Process control and computer operation

Overview

This is an important area that has to be thoroughly analyzed and studied to obtain the desired performance of the complete line and/or its parts, such as the extruder. The first task is to determine what is required and how to approach any problem(s). Examples of a few problems that could develop are listed in Table 6.1. One example of potentially many product problems is shown in Fig. 6.1. Proper equipment to meet requirements and capabilities in-line, such as the down-stream cutter (Table 6.2), has to be used. (For those not to familiar with problems that can develop, this book includes many of them.) With proper controls, different advantages occur, such as better economics, improved quality of product, maximized output rate, plastic reduction by minimizing tolerances, reduced setup times by means of automated startup aids, savings (electrical and water) by the optimization of the plasticator, and reduced scrap. Table 6.3 provides a guide for comparing important requirements for processes and products [397].