Milkcollect TFM uses industrial quality products designed to withstand harsh environments. The Milkcollect system uses the most advanced distributed control and distributed I/O technology available to make it scalable and extensible. Milkcollect is a total tanker fluid management system, with high-speed pumping of up to 2000 l/m, accurate volume measurement to +/- 0.5% and a modular sampling system with RFID identification.
TFM is made up of the following components:
HMI Module
The TFM/HMI display is the user interface and the main process controller. It is a custom designed 32bit embedded microprocessor running a Microsoft Embedded 2013 operating system featuring:
Sitara AM335x Processor
TI AM3354 Processor with 3D graphics accelerator (integrated LCD and touch page controller)
800 MHz Cortex A-8 processor
512MB of NAND Flash memory
512MB of DDR3 System memory
2 x UART Ports
Communications
The TFM supports API connectivity directly to the factory database over 4G data networks to transfer information to and from the database seamlessly and without third party cloud server intervention.
AirLink® GX450, designed to deliver mission-critical communications for in-vehicle applications, provides a secure mobile gateway.
Input / Output Module
Provides the output to the milk line valves, vent valves and buzzer. It also allows for future inputs from the milk line valves.
There are 10 optically isolated inputs and 6x current limited FET outputs. The I/O module has a 16 bit micro providing the functionality of the I/O, diagnostics and CAN communications with the TFM controller.
Vat/Trailer RFID Reader Module
Provides communications to the Vat (Milk Hose) and Trailer RFID reader. The reader’s communications protocol resides in the module and maintains the link with readers regardless if the TFM is running or not.
The two UART ports are galvanically isolated to provide an electrically isolated barrier between the field devices and the microprocessor layers for ESD protection purposes.
Flow Sensor Module
Provides communications to the PD340 Flow meter over a P-NET protocol and communications to the docket printer. The P-NET communications is a RS-485 differential protocol allowing data to be transmitted and received on the same data pair.
The docket printer is RS-232, a single ended protocol providing bi-directional communications simultaneously.
Flow Control Module
Provides lynch valve control for the milk pump, purge valve output and state feedback, PT 100 milk temperature sensing and milli-volt air content from the Air Management sensor. The lynch valve control operates a hydraulic spool valve and receives positional feedback to close the control loop.
The Air Management sensor mV signal is used to adaptively control the lynch valve based on the air content.
Sample 1 & 2 Module
Provides dual stepper motor control, dual RFID read/writers and a PT 100 temperature sensor input. Sampler module 1 & 2 are for the two left hand samplers “Load” and “Spare”.
The PT 100 measures the milk temperature in the cool box. The RFID read/writers are RS-232, a single ended protocol giving bi-directional communications simultaneously.
Sample 3 & 4 Module
Provides dual stepper motor control, dual RFID read/writers and a PT 100 temperature sensor input. Sampler module 3 & 4 are for the two left hand samplers “Quality” and “Composite”.
The PT 100 measures the milk temperature in the cool box. The RFID read/writers are RS-232, a single ended protocol giving bi-directional communications simultaneously.
I/O Header Interface
Provides the interface between the I/O modules and the field devices. It also provides diagnostic and status LED information for the technical staff.
Connections are via cage connectors to ensure all connections remain tight.
Flow Meter
Promag H, its ultra-compact transmitter provides full performance on the smallest footprint and enables seamless system integration.
Heartbeat Technology always ensures compliance and process safety. The TFM connects using a Modbus RTU communication interface.
Flow Meter
PD340 Flow Transmitter from PROCES-DATA is an electromagnetic precision flowmeter for the volumetric measurement of liquids that are electrically conductive.
The TFM connects using a P-NET communication interface (IEC 61158).
Air Detection Sensor
Detects the level of air in the milk through the pumping process, calculating the turbidity – historically and predictively – with optimum control over pumping speeds. The data is provided as milli-volt signal or digitally over the CAN bus network.
The sensor also incorporates temperature sensing which is used to compensate for capacitive changes in the milk.
VAT EID detection
The TFM VAT EID reader is incorporated into the wireless router and uses WLAN communications to connect the vat EID to the TFM.
The vat EID is used to validate the farm and product being collected against the schedule and once validated automatically initiates the milk collection sequence on the tanker.
Trailer EID tracking
The trailer EID reader monitors the trailer status for CIP requirements and hose connection.
If for any reason the trailer hose becomes detached from the truck an error message will appear, requiring operator action before continuing.
Label Printer
The Epsom TM-L90 label printer is used to print sampler vial label when vial RFID tags are not available.
High speed printing at 150 mm/sec
Two colour text and logos
Large paper Rolls of 90mm dia
Drop in paper load
High Reliability with a MCBF rating of 70 million lines
Cabinets
The TFM comes pre assembled in two stainless steel enclosures (Control and Sampler). All devices are supplied with connector terminations complete for a simple installation.
Glanding covers allow plugs to pass through terminated, while still providing a dust seal.
Docket Printer
An EPSON TM-T82III Thermal Direct Printer provides a hardcopy print out of the farm collection, CIP details, Load information and calibration verification.
The new generation Epson’s TM-T82III thermal receipt printer is built with speed, reliability, usability and functionality in mind.
Print speed of 250mm/s. Barcode and QR Codes can be accommodated with its graphic ability.
Samplers
The samplers are modular to provide options for just one or many. They are built to withstand harsh environments and CIP cleaning chemicals. The peristaltic pump provides a high degree of accuracy, with a simple tube replacement mechanism. The vial holding mechanism allows easy insertion and removal of the vial, while holding the vial firmly in place during the collection process.
The algorithm automatically calculates a proportional sample rate based on the estimated collection volume giving a proportional representation across the collect. Built in RFID reader/writer to allow farm information to be electronically stored for testing purposes.
