Development of top-level software for the process control system for bentonite-containing bipolar membranes

An approach to automating the technological process of obtaining bentonite-containing ion-exchange bipolar membranes is considered. The structures of automated systems are given, both with the use of local automation tools, and with the use of industrial controllers and workstations. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the structures are described. A two-level control system with the use of sensors, actuators, and an industrial controller at the lower level and a workstation at the upper level is suggested. The scheme of the complex of technical means is implemented. The information model of the upper level software of the control system taking into account the peculiarities of the technological process is developed. The data flow diagram is described and functioning principles of the upper level software are proposed. A software module, that is designed both to calculate control actions for the lower control level and to simulate periodic laboratory bipolar electrodialysis of a sodium sulfate solution with experimental bentonite-containing bipolar membranes to produce acid and alkali, has been developed in C++. During the operation of the software module, it is possible to trace the dependence of technological parameters of electrodialysis (ion flux, current efficiency, energy costs for the production of the target product) on the type of bentonite modifier used (alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (surfactant) and stearic acid) and its quantity in membranes (1, 2, 3% wt.) at different current densities. The software module can be used in existing industries within the framework of functioning process control systems in order to optimize operating parameters during control of electrodialysis processe.