ONLINE INSPECTION | TECHNOLOGY
solution provides full access to hardware and software data of the control system and the connected components, for example data logger. According to Starlinger, there are a number of main applications for this technology. This includes assistance in case of an emergency, where Starlinger personnel can provide technical support and update the software if needed. In addition, if an increase in the performance of the recycling line is required, then experienced personnel can analyse the process data and offer suggestions. Finally, support can be provided during a start-up phase. Engineers receive updates and assistance during the integration of customer-specific components on site. The Starlinger recycling lines are controlled via a
Bernecker & Rainer (B&R) PLC. This PowerPanel Combination consists of the 15 inch interface and the PLC, which form an integrated unit. The software is implemented with B&R Automation Studio; this includes the programming of the PLC and the interface visualisation. Based on this programming tool, Starlinger creates the software and can adapt it without consulting a third party. This enables Starlinger to provide assistance with updates, hardware integration or similar requests in a quick and easy manner. The software comprises features such as: online
trending (24 hours); recipe management with storage on USB; automatic maintenance schedule including reporting; self-diagnostic manager (SDM) for troubleshooting; an advanced alarm system; screenshot to USB function; throughput evaluation including calculator; and virtual network comput- ing (VNC) access of the interface (viewing only). The company adds that additional hardware can be integrated allowing access to online colour measurement, inline IV measurement, automatic IV regulation, online writer and archiving, and automatic food grade control, for example. Starlinger adds that it is currently working on
data transfer via email or online maintenance in the event of an interruption. In addition, options for remote access by the customer will be extended, and a process monitoring system with quality management and product tracking will become available for recycling machinery. Dr Collin has developed the Polytest Line, a multi-inspection product line for analysing different plastics and mixtures, but also for the processing of virgin materials, compounds and masterbatches, as well as analysis of recycled plastics material. The company says that the aim was to develop and manufacture a compact, robust and cost efficient online measuring device. The modular design of the measuring system allows adaptation of the measur-
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ing methods to specific customer requirements. The Collin multi-inspection system generally includes three main modules for rheological melt characterisation, optical film inspection and a mechanical film test. Features include: real-time control of the melt viscosity with the MVR, iV-value or the apparent viscosity; statistic error detection, such as gels or black spots, on the film; colour monitoring of the film by a CIE Lab system; detection of foreign polymers by NIR analysis; and determination of stress-strain-values during a film traction test.
Employing an upstream melt pump, the multi- inspection system is provided with constant melt flow and pressure is generated for rheological characterisation. The multi-inspection system is compact in design and offers a number of options that can be used online directly at an extruder or offline in the laboratory. The modular design of the multi-inspection unit allows individual configura- tion of the line; however, all retrofitting options for the customer remain available. Sikora has developed the Purity Scanner as an inspection and sorting system for the recycling of technical and high performance polymers. The company has recently supplied a version to Minger Kunststofftechnik, a specialist for repro- cessing of thermoplastic polymers, in particular technical high-performance polymers, and a leading reprocessor of fluoroplastics. The family- owned company, located in Appenzell, Switzerland, has been using the Purity Scanner Advanced online inspection and sorting system to achieve high material purity. The requirements on purity for Minger’s recy-
cled material are high, particularly for technical materials used in the cable, medical, aerospace and food industries, for example. For over 30 years, Minger has been active in the recycling business
November/December 2018 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 25
Above: Customer service
engineers from Starlinger provide support via remote access
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