust Offset
function. Refer to Section 3.1.3.
Start Ace Horse Power Pumps in Model modes that are connected to the
blender via a network connection. Place the Pumps in the respective rate for
the stimulation. Then select the Discharge Pumps as the discharge flow
meter. Refer to Section 3.1.3.

NOTE Changes to setup options and calibration will remain effective even when
the Model is turned off.

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NOTES

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