Creep Stand Controller

 

Model AA-CRP-II

The Model 2K is designed to upgrade existing dead weight creep stands into a fully programmable electromechanical load controller system.

The 2K is capable of controlling tensile loads within the 2200 lbs. load and 4 inch stroke capacity of the frame over long periods of time. The 2 inch per minute actuator rate will quickly and accurately maintain the desired control point.

The control panel can be manually or remotely configured to control the load, stroke or strain control point in real-time. A built-in waveform generator can be programmed to cycle or ramp the control point for hours, days or even months for unattended testing. Since the 2K contains a closed loop digital PID controller, the control point is accurately manipulated in real time.

The control panel has an RS-232 serial port enabling a computer to have full control of the 2K for even more functionality. Languages such as LabVIEW, Visual Basic etc. can control the units operation while collecting data for long or short term data logging or real-time graphing. Custom computer based control panels can be developed to provide the required functionality for specific applications. Incorporating computer application programs to access and control the 2K makes it a truly flexible unit.

The short height of the load frame allows it to be mounted under a table or test stand allowing unobstructed acess above the work area. Pressure vessels, temperature and humidity chambers etc. can be mounted above the work area providing a wide range of controlled environments. With the load frame mounted virtuality at any angle or orientation the 2K adapts to a wide range of testing requirements.

Best of all the 2K does not require costly maintenance programs, special power requirements, dedicated location or expensive training like other testers.

Since the 2K is designed as a general purpose instrument, the uses are limitless. From creep testing to fatigue analysis, its functionality goes a long way.

Specifications

Load Frame:

• Maximum actuator load capacity is +/- 2200 lbs.
• Maximum actuator stroke range is 4 inches
• Maximum actuator rate is 2.0 inches per minute
• High torque micro-stepped stepping motor for rugged long term reliabilty
• Power Requirements 110 Volts < 0.5 amps. Total weight ~ 80 lbs.

Instrumentation:

• Load is measured via external S-beam or Pancake load cell

Load Resolution:

• 0.1 lbs., Stroke Resolution: 0.0001 in
• 2 internal amplifiers with external range and offset calibration adjustments
• Analog load and strain is measured using a 16-bit analog to digital converter
• Programmable digital filter ranges from 0.125 Hz to 16 Hz
• Results are displayed in Metric or English units
• Remote operation and data collection using RS-232

Controls:

• Waveform generator supports Sine, Square, Triangle and Havercycle functions
• Ramp generator supports single, dual and trapezoid functions
• LCD panel constantly displays load, stroke strain data in real time
• Security key prevents unauthorized parameter changes
• Load control accuracy < 0.05% full scale
• Stroke control accuracy < 0.0025% full scale
• Adjustable digital PID control algorithm precisely maintains control point
• Maximum actuator response rate is adjustable from 0.0001 to 2.000 in/min
• System parameters are stored in battery backed RAM (10 year life)

Software:

• Programmable data acquisition of 9000 16-bit and 3000 32-bit readings
• Adjustable acquisition rate of 200 samples/sec to 248 days/sample
• Fully programmable waveform and ramp controller
• Programmable high and low limits with programmable actions
• Programmable load and strain ranges and offset
• Overall and cycle peak detectors for each channel
• Graphical application interface (LabVIEW, Visual Basic etc.) via RS-232 port
• Optionally removes system deflection in stroke calculations
• Displays data in Metric or English units

Electronics:

• 24 MHz, Dallas 80C320 Microcontroller
• 32K RAM, 64K of ROM, Battery backup RAM/Clock timer
• 16 key keypad for function selection and numerical entry
• Audio Beeper and LED to signal operation status
• 2 channel high speed 16-bit Analog to Digital converter
• RS-232 serial interface adjustable from 1200 to 38,400 baud
• 4 line by 20 character LCD panel
• External Load cell with built-in amplifier to measure the load
• Integrated micro-step stepper motor driver/controller for quite positioning

Warranty:

• One year warranty including Parts and Labor.