Application of Solidot's Remote I/O Module XB6S in Brewing Production Lines

Brewing production lines encompass multiple stages such as raw material processing, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. The level of automation and precision in the production process directly impacts product quality, efficiency, and economic benefits. In today's highly competitive alcoholic beverage market with increasingly refined production requirements, remote I/O modules provide critical technical support for automation upgrades and precise control in brewing lines, empowering enterprises to achieve intelligent brewing.

Products Used in This Case: XB6S-PN2002, XB6S-3200, XB6S-0032B, XB6S-A80TM, etc.

I. Introduction to the Production Process

Core Workflow of an Intelligent Brewing Line:Raw Material Feeding → Fermentation Temperature Control → Cellar Environment Monitoring → Bottling Line Coordination

1. Raw Material Feeding

After pre-processing, raw materials are transported via conveyor belts to fermentation tanks. Sensors at the feeding port trigger system startup signals.

2. Fermentation Temperature Control

The temperature inside fermentation tanks must be dynamically adjusted according to process curves. Deviations exceeding thresholds trigger automatic compensation mechanisms.

3. Cellar Environment Monitoring

Real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, oxygen concentration, and other parameters ensures stable microbial fermentation conditions.

4. Bottling Line Coordination

Aged liquor flows through pipelines to the bottling line, where filling valves, capping machines, labeling devices, and other equipment must operate in precise sequence.

二、I/O模块应用方式

The system uses PROFINET protocol. Solidot’s digital input module XB6S-3200, digital output module XB6S-0032B, and temperature acquisition module XB6S-A80TM are connected to a Siemens PLC S7-1500 via coupler XB6S-PN2002, enabling efficient data exchange and collaboration.

• XB6S-3200 collects signals from field sensors, including fermentation tank agitator status, bottling line valve signals, and cellar access switch detection. It provides real-time feedback on feeding port sensor triggers to ensure precise start/stop control of material transport.

• XB6S-0032B outputs control commands to actuators like fermentation tank agitators, bottling line solenoid valves, and cellar ventilation systems. It drives bottling line dividers and capping machines based on PLC logic to maintain consistent production rhythms.

• XB6S-A80TM monitors temperature distribution across fermentation tanks in real time. Combined with PLC algorithms, it dynamically adjusts cooling water valve openings to achieve ±0.5°C precision, eliminating quality fluctuations caused by temperature drift in traditional systems.

Challenges Addressed:
As brewing processes grow in complexity and scale, traditional solutions faced limitations:

• Surging I/O point demands due to multi-process coordination.

• Poor compatibility and inflexibility in critical areas like temperature control.

• High debugging and maintenance costs, hindering efficiency and standardization.

Solidot’s XB6S Remote I/O Solution:

• Each XB6S module supports up to 32 Slice I/O expansions, allowing flexible configurations for digital/analog signals and specialized temperature control.

• Slice design enables plug-and-play functionality, simplifying wiring and debugging while reducing installation workload.

• Built-in anti-interference mechanisms minimize signal risks and enhance system stability.

After adopting Solidot’s XB6S solution, the enterprise highly praised its anti-interference capabilities and scalability. Plans are underway to deploy it in new intelligent brewing workshops to achieve precise process control, digitized equipment management, and further productivity gains.

III. High-Reliability Remote I/O Module: XB6S Series

Solidot’s XB6S series remote I/O modules:

• Support multiple bus protocols (e.g., PROFINET, EtherCAT).

• Feature motion control, temperature acquisition, and specialized functional modules.

• Pass rigorous EMC testing for superior anti-interference performance.

• Offer diagnostics, alarms, and anomaly logging for smart feedback and ease of use.

Through continuous innovation, Solidot empowers industrial intelligence with reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions, driving the evolution of brewing production into the era of smart manufacturing.