ProSoft Technology PTQ-AFC - Manual (Page 242)

Reference PTQ-AFC ♦ Modicon Quantum Platform
User Manual Liquid and Gas Flow Computer for Hydrocarbon Products
Page 242 of 259 ProSoft Technology, Inc.
June 23, 2011
11.9 Startup Basics and Frequently Asked Questions
The Automatic Flow Computer (AFC) is a powerful rack flow computer solution
for PLC platforms. The design intent of the module is to simplify the setup and
maintenance of a meter installation. With this in mind, the sample ladder logic
was created to accomplish the following:

Pass meter run variables to the module.
 Return meter results to the processor.
 Allow individual meters to be enabled or disabled.
 Allow resets of individual meter runs.
 Allow transfer of a new gas analysis to an individual meter run.
Actual meter setup includes units of measure setup, range checking for input
variables, and the type of meter being used. This setup is handled by the AFC
Manager software. The intended design is to have the processor only handle the
variables of an actual process and the AFC Manager handle the setup and
configuration of necessary meter variables.
The sample ladder logic included with the system is intended to fulfill this
requirement and works for many applications. Should you feel that your
application requires more than this, then a very intimate knowledge of the
operations of the module are required to be successful in the implementation of
the application. It is highly recommended that the sample be used as a starting
point for any application.
11.9.1 How does the module work?
Ignoring the fundamentals of a meter run, the module’s operation is very simply
divided into two operations, those being the transfer of data from the Processor
to the module (variables as a rule) and the second being the transfer of data from
the module to the Processor (results).
Refer to the Backplane section of the AFC User Manual for your module for more
information on backplane operation.
11.9.2 Why should I use the AFC Manager?
The AFC Manager should be used to configure the module project parameters
(Site Configuration) and each meter (Meter Configuration).
Once your project is up and running, you can also use the AFC Manager to
monitor each meter run (Meter Monitor), archives, and events.