What Are Industrial Control Systems?
Industrial control systems (ICS) combine hardware and software to monitor, automate, and control industrial processes. In compressed air operations, these control systems can coordinate equipment activity based on system conditions and demand. CAMLink™ applies industrial automation to compressor control, helping facilities coordinate multiple compressors, stabilize pressure, reduce excess capacity, and manage compressed air energy use. The CAMLink™ product line supports systems of different sizes, with HMI, Modbus, SCADA, and BMS capabilities available across specific models. This centralized approach gives plant teams greater control over compressed air performance while supporting the needs of industrial and manufacturing facilities.
CAMLink™ Micro
Industrial and manufacturing facilities that utilize compressed air energy systems frequently struggle with controlling system efficiency. Compressed air systems often maintain too much capacity online as they attempt to both prevent pressure from dropping below critical levels and satisfy peak demands. The result of this wasted capacity is unusually high compressed air energy usage. The cost of compressed air can be up to 10 times as much as electricity. Compounding the problem is the fact that differences in pressure set points, pressure switch deadbands and pressure losses make it extremely difficult — if not impossible — to coordinate the multiple compressors required for optimal compressed air energy efficiency.
The CAMLink™ Micro is one of our smallest industrial control systems, making it perfect for supporting up to four rotary screw compressors in smaller setups. Equipped with a space-saving 5.7-inch HMI interface, this industrial control equipment provides the control needed to manage efficiency in your smaller systems, so you won’t have to worry about wasted energy.
CAMLink™ Mini/Advanced
Capacity regulation in compressed air systems is one of the most common problems encountered in industrial and manufacturing facilities. In many cases, compressor systems maintain too much capacity online to both prevent pressure dropping below peak levels and to satisfy peak demands. This excess capacity is not always needed, and because of it, many of these systems waste compression energy.
With the CAMLink™ Mini or CAMLink™ Advanced serving as your manufacturing control system, you can control up to six compressors with ease. The Advanced model also offers support for centrifugal compressors as well as Modbus interfaces, owing to the advanced compressor management logic integrated into this model.
CAMLink™ Premier
An industrial or manufacturing facility cannot be truly energy-efficient unless its compressed air system is functioning at optimal efficiency. Why? Large commercial air compressor systems often maintain too much capacity online to both satisfy peak demands and to prevent pressure from dropping below peak levels. This excess capacity is not always needed, and because of it, many large-capacity air compressor systems waste compression energy.
Designed for larger, more complex installations, the CAMLink™ Premier is one of the most advanced manufacturing control systems available. Compatible with all major SCADA and BMS systems, these industrial control systems also integrate with boilers, ventilation and water systems.
Talk to Experts in Industrial Control Systems
Without efficient control strategies, industrial operations can consume too much compressed air energy and see their operating costs escalate. The CAMLink™ range of solutions ensures industrial facilities have centralized coordination across multiple compressors, providing them with stabilized system pressure, reduced excess capacity, and improved reliability. Our scalable industrial control systems are designed for compressed air optimization to enhance efficiency and performance.
Get in touch with our experts today before making any changes to your systems. We can help you gain the right system design to deliver the optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Control Systems
What Is an Industrial Control System?
An industrial control system uses connected hardware and software to manage equipment and processes in an industrial environment. Depending on the application, an ICS may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, drives, and supervisory software. In compressed air applications, industrial control systems can help coordinate compressors, manage system conditions, and support industrial automation across equipment that needs to operate as part of one system.
What Are the Benefits of an Industrial Control System?
For compressed air systems, industrial control systems can help coordinate equipment, stabilize pressure, reduce excess capacity, and support more automated control. Better coordination can also help facilities manage compressed air energy use and improve system reliability. These benefits are especially relevant for industrial facilities that operate multiple compressors, need more centralized control, or want better visibility into system performance and operating conditions.
What Is the Difference Between a PLC, SCADA System, and an Industrial Control System?
An industrial control system is the broader automation solution. A PLC uses programmed logic to control machinery and equipment at the machine level. A SCADA system supports centralized monitoring, visualization, alarms, and data collection across connected systems. CAMLink™ Premier is compatible with major SCADA and BMS systems. The role of PLCs, SCADA, and other control systems depends on the facility’s equipment and control architecture.
Can an Industrial Control System Be Integrated With Existing Equipment?
An industrial control system uses connected hardware and software to manage equipment and processes in an industrial environment. Depending on the application, an ICS may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, drives, and supervisory software. In compressed air applications, industrial control
Integration depends on the control system, equipment, and model. CAMLink™ products include several confirmed integration capabilities. CAMLink™ Advanced supports centrifugal compressors and Modbus interfaces. CAMLink™ Premier is compatible with major SCADA and BMS systems and can integrate with boilers, ventilation, and water systems. CAM Technologies can help identify the CAMLink™ configuration that fits the compressed air system and the facility’s existing control environment.
can help coordinate compressors, manage system conditions, and support industrial automation across equipment that needs to operate as part of one system.
How Do I Know if My Facility Needs a New Industrial Control System?
Common signs include compressed air inefficiency, excess capacity, unstable pressure, high energy use, or difficulty coordinating multiple compressors. A facility may also be looking for improved or automated controls, better reliability, or remote system monitoring. CAM Technologies works with industrial compressed air systems to address these operating needs and can help determine the control approach that fits the facility and its equipment.