How to Operate the Control Cabinet of a Shaking Table?
A Practical Guide with PLC and Touch Screen
Easy to Understand for Beginners!
In industries such as mineral processing and coal selection, the shaking table is the “main sorting force,” and its “brain”—the PLC and touch screen control cabinet—directly determines the sorting efficiency and product quality. Many newcomers may find the operation complex, but with a good grasp of the steps and logic, it is not difficult to get started! Today, we will explain the operation of the control cabinet step by step from four dimensions: “Preparation – Operation – Troubleshooting – Safety,” making it easy for beginners to get started.
1. Essential Steps Before Operation:
3 Steps to Make the System “Safely Standby”
Before starting, do not rush to power on! Completing these 3 checks can avoid 90% of equipment failures. Let’s lay a solid foundation first:
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1. Check the Hardware: Don’t Miss These Areas
Power Switch: Ensure the main power, PLC power, and touch screen power are all in the “OFF” state (to avoid current surges during power-on);
Terminal Connections: Are the connections of sensors and actuators loose or oxidized? Especially check the connections of the amplitude sensor and airflow solenoid valve, as loose connections can affect data accuracy;
External Equipment: Does the shaking table motor run smoothly? Are there any leaks from the solenoid valve? Ensure that the surfaces of the level and pressure sensors are free of dust, or they may give “false alarms.”
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2. Power On: Follow the Sequence, Don’t Press Randomly!
There is a specific order for powering on; incorrect sequence may damage the equipment. Remember this process:
Main Power → PLC Power → Touch Screen Power
After powering on, check the indicator lights: the PLC “RUN” light should be solid (flashing or off indicates a fault), and the touch screen should boot up smoothly without a black or garbled screen.
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3. System Self-Check + Login: Confirm “No Abnormalities” Before Proceeding
The touch screen will automatically perform a “self-check” upon startup, displaying “Sensor Communication Normal” and “No Faults in Actuators.” If it shows “Sensor Offline” or “Solenoid Valve Fault,” do not rush to operate; follow the prompts to troubleshoot: for example, reinsert the sensor connections and check the solenoid valve power.
Then log into the system: typically, there are “Operator” and “Administrator” permissions (password can be obtained from the workshop). Operators can adjust parameters, while administrators can change system configurations; beginners can use “Operator” permissions.
2. Core Operations:
4 Steps from Standby to Operation
First, identify the key areas on the main interface: Status Area (view real-time parameters), Setting Area (input target values), Manual/Automatic Switch, Fault Area (red text prompts).
1. Parameter Initialization
Select the corresponding material’s “Preset Template” and fine-tune 3 key values:
Amplitude: 10-25mm (larger for coarse particles, smaller for fine particles)
Frequency: 30-60 times/min (matching with amplitude)
Airflow/Water Flow: Airflow 8-15m³/(m²・min), Water flow “Top Water 60-70%, Flushing Water 30-40%”
2. Manual Debugging
Start with manual mode, turn on the fan and adjust the water flow, observing the material’s looseness (it should not be blown away or clumped).
3. Automatic Operation
Switch to automatic mode, and after starting, monitor the status area to ensure actual values are close to target values, checking parameter curves every half hour.
4. Shutdown
First pause → manually turn off flushing water/top water/fan → turn off the motor → power off in the order of “Touch Screen → PLC → Main Power.”
3. Troubleshooting:
Don’t Panic When Problems Arise, Use These 3 Tips
It is inevitable to encounter faults during operation, but do not disassemble randomly! First, check the “Fault Alarm Area” on the touch screen and follow the prompts to troubleshoot:
1. Alarm “Sensor Offline”
First check the wiring: Is the sensor wire loose? Try reinserting it tightly;
Check the sensor surface: Is it covered with dust or material? Clean it before restarting;
If it still doesn’t work, replace it with a spare sensor: it is likely that the sensor is faulty.
2. Amplitude/Frequency Not Up to Standard
Check the motor: Is the motor running? Is there any unusual noise? It may be jammed;
Check parameter settings: Is the target value set too high? For example, setting 25mm amplitude for fine particles will definitely not be achievable;
Check the transmission device: Is the belt loose? Is there any wear on the gears?
3. Unstable Airflow/Water Flow
Solenoid Valve: Is there any water or air leakage? Disassemble and clean it, as it may be clogged;
Pressure Gauge/Flow Meter: Are the values accurate? If not, calibrate them;
Piping: Is there any blockage? Especially in the water pipes, avoid sediment buildup.
4. Safety Regulations:
Remember These 5 Rules!
1. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry while operating, and tie back long hair to avoid entanglement in the equipment;
2. Do not open the cabinet door while the control cabinet is running to prevent electric shock;
3. Communicate with the workshop before changing parameters, and do not adjust critical values (for example, suddenly increasing the amplitude may damage the equipment);
4. In case of an emergency, directly press the “Emergency Stop Button” on the control cabinet, do not wait for screen operation;
5. Before leaving work every day, clean the touch screen surface, close the cabinet door, and keep operation records.
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