Abstract
The UK-based Queen's University Belfast has developed an intelligent system technology to reduce set-up times and consequently waste and energy usage in polymer extrusion process. The system enables real-time measurement and control of viscosity using a device, based on 'soft sensor' technology that employs non-invasive process measurements within an intelligent system. The technology applies a novel 'grey-box' method that involves integrating process theory, where a genetic algorithm operation optimizes the model structure and parameters. Process models are used to calculate the optimum screw speed and temperature profile to achieve user-defined viscosity/rate constraints, while minimizing energy use. The ability to self-tune and update settings to different material properties is being developed, incorporating information about the material properties available from the soft sensor. Online analysis of process signals will be employed to detect deviations from optimum conditions and automatically take the correct course of action, thus enhancing the efficiency of the process.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 32-34 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Volume | 14 |
| No. | 11 |
| Specialist publication | Materials World |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |