Improving the control panels for the Continuous Process industry with Multiple connections and Multiple level Terminal Blocks
June 2023
Continuous Process industry is a type of manufacturing or production industry where the production process operates continuously without interruption. In this industry, raw materials are continuously fed into the production system, and the finished products are continuously generated as output. The production process typically involves a series of interconnected steps or stages, and the materials flow through these stages in a continuous manner.
Continuous process industries are characterized by their high-volume production and constant flow of materials throughout the manufacturing process. Examples of continuous process industries include chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, power generation, steel production, paper manufacturing, and food processing.
In these industries, the production facilities are designed to run continuously for extended periods, often 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The processes are highly automated, with sophisticated control systems and monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure efficient and consistent production.
Criticality of Control Panels Used in the Continuous Process Industry:
Control panels in continuous process industries need to be of high quality for several reasons.
They play a vital role in optimizing process efficiency, monitoring variables like temperature and pressure, and ensuring accurate control. This leads to reduced waste, improved energy efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness.
These control panels are crucial for safety and risk mitigation. They provide emergency shutdown capabilities, safety interlocks, and alarms to prevent accidents and detect abnormal conditions promptly.
High-quality control panels are reliable and minimize downtime. They are built with quality components, undergo rigorous testing, and are designed for easy maintenance and troubleshooting, reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns.
Control panels must comply with strict regulatory standards. They facilitate compliance by providing accurate data logging, reporting, and compliance features, ensuring adherence to safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
High-quality control panels offer scalability and adaptability. They can easily integrate new equipment, sensors, or control modules, allowing for flexibility and accommodating changes in production requirements or expansions.
How Multiple Connections and Multiple-Level Terminal Blocks Bring Value in Control Panels Used for Continuous Process Industry
Blocks have been used in the continuous process industry for nearly half a century now, owing to their reliability and quality. In addition to the above need for safety, reliability, and accuracy, the applications in this industry require extremely dense wiring because of the high number of sensor-actuator loops to be controlled. This calls for the usage of Multiple Connections and Multiple Level Terminal Blocks.
Multiple connection terminal blocks, also known as multi-level terminal blocks or multi-tier terminal blocks, are electrical connectors used to simplify and organize the wiring connections in electrical and electronic systems. They consist of a housing or base with multiple levels or tiers of terminal points.
These terminal blocks provide a convenient way to connect and distribute electrical signals or power among multiple wires or conductors within a single unit. Each level or tier typically contains a set of terminal points, where wires can be securely inserted, clamped, or screwed down.
The main advantage of multiple connection terminal blocks is their ability to accommodate a large number of connections in a compact space. By stacking the terminal blocks vertically, they allow for efficient utilization of limited panel or enclosure space, making them suitable for applications where space is a constraint.
The individual terminal points in a multi-level terminal block are typically electrically isolated from each other. This isolation helps to prevent short circuits and ensures the integrity of the electrical connections. It also allows for easier identification and troubleshooting of specific circuits or connections.
These terminal blocks are available in different connection technologies and designs, including screw-type, spring-clamp, or push-in spring options. The choice of the terminal block depends on the specific application requirements, such as the wire size, voltage and current ratings, and environmental conditions.
Multiple is not Just in the Number of Connections but also in the Number of Functions
Over time, the multiple connection terminal blocks have also evolved to include various functions inside a single terminal block. Terminal Blocks today can include the below functions in a single terminal block:
Feedthrough function - The simple wire-to-wire connection
Distribution function - The ability to distribute signal (voltage or current) from a single connection point to multiple connection points.
Fuse Function - Some multiple connection terminal blocks are provided at the top level with a fuse, which may be necessary to integrate into the control circuit.
Disconnect Function - Disconnect function can also be provided at multiple levels within the same terminal block alongside other functions.
Earthing / Grounding - Often the bottom level of the terminal block can be loaded with a grounding foot which allows for providing grounding to certain connection points within the terminal block.
LED (Line) Indication - Multi Connection terminal blocks can also be provided with LED indication to show the active/inactive status of the signal being passed through them.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, multiple connections and multiple-level terminal blocks offer a valuable solution for improving control panels in the continuous process industry. These high-quality terminal blocks simplify and organize wiring connections, accommodating a large number of connections in limited space. They ensure the integrity of electrical connections, prevent short circuits, and facilitate troubleshooting. With the ability to incorporate various functions within a single terminal block, such as feedthrough, distribution, fuse, disconnect, grounding, and LED indication, they enhance the efficiency and flexibility of control panels. By making smarter connections, these terminal blocks contribute to optimized processes, increased safety, reduced downtime, and regulatory compliance.
Connectwell, your right connection partner
With more than 15 international product certifications backed by the most stringent quality standards, our products pass through more than 40 quality assurance tests. This has ensured a ready acceptance of Connectwell terminal blocks across 80+ countries and in thousands of projects and applications worldwide.
Through our 4 decades of experience with state-of-the-art operations which are ISO certified, Connectwell has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of terminal blocks in the world.
More than 1 million connections are made every day across the globe with Connectwell terminal blocks, making Connectwell a synonym for… the right connection.
So, if you would like to build your projects with a solution that can accommodate both dense and simple wiring, while saving panel space, ensure that you select Connectwell Multiple Level Terminal Blocks and get the added flexibility you need.
To know more about how Connectwell can contribute to your applications, please reach out to us at connect@connectwell.com or +912517120600 / +912516762600
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