Eurotherm Heating Control for Hydrolastic Bearings on an Australian Observatory
The Australian outback offers unhindered visual access to the stars making it ideal for placement of observatories. However, temperatures range from scorching days to freezing nights and such vast changes affect the telescope's ability to move, primarily the hydrolastic bearings within the telescope's altitude-azimuth mounting.
The hydrolastic bearings allow the telescope to 'float' upon a film of oil as thick as a human hair. But oil temperatures must be kept constant to allow smooth movement and adjustment of the altitude and angle of the telescope's lens.
Learn more about Eurotherm control solutions here.
The hydrolastic bearing system is typically subject to vast temperature fluctuations, requiring the system to have a constant temperature feedback monitoring system. If left unmonitored, hot oil from the system distorts air molecules around the lens, producing ‘hazing’, significantly impacting the telescope's ability to monitor stars accurately.
One Australian observatory has successfully used a Eurotherm 2408 temperature controller to control its telescope's hydrolastic bearing temperature for over 30 years (quite a testament to Eurotherm quality!).
The observatory team contacted ADM Instrument Engineering seeking support with the aging equipment. Due to the obsolescence of model 2408, it was recommended to replace with the current model 3508 controller which offers enhanced configurability and accuracy.
Indeed, the ADM team used their expertise with Eurotherm controls to design a solution based upon measurement of air temperature near the lens plus oil temperature measurement at the bearing. The 3508 controls both heat and cool outputs under an advanced PID algorithm to ensure consistent temperature control of the bearing oil.
To keep the observatory operational whilst awaiting the delivery of the new model 3508 controller, the ADM engineering team assisted the observatory with making interim modifications to the old model 2408 with available spares to keep it functional.
This is just one example of how ADM Instrument Engineering frequently helps customers to remain operational and reduce production downtime. As the exclusive Eurotherm Distributor in Australia and having over 70 man-years' experience with Eurotherm controls, the ADM team offers a powerful solution for solving process control challenges.
If you'd like to learn more about Eurotherm temperature and PID loop controllers' robust and reliable capabilities, speak with the ADM Instrument Engineering team today! Send any question our ADM Instrument Engineering contact page here or call 1300 236 467.
