Locating Documentation and Implementing CEMAT AddOn Blocks in SIMATIC PCS 7 Minerals and Cement Libraries

Documentation for CEMAT AddOn blocks (found in libraries such as Minerals_cemat_V8100 or standard CEMAT installations) is not integrated into standard Step 7 context-sensitive F1 help files. Instead, official Siemens CEMAT engineering manuals are installed as comprehensive PDF collections located in the local installation directory C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\ (or C:\Siemens\CEMAT\Docu\). Specifically, general object descriptions reside in 05_Object_Descriptions.pdf, while specialized AddOn modules (such as bucket elevator monitoring, weighing scales, kiln management, and TIA Portal/S7-1500 couplings) are documented in the subfolder Docu\AddOn\ and dedicated Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) application packages.

CEMAT Automation Architecture: Standard Objects vs Minerals AddOn Blocks

In heavy process industries—specifically cement manufacturing, open-pit mining, mineral processing, and bulk material handling—Siemens deploys CEMAT, a specialized process control standard built on top of SIMATIC PCS 7. Unlike the general-purpose Advanced Process Library (APL), CEMAT is tailored for harsh material transport systems, complex multi-drive group interlocking, and bulk solids handling.

The software architecture comprises two primary tiers:

Core CEMAT Library: Contains standardized technological control objects: C_DRV_1D (unidirectional drive), C_DRV_2D (reversible drive), C_DAMPER (actuator damper), C_VALVE (process valve), C_GROUP (plant group control), C_ROUTE (material routing), and C_SELECT (route selection).
CEMAT AddOn Blocks (Minerals_cemat): Specialized functional extensions engineered for specific technological machinery (such as Schenck/Hasler weigh-feeders, bucket elevators, high-pressure grinding rolls, kiln shell thermal profiling) and cross-system PLC couplings (e.g., interfacing PCS 7 with package units programmed in TIA Portal on S7-1500 controllers).

Why Context-Sensitive F1 Help Is Missing for CEMAT AddOn Blocks

When engineers place standard APL or Step 7 blocks in a CFC chart, pressing F1 instantly opens a compiled HTML help file (*.chm). However, when working with CEMAT AddOn blocks in Minerals_cemat_V8100, pressing F1 frequently yields the message: 'Help could not be found'. This occurs because:

CEMAT AddOn blocks are distributed as modular, industry-specific option packages rather than core Step 7 system blocks.
Siemens publishes CEMAT documentation as formalized, multi-volume PDF manuals rather than embedding Windows .hlp or .chm help links into the Step 7 block header attributes.
To understand pin assignments, feature bits, timing diagrams, and WinCC faceplate connections, engineers must reference the installed PDF manuals located in the engineering directory.

Directory Structure: Where Official CEMAT Documentation Resides

During CEMAT installation on an Engineering Station (ES), documentation is placed in standardized local file system paths:

Primary Documentation Path: C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\ or C:\Siemens\CEMAT\Docu\
Core Manual Volumes:
01_Introduction.pdf: Architectural overview and system concepts.
04_Engineering.pdf: Engineering workflows, symbol tables, and CFC guidelines.
05_Object_Descriptions.pdf: Comprehensive parameter references and timing diagrams for all standard C_ blocks.
06_OS_Engineering.pdf: WinCC typicals, faceplates, and picture generation.
AddOn Modules Directory: C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\AddOn\
Contains subfolders and dedicated PDFs for each installed AddOn (e.g., Scales_Docu.pdf, Elevator_Monitoring.pdf, Coupling_TIA_Docu.pdf).

Key CEMAT AddOn Modules: Scales, Elevators, Kiln Profiles, and PLC Coupling

The Minerals_cemat library includes several widely deployed AddOn blocks:

Weighfeeder / Belt Scale Coupling (C_SCALE): Standardized interface for integrating gravimetric feeders (e.g., Schenck DISOCONT, Pfister, or Hasler) via PROFIBUS DP or Modbus, transmitting instantaneous flow rate, totalized mass, and tare commands.
Bucket Elevator Monitoring (C_BELEV): Fast monitoring module evaluating belt slip, motion sensors, off-track limit switches, and bearing temperature RTDs to prevent catastrophic elevator jamming.
Cross-System PLC Coupling (C_SIMOS / C_PLC_LINK): Specialized data exchange blocks that coordinate material handshakes between a central PCS 7 plant and auxiliary OEM packaging or bagging machines programmed in TIA Portal (S7-1500 / S7-1200).

Comparative Architecture Matrix: Standard CEMAT Library vs CEMAT AddOn Blocks

The following table compares standard CEMAT objects against AddOn extension blocks:

Attribute / FeatureStandard CEMAT Core LibraryCEMAT Minerals AddOn BlocksPrimary Block TypesC_DRV_1D, C_DRV_2D, C_DAMPER, C_GROUP, C_ROUTEC_SCALE, C_BELEV, C_KILN, C_PLC_LINKTarget EquipmentConveyors, pumps, blowers, diverter gatesWeighfeeders, bucket elevators, kilns, TIA Portal skidsHelp MechanismPDF Manuals + Some F1 IntegrationPDF Manuals in C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\AddOn\Faceplate GenerationAutomatic via @PCS7Typicals_CEMAT.pdlRequires AddOn Faceplate PDLs in GraCSLicensingStandard CEMAT Engineering & Runtime LicensesOption package licenses (if applicable)Engineering SystemSIMATIC PCS 7 (CFC/WinCC)SIMATIC PCS 7 + Interfacing to TIA Portal

Step-by-Step Procedure to Access Manuals and Integrate CEMAT AddOn Blocks

Follow this procedure to locate documentation and implement CEMAT AddOn blocks:

Locate Installed Documentation:
- On the Engineering Station, open Windows Explorer.
- Navigate to C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\.
- Open 05_Object_Descriptions.pdf for standard blocks, or browse Docu\AddOn\ for specific module manuals.
Download SIOS Application Packages if Local Files Missing:
- If the engineering PC was deployed via an incomplete image, search Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) for 'CEMAT Minerals V8.1 Manuals'.
- Download the official CEMAT documentation library ZIP archive.
Import Library Blocks into PCS 7 Multiproject:
- In SIMATIC Manager, open File > Open > Libraries.
- Select Minerals_cemat_V8100.
- Copy the required AddOn function blocks (FB) and functions (FC) into your S7 Program's Blocks folder and Master Library.
Copy WinCC Typicals and Faceplates:
- Copy the AddOn faceplate PDLs (e.g., @PG_C_SCALE.pdl) from the CEMAT library installation into your OS project's GraCS directory.
Instantiate and Parameterize in CFC:
- Place the AddOn block in the designated CFC chart.
- Wire I/O pins, group links, and safety interlocks according to the timing diagrams in the PDF manual.
- Compile the OS to generate block icons and test in Runtime.

Verification

Verify correct implementation through these engineering checks:

Confirm all block inputs and outputs in CFC are connected according to the specifications in the AddOn PDF manual.
Perform a CFC Compile (Changes only) and confirm 0 errors.
Perform an AS-OS Compile and confirm that the block icon for the AddOn object generates correctly in the target WinCC picture.
In WinCC OS Runtime, click the block icon. Confirm that the specialized CEMAT faceplate opens displaying valid online data.
Simulate a fault condition (e.g., belt slip or feeder deviation) and verify that the CEMAT group interlock halts the upstream equipment safely.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Version Compatibility: Never mix blocks from different CEMAT versions (e.g., CEMAT V7.1 blocks inside a V8.1 project). Incompatible internal communication structures will cause CPU memory corruption and faceplate errors.
Group Interlocking Integrity: CEMAT blocks rely on strict group assignment codes (GrpId). Incorrectly wiring group links can cause an entire conveyor line to trip unexpectedly or fail to stop during an emergency.
TIA Portal Integration Boundary: When linking PCS 7 with TIA Portal controllers, use consistent data block structures and non-optimized DBs in S7-1500 to enable deterministic PUT/GET or Industrial Ethernet communications.

Engineer FAQ

Why is there no F1 help when I select a CEMAT AddOn block in CFC?

CEMAT documentation is provided as standalone PDF manuals rather than compiled Windows help files. Open the PDFs in C:\CEMAT_CS\Docu\ to view block parameters and logic.

Where can I find the WinCC faceplates for CEMAT AddOn blocks?

Faceplate PDL files reside in C:\CEMAT_CS\WinCC\GraCS\ or inside the CEMAT project template. They must be copied into the OS project's GraCS folder.

Can CEMAT AddOn blocks be used with standard PCS 7 APL blocks?

While technically possible, mixing CEMAT blocks and APL blocks requires custom signal adapters because their status DWORDs and faceplate conventions are completely different.

What is the difference between standard CEMAT and Minerals CEMAT?

Standard CEMAT is optimized for cement manufacturing processes. Minerals CEMAT includes specialized additions for bulk material handling, mining conveyor systems, and integration with third-party packaging controllers.