What’s the Scoop on SCADA?

Conrad Kacsik Instrument Systems (CKIS) has taken a proactive position with many of our clients when it comes to Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition Solutions (SCADA). We recognize that companies looking to improve furnace performance need a partner that can guide them through the implementation of this powerful, economical and adaptable technology.

Powerful  - Clients have informed us that after upgrading to a SCADA solution they have gained multiple benefits, including repeatable performance and tighter tolerances in product runs. They like the batching feature and have found that the recipe management capability has reduced product defects. The SCADA solution allows for control of multiple furnace lines, which increases the productivity of operations personnel. Additionally, training time for the solution is reasonable.

Economical - Both Commercial and Captive Heat Treating Operations are faced with multiple regulatory compliance issues, and the Conrad Kacsik SCADA solution eases this burden by providing bulletproof data acquisition and documentation. The system also provides Ethernet connectivity, so that data can be stored on the plant’s server as well as on the shop floor. In addition, the system can be designed to accommodate remote access from the internet, enabling both control and monitoring from home.

Heat Treating operations are continually seeking ways to save time and money in their plants. They have told us that they don’t have the budget for a new control system installation, even though their current control system is outdated and becoming a maintenance issue.

The SCADA solution’s open architecture will often work with existing instrumentation, via communication cards, which minimizes investment in new equipment and lowers the total cost of ownership.

We help many clients find economical ways to transition to Supervisory Control. A key feature of our system is its ability to be implemented incrementally. In other words, a company can start with Data Acquisition and Reporting capabilities, and add Control Functionality as funds are appropriated.


A well planned SCADA solution can grow based upon a company’s needs and budget!

CKIS can design a cost effective SCADA recommendation along with a realistic implementation plan to migrate to the newer technology.


Adaptable - SCADA solutions should be customized to the unique requirements of each company. Conrad Kacsik starts with an engineering evaluation of the current control and data acquisition system. We examine the plant environment and the users’ needs in order to make a cost effective use of the available technology. We work with the plant maintenance and operations team to customize user defined screens that will be most appropriate for the furnace application, plant personnel and regulatory compliance reporting.

Conrad Kacsik presents our findings and outlines the company’s individual needs, so that the optimal recommendation is made, from simple Data Acquisition to full functioning Automation and Control.

Properly configured and implemented SCADA solutions will deliver added productivity, flexibility and accountability that many operations are seeking. Choosing the right partner to help guide a company through the selection and implementation process is important. When evaluating solutions, make certain to ask to speak with a few of the vendor’s customers to learn about their quality, reputation, reliability and performance.

Measurable - Shown to the right is a sample report that can be used by your organization to track performance and assist your organization with documentation for compliance related issues. Make certain that the SCADA solution you consider implementing with your furnaces provides your organization with the information that permits you to manage your operations with enhanced safety and improved efficiency.




SERIES SD Controllers Provide Value and Accurate, Cost-Effective Temperature Control

The SERIES SD family of PID temperature controllers utilizes today’s advanced technology to provide the value, benefits and accuracy you’ve come to expect from Watlow. The features and performance offered by SERIES SD controllers make them ideally suited for a broad range of applications in temperature and process control.

The SERIES SD single channel controllers include a universal sensor input with up to three outputs that can be programmed for heat or cool temperature control, or to operate as process or deviation alarms. Programming Inverse Scaling is also simplified with the user-friendly set-up menu, providing additional value without additional cost.

Advanced features of SERIES SD controllers include EIA-485 Modbus™ Serial Communications, Watlow’s INFOSENSE™ sensor technology, Infrared Remote Communications operation, Watlow’s patented User Definable Menu System and a "Save and Restore" feature that allows the restoration of either factory or user-defined settings.

The SERIES SD is available in FM Limit version and a fourprofile, 10-step Ramping version that includes Ramp, Soak, Jump Loop, Link and End steps. The updated SERIES SD family includes a new Variable Burst Fire feature that saves wear and tear on heaters, thus prolonging heater life, reducing downtime and saving money. Two non-linear PID curves have also been added to improve performance in plastics extruder applications.

Available in 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 DIN panel mount sizes, Watlow’s SERIES SD family is backed by an industry leading three-year warranty from Watlow Winona. The SERIES SD controllers are UL® and C-UL® listed, CSA, CE and NSF-2 certified and include the IP65/NEMA 4X seal.

Features and Benefits


 Watlow’s INFOSENSE™ sensor technology
  • Thermal sensing technology improves sensor accuracy by a minimum of 50 percent

     Watlow’s patented User Defined Menu System
  • Allows the user to assign up to 20 parameters in the operations menu
  • Improves operational efficiency

    “Save and Restore” feature for user settings
  • Allows the user to save individual or factory settings
  • Eliminates the need to contact the OEM or factory to restore settings

     WATVIEW HMI (Human Machine Interface)
  • Permits operation, configuration and data logging via a standard Windows® PC

    Infrared Communications
  • Allows easier controller setup, operation and monitoring Up to three outputs
         (two for 1/32 DIN)
  • Results in application versatility

    Dual Displays for all models
  • Provides better recognition of process changes

    Ramp to set point
  • Controls temperature rise

    Variable Burst Fire
  • Prolongs heater life

  •