PROCESS CONTROL | DIGITALISATION
Right: Sesotec’s Interlink
module allows metal detectors and separators to be integrat- ed into the central OPC-UA control systems
its Orquestra centralised control system. The Orquestra software monitors
production parameters in real-time and can generate graphs of perfor- mance, such as machine status and amount of waste produced. Mean- while, the incorporated Bausano IIoT Data Manager can be used to connect all machines at a site and integrate them with MES or enterprise resource planning systems, for example. The ability to collect and analyse data allows users to optimise their process, according to the company. The Orquestra control system enables pre- dictive maintenance and remote support by Bausano service while an augmented reality app — Acty — is said to further assist remote support operations.
Interlink is a new module that allows Sesotec metal detectors, metal separators and X-ray inspec- tion systems to be integrated into central control systems using the OPC UA protocol to enable connection and data exchange. The company says that captured data can then be analysed to identify ways to improve productivity. For example, the module can detect errors using cross-device comparison. Sesotec says the Interlink module is compatible with its predictive maintenance, remote access and remote commissioning services.
Blending concepts BlendSave is a central blending and distribution system developed by Ampacet’s LIAD division (the
masterbatch maker acquired Israel- based LIAD Weighing and Control Systems early last year). The patented, centralised multi-ingredient gravimet- ric batch blending automation system can manage combinations of ingredi- ents across multiple machines in plastics processing plants, including moulding, extrusion, and compound- ing operations. Ampacet is currently incorporating the LIAD technology into several of its global masterbatch manufacturing operations. The BlendSave system can accom-
modate from 10 to 40 individual weighing chambers containing resins,
regrind or additives. These are weighed and combined as a batch according to a given recipe, then distributed to a dedicated buffer hopper for each processing line. Materials in the batch are conveyed to the processing machine and blended in-line as they enter the feed throat. Ampacet says the system offers improved quality control and higher efficiency than standard methods of material handling. “BlendSave eliminates the need to install individual multi-feeding systems at each com- pounding line with its necessary material handling equipment, which reduces labour and time on product changes and reduces total capital costs,” according to Doug Brownfield, Commercial Director of CISystems at Ampacet. A key benefit of the system is said to be the ability to automatically connect the software and control unit to an ERP system, so that all the raw materials managed by the BlendSave system can be traced as to how and where they are used. Traceability requirements have been common in medical markets, but the demand is now expand- ing to other areas, according to the company. “Markets such as automotive and packaging are now requiring precise documentation of the raw materials utilised in plastic parts they purchase,” says Brownfield.
Above: The centralised multi-ingredient LIAD BlendSave technology is currently being applied in Ampacet’s masterbatch production units
24 COMPOUNDING WORLD | August 2021
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.jku.at (IPEC) �
www.extruders.leistritz.com �
www.scconsultants.com �
www.coperion.com �
www.entek.com �
https://maag.com/xantec/ �
www.bausano.com �
www.sesotec.com �
www.ampacet.com
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: AMPACET
IMAGE: SENSOTEC
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