Arch Timber Protection has upgraded Auto-Treater, its automated control system for timber treatment operations.
Already managing and controlling more than 60 treatment plants in the UK and Europe, Auto-Treater provides users with a proven software system that combines automation of the treatment process with business management information to give advanced control and optimisation.
Auto-Treater is now built on the very latest PLC (programmable logic controller) & SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems ensuring product longevity and helping to future proof Arch’s customers’ treatment operations. The system ergonomics have been further improved to increase operator efficiency, and additional fault-finding tools provide operators with greater self-help capabilities to diagnose plant faults, minimising any down time.
The fully integrated solution strength control system, with the facility to log confirmatory lab results within the database, will help remove the need for separate data logging for quality assurance purposes. And a new auto mix function following the completion of a charge is available, helping maximise plant throughput by minimising charge turnaround times.
Retention calculation structure
The latest generation of Auto-Treater is also now equipped with an advanced retention calculation structure to further improve treatment control and help provide compliance to BS 8417 – Preservation of Wood – Code of Practice. Arch has also enhanced the list of reports that are available direct from the system to help customers manage their business.
“But we’re not stopping there,”said Mr Webster, Arch’s engineering and technical services manager. “The system is now being further developed to provide a fully integrated European version, incorporating multi-language options and required European treatment standards.”
Bond Timber, one of the largest timber treatment operations in Devon and Cornwall, is among the latest companies to benefit from the installation of Auto-Treater.
“We now have a superb system that is extremely operator friendly and also provides us with detailed and valuable management reporting information,” said manager Shaun Getson.
“Recording of data is much improved and the automated mixing facility means that treatment operator exposure or error is much reduced.”
A new brochure highlighting the latest Auto-Treater developments is available and Arch has a fully functional demonstration system enabling Auto-Treater to be brought direct to the customer’s site so it can be seen first-hand.
