What is End of Cycle (EOC)? : It's use with automated dispensing systems

[richard4556]

Hi. I'm rather new to automation. I'm looking at the operating manual for an auger valve controller (ValveMate 7194 by Nordson). But, I'm unsure about EOC. My understanding is that when an INIT signal is received, the controller actuates the dispensing valve according to the program that has been set in the valve controller. Now, lets say that 9 dispensings are made to create a batch of 9. And after that, another batch of 9 vials or containers were loaded on a platform to be filled. I'm assuming that the start of filling the first container would start the EOC (actually start the cycle) and the filling of the last container would be the end of the cycle (EOC).

The manual blurb says:
"End of Cycle Connection (EOC)
The ValveMate 7140 features an End-of-Cycle (EOC) circuit to acknowledge an active spray valve actuation cycle. The EOC circuit is a normally closed electronic switch that can switch an external 5-24 VDC circuit to an external signaling device or PLC input. Maximum load is 100mA, 5-24 VDC. End of Cycle (EOC) signaling only functions when the ValveMate 7140 is in the RUN mode. The End-of-Cycle (EOC) is normally closed in RUN mode while spray valve cycle is inactive. The EOC switch opens when the spray valve cycle is initiated and closes when the spray valve actuation cycle is completed. The EOC signal only represents the spray valve actuation time and is not affected by the spray valve’s nozzle air delay time setting."

I would want in fact to use the valve controller to be used in conjunction with the automated dispense system, a platform with XYZ coordinates. Where I imagine EOC connection might be used. Or, maybe not. I'm basically equating EOC with a batch operation. In this case filling 9 containers. Thanks. Rich

P.S. I've not yet quite sorted the connections between the 7194 valve controller and tha E series automated dispsensing system. I just have the INIT connection at the moment.

 

[richard4556]

Aaah, I think I've got it for a simple batch operation involving one valve. Start of dispense cycle is when the valve controller receives the first INIT. If on the 9th init, during valve activation, there is another INIT, the valve controller cancels the deposit cycle, which in fact closes the EOC switch. I think the EOC switch would only be used if the platform was entirely automatic, as when a new batch was to be placed in position by automatic means. Otherwise no need for the EOC.