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Test and Measurement

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Custom Software Engineering
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Test and Measurement Automation

Feeders
Feeders
K-Tron KCM Module
K-Tron KCM Module
Extruder-Kneader
Extruder-Kneader
Weigh Belt Feeder
Weigh Belt Feeder
K-Tron to S7 Profibus Driver
K-Tron to S7 Profibus Driver

Continuous Mixing System for Powder and Liquid Ingredients

Summary

DMC developed the control software for a continuous mixing system used in confectionery production. The system feeds continuous streams of powder and liquid ingredients into a kneader extruder.  

Customer Benefits

  • Continuous process allows greater throughput than batch processing
  • Intelligent system minimizes scrap/rework when starting and stopping the process
  • Continuous data collection ensures that mixture is always within spec.
  • Recipe adjustments can be made while the process is running
  • Continuous process can stop at any time whereas a batch process cannot be easily stopped once started

 

Technologies

  • Siemens S7 300 Series PLC
  • K-Tron KCM Control Modules
  • K-Tron Gravimetric Hopper Feeders
  • K-Tron Gravimetric Weigh Belt Feeders
  • Buss Extruder-Kneader
  • Emerson - Micromotion Coriolis Flow Meters
  • Iconics HMI

Solution

DMC developed the control software for a continuous liquid and powder feeding and mixing solution for a major food manufacturer.   The system consisted of a kneader/extruder that is continuously supplied with ingredients by several K-Tron Feeder systems.   The K-Tron KCM modules control the mass feed rate of liquid and powder ingredients.  Emerson Micromotion flow meters provide mass flow rate feedback to the KCM for closed loop control.  DMC developed an S7 function block to communicate to the K-Tron modules via Profibus.  This allows the main PLC to act as the master control for all of the individual feeders.  Data is collected continuously to ensure that the process remains within the control limits.  A user friendly recipe system allows quick saving and loading of formulas.