The DISOCONT Tersus (VCU 20100) is a sophisticated controller unit from Schenck Process, designed specifically for high-precision weighing and feeding applications. It is part of their next-generation electronics platform, engineered to manage gravimetric feeders—such as belt weighers, weighfeeders, and loss-in-weight feeders—in complex industrial processes.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Model | VCU 20100 (DISOCONT Tersus) |
| Part Number | V088600.B01 |
| Device Type | Controller / Evaluation Unit |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Fieldbus (Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP) |
| Display | High-resolution graphical interface (Touch/Softkey) |
| Housing | IP65 rated for field or cabinet mounting |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Application Fields
The VCU 20100 is widely used in industries where precise material handling is critical for product quality and cost management:
- Cement & Building Materials: Controlling the feed of raw materials into kilns and mills.
- Mining & Minerals: Managing mass flow for bulk handling and extraction processes.
- Chemical & Plastics: Accurate dosing of ingredients in complex chemical reactors or compounding lines.
- Food & Pharmaceutical: High-accuracy monitoring and regulatory-compliant material tracking.
Product Usage Instructions
- Mounting: The unit is designed for flexible installation; it can be mounted directly on the feeder (decentralized) or in a remote control cabinet. Ensure the mounting surface is vibration-dampened if installed near high-energy machinery.
- Connectivity: Connect the load cells, speed sensors, and motor drives to the appropriate terminals. Use shielded cabling to ensure high signal integrity in noisy electrical environments.
- Configuration: The “DISOCONT” software interface allows for intuitive setup of control parameters, material properties, and calibration constants. Use the integrated wizard to perform the initial “Zero” and “Span” calibrations.
- Diagnostics: The unit provides comprehensive diagnostic logging. Monitor the internal status registers for sensor health, communication status with the plant PLC, and error conditions such as “Load Cell Overload” or “Communication Time-out.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the benefit of the “Tersus” platform over older DISOCONT versions?
A: The Tersus platform offers enhanced processing power, modular I/O options, and broader communication support (Industrial Ethernet), making it easier to integrate into modern, highly automated “Industry 4.0” factory environments.
Q: Can this unit be swapped if a failure occurs?
A: Yes, the system is designed to store configuration settings on an internal memory card or via the engineering software backup. You can replace the hardware and download the existing project file to restore operation quickly.
Q: How do I handle calibration for multiple materials?
A: The DISOCONT system supports multi-material configurations where you can save specific parameters for different materials and switch between them seamlessly via the HMI or remote PLC commands.
Q: Is this unit compatible with high-speed fieldbuses?
A: Absolutely. It supports major Industrial Ethernet protocols, allowing it to communicate with PLCs (like Siemens, Rockwell, or Schneider) at high speeds, which is essential for real-time dosing control.
