An Overview of Eurotherm’s Temperature Controllers
In manufacturing, the role of temperature control is vital for maintaining product quality and ensuring process efficiency. Eurotherm’s range of single-loop and multi-loop controllers addresses this need by offering precise temperature management. Eurotherm’s controllers are designed to cater to various industrial requirements, ensuring that temperature regulation is both accurate and consistent.
In this article, we’ll outline Eurotherm’s most popular temperature controllers, including primary features and benefits, capabilities, and manufacturing applications.
nanodac™
The nanodac™ is a dual temperature controller/recorder offering the ultimate in graphical recording combined with PID control. The compact unit offers four universal inputs for batch recording. This controller is further enhanced by a full-color, 1/4 VGA display to bring a crystal-clear operator interface to even the smallest machines.
Features & Capabilities
- 0.1% Reading Accuracy (at 125ms)
- Easily Accessible I/O Points
- Up to Eight Universal Inputs Available
- Tamper-Resistant Data Recording
- Can Control Two Valve Positioners (1/3: 2/3 Mode)
- Two Red Alarm Lights
Specifications
| Input Type | mA mV RTD TC |
| IP Rating | IP65 NEMA12 |
| Control Types | On/Off PID VP |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Analogue IP | 8 |
| Analogue OP | 3 |
| Digital IP | 3 |
| Digital OP | 5 |
| Communication Protocols | Ethernet/IP Modbus TCP/IP |
| Control Loops | 2 |
3200 Series
The Eurotherm 3200 is available as a PID controller or an over/under-limit controller. It can also be configured to combine these two designs in one space-saving panel mount package. This controller is ideal for many applications, including plastic extrusion, heat treatment, thermal forming, ovens, and chillers.
Features & Capabilities
- Easy Configuration With Little Training Required
- 0.25% Reading Accuracy
- Custom Alarm Messages
- Out of Box Operation Available With QuickStart
- Multi-Language Capabilities (English, German, French, Spanish, & Italian)
- Internal Timer
- Can Be Pre-Configured Based on Application
- Heater Failure Detection
- Internal Timer
Specifications
| Input Type | cT mA mV RTD TC |
| IP Rating | NEMA 12/NEMA 4X (3216 Model) IP65 |
| Control Types | On/Off PID VP |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Safety Approvals | EN14597 TR |
| Analogue IP | 2 |
| Analogue OP | 3 |
| Digital IP | 3 |
| Digital OP | 4 |
| Communication Protocols | Modbus |
EPC3000
EPC3000 controllers are a range of easily programmable single-loop process controllers designed for high accuracy (0.1%) and repeatability. It’s primarily pre-configured for applications like heat/cool temperature control, carbon potential control, and dew point control. It can maintain consistent control for long periods without recalibration and can meet accuracy specifications for aerospace applications. It’s also the first controller certified to meet the Achilles® Communications Robustness Testing Level 1 cybersecurity requirements.
Features & Capabilities
- High-Speed Ethernet
- QuickStart Available for Out of Box Operation
- Specialized Math & Logic Functions
- Compatible with IoT & Industry 4.0 Applications
- FM-Approved Option Available
- Up to 20 Ramp/Soak Profiles
- Adjustable PID Settings
- Improved Design to Reduce Overshoot
Specifications
| Input Type | TC PT100/PT1000 RTD mV mA Zirconia |
| IP Rating | Washdown: IP66 NEMA 4x (Indoor) Standard: IP65 NEMA 12 |
| Control Types | On/Off PID VP Carbon Potential |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Safety Approvals | Achilles CRT Level 1 Cybersecurity EN13849 PLC EN14597 TR Factory Mutual Approved |
| Analogue IP | 4 |
| Analogue OP | 3 |
| Digital IP | 5 |
| Digital OP | 4 |
| Communication Protocols | BACNet EIA-485 Ethernet/IP Modbus RTU Modbus TCP |
| Mounting | 1/16 Panel 1/4 Panel 1/8 Panel |
2704 Multi-Loop
The 2704 Advanced Multi-Loop Controller is designed for complex and demanding applications, including solid extrusion, wire coating, furnace carburization, and incinerators, except for applications in explosive or corrosive environments. These controllers can be pre-configured in single, dual, or triple-loop format, feature flexible I/O, and have several math and logic functions.
Features & Capabilities
Features and capabilities will vary based on the model but may include:
- Probe Cleaning & Diagnostics
- Open Communication
- Pressure Alarms
- Sooting Alarm
- CO Correction
- Dewpoint Measurements
- Leak Detection
- Melt Pressure Control
- Offline/Online Editing
- Fixed & Modular I/O
- Customizable Displays
- Easy Calibration
- 0.1% Accuracy
Specifications
| Input Type | mV mA RTD TC Volts |
| IP Rating | CE cUL EAC (NADCAP & AMS2750D Applications) |
| Control Types | PID On/Off Valve Position Carbon Potential Humidity |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Safety Approvals | EN61326 EN61010 |
| Analogue IP | 8 |
| Analogue OP | 8 |
| Digital IP | 44 |
| Digital OP | 43 |
| Communication Protocols | Ethernet/DeviceNet (Slot H or J) Profibus (Slot H) Modbus TCP Profibus DP Modbus RTU |
| Mounting | 1/4 DIN |
2604 Advanced Process Controller
Eurotherm’s 2604 Advanced Process Controller is a versatile device designed for complex process control applications, including test chambers, autoclaves, kilns, and furnaces. It also offers a high level of functionality and flexibility, making it suitable for use in many industrial settings where precise control and customization are necessary.
Features & Capabilities
Features and capabilities will vary based on the model but may include:
- Up to Three Control Loops
- Setpoint Programming Available (Up to 50 Programs & Three Setpoints)
- Features INSTANT ACCURACY™ in All Inputs
- Advanced Maths (24) & Logic (32) Functions
- Customizable Interface
- Can Control:
- Temperature
- Flow
- Pressure
- Level
- Relative Humidity
- Dewpoint
- Carbon Potential
- Oxygen Concentration
- Total Dissolved Solids
- Melt Pressure
- pH
- 0.1% Reading Accuracy
Specifications
| Input Type | mA mV RTD TC Volts |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Control Types | PID On/Off VP |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Communication Protocols | Ethernet/DeviceNet Profibus DP Modbus TCP Modbus RTU |
| Analogue IP | 8 |
| Analogue OP | 8 |
| Digital IP | 44 |
| Digital OP | 43 |
| Mounting | 1/4 DIN |
Piccolo™
The piccolo™ controllers provide precise and stable control to maintain quality limits and are well-suited for furnaces, kilns, ovens, batch operations, and plastic processing control. These controllers balance performance and simplicity, making them a practical choice.
Features & Capabilities
- Quick Code for Fast & Easy Configuration
- Recovery Point Feature to Restore Original Settings
- High-Visibility Three-Color Display
- Energy Usage Estimates
- Customizable Settings
- 0.25% Reading Accuracy
- Soft Starts & Ramp-Soak Timers to Prevent Damage
- Detects Heater Failures & Leaks
Specifications
| Input Type | mA mV RTD TC Volts |
| IP Rating | IP66 NEMA 12 |
| Control Types | PID On/Off |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Communication Protocols | RS485 Modbus |
| Analogue IP/OP | 1 |
| Digital IP | 1 |
| Digital OP | 2 |
| Mounting | 1/16 Panel 1/4 Panel 1/8 Panel |
3500 Series
The 3500 series are advanced process control units designed for complex applications requiring high precision. They are particularly ideal for automation applications, including heat treatment, semiconductors, environmental chambers, autoclaves, reactors, and fermenters. These controllers are known for their dual-loop control, making them ideal for interactive processes, and offer a wide range of features.
Features & Capabilities
- Two Independent or Synchronized Programmers (Up to 50 Programs)
- Flexible I/Os (Relay, Logic, Triac, & Analogue)
- Can Control Carbon Potential in Furnaces
- Customizable Maths, Logic, & Timing Functions
- Easy Selection of New Recipes (Up to 8)
- Infrared Adaptor for Easy Configuration
- Compatible With Eurotherm’s Graphical Wiring Editor
- 0.1% Reading Accuracy
Specifications
| Input Type | mA mV RTD TC Volts |
| IP Rating | IP65 NEMA 12 |
| Control Types | PID On/Off VP |
| Supply Voltage | 24V (DC/AC) 85-264V (AC) |
| Communication Protocols | Modbus Master Modbus DeviceNet/Ethernet Profibus |
| Analogue IP | 5 |
| Analogue OP | 6 |
| Digital IP | 40 |
| Digital OP | 41 |
| Mounting | 1/8 DIN 1/4 DIN |
Learn More About Eurotherm’s Temperature Controllers
Located in Michigan, Hi-Watt is a leading regional distributor of industrial heating and temperature control products, including Eurotherm’s temperature, data/graphic, and power controllers.
Please contact us today if you have questions about any of the temperature controllers listed in this article or if need help selecting the best controller for your application.