The ACETOCONTROL S7i LOGIC is Heinrich Frings' dedicated process automation system for industrial vinegar fermentation. Built on the SIEMENS TIA Portal engineering platform with a 12-inch industrial HMI, it provides a single control point for every variable in the acetification process: aeration rate, fermentation temperature, cooling water flow, and — critically — real-time alcohol concentration via the integrated ALKOSENS probe. The ALKOSENS measures ethanol content continuously from 0.1 to 6% through a semi-permeable membrane using semiconductor conductivity, giving the controller the feedback it needs to maintain optimal acetification rate without manual sampling.

How does the system handle multi-tank fermentation?

Multiple ACETOCONTROL S7i LOGIC units — each managing one fermentation tank — link together and report to the Frings Fermentation Computer FFC V, a WinCC-based SCADA system. Operators monitor all tanks from a single screen with trend graphs and process curves. The system logs batch-ordered fermentation data including all alarm events and operator interventions. Recipes, setpoints, and limit values are configured through a process-oriented HMI without requiring TIA Portal engineering access — making the system operable by fermentation technicians, not just automation engineers.

What remote capabilities are built in?

An integrated VPN module provides secure remote access via WiFi or LAN for operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting from any location. The system sends SMS and plain-text e-mail alerts on process alarms. Semi-automatic commissioning routines and built-in tank calibration methods reduce installation time. An ACETOCONTROL S7i LOGIC COMBI variant integrates the control system with the ACETOCONTROL POWER unit in a single compact cabinet for smaller installations.