Heating Containers as Part of the 4th Industrial Revolution: Novum – Smart Heat Control for Heatable Stainless Steel IBCs
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Continuous tempering at set times is essential for the production and processing of liquid and viscous media such as chocolate, caramel and wax. As a technical pioneer, SCHÄFER Container Systems has developed a smart heating control system for heatable stainless steel containers. The innovation makes it possible for the first time to control and monitor both individual heating IBCs and large fleets centrally in real time, whether in the warehouse, in production or during transport. By increasing process automation, downtimes are reduced, resource efficiency is sustainably improved and consistent product quality is supported.
The "Smart Heat Control" module combines control, data recording, network connection and operating unit with display in a dustproof and splash-proof electrical housing (IP 65). The digital unit can be seamlessly integrated into Industry 4.0 processes.
The smart heating control system is supplemented by a backend in the SCHÄFER Cloud and a web front end for operation and display. Integration into third-party cloud solutions is also possible.
The primary function of the unit is to control and monitor the heating output of heating containers at temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius. Thanks to load-free switching, waste heat and wear are minimised.
Transformation to digital production
The network connection is established wirelessly via a mobile radio module with SIM card, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Compared to analogue controls, which can only be set and read directly on the IBC, digital controls integrated into networks offer the decisive advantage of being accessible remotely – both manually via a web interface and programmatically.
Smart Heat Control automatically generates warning messages and alarms in the event of deviations from the specified parameters and can correct these independently. This avoids potential problems and minimises downtime.
Traceability and geotracking (location determination) including geofencing (geolocalised limitation) also mean that heating containers can be managed in real time. Thanks to the scalable integration options, IBCs digitalised with Smart Heat Control are particularly advantageous for client communities, such as container rental parks and their customers.
In the production process, power is supplied via a 3-pole mains cable (230 V). If there is no mains connection, such as during transport, a powerful rechargeable battery takes over the power supply to maintain the network and data recording functions as well as active alarms in the event of deviations from set values.
Retrofittable and universal fitting
The solution also offers maximum flexibility: It can be retrofitted and is highly compatible with existing heating containers, regardless of the manufacturer. Existing SCHÄFER heating IBCs can also be upgraded (retrofitted).
The SCHÄFER RCB and CHB heating containers are factory-equipped with the new smart control system and can be seamlessly transferred to the digital room.
