Connecting PULSAIR to the Honeywell TDC 3000

In 1988, one of PULSAIR's largest customers asked if our pneumatic controllers could be connected to their Honeywell TDC 3000 computerized process control system. Up until 1988, PULSAIR pneumatic controllers were, with exception to the air supply, self contained units that mixed one to two tanks each, and were incapable of being switch on or off remotely, let alone be attached to a TDC 3000.

PULSAIR answered the request by engineering solenoids and micro-switches into the pneumatic box. Imperial Oil in Sarnia, Ontario (Canada) was then able to link their PULSAIR pneumatic controllers to the TDC 3000. The solenoid feature became known as PULSAIR's remote control (RC) option, a feature that later developed into the PULSAIR Programmable Controller (PPC) product line. For Imperial Oil, the TDC 3000 is simply a way to turn the PULSAIR systems on and off remotely, and to verify the rate of mixing.

The TDC 3000, located in a central control room, was programmed to turn the PULSAIR on and off. In addition, we added an air-actuated micro-switch to the pneumatic controller. This switch is actuated by the pilot signal that is sent to the center plate injection valve. The micro switch sends an on/off pulse signal back to the control where a pilot light flashes, indicating the pulse rate and that the system is on and working. The system works very well and is in full operation today.

Since that time, PULSAIR has worked with Honeywell to develop greater functionality between the TDC 3000 and PULSAIR. At a recent meeting they told us that EXXON/ESSO/IMPERIAL are their largest TDC 3000 customers. There is a good chance that if you call on an EXXON/ESSO facility you may find a TDC 3000. For instance, the EXXON CHEMICAL facility in Bayway, NJ uses a TDC 3000 to operate their PULSAIR systems. They are planning to convert most of their mechanical mixer tanks to PULSAIR. ESSO in Rotterdam also has a TDC 3000 that controls their blending system.