PAMEL PRD3 power and temperature controller (maximum 8 probes + 6 valves)

PRD3 – power and temperature controller with valve control

Controller PRD3 by PAMEL is used to regulate the power of heating elements and control the temperature in processes requiring precise monitoring. The maximum adjustable power is 5.5 kW.

This device is a development of the earlier versions designated as PRD3W / PRD3W+. Currently, all controllers in this series are known under one common name PRD3, making it easier to choose the right model and compare available configurations.

The controller can be used in, among other applications, distillation, smoking, brewing, and other heating processeswhere stable power and temperature control is important.

Choice of phase or group control

A new feature of the PRD3 controller is the ability to select the power control method:

Phase control
Allows for very smooth power regulation. It is ideal for applications requiring quick response and precise heating power adjustment.

Group Control
Power is displayed in groups of complete operating periods. This is a more relaxed control method, often chosen by users who prefer different heater operating characteristics.

This allows the user to tailor the controller's operation to their own needs, installation type, and process characteristics.

Manual or Automatic Power Control

Using the buttons, the user can manually adjust the power supplied to the heating circuit. The controller can also operate automatically, using temperature-dependent regulation.

In distillation mode, power can be adjusted based on a single selected temperature. In smoking mode, the controller can determine power based on the average temperature from selected sensors.

The current power setting is constantly visible on the graphic LCD display.

Multiple temperature probe support

Controller PRD3 can display multiple temperatures simultaneously, e.g.:

• cooler,
• tank,
• head,
• column,
• second column,

or in smoking mode:

• probe 1,
• probe 2,
• probe 3,
• probe 4.

Probe names can be changed to suit your needs. The user can assign custom names up to 10 characters, allowing the screen to be tailored to a specific installation.

To increase the number of supported probes to 8 pieces use an appropriate splitter, e.g. HUB 5 to 1 or HUB 8 to 1.

The ability to measure up to 8 probes is available from software version XXL/05/2016.

Due to the large selection of probe numbers and types, they should be selected separately in the Sensors.

Control of valves and additional devices

Controller PRD3 can control up to six independent devices, e.g.:

• water solenoid valve,
• distillate solenoid valve,
• ARC valve,
• fog generator,
• fan,
• other auxiliary device.

The number of outputs and available configurations are selected on the product page as options at the time of purchase.

The controller may also be equipped with a liquid level sensor input, depending on the selected configuration.

Temperature Graphs and Process Monitoring

An additional advantage of the controller is the ability to display temperature-versus-time graphs. This allows for easier monitoring of the process and monitoring temperature changes.

The controller continuously monitors temperatures, even when changing settings. This provides the user with ongoing control over the device and the entire process.

Audible alarms and a heater shutdown temperature can also be set.

Operating Modes

Controller PRD3 can be used for both distillation and smoking. The operating modes can be switched depending on the current application.

Smoking mode offers three operating stages, with the ability to set different times and temperatures.

The most important advantages of the PRD3 controller

• one common series name: PRD3,
• successor to the previous designations PRD3W / PRD3W+,
• heating element power adjustment 5.5 kW,
• selection of phase or group control,
• manual or automatic power adjustment,
• ability to operate in distillation and smoking modes,
• support for multiple temperature probes,
• possibility to expand the measurement to 8 probes using a HUB,
• possibility to assign your own probe names,
• Graphical LCD display,
• possibility to rotate the display by 180°,
• displaying temperature versus time graphs,
• Ability to control up to six additional devices,
• Ability to operate solenoid valves,
• Optional liquid level sensor input,
• Display brightness adjustment,
• Detachable probes,
• simple operation,
• Current protection,
• thermal protection,
• Fan-assisted cooling.

Technical Specifications

Power supply voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz +/- 10%
Power regulation range: 1–100%
Power control method: phase or group control, user-selectable
Maximum adjustable power: 5.5 kW
Temperature measurement resolution: 0.05°C
Power regulation resolution: 0.125%
Outputs: up to six solenoid valves or other controlled devices
Liquid level sensor input: optional
Current protection: Yes
Thermal Protection: Yes
Cooling: Forced, fan
Maximum power consumption: 4 W
Probe connectors: RJ45

Applications

Controller PRD3 is used, among others, in: in:

• distillation,
• smoking of meats and cold cuts,
• brewing,
• brewing beer,
• heater control,
• heating process automation,
• installations requiring temperature and power control.

Configuration upon purchase

Controller PRD3 is available in various configurations. The number of outputs, number of supported probes, and additional options are available for selection on the product page.

If a different configuration is required, please contact the Customer Service Department.