Maintenance support systems using a network technique of programmable controllers^*

Système d’aide à la maintenance utilisant une technique de réseaux d’automates programmables

Abstract

In recent years, it has become possible to operate steelmaking plants with much fewer operators than before. In a plant like SMI-Wakayama, several factors contributed simultaneously to change drastically the maintenance work. The objective is now to detect problems as early as possible and to prevent later, more serious breakdowns. In this task, the maintenance workers need the support of an automatic system based on recently developped technologies. Such a system is described and its functions explained.