Seed Breeding Control System
Challenge
Petkus-Selecta in Hem required a modern, flexible, and reliable control system for their advanced seed breeding machines. Their goal was to maintain the company’s strong reputation for machine quality while introducing scalable automation that could be replicated across multiple installations worldwide.
The challenge was threefold:
- Complex process requirements – Seeds had to be carefully processed through multiple sieves and an air channel to ensure only the strongest, highest-quality seeds were selected.
- Reliability and usability – Operators needed an intuitive system that could manage vibration feeders, sieves, air separation, and safety functions with minimal downtime.
- Scalability – The solution had to be standardized, so that Petkus-Selecta’s own engineers could easily commission machines for their global customers, while still allowing brand flexibility in component choice.
TIAP, together with NewIO in Enkhuizen, delivered a complete automation package covering hardware engineering, cabinet building, software development, and commissioning.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Control system: Siemens S7-1214 PLC, designed for robust, flexible machine automation.
- Operation: Siemens TP900 Comfort HMI (9”) panel, giving operators an intuitive interface with clear process visualization.
- Drives: Elso motor control combined with Siemens G120 frequency inverters, including safety STO contacts.
- Safety: Emergency stops and fencing directly wired into a brand-independent safety relay, ensuring compliance and reliability.
The process logic was restructured in line with ISA-88 principles, using a layered software approach:
- Control Module – Step-based motor control through a universal interface.
- Motor Equipment Module – Drive control and monitoring for frequency inverters and analog devices.
This modular setup gave Petkus-Selecta maximum flexibility to work with different component brands without needing to modify the software.
For ongoing support, machines were equipped with V3-Nano remote engineering modules, enabling secure access via WiFi, Ethernet, or 4G. This allowed TIAP to provide remote assistance while also giving Petkus-Selecta aftersales support capabilities.
The result was a standardized, reliable, and scalable control system that could be easily deployed worldwide. Operators benefit from intuitive HMI screens, clear diagnostics, and consistent machine behavior. Engineers at Petkus-Selecta now have a platform that is easy to commission, adapt, and maintain.
With dozens of seed breeding machines already successfully delivered, this project demonstrates how TIAP’s modular approach and focus on brand independence create long-term value. Petkus-Selecta can continue building high-quality machines with confidence, knowing the automation platform is flexible, future-proof, and globally supportable.
Challenge
Petkus-Selecta in Hem required a modern, flexible, and reliable control system for their advanced seed breeding machines. Their goal was to maintain the company’s strong reputation for machine quality while introducing scalable automation that could be replicated across multiple installations worldwide.
The challenge was threefold:
- Complex process requirements – Seeds had to be carefully processed through multiple sieves and an air channel to ensure only the strongest, highest-quality seeds were selected.
- Reliability and usability – Operators needed an intuitive system that could manage vibration feeders, sieves, air separation, and safety functions with minimal downtime.
- Scalability – The solution had to be standardized, so that Petkus-Selecta’s own engineers could easily commission machines for their global customers, while still allowing brand flexibility in component choice.
TIAP, together with NewIO in Enkhuizen, delivered a complete automation package covering hardware engineering, cabinet building, software development, and commissioning.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Control system: Siemens S7-1214 PLC, designed for robust, flexible machine automation.
- Operation: Siemens TP900 Comfort HMI (9”) panel, giving operators an intuitive interface with clear process visualization.
- Drives: Elso motor control combined with Siemens G120 frequency inverters, including safety STO contacts.
- Safety: Emergency stops and fencing directly wired into a brand-independent safety relay, ensuring compliance and reliability.
The process logic was restructured in line with ISA-88 principles, using a layered software approach:
- Control Module – Step-based motor control through a universal interface.
- Motor Equipment Module – Drive control and monitoring for frequency inverters and analog devices.
This modular setup gave Petkus-Selecta maximum flexibility to work with different component brands without needing to modify the software.
For ongoing support, machines were equipped with V3-Nano remote engineering modules, enabling secure access via WiFi, Ethernet, or 4G. This allowed TIAP to provide remote assistance while also giving Petkus-Selecta aftersales support capabilities.
The result was a standardized, reliable, and scalable control system that could be easily deployed worldwide. Operators benefit from intuitive HMI screens, clear diagnostics, and consistent machine behavior. Engineers at Petkus-Selecta now have a platform that is easy to commission, adapt, and maintain.
With dozens of seed breeding machines already successfully delivered, this project demonstrates how TIAP’s modular approach and focus on brand independence create long-term value. Petkus-Selecta can continue building high-quality machines with confidence, knowing the automation platform is flexible, future-proof, and globally supportable.
