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Honeywell’s SLATE integrated combustion management system is designed for professionals who need to cut the time spent configuring and commissioning burner controls. It reduces engineering time by combining configurable safety and programmable logic in a single modular platform, streamlining programming, simplifying wiring and allowing you to duplicate applications quickly across multiple systems. By consolidating multiple control functions in one solution, manufacturers can get new thermal‑process equipment to market in weeks rather than months.
In many industrial plants, combustion control projects involve coordinating burner controls, flame monitors, and custom logic across multiple components and suppliers. Good engineering practice calls for defining safety and I/O requirements early, then translating them into clear wiring diagrams, verified interlocks, and validated control logic before commissioning begins. When those functions are spread across separate devices with extensive point to point wiring, design reviews, panel build, checkout, and startup can stretch from weeks into months. Longer cycles also increase the likelihood of mis wires, logic gaps, rework, and costly downtime during commissioning and early operation.
Time is money, especially when your operations depend on combustion systems for heat, power or process control. Delays in engineering reduce uptime, slow innovation and can erode your competitive edge. Choosing a platform that streamlines programming and reduces wiring complexity directly addresses this pain point. Honeywell’s SLATE delivers those advantages by unifying safety and logic, offering flexible programming tools and simplifying inventory.
How SLATE Accelerates Engineering Work
The SLATE platform includes several features that directly contribute to faster engineering and commissioning. These advantages stem from its flexible programming environment, modular design and ready‑to‑use hardware, giving project teams a head start on every new installation.
- Program Faster – Flexible programming tools let engineers implement proprietary applications more quickly. The drag and drop wire sheet editor with function block programming makes it easy to build control logic by dropping blocks on a page and connecting them.
- Speed Production – Once an application is created, you can load a custom kit from a PC for rapid duplication across multiple controllers. This shortens commissioning time and ensures consistent performance across sites.
- Cut Engineering Time – SLATE eliminates complex wiring and time consuming programming. Modules mount on a DIN rail and interconnect with side by side plugs; external devices connect through labelled terminals, simplifying panel assembly.
- Simplify Inventory – Because safety and logic reside in one platform, there are fewer devices to source, purchase and manage. Reduced part counts mean less time spent tracking spares.
Beyond Engineering Time: Features and Benefits
In addition to reducing engineering hours, SLATE brings a range of technical advantages that improve safety, performance and maintainability. The system’s modular design, robust communications and intuitive diagnostics make it a comprehensive upgrade for combustion control.
Operational Efficiency and Serviceability
Integrated oxygen trim and two variable frequency drives on the fuel air ratio module help optimize burner performance. On board diagnostics provide clear messages that allow technicians to identify issues quickly. Individual modules can be replaced without reprogramming the entire system, and application kits can be backed up via SD card or USB.
Flexible Configuration and Display
SLATE is easily configured for commercial and industrial processes, single and multi burner boilers and other thermal equipment. Engineers purchase only the modules they need and choose how to use them with a universal I/O scheme. A high definition color touchscreen can be programmed with basic web page technology to tailor the operator interface.
Safety and Communication
The platform carries UL, FM and SIL 3 approvals for use in North America and beyond. A universal power supply (24 VAC/DC to 230 VAC) supports worldwide use. Built in BACnet/IP, BACnet/MS‑TP, Modbus TCP/RTU and web services support mean no external gateways are required.
Real‑World Impact: Case Studies
A sodium silicate plant in Mexico used a SLATE system consisting of a base module, burner control, fuel air ratio control, a seven inch touchscreen display and the SLATE AX Tool. Engineers designed the control logic quickly using function block programming and created virtual signals that minimized wiring inside the cabinet. Visual analytics allowed operators to monitor variables during ignition, reducing errors and increasing production rate. Honeywell notes that the tool enabled the customer to design the system quickly and easily, reducing engineering time.
A large fertilizer plant replaced its manually operated system with SLATE. The system included burner control and flame amplifier modules, a software application and a full color seven inch touchscreen. The SLATE AX Tool let engineers create applications quickly and save time. Operators could view all process variables from a single display, and faster programming with simplified inventory helped the facility maximize efficiency.
Implementation Considerations
| Consideration | Key point |
|---|---|
| Define your application | Identify the equipment (burners, blowers, sensors, valves) and select only the modules you need. |
| Use the SLATE AX Tool | Build logic by dragging function blocks, binding them to I/O and loading the program into the controller; Honeywell offers training resources and video modules. |
| Leverage universal communication | Connect SLATE to BACnet or Modbus networks to share process data with plant DCS systems or building management systems. |
| Plan for scalability | Modules mount on DIN rails and share a universal power supply; additional functions can be added as your process evolves. Back up application kits to SD card or USB for quick restoration. |
| Rely on expert support | Honeywell provides global engineering services and technical support. Relevant Solutions’ combustion specialists can help select the right configuration and assist with startup. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Honeywell’s SLATE system?
SLATE combines configurable safety functions (burner control, flame monitoring, fuel air ratio, limit protection) with user programmable logic in one modular platform, replacing separate burner controls and PLCs.
How does SLATE cut engineering time?
SLATE’s diagnostics are accessible on mobile devices and desktop apps, with clear error codes and guided troubleshooting steps—unlike legacy panels that rely on cryptic LED flashes.
Can SLATE handle multiple burners?
Yes. SLATE is configurable for single or multi burner systems and other thermal processes. Modules can be combined to control additional burners, actuators or I/O as needed.
What communication protocols does SLATE support?
Is the user interface customizable?
A high definition touchscreen can be programmed to display process data, alarms and custom graphics.
Does SLATE meet safety standards?
Yes. SLATE modules are UL listed, FM approved, CSD‑1 acceptable and SIL‑3 capable. Global safety approvals make the system suitable for use in North America and other markets.
Ready to Streamline your Combustion Control?
Honeywell’s SLATE platform delivers measurable reductions in engineering time while improving safety, communication and operational efficiency. By unifying safety and logic, it helps you build custom combustion controls quickly, duplicate them effortlessly and reduce wiring complexity. Additional features, such as universal I/O, intuitive diagnostics and global approvals, translate into lower costs and greater reliability.
At Relevant Solutions, we’ve supplied and supported Honeywell combustion products for years. Many customers appreciate the reliability and modularity of traditional burner controls. However, as safety standards evolve and digital connectivity becomes essential, more industrial operators are adopting SLATE. The ability to configure safety and logic in one unit, combined with intuitive programming tools and remote management, delivers real value, especially in facilities where downtime and engineering hours are critical considerations. If you’re ready to streamline your combustion projects and get to market faster, our team at Relevant Solutions can guide you through selecting, implementing and optimizing a SLATE system tailored to your application. Contact us today to get started.
